I Take Off the Mask

Bible Verse: “So they went with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.” — Luke 2:16 (WEBBE) Reflection: Luke 2:16 recounts the shepherds’ immediate and eager response to the angel’s message about the birth of Jesus. Upon hearing the news, they went quickly to find the baby, reflecting their faith and excitement at the fulfillment of the angel’s words. Their journey to see Jesus demonstrates a simple but profound faith, showing that even those who might be considered lowly or ordinary are called to witness and celebrate the arrival of the Savior. The shepherds’ actions are a powerful example of how we are called to respond to the good news of Christ’s birth. They did not delay or doubt but acted with urgency and conviction. Their visit to the manger represents a heart open to receiving Jesus and a willingness to seek Him earnestly. As we reflect on this passage during Advent, let us consider our own response to the message of Chris...

Bible Verse: “But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.'” — Luke 2:10-11 (WEBBE) Reflection: Luke 2:10-11 captures the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth, a momentous event that brings “good news of great joy.” The shepherds, who were among the first to hear this divine message, were initially filled with fear, but the angel’s proclamation transformed their fear into profound joy. This joy is not just for a select few but is meant for all people, marking the universal significance of Christ’s arrival. The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior, the Messiah who would bring redemption and hope to humanity. This joy is rooted in the fact that God has come to dwell among us, offering salvation and a renewed relationship with Him. The announcement to the shepherds...

Have you ever wondered whether you are considered to be among God’s sheep? While Jesus assured us that He searches for the lost sheep, He also warned some people that they are not His sheep. Understanding Jesus’ Words in the Bible From a Catholic perspective, understanding the distinction between the “lost sheep” and those Jesus refers to as “not His sheep” requires careful consideration of the context of Scripture and the Church’s teachings on salvation, free will, and God’s universal call to love and repentance. The Lost Sheep In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), Jesus illustrates God’s immense love and mercy, showing that He actively seeks out sinners who have strayed. This parable reflects the universal truth that God’s desire is for all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Every sinner is a lost sheep whom God seeks, and no one is beyond His reach when they respond to His grace. Not My Sheep In John 10:26-27, Jesus s...

Bible Verse: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:10-11 (WEBBE) Reflection: Matthew 2:10-11 recounts the visit of the wise men, or magi, who followed a star to find the newborn King. Their journey was driven by a profound belief that this star marked the arrival of a significant and divine event. When they finally arrived and saw Jesus, they responded with great joy and reverence, offering gifts that symbolized His kingship, divinity, and future suffering. The star of Bethlehem serves as a powerful symbol of guidance and revelation. It led the wise men to Jesus, demonstrating that God’s light guides us to His truth. The wise men’s response—joyful worship and offering of treasures—models how we are called to respond to the presence of Chr...

Bible Verse: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (WEBBE) Reflection: Isaiah 9:6 reveals the names and titles of the coming Messiah, each one reflecting a profound aspect of His nature and mission. Among these titles, “Prince of Peace” stands out as a promise of the deep and lasting peace that Jesus will bring to the world. The title “Prince of Peace” signifies that Jesus is not just a leader or ruler, but the ultimate source of peace. This peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is a deep, abiding sense of wholeness and harmony that comes from being in right relationship with God. It is the kind of peace that Jesus offers to each of us—a peace that transcends our circumstances and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). During the Advent season, we often reflect on the way...

Bible Verse: “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!” says the LORD of Armies.” — Malachi 3:1 (WEBBE) Reflection: Malachi 3:1 speaks of a divine messenger who will prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. This prophecy anticipates not only the arrival of the Lord Himself but also the precursor who will announce and prepare for this pivotal event. In the New Testament, this prophecy is fulfilled by John the Baptist, who comes as the herald to announce the arrival of Jesus Christ, the true Messenger of the Covenant. John the Baptist’s mission was to prepare the hearts of the people for Jesus’ ministry, calling them to repentance and renewal. His presence set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, who would establish a new and eternal covenant with humanity. This “Messenger of the Covenant” is Jesus, who bring...

From where I am I can see you better now, I’ll see you when you work and play, I’ll see you even when you sleep. Now there are no secrets you can keep, Because I’ll see right through your heart. So I’ll know when you weep and I will see you when you laugh. So carry on this life of yours, knowing that someone sees. And wherever you may go, you will never be alone. Someone watches over you and my love will see you through. Free Download “Short Poems on Grief and Loss”