regan.ocd – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

May 17, 2025May 17, 2025

18th MAY 2025

Love One Another Stock Illustrations – 1,187 Love One Another Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

SUNDAY, FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 14: 21-27 Ps 145: 8-13 Rv 21: 1-5 Jn 13: 31-35

LOVE: THE KEY TO EASTER RENEWAL

From the missionary zeal of Paul and Barnabas in Acts, to the glorious vision of a new creation in Revelation, to Christ’s commandment of love in John’s Gospel, we see a common thread: God is making all things new, and we are called to be instruments of this transformation. Our first reading from Acts shows Paul and Barnabas at the heart of their missionary journey. They don’t just preach and move on; they strengthen the disciples, encourage them to persevere in faith, and even return to visit them, ensuring that the young Church is rooted in Christ. Notice their message: “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This is a crucial Easter truth: New life in Christ does not mean a life without suffering. Rather, it means that our sufferings are transformed by the grace of the resurrection. Paul and Barnabas knew this firsthand; they had been persecuted, stoned, and rejected, yet they kept going because they trusted in the Risen Lord’s promise. How do we respond to hardships in our faith journey? Do we see them as obstacles or as moments where God is refining us? Are we actively encouraging one another in faith, like Paul and Barnabas did? Or do we leave our brothers and sisters to struggle alone? The early Christians thrived because they were a community of believers, supporting one another. We must do the same.

In our second reading, we hear the breathtaking vision of St John: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race… He will wipe every tear from their eyes… ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” This is the ultimate fulfilment of Easter – the resurrection of all creation. God is not content with merely fixing the brokenness of the world; He is making it entirely new. This new creation is not just a future hope; it begins now. Every act of love, every moment of forgiveness, every work of mercy is a foretaste of this new reality. Are we living as people of the “new creation,” or are we still clinging to old ways of sin, despair, or selfishness? Are we a sign of this new creation? Do people encounter hope, healing, and reconciliation when they meet us? God is making all things new today, and we are part of that work.

Jesus gives us the key to this renewal in the gospel: “I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” This commandment is new not because love was unknown before, but because Christ has now given us the measure of love: “As I have loved you.” How did Jesus love us? Totally. Sacrificially. Without limits. He loved us to the point of laying down His life. This is the love that renews the world. This is the love that turns a group of fearful disciples into a Church that transforms history. Do we love with Christ’s self-giving love, or with a love that is conditional, impatient, or self-serving? Does our love extend beyond our comfort zone – to the poor, the marginalized, the difficult to love? Jesus says, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples.” Not by our words, not by our buildings, not by our traditions, but by our love. If the world is not seeing Christ in us, perhaps it is because we are not loving as He loved.

Easter is not just a season but a reality that must transform everything we are and do. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to be missionaries of hope, strengthening one another in faith. Like John’s vision, we are called to live now as people of the new creation, where God dwells among us. Like Jesus commands, we are called to love radically, so that the world may believe. This is the Easter mission: to be witnesses of resurrection, not just in what we say, but in how we live, love, and renew the world around us. Let us pray that the risen Lord may fill us with His Spirit, making us instruments of His love and renewal in the world. May our lives proclaim, in word and deed, that He is alive and that His kingdom is at hand.

Response: I well bless your name forever, my king and my God.

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025

17th MAY 2025

SATURDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 13:44-52 Ps 98:1-4 Jn 14:7-14

LET US ABIDE IN HIM

The Gospel passage of today presents the paradox in the life of the apostles: they physically walked with God incarnate yet still struggled to comprehend His divine nature. The words of the Lord – “I am in the Father and the Father is in me” – reveal the mystery we are invited to share. Unlike the disciples, we encounter Christ not in flesh but through faith, sacraments, and communion with His Body, the Church. This spiritual vision demands purer eyes that see beyond bread to recognize the Eucharistic Lord, beyond the ink of the written word of Scripture to hear the Living Word, beyond daily trials to perceive Divine Providence at work.

Our modern challenge mirrors the confusion of the apostles. We possess two millennia of theological development, countless devotional aids, and instant access to the sacred texts – yet like Philip, we still plead, “Show us the Father.” Why? Because knowing Christ intellectually differs radically from abiding in Him existentially. The saints demonstrate this distinction: St Francis of Assisi didn’t just study about poverty – he personified it; St Teresa of Avila didn’t merely analyse prayer – her life was prayer. Their knowledge emerged from loving obedience, as Jesus taught: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to make our home with them”

This Easter season, our “Alleluia” must transcend liturgy. The new life in the resurrection demands the proclamation to the world of the salvation that Christ brings by His triumphant victory over death. Yet before addressing distant corners of the earth, we must evangelize the hidden corners of our hearts. Intellectual knowledge about Jesus is easily shared; surrendering our entire selves to Him is harder. Transformation begins when we move from knowing about Christ to abiding in Him. Let this be our prayer: Lord, strip away my assumptions. Reveal Yourself to me anew; not through others’ experiences, but through Your living Word and sacramental presence. Make my heart Your dwelling place.

Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

16th MAY 2025

I am the way the truth and the life John 14:6 Bible verse wall art canvas - 16 x 24

FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 13: 26-33 Ps 2: 6-11 Jn 14: 1-6

WAY, TRUTH, LIFE

In a world that craves constantly for novelty and relative ‘truths,’ Jesus reminds us that He alone is the way to the Father, the ultimate truth that gives meaning to our existence, and the life that leads us to eternity.

To walk in the ‘Way’ of Christ is to follow Him. The first reading recounts how Jesus was condemned and put to death, yet raised to life by the power of God. His entire journey beautified by his obedience, suffering and its ultimately glory, reveals the way every Christian is called to tread. Like Jesus, we are called to take up our crosses, seeing them as stepping stones toward our own transformation in Christ. The Christian way is not about avoiding suffering but embracing it as a participation in Christ’s redemptive work.

Jesus is also the ‘Truth’ – the truth that suffering, when united with Him, is salvific. The world teaches us to reduce pain and maximize pleasure; yet Christ teaches the meaning behind suffering. His Passion was not in vain; it earned salvation for humanity. This is the truth that we must grasp: suffering, endured with faith, purifies, redeems, and ultimately leads to glory. Without discipline, there is no victory; without the cross, there is no resurrection.

Finally, Jesus is the ‘Life.’ A Christian’s life is not merely about life here on earth. It is a call to commune eternally with God. To live in Christ is to begin that eternal life here and now. Every Christian is called to live with this perspective, knowing that beyond the sufferings of this world lies the fullness of life in God’s presence.

Will we embrace Jesus as our Way, our Truth, and our Life? The road may be narrow, but it leads to heavenly glory – that is our faith. Let us not be afraid to walk along Christ the Way, to trust in Christ the Truth, and to hope in Christ the Life.

Response: You are my son. It is I who have begotten you this day.

May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

15th MAY 2025

My Reflections...: Reflection for May 7, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter: John 13:16-20

THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 13: 13-25 Ps 89: 2-3,21-22,25,27 Jn 13: 16-20

HUMILITY AND MISSION IN THE CHURCH

In the first reading, we see Paul proclaiming God’s faithfulness and the fulfilment of His promises through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one who brings salvation to whole humankind. Jesus is the one whom the prophets foretold, and His coming is the culmination of God’s revelation. The Church is called to continue this proclamation, sharing the Gospel with the world, and inviting all people to embrace the salvation brought by Jesus. As Pope Francis has stated in Evangelii Gaudium, “The Church’s mission is to be a witness of Jesus Christ, to bring His love, mercy, and forgiveness to all.” The saving message of the Lord is universal, transcending time and space, and is offered to all who will listen.

The gospel passage highlights the significance of humble service, which is the very essence of Christian discipleship. Despite being God, He does not come to be served but to serve. This is the foundation of His mission and, by extension, the mission of the Church. The Church exists not to elevate itself but to serve, to humble itself in imitation of Christ. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Church’s mission is to announce the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of truth and life, the Kingdom of holiness and grace, the Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.” The Church is called to be a servant to the world, bringing Christ’s light into the darkness, and offering His peace to all.

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized this humble service when he said in Spe Salvi, “The Church is not a private institution. It is a servant of the Kingdom of God, a servant of the truth and of humanity.” This calls us, as members of the Church, to express the same humility and service that Christ demonstrated. We are invited to serve in our families, communities, and the world, not for personal glory but for the sake of the Gospel.

Response: I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord.

May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

14th MAY 2025

St. Matthias, Apostle

WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Ps 113:1-8 Jn 15:9-17

DISCERNMENT, PRAYER, TRUST

The first reading highlights two key elements in the Christian life: discernment and prayer. We witness the apostles facing a critical moment in the early Church: restoring their number to twelve after Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. Rather than reacting out of confusion or frustration, the apostles turn to God for guidance. They recognize that the selection of a new apostle is not just about filling a vacancy but about fulfilling God’s divine plan. This teaches us that even in moments of loss, God is faithful to lead us toward restoration.

It is very essential that we use discernment, which is the ability to seek God’s will in decision-making. The apostles understood that their choice must be according to the divine will, not just to their own preferences. In our own lives, discernment is essential in navigating decisions, big or small. It involves seeking God’s wisdom and making decisions that help advance His purposes. The apostles then turn to prayer, asking God to reveal who should take Judas’ place. They trust that only God knows the hearts of men and can guide them in making the right choice. Thus prayer becomes the foundation for their decision-making process. Prayer is not just about asking God to bless our plans but about opening our hearts to His will. In today’s ‘busy’ world, we can often have the tendency to keep prayer aside, but it is crucial in helping us discern the way in which God is leading us.

Finally, after praying, the apostles cast lots, trusting that God would direct the outcome and Matthias is chosen. When we seek God earnestly through prayer, we can trust that He will lead us, even when the process seems uncertain. Life’s journey can feel clouded and shrouded in darkness at times, demanding leaps of faith. Yet amid such uncertainty, we’re held secure in God’s hands. Ultimately, it is God’s will that prevails, and we can be assured that His guidance is always perfect.

Response: The Lord set them with the princes of his people.

May 12, 2025May 12, 2025

13th MAY 2025

Acts 11:19-26 They Were Called Christians - Logos Sermons

TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

Acts 11:19-26 Ps 87:1-7 Jn 10: 22-30

THE ASSURANCE OF BELONGING

The readings of today remind us of the power of faith, and the assurance of God’s presence in our lives. The early Christians, amid persecution and challenges, discovered strength through community and the Gospel of hope. Their experience resonates with our own as we face our own struggles and uncertainties.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we witness how the Christians gathered together, sharing experiences and growing in faith. They understood community as essential; it was a source of support and encouragement. In our fast-paced world, isolation can easily creep in, yet we are called to actively seek and nurture meaningful connections. Like the early Christians, we too find strength when we share our stories, struggles, and successes with one another. The psalmist sings of the joy found in belonging to God’s city, where all are welcomed. This beautiful imagery challenges us to examine our own communities: Are we cultivating spaces of inclusion and acceptance? Each of us has a role in creating environments where others feel valued and loved. Through simple acts of kindness and understanding, we reflect God’s heart, drawing others into the warmth of His embrace. In the Gospel, Jesus reassures us: We are His sheep, and He knows us intimately. This promise brings comfort when life feels uncertain. Just as a shepherd guards and guides his flock, Jesus watches over us. In moments of doubt or fear, we can rest in the truth that we are deeply loved by God. He invites us once again today into a relationship rooted in trust, reminding us we are never alone.

As we honour Our Lady of Fatima today, we recall her role as a compassionate guide – always pointing us to her Son through prayer. Today, let us follow her example by reaching out to someone who may feel lost or disconnected. Whether through an invitation to fellowship or a simple word of kindness, we can help others experience the comforting sense of belongingness in God’s loving family.

Response: O praise the Lord, all you nations

May 11, 2025May 11, 2025

12th MAY 2025

The Good Shepherd – A reflection on Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10 – Insights Magazine

MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 11:1-18 Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4 Jn 10:1-10

TRUSTING IN THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

A small child gets lost in a big, busy market. Surrounded by unfamiliar voices and overwhelming noises, the child feels scared and confused. Then suddenly, a familiar voice calls out. Following that voice, the child finds safety in the loving arms of its parent. This simple imagery helps us understand how God calls us in daily life. He speaks to us leading us to safety. Yet life’s constant distractions mean we must consciously learn to hear and follow His voice.

Even Peter struggled to understand God’s plans. When he was shown a vision of animals – including those considered unclean by the Jews – and was commanded to eat, Peter resisted. This confusion revealed his limited understanding. But God was teaching him a vital truth: salvation is offered to all people, not just certain groups. Though Peter initially did not comprehend, his trust in God moved him to become an instrument in bringing about the divine plan for the pagans. Like Peter, we may find God’s guidance surprising and even confusing, yet His wisdom always surpasses ours.

The psalmist describes the soul’s longing for God as intensely as the panting of a thirsty deer for water. Just as water revives a parched throat, God’s guidance refreshes our souls, especially in life’s deserts. “Send me your light and truth,” the psalmist prays, reminding us that trusting God brings true security and joy.

Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. His sheep recognize His voice and follow, while rejecting the calls of strangers. Like a shepherd guarding his flock, Jesus protects and guides us. In our noisy world, we must train our ears to distinguish His voice from the rest, for only He leads to abundant life. God continues to speak every single day, but hearing requires stillness. Worries and distractions create noise, but consistent prayer tunes our hearts to His frequency. Those who learn to trust discover enduring peace, for our Shepherd never abandons His sheep.

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, the living God.

May 10, 2025May 11, 2025

11th MAY 2025

Scripture in Song: My sheep hear My voice John 10:27-28 - YouTube

SUNDAY, FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 13: 14, 43-52 Ps 100 Rv 7: 9, 14-17 Jn 10: 27-30

FOLLOWING THE TRUE SHEPHERD!

There is something unsettling about being lost; not knowing where you are, where to go, or whom to follow. It stirs up an unease that grips the heart. Yet, there is also something profoundly reassuring about hearing a familiar voice in that ‘lostness’. A voice that calls your name, that knows you, that leads you home. The Fourth Sunday of Easter, often called Good Shepherd Sunday, is not just about Christ as a leader but about the very voice that calls us out of confusion into clarity, out of fear into trust.

Imagine a crowded marketplace filled with a hundred different sounds – voices bargaining, footsteps rushing, music playing, notifications buzzing. This is the world we live in, a place where countless voices demand our attention. Amid all this, there is one voice, gentle, steady, calling out to us, by name. Jesus says that His sheep recognize His voice, not because it is the loudest, but because it is the truest. It is the voice that speaks to our deepest longing – the longing to be loved, to belong. The challenge is not that Christ is silent, but that we often lack the stillness to listen.

Following Christ is not always easy. The first reading shows Paul and Barnabas facing both welcome and rejection. Their mission was met with resistance, yet they did not retreat. They knew that the Shepherd’s path is not always smooth, but it is always true. We, too, face moments where faith seems inconvenient or even costly. Perhaps it involves standing up for what is right when it would be easier to stay silent. Maybe it is choosing integrity over personal gain, or remaining faithful when doubt creeps in. Being a disciple means trusting that even when the road is difficult, the Shepherd does not lead us astray. The second reading paints a vision of those who have endured life’s hardships and now stand before the throne of God. They have walked through trials but have not been left alone. They are led to springs of living water, their tears wiped away. This is the promise: the Shepherd does not just guide us through life, He leads us beyond it, into eternity. The struggles we endure are not meaningless. The sacrifices we make are not forgotten.

Yet, while eternity is our destination, our journey begins now. The Good Shepherd does not wait for us to be perfect before calling us. He meets us in our brokenness, in our doubts, in our failures. His leadership is not about dominance, but about love. It is an invitation, not a demand. The question is not whether Christ speaks, but whether we are willing to follow. Perhaps the greatest challenge is not just hearing the Shepherd’s voice but believing it enough to follow. We often want clarity, guarantees, signs. But often, God’s voice is found in quiet trust, in the gentle nudges of grace, in the simple yet profound words: “Follow me.”

But what does following really look like? It is not about having every answer or never feeling doubt. It is about moving forward despite uncertainty, about taking the next step even when the path is hidden. It is about trusting that the Shepherd knows the way, even when we do not. Following also means resisting the distractions that pull us away. The world will always have a louder voice, one that promises quick fulfilment, temporary happiness, instant gratification. But the Shepherd’s voice is different. It does not shout; it whispers. It does not coerce; it invites. It does not deceive; it leads to life.

Therefore, what does it mean to truly belong to Christ’s flock? It means surrendering the illusion of self-sufficiency. It means admitting that we need guidance, that we cannot navigate life’s challenges alone. True freedom is found in being led by the one who knows the way. To belong to the Shepherd’s flock is also to embrace community. Sheep do not travel alone; they move in a herd. We are called to support one another, to walk together, to remind each other of the Shepherd’s voice when the world’s noise drowns it out. So today, we ask ourselves: Am I listening? Or am I too caught up in the noise of the world? The Shepherd’s voice is never far. It is calling even now. The choice to follow is ours.

Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

May 9, 2025May 8, 2025

10th MAY 2025

SATURDAY, THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 9: 31-42 Ps 116: 12-17 Jn 6: 60-69

THE EASTER FAITH

In the first reading, we see the early Church flourishing “in the comfort of the Holy Spirit” after a period of persecution. The peace of the Risen Christ reigns as the Church grows in faith and numbers. Peter becomes an instrument of God’s healing power, raising Tabitha from the dead – a miracle that proclaims Jesus’ own resurrection and demonstrates that His victory over death is now at work through His disciples. Easter is not merely a historical event but an ongoing reality. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in the Church, bringing hope, healing, and new life to those who believe.

The gospel presents a stark contrast to the vibrant faith example of the disciples in the first reading. After the Lord’s challenging teaching on the Bread of Life, many of His disciples here turn away, finding His words too difficult to accept. However, Peter and his companions do not succumb to this temptation; rather, in the face of confusion and doubt, they cling to Christ as the only source of true life. This moment foreshadows the post resurrection faith of the apostles, who, after initially struggling to understand their Master’s mission, ultimately risk their lives for the truth of His resurrection.

Faith in the Risen Christ transforms doubt into conviction, death into life, and fear into bold witness. The growth of the early Church narrated in the Acts of the Apostles shows what happens when a community lives in the truth of the resurrection – miracles happen, lives are changed, and the Gospel spreads. At the same time, the gospel reminds us that believing in the Risen Lord is not always easy; it requires trust in His words even when they are difficult to accept. Filled with Easter joy, let us bear witness to the Risen Lord in both word and deed, trusting that His victory over death is still at work in us and through us today.

Response: How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?

May 8, 2025May 8, 2025

9th MAY 2025

FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1-2 Jn 6: 52-59

A MUTUAL ABIDING

Paul’s life prior to encountering Jesus was defined by relentless and violent efforts to eradicate the ‘followers of the Way.’ His dramatic transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer is a testament to the radical nature of his conversion. Like Paul, we often need crises to transform us; i.e., to break our resistance to God’s will, and ready us for it to be accomplished in our life. Paul’s story proves that no sin is too great, no evil too wicked to prevent us from receiving the grace of God and His unconditional love and mercy flowing from the cross. As Paul heard, we too are called: “Go…you will be told what to do.” A Christian is one who has ceased to do what he/she wants to do and who has begun to do what Christ wants him/her to do. This requires surrendering to God’s work of grace within us.

In the Gospel – the Eucharistic theme comes to the fore: “This is my body” – the bread that is Jesus Himself, giving life to the world. Unlike the manna in the wilderness that sustained solely the mortal life of the Israelites, the flesh and blood of the Lord offer eternal life. The eating of Christ’s flesh and the drinking of His blood brings about a mutual abiding of the believer and Christ, indicating a personal relationship of faith and trust, a sacred and extraordinary gift that is unmerited and incomprehensible. Furthermore, when Jesus commands us to drink His blood, He invokes deep Jewish understanding: blood represents life itself which belongs solely to God (Lev 17:11). Thus, He means: “Take My divine life into your deepest being.” In the Eucharist, we are nourished by the Bread of eternal life. But we must ask: Do we truly consume His Body and Blood with faith and love, thus opening ourselves to a mutual abiding? And secondly, if God’s gift is His very self, his “flesh and blood”, what gift do we offer in return?

Response: Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel.