SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025

1st MARCH 2025

We Belong To God

SATURDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 17: 1-15 Ps 103: 13-18 Mk 10: 13-16

WE BELONG TO GOD

The liturgical message of today urges us to recognize a deeper, more profound belongingness. It invites us to understand that our true identity lies in our relationship with God, both as His creation and as recipients of His grace.

The order of creation (Gen 1:26), reveals the exalted dignity of humankind. Made in God’s image and likeness, we possess an inherent spiritual nature, an immortal soul that transcends the limitations of our physical existence. While formed from the dust of the earth, we are destined for an eternal communion with our Creator. God, in His infinite wisdom, bestowed upon us dominion over the earth, a stewardship to be exercised responsibly. Furthermore, God not only created us but also endowed us with the capacity to respond to His love. He equipped us with the faculties of reason and intellect, allowing us to comprehend His creation and engage with the world around us. As His chosen people, we are bound by a covenant, a sacred agreement that establishes our relationship with Him.

In the order of grace, we, who were initially God’s creatures by virtue of creation, are now transformed into His children through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Gospel recounts people bringing their children. The disciples, however, attempted to deter them, a reaction that deeply displeased Jesus. He recognized that the Kingdom of Heaven belonged precisely to those who, like children, approach God with innocence and trust. Just as children naturally belong to their earthly parents, we, through the grace of redemption, belong to God, our Heavenly Father. We are called to embrace the Kingdom of God with the same childlike wonder and acceptance. Hence, we belong to God not merely as His creations, but as His redeemed children, transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

28th FEBRUARY 2025

Oklahoma Conf UMC على X: "Bind us together Lord, bind us together with love. Have a blessed Sunday! #okumc #umc https://t.co/19wWgEashY" / X

FRIDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 6: 5-17 Ps 119: 12,16,18,27,34,35 Mk 10: 1-12

BIND US TOGETHER IN LOVE

Jesus reminds us today of God’s original design for marriage and the sacredness of the marital bond. When the Pharisees ask if divorce is lawful, they are testing Jesus. But instead of engaging in legalities, He points them back to God’s original intent for marriage: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” For Jesus, marriage is not a contract that can be easily dissolved but a covenant that reflects the unbreakable love between Christ and His Church.

acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts, but He calls us back to a higher, more perfect understanding. The question for us today is not whether marriage can be broken but how we, as Christians, live out this sacred vocation. To follow Christ is to honour the profound unity and sanctity of marriage, where husband and wife become one flesh, as God intended. In this unity, the self-giving love of Christ is made manifest in the daily sacrifices, challenges, and joys of married life. Marriage, as a path to holiness, calls for deep love, constant self-sacrifice, and the willingness to forgive and be forgiven. In the sacrament of marriage, spouses are called to reflect the love of Christ – unconditional, faithful, and life-giving.

The difficulty of living out this ideal is real. Yet, Christ does not give us this teaching without also providing the grace to live it. The path of Christian marriage requires daily conversion, prayer, and mutual support. As a community, we must surround married couples with prayer and encouragement, supporting them in their call to holiness through the witness of love and honour. Let us commit today to affirming and praying for the sanctity of marriage in our families and communities, remembering that this sacrament reflects God’s unbreakable covenant with us. For where true love and sacrifice are lived, God’s presence is always found.

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025

27th FEBRUARY 2025

Blessed are the Pure in Heart | Tony Evans

THURSDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 5: 1-8 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Mk 9: 41-50

“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART”

Many people mistakenly believe that being a Christian merely requires adhering to a few external observances. Jesus did not come to offer us mere “cheap tickets to heaven” based on superficial compliance; rather, He came to teach us how to live fully and joyfully on earth by embracing our identity as God’s children. His message calls us to gradually rise to our divine potential by actively seeking to do His holy will, fostering a life of genuine fulfilment that extends into eternity.

Jesus emphasizes the necessity of moral discipline in our lives to achieve inner harmony and purity – “Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God.” He warns that sin begins in the mind, highlighting that one commits adultery first in thought before any physical act occurs. This underscores the danger of a corrupted mind, which not only leads to self-destruction but can also harm others. Jesus calls for a radical transformation within us, advocating for a kind of “moral violence” against our own sinful inclinations to maintain purity.

The first reading exhorts us not to be deceived by the temptation to postpone heeding the voice of our conscience. We are cautioned that time is fleeting, and delaying repentance may lead us to a point of no return. The call to live a good and virtuous life is an urgent invitation for today. We are encouraged to take responsibility for our lives, refusing to be like a rudderless boat tossed about by turbulent currents.

A meaningful response to God’s call today is a critical examination of our use of electronic media, which offers both content that nourishes as well as that which corrupts. By making deliberate choices about what we engage with, we can cultivate a healthier spiritual environment that fosters growth. When we determine ourselves to take these steps in view of protecting the purity of our heart, we can trust that God will support us with His grace.

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

26th FEBRUARY 2025

Showing Compassion to Others | The Guest House

WEDNESDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 4: 11-19 Ps 119: 165, 168, 171-175 Mk 9: 38-40

CALLED TO BE SOLDIERS OF COMPASSION

Today’s liturgy invites us to be soldiers of compassion. Jesus teaches us about the nature of belonging and the inclusivity of His mission. When John expresses concern over someone casting out demons in His name, the Lord responds, “Do not forbid him…” This invites us to embrace a broader understanding of community and compassion.

Compassion is not merely a feeling; it is an active engagement with the suffering of others. The first reading emphasises the importance of caring for the needy and the marginalized. It instructs us not to turn away from the poor or to delay in offering help. This aligns beautifully with the call of Jesus to recognise the good in others, even those outside our immediate circle. Compassion compels us to act, to reach out, and to support those in distress. Pope Francis highlights that true compassion involves a willingness to suffer alongside others and to walk with them in their struggles. This is not a sign of weakness but a profound strength that reflects the heart of Christ. When we engage with the suffering of others, we embody the love of God, who is ever-present in our lives.

In a world marked by division and strife, the call to compassion is more urgent than ever. Pope Francis himself challenges us to move beyond indifference, to transform our hearts from “you do not matter to me” to “you are important to me.” This transformation is essential for building a community that reflects the love of Christ. It requires us to confront our biases and to embrace the diversity of God’s creation. It is vital to remember that compassion is a choice; a choice to see others as our neighbours, to recognize their dignity, and to respond to their needs. Jesus’ words remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness, like offering a cup of water in His name, hold great significance in the Kingdom of God and transform us into soldiers of compassion on earth.

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

25th FEBRUARY 2025

Budget error leaves CDFA $40M short for Healthy Soils | Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

TUESDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 2: 1-11 Ps 37: 3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40 Mk 9: 30-37

THE INGENUITY OF THE DIVINE GARDENER

St. Teresa of Avila, in her spiritual writings, compares the soul to a garden tended by God. Just as a gardener envisions his garden flourishing with a variety of flowers, God desires each soul to blossom with virtues. But before planting, the gardener must remove weeds, break rocks, and prepare the soil. Likewise, God clears away the weeds of vice and stones of bad habits and breaks the rocks of prejudice in our hearts, establishing a strong fence of faith and conviction. This preparation is often painful for the soul, which feels the sharpness of God’s tools: trials, suffering, and sacrifices. Yet, these are part of God’s loving, transformative process. Sickness, sorrow, and loss become ways that God loosens the soil of our hearts, readying us to receive His grace and making us more fruitful.

Today’s Gospel speaks of Jesus’ own suffering, a testament to His love; in the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded to look to Christ, who was “perfected through sufferings” (2:10). When our own souls face hardships, we can take courage, knowing they are signs of God working deeply within us. Scripture also reminds us that “the Lord disciplines those He loves” (Heb 12:5-6). Like a gardener, He knows that each challenge is necessary for us to bloom in all fulness.

St. Teresa’s analogy invites us to see trials not as punishments but as God’s tender hand reshaping our hearts. These storms and challenges refine us, creating space for virtues to take root and flourish. We must believe, therefore, that every trial prepares our soul to flourish with virtues that reflect God’s boundless love and wisdom. When we submit ourselves to the Divine Gardener, we allow Him to shape our souls into gardens of spiritual beauty. In time, with trust and patience, our soul will blossom into a garden in full bloom, bearing the fragrance of grace and reflecting the love of God to the world.

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025

24th FEBRUARY 2025

The Gift of Wisdom - YouTube

MONDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Sir 1: 1-10 Ps 93: 1-2, 5 Mk 9: 14-29

THE GIFT OF WISDOM

We can often mistake knowledge for wisdom. We may have acquired a lot of knowledge about various things through hard work and diligent study. But it need not necessarily make us wise. God alone is the origin of all wisdom. The truly wise One created all wisdom and gives it to those who love Him. Wisdom imparts “fear of the Lord”; that is, the respect, gratitude and reverent behaviour that are owed to the Creator of all wisdom. Knowledge sometimes puffs up and is sometimes harmful. Whereas wisdom is humility which promotes love and growth.

St. Teresa of Avila, though not formally educated, was a woman of profound wisdom, her works and writings inspired by the Holy Spirit. Alongside her, St. Edith Stein – an accomplished philosopher and intellectual – embodied humility and grace, reflecting the wisdom that comes from God. Both saints made significant contributions to the growth of the Church and the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that true wisdom transcends formal learning and is rooted in a deep, personal connection with the divine. God’s eyes are turned to a person of humble and contrite spirit who trembles at His word. Circumstances in life determine how much knowledge an individual can acquire. But for wisdom, there is no limit since it comes from God. One needs only a humble and open disposition towards God.

In the Gospel, we see the father of a boy telling Jesus, “If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus retorted, “If you can?” Here the question is not whether Jesus can cure the boy, but whether his father has faith in the power of God. Understanding this, the father broke down in tears and asked Jesus to help his wavering faith. It was when he humbled himself that wisdom entered his heart, and he could see that Jesus was much more than a miracle worker; he was the Son of God! True love for his boy made him humble. Hence, he received not only a cure for his son but also for his soul.

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

23rd FEBRUARY 2025

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE - Motivational Speech - YouTube

SUNDAY, SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Sm 26: 2,7-9,12-13,22-23 Ps 103: 1-4,8,10,12-13

1 Cor 15: 45-49 Lk 6: 27-38

A CHANGE IN OUR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS

The desire for God is the essential first step in our spiritual journey, a gift that ignites our cooperation with grace. This sincere and ardent longing stirs all our faculties into action, prompting us to seek a deeper relationship with Him. In the first reading, we see Saul relentlessly pursuing David’s life, driven by jealousy and fear. When David encounters the sleeping Saul, he faces a moral dilemma: to kill his enemy or to honour the sacredness of Saul’s anointing as king. David’s choice to spare Saul illustrates a profound understanding of divine providence and respect for God’s chosen leader. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in vengeance but in mercy and respect for God’s authority. This moment also highlights the continuous divine assistance afforded to David at Saul’s expense. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that this desire for God is not merely a passive longing but an active pursuit that shapes our lives.

In the second reading, St. Paul contrasts Adam, the first man created from dust, with Jesus Christ, who is far more than a mere man; He embodies the very Spirit of God. Under the old covenant, humanity was united with Adam, inheriting his disobedience and the consequent death that came as a result. However, through the new covenant established by Christ, we are united with Him and will share in His life. While we begin our existence with a physical body, Paul assures us that we will one day receive a spiritual body, reflecting God’s ultimate design for us. Paul maintains a respectful silence about the specifics of this spiritual body, emphasizing its divine nature and mystery.

Structural social change is inherently linked to personal transformation, as genuine change of heart must accompany changes in societal structures. It is impossible to establish a just society without addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality. However, no structural change can endure without a corresponding conversion of hearts. The interplay between personal transformation and social change is critical for achieving lasting progress. As individuals undergo personal growth – cultivating qualities such as empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to justice – they contribute positively to their communities. Jesus does not merely provide a blueprint for a new society; instead, He exemplifies the values of freedom and love essential for building such a society. His command to “love your enemies” challenges us to transcend mere reciprocity and engage in selfless giving. This transformative love leads us to become children of God, reflecting the image and likeness of the Father. Jesus calls us to abandon our prejudices and social barriers, emphasizing that perfection lies in imitating divine mercy. A selective attitude in serving others contradicts the essence of mercy and hinders true social change. Therefore, as we seek to enact structural changes in our communities, we must also commit to personal growth and transformation, recognizing that both dimensions are crucial for fostering a just and compassionate society.

Our pride often finds satisfaction in comparing ourselves to others, leading us to criticize and judge them. However, Jesus challenges us to turn our gaze inward and examine our own faults first. This honesty allows us to understand others’ situations with greater compassion. A genuine Christian life transcends mere outward observances or avoidance of certain behaviours; it arises from the depths of the heart, shaping our actions and interactions with others. The value of our external acts hinges on the intentions and spirit that inspire them. Transformation in the soul, initiated at baptism, is solely the work of God. When we truly live by Christ, our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions align with His spirit. The ardour of our desire for God opens our souls wider to His grace, prompting us to reflect sincerely on what we truly desire from the heart. This self-reflection is essential for spiritual growth and humility, as it fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God and others

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

22nd FEBRUARY 2025

SATURDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 16: 13-19

THE PRIMACY OF PETER

Peter stands out as the first among the apostles to proclaim faith in the Son of God, receiving the affirmation of the Lord: “Happy are you, Simon.” This blessing extends to all believers, highlighting that it is the Father who has chosen us and brought us to Christ. Originally named Simon, Jesus renamed him “Peter,” meaning “rock,” foreseeing his mission as a steadfast leader in the early Church. This change signifies not just a new identity but also a divine mission entrusted to him.

The Old Testament illustrates God’s desire for His people to have a visible leader. God’s promise to David that his offspring would rule the Kingdom of God forever finds its fulfillment in Christ, who now designates Peter as the enduring visible foundation of His Church. This primacy extends beyond Peter himself; his successors are called to uphold this leadership role within the Church, ensuring continuity and unity in faith. Throughout the New Testament, Peter’s prominence is consistently highlighted, highlighting his unique position among the apostles and affirming that just as he was chosen by Christ, so too are his successors empowered to guide the faithful in their spiritual journey.

For the Jews, the concepts of binding and unbinding defined what was forbidden and what was permissible within their faith. In this light, the Lord’s words to Peter signify that he and his successors hold the authority to determine who belongs to the body of believers, and to clarify the tenets of the Christian doctrine. Peter’s voice does not drown out all others; rather, it complements a broader dialogue among the apostles. This understanding is in harmony with the biblical notion of a “college” of apostles, where decisions are made collaboratively rather than unilaterally. While Peter serves as the “doorkeeper” (Mark 13:34), he is neither a “master” nor a “father” (Mt 23:9) in the sense that he alone dictates faith.

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

February 20, 2025February 21, 2025

21st FEBRUARY 2025

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FRIDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 11: 1-9 Ps 33: 10-15 Mk 8: 34–9: 1

SILENCE AND CONTEMPLATION

In his booklet Praying Today, Cardinal Angelo Comastri reflects on the overwhelming noise that characterizes our contemporary world. He observes that in the absence of silence, true contemplation has become increasingly rare, leading to a loss of the intrinsic value of things. This sentiment resonates deeply with the situation depicted in today’s first reading. As the population on earth grew, so too did the clamour of daily life. People gradually forgot their Creator and their complete dependence on Him. Recognizing the spiritual blindness that enveloped humanity, God deemed it necessary to separate and scatter them across the earth.

Cardinal Comastri reminds us that at times, we may find ourselves lacking a loving relationship with God. When this occurs, our lives can become chaotic and filled with confusion. We may feel threatened and lose sight of the true value of things. However, we need not succumb to fear or confusion, for we possess a powerful weapon – prayer. It is through prayer that we can address the noise and emptiness in our lives. As Jesus teaches in the Gospel, our lives can be saved through prayer. By embracing silence and contemplation – two essential components of a prayerful life – we can rescue ourselves from the turmoil that often surrounds us, unlike those at the Tower of Babel who succumbed to their own confusion. Let us dismantle the towers of distraction within our souls through the power of prayer. Let us commit ourselves to fostering silence over noise.

No matter how hard we strive to gather worldly pleasures, true fulfilment lies in the embrace of Jesus. When we turn our gaze toward Him in moments of silence and contemplation, we accumulate joy and happiness that far surpass any earthly pleasure. By doing so, we can begin to address our spiritual blindness and restore our relationship with God.

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

20th FEBRUARY 2025

The Faithfulness of God: Unchanging and Everlasting | Worship Leaders University

THURSDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 9: 1-13 Ps 102: 16-23, 29 Mk 8: 27-33

TRUSTING IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

After the floodwaters have receded and Noah and his family step onto dry land, God establishes a covenant with them. He tells Noah, “Be fruitful and multiply.” This command echoes God’s original creation plan for humanity. But it is paired with a promise: that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood, and as a sign, He places the rainbow in the sky. This act of divine grace shows us that God’s promises are enduring and trustworthy. The rainbow calls us to recognize the faithfulness of God even in the most difficult times.

In the Gospel, Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question is correct – “You are the Messiah.” But he didn’t know what it meant, for he could not accept the necessity of the Lord’s passion. Jesus reprimands him for his narrow vision – “The way you think is not God’s way but man’s.” This passage challenges us to reflect on how we approach our faith. Like Peter, we can sometimes recognize Jesus as the Saviour but fail to fully understand the depth of what it means to follow Him. Jesus’ path to glory is through the cross, and the same is true for us. Our Christian life is not exempt from suffering or hardship, but it is through these moments of difficulty that we truly encounter the depth of God’s love and presence. We are called to carry our cross daily and follow Him.

The readings thus remind us of the call to walk in trust with God, just as Noah did after the flood and just as the disciples were challenged to do after Peter’s initial confession of faith. The rainbow reminds us that God’s promises are not just abstract ideas; they are real and present in our lives. The cross reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian journey, but that God’s love is deeper and stronger than any hardship we may face. Let us reflect today therefore, on the ‘rainbows’ in our own lives; that is, those signs of God’s faithfulness, as well as on the crosses we find on our journey of discipleship.

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.