READINGS for 2008-05-10
GETTING CLOSE TO CLAUDIA SCHIFFER
“If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?” – John 21:22
The magazine I work for makes a brisk sale whenever our cover girl is a celebrity who’s in the news on the same week that our publication hits the newsstands.
So when I found out that supermodel Claudia Schiffer was coming to Manila for a fashion event, we put her photo on the cover on the week she would be in town.
To add prestige to our magazine, we usually present a copy to our featured cover girl and publish the presentation in the next issue. So with two photographers in tow, I covered Claudia’s reception, hoping to present our magazine and have a photo opportunity.
And there she was — blonde and blueeyed, tall and enviably slim, stunning in a glittering white gown. But surrounded by a thousand media people and guests jostling to take a souvenir shot with her, I failed to get near her.
As I read today’s Gospel, I tell myself it’s OK if I fail to get close to Claudia Schiffer or any other celebrity. But oh, I would jostle with the disciples just to get close to Jesus and win such favor He granted to John. Cynthia Santiago
REFLECTION:
The Good News is we need not vie for Jesus’ attention. He is our No. 1 fan.
Lord, thank You for loving me!
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1st READING
Paul spent at least two years in Rome awaiting his trial. Being able to receive visitors, he continued to share with both Jews and Gentiles the Gospel that had changed his life so dramatically. It was the least he could dream of doing considering the grace he had received. We have received no lesser graces in our lives. How well are we doing in putting those graces to work in sharing the Good News with others?
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” [29] 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
P S A L M
Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7
R: The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. (R) 5 The LORD searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. 7 For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face. (R)
G O S P E L
We cannot share the Gospel to others unless we have already received and appropriated it ourselves. Sometimes we worry about the salvation of others without concerning ourselves enough with ours. Perhaps it is easier or less threatening to look at what God is doing elsewhere rather than in our own lives?
John 21:20-25
20 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? [What concern is it of yours?]” 24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
my reflections
think:
How concerned am I about my own salvation?
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Joshua 17-20
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EMBRACING LIFE’S MYSTERIES
Our Gospel story is the conclusion of St. John’s account on the life of Jesus. It highlights two mysteries. As we read about Jesus telling Peter and John of their respective and different ways of dying, we first realize the mystery of our individual lives. We are unique and so are our life experiences and patterns. The important thing is for each of us to see to it we remain faithful to the calling that we have. We should always pray: “Lord, I’ve got my plans, and I ask You to bless them. But above all, may Your will be accomplished in me.”
Towards the end of our Gospel, we encounter John’s summary statement about the richness of the life of Jesus and the mystery that is Jesus. Should all be written and documented about Jesus’ life and teachings, John sustains that the libraries of the world will not be able to contain all.
In spite of scientific advances and discoveries, we will indeed continue to encounter mysteries in our world. For this world will forever bear the imprint of God who created it. There are mysteries that will involve our lives; there are mysteries regarding our faith. On this the last day of novena for Pentecost, let us ask that God send us His Spirit to always guide us along the path of Divine wisdom and understanding. Fr. Domie Guzman
Reflection Question:
What aspects of your life baffle you at this time? What “mysteries” are you grappling with now? Invoke the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I may understand life’s mysteries at Your appointed time.
St. Solange, virgin and martyr, pray for us.
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