Are you a Silent Worker?

 

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid 

to take Mary your wife into your home. 

For it is through the Holy Spirit 

that this child has been conceived in her."

(Matthew 1:20)

Joseph’s story invites us to consider the quiet places where God may be speaking. Perhaps there is an area of our lives where we feel uncertainty, confusion, or even fear. Joseph reminds us that God’s presence often appears in unexpected circumstances, and that surrendering our plans can open the door to grace. Let today be a day of trustful obedience—not rushed, not forced, but rooted in the confidence that God is with us, guiding us gently.

Within first century Jewish culture, betrothal was legally binding—more serious than modern engagement. Breaking it required a formal divorce. Honor and shame shaped social life. A woman found pregnant before living with her husband faced severe disgrace. Jesus’ birth is introduced not only through Mary’s perspective (as in Luke), but also through Joseph’s obedience, highlighting his role in legally establishing Jesus within the line of David.

Joseph is called “a righteous man,” not because he follows the law rigidly, but because he chooses mercy over punishment. His righteousness is relational, compassionate, and obedient. He never speaks a word in Scripture, yet his actions preach loudly. His obedience is immediate, quiet, and total. Silence can be holy—a space where God speaks and we listen.

Lord Jesus, You who entered our world in humility and love, teach my heart to trust You as Joseph did. When my plans crumble or confusion rises, remind me that You are Emmanuel—God with us. Give me the courage to obey Your voice, the gentleness to choose mercy, and the faith to surrender my fears into Your hands. Be born anew in my life today. Amen

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Who is Your Root?

 

Thus the total number of generations 

from Abraham to David is 

fourteen generations; 

from David to the Babylonian exile, 

fourteen generations; 

from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, 

fourteen generations. 

(Matthew 1:17)

No bloodline is pure and perfect. Even the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ shows that in His humanity, He came from a generation of mixed people who are either saints or sinners. But this did not affect in any manner God's plan of salvation for the whole human race. In Him, we became children of God. His divinity has overthrown all our imperfections. This is His glory that is upon us today.

We all have different origins and yet we all belong to one big family. The genealogy reminds us that salvation is not an event but a process. And success is determined not so much by commitment to a vision as to a process. The problem is, most of us are committed to a vision but hardly to the process. Whether it be in everyday life or in the spiritual life, it is our commitment to the process that will carry us through.

God remembers His promises.  He works slowly but faithfully. His salvation took generations. Even when Israel was in exile, God was still moving. His grace includes the unexpected. Outsiders and sinners are woven into the Messiah’s lineage. Jesus is the center of history—and the center of our story. Your story is unfolding too. Your past does not disqualify you. God uses broken people to build beautiful things.

Take a moment to breathe and imagine your life as part of a long, sacred story. You are not an accident. You are not forgotten. God has been weaving threads long before you were born, and He continues to weave today.

Lord Jesus, Son of David and Son of Abraham, You entered our world through a long line of imperfect people, showing that nothing is beyond Your redemption. Thank You for stepping into human history—and into my own story. Heal what is broken in my family. Redeem what feels lost, and let Your grace flow through my life as it flowed through generations before You. Teach me to trust Your timing, to walk with patience, and to believe that You are working even when I cannot see it. Write the life You have in me into Your very own story of love and salvation. Amen.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Do I Walk My Talk?

 

The man came to the other son 

and gave the same order. 

He said in reply, 

‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.

(Matthew 21:30)

Obedience is not by words but in deeds. It is easy to say yes in doing a particular task or work but to actually do it is an entirely different thing. We should do what we say and always be true to our commitments. Let our yes mean yes and our no mean no.

There are times when we want to get things done but somewhere along the way, we have failed to do it. There may be a lot of excuses or reasons but what matters most is our integrity. Actions reveal the truth of our hearts. Words matter, but obedience matters more. Saying “yes” to God is not enough — we must live it.

The parable is fundamentally about true obedience. The first son represents sinners who initially reject God but later repent and obey. The second son represents religious leaders who profess obedience but do not live it out. Jesus teaches that repentance + action = righteousness, not religious appearance. God’s Kingdom is open to those who respond to His call with humility, not those who rely on status or reputation.

God looks at sincerity, humility, and transformation. Even those society rejects can turn toward God and be welcomed. The last can become first; the broken can become beloved.

Where in my life am I like the first son — hesitant, resistant, or afraid — yet still being called gently by God to step into the vineyard? And where might I be like the second son — saying “yes” outwardly but holding back in practice? Jesus isn’t condemning; He’s inviting. Inviting us into integrity, into alignment, into the joy of doing the Father’s will. Let this day be a quiet turning — a small “yes” lived out in action, not just intention.

Lord Jesus, You see beyond my words and into my heart. You know the places where I hesitate, resist, or delay. Give me the grace to respond to You with sincerity. Teach me to obey not out of fear, but out of love. Where I have said “no,” help me turn back to You. Where I have said “yes” without action, strengthen my will. Make my life a true offering — not in appearance, but in faithful, humble obedience. Lead me into Your vineyard today, and stay with me as I work for Your Kingdom. Amen.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Are You the One?

 

When John the Baptist heard in prison 

of the works of the Christ, 

he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, 

“Are you the one who is to come, 

or should we look for another?” 

(Matthew 11:2-3)

Even the faithful experience doubt. John, the fiery prophet, needed reassurance. His question reflects longing, the ache of waiting, and the human desire for clarity in moments of suffering. Doubt is not failure—it’s part of the journey. Jesus answers with presence, not explanations. He points to what God is doing, not to abstract arguments.

Jesus responds not with a title but with evidence: “The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” These signs echo Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus is saying: “Yes, I am the One—but My kingdom unfolds through compassion, not conquest.”

God’s kingdom grows quietly. Healing, mercy, and good news to the poor are the true signs of divine power. Greatness in God’s eyes is different from greatness in the world. Humility, openness, and trust draw us closest to Him.

Where in your life are you waiting for God to move? Where do you feel like John—uncertain, tired, or longing for clarity? And where might Jesus already be at work, quietly healing, restoring, and opening new paths? Sometimes the answer to our prayers is already unfolding, but we need the eyes to see it.

Lord Jesus, when my heart feels uncertain, meet me the way You met John— with signs of Your goodness, with reminders of Your nearness, with the quiet strength of Your love. Open my eyes to the ways You are already healing my life. Open my ears to the good news You speak into my fears. Open my heart to trust You more deeply today. Make me a witness of Your compassion, a bearer of Your hope, and a humble servant of Your kingdom. Amen.

What must Come First?

 

"To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 

But I tell you, Elijah has already come, 

and they did not recognize him, 

but have done to him everything they wished. 

In the same way the Son of Man 

is going to suffer at their hands."

(Matthew 17:11-12)

The day has come for the Lord Jesus to restore all things. Like Jesus, we may  have gone through the path of persecution, pain, and suffering so that we may learn, understand, and accept His plan of salvation over the life He has given us in this world. 

God's will may involve hardship and suffering, but it will surely lead to ultimate fulfillment and glory. His glory can only be understood through the Cross and Resurrection. Glory without the Cross is incomplete. Glory comes, but only through the path of surrender. We don’t need to see the whole plan to keep walking with Jesus.

The disciples have just seen Jesus in dazzling glory, yet the very next words they hear are about suffering, silence, and misunderstood prophecy. It’s a reminder that in the spiritual life, mountaintop moments and valley trials are not opposites—they belong together.

Maybe today we are carrying both light and burden. Maybe we have glimpsed God’s goodness but still walk through something unclear or painful. It is during these times when the Lord invites us to trust that His work in our lives is unfolding even when we don’t fully understand it. Like John the Baptist’s hidden faithfulness, preparation often happens quietly, 

Lord, help me recognize Your presence in both the shining moments and the difficult ones. Teach me to trust the slow unfolding of Your plan and give me the courage of John the Baptist—to prepare the way for You in my heart and in the world.

Restore All Things

 

Gospel

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijahhas already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 

Historical Background

This passage takes place immediately after the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. As they descend the mountain, Jesus commands them not to tell anyone about the vision until after His resurrection. This secrecy protects the meaning of the event—His glory can only be understood through the Cross and Resurrection.

The disciples then ask about the Jewish expectation that Elijah must return before the Messiah. This belief comes from Malachi 3:23 (4:5), a prophecy deeply embedded in Jewish tradition. Jesus affirms the prophecy but reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” and suffered rejection just as Elijah did.

Theological Context

Jesus identifies John as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy. John’s mission of repentance prepared the way for Christ, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s intervention.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine identity, but He insists it must be interpreted through His suffering and resurrection. Glory without the Cross is incomplete. His command to keep the vision secret shows that God’s plan unfolds gradually. The disciples are not yet ready to understand the fullness of what they witnessed until after Easter.

The disciples struggle because they expect a triumphant Messiah, not one who suffers. Jesus gently corrects them, preparing them for His Passion.

Learning Lessons

Jesus uses this moment to prepare His disciples for His own suffering and death. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the path of sacrifice and redemption that Jesus took for our salvation.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus faced suffering and rejection. This teaches us that following God's will may involve hardship and persecution, but it also leads to ultimate fulfillment and glory.

Jesus confirms that Elijah has come, referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. The people did not recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come. We should be attentive and discerning, recognizing God's messengers and the ways He works in our lives.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's promises, be discerning of His messengers, accept the reality of suffering in the pursuit of righteousness, and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. 

Reflection for the Day

The disciples have just seen Jesus in dazzling glory, yet the very next words they hear are about suffering, silence, and misunderstood prophecy. It’s a reminder that in the spiritual life, mountaintop moments and valley trials are not opposites—they belong together.

Maybe today you’re carrying both light and burden. Maybe you’ve glimpsed God’s goodness but still walk through something unclear or painful.

Today, the Lord invites us to trust that His work in our lives is unfolding even when we don’t fully understand it. Like John the Baptist’s hidden faithfulness, preparation often happens quietly, 

Glory comes, but only through the path of surrender. We don’t need to see the whole plan to keep walking with Jesus.

To be sure, Elijah comes, 

Restoring all, as prophecy hums. 

But I tell you, he's already here, 

Unrecognized, yet ever near.

They did to him as they desired, 

In their hearts, no love inspired. 

In the same way, the Son of Man, 

Will suffer at their cruel hand.

A voice in the wilderness, calling clear, 

Prepare the way, the Lord is near. 

Yet blinded eyes and hardened hearts, 

Failed to see the sacred parts.

In suffering, redemption's plan, 

Through trials faced by the Son of Man. 

For in His pain, our hope is found, 

In His love, our souls are bound.

Lord Jesus, 

You spoke of Elijah's coming, and the restoration he would bring. Yet, he came unrecognized and suffered at the hands of men. 

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your messengers, And the courage to follow Your will. Help us to see Your hand in our lives, and to embrace the path You have set before us. As You faced suffering and rejection, give us the strength to endure our trials. May we remain faithful to Your call and find hope in Your promise of restoration.

Help us recognize Your presence in both the shining moments and the difficult ones. Teach us to trust the slow unfolding of Your plan, and give us the courage of John the Baptist—to prepare the way for You in our hearts and in the world.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church

THE COMING OF ELIJAH

Matthew 17:9-13

Gospel Acclamation

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

December 14, 2024, 9:24 AM  

Who is our Mother?

 

Mary said, 

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. 

May it be done to me according to your word.” 

(Luke 1:38)

The only sacrifice God is really interested in is that of our lives given in obedience to His will. Mary stands before us as a perfect example of obedience to God. In every step of the way, I have always been filled with the intercession of my most loving mother Mary.  Like her, we all have our struggles and trials to bear in our life journey. The greatest sacrifice we can offer to the Lord is obedience to His will. Let us open our hearts to God’s grace and imitate Mary in following wherever the Lord leads us.

It is always important to be open and obedient to God's plans for our lives. As God’s servant, we should demonstrate humility and recognize our role in God's greater plan. It is not just about us. We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Like Mary, we should show our willingness to obey God's will, even when it was unexpected and challenging. Her acceptance of the angel's message reflects her deep faith and trust in God. She believed that God's word would be fulfilled, even though she did not fully understand how. This encourages us to have faith and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Accepting God's will require courage, as it meant facing potential social stigma and personal challenges. This teaches us to be courageous in following God's call, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to be obedient, humble, faithful, and courageous in our walk with God. 

Lord Jesus, behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, with a heart full of humility and grace. May it be done to me according to Your word, as I seek to follow Your divine will. Grant me the strength to embrace Your plans, even when they are beyond my understanding. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and love, and to walk in faith, guided by Your light. May my life be a testament to Your glory, As I serve You with a willing heart. Let Your word be fulfilled in me, and may Your presence be my constant guide. Amen.

Published:

December 08, 2025, 6:28 AM