pentecostal experience, pentecost,
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NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT THE PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTION OF THE WEEK: PENTECOST SUNDAY, CYCLE C, 2022

It is an indisputable fact that no Christianity or Christian is living without the Pentecostal experience. This is because it is the Pentecostal experience that transforms, renews and makes us authentic witnesses of Christ in the world. 

abiding presence, love, holy spirit
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THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF GOD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, CYCLE C, 2022

The abiding presence of God through the Holy Spirit is the most recurring theme of the scriptural readings, as we draw closer to the end of the Eastertide that culminates with the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost. Indeed, the readings this Sunday are all about the abiding love of God through his Spirit of love.

THE DYING WISH OF JESUS CHRIST IS FOR US TO LOVE LIKE HIM: CATHOLIC  SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, CYCLE C, 2022

THE DYING WISH OF JESUS CHRIST IS FOR US TO LOVE LIKE HIM: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, CYCLE C, 2022

The Christian life and spirituality could be summarized in the dying wish of Jesus Christ for us to love one another as he (Christ) has loved us. Hence, the most fundamental guiding principle, philosophy, theology or spirituality of the Christian life is the call to love God and others not like ourselves but like Jesus did and commanded us to do.

good shepherd, good sheep, vocations
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD IMPLIES ALSO THE GOOD SHEEP: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, CYCLE C, 2022

One thing that is obvious celebrating the good shepherd Sunday is that the imagery of the Christ the Good Shepherd implies the image of loyal and good sheep. Traditionally, the fourth Sunday after Easter is called the Good Shepherd Sunday and it is also the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations. When we pray priestly for and religious vocations, as well as for martial life since the good shepherd role is also in the family.

peter, resurrection,
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THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PETER’S TRANSFORMATION: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS OF THE WEEK: 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER, CYCLE C, 2022.  

The power of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit is Peter’s transformation to stand for and with Christ our Saviour and Lord. Hence, the person and personality of Peter is a very interesting point to reflect upon this Easter time. This is because in him we see the resurrection power a work, changing and transforming everything about him. 

divine mercy
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DIVINE MERCY, THE UNFATHOMABLE GRACE OF GOD: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER OR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, CYCLE C, 2022

The Divine Mercy is the unfathomable grace of God! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the Risen Christ and offers to humanity. The devotion to Divine Mercy Sunday grew rapidly after its designation by Pope Saint John Paul II.

ALLELUIA, RISEN, RESURRECTION
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ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA! CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: EASTER SUNDAY, CYCLE C, 2022

Our Easter song is alleluia! Christ is risen Alleluia! For death or tomb could not hold him captive and even in the grave, Jesus is Lord. Alleluia! This is the context and the mystery of the resurrection. Indeed, it is one of the most controversial topics of Christianity. Yet, it is on it that our Christian faith, life and testimony are anchored firmly.

PASSION, PALM
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THE PASSION OF LORD: TRIUMPH, TRAGEDY AND VICTORY: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: PASSION OR PALM SUNDAY, CYCLE C, 2022

The Palm Sunday known as the Passion Sunday liturgically is the commemoration or relive of the triumphant entry of Christ to Jerusalem. A historical and bold entry that eventually leads to his passion, death and resurrection. It is not only a fulfilment of the plan or will of God the Father as Jesus himself indicated it to us. It is a demonstration of the love of God to save us at all costs from slavery to sin and Satan. 

Empowerment, mercy, grace
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THE EMPOWERMENT OF GRACE AND MERCY: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT, CYCLE C, 2022

The principal or central theme of this fifth Sunday of Lent is that there is empowerment through the grace and mercy of God in our sinfulness. God is never interested in the death or punishment of anyone of us due to sin. His grace and mercy always meet us in our state or moment of wretchedness. 

Joy, sinner, repentance
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REPENTANCE OF ONE SINNER: THE JOY OF GOD THE FATHER: CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS: 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT, CYCLE C, 2022

One of the most beautiful stories of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the story of the Prodigal Son which demonstrated that the repentance of one sinner is the joy of God the Father. For this reason, many biblical scholars believe that the parable of the Prodigal son should be called the Prodigal Father, the forgiving or loving father or the joy of God. The story shows us who God the Father actually is, a God who wastes grace, mercy and love despite our waywardness to squander them.