June 12, 2024, Independence Day, was when we launched our Feast in the University Belt in Manila, attended by students and young professionals. As the builder, it was memorable and meaningful, especially because it contributes to nation building, blessing and preparing our next generation of leaders, servants, and change makers.

There is much hope, joy, and love in planting this safe space and support community. But on the flip side, we recognize that since most of our attendees are students who don’t have the means to give financially, our capacity to sustain the gatherings is a challenge. It’s also a midweek gathering, both in person and online, so we had a hard time getting volunteers and servants.

Despite all these challenges, we are not just surviving but thriving in spreading the Good News and in making disciples for Jesus. 

JC Libiran (coachjclibiran@gmail.com) 

reflect

“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)

Jesus, may I proclaim Your truth with love and humility. Amen.

Saint Nennoc, pray for us.

Nothing could stop Paul from proclaiming the Gospel. Though bound in chains, he continued to share the Good News with his jailers and those who visited him in prison. Paul understood the treasure he had received through his faith in Jesus Christ. Let us embrace this reality with the same conviction. If we do, we may soon transform the world.

⁸ Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; ¹² if we persevere, we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him, he will deny us. ¹³ If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. ¹⁴ Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. ¹⁵ Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.  

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

⁴ Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, ⁵ guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) ⁸ Good and upright is the Lord; thus, he shows sinners the way. ⁹ He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) ¹⁰ All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. ¹⁴ The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)  

Gospel | Mark 12:28-34

The call to love God and neighbor encapsulates the essence of the Ten Commandments. However, it is just as essential that we live out their prescriptions. Knowing the truth without practicing it leads only to hypocrisy. Today, the Gospel calls for holy men and women who embody the message of love—the very love for which Jesus gave His life.

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

²⁸ One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” ²⁹ Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! ³⁰ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. ³¹ The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” ³² The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. ³³ And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” ³⁴ And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Read the Bible in one year! Read  1 KING 1 - 2 today.

I borrow the title from Matthew Kelly because today’s Gospel is full of superlatives. We are told to love God with a quadruple force: heart, soul, mind, and strength. And there is an addendum: we ought to love our neighbor as ourselves. That makes it four plus one!

The scribe who came forward with the stunning question about what is the first among the commandments was, to all appearances, a perfect student. After hearing the no-nonsense response of the Lord, the roles were reversed. The scribe praised the Lord. The student lauded the teacher: “Well said, Teacher. You are right in saying that He is One and there is no other than He.”

What teacher among us would not feel elated to hear such approving remarks from a perfect student? But Jesus said something astounding to the student, who knew his onions and also minded his p’s and q’s. No, He did not give him a grade with flying colors. He did not declare him a perfect student. No summa cum laude certificate for him.

Jesus told the scribe what we would rather not hear, but what we really need to hear. The first part was right. The second part even better: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

I take this to mean two simple truths. One means: “You are getting there!” The second is just as important: “Get moving!” “Go on!” “Don’t stop now.” “A few more steps!”

Here’s a note to self: It is OK to be imperfect. It is all right to be perfectly imperfect. What is important is the destination, the goal. You may not be there yet, but you are not far. So keep moving. Strive to love with a four-plus-one attitude. 

Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB 

reflection questions

How near or far are you from loving God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength? What keeps you from loving Him 100 percent? 

Help me to love You more, Lord. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________________________