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 (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 7:14-23)

Dayon ginpanawag liwat ni Jesus ang mga tawo kag ginsingganan niya sila, "Pamati kamo tanan sa akon, kag hangpa ninyo.

Wala sing butang nga nagasulod sa tawo nga makadagta sa iya, kundi ang nagagwa sa iya.

[Gani, kon sin-o ang luyag magpamati, magpamati sia!]"

Sang mabayaan ni Jesus ang mga tawo nagsulod siya sa isa ka balay. Dayon ang iya mga gintuton-an nagpamangkot sa iya sang kahulugan sining palaanggiran.

Si Jesus nagsiling sa ila, "Wala gid kamo sing kinalis sa iban nga indi makahangop! Wala sing bisan ano nga nagasulod sa tawo nga makadagta sa iya, tungod kay wala ini nagakadto sa iya tagipusuon kundi sa iya tiyan kag dayon nagaguwa sa lawas." (Ini nagakahulogan nga si Jesus nagakabig nga ang tanan nga pagkaon bagay kaunon.)

Kag nagpadayon siya sa pagsiling, "Ang nagaguwa sa tawo amo ang nagadagta sa iya.

Kay halin sa tagipusuon sang tawo nagagikan ang malain nga mga painuino nga amo ang nagatulod sa iya sa paghimo sang mga imoralidad, pagpangawat, pagpatay, pagpanginlalaki ukon pagpanginbabayi, pag-ibog, pagbuhat sang tanan nga sahi sang malain nga mga butang, pagdaya, pagbinastos, paghimo sang butang nga malaw-ay, paghisa, pagpasipala, pagpabugal, kag pagbinuang.

Ini tanan nga kalainan nagahalin sa sulod sang tawo kag amo ang nagadagta sa iya."

***

Meditation:

Where does evil come from and can we eliminate it from our personal lives? Jesus deals with this issue in response to the religious leaders' concern with ritual defilement – making oneself unfit to offer acceptable worship and sacrifice to God. The religious leaders were very concerned with avoiding ritual defilement, some no doubt out of reverent fear of God, and others because they wanted to be seen as observant Jews. Jesus points his listeners to the source of true defilement – evil desires which come from inside a person's innermost being. Sin does not just happen from external forces. It first springs from the innermost recesses of our thoughts and intentions, from the secret desires which only the individual mind and heart can conceive.

When Cain became jealous of his brother Abel, God warned him to guard his own heart: "Sin is couching at the door; it's desire is for you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:7). Cain unfortunately did not take God's warning to heart. He allowed his jealousy to grow into spite and hatred for his brother, and he began to look for an opportunity to eliminate his brother alltogether. When jealously and other sinful desires come knocking at the door of your heart, how do you respond? Do you entertain them and allow them to overtake you? Fortunately God does not leave us alone in our struggle with hurtful desires and sinful tendencies. He gives us the grace and strength we need to resist and overcome sin when it couches at the door of our heart.

The Lord wants to set us free from the burden of guilt and from the destructive force of sin in our personal lives. He wants to purify our hearts and renew our minds so we can love and act in every situation as he would love and act. The Lord is ready to change and purify our hearts through the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Like a physician who probes the wound before treating it, God through his Word and Spirit first brings sin into the light that we may recognize it for what it truly is and call upon his mercy and grace for pardon and healing. The Spirit of truth is our Consoler and Helper. His power and grace enables us to choose what is good and to reject what is evil. Do you believe in the power of God's love to heal, change, and transform your heart and mind?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and make my heart like yours. Strengthen my heart, mind, and my will that I may freely choose to love what is good and to reject what is evil."

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 4:21-25)

Pagkatapos sadto nagpadayon pa gid sa paghambal si Jesus sa ila, "Kon ang tawo magsindi sang suga, wala niya ginataklubi ukon ginabutang sa idalom sang katre, kundi ginabutang niya sa tulungtungan.
Amo man ina nga wala gid sing tinago nga indi magguwa sa ulihi, kag wala sang sekreto parte sa paghari sang Dios nga indi mabuyagyag.
Dapat intiendihon gid ninyo ining inyo nabatian."
Nagsiling pa gid siya, "Pamatii ninyo ako sing maayo! Magahatag ang Dios sa inyo sing pag-intiendi suno sa inyo pagpamati, kag iya pa gani ini dugangan.
Kay ang tawo nga nagatipig sang iya nabatian nga kamatuoran pagahatagan pa gid sang pag-intiendi. Pero ang tawo nga wala nagatipig sang iya nabatian nga kamatuoran, bisan ang diutay nga iya naintiendihan kuhaon pa sa iya."

***

Meditation:

What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light (Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek this truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 4:1-20)

Nagpanudlo liwat si Jesus sa higad sang linaw. Madamo gid nga mga tawo ang nagtilipon sa iya palibot. Gani nagsakay siya sa sakayan nga nagapundo kag nagpungko siya didto. Kag ang mga tawo nagpabilin sa higad sang linaw.

Madamo nga mga butang ang iya gintudlo sa ila paagi sa mga paanggid.

Siling niya, "Magpamati kamo! May isa ka mangunguma nga nagsab-og sang binhi.

Sa iya pagsab-og, ang iban nagtupa sa higad sang dalan, kag gintuka ini sang mga pispis.

Ang iban nagtupa sa kabatuhan. Hapaw lang ang duta sini, gani madali nga nagtubo ang binhi tungod kay manabaw ang duta.

Pero nalayong ini sang nainitan sang adlaw, kag tungod nga diutay lang ang gamot, nalaya.

Ang iban nga binhi nagtupa kag nagtubo sa duta nga may mga tunukon nga hilamon, pero pagdabong sang mga hilamon nalumos ang tanom, gani wala nakapamunga.

Ang iban pa gid nga binhi nagtupa sa maayo nga duta, kag nagtubo ini kag nagpamunga. Ang iban hustuhan lang ang bunga, ang iban madamo, kag ang iban madamo gid."

Siling pa ni Jesus sa ila, "Dapat intiendihon gid ninyo ining inyo nabatian."

Pagpalauli sang mga tawo, ang dose ka apostoles kag ang iban pa gid nga nagaupod kay Jesus nagpamangkot sa iya kon ano ang kahulugan sang sadto nga paanggid.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Ang mga sekreto parte sa paghari sang Dios ginasugid sa inyo sing deretso, pero sa iban, ang tanan nga butang parte sa paghari sang Dios ginasugid sa ila paagi sa mga paanggid, agod nga, Sige lang ang ila tulok pero indi sila makakita, kag sige man ang ila pamati pero indi sila makaintiendi. Kay kon makaintiendi sila, magahinulsol sila kag patawaron sila sang Dios."

Nagpamangkot dayon si Jesus sa ila, "Kon indi kamo makaintiendi sadto nga paanggid, paano ninyo maintiendihan ang iban ko pa nga mga paanggid?

Ang kahulugan sang akon paanggid amo ini: ang ginsab-og sang mangunguma wala sing iban kundi ang pulong sang Dios.

Ang higad sang dalan nga gintup-an sang binhi amo ang mga tawo nga sang pagkabati nila sang pulong sang Dios, nag-abot man dayon si Satanas kag gin-agaw niya ang pulong sa ila tagipusuon.

Ang kabatuhan nga gintup-an sang binhi amo ang mga tawo nga sang pagkabati nila sang pulong sang Dios, ginbaton nila dayon ini nga may kalipay, pero indi hugot sa ila tagipusuon. Gani wala magdugay ang ila pagtuo. Pag-abot sang kalisod ukon paghingabot tungod sa pulong sang Dios nga ila ginbaton, nagbiya sila sa ila pagtuo.

Ang duta nga may mga tunukon nga hilamon nga gintup-an sang binhi amo ang mga tawo nga nakabati sang pulong sang Dios.

Ugaling tungod sa mga palaligban sa pangabuhi kag paghimulat nga makamanggad, kag tungod sa sobra nga handom sang iban nga mga butang, nalipatan nila ang pulong sang Dios nga ila nabatian kag wala nila napuslan.

Pero ang maayo nga duta nga gintup-an sang binhi amo ang mga tawo nga nagpamati sang pulong sang Dios kag ginbaton nila sa ila tagipusuon kag napuslan gid nila. Ang iban hustuhan lang ang ila napuslan sa ila nabatian, ang iban madamo, kag ang iban madamo gid."

***

Meditation:

What does the parable about seeds and roots say to us about the kingdom of God? Any farmer will attest to the importance of good soil for supplying nutrients for growth. And how does a plant get the necessary food and water it needs except by its roots? The scriptures frequently use the image of fruit-bearing plants or trees to convey the principle of spiritual life and death. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8; see also Psalm 1:3)

Jesus' parable of the sower is aimed at the hearers of his word. There are different ways of accepting God's word and they produce different kinds of fruit accordingly. There is the prejudiced hearer who has a shut mind. Such a person is unteachable and blind to what he or she doesn't want to hear. Then there is the shallow hearer. He or she fails to think things out or think them through; they lack depth. They may initially respond with an emotional reaction; but when it wears off their mind wanders to something else. Another type of hearer is the person who has many interests or cares, but who lacks the ability to hear or comprehend what is truly important. Such a person is too busy to pray or too preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. Then there is the one whose mind is open. Such a person is at all times willing to listen and to learn. He or she is never too proud or too busy to learn. They listen in order to understand. God gives grace to those who hunger for his word that they may understand his will and have the strength to live according to it. Do you hunger for God's word?

"Lord Jesus, faith in your word is the way to wisdom, and to ponder your divine plan is to grow in the truth. Open my eyes to your deeds, and my ears to the sound of your call, that I may understand your will for my life and live according to it".

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 16:15-20)

Dayon nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Lakat kamo sa bug-os nga kalibutan kag iwali ang Maayong Balita sa tanan nga mga tawo.

Ang bisan sin-o nga magtuo kag magpabautiso maluwas, pero ang indi magtuo pagasilutan.

Ini nga mga tanda makita sa mga tawo nga nagatuo sa akon: paagi sa akon gahom magatabog sila sang malaot nga mga espiritu; magahambal sila sang iban nga mga lingguahe nga wala nila matun-i; kon makauyat sila sang mga man-og ukon makainom sang bisan ano nga hilo indi sila maano; kag kon itungtong nila ang ila mga kamot sa mga nagamasakit, magaayo."

Sa tapos makahambal si Jesus sa ila, gindala siya pa-langit kag nagpungko sa tuo sang Dios.

Dayon nagwali ang iya mga sumulunod sa bisan diin nga lugar. Ginbuligan sila sang Ginoo, kag ginpamatud-an niya ang ginawali sang mga sumulunod paagi sa mga tanda nga ila ginhimo.

***

Meditation:

Mark ends his gospel account with Jesus' last appearance to the apostles before his ascension into heaven. Jesus' departure and ascension was both an end and a beginning for his disciples. While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time. Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit who would anoint them with power on the Feast of Pentecost, just as Jesus was anointed for his ministry at the River Jordan. When the Lord Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left in sorrow or grief. Instead, they were filled with joy and with great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' last words to his apostles point to his saving mission and to their mission to be witnesses of his saving death and his glorious resurrection and to proclaim the good news of salvation to all the world. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for a few, or for a nation, but it is for the whole world – for all who will accept it. The gospel is the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. Do you believe in the power of the gospel?

This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task – to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Today we witness a new Pentecost as the Lord pours out his Holy Spirit upon his people to renew and strengthen the body of Christ and to equip it for effective ministry and mission to every land and peoples. Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?

Conversion of Paul the Apostle
Many Christians celebrate today the conversion of St. Paul who became an apostle to the Gentile nations. Paul testified how he first opposed the gospel and persecuted Christians, but was converted when Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:3-16). Paul's encounter with the person of Christ radically changed his life and opened his eyes to the truth of the gospel. Benedict XVI reflects on the significance of Paul's conversion for the whole Christian people:

"Paul's conversion matured in his encounter with the Risen Christ; it was this encounter that radically changed his life. What happened to him on the road to Damascus is what Jesus asks in today's Gospel: Saul is converted because, thanks to the divine light, "he has believed in the Gospel". In this consists his and our conversion: in believing in Jesus dead and risen and in opening to the illumination of his divine grace. In that moment Saul understood that his salvation did not depend on good works fulfilled according to the law, but on the fact that Jesus died also for him the persecutor and has risen. This truth by which every Christian life is enlightened thanks to Baptism completely overturns our way of life. To be converted means, also for each one of us, to believe that Jesus "has given himself for me", dying on the Cross (cf. Galatians 2: 20) and, risen, lives with me and in me. Entrusting myself to the power of his forgiveness, letting myself be taken by his hand, I can come out of the quicksands of pride and sin, of deceit and sadness, of selfishness and of every false security, to know and live the richness of his love." (from address given on January 25, 2009)

“Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.”

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 3:7-12)

Nagkadto si Jesus kag ang iya mga sumulunod sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea. Nagsunod sa ila ang madamo nga mga tawo nga halin sa Galilea kag sa Judea.

Madamo man ang naghalin sa Jerusalem, sa Idumea, sa tabok sang Jordan, kag sa palibot sang Tiro kag Sidon, kay nabatian nila ang iya ginpanghimo.

Tungod sa kadamuon sang mga tawo ginsilingan niya ang iya mga sumulunod nga magpreparar sang sakayan para sa iya, agod nga kon magdinaguso sa iya ang mga tawo may masakyan siya.

Tungod nga madamo ang iya ginpang-ayo, ang tanan nga may masakit nagpanagil-ot agod makatandog sa iya.

Kag kon makita siya sang mga tawo nga may malaot nga espiritu, nagaluhod sila kag nagasinggit, "Ikaw ang Anak sang Dios!"

Pero ginpaandaman gid niya ang malaot nga mga espiritu nga indi magpanugid kon sin-o siya.

***

Meditation:

Is there anything holding you back from giving yourself unreservedly to God? Jesus offered freedom to everyone who sought him out. Wherever Jesus went the people came to him because they had heard all the things he did. They were hungry for God and desired healing from their afflictions. In faith they pressed upon Jesus to touch him. As they did so power came from Jesus and they were healed. Even demons trembled in the presence of Jesus and acknowledged his true identity: You are the Son of God. When you hear God's word and consider all that Jesus did, how do you respond? With doubt or with expectant faith? With skepticism or with confident expectation? Ask the Lord the increase your faith in his saving power and grace.

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Inflame my heart with a burning love for you and with an expectant faith in your saving power. Set me free from all that hinders me from drawing closer to you."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 3:1-6)

Sa liwat nagbalik si Jesus sa simbahan sang mga Judio kag may tawo didto nga naitos ang iya kamot.

Tungod kay ang mga Pariseo nagatinguha gid sa pag-akusar kay Jesus, ginabantayan nila kon bala ayuhon niya ang ato nga tawo sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa tawo nga naitos ang kamot, "Magpalapit ka diri sa atubangan."

Pagkatapos, nagpamangkot siya sa mga Pariseo, "Ano bala ang ginatugot sang aton Kasuguan sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway: ang paghimo sang maayo sa mga tawo ukon ang paghimo sang malain? Ang pagluwas sang ila kabuhi ukon ang pagpatay?" Pero wala gid sing may nagsabat.

Gintulok sila ni Jesus nga may kaakig, pero nasubuan man siya tungod sang katig-a sang ila balatyagon. Dayon nagsiling siya sa tawo nga naitos ang kamot, "Untaya ang imo kamot!" Gin-untay niya, kag nag-ayo ini.

Pagkatapos sadto nagguwa ang mga Pariseo kag nagpakigkita sa mga sumulunod ni Haring Herodes. Nagplano sila kon paano nila mapatay si Jesus.

***

Meditation:

What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life.

Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day, to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation he accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Do you honor the Lord in the way you celebrate Sunday, the Lord's Day and in the way you treat you neighbor?

"Lord Jesus, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 2:23-28)

Sang isa ka Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, samtang nagaagi sila ni Jesus sa kaumahan sang trigo, nagapangutol ang iya mga sumulunod sang mga uhay sang trigo.

Gani nagsiling ang mga Pariseo kay Jesus, "Tan-awa ang ginahimo sang imo mga sumulunod! Ngaa ginahimo nila ang ginadilian nga himuon sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway?"

Nagsabat si Jesus sa ila, "Wala bala ninyo mabasahi sa Kasulatan ang ginhimo ni David sang siya kag ang iya mga kaupod gin-gutom kag nagkinahanglan sang pagkaon?

(Ini natabo sang si Abiatar amo ang pangulo nga pari.) Nagsulod si David sa balay sang Dios kag ginkaon niya ang tinapay nga ginhalad sa Dios. Ginpakaon man niya ang iya mga kaupod. Wala sila nakasala bisan pa ginadilian sang Kasuguan ang magkaon sadto luwas lang sa mga pari."

Kag nagsiling pa gid si Jesus, "Ginhimo ang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway para sa kaayuhan sang tawo. Wala ginhimo ang tawo para sa kaayuhan sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

Gani, ako nga Anak sang Tawo may gahom sa pagsiling kon ano ang husto nga himuon sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway."

***

Meditation:

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom.

When David and his men were fleeing for their lives, they sought food from Ahim'elech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only bread he had was the holy bread offered in the Temple. None but the priests were allowed to eat it. In their hunger, David and his men ate of this bread. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God’s intention that we rest from unnecessary labor. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord’s Day?

"Lord Jesus, may I give you fitting honor in the way I live my life and in the way I treat my neighbor. May I honor the Lord's Day as a day holy to you. And may I always treat others with the same mercy and kindness which you have shown to me. Free me from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may always seek the good of my neighbor."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 2:18-22)

Ang mga sumulunod ni Juan nga manugbautiso kag ang mga Pariseo nagapuasa. May mga tawo nga nagpalapit kay Jesus kag nagpamangkot, "Ngaa ang mga sumulunod ni Juan kag ang mga sumulunod sang mga Pariseo nagapuasa pero ang imo iya wala?"

Nagsabat si Jesus sa ila, "Mahimo bala nga indi pagpakaunon ang mga bisita sa kasal samtang kaupod pa nila ang nobyo? Siyempre, indi mahimo!

Pero magaabot ang tion nga ang nobyo kuhaon sa ila, kag amo na ina ang ila pagpuasa."

Ginsugiran pa gid sila ni Jesus sang mga paanggid, "Indi maayo nga itukap sa daan nga bayo ang bag-o nga tela nga wala pa malabhan, tungod nga magakulo ang bag-o nga tela kag magadako pa gid ang gisi.

Indi man maayo nga ibutang ang bag-o nga bino sa daan nga suludlan nga panit. Kay mabusdik ang suludlan kag mausik ang bino, kag pareho nga indi na mapuslan. Gani kinahanglan gid nga ang bag-o nga bino ibutang sa bag-o nga suludlan nga panit."

***

Meditation:
Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must 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 and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins?

Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience – new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they were hard. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins – open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving you."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:40-45)

May aruon nga nagpalapit kay Jesus kag nagluhod sa pagpakitluoy. Siling niya, "Kon gusto mo, mapaayo mo ako sa akon aro nga mahigko."

Naluoy gid si Jesus sa iya. Gani gintandog niya siya kag nagsiling, "Gusto ko. Magmatinlo ka!"

Sa gilayon nadula ang iya aro kag nagtinlo siya.

Ginpalakat dayon siya ni Jesus pagkatapos nga ginpaandaman niya siya. Siling niya,"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."

Pero ato nga tawo naglakat kag nagsagi panugid parte sa natabo sa iya. Gani naglapnag ang balita parte sa natabo sa aruon hasta indi na makasulod si Jesus sa mga banwa, kay nagadinaguso ang mga tawo pakadto sa iya. Didto na lang siya nagtiner sa kamingawan. Pero padayon pa gihapon ang pagkadto sang mga tawo sa iya halin sa iban nga mga lugar.

***

Meditation:

Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? No one who sought Jesus out was refused his help. Even the untouchables and the outcasts of Jewish society found help in him. Unlike the people of Jesus' time who fled at the sight of a leper, Jesus touched the leper who approached him and he made him whole and clean. Why was this so remarkable? Lepers were outcasts of society. 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.

This leper 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.

How do you approach those who are difficult to love, or who are shunned by others because they are deformed or have some defect? Do you show them kindness and offer them mercy and help as Jesus did? The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and to free us from whatever makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.

Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and make me clean and whole in body, mind, and spirit. May I never doubt your love nor cease to tell others of your mercy and compassion."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:29-39)

Naghalin sila sa simbahan sang mga Judio kag nagkadto sa balay nila ni Simon kag ni Andres. Nag-upod man si Santiago kag si Juan.

Sa sadto nga tion nagahigda ang ugangan nga babayi ni Simon, kay may hilanat siya. Kag ginsugid dayon nila ini kay Jesus.

Gani ginpalapitan siya ni Jesus kag gin-uyatan sa kamot kag ginpabangon. Nag-ayo dayon siya, kag ginhimusan niya sang pagkaon sila ni Jesus.

Pagkatunod sang adlaw, gindala sang mga tawo kay Jesus ang tanan nga nagamasakit kag ang mga may malaot nga espiritu.

Madamo gid nga mga tawo sa banwa ang nagtilipon sa atubangan sang balay.

Gin-ayo ni Jesus ang madamo nga mga nagamasakit sang nagkalain-lain nga balatian, kag gintabog niya ang madamo nga malaot nga mga espiritu. Wala niya pagtuguti nga maghambal ang malaot nga mga espiritu, kay kilala nila kon sin-o siya.

Sang madason nga adlaw, sang madulumdulom pa, nagbangon si Jesus kag nagkadto sa kamingawan kag nagpangamuyo.

Ginpangita siya ni Simon kag sang iya mga kaupod.

Pagkakita nila kay Jesus nagsiling sila, "Ginapangita ka sang tanan."

Pero nagsiling siya sa ila, "Dali na, malakat kita sa malapit nga mga banwa agod makawali ako didto, kay amo ini ang kabangdanan nga nagkadto ako sa sini nga kalibutan."

Gani ginlibot ni Jesus ang bug-os nga Galilea nga nagawali sa mga simbahan sang mga Judio kag nagatabog sang malaot nga mga espiritu sa mga tawo nga ila ginsudlan.

***

Meditation:

Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon’s prayer. Jerome, an early church bible scholar and translator (c. 347-420), reflects on this passage:

“Can you imagine Jesus standing before your bed and you continue sleeping? It is absurd that you would remain in bed in his presence. Where is Jesus? He is already here offering himself to us. ‘In the middle,’ he says, ‘among you he stands, whom you do not recognize’ (Cf. John 1:26) ‘The kingdom of God is in your midst’ (Mark 1:15). Faith beholds Jesus among us. If we are unable to seize his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet. If we are unable to reach his head, let us wash his feet with our tears. Our repentance is the perfume of the Savior. See how costly is the compassion of the Savior.”

Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?

"Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 1:21-28)

Nagkadto sila ni Jesus sa Capernaum. Pag-abot sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, nagsulod si Jesus sa simbahan sang mga Judio kag nagpanudlo.

Natingala gid ang mga tawo sa iya tungod nga nagatudlo siya nga may awtoridad, kag indi pareho sang mga manunudlo sang Kasuguan.

Sa mga tawo didto nga nagatilipon may isa nga may malaot nga espiritu nga nagsinggit,

"Jesus nga taga-Nazaret, ano ang labot mo sa amon? Nagkadto ka bala diri sa paglaglag sa amon? Kilala ko ikaw. Ikaw ang Balaan nga ginpadala sang Dios."

Pero ginsabdong ni Jesus ang malaot nga espiritu, "Maghipos ka kag magguwa sa iya!"

Ang ato nga tawo ginpakurog sang malaot nga espiritu nga nagasinggit samtang nagaguwa sa iya.

Natingala gid ang mga tawo didto, gani nagsiling sila, "Ano ini? Bag-o ini nga klase sang pagpanudlo. Bisan ang malaot nga mga espiritu ginamanduan niya kag nagatuman sa iya."

Gani madasig nga naglapnag ang balita parte kay Jesus sa bug-os nga probinsya sang Galilea.

***

Meditation:

Do you believe that God’s word has power to change and transform your life. And are you eager to hear and believe the word of God? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority – “Thus says the Lord.” When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate – the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed.

Augustine (5th century church father) remarked that the “devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. ..They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils.” Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). True faith works through love (Galalatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13). That is why faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God’s word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your life according to his word?

"Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need."