Pan de la Semana

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W16 Sa - Jer 7:1-11, Mt 13:24-30)
Correcting others of their faults in a fraternal and charitable way is a Christian obligation. In the Old Testament, God uses prophets to correct the sins of Israel. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah uses strong words to correct the people of Jerusalem. The people commit adultery, idolatry, and injustices, and continue to worship the Lord with false confidence, excusing themselves with these deceitful words, "This is the temple of the Lord." Sometimes, however, corrections may not be helpful, especially in instances involving factors beyond control. In Jesus' parable today, despite the efforts of the land owner to sow good crops, an enemy comes in the night to sow weeds. The wise owner does not allow his servants to pull out the weeds, but to let them grow together until they are separated during harvest time. In those cases beyond our human control, like injustices in society, stubbornness of individuals, or even our own deep rooted weaknesses, it is best not to apply immediate drastic solutions, but to pray, be patient and collaborate in those things within our power, without losing hope that good will triumph over evil, and the best is yet to come.

I LEARN that quick-fix solutions may produce immediate results but create more problems in the long run. Lasting beneficial changes come about through prayer, wise planning, hard work and big continuous doses of patience.

I PRAY. Lord Jesus Christ, ever meek and humble of heart, grant that I may be patient and calm in those events and occasions beyond my personal control. May they become opportunities for increasing my trust in you and for training myself to be serene and strong under pressure. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE God’s patience as I root out deep-seated evils in my heart and His constant care and guidance for my personal growth.

I RESOLVE to be patient and calm, and trust God more in those occasions beyond my control.

I AFFIRM: I am patient with evils I cannot now overcome, continuing to trust and hope that God is always in control.

A number of friends have been asking me if I would organize something to help the flood/typhoon victims. I agonized over it as it is something I have always done over the past so many years. I decided for a nuanced approach for the following reasons: 1) I do not have a secretary or staff to rely on, 2) I no longer have the authority or power or direct control over any facility where I am. This means I can no longer manage to accept, organize, store or otherwise transport on my own goods, old clothes, food and anything that would occupy space and logistics.

If some of you insist, then I am making it known that I won't refuse monetary donations for the same purpose. But given my current limitations, I am not actively pushing myself to do it. I have enough social concerns right now on my hands: my two projects in Maasin, and possibly two more in the context of two seminary communities soon.

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LEARNING THE WORD (Jul 26, Sts. Joachim & Anne - Mt 13:16-17, Sir 44:1, 10-15)
“Many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus, were among the righteous people, who longed to see and hear the Messiah during His public ministry, but were not able to do so. Nevertheless, this saintly couple were most open to God's word and provided the fitting environment for the growth of the future Mother of God, and eventually of the Son of God. Sirach praises such God-fearing people: “These were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity for their sake.” They represent many grandparents and elderly people, who preserve values of wisdom, stability and faithfulness in families. In a world steeped in the throwaway culture, grandparents and the elderly “remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young” (Pope Francis).

I LEARN that Christians are among the blessed, who see and hear Jesus Christ through the sacraments and Sacred Scriptures. If people, like Joachim and Anne, did not receive such blessings, and yet we’re saved and even became saints, how much more can Christians hope for the grace of holiness and salvation, with the help of the Church, Christ’s Mystical Body and God’s Family of the redeemed.

I PRAY. Lord God of all generations, thank You for the gift of grandparents, who remind us of Your tender faithful love and transmit the wisdom of generations. Grant that through the intercession of Sts. Joachim and Anne, all families may treasure the wisdom and compassion of the older generations, and that grandparents may enjoy the respect and reverence of the younger generations. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE God’s faithful love lasting through all generations.

I RESOLVE to remember today my grandparents and to pray for them.

I AFFIRM: I acknowledge the gift of grandparents to the family and listen to the wise counsels of older persons.

LEARNING THE WORD (July 25, St. James - Mt 20:20-28, 2 Cor 4:7-15)
Today's saint is traditionally called St. James the Greater because of his status among the apostles, compared to a lesser known apostle with the same name. Despite this title and the fact that he is mentioned 23 times in the New Testament, James is never presented as saying a single word on his own. During the only two occasions that he addresses Jesus, James does not speak individually, but with his younger brother John. Today's Gospel episode portrays the mother as the one making the request of highest heavenly positions to Jesus. In the more original Gospel of Mark, however, the two brothers are the ones who initiate the request. On another occasion, the siblings ask Jesus if they can call down fire to consume the Samaritan village that refuses passage for Jesus. This incident may have triggered the naming of the brothers as "sons of thunder." These details may indicate that James is the silent type of person, but whose loving dedication to the Master runs very deep within his heart. James may have been impetuous and ambitious, but Jesus treasured his friendship as to make him one of the three apostles handpicked by the Master on some special occasions. Taking seriously Jesus' words and example of giving one's life "as a ransom for many," James must have quickly learned to set aside selfish ambitions and becomes the first apostle to die as a loyal witness to Christ.

I LEARN to imitate the holy audacity of St. James, not being afraid of making mistakes or hurting himself, so long as he can witness to Jesus Christ. In the ministry that God entrusts to me, I “hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God” and not from me. With the other faithful apostles of Christ, I hope to live the words of St. Paul, “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus.” Like St. James, may I show my deep love for Jesus by exercising zeal in my ministry and being ready for sacrifice. I prove my sincere friendship with Christ by drinking from the chalice with Him.

I PRAY. Lord Jesus Christ, obedient and zealous Apostle of the Father, You offered Your life lovingly on the cross “as a ransom for many.” Following St. James, may I be passionate about staying close to Your side and offering my life in the service of Your Kingdom. Grant me the same zeal as St. James so that I may be ready to drink from Your cup not with earthly ambitions, but with the desire to serve rather than being served. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus the Servant of the Father, Who came "to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I RESOLVE to lovingly take opportunities for service as a way of closer imitation of Christ and more intimate companionship with Him.

I AFFIRM: I drink from the chalice of Christ, not for selfish ambition, but to share in the sufferings and promises of Christ.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord Y2 W16 We - Jer 1:1, 4-10, Mt 13:1-9)
God calls the prophet Jeremiah with these endearing personal words, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." And yet this new recruit, belonging to a priestly family, does not feel attracted, nor does he volunteer like Isaiah. Rather, Jeremiah begs off, giving the excuse of his youthfulness. But God is not willing to let go, and assures the young prophet, "Say not, 'I am too young.' Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Our petty excuses will not stop God from entrusting each of us a great mission.

I LEARN that whether young or old, priestly or lay, male or female, willing or unwilling, God calls us for a mission beyond ourselves. Despite our excuses, we can always trust God's choice. Jesus' final Gospel words, "Whoever has ears ought to hear,” can direct anyone called by God where to start the journey of ever deepening trust in Him. We need to have an open, attentive and listening attitude to God's word. The quality of our listening, sustained daily by prayer, reflection, and service, will spell the difference in bearing a hundred, sixty or thirtyfold, or no fruit at all.

I PRAY. O Lord our God, in You is our origin and destiny. You have created us for fullness of life through Your Son, and have called us in different ways to cooperate in building Your heavenly Kingdom starting here on earth. Unmask our excuses, remove our fears, and sustain our efforts, so that we may loyally listen to Your call and generously respond with all the gifts, talents and experiences You have filled us, so that our lives may bear fruit, thirty or sixty or a hundredfold. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE the loving Providence of God, who knew me before He formed me in my mother’s womb.

I RESOLVE to listen attentively to God’s call in moments of temptation.

I AFFIRM: I go wherever God sends me. I speak whatever He commands me.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W16 Tu - Mt 12:46-50; Mi 7:14-15, 18-20)
Jesus values human relationships and family ties. His Incarnation happened in the context of a human family and He chose to be with a community of intimate disciples as He launched His ministry. Yet, in the new Kingdom that He establishes, relationships are governed not so much in terms of lineage, blood relations or kinship, but in terms of faithful obedience to the will of our common heavenly Father. Thus Jesus says, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” It is obedience to one Heavenly Father that establishes our spiritual bond with others. And in the Kingdom of Christ, spiritual bonds are thicker than blood.

I LEARN that in Melanesian and Oriental cultures, relationship is paramount. I often hear my young students expressing closeness with their friends by saying that "they are brothers from another mother." I can extend this desire for emotional kinship even to people I do not know, since we are "children of the same Father." In fact, God as Father desires to welcome all into His family, including sinners and those who do not obey Him, as the prophet Micah proclaims in today’s First Reading. After prophesying doom over the people, the prophet ends with optimistic hope in God's fatherly mercy, "Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins." God will do everything to unite all of us as His dear children.

I PRAY for my family, both by blood and religious affinity. O Heavenly Father, bless all my relatives scattered in different places. May they strive to follow Your will so that their blood ties may be better strengthened through spiritual closeness. Bless also the large Salesian Family where I belong. May we ever be united in Don Bosco's zeal of caring for youth. Bless also all my other friends that they may strive to follow Your will. Grant that the love I have experienced from my relatives and friends overflow in love and mercy for those who faithfully follow God's will and for those whom you call me to find, invite and welcome back to the family of God's Kingdom. Through Christ, our Lord.

I CONTEMPLATE the Holy Trinity as my true lasting family.

I RESOLVE to consider as my best friends those who strive to do the Father’s will.

I AFFIRM: I am God’s son, Jesus’ brother, and the Spirit’s friend.

LEARNING THE WORD (July 22, St. Mary Magdalene - Jn 20:1-2, 11-18; Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17)
For some centuries, Mary Magdalene was confused with the sinful woman, who anointed Jesus' feet, and she was often considered as a reformed pr******te. In recent times, the Church, especially in the West, has "rehabilitated" her and stopped describing her as "penitent." Although St. Luke describes her as the woman, from whom Jesus expelled seven demons, nowhere in the gospels does Jesus or the evangelists associate a possessed person with a sinful lifestyle. In the gospels, this disciple of Jesus from Magdala is depicted as one of the women assisting Jesus and his disciples from their own means, as standing faithfully under Jesus' cross when most of the other disciples fled away, and the first to bear witness to the risen Christ, being appointed as "apostle to the apostles" to convey the good news of Jesus' resurrection. In 2015, the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical celebration to the rank of feast, putting her at the level of the all-male apostles and evangelists. She is an outstanding example of a disciple truly in love with her Master.

I LEARN that St. Mary Magdalene can represent the Christian soul totally transformed by Christ and ever longing to find, be with, and obey her Beloved. After she met Christ, who freed her from evil spirits, she experienced what St. Paul wrote, “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” Thereafter, her whole life revolved around Jesus. She remained a faithful disciple not only during Christ’s public ministry, but even as He suffered, died and rose again. She is like the woman described in the Song of Songs, looking all around for her Beloved, asking passersby, “Have you seen him whom my heart loves?,” until she finds the object of her heart. St. Mary Magdalene teaches me to transform my life according to the mind of Christ, and to continue longing for an ever deeper friendship with the Beloved of my soul.

I PRAY. Lord Jesus Christ, may You constantly be the object of all my desires and efforts. Like St. Mary Magdalene, may I continue seeking You with repentance, tears and constant love, with the hope of returning and being united with You, my merciful Master, and enjoy Your eternal embrace in Heaven. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus, “whom my heart loves,” calling me by name.

I RESOLVE to persevere in seeking Jesus in my prayers, studies and dealings with others, in the hope of finding and following His inspirations and guidance.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W16 SuB - Jer 23:1-6, Mk 6:30-34, Eph 2:13-18)
Jeremiah condemns Judah's leaders for neglecting and misleading their people. "You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I (God) will take care to punish your evil deeds." Because of such leaders, the Jews were exiled in Babylon. But God promises to gather His exiled flock and "appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble." This prophecy is fully realized in Jesus Christ, who takes pity on the crowd "for they were like sheep without a shepherd." These words are a condemnation of the leaders in Jesus' time, for also neglecting and misleading the people. Although God allows human leaders over His people, political and religious leaders have a grave obligation before God of caring for the needs of the people.

I LEARN that a true Shepherd leader is one who 1) accompanies the flock even through the "dark valleys" (Ps 23), 2) breaks barriers of hostilities and divisions (2nd rdg) and, 3) reconciles others with God as our Father and Jesus as our Peace (2nd rdg).

I PRAY. Lord Jesus Christ, faithful and gentle Shepherd of Your Church, protect and defend us from evil influences and guide us along the paths of truth and justice. Watch over Your ministers, the Pope, bishops, priests, religious and apostolic lay faithful, that they may persevere in shepherding Your flock with Your compassionate Heart. We ask the Father, as you have instructed us, to send more generous and trustworthy laborers in Your Kingdom, that all humanity may be united under the secure and loving governance of the “Lord our Righteousness!” Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus, hungry and tired, yet ever filled with compassion, preaching to the people as Good Shepherd.

I RESOLVE to show compassion on weak and wayward young people and patiently lead them with kind advices and consistent examples.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 Sa - Mi 2:1-5, Mt 12:14-21)
The prophet Micah exposes the corrupt schemes of evil men to rob simple people of their land and inheritance. Then, he predicts severe punishment for their injustices. Similarly, Jesus is usually ready to confront the testing questions and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and does not hesitate to condemn their evil motives and actions. Now that His adversaries are plotting His death, however, He withdraws. There is a time to condemn, but there is also a time to be quiet. The Messiah does not expose and condemn their wicked schemes, nor does He intend to be an early martyr. He is the chosen Servant, the delightful Beloved, Who does not contend or cry out in the streets. With the power of the Spirit, He proclaims justice to the Gentiles without violence or military might. He opts to be an undercover Messiah, warning the people not to make Him known. Rather than confront the powerful, He sticks to His mission from the Father and cures the sick and gives hope to the down-trodden. Later He will embrace His cross and defeat sin and death by His resurrection. At the moment, however, He reveals Himself as the Face of the Father's Mercy by not breaking the bruised reed and by not quenching the smoldering wick.

I LEARN that hatred and violence cannot be overcome by counter-violence. Christians continue to hope for justice and peace with the power of the cross that leads to the resurrection. In the process, I serve with humility and gentleness, faithfully following the Servant and Son of the heavenly Father.

I PRAY. O Lord Jesus grant me the same gentleness and purity of intention that You show in today's Gospel. By carrying my daily cross and faithfully trusting in Your loving mercy, may I too become a humble servant and devoted son of the Father. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE the humility and meekness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I RESOLVE to be faithful to my duties with the heart of a humble and loving servant.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 Fr Y2 - Mt 12:1-8; Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8)
The Pharisees see Christ's disciples breaking the law by picking grains on a Sabbath and eating them. Jesus invites them to see not so much the external action, but also the internal needs of people before they make a negative judgment. Although Jesus Himself did not pick and eat grains on a Sabbath, He knows that His disciples' actions are driven by the basic need of hunger. For this reason He says, "If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men." Jesus also invites us not to be quick in judging the external actions of others, but to look beyond and behind these actions with merciful eyes so that we may understand the concrete situations of our neighbors in need. When we look mercifully at our neighbor and charitably attend to their needs, that day will always be the Lord's day and we will give fitting glory to the Lord of the Sabbath.

I LEARN that God's merciful compassion takes precedence over his justice. Good King Hezekiah receives a prophetic warning about his impending death. Yet when he begs and weeps for the Lord's kind remembrance, God overturns His previous statement and grants a 15 year extension of life to the faithful monarch. God's tender mercy invites me to be slow in making negative judgments on others, and be willing to replace strict justice with merciful compassion for God's greater glory.

I PRAY. God of mercy and compassion, forgive me for the times that I have quickly judged others in my mind and heart and have not made efforts to ascertain their particular situations. May Jesus Christ Your Son and Lord of the Sabbath teach me to observe the rules of worship and all other Church laws with an understanding mind and compassionate heart. Grant also that I may temper strict justice with merciful compassion so that I may always glorify You and accomplish Your will. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus reading my heart, feeling compassion, and inspiring me to acquire His merciful Heart.

I RESOLVE to always be motivated by compassion when I need to confront the faults and weaknesses of others.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 Th Y2 - Mt 11:28-30; Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19)
Life can be burdensome. The ordinary laborer works at least 40 hours a week, and sometimes do overtime. The student spends about 20 to 30 hours a week for classes, then has to find some more hours to complete assignments and requirements. Burdened by such daily load, we seek various forms of rest and relaxation such as sleeping, listening to music, watching TV or movies, using the cell phone and social media, hanging out with friends, engaging in sports, gardening, cooking, singing or other hobbies. Sometimes we may indulge in unhealthy or even sinful activities. Then we realize how we become more burdened or troubled by these pastimes. We experience what the prophet Isaiah poetically describes, "We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth to wind." In contrast, our meek and humble Lord today tells us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." When we reserve quiet time with Jesus, He will not remove our burdens. He will lighten our load and give us renewed vigor, convinced that a loyal and loving Friend accompanies us and shares our troubles and burdens.

I LEARN that lifting my mind and heart to God on some moments during my daily schedule or finding occasions to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can give me added joy, motivation and enthusiasm in my daily routine. During these moments, I can experience comforting freshness and renewed vitality just as the prophet Isaiah declares, "For Your dew is a dew of light, and the land of shades gives birth."

I PRAY. Meek and gentle Jesus, You invite the tired, weary and the sick to rest and find comfort in You. Amidst all my troubles, pains and distress, may I find consolation and peace in prayer, meditation on Your word, and especially in the Blessed Eucharist, where You give Your very Self as food and strength. Grant too, that after I enjoy some rest with You, I may share Your love and peace with those who are sick and suffering. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus, my Best Friend, spending quality moments with me.

I RESOLVE to make short and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament during the day as means to rest and share my burdens with Jesus.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 We - Mt 11:25-27; Is 10:5-7, 13b-16)
In today's Gospel, Jesus exclaims, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike." The "childlike" here refers to the apostles, simple, poor, uneducated persons, yet totally clinging to Jesus' words, as opposed to the people of the towns that have failed to reform. The Father is pleased to reveal His Son to such insignificant humble followers. Conversely, the Assyrians are condemned by the prophet Isaiah for presuming to rely on their own strength and strategy to conquer the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Little do they know that they are simply insignificant instruments used by God to discipline Israel. Only humble and childlike persons will receive, understand and appreciate God's mysteries and mighty deeds.

I LEARN that the Father's will is childlikeness. Although almighty, the Lord has a weakness for the lowly and the poor. Although all-knowing, God takes delight in the children and the simple. The more humble and childlike I become, the more I will be like Jesus and His Father.

I PRAY. Father of perpetual youthfulness, grant me the wisdom and compassion that enabled You to give us Your only Son for our revelation and salvation, so that like You, I may find truth and glory in being humble and childlike, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE God, my Father, and Lord of heaven and earth!

I RESOLVE to laugh and smile at my own mistakes and weaknesses, convinced that I have a wise and gracious Father, Who is "Lord of heaven and earth."

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 Tu - Is 7:1-9, Mt 11:20-24)
When Syria (Aram) and Israel join forces to attack their neighbor Judah, the people and the king of Judah tremble like trees blowing in the wind. The prophet Isaiah, however counsels King Ahaz not to fear and to put his total trust in God, saying "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" In spite of foes and fears, God asks us to have firm faith. We need always to trust that His plans are always the best. In the case of Judah, God’s plan was the continuation of David’s line among its kings, which He fulfilled. Although the two kingdoms of Israel and Syria were eventually destroyed and assimilated into the mighty Assyrian empire, God did not abandon Judah, making sure that a remnant will survive until the coming of the greatest King of David’s line, His Son Jesus Christ.

I LEARN that God demands faith from His people not only by trusting in Him in moments of dangers and crises, but also by obeying His words and changing their evil ways with a spirit of humble repentance. In today’s Gospel, Jesus condemns the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, where most of his preaching and miracles were done, because of their refusal to repent. The people in these places marveled at Jesus' authoritative words and glorified God for miracles they have never seen before. Yet their lives are not changed. They continue living their usual lives, committing their usual sins, taking for granted God's special presence in their midst. Faith in God also makes me accountable for the many graces I have received from Him on the day of judgment.

I PRAY. God of wisdom and power, You have made all things perfectly for the good of humanity and for all Your creation. Grant me always a reverential fear of You that I may constantly repent of my sins, acknowledge your mercy and might, and see the grandeur of Your plans realized in my life and in the world. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I CONTEMPLATE Jesus’ frustration over the unrepentant towns while maintaining total trust in the Father.

I RESOLVE to acknowledge my difficult emotions of fear, anger, and sadness, and discern God’s message for me while maintaining total trust in His Providence.

LEARNING THE WORD (Ord W15 Mo - Mt 10:34 - 11:1, Is 1:10-17. Jul 15 - St. Bonaventure)
A faithful follower of Christ cannot avoid difficult decisions in remaining loyal to the Lord. Jesus clearly indicates that we can be worthy disciples of Him only if we love Him above all persons ("Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."), above all concerns ("Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me."), and even above our very selves ("Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.") Christ also promises rewards to His faithful disciples and to those who receive them. Yet Jesus does not hide the fact that the primacy for God and His Kingdom comes at a high cost. St. Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church, reveals this wholehearted surrender of his life to Jesus Christ. The “seraphic doctor” received his name from St. Francis of Assisi, who after healing the gravely sick lad, blurted out, “Bona Ventura!” This means “Good luck!” Close friend and colleague of St. Thomas Aquinas as distinguished university professors in 13th century Europe, he distinguished himself both in learning and virtue, writing and expounding philosophical and theological treatises with the fragrance of divine love. At 22, he accepted being general of the Franciscan Order, which he ruled with wisdom and prudence, meriting thus the title of second founder of the Order. Declining the archbishopric of York, yet forced to accept being cardinal bishop of Albano, he served as Pope Gregory X’s right hand at the Council of Lyons in 1274. His piety and eloquence were influential in the reconciliation, though brief, of the Greek and Latin Churches. Immediately after, as if finishing his main mission for the Council, God granted His loyal servant the rest that Jesus promised to bestow on those who faithfully seek the primacy of God and His Kingdom. The saint of “good fortune” breathed his last surrounded by bishops and was buried while the Council was in session.

I LEARN that making a definite decision to follow Christ always involves a "slicing off" of other options, which produces uneasiness, tension and even divisions and conflicts. The prophet Isaiah strongly preaches this message in Judah as he exposes the uselessness of ritual worship that shows no compassion for the poor, saying “Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” In those moments that I have to carry my cross to faithfully follow Christ's path, I strive to do the right thing without being self-righteous, and to choose the truth without compromising charity.

I PRAY. Lord Jesus Christ, obedient Son of God and humble Servant for humanity, continue calling and inspiring generous souls to follow You more closely and more faithfully. Grant us Your Spirit of courage and endurance so that we may not be afraid of divisions, hardships and even death, trusting in Your unfailing love, abiding presence and promised rewards. Together with St. Bonaventure, we pray his seraphic prayer: “Let us die, then, and enter into the darkness, silencing our anxieties, our passions and all the fantasies of our imagination. Let us pass over with the crucified Christ from this world to the Father so that, when the Father has shown himself to us, we can say with Philip: It is enough. We may hear with Paul: My grace is sufficient for you; and we can rejoice with David, saying: My flesh and my heart fail me, but God is the strength of my heart and my heritage for ever. Blessed be the Lord for ever, and let all the people say: Amen. Amen!”