A Glimmer of Hope

God’s Plan and Our Hope

In the tapestry of time, God’s plan unfolds, 

Prophecies whispered, in hearts they hold. 

Our eyes, once blind, by rebellion’s snare, 

Led to downfall, sin’s captive lair.

Through suffering’s weight, consequences severe, 

A call to repentance, crystal clear. 

Disobedience’s sting, a lesson profound, 

To seek His forgiveness, where grace is found.

In judgment’s shadow, a glimmer of light, 

Hope in His promises, shining bright. 

Through trials faced, and darkest night, 

A future awaits, radiant and right.

Turn back to God, with hearts contrite, 

In His mercy, find pure delight. 

For even in sorrow, His love prevails, 

A bright future, beyond the veils.

REFLECTION:

But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, left behind as vinedressers and farmers. (2 Kings 25:12)

God has a plan in fulfilling the prophecies given to us. Our spiritual blindness comes from rebelling against God that led to our downfall and being held captive by sin. 

Suffering the severe consequences of disobeying God's command serves as a call to repentance. It reminds us that turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness is crucial, especially when we have strayed from His path. 

Even in the midst of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope. Hope in God’s promises that after facing and experiencing the most difficult times of our lives, there is still a bright future that lies ahead.

A Prayer for Guidance and Hope

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging Your divine plan and the prophecies You have given us. We confess that our spiritual blindness stems from our rebellion against You, leading to our downfall and captivity by sin.

Lord, we recognize the severe consequences of disobeying Your commands. We ask for Your forgiveness and seek to turn back to You with repentant hearts. Help us to remember that even in the midst of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope in Your promises.

Guide us through the most difficult times of our lives, reminding us that a bright future lies ahead. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in Your unfailing love and mercy. May we always seek Your forgiveness and strive to walk in Your ways.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C.

REIGN OF ZEDEKIAH

2 Kings 25:1-21

First Reading | 2 Kings 25:1-12

1 In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it, and built siege walls on every side. 2 The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah. 3 On the ninth day of the fourth month, when famine had gripped the city, and the people had no more bread, 4 the city walls were breached. Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night through the gate between the two walls which was near the king’s garden. Since the Chaldeans had the city surrounded, they went in the direction of the Arabah. 5 But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the desert near Jericho, abandoned by his whole army. 6 The king was therefore arrested and brought to Riblah to the king of Babylon, who pronounced sentence on him. 7 He had Zedekiah’s sons slain before his eyes. Then he blinded Zedekiah, bound him with fetters, and had him brought to Babylon. 8 On the seventh day of the fifth month (this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard, came to Jerusalem as the representative of the king of Babylon. 9 He burned the house of the Lord, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. 10 Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem. 11 Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city, and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the last of the artisans. 12 But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, left behind as vinedressers and farmers.

Background:

2 Kings 25:1-12 describes the fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. Here’s a brief overview:

Siege of Jerusalem: In the ninth year of King Zedekiah’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, laid siege to Jerusalem. This siege lasted for about two years, leading to severe famine within the city.

Capture of Zedekiah: As the city fell, Zedekiah and his soldiers attempted to escape but were captured. Zedekiah’s sons were killed before his eyes, and then he was blinded and taken to Babylon in chains.

Destruction of Jerusalem: Nebuzaradan, the commander of Nebuchadnezzar’s guard, arrived in Jerusalem and destroyed the city. The temple, the royal palace, and all the houses were burned down. The bronze objects from Solomon’s Temple were broken down and taken to Babylon.

Exile of the Israelites: The remaining people in the city, along with the deserters and survivors, were taken to Babylon. Only the poorest people were left behind to tend the vineyards and fields.

This passage highlights the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. Despite the devastation, it also sets the stage for future restoration and hope for the Israelites.

Learning Lessons:

2 Kings 25:1-12 offers several important lessons:

Consequences of Disobedience: The fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity were direct results of the people’s disobedience to God. This passage underscores the importance of obeying God’s commands and the severe consequences of ignoring His warnings.

God’s Sovereignty: Despite the tragic events, this passage highlights God’s sovereignty. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile were part of God’s plan, fulfilling the prophecies given through His prophets.

Spiritual Blindness: King Zedekiah’s physical blindness, after witnessing the death of his sons, symbolizes the spiritual blindness that comes from rebelling against God.

Need for Repentance: The suffering and exile of the Israelites serve as a call to repentance. It reminds us that turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness is crucial, especially when we have strayed from His path.

Hope and Restoration: Even in the midst of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope. The poorest people were left behind to tend the land, indicating that God had not completely abandoned His people and that there was still a future for them.

These lessons remind us of the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the hope we have in God’s promises, even in difficult times. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God Sees

In God’s Hands

In the tapestry of life, God weaves each thread, 

His sovereign hand guides all, from dawn till bed. 

Evil may tempt, and sin may call, 

But disobedience leads to a grievous fall.

Repentance is the path, turning from sin, 

A heart renewed, where grace begins. 

God’s promises stand, unbroken, true, 

In His faithfulness, we find strength anew.

When trials come and shadows loom, 

Hold onto hope, dispel the gloom. 

Depend not on self, but on God’s might, 

In His provision, find pure delight.

Humble hearts, in reverence bow, 

Trust in God, for He knows how. 

In every need, in every plea, 

God’s love sustains, eternally.

REFLECTION:

He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his forebears had done. (2 Kings 24:9)

God is in ultimate control over all events in our lives. Evil practices and continuing to sin is disobedience to God that leads to serious consequences and downfall. There is a need for genuine repentance and turning away from sin. 

God has not forgotten His promises. This encourages us to hold onto hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in difficult times. We should depend on God rather than our own resources. 

Let us remain humble and rely always on God for our needs.

Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that You are in ultimate control over all events in our lives. We confess that evil practices and continuing in sin are acts of disobedience that lead to serious consequences and downfall. We come before You with hearts seeking genuine repentance, turning away from our sins and seeking Your forgiveness.

Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering promises. In times of difficulty, help us to hold onto hope and trust in Your faithfulness. Remind us to depend on You rather than our own resources, knowing that You provide for all our needs.

Grant us humility, Lord, to rely always on Your wisdom and guidance. May we live lives that honor You, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C.

REIGN OF JEHOIACHIN

2 Kings 24:8-17

First Reading | 2 Kings 24:8-17

8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 9 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his forebears had done. 10 At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. 11 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. 12 Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. 13 And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the Lord and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had foretold. 14 He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. 15 He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. 17 In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Background:

In 2 Kings 24:8-17, we read about the reign and captivity of Jehoiachin, the king of Judah. Here’s a brief background:

Jehoiachin’s Reign: Jehoiachin became king at the age of 18 and reigned in Jerusalem for only three months. He continued the evil practices of his father, Jehoiakim, which provoked God’s wrath.

Babylonian Siege and Captivity: During his short reign, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiachin, along with his mother, officials, and many prominent people, were taken captive to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also took treasures from the temple and the royal palace.

Significance: This event marked a significant moment in Judah’s history, as it led to the end of its independence and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. Despite the captivity, Jehoiachin was later shown favor in Babylon, indicating that God had not forgotten His promises to David’s lineage.

This passage highlights the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings, but it also hints at future hope and restoration.

Learning Lessons:

2 Kings 24:8-17 offers several important lessons that can be applied to our lives today:

Consequences of Disobedience: Jehoiachin’s reign was marked by evil practices, continuing the sins of his predecessors. This led to God’s judgment and the Babylonian captivity. This reminds us that disobedience to God has serious consequences.

God’s Sovereignty: Despite the chaos and destruction, God’s sovereignty is evident. He allowed the Babylonian invasion as a fulfillment of His prophetic warnings. This teaches us to trust in God’s ultimate control over all events.

Importance of Repentance: The lack of repentance among Judah’s leaders and people led to their downfall. This emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and turning away from sin.

Hope in Adversity: Even in captivity, there was a glimmer of hope. Jehoiachin was later shown favor in Babylon, indicating that God had not forgotten His promises. This encourages us to hold onto hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in difficult times.

Humility and Dependence on God: The Babylonian captivity stripped Judah of its wealth and pride, teaching the people to depend on God rather than their own resources. This lesson is a reminder to remain humble and rely on God for our needs.

These lessons highlight the importance of obedience, repentance, trust in God’s sovereignty, hope in adversity, and humility. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Acknowledgement of Sin

In the quiet of our hearts, we seek Your face, 

Acknowledging our sins, we yearn for grace. 

Born with a nature that strays from Your way, 

We need Your guidance, lest we go astray.

Compassionate Father, ready to forgive, 

You teach us repentance, show us how to live. 

A broken spirit, a heart that’s contrite, 

You value these offerings in Your holy sight.

Rituals and sacrifices, they have their place, 

But it’s our sincere hearts that reflect Your grace. 

Inner purity, a steadfast spirit’s quest, 

In these, O Lord, our souls find true rest.

Let us approach You with humility, 

Repentant hearts from pride set free. 

For You are compassionate, abounding in love, 

Guiding us gently to heaven above.

REFLECTION:

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. (Psalm 51:3-5)

God is compassionate and ready to forgive those who truly repent. It is important to acknowledge our sins before God without excuses or justifications. 

The acknowledgment that we are born with a sinful nature encourages us to constantly seek God’s guidance and strength to overcome our inherent weaknesses. 

We should desire for inner purity and a steadfast spirit. God values a broken spirit and contrite heart over ritual sacrifices. Our inner attitude and sincerity are more important to God than outward religious practices. 

Let us humbly approach God with true repentance that comes from the heart.

Heavenly Father, full of compassion and grace, Before You, we come, seeking Your face. We acknowledge our sins, no excuses we make, For we know our nature, prone to mistake.

Lord, we are born with a nature so frail, Inherent weaknesses that often prevail. But with Your guidance and strength from above, We can overcome these faults through Your love.

We desire inner purity, a spirit that’s firm, A heart that’s steadfast, willing to learn. For You value sincerity, not just outward deeds, A broken spirit, a heart that truly pleads.

May our sacrifices be more than routine, But a reflection of a heart that’s been cleaned. Let our inner attitude shine with Your light, And our sincerity be pleasing in Your sight.

We humbly approach You with repentance true, With hearts open wide, our spirits renew. Thank You for forgiveness, so freely given, Help us live lives that are worthy of heaven. Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE MISERERE: PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Psalm 51:1-21

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 11, 16

R: Be merciful, O Lord, we have sinned.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 5 For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: 6 “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” (R) 11 Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. 16 Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice. 

Background:

Psalm 51 is traditionally understood to be King David’s prayer of repentance after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and his subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. 

In verses 3-4, David acknowledges his sinfulness before God, expressing deep remorse and seeking forgiveness. 

Verses 5-6 reflect on the nature of sin, acknowledging that sin is not just an act but a condition present from birth. 

In verse 11, David pleads with God not to cast him away or take His Holy Spirit from him. 

Finally, verse 16 shows David’s understanding that God desires a contrite heart more than ritual sacrifices.

Learning Lessons:

From Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 11, 16, we can extract several profound lessons:

Acknowledgment of Sin: David’s candid confession teaches us the importance of acknowledging our sins before God without excuses or justifications.

God’s Mercy: Despite the gravity of his sins, David appeals to God’s mercy, reminding us that God is compassionate and ready to forgive those who truly repent.

Inherent Sinfulness: The acknowledgment that we are born with a sinful nature (verses 5-6) encourages us to constantly seek God’s guidance and strength to overcome our inherent weaknesses.

Desire for Purity: David’s plea for a clean heart (verse 11) exemplifies the desire we should have for inner purity and a steadfast spirit.

Heart over Ritual: The recognition that God values a broken spirit and contrite heart over ritual sacrifices (verse 16) teaches us that our inner attitude and sincerity are more important to God than outward religious practices.

These verses encourage self-reflection, a humble approach to God, and an understanding that true repentance comes from the heart.

Reflection:

Conversation with Copilot

Make A Return

Every good thing, a gift divine,

From God above, in His love, does shine.

In every circumstance, near or far,

Upon us always, is God's saving star.

He values our lives, oh so immensely,

His love for us, boundless and intensely.

His redeeming love, a beacon bright,

Delivers us into His holy light.

Spiritual freedom from sin, a gift so grand,

In His presence, humbly we stand.

Commitments we make, promises we keep,

In faithfulness to God, our love runs deep.

Thankfulness we express, in words and deed,

Serving the Lord is our humble creed.

In gratitude, our hearts do sing,

For every good thing, from God, does spring.

REFLECTION:

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:12-13)

Every good thing comes from God. In all circumstances, God's saving power is upon us. He values our lives immensely. His redeeming love has delivered us and gave us spiritual freedom from sin. It is only fitting that we keep our commitments and be faithful in our promises to God. 

Let us always be thankful in expressing our gratitude to God not just in words, but also through our actions of humbly serving the Lord.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that every good thing comes from You. In all circumstances, we are reminded of Your saving power upon us. You value our lives immensely, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Your redeeming love has delivered us and given us spiritual freedom from sin. It is only fitting that we keep our commitments and be faithful in our promises to You. 

Let us always be thankful, expressing our gratitude to You not just in words, but also through our actions of humbly serving You. 

Guide us, Lord, in our daily lives, that we may always remember Your love and mercy. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO SAVES FROM DEATH

Psalm 116:1-19

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18

R: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

12 How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? 13 The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (R) 15 Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16 I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. (R) 17 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. 18 My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people. (R)

Background:

Psalm 116 is part of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were sung by Jesus with His disciples on the night of His betrayal and arrest. This psalm is a song of gratitude and triumph over death.

The psalmist expresses deep love for the Lord because He has heard his prayers during a desperate season. The psalmist vows to call upon the Lord as long as he lives.

The psalmist describes being surrounded by the pains of death, experiencing trouble and sorrow. This crisis could have been due to sickness, injury, or persecution.

In verses 12-13, the psalmist contemplates what he can give to the Lord for all His benefits towards him. He decides to lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

Verses 15-16 express that the death of the Lord’s faithful servants is precious in His sight. The psalmist affirms his servitude to the Lord and acknowledges that he has been freed from his chains.

In verses 17-18, the psalmist promises to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the Lord’s name. He also vows to fulfill his promises to the Lord in the presence of all His people.

This psalm is a profound expression of gratitude and faith in the face of adversity, and it serves as a testament to the Lord’s deliverance and steadfast love.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18 offers several valuable lessons:

Gratitude: The psalmist asks, “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?”. This reflects a heart full of gratitude and acknowledges that every good thing comes from God. It teaches us to always be thankful for God’s blessings.

Trust in God: The psalmist lifts up the cup of salvation, signifying trust in God’s deliverance. This teaches us to trust in God’s saving power in all circumstances.

Value of Life: The statement “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” shows that God values our lives immensely. It reminds us of the sanctity and value of life.

Servitude: The psalmist declares himself a servant of God, teaching us the importance of humility and servitude in our relationship with God.

Freedom: The psalmist acknowledges that God has freed him from his chains. This symbolizes spiritual freedom from sin and teaches us about God’s redeeming love.

Thanksgiving: The psalmist promises to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. This teaches us to express our gratitude to God not just in words, but also through our actions.

Fulfilling Vows: The psalmist vows to fulfill his promises to the Lord. This teaches us about the importance of keeping our commitments and being faithful in our promises to God.

Public Worship: The psalmist vows to fulfill his promises in the presence of all God’s people. This highlights the importance of communal worship and public declaration of our faith.

These lessons remind us to be grateful, trust in God’s deliverance, value life, serve God humbly, celebrate our freedom in God, give thanks through actions, keep our promises to God, and worship God publicly. They guide us in our relationship with God and how we live our lives. (Conversation with Copilot)

Repent and Believe in the Gospel

“This is the time of fulfillment. 

The kingdom of God is at hand. 

Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

MARK1:15

Jesus begins His public ministry with a call to repentance and faith in the good news (the Gospel) that the kingdom of God is near. This message emphasizes the immediate necessity to turn away from sin and turn towards faith in God’s promises. It’s a call to spiritual transformation and renewal. 

In the heart of time's grand hall, echoes a divine call, "This is the time of fulfillment, hear the chime, the kingdom of God is no longer a climb. No need for a distant quest, it's at hand, in every grain of sand, in every land, understand, it's not about command, but a love so grand. Repent, not with lament, but with intent to reinvent and consent to a life well spent. Believe in the gospel, let your faith ripple, not a doctrine simple but a sacred symbol of love's eternal principle. So, heed the call, stand tall, in the kingdom of God we install, a world of love, for one and all."

12 The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, 13 and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. 14 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:12-15)

Lord Jesus, we come before You in humility, recognizing this is the time of fulfillment, in tranquility. We acknowledge Your kingdom is not far, but at hand, in our hearts, in our lives, in every strand. We repent for our missteps, our sins we disband, seeking Your grace, on holy ground we stand. We turn from our old ways, on Your path we land, with contrite hearts, we adhere to Your command. We believe in the gospel, Your love so grand, Your sacrifice, Your redemption, Your reprimand. Help us to live by Your word, in it we expand, In faith, in hope, in love, together we band. Guide us, O Lord, with Your gentle hand, in Your kingdom of God, help us understand. This is the time of fulfillment, as You planned, we repent, and believe in the gospel, as a burning brand. With much love, praise, and thanksgiving we pray. Amen.

God made a covenant with Noah (and all living beings) after the Great Flood. The “bow” in the clouds refers to the rainbow, which is seen as a symbol of this covenant. In this context, God promises that He will never again send a flood to destroy all life on earth. It’s a powerful message of God’s mercy and the enduring promise between God and all living creatures. 

8 God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 9 “See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you 10 and with every living creature that was with you: all the birds, and the various tame and wild animals that were with you and came out of the ark. 11 I will establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood; there shall not be another flood to devastate the earth.” 12 God added: “This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you:13 I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will recall the covenant I have made between me and you and all living beings, so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all mortal beings.” (Genesis 9:8-15)

When clouds gather over the earth in a grand array, and the bow appears, painting the sky in a colorful play, it's a divine reminder, a celestial display of a covenant made, a promise that will forever stay. "I will recall the covenant," says the divine voice, between me and you, and all life, it's our joint choice. A pact of preservation, making every heart rejoice, a promise echoing through time, in every echo and noise. No more shall waters become a flood, a destructive force, no more shall life be swept away, off its course. The bow in the clouds, a symbol, a resource of a promise kept, from an eternal source. So when you see the bow, remember the tale of a covenant made, a promise that will never fail. A sign of hope, when dark clouds prevail, a reminder of a bond, a love that will never pale.

Father in heaven, You are the Lord of all creation, we stand in awe. When clouds cover the earth, and Your bow appears in the raw, a symbol of Your covenant, without flaw, a promise made, a truth we saw. "When I bring clouds over the earth," You say, "And the bow appears in the clouds, in a colorful array, I will recall the covenant, come what may, between me and you, and all living beings, in the light of day. The waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all mortal beings, to turn life into mud. This is my promise, sealed in blood, a covenant of love, stronger than a bud." We thank You, Lord, for Your promise so divine, for Your mercy, for Your love, for Your sign. Help us to remember, when the sun doesn't shine that Your covenant stands, in the rainbow's line. In Jesus most holy name, we pray, Amen.

Humility is a virtue that opens one up to learning and understanding God’s ways and His concept of justice. Pray that God will always remember His mercy and love, which have been constant from time immemorial and have a deep faith in God’s unchanging nature and His everlasting kindness. 

4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. 6 Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old. 7 In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9)

Remember, O Lord, Your compassion so bold, Your love that is from of old, unchanging, unfailing, more precious than gold. In Your mercy, our hearts enfold. Your love, O Lord, from time untold, a love so deep, it cannot be sold. In every tale of Your grace retold, Your compassion and love, we behold. From the dawn of creation, Your love took hold, in every heartbeat, Your love is extolled. Your compassion, O Lord, makes us bold, a testament of Your love from of old. So, we remember, as the days unfold, Your compassion, O Lord, and Your love from of old.

In every moment, in every threshold, Your love and compassion, our hands uphold.

Father in heaven, Lord of all ages, we come before You with hearts open wide, seeking Your view. "Remember that Your compassion, O Lord, and Your love are from of old," is our chord. From the dawn of time, Your love has been our fort, Your compassion our comfort, our last resort. In times of joy, in times of ordeal, Your love from of old, our wounds it does heal. So we pray, O Lord, in Your love we bask, for Your compassion, we humbly ask. Help us to reflect Your love so vast from this moment forward, as in the past. In Jesus' most holy name, we pray, Amen.

This reading from the First Letter of Peter draws a parallel between the salvation of Noah and his family during the flood and the spiritual salvation offered through baptism. In the story of Noah, the floodwaters that destroyed the earth also lifted the ark, saving Noah and his family. Similarly, baptism is not about physical cleansing but rather a pledge of a good conscience towards God, made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It underscores the belief in baptism as a sacrament of initiation and purification, and a sign of one’s faith in the redeeming power of Christ’s resurrection.

18 Beloved: Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit. 19 In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison, 20 who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water. 21 This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. (1 Peter 3:18-22)

In the days of Noah, patience was God's art, while the ark was building, He played His part. Eight souls were saved, a new start, through water, a symbol, a divine chart. This prefigured baptism, a sacred rite which saves you now, in God's sight. Not a mere cleansing in the light but an appeal to God with all your might. For a clear conscience, pure and bright, through the resurrection of Jesus, the eternal knight. Not a removal of dirt, not a physical fight but a spiritual journey, taking flight. So remember the ark, remember the dove, remember the promise from above. Baptism is more than you can conceive, tt's about faith, about what you believe.

Father in heaven, Lord of all time, who patiently waited in the days of Noah, Your love unabated. Eight souls saved through water, as You stated, a prefiguration of baptism, divinely created. We thank You for this sacrament, which saves us now, not a removal of dirt, but a sacred vow. An appeal to You for a clear conscience, we bow, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we avow. Help us remember, in every ark we build, Your patience, Your promise, by Your love instilled. Guide us to justice, let our hearts be filled, teach us Your way, in Your love we are thrilled. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE BEGINNING OF THE GALILEAN MINISTRY / THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES

Mark 1:12-15

I: The Primeval History

COVENANT WITH NOAH

Genesis 9:1-17

First Book of Psalms 1-41

CONFIDENT PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS AND GUIDANCE

Psalm 25:1-22

III: The Christian in a Hostile World

CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

1 Peter 3:13-22

Turn Now Ten Times the More

As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, 

turn now ten times the more to seek Him;

In saving you, He will bring you back enduring joy.

BARUCH 4:28-29

Father in heaven, Your grace overflows beyond measure. I praise You O Lord my God for truly, there is no limit to Your love, mercy, and forgiveness. 

I humbly turn to You today, broken and full of sin. Please forgive me dear Father for all the sins I have comitted knowingly and unknowingly. Strengthen my resolve and determination to fight off the evil in me, knowing and believing in faith that the good in me will always prevail. Always keep me under the shelter of Your love, comfort, and protection. Only by your forgiveness, mercy, and grace can I be saved from sin through Christ.

I pray for all your children who are victims of destruction brought about by the recent calamities. Please restore back their lives and bring them back to enduring joy. Let your love be the source of their strength to resist evil and do good.

I have sinned in a lot of ways but I am thankful to You O Lord for loving me unconditionally. Love that always bring me back to You. Love that always make me turn to seek You more, knowing and believing that there is nothing impossible with You. As always, fill me with your Spirit and deliver me from the hands of sin.

All these I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Choose the Better Part

 "There is need of only one thing. 

Mary has chosen the better part 

and it will not be taken from her.” 

LUKE 10:42

Until the present day, we have been disobedient to the Lord, our God, and only too ready to disregard His voice (Bar 1:19). We have neither heeded the voice of the Lord, our God, nor followed the precepts which the Lord set before us (Bar 1:18). Each one of us went off after the devices of our own wicked hearts, served other gods, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, our God (Bar 1:22).

Jesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld. (Lk 10:13-15) If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Lk 11:13)

Did you experience so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does, then, the one who supplies the Spirit to you and works mighty deeds among you do so from works of the law or from faith in what you heard? (Gal 3:4-5) After beginning with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? (Gal 3:3)

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of His servant David. Through His holy prophets He promised of old that He would save us from our enemies, from the hand of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant. This was the oath He swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of enemies, free to worship Him without fear, holy and righteous in His sight all the days of our life. (Lk 1:69-75)

All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For You are great, and You do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. (Ps 86:9-10) Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake (Ps 79:9). Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low (Ps 79:8).