Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 7:21.24-27)

"Madamo nga mga tawo ang nagatawag sa akon nga, 'Ginoo,' pero wala nagakahulugan nga makasakop sila sa paghari sang Dios. Ang mga tawo lamang nga nagatuman sang kabubut-on sang akon Amay sa langit amo ang makasakop sa iya paghari.

"Gani ang bisan sin-o nga nagapamati kag nagatuman sang akon mga pagpanudlo, kaangay siya sa tawo nga maalam nga nagpatindog sang iya balay sa pundasyon nga bato.

Kag bisan mag-ulan sing tudo kag magbaha, kag magwas-was ang mabaskog nga hangin sa balay, indi ini maguba tungod nga ginpatindog ini sa mapag-on nga pundasyon.

Pero ang tawo nga nakabati sang akon mga pagpanudlo, ugaling wala nagatuman, pareho siya sa tawo nga buang-buang nga nagpatindog sang iya balay sa balas.

Kag kon mag-ulan sing tudo kag magbaha, kag magwas-was ang mabaskog nga hangin sa balay, matumba ang iya balay, kag magarinagamak hasta mawasak."

***

Meditation:  

What’s the best security against disaster and destruction? In the ancient world a strong city, an impregnable fortress, and a secure house were built on solid rock because they could withstand the forces of nature and foe alike. Isaiah speaks of God as an “everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4). He is the rock of refuge and deliverance (Psalm 18:2) and the rock in whom there is no wrong (Psalm 92:15). Scripture warns that destruction will surely come to those who place their security in something other than God and his kingdom. Jesus’ parables invite us to stake our lives on the coming of his kingdom or face the consequences of being unprepared when the day of testing and destruction will surely come. 

When Jesus told the story of the builders he likely had the following proverb in mind: "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm for ever" (Proverbs 10:25). What's the significance of the story for us? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus prefaced his story with a warning: We may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived. He sees the heart as it truly is – with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices (Psalm 139:2). 

There is only one way in which a person's sincerity can be proved, and that is by one's practice.  Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we are tested. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you?  Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you  injury or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, one's neighbor and oneself.  His or her word can be counted on. If you heed God's word and live according to it then you need not fear when storms assail you. God will be your rock and your refuge. Is your life built upon the sure "rock" of Jesus Christ and do you listen to his word as if your life depended on it? 

"Lord Jesus, your are my Rock and my Refuge. Help me to conform my life according to your word that I may stand firm in times of trouble and find hope in your promises."

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 15:29-37)

Naghalin didto si Jesus kag naglakat sa higad sang Linaw sang Galilea. Sang ulihi nagtaklad siya sa bukid kag nagpungko didto.

Madamo nga mga tawo ang nagpalapit sa iya. Gindala nila ang mga piang, ang mga pingkaw, ang mga bulag, ang mga apa kag madamo pa gid nga mga masakiton. Ginpamutang sila sa tiilan ni Jesus kag ginpang-ayo niya sila tanan.

Natingala gid ang mga tawo kay nakita nila nga ang mga apa makahambal na, maayo na ang kamot sang mga pingkaw, ang mga piang makalakat na kag ang mga bulag makakita na. Kag gindayaw nila ang Dios sang Israel.

Gintawag ni Jesus ang iya mga sumulunod kag nagsiling sa ila, "Naluoy gid ako sa sina nga mga tawo. Tatlo na ka adlaw nga nagaupod-upod sila sa akon kag wala na sila sing kalan-on. Indi ko gusto nga magpauli sila nga wala kakaon kay basi kon malipong sila sa dalan."

Nagsiling ang iya mga sumulunod sa iya. "Diin bala kita makakuha sang pagkaon para sa sining madamo nga mga tawo diri sa kamingawan?"

Nagpamangkot si Jesus sa ila, "Pila ka bilog ang inyo tinapay dira?" Nagsabat sila, "Pito ka tinapay kag pila lang ka isda nga magagmay."

Dayon ginpapungko ni Jesus ang mga tawo.

Ginkuha niya ang pito ka tinapay kag ang mga isda kag nagpasalamat sa Dios. Pagkatapos, ginpamihak-pihak niya ini kag ginhatag sa iya mga sumulunod. Kag sila amo ang nagpanagtag sa mga tawo.

Nakakaon sila tanan kag nagkalabusog. Pagkatapos, gintipon nila ang tinapay nga sobra, kag napuno ang pito ka alat.

***

Meditation:  

What can satisfy the deepest hunger and longing of the human heart? Isaiah prophesied that God would provide a heavenly banquet for all peoples and would destroy death once and for all (Isaiah 2:6-8).  Jesus came to fulfill that promise. Jesus' miracles are both a sign of God’s kingdom and a demonstration of God’s power. They also show the magnitude of God’s mercy. 

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. 

In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. God knows our needs and he cares. When God gives, he gives in abundance. The gospel account records that the leftovers from the miraculous meal was more than seven times the amount they began with. Seven is a symbol of completion and wholeness. When God gives, he gives until we are satisfied. When God works for his people he gives abundantly – more than we could deserve and more than we need. He nourishes us with his life-giving word and with the bread of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven God will feast us at his banquet table. Are you satisfied with God's provision for you? And do you long with expectant hope for the coming of his kingdom in all its fulness? 

Lord, you alone can satisfy the longing and hunger in our hearts. May I thirst for your kingdom and find joy in your presence. Give me the true bread of heaven and nourish me with your life-giving word."