Give or Take?

 

Gospel 

Mark 7:14-23

Reading

“Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” - Mark 7:14-15

Revelation

It is not what you take but what you give that matters. Where your heart goes, your body follows. Being healthy is not just physical. It requires a life of righteousness and discipline. We should guard our hearts and minds and strive for righteousness knowing that we are accountable for the thoughts and intentions that come from within us.

Reflection

Man is more cautious on the health of his body than on the condition of his soul. The life bearer is the soul and not the body. We may be of sound health in terms of physical fitness but if we do not focus on what is more essential in our lives by way of guarding our hearts and minds from evil thoughts and doings, we may find ourselves outside of God's kingdom.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You call us to understand and hear Your truth, that nothing from outside can defile us, but what comes from within our hearts can lead us astray. Help us to guard our hearts and minds, and to seek purity and righteousness in our thoughts and actions.

Grant us the grace to let go of external distractions, and focus on cultivating a heart filled with Your love and goodness. May Your Spirit guide us in our daily lives, so that what flows from within us reflects Your light and truth.

Amen.

Are there Traditions or Habits in us that have become Empty Rituals?

 

Gospel

Mark 7:1-13

Reading

You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” (Mark 7:13)

Revelation

True purity comes from within, not from external rituals. It is important for us to have inner righteousness and sincerity over merely following religious rituals or traditions. Jesus’ words challenge us to move beyond mere ritual or tradition and to focus on the heart of God’s law—justice, mercy, and love. This passage calls attention to the importance of authenticity in our relationship with God, reminding us that true worship is not about outward conformity but about aligning our hearts with God’s will.

Reflection

Jesus invites us to return to the heart of worship, where love for God and neighbor takes precedence over mere rule-following. We should prioritize God's commandments above human traditions and to avoid using religious practices as an excuse to neglect our responsibilities. Our actions should align with our words and that our faith is genuine. May we seek a faith that is not just outwardly visible but deeply rooted in sincere devotion and compassion. Today, let us pray for the wisdom to discern what truly honors God and the courage to let go of anything that keeps us from wholehearted discipleship.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You remind us to prioritize Your word, above all human traditions we hold dear. Grant us the wisdom to discern and follow, the path of righteousness, ever clear.

Help us to honor Your commandments, and to align our hearts with Your will. May we cast aside empty rituals, and seek Your truth, our spirits to fill.

Guide us to live with integrity, in faithfulness to Your holy name. For Your word is our eternal foundation, and in Your love, we find our aim.

Amen.

Have you Experienced the Power of Touch?

 

Gospel

Mark 6:53-56

Reading

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

(Mark 6:56)

Revelation

The Lord has brought me to a deeper dimension of faith and that is the "power of touch". A touch is a concrete expression of faith and love. If I regularly touch my love ones, it gives them the assurance that I truly love them and the confidence that "all will be well" for I am always with them.

Reflection

God's touch is a concrete expression of His great love and assurance that all will be well. In it flows hope that the receipient will experience the message that it brings. One touch and "all will be well", an assurance that the Lord Jesus Christ tells you today. Wherever there is peace, you will recognize the presence of God. He makes all things well so that you can enjoy the fullness and pleasures of life. This is how the Lord manifests His love for His people.

Reading

Lord Jesus, 

You traveled through villages, towns, and countryside, bringing hope and healing to those in need. We come before You with faith, seeking Your touch to heal our hearts and bodies.

Grant us the grace to believe in Your power, and to reach out with faith, knowing that even the smallest touch of Your love can bring profound healing and peace.

Help us to trust in Your mercy, and to find comfort in Your presence. May Your healing grace flow through us, restoring us to wholeness and strength.

Amen.

Do you Stand Up for What is Right?

 

Gospel

Mark 6:14-29

Reading

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” - Mark 6:14

Revelation

We should not forsake the truth just so we can please other people. The two mighty powers that are at work today comes from people who rule and govern such as political, government, business, and religious leaders but what matters most are the mighty powers that come from Lord Himself. Powers that bring to fold the true meaning and value of living and speaking the truth in the face of having deceitful and corrupt beaurocracy.

Reflection

It is not right to compromise our morals because of peer pressure. We should stand up for what is right, be courageous in our convictions, seek justice, and live with integrity, even in the face of danger or opposition.  Let us be advocates for justice and righteousness, standing against wrongs even when it is difficult.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You gave John the courage to speak the truth, even when faced with danger and opposition. Help us to stand firm in our convictions, and to trust in Your guidance and protection.

Grant us the strength to speak out against injustice, and the wisdom to do so with love and compassion. May we be righteous and holy in Your sight, and find comfort in Your presence, even in times of trial.

Amen.

Source: Conversation with Copilot

Did you Take Anything?

Gospel

Mark 6:7-13

 

Reading

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. (Mark 6:8)

Revelation

God is calling us to step out in faith, trusting not in our own resources but in His provision. He challenges us to let go of our need for control and security and instead embrace the journey that He has set before us. May we be open to God’s direction, courageous in our witness, and confident that even when we face rejection, we are never sent alone.

Reflection

God will provide and meet our needs as we carry out His work. When we are called to serve, God equips us with the necessary authority and power to fulfill our mission. We are to travel light and focus on our mission without being burdened by material possessions. Let us be open to the Lord’s transformative work in our lives and the lives of others.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You called and sent forth Your disciples, Grant us the courage to follow in their steps. Empower us with Your authority over all that is unclean and fill our hearts with unwavering faith. 

Help us to trust in Your provision, taking nothing but Your guidance for our journey. May we rely on Your strength and grace, as we spread Your love and message.

Guide us with Your wisdom and keep us humble and focused on Your mission. In Your name, we seek to serve, For Your glory, we strive to be faithful.

Amen.

Source: Conversation with Copilot

Do I See the Inside or the Outside?

 

Reading

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4)

Revelation

Honor, family reputation, and social status play significant roles in shaping public opinion. We may sometimes allow doubt or skepticism to cloud our faith where familiarity or preconceived notions prevent us from recognizing God’s work. Today, we are called to consider the challenges of faith and the obstacles that familiarity can create when encountering the divine. Let us approach each day with openness and humility, trusting that God can work in unexpected ways—even through those closest to us or in the most familiar places.

Reflection

Openness and belief are important in experiencing God’s work, and it challenges us to examine how our own preconceptions might limit our encounter with the divine. We should be open to God's message, regardless of the messenger's background. Familiarity can sometimes breed contempt and prevent us from recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Let us cultivate a strong and unwavering faith, persevere and stay committed to our calling even when faced with skepticism and opposition.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You faced rejection in Your own hometown, Yet You remained steadfast in Your mission. Grant us the strength to persevere, even when we face doubt and skepticism from those close to us. Help us to honor Your calling, and to trust in Your guidance and love. May we find courage in Your example and remain faithful to Your will.

Amen.

“Who has Touched My Clothes?”

 

Reading

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:30)

Revelation

Faith, not status or ritual purity, grants access to God’s power. Even a small act of faith can lead to profound healing and transformation. Let us overcome fear with faith, trusting in Jesus' power to heal and transform our lives.

Reflection

Jesus has divine authority over life, death, and illness. His compassion and his willingness to respond to those marginalized by society, reveals the inclusive and transformative nature of His ministry. Our act of reaching out to Jesus defies social norms and religious prohibitions, underscoring our hope and courage in the face of adversity.

Today, we are invited to consider the power of faith and the inclusivity of Jesus' love. Whether we identify with Jairus, seeking help for a loved one, or with the woman longing for healing and restoration, this passage reminds us that Jesus responds to those who come to Him in faith, regardless of their status or circumstances. 

Let us reflect on our own lives and remember that, even in moments of despair or isolation, reaching out to Jesus can bring hope, healing, and new beginnings.

Response

Lord Jesus, 

You have shown us the power of faith, And the healing that comes from Your grace. We thank You for Your boundless mercy, And the peace that You bring to our hearts.

Help us to trust in Your love, And to have faith in Your healing power. Guide us to live in Your peace, And to share Your compassion with others.

Amen.

Source: Conversation with Copilot