SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

June 20, 2025June 20, 2025

21st JUNE 2025

Surrender your worries to GOD

SATURDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Cor 12: 1-10 Ps 34: 8-13 Mt 6: 24-34

SURRENDERING WORRY

“Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus assures us, yet worry often grips our hearts despite knowing that Christ holds our lives in His merciful hands. Today’s readings urge us to surrender every aspect of our existence to the Lord, who knows our struggles, our future, and the ultimate purpose of our journey. From the moment of our creation, God has seen the end from the beginning, weaving a divine plan for our lives. Worry, a reflection of human fragility, reveals our struggle to trust fully in His providence. Even Martha, in Luke 10:38-42, succumbed to worry, fretting over tasks while missing the “better part” that Mary chose – sitting attentively at Jesus’ feet.

Like Mary, we are called to pause, slow down, and listen to the Lord’s voice. This is not easy in a world that demands constant motion, but surrendering our anxieties allows us to hear God’s solutions. When we quiet our hearts, He speaks – perhaps through Scripture, circumstances, or the wisdom of others. Jesus, our Savior, cannot bear to see us consumed by worry. He invites us to trust patiently, assuring us that He provides what we need most, even if it differs from our desires. Whether it is food, clothing, shelter, or guidance, God is in control, faithfully sustaining us as He has since our time in our mother’s womb.

Our overthinking minds often amplify our fears, but faith calls us to release these burdens into Christ’s hands. He has carried us this far; will He not guide us through the days ahead? God’s providence may come through unexpected means, requiring us to discern His voice amidst life’s noise. Let us hold fast to faith, choosing to rest in His presence like Mary, confident that He knows everything. As we surrender our fragile, anxious hearts, we find peace in His promise to supply our deepest needs, leading us to a life of trust and divine assurance.

Response: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

20th JUNE 2025

Matthew 16:19 Artwork | Bible Art

FRIDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

2 Cor 11: 18, 21-30; Ps 34: 2-7; Mt 6: 19-23

LIVING WITH INTEGRITY

Today’s readings call us to reflect on the integrity of our commitments, the fleeting nature of material possessions, and the enduring value of our relationship with God. St. Paul proclaims the unwavering reliability of God’s promises: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ… was not ‘Yes and No,’ but in him it has always been ‘Yes.’” Paul assures us that God’s promises are not fickle like human assurances; they are steadfast and eternal. In Christ, every divine promise finds its fulfilment.

Human promises often falter – friends may disappoint, goals may remain unmet, and plans may fail. Yet, God’s “Yes” in Jesus remains unshakable, a beacon of trust in a world of broken assurances. This truth invites us to anchor our lives in Christ’s fidelity, finding peace in His eternal commitment to us. However, this hope demands a response: how do we live out this faith in our daily choices? Jesus challenges us to examine where we place our treasure: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Earthly wealth and ambitions are transient, vulnerable to decay and loss. Jesus urges us to invest in heavenly treasures – love, faith, and kindness – that endure forever. Consider a philanthropist whose legacy lies not in accumulated wealth but in lives transformed through generosity. Similarly, our true wealth is measured by the love we share, the lives we uplift, and our devotion to God.

The message of the Word of God is clear: God’s promises are unyielding, a foundation we can trust amid chaos. We are called to reorient our hearts, prioritizing eternal values over fleeting gains. By living with integrity; i.e., by reflecting God’s faithfulness in our actions, we store up treasures in heaven. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful stewards, placing God’s kingdom first and investing in what lasts: faith, relationships, and acts of love.

Response: The Lord rescues them in all their distress.

May 26, 2025May 26, 2025

27th MAY 2025

TUESDAY, SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 16: 22-34 Ps 138: 1-3, 7-8 Jn 16: 5-11

THE RESURRECTION TRANSFORMS

We continue to ponder the profound mystery of the resurrection of the Lord, and the readings of today testify to the power of this mystery in transforming and enriching the hearts of people from all walks of life, even that of a hardened jailer. Luke’s narrative in the first reading takes place in Philippi (modern-day Turkey), where Paul and Silas were proclaiming their experience of the Risen Lord and its radical impact on their lives. When their opponents lacking substantive arguments resorted to violence, the missionaries endured a severe beating with remarkable composure. Thrown into the prison’s innermost cell, they responded not with despair but with prayers and hymns, as if celebrating a great blessing.

Suddenly, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, throwing open all its doors. The jailer, presuming that all the prisoners had escaped and dreading punishment, prepared to take his life. At that critical moment came Paul’s cry: “Do not harm yourself; we are all here!” This extraordinary act of integrity on the part of these prisoners shocked the jailer, and became for him his moment of conversion. Encountering the power of the resurrection in this experience, he asked for the gift of salvation.

This is evangelization. It is the fruit of authentic Christian witness. As Jesus declared, the world will recognize his disciples not by miracles but by their resemblance to Him. The Gospel passage of today confirms that the power of Christian witnessing that draws people to Christ and His Gospel of salvation is by the Holy Spirit, who teaches the world of the destructiveness of sin, reveals the way of true righteousness, and prepares souls for the final judgment. Today, we are called to cling to the Risen Lord, allowing our lives to become living Gospels that testify to the transforming experience of the resurrection. Like Paul and Silas, may our steadfast joy in adversity become the most compelling testimony to the victory of Christ over sin and death.

Response: With your right hand you save me, O Lord.

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025

26th MAY 2025

Christian Inspirational Scripture - Now FAITH is ... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

MONDAY, SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri

Acts 16: 11-15 Ps 149: 1-6, 9 Jn 15: 26 — 16: 4

JOY IS THE HALLMARK OF FAITH

In the first reading, Lydia’s heart is opened by the Lord to the message of Paul, leading her to embrace the faith and share her joy through hospitality. This act of welcoming Paul into her home illustrates how joy can foster community and connection, reflecting the essence of the Gospel. Similarly, in the passage of the gospel, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and comfort the disciples, emphasizing that true joy is rooted in the presence of God in their lives. The joy that Lydia experiences upon receiving the Good News mirrors the joy that Jesus promises to His followers, a joy that transcends circumstances and is anchored in divine love.

In a world plagued by trials and suffering, the joy that springs from faith can serve as a beacon of hope. St. Philip Neri, whose feast is celebrated today, understood that true joy comes from a relationship with God, and he sought to share this joy with everyone he encountered. He believed that a joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one. This perspective is particularly relevant today, as many face challenges that can lead to despair and hopelessness.

Today as we celebrate the feast of St. Philip Neri, let his life inspire all of us. He is often referred to as the “Apostle of Joy,” as he embodied a vibrant faith that radiated happiness and hope, encouraging those around him to embrace the joy of the Gospel. Let joy be the hallmark of our faith, nourishing our relationships and promoting fraternity and a sense of community. Our world is in great need of the light of joy to illuminate the path for others to follow. Let us ask for the intercession of St. Philip Neri, that we may cultivate joy in our hearts and share it generously with those around us, becoming instruments of God’s love and peace in the world.

Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.

May 24, 2025May 24, 2025

25th MAY 2025

Infallible. Gift.” John 14:23-29 | The Kingdom @ Glandore-Underdale

SUNDAY, SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29 Ps 67 Rv 21: 10-14, 22-23 Jn 14: 23-29

THE PROOF OF LOVE

In the classical movie Fiddler on the Roof, the protagonist Tevye asks his wife Golde, “Golde, do you love me?” Her response offers an interesting insight into the nature of true love. She replies, “Do I love you? For 25 years I’ve washed your clothes, cooked your meals, cleaned your house, given you children, milked your cow… if that’s not love, what is?”

True love is not merely an emotion or a verbal expression; it manifests itself in concrete action. When we love someone, we seek to do what pleases them. We strive to fulfil their will. Imagine if Jesus were to call you by name today and ask, “My child, do you love me?” How would you respond? Would you say, “Lord, I attend Mass every day, I fast on Fridays and I spend time in prayer and meditation”? While these are important spiritual practices, they alone do not prove our love for God. Jesus reminds us: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). What is the will of God? How do we truly prove to Him our love?

The answer is found in today’s Gospel, where Jesus declares: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Genuine love for Jesus is demonstrated by obedience to His commandments. And what is His greatest commandment? The commandment of love. St. John reinforces this truth: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 Jn 4:20)

Jesus makes three promises to those who love Him in this way:

The Gift of the Holy Spirit – “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth.” (Jn 14:16) The Holy Spirit is our guide on life’s journey, enabling us to live a holy and virtuous life. St. Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23) The Holy Spirit also helps us in prayer: “For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (Rom 8:26)

Union with God – “You will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” (Jn 14:20) From childhood, we are taught in catechism that God made us to know, love, and serve Him so that we may be with Him forever. Our ultimate purpose is to be one with God and to experience His presence dwelling within us. Everything else in life is secondary to this divine union.

The Experience of God’s Love – “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” (Jn 14:21) When we live in intimate communion with God, we experience the depths of His love. “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 Jn 4:16)

How can we love one another as Jesus loves us?

Loving like Jesus means loving unconditionally. Jesus’ love is ‘agape’ – a selfless, unconditional love that does not depend on the other person’s actions or worthiness.

Loving like Jesus means accepting others as they are. It means embracing people with their strengths and weaknesses without judgment or condemnation, helping them become the best version of themselves.

Loving like Jesus means forgiving always. Jesus calls us to forgive, to pray for those who persecute us, and to will the good of even those who try to harm us.

When you love someone in this way, you will go out of your way to make them happy. You will be ready to sacrifice your time, energy, and resources for their well-being. Jesus loved us so much that He sacrificed His life for us. Today, He invites us to go and do likewise: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).

Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025

24th MAY 2025

SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 16: 1-10 Ps 100: 1-3, 5 Jn 15: 18-21

LOVE, IN A WORLD OF HATRED

In 1895 the French Church joyously welcomed the news of Diana Vaughan, a new convert to Catholicism from Satanism and Freemasonry. Diana was portrayed in the Catholic press as a new Joan of Arc, fighting against the forces of evil and hatred. Her devotional writings were widely circulated and were received even by the Lisieux Carmel with great joy, enthusiasm and expectation. As a sign of appreciation and encouragement, the Prioress herself sent a personal note to Diana along with a picture of some of the nuns enacting a play of Joan of Arc. So renowned had the conversion and transformation become that it even reached the years of the Pope. Shortly thereafter, however, at a highly publicized press conference, Leo Taxil, Diana’s friend and spokesperson, mockingly revealed that Diana was only a fabrication to embarrass the Catholic Church and highlight how superficial and naive Catholic piety is. As an example of this foolishness, the same picture of the Lisieux nuns was projected in the background and appeared in the papers in the photo of Taxil the following day. A simple, genuine gesture of love was rewarded with bitter humiliation and betrayal.

Hatred, which Jesus cautioned his disciples would be their lot as was His own, comes in many shades: betrayal, discrimination, injustice, cruelty, harassment, torture and violence. The warning verses follow immediately after his command to “love one another.” Love is not always reciprocated with love. Yet, we are called to follow in the footsteps of our Lord because there is a promise attached to it. Love, bear fruit, and the Father will give whatever you ask. Taxil may have mocked the Christian faith. But he didn’t have the last word. In that picture of the Lisieux Carmel, Joan of Arc was played by the future St Therese, who would be instrumental in the conversion of several unnamed real-life Diana’s. Hatred may seem powerful for a short time, but it can never overcome love. In the end Love alone triumphs.

Response: Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth.

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

23rd MAY 2025

FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 15:22-31 Ps 57:8-10,12 Jn 15:12-17

THE VALUE OF CHARITABLE PRESENCE

In the first reading we see how the apostles, the elders and the whole church community gather together in order to choose someone to carry a letter from them to the church in Antioch. Once the church had come to its decision, they acted with efficiency and courtesy. The letter was sent by no common messenger; it was entrusted to Judas and Silas, two of their own, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. The Church was wise in sending messengers as well as a letter. The chosen apostles not only carried the letter but their presence too. The words of Judas and Silas added a friendly warmth that the bare reception of a letter could not have achieved.

Many troubles can be avoided and a lot of good can be done if we choose to make personal visits rather than simply sending letters or messages. This is something we ourselves have experienced – the comforting visit of a dear one in times of illness, the compassionate listening of a friend in times of sadness. These acts of charitable presence bring great joy and consolation. Today, Jesus invites each of us to extend this same personal care to our neighbours.

In the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus exhorting his disciples to the new commandment of love. The love of the Lord is creative and transformative. It is not that of a master towards his servant; “a servant does not know his master’s business. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything…” Furthermore, it is fruitful; because of it, we can love others. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). It is the enduring love of God that sustains, nourishes and inspires us and makes it possible for us to be channels of love to others, inviting them to enjoy the intimate life with Jesus. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Response: I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples.

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

22nd MAY 2025

John 15:9–11 (ESV) - John 15:9–11 ESV - As the Father has loved me,… | Biblia

THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 15: 7-21 Ps 96: 1-3,10 Jn 15: 9-11

HIS ABIDING LOVE

The readings of today invite us to re-examine our understanding of obedience to God’s commandments. For Jesus, obedience meant “abiding in His Father’s love” – an experience He describes as joyful. His perfect obedience to the Father was not burdensome but a source of profound joy, and He extends this same invitation to us. When we obey, our hearts become lighter and more joyful. Of course, doubts may arise; ‘ifs,’ ‘buts,’ and other questions may cloud our minds. Yet Jesus calls us to focus not on these distractions but to simply “abide in His love.” Each act of obedience strengthens us for the next, like stepping stones forming a path. We obey His commandments one step at a time, always sheltered by His abiding love. This divine love actively pursues us when we wander or grow stagnant. When we falter in obedience, His love draws us back, offering fresh opportunities to experience the fullness of His joy.

The Gospel passage of the day reveals God’s love in its purest form. Jesus cannot love partially; He loves us completely, just as the Father loves Him. He shares with us His perfect joy, ultimately giving His life on the cross. In loving the Father perfectly, He loves you and me without reserve. This truth compels self-examination: Can I honestly say I love every person around me without compromise or exception? If the answer is “no,” let us echo the tax collector’s prayer in the Temple (c.f. Luke 18:13): “Lord, I am a sinner”.

The Eucharistic presence, in the tabernacle and at Holy Mass, stands as the living memorial of His abiding love. Here, Christ remains ready to share His very self whenever we approach Him. With Mary as our model, let us cultivate a living faith in His real presence. May we allow ourselves to be united with Him completely, becoming vessels of His joy and love to all around us.

Response: Tell among all the peoples the wonders of the Lord.

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025

21st MAY 2025

JESUS IS THE TRUE VINE AND WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING | John Rasicci

WEDNESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 15: 1-6 Ps 122: 1-5 Jn 15: 1-8

BEING BRANCHES OF CHRIST THE VINE

The readings of today remind us that Jesus alone makes us whole. Against the argument of the men from Judaea in the first reading about the necessity of the physical sign of circumcision for salvation, in the Gospel passage Jesus affirms that we become God’s children not through external signs but through communion with Him. His living Word grafts us into God’s family. Jesus offers us the beautiful image of interconnected vines – lush, life-giving, and mutually sustaining. He is the true Vine; we are the branches. What matters is believing His words, trusting their power, and surrendering to their transformative grace.

God seeks not outward signs but authentic heart transformation. The apostles exemplify this after the Resurrection – their fears overcome, their lives remade. This “circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2:29) signifies the spiritual renewal God desires for us all. Like pruned branches, we’re called to yield spiritual fruit through our God-given gifts. The warning is loud and clear: unfruitful branches face pruning. Yet this is not about punishment but divine cultivation; in other words, it is an invitation to deeper communion. Unlike the first reading’s preoccupation with technicalities, our call is simpler: to remain joyfully attached to Christ, the source of all meaning.

The imagery of the vine and branches reveals a profound sacramental reality: our connection to Christ is as tangible as sap flowing through living wood. Just as vines share one lifeblood, we receive divine life through the Eucharist – the “sap” of grace nourishing our souls. Our world, parched for authentic love, desperately needs vines heavy with Gospel fruit. In His vine, no branch is superior; all are equal in His binding love. Each branch, whether hidden in cloisters or extending into workplaces, matters equally in God’s vineyard. As we abide in Christ through prayer and the Eucharist, we become living sacraments of His abiding presence. The harvest depends on our willingness to remain in His love.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord

May 19, 2025May 19, 2025

20th MAY 2025

Verse of the Day - John 14:27 KJV - Highland Park Baptist Church - Lenoir City, Tennessee

TUESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 14: 19-28 Ps 145: 10-13, 21 Jn 14: 27-31

COURAGE AND PEACE

In the first reading, we hear about how Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra; yet he miraculously survived and continued his journey, strengthening the disciples in the cities he visited. His unshakable faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel in the face of such obstacles inspire us to persevere in our own challenges. The courage of Paul teaches us that obstacles are not the end but opportunities to grow in faith and to witness to God’s love.

The message of peace in the Gospel passage taken from John provides further encouragement. Jesus, in his final discourse with the disciples, offers them a peace that the world cannot give. He tells them not to be troubled or afraid, for he has overcome the world. This peace is not the absence of obstacles but the presence of God’s grace and assurance in the midst of them. Jesus acknowledges that hardships will come, but his peace will remain a constant source of strength.

Today, we are urged to live with courage and perseverance, just like Paul. We are often tempted to give up when things get tough, but Paul shows us that being rooted in faith can help us overcome even the most trying circumstances. We are not alone in our struggles; God walks with us, giving us the strength to carry on. Furthermore, we are invited to seek in times of uncertainty the peace that only Christ can offer, a peace that is born from a firm trust in God’s providence, and bears the fruit of courage to face life’s storms with hope and faith. Let us therefore embrace the peace of Christ and the courage of St. Paul. Let us remember that, like Paul, we are called to rise again after every fall and continue on the path of faith. In doing so, we will carry the light of Christ into the world, bringing peace and hope to those around us.

Response: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glory of your reign.