Divine love, keeps Christ going on his journey

Readings: 1^st: Is 50:4-9; Ps: 69; Gos: Mt 26:14-25

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Today is the fourth day of Holy Week. Yesterday the Gospel spoke of the betrayal of Judas and of the denial of Peter. Today, it speaks once again of the betrayal of Judas. In the description of the Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, the failure of the disciples is strongly stressed.

In spite of having lived three years with Jesus, not one of them defended Jesus. Judas betrays Him, Peter denies Him, and the others flee. Matthew narrates everything not to discourage us, but to demonstrate that, the love of Jesus is stronger than the defeat and the failure of the disciples

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This way of describing the attitude of Jesus was a help for the communities at the time of Matthew. Because of the frequent tribulations like the ones we are passing through, many were discouraged and abandoned the community.

Therefore, today’s gospel reminds us that, as human beings, we can break our relationship with Christ, but Christ never breaks it with us. His love is greater than our infidelity. He accepted his fate. He does not retaliate, no matter how shamefully he was treated. Divine love, keeps him going.

Today we may blame Judas who betrayed Christ for only thirty silver coins, or Peter who denied him because of the fear of the Jews. However, the question is, how many times have we betrayed him who loved us so much? How many times have we denied Christ through our words, actions and unbelief?

So, this Holy Week, we are invited in our prayer in the Passion to see how divinity hides itself. The Christ suffering, is God who still suffers the pain, injustices, greed and betrayal of his people today.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

Amor divino, mantiene a Cristo en su camino

Lecturas: 1ra: Is 50:4-9; Sal: 69; Ev: Mt 26:14-25

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es el Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. El Padre Canice es miembro de la academia de homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Hoy es el cuarto día de la Semana Santa. Ayer el Evangelio habló de la traición de Judas y de la negación de Pedro. Hoy habla una vez más de la traición de Judas. En la descripción de la Pasión de Jesús en el Evangelio de Mateo, el fracaso de los discípulos está fuertemente subrayado.

A pesar de haber vivido tres años con Jesús, ninguno de ellos defendió a Jesús. Judas lo traicionó, Pedro lo negó, y los demás huyeron. Mateo narra todo lo que sucedió, no para desalentarnos, sino para demostrar que, el amor de Jesús es más fuerte que la derrota y el fracaso de los discípulos.

Esta forma de describir la actitud de Jesús fue una ayuda para las comunidades en la época de Mateo. Debido a las frecuentes tribulaciones como las que estamos de pasando ahora, muchos fueron desalentados y abandonaron a la comunidad.

Por lo tanto, el evangelio de hoy nos recuerda que, como seres humanos, podemos romper nuestra relación con Cristo, pero Cristo nunca la rompe con nosotros. Su amor es mayor que nuestra infidelidad. Cristo aceptó su destino. Él no toma represalias, no importa cuán vergonzosamente fue tratado. Amor divino, mantiene a Cristo en su camino.

Hoy podemos culpar a Judas que traicionó a Cristo por sólo treinta monedas de plata, o a Pedro que lo negó por el temor de los judíos. Sin embargo, la pregunta es, ¿cuántas veces hemos traicionado a aquel que nos amó tanto? ¿Cuántas veces hemos negado a Cristo a través de nuestras palabras, acciones e incredulidad?

Así que, esta Semana Santa, estamos invitados en nuestra oración en la Pasión, a ver cómo se esconde la divinidad. El Cristo que sufre, es Dios que todavía sufre el dolor, las injusticias, la avaricia y la traición de nosotros su pueblo hoy.

¡La paz sea con ustedes ¡

¡Maranatha!

One of you will betray me! Lord, who will it be?

Readings: 1^st: Is 49:1-6; Ps: 71; Gos: 13:21-33,36-38

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today is the third day of Holy Week. The journey of this season is gradually coming to its end. Things are becoming clearer to the disciples of Jesus.

Knowing that it will be his last meal with his disciples, Christ decides to make a great revelation to them about his suffering and death. Most important, he revealed the role one of them will play in the whole process: “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

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This news was received with much surprise. Now every one is a suspect. Who will it be? They ask one another. But the culprit knows himself, what he has done and what he was going to do. Of course, Christ knew that it would be Judas Iscariot who was a thief, and jealous of him

The betrayal of Judas Iscariot will be immediate, and would initiate the great suffering and suffering of Christ. Yet, there is other betrayal that belongs to the future, that of Peter the head of the apostles. Of course, now he is full of zeal to deal with who ever will betray their master, but he will do the same thing. Though at another level.

So, the story of our salvation is full of ups and downs. It is marked by betrayals, persecutions, sufferings and abandonment. These marks are what makes this story unique and what it is.

However, the good news is that, these sufferings, betrayals, and abandonments will bear positive fruits. They prepare the ground for the good things to come in future, the salvation of humanity.

Have you been betrayed, abandoned by the ones you loved most? Do you feel lonely on your journey in life? Look up to Christ and make him your model in your difficult journey of life. He will help you to understand why. He did for you, and for all of us. If we endure like him, we shall see his salvation and glory.

This Holy Week, may we find the strength and courage to face these difficult moments in our own life.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

¡Uno de ustedes me traicionará! Señor, ¿quién será?

Lecturas: 1ra: Is 49:1-6; Sal: 71; Ev: Jn 13:21-33, 36-38

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es el Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. El Padre Canice es miembro de la academia de homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Hoy es el tercer día de la Semana Santa. El viaje de esta temporada está llegando gradualmente a su fin. Las cosas ya se están volviendo más claras a los discípulos de Jesús.

Sabiendo que será su última cena con sus discípulos, Cristo decide hacerles una gran revelación acerca de su sufrimiento y muerte. Lo más importante, reveló el papel que uno de ellos desempeñará en todo el proceso: “Yo les aseguro, que uno de ustedes me va a entregar”.

Esta noticia fue recibida con mucha sorpresa. Ahora cada uno es un sospechoso. ¿Quién será? Se preguntaron el uno al otro. Pero, el culpable se conoce a sí mismo, lo que ha hecho, y lo que iba a hacer. Por supuesto, Cristo sabía que sería Judas Iscariote quien era un ladrón, y celoso de él.

La traición de Judas Iscariote será inmediata, e iniciará el gran sufrimiento jornada de Cristo. Sin embargo, hay otra traición que pertenece al futuro, la de Pedro, la cabeza de los apóstoles. Por supuesto, ahora está lleno de celo para luchar con quién traicionará a su maestro, pero hará lo mismo. Aunque en otro nivel.

Entonces, la historia de nuestra salvación está llena de altibajos. Está marcada por traiciones, persecuciones, sufrimientos y abandonos. Estas marcas son lo que hace que esta historia sea única, y lo que es.

Querido hermano, ¿Has sido traicionado, abandonado por los que más amabas? ¿Te sientes solo en tu viaje en la vida? Mira a Cristo, y hazlo tu modelo en tu camino difícil de vida. Te ayudará a entender por qué. Lo hizo por ti, y por todos nosotros. Si perseveramos como él, veremos su salvación y gloria.

Esta Semana Santa, que encontremos la fuerza y el ánimo para afrontar estos momentos difíciles en nuestra propia vida.

¡La paz sea con ustedes ¡

¡Maranatha!

Christ continues his mission

Readings: 1^st: Is 42:1-7; Ps: 23; Gos: Jn 12:1-11

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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The Church has started Holy Week. It is one of the most important weeks in the history of our salvation as God’s people. The persecution of Christ will only intensify this week.

In spite of this, Christ continues his mission. His visit to the house of Lazarus and his family was a visit of solidarity. As we saw last week, Christ shared their sorrow and “wept.” Today, he shares their joy.

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He knows that the Jews were looking for him, and that they wanted him dead as soon as possible. However, he is no longer afraid because, he knows that soon, he will fulfill his Father’s will. He will freely hand himself over to them for one purpose, the salvation of the world.

Hence, the anointing of Jesus’s feet by Martha tells a lot about his future. Also, it shows the dept of love that Martha and her family had for Christ. They not only offered him the comfort of their home, they also offered him their cherished and most expensive treasure.

Martha’s action was an act of love, and an appreciation for what Christ represents for them. He is a Messiah, a valued friend, and of course, a king. The value of the perfume tells the whole story.

Martha and her family not only saw the present of Christ, but also his future. They saw his suffering, his death, his Resurrección. Most importantly, they recognized the presence of the king of eternal glory before them. So, Martha took advantage of the opportunity before her, and adored Christ, the King.

Many people like Judas could not see this. So, they only complained about wasting an expensive perfume. Of course, their argument seemed reasonable. However, it was not out of genuine intention for the poor, but out of pure jealousy and greedy. At times while we only see and worry about “the cost of something or a gesture,” Christ sees the love in them. That is the love with which they were given or made.

As we accompany Christ this week, let us ask God to keep us faithful so that, as we share in his suffering, we might also share in his glory.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

Cristo continúa su misión

Lecturas: 1ra: Is 42:1-7; Sal: 26; Ev: Jn 12:1-11

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es el Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. El Padre Canice es miembro de la academia de homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

La Iglesia ha comenzado la Semana Santa. Es una de las semanas más importantes en la historia de nuestra salvación como pueblo de Dios. La persecución de Cristo sólo se intensificará esta semana.

A pesar de esto, Cristo continúa su misión. Su visita a la casa de Lázaro y su familia fue una visita solidaria. Como vimos en la semana pasada, Cristo compartió su dolor, y ¡lloró! Hoy, comparte su alegría.

Christo sabe que los judíos lo estaban buscando, y que lo querían muerto lo antes posible. Sin embargo, ya no tiene miedo porque, sabe que pronto, cumplirá la voluntad de su Padre. Se entregará libremente a ellos con un solo propósito, la salvación del mundo.

Por lo tanto, la unción de los pies de Jesús por Marta dice mucho sobre su futuro. También, muestra el profundo amor que Marta y su familia tenían por Cristo. No sólo le ofrecieron la comodidad de su hogar, sino que también le ofrecieron su preciado y más caro tesoro.

La acción de Marta fue un acto de amor, y una apreciación por lo que Cristo representa para ellos. Cristo es un Mesías, un amigo valioso, y por supuesto, un rey. El valor del perfume lo dice todo.

Marta y su familia no sólo vieron el presente de Cristo, sino que, también vieron su futuro. Vieron su sufrimiento, su muerte, su Resurrección. Lo más importante, reconocieron la presencia del rey de la gloria ante ellos. Así, Martha aprovechó la oportunidad ante ella, y adoraba a Cristo, el Rey.

Mucha gente como Judas, no podía ver esto. Por lo tanto, sólo se quejaron de gastar un perfume caro. Por supuesto, su argumento parecía razonable. Sin embargo, no fue por intención genuina para los pobres, sino por puro envidia y egoísmo. A veces, mientras solo vemos y nos preocupamos por “el costo de algo o un gesto”, Cristo ve el amor en ellos. Es decir, el amor con el que fueron dados o hechos.

Al acompañar a Cristo esta semana, pidamos a Dios que, nos mantenga fieles para que, al compartir su sufrimiento, también podamos compartir su gloria.

¡La paz sea con ustedes ¡

¡Maranatha!

We Honor Christ, the Servant and King

Readings: 1^st: Is 50, 4-7; Ps 21, 8-9, 19-20; 2^nd: Phil 2, 6-11: Gos: Mk 14, 1-15-47

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today is Palm Sunday. It is a unique Sunday in Lent that marks the beginning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphant entry of Christ into the royal city of Jerusalem. This entry is highly symbolic. It demonstrates that Christ is the Davidic king that fulfilled this ancient prophecy: “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness.” (Isaiah 9:7).

You may find and purchase it (print and eBook) at:
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The first and second readings of this Sunday are on the suffering and humility of Christ, the son of God. The first reading is from the book of Isaiah. It is the song of the suffering servant of God. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul also reminds of the humility and obedience of Christ, the servant of God: “…He emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are, he was humble even to accepting death on a cross.”

Humbly, the servant of God accepted all his sufferings to save us. He offered and lost his life to secure victory for us. The most important lesson from all this is that the virtues of patience, humility, and obedience are fundamental in life. Also, the readings teach us that suffering is inevitable in life. Therefore, only those who are ready to persist and endure to the end will triumph. Also, they teach us that, if we persist in our faith, we shall emerge victorious over suffering.

Today’s celebration anchored on Mark’s gospel is full of significant symbols. These include the palms representing Christ’s royalty and peaceful reign, “He shall be the prince, and the king of peace” (Is 11: 1-9; 9:6). The donkey is symbolic of Christ’s humility, “He is humble! He rides on a donkey, the foal of a beast of burden” (Zac 9: 9). Finally, the crowd symbolizes both praise and rejection. This is because the same crowd singing “Hosanna, Hosanna” today soon will demand Christ’s crucifixion

Our procession today was for two reasons. First, to honor Christ as he enters the royal city. Hence, we sang: “Hosanna to the son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Second, to express our solidarity with Christ as he begins the journey, ultimately leading to our salvation. So, as we sing hosanna today, we must ask God for the Grace to remain faithful to the end.

Unfortunately, the sad news is that some of those (the crowd), who hailed Christ with the shout of hosanna, were the same people to latter demanded: “crucify him” on Good Friday. These episodes simply reflect the reality of life. They also reflect how unfaithful and unpredictable we can be at times in our relationships with God and others. Today, we are for Christ; tomorrow, we are against him. Christ is our friend when we are in difficulty, but our enemy when we are comfortable. It also shows how we relate to one another. Today we are friends, and tomorrow we are arch-enemies.

As we show solidarity to Christ today, we must ask God for the Grace to remain steadfast to him at all moments of our lives. We must also extend this solidarity to others. This is because, in others, we encounter both Christ the suffering servant of God, and Christ, the king of the world.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!

Honramos a Cristo, el Siervo y Rey

Lecturas: 1^ra: Is 50, 4-7; Sal 21, 8-9, 19-20; 2^da Phil 2, 6-11; Ev: Mc 14, 1-15, 47

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es el Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. El Padre Canice es miembro de la academia de homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Hoy es domingo de Ramos. Es un domingo único en Cuaresma porque, marca el comienzo de la Semana Santa. El domingo de Ramos celebra la entrada triunfal de Cristo en la ciudad real de Jerusalén. Esta entrada es altamente simbólica. Demuestra que Cristo es el rey del linaje de David cumpliendo esta antigua profecía: “Reinará en el trono de David, y sobre su reino, estableciéndose y manteniéndola con equidad y justicia…” (Isaías 9:6).

Tanto la primera, como la segunda lectura de este domingo hablan del sufrimiento y la humildad de Cristo, el hijo de Dios. La primera lectura del libro de Isaías, es el cántico del siervo sufriente de Dios. En su carta a los Filipenses, Pablo también nos recuerda la humildad y la obediencia de Cristo, el siervo de Dios: “Se humilló para asumir la condición de un esclavo, y se hizo semejante a los hombres, se rebajó a sí mismo, haciéndose obediente hasta la muerte, muerte en la cruz.”

Humildemente, el siervo de Dios aceptó todos sus sufrimientos para salvarnos. Se ofreció y perdió su vida para asegurar nuestra victoria. La lección más importante de todo esto es que, las virtudes de la paciencia, la humildad y la obediencia son muy importantes en la vida. También, las lecturas nos enseñan que el sufrimiento es inevitable en la vida. Por lo tanto, sólo a los que están dispuestos a persistir y perdurar hasta el final triunfarán. Además, nos enseña que, si persistimos en nuestra fe, seriamos victoriosos sobre sufrimientos.

La celebración de hoy anclada en el evangelio de Marcos está llena de símbolos significativos. Estas incluyen las palmas que representan a la realeza de Cristo y su reinado pacífico: “Él será el príncipe y el rey de la paz” (Is 11, 1-9; 9:6). El burro es un símbolo de la humildad de Cristo: “¡Es humilde! Monta en un burro, el más humilde de las bestias de carga” (Zac 9, 9). Por último, la multitud simboliza tanto el elogio como el rechazo. Esto se debe a que la misma multitud que canta “Hosanna, Hosanna” hoy pronto exigirá la crucifixión de Cristo.

Hoy tenemos dos razones por la cual realizamos nuestra procesión con los Ramos. La primera, fue para honrar a Cristo que entró en la ciudad real. Por lo tanto, cantamos: “Hosanas al hijo de David, bendito es el que viene en el nombre del Señor.” La segunda, es para expresar nuestra solidaridad con Cristo al comenzar el viaje que finalmente conducirá a nuestra salvación. Así que, mientras cantamos hosana hoy, debemos pedirle a Dios la gracia para permanecer fiel hasta el final.

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Por desgracia, la triste noticia es que algunos (la multitud), que saludaron a Cristo con el canto de hosana, serán los mismos que también cantarán, “crucificarlo” el Viernes Santo. Estos episodios simplemente reflejan la realidad de la vida. También, reflejan cuán infiel e impredecible podemos ser a veces en nuestras relaciones con Dios, y con los demás. Hoy, estamos con Cristo, mañana estamos en contra de él. Cristo es nuestro amigo cuando estamos en dificultades, y nuestro enemigo cuando estamos cómodos. También, muestra cómo relacionamos unos con los otros. Hoy, somos amigos, y mañana somos archienemigos.

Al mostrar nuestra solidaridad con Cristo hoy, es importante que le pidamos a Dios la gracia de mantenernos firmes en todos los momentos de nuestras vidas. También, debemos extender esta solidaridad a otros, porque, en otros, encontramos a Cristo, el siervo sufriente de Dios, así como, Cristo el rey del mundo.

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranata!

Christ Is Ready to Offer Everything for our Salvation

Readings: 1^st: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 50:3-15; 2^nd: Heb 5:7-9: Gos: Jn 12:20-30

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Today as we celebrate the fifth Sunday of Lent, we draw close to our destination and the most important moments in our journey this season. This fact is reflected in all the readings of this Sunday. Christ is ready to offer everything for our salvation. So, we must also be willing to offer all for him and others.

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The first reading of this Sunday is an assurance of God’s continuous presence with us.  It also reminds us of the new thing that God is about to do in our midst: “I will make a new covenant and never call their sin to mind…then, I will be their God, and they will be my people.” God is ready to set aside a relationship that was destroyed by infidelity. He wishes to restore a broken relationship.

On our part, we must be ready to accept this new covenant with God. This new covenant offers us salvation and life. So, as we continue our walk this Lent, let us know that God is willing to fulfill his promise, and nothing can stop him. All he demands from us is to be ready to accept this new covenant made in Christ Jesus.

The second reading of this Sunday reminds us of the Gethsemane experience of Jesus. It reminds us of the great sacrifice of Christ. First, this was to fulfill the promise of his father. Second, it was to save us. “He learned to obey through suffering…he became for all who obey him the source of eternal life.”

Christ is willing to pay this price this season to get us going in life. He will achieve it through his prayer and suffering for humanity. He will do all these in humility and obedience, which are essential virtues we need to excel in life. Without these, Christ would not be able to achieve the new covenant for our salvation.

Today, as we see Christ carrying out his priestly and intercessory role, we must find new courage to press on amid trials, persecution, and even doubts. Also, we must learn from His experience that suffering is necessary and inevitable in life. This is because, just like Christ, we will be made perfect through it.

The gospel of this Sunday draws us closer to our destination. Christ himself tells us: “Now the hour has come for the son of man to be glorified.” What glory is there in suffering? He is about to be arrested, punished, and killed, yet he talks about his glory. Jesus saw beyond the clouds of pains and difficulties to behold success and eternal life.

He knew that his suffering and death would restore life to many. So, he was not discouraged by the temporary situation of suffering. Instead, he was encouraged and motivated by the honest reward of eternal life. Hence, Christ offered his sorrow and life to restore a broken covenant and eternal life for all who believe in him. Thus, he says: “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies it yields a rich harvest.”

Unfortunately, many of us do not want to follow or like this path. Jesus invites us to be strong along the way of life. He wants us to be where he is. So, we must be ready to endure as he did. We must be prepared to die as a grain dies to regenerate. Practically speaking, we “die” every day when we stand up for justices, when we stand for the truth and when we say no to sin, corruption, and immorality.

These “daily deaths” exhaust us physically, but they strengthen us spiritually. Therefore, as we continue our walk with Christ this season, the thought of his suffering and death must strengthen us daily. Also, we must continually remind ourselves that it is honorable to suffer for Christ and others.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!