feasting on the word
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
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Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy) Acts 5:12-16 | Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 | Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 | John 20:19-31  Though Easter Sunday has already passed, the Easter season is far from over. In fact, the joy of Easter continues for 50 days—stretching all the way to Pentecost Sunday, which falls on June 8 this year. Today, as we celebrate the Sunday of the Divine Mercy, we are lovingly reminded that Jesus longs to make us whole again. But for us to truly receive this gift of restoration, we must learn to trust fully in His mercy. Yes, it’s only human to wrestle with doubt or hold back in fear—but even in our uncertainty, Jesus gently calls us to draw near. He invites us to bring our wounds, our brokenness, and our questions before Him, trusting that His mercy is greater than anything that weighs us down. To help us reflect more deeply on this beautiful truth, I’d like to share some insights inspired by the life and witness of our Holy Father, Pope Francis—a shepherd who continues to echo Christ’s message of compassion and mercy in our world today.
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Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (C) Acts 10:34A, 37-43 | Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 | 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8 | John 20:1-9  The psalmist says today, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!" On this Easter Sunday, let's remember that our faith is stronger than life itself, and Jesus is more powerful than death. By rising from the dead, Christ has opened a path to true life for all of us. He’s inviting us to let go of our old ways and embrace a new, transformed life in Him.
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (C) Isaiah 50:4-7 | Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 | Philippians 2:6-11 | Luke 22:14—23:56  Today, we begin the most sacred week of our liturgical calendar. The readings presented to us offer an opportunity to contemplate Jesus' journey to the Resurrection through His Passion. Let us pray for the graces of patient endurance, humble obedience, and discernment.
Fifth Sunday of Lent (C) Isaiah 43:16-21 | Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 | Philippians 3:8-14 | John 8:1-11  As we stand just one week away from Holy Week, the Church invites us to reflect on the power of mercy and transformation. When others wrong us, our first instinct is often anger or a desire for justice. But today’s Gospel challenges us to look beyond our emotions and respond with the same forgiveness that God offers us. This Fifth Sunday of Lent reminds us to let go of resentment, choose what is right, and become instruments of God’s love in the way we treat others.
Fourth Sunday of Lent (C) Joshua 5:9A, 10-12 | Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  "Home"—just hearing the word brings a flood of emotions. It’s where we feel safe, welcomed, and at peace. It’s where laughter fills the air, delicious meals are shared, and the best sleep is had. More than just a place, home is a feeling of love, joy, and comfort. This sense of "coming home" is at the heart of the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we may have wandered, there is always a place for us to return—a place of grace, renewal, and belonging.
Third Sunday of Lent (C) Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 | Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11 | 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 | Luke 13:1-9  There are two ways we can look at suffering. It can make us feel angry and bitter, or it can help us feel closer to God. The readings for the Third Sunday of Lent teach us to think more deeply about suffering and death.
First Sunday of Lent (C) Deuteronomy 26:4-10 | Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 | Romans 10:8-13 | Luke 4:1-13  As we begin our Lenten journey, this Sunday’s Gospel reminds us to have the same confidence Jesus had when facing temptation—trusting that God's word is enough. We can rely on Him to provide for our needs, to protect us, and to remain faithful to His promises. And above all, we worship God because He alone has power over us and the world.
Ash Wednesday (C) Joel 2:12-18 | Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 | 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18  Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of our 40-day journey of preparation for the Lord’s Resurrection. During this season, we set aside the singing of Glory to God in the Highest and “bury” the Alleluia. Floral decorations are put away, and we now use violet, the color of penance. Soon, we’ll be walking around with dark smudges on our foreheads—ashes blessed and mixed with either holy oil or water, then traced in the shape of a cross. As the minister imposes the ashes, they will say either, “Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19) or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). No matter which words are spoken, the message is clear: "Alalahanin mo, mamamatay ka rin!" (Remember, you will die.) It’s a stark reminder of our mortality and our calling to live meaningfully. Life is short, so we must live it well. Since ancient times, people have used ashes as a sign of fasting, prayer, repentance, and remorse. This practice was common in early Judaism, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26. In the Church, ashes are sacramentals—outward signs of our brokenness and our willingness to turn back to God. By receiving them, we acknowledge our need for conversion and renewal
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) Sirach 27:4-7 | Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 | 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 | Luke 6:39-45  On this last Sunday of Ordinary Time before the grace-filled season of Lent, the Scriptures provide us with essential guidance for shaping our spiritual practices during this sacred period: Speak with wisdom to inspire and uplift others, rejoice in Christ's triumph over sin and death, and engage in self-reflection before addressing the faults of others.
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 | Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 | 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 | Luke 6:27-38  After this reflection, we’ll be praying the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, which affirms the four marks of the true Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. But if these are the marks of the Church, what about its members? What truly makes someone a Catholic? Is it being pro-life and against divorce? Attending Latin Mass or creative liturgies? Joining prayer meetings and Bible studies? Praying 2,000 Hail Mary’s or doing novena marathons? Wearing uniforms and collecting parish group memberships? Does being close friends with the parish priest make you a better Catholic than others? What defines a real Catholic? This weekend’s readings—from the prophet Samuel, St. Paul, and the Gospel of Luke—give us the answer: loving our enemies. A true Catholic embraces everyone, even those they disagree with or struggle to get along with. Let’s reflect on these readings and ask for the grace to love and forgive as Christ did.
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum |
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