I’ve always been in awe of the people who can defend the Catholic faith in debates. These apologists are people gifted with the fire and words to prove the validity of our beliefs, sacraments, and teachings.

But I also know that we all have unique gifts we can use to proclaim God’s Word. I’m blessed to be a part of Shepherd’s Voice Publications, whose Kerygma (now Feast Magazine)   was once hailed as the “Publishing Miracle of Asia.” Here, we do not stand in debate pulpits, but we write and publish inspirational books and magazines that change millions of lives. Together with Shepherd’s Voice Radio and TV, we produce inspirational media to spread God’s Word.

This is our way of fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave His disciples. I’m sure you also have your own way, and God honors that too. May we continue to take part in the Great Commission and spread His Word to believers and nonbelievers alike. 

Karren Renz P. Sena (karren.sena@gmail.com)

reflect

How has God called you to do His mission? What personal or communal ministry are you called to be in? How do you help share His Word?  

Father, I thank You for the honor and privilege of working for You. You called me by my name and equipped me with all the graces I need to fulfill Your mission for us. Whenever I stumble, please be my strength and help me to stand up again. Amen. 

St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina, pray for us.

First Reading | Proverbs 30:5-9

We should never pray for an overabundance of blessings unless our intention is to give them away to the poor. Do we truly need more than we can use? May we learn to ask only for what we need, not merely what we desire. Let us be guided by this timeless saying: “Live simply, so that others may simply live.” In other words, do not consume for the sake of consumption—you may be using what is essential to another’s survival.

⁵ Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. ⁶ Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver. ⁷ Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: ⁸ Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; ⁹ lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

R: Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

²⁹ Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. (R) ⁷² The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) ⁸⁹ Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. (R) ¹⁰¹ From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. (R) ¹⁰⁴ Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way. (R) ¹⁶³ Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love. (R)

Gospel | Luke 9:1-6

"Trust in God" must be the mantra of our lives. When we place our faith in Him, little can divert us from His will. Trusting in God may seem ordinary, but it is anything but dull. We are drawn to the thrill of action movies and daring stunts—yet true excitement lies in Gospel living. Once you embrace it, you will never crave worldly adventure again. Following Christ is the greatest journey we can embark on.

Gospel Acclamation

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.

¹ Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, ² and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³ He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. ⁴ Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. ⁵ And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” ⁶ Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

Reflect

How is your faith journey with Jesus? What adventures has He led you to experience? 

Read the Bible in one year! Read PSALMS 141 - 145 today.

The Calling of Every Baptized Christian

The Gospel today has only six verses, but they say a lot about what Christian discipleship entails. To be called is to belong. To be sent out is to detach. These are two important moments in the business of discipleship. To belong refers to union. To send them out refers to mission.

These two moments are inseparable. Union without mission is like preparing for a marathon without running. Mission without union is like running a marathon without training.

Union precedes mission. The wise principle says, “You cannot give what you do not have.” So if the Twelve were expected to Christify the world, they need to be with Christ, to spend time with Him, to “waste” time with Him.

Mission necessarily flows from union. The mission of the Twelve is to be Christ to the world. “Christ” means the Anointed One. The Twelve cannot anoint the world from within. They cannot anoint the world insulated from the world. They need to get out, to be sent, to go out on mission.

What does this have to do with you and me? Well, if you consider yourself a Christian, this is your calling. A Christian is not a real Christian if union with Christ is not his heart’s compelling desire.

St. Padre Pio, whose feast we celebrate today, takes prayer as the heart of Christian life: “Prayer is the best weapon we possess, the key that opens the heart of God.” Encounter Jesus in the regularity of personal prayer. Meet Christ in the Scriptures. Be cleansed by His forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Above all, be one with Him in His Real Presence in the Eucharist. And then, share Christ to the world. Be Christ to others in works of charity. Serve Him in the poor and in the needy. Share the beauty of Christ in the witness of your life. Invite others with the fragrance of joy in the Spirit. 

Fr. Joel O. Jason

reflection question

Don’t let your Christianity be just nominal. Make it phenomenal!

Here I am, Lord, send me. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________________