First Reading: (1 John 3:22–4:6)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 2:7bc–8, 10–12a)
R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
Alleluia Verse: (Matthew 4:23)
“Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and healed every disease and every infirmity among the people.”
Gospel: (Matthew 4:12–17, 23–25)
Reflection
1. Prayer & Obedience
John reminds us that answered prayer flows from two sources: God’s will and our faithfulness. “We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments.” Obedience rooted in love opens our hearts to God’s generosity.
2. Love: The Core Commandment
John emphasizes the twin pillars of faith: believing in Jesus and loving one another. Christian identity isn’t internal, it is shown through our relationships, echoing Christ’s command: “love one another just as I have loved you.”
3. Spiritual Discernment
Testing the spirits is an active exercise in faith. It requires humility and wisdom to resist false teachings and embrace the Spirit that affirms Jesus’ Incarnation and Lordship. We are called to grow in discernment, through prayer, Scripture, and community.
4. Christ: The Light in Darkness
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus begins his public ministry under the shadow of John’s arrest, a moment of darkness. Yet it signals dawn: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” Christ brings illumination, healing, and the call to repentance. Darkness and danger cannot extinguish His light.
5. Healing for Many
Jesus’ ministry is marked by acts of compassion. His healing restores both body and soul-an outward sign of the Kingdom breaking through. His fame spread because His love was real, tangible, transformative.
How This Speaks to Us Today- Where can obedience and prayer intersect in your life right now? What commandments of Jesus might you invite into deeper practice, perhaps forgiveness, generosity, or daily kindness?
- How is God calling your spirit to test teachings or influences? In a world flooded with voices, faithful spirituality requires vigilant discernment.
- Christ is still revealing light in our world’s darkness. Who is walking through their darkness today? How might you become an instrument of Christ’s healing and hope?
- The light shines through love in action. Like St. John Neumann, let us commit to practical service, caring for the vulnerable and sharing Christ’s healing presence.
Duty call is over. Scripture readings completed.
God bless you
Pal Ronnie
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