Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. – Hebrews 2:18

       She called me in the midst of a busy workday. I answered, “Hello! What’s up?” At the other end of the line, I heard my friend sobbing. As I listened, I felt her anxiety, desperation and fear. I remained silent and just let her cry. A few minutes after, she said, “I was asked to give a speech during our company’s event and I have no idea about what I’m going to say. What will my officemates think of me? My boss might be disappointed…” She was having a panic attack. I knew how she felt because I have the same attacks, too – sudden fear, heart palpitation, difficulty in breathing. My friend and I “survive” by sharing our episodes with and praying for each other.

       Do you sometimes feel that no one understands your suffering? Jesus does — He is empathy personified. Like us, He became man and “was tested through what He suffered.” Jesus knows our affliction; He feels our pain. Believe Him when He tells you, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Dina Pecaña (dina.p@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)

Reflection:“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” (Henry David Thoreau)

Jesus, as we go through our own pain, let it deepen our capacity to feel for others. Enlarge our souls, expand our minds, and soften our hearts towards all who suffer. Amen.

Blessed William Carter, pray for us.

Jesus chose a path of suffering and death to save us. Through this, He identifies with us in a deeper way. As we follow His example of mercy and love, let us remember that, like Jesus, we will also suffer. Love is always a sacrifice.

14 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; 17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (R) 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations — 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R)

The miracles of Jesus are signs that the Kingdom of God is breaking into our world. The things of heaven are coming to pass in the world because of the Incarnation. This happens in and through our life of faith as disciples. Let us allow God to manifest His glory through us. Let us pray for the grace to be channels of God’s love and mercy in His Kingdom on earth.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.

29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

think: Jesus gave up His life to save you. How much are you willing to sacrifice for Him?

Read the Bible in one year  Matthew 10-12

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

BE A MAGNA ANIMA

I teach Theological Virtues in the seminary. Today, allow me to introduce to you the virtue of magnanimity. It comes from two Latin words: magna – great; and anima – soul. Etymologically, magnanimity means the state of having a great soul. By definition, a magnanimous person is one who does great things. But not only that, magnanimity becomes truly a virtue because it is the character of a person who willingly does great things even in humble circumstances, i.e., when no one is looking, when there is no crowd to adore and to applaud the great deed.

       Jesus puts this virtue in full display in today’s Gospel. He went to the home of Peter’s mother-in-law. Many sick were brought to Him to be healed but the “whole town was kept at the door” (see v. 33). If that was me, I would have invited everyone in to see my power up-close. After several exorcisms, “He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was” (v. 34).

     With His many miracles, it was inevitable that Jesus was always in the spotlight. But He never hugged the limelight. Jesus always seems to shy away from the limelight every time the crowd gets excited over the wonders He performs. It’s not unusual to read Jesus, after rounds of healing and miracles, “withdrawing to a lonely place in the desert” (see v. 35).

       Today, Simon had to track down Jesus and when he found Him, he told the Lord, “Everybody is looking for You!” It was the day after another instance of miraculous healings. Perhaps there was a band ready to serenade Him. The press might have been invited for a news conference. But Jesus was not interested. Instead, He said, “Let us move on to the neighboring village so that I may proclaim the good news there also” (see v. 38).

      Are you capable of doing great things? That’s great. That means you’re talented. Are you willing to do great things without being noticed? That’s even greater. That means you’re virtuous. Don’t be just great. Be virtuous. Today, beg Jesus for the gift of magnanimity. Fr. Joel Jason

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Deep in your heart, answer the question: Do you feel the need to “broadcast” yourself? Do you seek self-promotion for its own sake?

“Lord, teach me to be generous…to labor and ask not for reward. Save that of knowing that I do Your most holy will.” Amen!