“Lord, why did I ever meet You? Now I face so many trials.” That was of my rare and candid questions when I was confronted by life’s struggles.

As a Feast builder, husband, and father of two, I carry responsibilities that sometimes feel too heavy—leading a ministry, providing for my family, and securing our finances. “Lord, why is this so hard?”

Jeremiah’s words in our key verse resonate deeply. I, too, have struggled with doubts, wondering if I am on the right path. Yet, just as Jeremiah couldn’t hold back proclaiming God’s Word, I, too, cannot ignore the fire in my heart. Even when I want to quit, something within me pushes forward.

Surrender is the only way. When I let go of my plans and trust in His, things begin to unfold wonderfully. Obedience is hard, but God’s faithfulness is matchless. He will provide—and oftentimes, His provision is His presence by our side.

For me, that is always more than enough. 

Stephen Nellas (hacksfordads@gmail.com)

reflect

Do you sometimes feel like the world is making you regret your decision to follow Jesus? Recall the times He delivered you and never let you down.

Jesus, my Savior, help me to be brutally honest with You, knowing that You will never abandon me even when I’m full of doubt.

St. Jeanne Jugan, pray for us.

First Reading | Jeremiah 20:7-9

Jeremiah describes the persuasive power of God with striking honesty: "You duped me, O Lord, and I allowed myself to be duped." This passage reveals how God draws us to Himself, gently leading us into faith even before we fully grasp His workings. Such is the way of the Holy Spirit—constantly moving, always drawing us closer to God.

⁷ You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. ⁸ Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day. ⁹ I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

² O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) ³ Thus, have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory,  ⁴ for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 5 Thus, will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 6 As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R) 8 You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. 9 My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. (R)

Second Reading | Romans 12:1-2

Our minds play a central role in conversion. While faith may be awakened through various experiences, it ultimately requires a conscious acknowledgment of Gospel truth. Faith is not merely instinct or emotion—it carries a rational depth that strengthens us to endure hardships and trials. Paul understands this and calls us to a renewal of our minds, aligning our thoughts with the wisdom of God.

¹ I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. ² Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.  

Gospel | Matthew 16:21-27 

Jesus teaches that we cannot save ourselves from sin. If we persist in self-sufficiency, the result will be disastrous. We must surrender this illusion of independence and acknowledge our need for Jesus as our Redeemer. Only then will we walk the path that leads to salvation—a path that is never easy but always worth following. Let us pray for the grace of humility, that we may receive the abundant gifts God offers us along the way.

Gospel Acclamation

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call. 

²¹ Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. ²² Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” ²³ He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” ²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.”

Reflect

What are the graces that you ask from the Lord to help you stay on the path to eternal life?

Read the Bible in one year! Read PSALMS 26 - 30 today.

Jesus—Messiah and Son of God: This was Peter’s confession when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I Am?” After praising Peter and giving him the keys to the Kingdom, Jesus immediately forbade the disciples from telling anyone He was the Messiah. This warning was necessary to avoid misunderstanding the nature of His mission.

“Messiah” means “anointed”—a title often associated with a political and military leader who would come from David’s line, unite the tribes of Israel, and establish peace. This was the popular expectation—a triumphant, powerful ruler. But Jesus redefines the role of the Messiah. In today’s Gospel, He tells His disciples plainly that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the elders, be killed, and rise on the third day.

Peter is shocked and tries to stop Him. For Peter, and likely the others, a suffering Messiah was inconceivable. But Jesus rebukes him sharply: “Get behind me, Satan.” The very one He had called “rock” now becomes a stumbling block. Peter’s objection echoes the temptations Jesus faced in the desert—a call to glory without the cross.

Jesus then lays out the true cost of discipleship: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” This was not just for Peter and the Twelve, but for all who follow Him. The way of the cross is demanding, yet it is the only path to resurrection. Early Christians who suffered for their faith found strength in these words. Though they lost much for Jesus’ sake, they trusted in His promise of life beyond suffering. His words remain a challenge and a consolation to all who walk the same path today. 

Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB 

reflection questions

What makes your life as a Christian difficult in these times? What are your crosses in your daily life? Do they make you a better disciple?

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, strengthen me to bear my daily crosses in life. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ______________________________