Prayers and Reflections

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another…” — Romans 13:8

Readings for November 5, 2025

First Reading – Romans 13:8-10

“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: You shall not commit adultery; You shall not kill; You shall not steal; You shall not covet— and whatever other commandment there may be—are summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no evil to the neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” USCCB+1

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112:1-2, 4-5, 9

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
“Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments. His descendants shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed… To the righteous light dawns in darkness; he is gracious, merciful and righteous… He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever…” Catholic Gallery+1

Gospel – Luke 14:25-33

“Great crowds were traveling with Jesus; and turning he said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to build a tower does not first sit down and estimate the cost… In the same way, whoever does not give up all that he has cannot be my disciple.’” USCCB+1

🌟 Verse of the Day

“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another…” — Romans 13:8

Reflection

I. Introduction

Today’s readings call us into the heart of Christian discipleship: love and commitment. The Apostle Paul frames love as the fulfillment of all commandments. Meanwhile, Jesus lays out the cost of following Him. There is no minimal path to discipleship; love demands everything.

II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus invites the crowd to consider the seriousness of following Him. The language is stark—“hate” one’s family, “carry the cross,” “give up all that you have.” These are metaphors expressing that allegiance to Jesus must supersede all else. The cost is real, yet the promise is life in fullness.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Love & Commitment

Romans 13 emphasizes that loving one another is not optional—it is what fulfills the law.
The Psalm celebrates the upright person whose life is shaped by fear of the Lord, righteousness, mercy, generosity.
Together, they reveal that love is both virtue and action; discipleship requires choosing Christ even when it costs.

IV. Reflections

Love that truly fulfills the law is bold and sacrificial—it goes beyond convenience or emotion.
Discipleship involves evaluation: are we fully aligned with Christ, or are there hidden loyalties and bargains?
The “cross” is not just burdensome—it’s the path to freedom in Christ.
Generosity, mercy, uprightness (Psalm) are signs that the cost is being paid and the commitment lived.

V. Practical Applications

Identify one area of your life where following Jesus costs something (time, resource, relationship) and surrender it today.
Choose an act of love for someone who cannot repay you—simple, hidden, genuine.
Speak a prayer: “Lord, help me owe nothing but love to others.”
Reflect on your daily commitments—are they building God’s kingdom or keeping you distant from full allegiance?

VI. Conclusion

To love and to follow Christ are not separate calls—they are one. When we “owe nothing but love,” when we count the cost of discipleship and yet choose Jesus first, we live the Gospel in truth. May our lives reflect unwavering love, full surrender, and courageous commitment.

🙏 Morning Prayer for the Readers

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for another day, another chance to love and serve.
Help us to live with sincerity and boldness—that our love may fulfill Your law and draw others to You.
For those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or feeling weak—pour out Your healing and strength.
Have mercy on us, sinners in need of Your grace and transformation.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines—protect our families, bless our students, shield our land from calamities and injustice.
Grant our leaders integrity and our people unity and hope.
May our allegiance to You be clear, our love being real, and our commitment unwavering.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Monday, November 3, 2025

“In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.” — Psalm 131:2

📖 Readings for November 4, 2025 (Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop)

First Reading – Romans 12:5-16a

“We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us… Let love be sincere; hate what is evil; hold on to what is good…” USCCB+1

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 131:1, 2, 3

R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
“O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child on its mother’s lap.” Catholic Online+1

Gospel – Luke 14:15-24

“One of those at table with Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God!’ He replied, ‘A man gave a great supper and invited many… But they all began to make excuses… Then the master said, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes… bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.”’” USCCB+1

🌟 Verse of the Day

“In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.” — Psalm 131:2

Reflection

I. Introduction

Today, as we remember Saint Charles Borromeo — a man dedicated to reform and service — our readings call us to humility, genuine love, and unity within the body of Christ. We are invited not simply to belong, but to serve sincerely, and to find our peace in the Lord.

II. The Gospel Passage & Its Context

In the Gospel from Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells the parable of the great banquet where invited guests make excuses and the invitation goes out to the poor and marginalized. The lesson is clear: God’s invitation to the feast of His Kingdom is open and urgent, but it requires readiness and openness. Those who delay or excuse themselves risk missing the banquet the Master has prepared.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance

In Romans 12:5-16a we are told we are one body in Christ, each with gifts, called to sincere love and humility.
The Psalm invites us into child-like trust and peace in God, reminding us that true rest comes from dependence on Him rather than pride or self-reliance.
Together they speak of community, service, humility, and resting in God’s love.

IV. Reflections

Are we too busy or distracted to accept God’s invitation to deeper relationship and service?
Do we live community-minded, acknowledging our gifts and offering them freely for the good of others?
Peace in God means letting go of ambitions and anxieties, trusting rather than striving.
The parable challenges us: the banquet is ready — will we respond, or will we delay for our own reasons?

V. Practical Applications

Reflect today on one gift you have been given — how can you use it today in service of others?
Make space for someone often overlooked — invite, listen, support.
Choose a moment of silence and trust: like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, sit quietly in God’s presence and find your peace.
Accept God’s invitation now rather than postponing: join the feast of mercy, love, service.

VI. Conclusion

God invites us continually into His kingdom — to peace, to service, to unity. As we humble ourselves, serve others, and rest in Him, we become part of something greater than ourselves. Let us respond to His invitation with hearts ready and lives open.

🙏 Morning Prayer

Loving Father,
Thank You for this new day and for the gift of peace found only in You.
Help us to live in sincere love, not pretending, but acting with genuine compassion.
May we use our gifts to serve others freely, honouring You and our neighbours.
For those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning or feeling weak — pour out Your healing and comfort.
Have mercy on us, sinners in need of Your grace and renewal.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines — protect our people from harm, from disasters, and from evil influences. Guide our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
May our land become a home of peace, service and love under Your care.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11

📖 November 3, 2025 | Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Feast: St. Martin de Porres, Religious

First Reading: Romans 11:29–36

Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been His counselor? Or who has given Him anything that He may be repaid? For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:30–31, 33–34, 36

Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Gospel: Luke 14:12–14

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who had invited Him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

I. Introduction

Today’s Gospel invites us to look beyond self-interest and live with a heart of generosity and humility. True love, as Jesus teaches, is not about giving to those who can return the favor, but about offering kindness freely — especially to those who cannot repay. In a world that often values status, recognition, and reciprocity, Jesus reminds us that heaven’s reward comes to those who give without expecting anything in return.

II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

In Luke 14, Jesus continues teaching about humility and hospitality. He speaks during a meal with the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to social customs. Jesus challenges their way of thinking: instead of maintaining relationships for personal benefit, believers are called to reflect God’s unconditional love. This message redefines what it means to be generous — to love selflessly, as God loves.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility

This passage connects with Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
True humility brings us closer to God’s mercy. It is the recognition that every blessing comes from Him — and therefore, what we give should flow freely from the grace we have received.

IV. Reflection

Humility and compassion are inseparable. When we learn to see others — especially the poor, the lonely, the forgotten — as reflections of Christ, our hearts become truly generous. Every act of love, even unseen, becomes a prayer in motion. The Lord’s invitation today is to open our hearts, tables, and lives to those in need — not for recognition, but for love.

💬 Quote of the Day:
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan

V. Practical Applications

Serve without expectation – Offer kindness today with no hope of return.
Share your blessings – Be intentional in helping someone who cannot repay you.
Pray for humility – Ask God to make your heart more generous and compassionate.
Reflect God’s mercy – Extend forgiveness and patience to others, just as God does with us.

VI. Conclusion

In a world that measures worth by what we receive, Jesus calls us to measure life by what we give. Every humble act of love, every silent offering of help, every hidden act of mercy — these are treasures that shine in eternity.

✨ Verse of the Day:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11

🌅 Morning Prayer for the Readers

Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful morning and for the gift of life. Fill our hearts with humility and compassion. Help us to love selflessly and serve sincerely.
We lift to You those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or struggling to stand — may Your healing love embrace them today.
Pour out Your mercy upon sinners, bring light to the lost, and comfort to the hurting.
Lord, we also pray for our beloved country, the Philippines. Protect us from disasters, heal us from corruption, and lead us toward peace and righteousness.
Grant us hearts like Yours — humble, generous, and full of love.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. 🙏

Saturday, November 1, 2025

“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” — John 6:40

Daily Readings (All Souls’ Day)

First Reading: Wisdom 3:1–9

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, but they are at peace.

Second Reading: Romans 6:3–9

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

Gospel: John 6:37–40

Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.”

I. Introduction

Today, we remember in faith and love all the faithful departed — those who have gone ahead of us into eternity. All Souls’ Day is not a day of sorrow, but a day of hope, love, and remembrance, as we entrust the souls of our loved ones to God’s infinite mercy. It reminds us that love does not end with death — it continues, purified and perfected in God’s presence.

II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

In John 6:37–40, Jesus assures us that no one who comes to Him will be rejected. These words bring comfort to the grieving and hope to the faithful. Death is not the end, but a passage — a transformation through the will of the Father, who desires all to be saved.
Jesus, the Bread of Life, promises resurrection and eternal life to those who believe. His mercy is greater than any sin, and His love reaches even beyond the grave.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Hope and Eternal Life

The Book of Wisdom reminds us that “the souls of the righteous are in God’s hands,” untouched by pain or corruption. St. Paul reinforces this truth — our baptism unites us to Christ’s death and resurrection.
Scripture teaches us that even in the mystery of death, life triumphs through faith, and love remains stronger than the grave (cf. Song of Songs 8:6).

IV. Reflection

As we light candles and whisper the names of our beloved dead, let us remember that our prayers bridge heaven and earth.
Today invites us to reflect on our own journey — how we live, how we love, and how we prepare for eternal life.
Grief may linger, but faith transforms it into peace. The dead are not gone; they live in the radiance of God’s mercy and in the memories that keep them alive within us.

Let our hearts whisper: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

V. Practical Applications

Pray for the dead daily. Offer Masses or personal prayers for loved ones and forgotten souls.
Visit the cemetery not just to mourn, but to give thanks for the gift of life shared.
Live meaningfully. Death reminds us to love more deeply, forgive quickly, and walk humbly with God.
Comfort the grieving. Share faith’s light with those in darkness and sorrow.

VI. Conclusion

All Souls’ Day teaches us that death is not defeat — it is a doorway to God’s eternal embrace. Our faith does not erase the pain of loss, but it gives it meaning.
May our prayers today rise like incense for all souls still on their journey toward the light of heaven.

A Quote for Emphasis

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

Verse of the Day

“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” — John 6:40

🌄 Morning Call to Prayer

“Come, let us pray for our departed loved ones — for the souls who await the light of God’s eternal mercy. May our prayers bring comfort, peace, and hope.”

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We lift up to You all the souls of our beloved departed — our family, friends, and all who have gone before us. May they find rest in Your eternal peace.
Lord, comfort the brokenhearted, strengthen those who mourn, and heal those who grieve deeply.
Have mercy on all sinners, and teach us to walk in Your ways of love and forgiveness.

We pray for our country, the Philippines, O Lord — protect it from calamities, earthquakes, and storms. Heal our land from corruption and selfishness. Bless our leaders with integrity, wisdom, and compassion.

And as we remember those who have died, may we live each day with purpose — loving You and one another more deeply, until we are reunited in Your kingdom.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen. ✝️

Friday, October 31, 2025

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God.” — 1 John 3:1

🌞 Morning Reflection and Prayer

📅 November 1, 2025
🕊️ All Saints’ Day

📖 Verse of the Day

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

💭 Reflection

Today, we honor all the saints — known and unknown — who lived their lives as shining lights of love, faith, and goodness. Their stories remind us that holiness is not perfection but love lived out daily — in patience, in kindness, in quiet service, and in forgiveness.

Even in our weariness or brokenness, God calls us to be light-bearers — to love even when it’s hard, to hope when it feels impossible, and to forgive even when it hurts. Each act of love we give, no matter how small, adds a spark to the world’s darkness.

So as this new morning unfolds, may we find strength in knowing that love never fades — it lives through the goodness we share, the prayers we whisper, and the hearts we touch. 🌤️

🙏 Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of a new day — for the sun that rises, for the air that gives life, and for Your endless mercy.

Today, we remember and honor all the saints who walked before us in faith and love. May their example inspire us to walk humbly, love deeply, and shine brightly wherever we are.

Lord, bless those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or feeling lost. Embrace them with Your healing love. Have mercy on us sinners and cleanse our hearts from pride, anger, and fear. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, that we may live with compassion and grace.

We also lift up our beloved country, the Philippines. Protect our people, our families, and our leaders. Grant us peace, unity, and wisdom to serve one another in love.

May Your love be our light and Your will our guide today and always.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. ✨

💖 Reflection Thought:

“Love is the light that never dies. When we choose to love, we bring heaven a little closer to earth.”

📖 Readings for November 1, 2025

First Reading – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

“I, John, saw another angel coming up from the east, holding the seal of the living God… After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, race, people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” USCCB+1

Second Reading – 1 John 3:1-3

“Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God. Yet we are … everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.” USCCB

Gospel – Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

“Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain. He opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
…
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” Catholic Online

🌟 Verse of the Day

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God.” — 1 John 3:1

Reflection

I. Introduction

Today we celebrate All Saints’ Day, honouring those men and women who have gone before us in faith, who embraced the beatitudes, who lived love, humility, justice and mercy. Their lives give witness: holiness is not remote, it’s real, lived in everyday circumstances.

II. The Gospel & Its Context

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes — a vision of blessedness that seems upside-down to the world: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for justice. These are the ones who will inherit God’s Kingdom. The saints lived these realities. The Gospel invites us not to admire them from afar, but to join in their journey.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Life

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 shows a vast multitude from every nation standing before God, wearing white robes — a picture of universal holiness.
1 John 3:1-3 reminds us we are children of God, called to purity and hope.
Together: we are invited into a communal, global, eternal family of faith—ours is not a solo journey but a shared one across time and space.

IV. Reflections for Life

Holiness is accessible. Saints were not perfect because of their own strength, but because of God’s love and grace working in them.
The beatitudes are not just for “them” (the saints) but for “us” — for our ordinary lives: our struggles, our small acts of kindness, our perseverance.
To mourn, to be meek, to seek justice—these are not signs of weakness but markers of blessedness in God’s economy.
We live in a “we” – the communion of saints. Our faith impacts not just us, but countless others, seen and unseen.

V. Practical Applications

Identify one Beatitude that speaks to you today (e.g., “Blessed are those who mourn”). Ask: How can I live this today?
Think of someone you admire in faith—remember that their holiness was made possible by God. Pray for the grace to live out small acts of love.
Reach beyond your group; the saints are “from every nation, race, people and tongue.” Consider someone different from you and show kindness.
Remember you are a child of God—let that identity shape your choices, your speech, your sooner acts of mercy.

VI. Conclusion

On All Saints’ Day we are reminded that holiness is communal and universal. The call to live the beatitudes is ours today. We join today’s saints not just in memory, but in spirit—to love, to serve, to hope. May we walk with courage, gentleness, justice, and mercy, shining God’s light in the world.

🙏 Prayer for the Reader

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for calling us into Your family and for lavishing on us the love that makes us Your children. Help us live the values of Christ’s beatitudes: in humility, in mourning, in mercy, in righteousness. Make us steadfast in hope, generous in kindness, and bold in love.

Be with all who are weary, broken-hearted, mourning or feeling weak. Surround them with Your healing presence, bring comfort, restore hope, and set them on the path of blessedness.

We also entrust our beloved country, the Philippines, into Your loving hands. Protect our people, heal our land, guide our leaders, and free us from corruption and injustice. May our nation reflect Your Kingdom of mercy, peace, and love.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

“Where there is love, there is God.” — St. Teresa of Ávila

🌅 Morning Reflection | October 31, 2025

📖 Verse of the Day:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37

I. Introduction

As we close the month of October, today’s Gospel reminds us of the heart of our faith — love. Not just any kind of love, but a wholehearted, undivided, self-giving love that embraces God first and flows into how we treat others.

True love for God is not measured by mere words or rituals, but by how we live — how we forgive, how we serve, and how we care. When love rules the heart, peace follows.

II. Gospel Passage and Its Context

📖 Gospel: Matthew 22:34–40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came to test Him. One of them, a lawyer, asked, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
On these two commandments, Jesus said, depend all the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus teaches us that love is not divided — love for God and love for neighbor are one. To truly love God is to love others.

III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility

1 John 4:20 — “Whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Philippians 2:3–4 — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

These verses remind us that humility and love walk hand in hand. To love God fully means laying down pride, forgiving others, and choosing compassion even when it’s difficult.

IV. Reflection

Today’s message is simple yet powerful: Love heals everything.
It’s the cure for hate, division, pride, and indifference. In a world filled with noise and tension, Jesus calls us back to the basics — love God sincerely and love others genuinely.

When we love, we reflect God’s presence within us. Love becomes our prayer, our witness, and our purpose.

V. Practical Applications

Start with gratitude. Each morning, thank God for His unfailing love and another chance to love others better.
Forgive someone today. Release anger or resentment; love is impossible where bitterness grows.
Reach out. A simple act of kindness — a smile, a call, a prayer — may heal a heart.
Pray for the world. Love extends beyond our walls; pray for peace and unity in your community and country.

VI. Conclusion

Love is not a command to burden us, but an invitation to live as God intended — in harmony, humility, and hope. Let this day be filled with acts of love, large and small, that bring light to others.

💬 Quote for the Day:
“Where there is love, there is God.” — St. Teresa of Ávila

🌷 Morning Prayer for Everyone

Loving Father,
Thank You for this new morning — for the gift of life, love, and the people around us.
We pray for those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or struggling to find strength.
Wrap them, Lord, in Your healing embrace. Bring peace to troubled hearts and light to those walking in darkness.

Have mercy on us, sinners, and teach us to love You above all things and our neighbors as ourselves.
We lift up to You, O Lord, our beloved Philippines. Protect our land and our people from calamities, from corruption, and from all harm. Heal our nation, and lead our leaders to act with truth, compassion, and justice.

Let this day begin and end with love — the kind that transforms hearts and glorifies You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 💖

✨ #MorningPrayer #DailyReflection #LoveGodLoveOthers #FaithAndHope #PrayForThePhilippines #HealingPrayer #Matthew2237 #GodIsLove #InGodWeTrust

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31

📖 Readings for October 30, 2025

First Reading – Romans 8:31 b-39

“If God is for us, who can be against us? … What will separate us from the love of Christ? … I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities … nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” catholic.org+2USCCB+2

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
“For I am wretched and poor, and my heart is troubled within me… I will give great thanks to the Lord with my mouth… for he stood at the right hand of the poor to save his soul from those who would condemn it.” Catholic Gallery+1

Gospel – Luke 13:31-35

Jesus said: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform healings … on the third day I complete my purpose.’ … ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!’” Catholic Gallery+1

🌟 Verse of the Day

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31 b USCCB+1

Reflection

I. Introduction

Today’s readings invite us to rest in the unshakeable love of God and to respond to His longing to gather us. The certainty of God’s love is paired with the sorrow of rejection in the Gospel—showing both our security and our need to respond.

II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus insists on His mission despite threats. He laments Jerusalem’s unwillingness to be gathered under His wings. The image is powerful: God desiring to protect, embrace, redeem—but human resistance blocking the shelter.

III. Broader Scripture Resonance

The Romans passage assures us that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love.
The Psalm expresses the plea for mercy and the humble trust of the poor.
Together they declare: we are loved, we are safe, yet there is a responsive dimension—we must open ourselves to be gathered.

IV. Deeper Reflections

It is easy to feel alone, opposed, or unprotected—but the Scriptures today affirm our identity in Christ, loved and defended.
The hen-brood imagery reminds us that God’s protective love is tender and personal.
Yet, the Gospel also warns: rejection of that love leaves us without shelter. Our response matters.
The Psalm’s humility reminds us that trusting in God’s mercy is wiser than relying on our own strength.

V. Practical Applications

Reflect today: Where do you feel opposed, unprotected, or afraid? Bring that fear before God’s promise.
Receive the assurance: Nothing can separate you from Christ’s love. Let that truth form your identity.
Respond to God’s gathering: Allow yourself to be under His wings—through prayer, surrender, trust.
Extend that shelter: Be someone who gathers others—shows love, protection, welcome.
Remember the needy: As the Psalmist was poor and troubled, let us commit to mercy for others.

VI. Conclusion

We stand in a paradox of divine assurance and human urgency: God is for us—yet we are called to respond, to enter His shelter, to live in community, to be gathered. May we live today in the light of both truths: unassailable love and active invitation.

🙏 Prayer for the Reader & for the Philippines

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being for us, for loving us beyond measure, for no power being able to separate us from Your Son. Help us live in that freedom, confident in Your protection, courageous in our faith, and open to Your shelter. Teach us to respond to Your invitation and to gather others into Your love.

We also lift up our beloved Philippines and all her people. Protect our islands, our families, our communities from disasters—earthquakes, storms, floods—and from the forces of corruption, division, and injustice. Renew our land with integrity, mercy, and hope. May our nation be a place of refuge, unity, and welcome under Your wings.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.