Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 16:13-19)

Nagkadto si Jesus sa kadutaan sang Cesarea Filipos sa diin nagpamangkot siya sa iya mga gintuton-an, "Sin-o bala ang Anak sang Tawo suno sa mga tawo?"

Nagsabat sila, "May nagasiling nga si Juan nga Bautista. May iban nga nagasiling nga si Elias kag may iban pa gid nga nagasiling nga si Jeremias ukon iban nga mga propeta."

Si Jesus nagpamangkot sa ila, "Pero suno sa inyo, sin-o bala ako?"

Si Simon Pedro nagsabat, "Ikaw ang Cristo, ang Anak sang Dios nga buhi!"

Si Jesus nagsabat, "Bulahan ka, Simon, anak ni Juan! Kay ini nga kamatuoran wala ginpahayag sa imo sang tawo, kundi sang akon Amay sa langit.

Kag ako nagasiling sa imo, ikaw si Pedro nga kon sayuron 'Bato' kag sa sini nga bato pagatukuron ko ang akon iglesya. Bisan ang gahom sang kamatayon indi makadaog sa iya.

Ihatag ko sa imo ang mga yabi sang Ginharian sang langit, kag kon ano ang imo ginadumilian sa duta pagadumilian mn didto sa langit, kag kon ano ang imo ginatugutan sa duta pagatugutan pagatugutan man didto sa langit."

***

Meditation:
At an opportune time Jesus tests his disciples with a crucial question: Who do men say that I am and who do you say that I am? He was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God, even being compared with the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Peter, always quick to respond, exclaimed that he was the Christ, the Son of the living God. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter; but only God. Jesus then confers on Peter authority to govern the church that Jesus would build, a church that no powers would overcome. Jesus plays on Peter's name which is the same word for "rock" in both Aramaic and Greek. To call someone a "rock" is one of the greatest of compliments. The ancient rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon". Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God. The New Testament describes the church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Lord Jesus tests each of us personally with the same question: Who do you say that I am?

"Lord Jesus, I profess and believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are my Lord and my Savior. Make my faith strong like Peter's and give me boldness to speak of you to others that they may come to know you personally as Lord and Savior and grow in the knowledge of your love".

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 (Mateo 9:14-15)

Karon ang mga sumulunod ni Juan Bautista nagkadto kay Jesus nga nagapamangkot, "Ngaa nga kami kag ang mga Pariseo nagapuasa sang masunson, pero ang imo mga gintuoton-an wala gid nagapuasa?"

Si Jesus nagsabat, "Magakasubo bala ang mga inagda sa kasal samtang ang nobyo kaupod pa nila? Pero magaabot ang adlaw nga ang nobyo pagakuhaon sa ila kag amo na ina ang ila pagpuasa."

***

Meditation:
Are you hungry for God? Hungering for God and fasting for his kingdom go hand in hand. When asked why he and his disciples did not fast Jesus used the vivid picture of a wedding celebration. In Jesus' time the newly wed celebrated their honeymoon at home for a whole week with all the guests! This was a time of great feasting and celebrating. Jesus points to himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the bridegroom's friends. He alludes to the fact that God takes delight in his people as a groom delights in his bride (Isaiah 62:5). To be in God's presence is pure delight and happiness. But Jesus also reminds his followers that there is a time for fasting and for humbling oneself in preparation for the coming of God's kingdom and for the return of the Messianic King. The Lord's disciples must also bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility, fasting, and mourning for sin. If we hunger for the Lord, he will not disappoint us. His grace draws us to his throne of mercy and favor. Do you seek the Lord with confident trust and allow his Holy Spirit to transform your life with his power and grace?

What kind of fasting is pleasing to God? Fasting can be done for a variety of reasons – to gain freedom from some bad habit, addiction, or vice, to share in the suffering of those who go without, or to grow in our hunger for God and for the things of heaven. Basil the Great wrote: “Take heed that you do not make fasting to consists only in abstinence from meats. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses.” Do you hunger to know God more, to grow in his holiness, and to live the abundant life of grace he has to offer you?

"Come Lord, work upon us, set us on fire and clasp us close, be fragrant to us, draw us to your loveliness, let us love, let us run to you." (Prayer of St. Augustine)

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 (Mateo 6:1-6.16-18)

"Mag-andam kamo nga indi magpakita-kita lang sa mga tawo sang inyo maayo nga ginahimo. Kay kon magpakita-kita kamo wala na kamo sing balos sa inyo Amay nga yara sa langit.

"Gani kon ikaw magpanglimos, indi mo ini pag-ipanugidsogid subong sang ginahimo sang mga salimpapaw sa mga sinagoga kag sa mga dalan. Ginahimo nila ina agod nga ang mga tawo magdayaw sa ila. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Pero kon magbulig kamo sa tawo nga nagakinahanglan, himoa nga bisan ang imo mahirop nga abyan indi makahibalo, kundi ikaw lamang. Kag ang imo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang imo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa imo."

"Kon magpangamuyo kamo, indi kamo magmanginkaangay sa mga tawo nga salimpapaw. Luyag sila magpangamuyo nga nagatindog sa mga sinagoga kag sa mga ginsang-an sang mga dalan, agod makita nga mga makita sila sang mga tawo. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Pero kon magpangamuyo ka, sulod ka sa imo kuwarto, sirahi ang puwertahan kag magpangamuyo ka sa imo Amay nga indi makita. Kag ang imo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang imo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa imo.

"Kag kon magpuasa kamo, indi kamo magpakita nga masinulob-on kamo subong sang mga salimpapaw, kay luyag sila magpakita sa ila guya sang ila kagutom agod nga ang mga tawo makahibalo nga nagapuasa sila. Dumdoma ninyo ini! Nabaton na nila ang ila balos.

Kon magpuasa kamo, panghilam-os kag panghusay kamo, agod nga ang iban nga mga tawo indi makahibalo nga nagapuasa kamo, kundi ang inyo lamang Amay nga indi makita. Kag ang inyo Amay nga nagatan-aw sang inyo ginahimo sa tago magabalos sa inyo."

***

Meditation:

Are you hungry for God and do you thirst for his holiness? God wants to set our hearts ablaze with the fire of his Holy Spirit that we may share in his holiness and radiate the joy of the gospel to those around us. St. Augustine of Hippo tells us that there are two kinds of people and two kinds of love: “One is holy, the other is selfish. One is subject to God; the other endeavors to equal Him.” We are what we love. God wants to free our hearts from all that would keep us captive to selfishness and sin. “Rend your hearts and not your garments” says the prophet Joel (Joel 2:12). The Holy Spirit is ever ready to transform our hearts and to lead us further in God’s way of truth and holiness.

Why did Jesus single out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for his disciples? The Jews considered these three as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God? The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. It is a gift and working of the Holy Spirit that enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2).

What is the sure reward which Jesus points out to his disciples? It is communion with God our Father. In him alone we find the fulness of life, happiness, and truth. May Augustine's prayer, recorded in his Confessions, be our prayer this Lent: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrows or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete. The Lord wants to renew us each day and give us new hearts of love and compassion. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Seek him expectantly in prayer, with fasting, and in generous giving to those in need.

The forty days of Lent is the annual retreat of the people of God in imitation of Jesus' forty days in the wilderness. Forty is a significant number in the scriptures. Moses went to the mountain to seek the face of God for forty days in prayer and fasting. The people of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years in preparation for their entry into the promised land. Elijah fasted for forty days as he journeyed in the wilderness to the mountain of God. We are called to journey with the Lord in a special season of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and penitence as we prepare to celebrate the feast of Easter, the Christian Passover. The Lord gives us spiritual food and supernatural strength to seek his face and to prepare ourselves for spiritual combat and testing. We, too, must follow in the way of the cross in order to share in the victory of Christ's death and resurrection. As we begin this holy season of testing and preparation, let's ask the Lord for a fresh outpouring of his Holy Spirit that we may grow in faith, hope, and love and embrace his will more fully in our lives.

"Lord Jesus, give me a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, and a great love of you. Take from me all lukewarmness in the meditation of your word, and dullness in prayer. Give me fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace, and fill me with compassion for others, especially those in need, that I may respond with generosity."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 8:14-21)

Nalipat ang mga gintuton-an sa pagdala sang tinapay luwas sang isa ka bilog nga nadala nila sa sakayan.

Ginpaandaman sila ni Jesus, "Mag-andam kamo kag magbantay sang inyo kaugalingon batok sa lebadora sang mga Pariseo kag ni Herodes."

Nagbinaisay sila kag nagsiling, "Ginhambal niya tungod kay wala kita sing tinapay."

Si Jesus nakahibalo sang ila ginabaisan, gani ginpamangkot niya sila, "Ngaa bala nga ginabaisan ninyo ang kakulang sang tinapay? Wala pa bala kamo makahibalo ukon makahangop? Mango gid bala kamo?

May mga mata man kamo, kag indi bala kamo makakita? May mga dulunggan man kamo, kag indi bala kamo makabati? Wala bala kamo makadumdum sang ginpamihakpihak ko ang lima ka bilog nga tinapay para sa 5,000 ka mga tawo? Pila ka alat ang napuno sang nabilin nga inyo gintipon?" Nagsabat sila, "Dose!"

Si Jesus nagpamangkot, "Kag sang ginpamihakpihak ko ang pito ka bilog nga tinapay para sa 4,000 ka mga tawo, pila bala ka alat ang napuno sang natipon ninyo nga sobra?" Nagsabat sila, "Pito!"

Nagpamangkot sia sa ila, "Kag indi pa bala kamo makahangop?"

***

Meditation:
What do you do when you come to the end of your resources – when you feel inadequate, shorthanded, or empty? Do you wring your hands, complain, fret, and give in to worry, fear, and despair? Mark tells us that the apostles set off in their boat across the Sea of Galilee only to discover that they forgot to bring enough food for their journey. What were they to do miles away from land and any place where they could buy food and supplies? They were anxious of course, and this was right after Jesus had performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes where the disciples fed more than four thousand people (Mark 8:1-9). Jesus knew the trouble in his disciples' hearts even before they could speak. Jesus dealt with their anxiety by first warning them to not fear what can harm the body rather than what can destroy the very heart and soul of their being.

Jesus cautioned the disciples to beware of the bread that corrupts and leads to death, such as the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. Our "daily bread" is whatever nourishes us, not just physically, but spiritually, intellectually, and morally as well. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod? To the Jew leaven was a sign of evil. It was a piece of dough left-over from a previous baking. In due course it fermented and this fermented dough became leaven. Fermentation was associated with decomposing rot. Jesus warned his disciples to avoid the evil influence of the Pharisees and of Herod who sought their own counsels rather than the will of God. As the apostles continued to worry about their lack of bread, Jesus reminded them of his miraculous provision of bread in the feeding of the four thousand. He then upbraided them for their lack of trust in God. Do you not yet understand? It's easy to get preoccupied with the problems and needs of the present moment and to forget the most important reality of all – God's abiding presence with us and his abundant provision for our lives as well. Do you pray with joyful confidence, Father, give us this day our daily bread?

"Lord Jesus, you alone can sustain me with your life-giving Word and Spirit. Give me joy and strength to serve you always and help me to turn away from the leaven of sin and worldliness which brings corruption and death."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 8:11-13)

May mga Pariseo nga nagpalapit kay kag nagpakighusay sa kay Jesus. Luyag nila nga tilawan sia, gani nagpangayo sila sing isa ka milagro sa pagpakita nga may gahom siya halin sa Dios.

Nagpanghakroy si Jesus sing malawig kag nagsiling, "Ngaa bala nga ang mga tawo karon nga mga inadlaw nagapangita sang isa ka milagro? Nagasiling ako sa inyo, nga wala sing milagro nga ipakita sa sini nga mga tawo!"

Ginbayaan sila ni Jesus, nagbalik siya sa sakayan kag nagtabok sa pihak sang linaw.

***

Meditation:
Are you good at reading signs? Signs tell us what is coming ahead. The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. The religious leaders tested Jesus to see if he had a genuine sign from heaven to back his Messianic claims. False messiahs in the past had made extraordinary claims to attract their followers, such as claiming that they could cleave the Jordan River in two or cause the walls of Jerusalem to fall. Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeing signs and supernatural phenomena than they were in hearing the word of God. 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 gave them no sign except himself and the ultimate proof of his divinity when he rose from the dead.

The Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways – in his word and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist, in his church – the body of Christ, in his creation, and even in the everyday circumstances of our lives. If we seek the Lord, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to understand and carry out his will. Most of all the Lord assures us of his daily presence and the promise that he will never leave us. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?

"Lord Jesus, may I always recognize your saving presence in my life and never forget your promises when I encounter trials and difficulties. Give me a faith that never wavers, a hope that never fades, and a love that never grows cold."

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 (Marcos 8:1-10)

Sa wala lang madugay, nagtipon liwat ang madamo nga mga tawo. Sang wala na sila sing nabilin nga kalan-on, gintawag ni Jesus ang iya mga gintuton-an kag nagsiling sa ila, "Naluoy ako sa sini nga mga tawo, kay tatlo na ini ka adlaw ang ila pag-upod sa akon kag karon wala na sila sing kalan-on.

Kon papaulion ko sila nga wala makakaon basi malipong sila sa dalanon kay malayo ang ginhalinan sang iban sa ila."

Ang iya mga gintuton-an nagpamangkot sa iya, "Diin bala kita sa sini nga desierto makakita sang kalan-on nga maka-igo sa sini tanan nga mga tawo?"

Nagpamangkot si Jesus, "Pila pa ka bilog ang inyo tinapay?" Nagsabat sila, "Pito."

Ginsugo niya ang mga tawo nga maglingkod sa duta. Dayon ginkuha niya ang pito ka bilog nga tinapay, nagpasalamat sia sa Dios, ginpamihak-pihak niya ini kag ginhatag sa iya mga gintuton-an agod ipanagtag nila sa mga tawo, kag ginpanagtag ini sang mga gintuton-an.

May pila man sila ka bilog nga magagmay nga isda. Nagpasalamat si Jesus tungod sini kag iya ginsugo ang iya mga gintuton-an nga ipanagtag man ini.

Ang tanan nagkalaon kag nagkalabusog, kag ang kadamuon sang mga tawo mga 4,000.

Sa tapos sini ang mga nabilin gintipon sang mga gintuton-an kag napuno ang pito ka alat. Ginapapauli ni Jesus ang mga tawo kag sa gilayon nagsakay siya sa isa ka sakayan upod ang iya mga gintuton-an kag nagkadto sila sa distrito sang Dalmanuta.

***

Meditation:

Can anything on earth truly satisfy the hunger we experience for God? The enormous crowd that pressed upon Jesus for three days were hungry for something more than physical food. They hung upon Jesus’ words because they were hungry for God. When the disciples were confronted by Jesus with the task of feeding four thousand people many miles away from any source of food, they exclaimed: Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them? The Israelites were confronted with the same dilemma when they fled Egypt and found themselves in a barren wilderness. Like the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness, Jesus, himself provides bread in abundance for the hungry crowd who came out into the desert to seek him. The gospel records that all were satisfied and they took up what was leftover. When God gives he gives abundantly – more than we deserve and more than we need so that we may have something to share with others as well. The Lord Jesus nourishes and sustains us with his life-giving word and with his heavenly bread.

The sign of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes through his disciples, prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of his Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. When we receive from the Lord’s table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward. When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and refreshment for your soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving from the Lord's Table is an intimate union with Christ himself. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for Jesus, the true "bread of life"?

"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the hunger in our lives. Fill me with greatful joy and eager longing for the true heavenly bread which gives health, strength, and wholeness to body and soul alike.”

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 7:31-37)

Dayon naghalin si Jesus sa kadutaan sang Tiro kag nagpadulong sa Linaw sang Galilea. Nag-agi siya sa Sidon kag sa mga duog nga sakop sang Decapolis.

May isa ka tawo nga bungol kag halos makahambal nga gindala sang mga tawo kay Jesus, kag nagpakiluoy sila sa iya nga itungtong niya ang iya mga kamot sa bungol.

Gindala siya ni Jesus sa unhan malayo sa madamo nga mga tawo, kag gin-gulo ni Jesus ang iya mga tudlo sa duha ka dulunggan sang tawo, nagdupla si Jesus kag gintandog niya ang dila sang tawo.

Dayon nagtangla si Jesus sa langit, nagpangamuyo sing madali kag nagsiling sa iya, "Effata," nga kon sayuron, "Magbukas ka!"

Sa gilayon nabuksan ang iya dulonggan kag nagtugak ang iya dila, kag naghambal siya sing maathag.

Dayon nagmando si Jesus sa ila tanan nga indi magpanugid sa kay bisan sin-o sang nahanabo, pero sa sagad niya dumili sa ila tapat pa gani nga ginpanugid nila.

Ang tanan nga nakabati sini natingala gid. Nagsiling sila, "Daw ano kaayo ang paghimo niya sang tanan nga mga butang. Ginahimo niya nga makabati ang mga bungol kag makahambal ang mga apa!"

***

Meditation:
How do you expect the Lord to treat you, when you ask for his help? Do you approach with fear and doubt, or with faith and confidence? Jesus never turned anyone aside who approached him with sincerity and trust. And whatever Jesus did, he did well. He demonstrated both the beauty and goodness of God in his actions. When Jesus approaches a man who is both deaf and a stutterer, Jesus shows his considerateness for this man's predicament. Jesus takes him aside privately, not doubt to remove him from embarrassment with a noisy crowd of gawkers. Jesus then puts his fingers into the deaf man's ears and he touches the man's tongue with his own spittle to physically identify with this man's infirmity and to awaken faith in him. With a word of command the poor man's ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

What is the significance of Jesus putting his fingers into the man’s ears? Gregory the Great, a church father from the 6th century, comments on this miracle: “The Spirit is called the finger of God. When the Lord puts his fingers into the ears of the deaf mute, he was opening the soul of man to faith through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

The people's response to this miracle testifies to Jesus' great care for others: He has done all things well. No problem or burden was too much for Jesus' careful consideration. The Lord treats each of us with kindness and compassion and he calls us to treat one another in like kind. The Holy Spirit who dwells within us enables us to love as Jesus loves. Do you show kindness and compassion to your neighbors and do you treat them with considerateness as Jesus did?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love and compassion. Make me attentive to the needs of others that I may show them kindness and care. Make me an instrument of your mercy and peace that I may help others find healing and wholeness in you."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 7:24-30)

Dayon si Jesus naglakat kag nagkadto sa kadutaan nga malapit sa siyudad sang Tiro. Nagdayon siya sa isa ka balay, kag indi siya luyag nga may makahibalo nga yara siya, pero indi gid matago sa mga tawo nga yara sia.

Ang isa ka iloy nga may anak nga babayi nga ginagamhan sang malaut nga espiritu, nakabati nahanungod kay Jesus kag nagkadto sia gilayon sa iya, kag nagluhod sa iya tiilan. Ini nga babayi isa ka dumoluong nga taga-Fenicia, sakop sang Siria. Nagpakiluoy sia kay Jesus nga tabugon ang yawa nga yara sa iya anak.

Pero nagsabat si Jesus, "Busgon ta anay sing una ang mga anak, kay indi matarong nga kuhaon ang pagkaon sang mga anak kag ihaboy sa mga ido."

Ang babayi nagsabat, "Husto ina, Ginoo, bisan ang mga ido sa idalom sang lamisa nagakaon sang mga usik sang mga anak!"

Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Tungod sinang imo sabat, makapauli ka na, ang yawa nagguwa na sa imo anak!"

Gani nagpauli sia kag nakita niya ang iya anak nga nagahigda kag matuod gid nga nakagwa na ang yawa sa iya.

***

Meditation:

Do you ever feel "put-off" by the Lord? This passage describes the only occasion in which Jesus ministered outside of Jewish territory. (Tyre and Sidon were fifty miles north of Israel and still exist today in modern Lebanon.) A Gentile woman – an outsider who was not a member of the chosen people – puts Jesus on the spot by pleading with him to show mercy to her daughter who was tormented with an evil spirit. At first Jesus seemed to pay no attention to her, and this made his disciples feel embarrassed. Jesus very likely did this not to put the woman off, but rather to test her sincerity and to awaken faith in her.

What did Jesus mean by the expression "throwing bread to the dogs"? The Jews often spoke of the Gentiles with arrogance and insolence as "unclean dogs" since the Gentiles were excluded from God's covenant and favor with Israel. For the Greeks the "dog" was a symbol of dishonor and was used to describe a shameless and audacious woman. Matthew's gospel records the expression do not give dogs what is holy (Matthew 7:6). Jesus, no doubt, spoke with a smile rather than with an insult because this woman immediately responds with wit and faith – "even the dogs eat the crumbs". Jesus praises a Gentile woman for her persistent faith and for her affectionate love. She made the misery of her child her own and she was willing to suffer rebuff in order to obtain healing for her loved one. She also had indomitable persistence. Her faith grew in contact with the person of Jesus. She began with a request and she ended on her knees in worshipful prayer to the living God. No one who ever sought Jesus with faith – whether Jew or Gentile – was refused his help. Do you seek Jesus with expectant faith?

"Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and never doubt your loving care and mercy. Increase my faith in your saving help and deliver me for all evil and harm."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 7:1-13)

Ang mga Pariseo kag ang iban nga mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan nga nag-abot halin sa Jerusalem nagtipon sa palibot ni Jesus.

Ila napanilagan nga ang iban niya nga mga gintuton-an nagakaon nga indi matinlo ang ila mga kamot, kon sayuron, wala sila makapanghinaw suno sa paagi nga ginapatuman sang mga Pariseo sa mga tawo.

Kay ang mga Pariseo, subong man ang iban nga mga Judio, nagasunod sa mga pagtulon-an nga nabaton nila sa ila mga katigulangan. Wala sila nagakaon kon wala matinloi ang ila mga kamot suno sa gintudlo sa ila.

Wala man sila nagakaon sang bisan ano nga ginbakal sa tiyenda kon indi anay nila matinloan. May madamo pa nga sinadto nga mga pagsulundan nga ila ginatuman subong sang pagpanghugas sang mga tasa, kulon, kaldero nga saway, kag higdaan.

Gani ang mga Pariseo kag ang mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan nagpamangkot sa kay Jesus, "Ngaa bala nga ang imo mga gintuton-an wala nagasunod sang gintudlo sang aton mga katigulangan kag nagakaon sila nga wala matinloi ang ila mga kamot?"

Ginsabat sila ni Jesus, "Wala gid magsala si Isaias sang iya pagtagna nahanungod sa inyo. Mga salimpapaw kamo subong sang iya ginsulat: 'Ang Dios nagsiling, Ginapadunggan ako sining mga tawo sang ila mga bibig, pero ang ila tagipusuon malayo gid sa akon. Wala pulos ang ila pagsimba sa akon, kay ginapatuman nila ang mga kasugoan sang tawo subong nga mga kasugoan sang Dios!'"

Kag si Jesus nagsiling, "Ginasikway ninyo ang kasugoan sang Dios kag ginatuman ninyo ang mga pagtulon-an sang mga tawo."

Kag nagpadayon si Jesus sa pagsiling, "Maayo gid kamo mangita sing padihot sa pagsikway sang ginapatuman sang Dios agod nga masunod ninyo ang inyo gid iya pagtulon-an!

Kay si Moises nagsugo, 'Tahura ang imo amay kag iloy,' kag nagsiling pa gid sia, 'Ang bisan sin-o nga nagahambal sing malain batok sa iya amay kag iloy dapat patyon.'

Pero kamo nagatudlo nga kon ang isa ka tawo may sarang ihatag sa pagbulig sa iya amay ukon iloy, pero nagasiling sia, 'Korban ini' (kon sayuron, 'iya ini sang Dios'), indi na sia dapat magbulig pa sa iya amay kag iloy.

Sa sini nga paagi ginapakawalay pulos ninyo ang pulong sang Dios tungod sang pagtulon-an nga inyo ginpaalinton sa iban. Kag madamo pa nga pareho sini ang inyo ginahimo."

***

Meditation:

What makes a person unclean or unfit to offer God acceptable worship? The Jews went to great pains to ensure that their worship would conform to the instructions which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. God's call to his people was a call to holiness: "be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2). In their zeal for holiness many elders developed elaborate traditions which became a burden for the people to carry out in their everyday lives. The Scribes and Pharisees were upset with Jesus because he allowed his disciples to break with their ritual traditions by eating with unclean hands. They sent a delegation all the way from Jerusalem to Galilee to bring their accusation in a face-to-face confrontation with Jesus. Jesus dealt with their accusation by going to the heart of the matter – by looking at God's intention and purpose for the commandments. Jesus gave an example of how their use of ritual tradition excused them from fulfilling the commandment to honor one's father and mother. If someone wanted to avoid the duty of financially providing for their parents in old age or sickness they could say that their money or goods were an offering "given over to God" and thus exempt from any claim of charity or duty to help others. They broke God's law to fulfull a law of their own making. Jesus explained that they void God's command because they allowed their hearts and minds to be clouded by their own notions of religion.

Jesus accused them specifically of two things. First of hypocrisy. Like actors, who put on a show, they appear to obey God's word in their external practices while they inwardly harbor evil desires and intentions. Secondly, he accused them of abandoning God's word by substituting their own arguments and ingenious interpretations for what God requires. They listened to clever arguments rather than to God's word. Jesus refers them to the prophecy of Isaiah (29:31) where the prophet accuses the people of his day for honoring God with their lips while their hearts went astray because of disobedience to God's laws.

If we listen to God's word with faith and reverence, it will both enlighten our mind ands purify the hearts – thus enabling us to better understand how he wants us to love and obey him. The Lord invites us to draw near to him and to feast at his banquet table. Do you approach with a clean heart and mind? Ask the Lord to cleanse and renew you with the purifying fire of his Holy Spirit.

"Lord Jesus, let the fire of your Holy Spirit cleanse my mind and my heart that I may love you purely and serve you worthily."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:53-56)

Nagtabok sila sa linaw kag nagdungka sa Genesaret sa diin ginpundo nila ang sakayan.

Sang pagtakas nila, sa gilayon nakilala sang mga tawo si Jesus.

Gani ang mga tawo sa nagkadto sa palibot nga mga duog kag gindala nila sa iya ang mga masakiton nga nayayungan sa ila mga hiligdaan sa bisan diin nga duog nga mabatian nila nga didto si Jesus.

Kag bisan sa diin siya magkadto, sa mga baryo, banwa ukon uma, ang mga tawo nagdala sang ila mga masakiton sa mga tiyendahan, kag nagpakiluoy sa iya nga kon mahimo makatandog ang mga balatianon bisan sa sidsid lamang sang iya kunop, kag ang tanan nga nagtandog sini nag-ayo.

***

Meditation:

Do you recognize the Lord's presence in your life? The gospel records that when Jesus disembarked from the boat the people immediately recognized him. What did they recognize in Jesus? A prophet, a healer, the Messiah, the Son of God? For sure they recognized that Jesus had power from God to heal and to make whole bodies, limbs, minds, and hearts that were beset with disease, affliction, and sin. What happened when they pressed upon him and touched the fringe of his garment? They were made well. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to meet our needs as well. Do you approach him with expectant faith?

Faith is an entirely free gift which God makes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believing and trusting in God to act in our lives is only possible by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and helps us to understand, accept, and believe God's word. How do we grow in faith? By listening to God's word with trust and submission. Faith also grows through testing and perseverance. The Lord wants to teach us how to pray in faith for his will for our lives and for the things he wishes to give us to enable us to follow him faithfully and serve him generously. Jesus gave his disciples the perfect prayer which acknowledges God as our Father who provides generously for his children. The Lord's prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and to pray that God's will be accomplished in our lives. The Lord in turn, gives us what we need to live each day for his glory. The Lord is never too distant nor too busy to meet us and to give his blessing. Do you pray to the Father with confidence that he will show you his will and give you what you need to follow him? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and gratitude for his merciful love and provision for your life.

"Lord Jesus, let my heart sing for joy in your presence. Give me eyes of faith to recognize your presence and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in your way of love and peace."

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 (Marcos 6:30-34)

Ang mga apostoles nagbalik sa kay Jesus kag ginsugiran nila sia sang tanan nga ila nahimo kag napanudlo.

Sa pagkadamo sang mga tawo ang nagapakadto-pakari sa bagay nga si Jesus kag ang iya mga gintuton-an wala na gani sing tion bisan sa pagkaon. Gani nagsiling sia sa ila. "Dali, masaylo kita sa isa ka duog nga kitahanon lang agod makapahuway-huway kamo."

Gani nagsakay sila sa sakayan nga silahanon lang kag nagkadto sa isa ka naligwin nga duog.

Pero madamo nga mga tawo ang nakakita sang ila paghalin kag nakahibalo dayon kon sin-o sila. Gani naggwa sila sa ila mga banwa kag nagdalagan pakadto sa ginapadulongan ni Jesus kag sang iya mga gintuton-an, kag una pa sila makaabot didto.

Sang pagtakas ni Jesus, nakita niya ang masyado kadamo nga mga tawo kag nagbatyag sia sing kaluoy sa ila kay subong sila sang mga karnero nga wala sing manugbantay. Kag gintudluan niya sila sang madamo nga mga butang.

***

Meditation:

What does the image of a shepherd tell us about God’s care for us? Shepherding was one of the oldest of callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen People had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another. Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thousands or even ten thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required a great deal of attention and care. Sheep who strayed from the flock had to be sought out and brought back by the shepherd. Since hyenas, jackals, wolves, and even bear were common and fed on sheep, the shepherds often had to do battle with these wild and dangerous beasts. A shepherd literally had to put his life on the line in defending his sheep. Shepherds took turns watching the sheep at night to ward off any attackers. The sheep and their shepherds continually lived together. Their life was so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.

The Old Testament often spoke of God as shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus told his disciples that he was the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4, John 10). When he saw the multitude of people in need of protection and care, he was moved to respond with compassionate concern. His love was a personal love for each and every person who came to him in need. Peter the apostle called Jesus the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Do you know the peace and security of a life freely submitted to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? In the person of the Lord Jesus we see the unceasing vigilance and patience of God's love. In our battle against sin and evil, Jesus is ever ready to give us help, strength, and refuge. Do you trust in his grace and help at all times?

"Lord Jesus, you guard and protect us from all evil. Help me to stand firm in your word and to trust in your help in all circumstances. May I always find rest and refuge in the shelter of your presence."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:14-29)

Nakaabot kay Haring Herodes ang mga balita parte kay Jesus tungod nga nagbantog na siya. Ang iban nagasiling nga si Jesus amo si Juan nga manugbautiso nga nabanhaw, amo ina nga may gahom siya sa paghimo sang mga milagro.

Pero nagasiling ang iban nga siya si Elias nga propeta. Kag nagasiling pa gid ang iban nga siya isa ka propeta nga pareho sang mga propeta sang una.

Pero pagkabati ni Herodes sina nga mga balita, nagsiling siya, "Nabanhaw si Juan nga akon ginpapugutan sang ulo."

Ginpapugutan ni Herodes sang ulo si Juan tungod sang dumot ni Herodias sa iya, kay amo ini ang natabo: Ginpangasawa ni Herodes si Herodias nga asawa sang iya utod nga si Felipe. Permi lang ginahambalan ni Juan si Herodes nga indi husto ang iya pagpangasawa sa asawa sang iya utod. Gani tungod kay Herodias, ginpadakop ni Herodes si Juan kag ginpapriso.

Kag tungod sa dumot ni Herodias kay Juan gusto niya nga ipapatay siya, pero indi niya mahimo tungod nga indi magsugot si Herodes.

Kay nahadlok si Herodes kay Juan tungod nga nahibaluan niya nga si Juan diosnon kag matarong nga tawo. Gani gin-apinan ni Herodes si Juan agod indi maano. Gusto ni Herodes nga magpamati sa mga wali ni Juan bisan matuod nga ang iya mga nabatian nagapalibog sang iya ulo.

Sang ulihi nag-abot gid man ang tion nga ginahulat ni Herodias. Natabo ini sa kaadlawan ni Herodes. Nagpapunsyon si Herodes kag gin-imbitar niya ang mga opisyal sang Galilea, ang mga kumander sang Romanhon nga mga soldado, kag ang mga kilala nga mga tawo didto.

Sa tion na sang punsyon, nagsulod ang dalaga nga anak ni Herodias kag nagsaot. Nalipay gid si Herodes kag ang iya mga bisita. Gani nagsiling si Herodes sa dalaga, "Pangayo ka sa akon sang bisan ano nga imo naluyagan kag ihatag ko sa imo."

Kag siling pa gid niya sa dalaga, "Ginasumpa ko nga bisan ano ang imo pangayuon sa akon ihatag ko sa imo, bisan katunga pa sang akon ginharian."

Nagguwa ang dalaga kag nagpamangkot sa iya iloy kon ano ang iya pangayuon. Nagsabat ang iya iloy nga pangayuon niya ang ulo ni Juan nga manugbautiso.

Dayon nagdali-dali siya balik sa hari. Pag-abot niya didto nagsiling siya, "Gusto ko nga ihatag mo sa akon subong ang ulo ni Juan nga manugbautiso nga nabutang sa bandihado."

Pagkabati sadto sang hari nagkasubo gid siya. Pero tungod nga nakapanumpa siya kag nabatian mismo sang iya mga bisita, indi niya gusto nga maguba ang iya promisa sa dalaga.

Sa gilayon ginsugo niya ang isa ka soldado nga dalhon sa iya ang ulo ni Juan. Gani naglakat ang soldado sa prisohan kag ginpugutan sang ulo si Juan.

Pagkatapos, ginbutang niya sa bandihado ang ulo ni Juan kag ginhatag sa dalaga, kag ginhatag man sang dalaga sa iya iloy.

Pagkabati sang mga sumulunod ni Juan parte sa natabo, ginkadtuan nila kag ginkuha ang lawas ni Juan kag ginlubong.

***

Meditation:
Do you ever feel haunted by a past failure or a guilty conscience? King Herod, the most powerful and wealthy man in Judea, had everything he wanted, except a clear conscience and peace with God. Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and servant of God. John, however did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous relationship with his brother's wife. John ended up in prison because of Herodias' jealousy. Herod, out of impulse and a desire to please his family and friends, had John beheaded. Now Herod's conscience is pricked when he hears that some think that the Baptist has risen.

When Herod heard the fame of Jesus he supposed that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had returned from the dead. Unfortunately for Herod, he could not rid himself of sin by ridding himself of the man who confronted him with his sin. Herod was a weak man. He could take a strong stand on the wrong things when he knew the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and cowardice. The Lord gives grace to the humble, to those who acknowledge their sins and who seek God's mercy and pardon. His grace and pardon not only frees us from a guilty conscience, it enables us to pursue holiness in thought and action as well. God's grace enables us to fight fear with faith and to overcome the temptation to compromise goodness and truth with wrongdoing and falsehood. Do you rely on God's grace and help to choose his way of holiness and to reject whatever would compromise your faith and loyalty to Christ?

"Heavenly Father, form in me the likeness of your Son that I may imitate him in word and deed. Help me to live the gospel faithfully and give me the strength and courage I need to not shrink back in the face of adversity and temptation."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:7-13)

Gintawag niya ang dose niya ka apostoles kag ginpadala niya sila sing tagduha-duha. Ginhatagan niya sila sing gahom batok sa malaot nga mga espiritu.

Ginmanduan niya sila, "Indi kamo magdala sang bisan ano sa inyo paglakat kundi baston gid lang. Indi man kamo magdala sang pagkaon, kuwarta ukon bag.

Puwede kamo makasuksok sang sandalyas, pero indi kamo magdala sang ilislan nga bayo.

Kon padayunon kamo sa isa ka balay, dira gid lang kamo magtiner hasta maghalin kamo sa sina nga lugar.

Pero kon ang mga tawo sa isa ka lugar indi magbaton sa inyo kag indi magpamati sang inyo ginawali, bayai lang ninyo sila, kag sa paghalin ninyo, taktaka ninyo ang yab-ok sa inyo tiil bilang paandam batok sa ila."

Gani naglakat sila kag nagwali nga dapat maghinulsol ang mga tawo sa ila mga sala.

Madamo nga malaot nga mga espiritu ang ila gintabog kag madamo nga mga masakiton ang ila ginhaplasan sang lana nga nag-alayo.

***

Meditation:

What kind of authority and power does the Lord want you to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles both the power and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded them to do the works which he did – to heal. to cast out evil spirits, and to speak the word of God – the good news of the gospel which they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The "world" and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbor.

Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work through and in each of us for his glory. Are you ready to handle the power and authority which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?

"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness the joy of the gospel both in word and deed."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 6:1-6)

Pagkatapos sadto, nagpauli si Jesus sa iya banwa, kag nag-upod sa iya ang iya mga sumulunod.

Pag-abot sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway nagpanudlo siya sa simbahan sang mga Judio. Madamo nga mga tawo didto ang nakabati sa iya kag natingala gid sila. Siling nila, "Ngaa madamo sang nahibaluan ang tawo nga ini? Sa diin bala siya nakakuha sini nga kaalam? Kag ngaa makahimo siya sang mga milagro?

Indi bala siya ang panday nga anak ni Maria kag utod nila ni Santiago, Jose, Judas kag Simon? Kag indi bala ang mga utod niya nga mga babayi diri man nagapauli?" Gani indi gid sila magtuo sa iya.

Dayon nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Ginatahod ang propeta bisan diin luwas lang sa iya kaugalingon nga banwa kag sa iya mga paryente kag panimalay."

Amo ina nga wala siya makahimo sang mga milagro sa sadto nga lugar, luwas lang sa pila ka mga masakiton nga iya gintandog sang iya kamot kag nag-ayo.

Natingala siya nga indi sila magtuo sa iya. Pagkatapos sadto naglibot si Jesus nga nagapanudlo sa mga baryo.

***

Meditation:
Are you critical towards others, especially those who may be close to you? The most severe critics are often people very familiar to us, a member of our family, a relative, or neighbor or co-worker we rub shoulders with on a regular basis. Jesus faced a severe testing when he returned to his home town, not simply as the carpenter's son, but now as a rabbi with disciples. It would have been customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue each week during the Sabbath, and when his turn came, to read from the scriptures during the Sabbath service. His hometown folks listened with rapt attention on this occasion because they had heard about the miracles he had performed in other towns. What sign would he do in his hometown?

Jesus startled his familiar audience with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. The people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to listen to what he had to say. They despised his preaching because he was a mere workman, a carpenter, and a layman who had no formal training by a scholar or teacher. They also despised him because of his undistinguished family background. How familiarity can breed contempt. Jesus could do no mighty works in their midst because they were closed-minded and unbelieving towards him. If people have come together to hate and to refuse to understand, then they will see no other point of view than their own and they will refuse to love and accept others. How do you treat those who seem disagreeable to you?

The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to the afflicted who suffered from physical, mental, or spiritual oppression (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free – not only from their physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities - but also from the worst affliction of all – the tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life. God's power alone can save us from hopelessness, dejection, and emptiness of life. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for everyone who will receive it. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

"Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings grace, truth, freedom, and abundant life. Set my heart on fire with your love and truth."

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."