WSC Reflection Guide 9/15-21/2024

September 15, 2024 (Cycle B, Yr. II) – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Community Word: True disciples open their hearts to God’s holy presence.

Theme: We open our hearts to God’s holy presence when we follow Jesus in faith and by good work.

Promise: “…whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” (Mk 8:35b)

Reflection:

There are different ways to experience God. We can encounter God through His words in scripture, through the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Communion, through prayers and meditation, through other people. We can recognize God’s presence through a personal encounter with Him. But, to what extent we know God depends on our intimacy with Him.

St. Mark narrates that when Jesus asked his disciples who people say he is, only Peter’s answer was recognized by the Lord. Peter replied without hesitation, “You are the Christ, (Son of the Living God).” (Mk 8:29b). Jesus confirmed that it was His Father who revealed him to Peter. It is no surprise then that Jesus anointed Peter as his Vicar on earth, the Rock upon which he built the Church. Peter’s knowledge about Jesus was a fruit of his contemplation as he accompanied and stayed with Jesus, giving him a deeper knowledge of who Jesus really is, a pure grace from God.

Our faith in Jesus begins by truly knowing who Jesus is. According to St. Jerome, “knowledge of Scriptures is knowledge of Christ.” When we faithfully read the Holy Bible, the more we know about Jesus. In his teachings and in many of his discourses, Jesus summarized them with a description of himself: “I am the light of the world…” “I am the life and resurrection…” “I am the Good Shepherd…” “He who has seen me has seen the Father” “the Father and I are one…”

As we grow in faith, we begin to develop a close and deeper relationship with God. It is good to know God, but knowing Him personally and experientially will find ourselves into His heart. St. Augustine’s experience led him to declare these famous words, “My heart is restless until it rests in You.” St. Teresa of Avila affirms, “God alone suffices.” Every human heart, regardless of race, culture, or religion seeks to find true and lasting happiness in this life. A strong faith in Jesus leads us to abundant life and true happiness, as he tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

Faith in Jesus leads us to prayer, which is the royal road to the heart of God. It is through prayer that one is able to discern God’s holy will and is resolved to heed it whatever the cost. God loves us more than we would ever know, thus He gave us His only Son Jesus to save us and give us life. And as faithful followers of Jesus, disciples, like us, are called to “deny himself, take up his cross, and follow” Jesus. Truly, faith is not enough because, as St. James says, we need to demonstrate our faith through good works.

Jesus wants us to follow his teachings of love, sacrifice and service for others, being compassionate to the last, the least and the lost. We cannot just pay lip service to our faith, for faith alone cannot save. When we suffer for and with Jesus, we experience his powerful and abiding presence in our lives as we are assured by these words: “Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it,” (Mk 8:35b).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we are grateful to You for strengthening our faith. We truly honor and bless You as the Beloved Son of the Father who gifted us with perfect love and abundant life. As we follow You, give us the grace to be more sacrificing for the needs of others, instead of prioritizing our comforts and attachments. Help us to increase our faith in You most especially in troubled times, trials and adversities. For we believe, Lord, that as we surrender our life to You, we will find and save it. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I truly know Jesus and believe in Him in faith and in deeds?

2. Do I understand well the consequence of my baptism as a Christian and follower of Christ?

3. What are some situations I am facing at the moment that I need to surrender to God and follow His will for my life?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:

Sept 15, 2024 (Sun) – Is 50:5-9/ Ps 116:1-6, 8, 9/ Jas 2:14-18/ Mk 8:27-35

Sept 16, 2024 (Mon) – 1 Cor 11:28-26, 33/ Ps 40:7-10, 17/ Lk 7:1-10

Sept 17, 2024 (Tue) – 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31/ Ps 100:1-5/ Lk 7:11-17

Sept 18, 2024 (Wed) –1 Cor 12:31-13:13/ Ps 33:2-5, 12, 22/ Lk 7:31-35

Sept 19, 2024 (Thu) – 1 Cor 15:1-11/ Ps 118:1, 2, 16, 17, 28/ Lk 7:36-50

Sept 20, 2024 (Fri) – 1 Cor 15:12-20/ Ps 17:1, 6-7, 8, 15/ Lk 8:1-3

Sept 21, 2024 (Sat) – Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/ Ps 19:2-5/ Mt 9:9-13

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

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