Team Jesus

 Sunday's Gospel reminded me that faith is not just about knowing, but about doing. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus asks, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I command?" It made me reflect on my own life. Am I just going through the motions, or am I truly living out my faith? As a youth, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But Jesus' words challenge me to put my faith into action. Am I using my talents and abilities to serve others? Am I being kind and compassionate to those around me? In my daily life, I can start small. I can offer a smile to someone who needs it, or lend a helping hand to a friend. These little acts of kindness can make a big difference. Let's strive to live out our faith authentically, not just with our words, but with our actions. May we build our lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings, and may our faith shine brightly in all we do. - Neil Jeff Bacquial

This Gospel challenges our desire for power and recognition. James and John seek honor next to Jesus, but He teaches that true greatness lies in service, not status. He asks if they can endure the suffering and sacrifice required to follow Him. They agree, but Jesus explains that such positions are for those chosen by God. Unlike worldly rulers who dominate others, Jesus teaches that greatness in God's kingdom comes from serving. He tells His disciples, "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant." Jesus exemplifies this by coming not to be served, but to serve and give His life for others. This passage encourages us to rethink our views on leadership and success. In a world that values power and control, Jesus invites us to embrace humility, love, and service. True discipleship means prioritizing others and finding joy in serving them, following Christ’s example of selfless love. - Kobe Adana ccsscasasdawsdasdsdasdw

     In today's gospel, Jesus teaches us about what humility is all about. He clearly stated that the greatness in His Kingdom comes not from status or power, but from serving others. Moreover, Jesus reminds us that humility lies in caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable.    This could mean being kind to someone who feels excluded or recognizing that our achievements should not make us arrogant but inspire us to lift others up. It is much better to serve others selflessly and not thinking of receiving in return because knowing that this is what pleases our God.    This reflection encourages us to focus on being a humble and compassionate and not thinking solely on our personal success. It is very fulfilling if we also think of the well-being of those around us. By doing so, we can grow not only for ourselves mentally but also spiritually, following Christ’s example of servant leadership.               ...

   The Gospel passage addresses how the Pharisees and scribes were upset because Jesus’ followers didn’t follow the tradition of washing their hands before eating. They were more concerned about it because the Pharisees believed this washing was necessary to stay “pure” and “clean”. However, Jesus tells them that they are focusing too much on these man-made rules; they are misguided by it, but Jesus explains that it is not what we do outside but rather what really matters is what is inside our hearts; this includes our thoughts, intentions, and actions that come from within and what really makes a person unclean and impure isn’t how they don’t wash before eating but the bad thoughts and actions that come within their hearts.         In essence, Jesus is teaching us to prioritize our inner transformation over external conformity. Reminding us that purity comes from having a good heart. As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height...

        The gospel for today highlights the challenging nature of Jesus' teachings, and the importance of faith in truly understanding and accepting them.       Many of Jesus' own disciples found his words about the necessity of his body and blood for eternal life to be "hard" or difficult to accept. This shows that we humans tend to struggle with concepts that go beyond our natural understanding while Jesus’ teachings often had a deeper spiritual meaning that only Jesus or God knows. This also shows that faith is necessary in order to fully accept Jesus’ teachings, and that it is not enough to simply hear the words - we must also be willing to put our faith in them.      Ultimately, this gospel reminds us that following Jesus requires willingness and faith to understand the challenging truths of his teachings, and to rely on God's Spirit to guide our understanding. It's a call to a deeper level of commitment, beyond the surface level of...

       In the parable of Jesus, that the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who woke up early that hires workers for his vineyard. The landowner and the workers agreed on a silver coin for the day, when the landowner went out at nine in the morning, he saw idlers in the square so he said to them, “You, too, go to my vineyard and I will pay you what is just.” So they went. The land owner went out midday and the afternoon and did the same thing.      Finally he went out at the last working hour and he saw others standing there and he said to them, “Why do you stay idle the whole day?” They answered, “Because no one has hired us.” The landowner said, “Go and work in my vineyard.” And so they did.      When the evening came, the landowner told his manager to call the workers and give them their wages, beginning with the last and ending with the first. Those who worked at the last working hour they were given A silver coin each. When i...