Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” – Acts 13:46

       When I started preaching God’s word onstage, I heard a lot of people question why I was chosen for that privilege. People who stood up against me sounded like a noisy gong because they didn’t like me. Well, even if it hurt, I could understand them because I had a murky past and didn’t fit the mold of an altar boy preacher.

       I used a lot of my time and energy to win my detractors’ approval but I always ended up heartbroken. I’d still be rejected.

       Eventually, I focused on reaching out to people who didn’t judge me, and amazingly, I was accepted with open arms. Experiencing this acceptance freed me to grow more and helped me become a better preacher and servant of God.

       Decide right now to let go of the opinion of people who reject you and put you down. Focus on the encouragement of loving people who truly accept you for who you are. JPaul Hernandez (jpaulmh@yahoo.com)

Reflection:“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” (Anne Frank)

Jesus, thank You for the unconditional love that You have for me. I surrender to its power because I know it’s the only force in this world that can truly change my life. Amen.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.

44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

Today’s Gospel is a reflection of the Trinity relationship, especially that of the Father and the Son. To know Jesus is to know the Father. There will always be mystery behind the doctrine of the Trinity. However, we understand that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are united and they work with the same mind and heart. Let us pray for unity as we proclaim the Kingdom of God.

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

think: Have you asked anything in Jesus’ name and it was given to you? How did you feel?

Read the Bible in one year Joshua 5-8

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

TWO STRIKING STATEMENTS

After that rebuke of Philip, we are consoled in our Gospel passage today. Read again the verses toward the end of the passage. There are two striking statements from Jesus: first, that “whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these”; and second, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do.”

       Can we believe this? Yes, in a certain sense we can, indeed, “surpass” Jesus. We can do greater works than He did, because He has empowered us and we are the ones continuing at present the work that He started here in this world.

       And then it’s almost as if we like to answer back our Lord: “Really, Lord? Whatever? As in, like, erase my debts, make me instantly rich, and grant me that U.S. visa?” Now, of course, our Lord is far more than a wish-granting genie, and we are not that over-eagerly foolish, greedy and avaricious. If ever, we can ask of God something far greater or deeper. But there are also times when He seems not to answer our petitions. In situations like this, let us ask ourselves if we are truly calling on the Lord to seek His will and to ask for strength and patience, or if we are simply asking Him to bypass an unpleasant step in His mysterious plan for our lives.

       Instead of asking God for such a shortcut, let’s implore Him to make us “surpass” His Son Jesus, that we carry on even more what He did in His lifetime.

        Full of faith and trust, let us commit ourselves to God’s holy will. May Mary, our Lady of Fatima, be always our nurturing mother. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

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

If you believe in the extraordinary words of the Lord in today’s Gospel, then why are you still mediocre and afraid in your life?

Thank You, Lord, for Your powerful words. You assure, enlighten, and fortify us always. Let this Word of Yours be ever our strength and delight. Amen.