RVA Daily Reflection

Travel Light

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilPut your confidence in the LordReflection Date: October 3, 2024 Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Job 19:21-27; Mark 1:15
Have you ever travelled not carrying or bringing much with you? Didn’t it feel more relaxing? There’s really less hassle especially during transit.
But many of us do not travel light. If we can only bring more, we would.
Our Gospel today reminds us that in our Christian journey, we are not to bring any—not even our sandals, not even a small bag. We are being reminded that if we truly want to grow in our Christian faith, that if we want to journey with Jesus, we need to give up even the most important thing to us. We can’t walk the way of Jesus and stay attached to convenience, ambition, power and all our self-centered motives.
The first reading tells us that all that we have are just passing because in the end only God can fill our longing.
So, while the world tells us to work hard and to have more for ourselves, our Christian faith is calling us to work hard not for ourselves but so we can do our mission relying solely on God’s grace. This is what it means to be alive – reliance on the provision of God as we fulfill our mission. 
Call to Action for Catholic Living: The psalm beautifully says it. “I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.” We put our confidence in the Lord.

Who is the Greatest?

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilBe like a child.Reflection Date: October 2, 2024 Wednesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeMemorial of the Holy Guardian AngelsDaily Readings: Job 9:1-12, 14-16; Matthew 18:1-5, 10
One constant human concern is to be great. We have so many competitions to know who is the greatest. The world is so concerned about this.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples showed the same concern when they asked Jesus who is the greatest. But maybe to their dismay, Jesus did not name any of them. Instead, Jesus pointed to a child.
Imagine a group of scholars or honor students or a group of multi-awarded athletes or a group of government leaders or business executives asking who is the greatest among them and getting a response that it’s the ordinary man or woman by the door. I can almost hear the grumbling among these men and women who consider themselves great.
What’s special about a child, we may ask?
Jesus may not necessarily be only talking about age here. Obviously, we can never be children again. But we all can be childlike—that is, someone who is humble. This humility that Jesus mentioned speaks of our complete dependence on the Father, just like a child is completely dependent on his or her parents. 
Being a child is acknowledging that apart from God, our wealth, our career, our position, our degree or our possessions, mean nothing. We are to acknowledge the power of God over us. In the first reading, even in his great distress, Job acknowledged that God is most powerful.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Jesus also pointed out that unless we welcome the children, we will not be able to enter heaven. Do we welcome the little ones—not only the children, but those who cannot help themselves, those needing our help? Do we reach out to them? Or, are we busier competing to be the greatest? 

Turn to the Lord

Author: Chrisma C. BangaoilDon’t lose faith in the face of adversitiesReflection Date: October 1, 2024 Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeMemorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church Daily Readings: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Luke 9:51-56
I am sure that each one of us has had this lowest point in our life. How did you cope? Was there any point that you felt so low that you somehow lost faith or maybe you questioned God because you felt like the Lord had abandoned you?
Such speaks of our humanness. We see that in Job at his lowest. Don’t we see ourselves in Job’s story? Don’t we curse everything we could when we are at our lowest?
I remember a good friend who shut herself off from the world and God because after she lost her mother; she also lost her job, her boyfriend of many years broke up with her and she found out that she had a tumor in her brain. She stopped praying. She stopped going to church. She had one big question: Why?
Our human mind finds it difficult to understand why a loving God allows bad things to happen to us. Job was faithful to the Lord. Didn’t he love Job? Why did he allow Job to suffer much? Can we blame Job for cursing the day of his birth? Many of us, when we experience deep pain and sorrow, also curse the day of our birth.
But God sees beyond this human nature which He very well knows and understands. There is something that he is teaching Job in his great suffering. This is clearly expressed in the Psalm: to turn to God alone in our distress; to entrust ourselves to God alone at our lowest. This is a strong invitation to keep our focus on God especially in our moments of distress—moments that the evil one uses to take away our focus from God.
The Gospel reading shows us how Jesus was focused on embracing his own suffering. He was set out to Jerusalem where he would find His ultimate suffering – His death on the cross. He could have turned back or delayed his journey to Jerusalem but the Gospel clearly tells us that no one can look back and be fit for the kingdom of God. 
Call to Action for Catholic Living: We cannot brag of anything if we do not embrace our cross just like Jesus did. This is only possible when we turn to God in prayers. This is exactly what St. Therese of the Child Jesus did. In her every small suffering, she turned to God and made these her small acts of offering.

Redefining Greatness

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisThe Call to Humility and ServiceReflection Date: September 30, 2024 Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeMemorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church Daily Readings: Job 1:6-22; Luke 9:46-50  
When the disciples argued about who among them was the greatest, Jesus used the moment to teach a profound lesson. Bringing a child into their midst, He said, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me," redefining greatness in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus calls us to focus on relationships and how we treat others, especially those who cannot repay our kindness. True greatness is not measured by power or prestige, but through humility, vulnerability, and serving the marginalized.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: In a world that often elevates success and status, we must examine our values. Are we driven by ambition or the desire to serve?
Let us embrace the heart of a servant, seeing Christ in everyone, and challenge society's standards of greatness by welcoming all with love and humility. Amen.

The Spirit Moves Freely

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisEmbracing unity and empowermentReflection Date: September 29, 2024 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48    
In the story of the elders of Israel, God's Spirit empowers many to prophesy, sparking jealousy from Joshua when Eldad and Medad prophesy outside the group. 
Moses responds with humility, wishing that all of God’s people would be filled with the Spirit, showing that the Spirit isn’t confined to a chosen few.
Similarly, St. James admonishes the rich for exploiting others, reminding us of the ethical responsibility that comes with wealth. Injustice and selfishness are called out, urging us to use our resources to lift up those in need.
In the Gospel, John points out someone outside their circle casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus broadens their understanding, saying, “Whoever is not against us is for us,” and emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and integrity, even at great personal cost.
The Spirit moves beyond human expectations, calling us to uplift one another's gifts instead of reacting with jealousy or fear, as Joshua and John initially did. Jesus and Moses model a humility that invites us to celebrate the diversity of talents within the community.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: We are called to recognize the value of each person’s unique gifts and to work together for God’s glory. The Spirit's work is not a competition but a collaboration for the good of all.  
Let us also have the courage to confront injustice and seek healing in our communities. Amen.

To Love Even in Suffering

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisWe are called to find meaning in sufferingReflection Date: September 28, 2024 Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings:  Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8; Luke 9:43B-45
Jesus delivers an important message about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection for the second time. While the crowds marvel at His miracles, He turns to His disciples, urging them to listen carefully to the gravity of His mission—a journey through pain and suffering.
He wants them to comprehend the reality of His passion, a concept they will struggle to grasp. In our fast-paced world, how often do we truly listen? Genuine listening requires quieting our minds and hearts to open ourselves to God's Word.
Life is filled with pain, loss, and uncertainty. In those moments, we must remember that God is with us, even in our struggles. Jesus’s suffering serves as a testament to God’s solidarity with us. 
We should seek meaning and purpose in our suffering, trusting that God can bring good from our challenges.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us encourage each other to be brave in our inquiries, knowing that God values our honest hearts and sincere quests for understanding. May we heed Jesus’s call to listen carefully and seek to understand His love, even amid suffering. Amen

The Suffering Messiah

Author: Father Peter John Maria Louis"Who do you say that I am?"Reflection Date: September 27, 2024 Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary TimeMemorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest Daily Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Luke 9:18-22
Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do the people say that I am?” They reply with popular beliefs: some think He is John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. But when Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly responds, “The Messiah of God.”
This declaration is a turning point. The disciples have witnessed Jesus’ miracles and compassion, yet recognizing Him as the Messiah is just the beginning. Jesus soon reveals the reality of His mission—one of suffering, rejection, and death.
We often envision the Messiah as a figure of power and glory, but the idea of sacrifice is harder to accept. This, however, is central to the Gospel. Jesus invites us to encounter Him in His vulnerability and humility.
In our own struggles, we can relate more closely to Jesus. It is through suffering that we can experience transformation and growth.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Each of us must reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Is He merely a historical figure or a wise teacher, or do we truly embrace Him as the suffering Messiah who died and rose for us? Our answer shapes how we live.
May we have the courage to affirm with Peter who Jesus truly is and accept the challenge of following Him in His mission. Amen.

Seeking Jesus Earnestly

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisConfront our barriers Reflection Date: September 26, 2024 Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time    Daily Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:11; Luke 9:7-9
As King Herod hears reports of Jesus and His miracles, he becomes curious yet troubled. Conflicted, he wonders if Jesus is John the Baptist risen, Elijah, or a prophet. 
Herod’s turmoil reveals a heart unsettled by Jesus's growing popularity, leading him to a crisis moment where he must confront the truth about Jesus—something he is unprepared to do.
Today, many still grapple with the question: Who is Jesus? Answers vary from the Messiah to a great teacher or prophet. This diversity reflects our human condition—we are all seeking something deeper beyond everyday life.
What keeps us from seeing Jesus clearly? Like Herod, do we find ourselves ensnared by confusion, pride, or fear? God invites us into a relationship rooted in love and trust.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: May we approach Jesus with open hearts, shedding fears and embracing the truth He reveals. Let us pray for the grace to seek Him earnestly, recognize His presence, and allow His love to transform us. Amen.

Empowered to Serve

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisSpread the message of the Kingdom of GodReflection Date: September 25, 2024 Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Proverbs 30:5-9; Luke 9:1-6
Jesus empowers His disciples to continue His mission. He gives them authority over demons and illness and sends them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick.
Each follower of Christ is called to play a role in God's unfolding Kingdom. The disciples, once learners, are now equipped to spread the gospel. We, too, are called to be witnesses of His love and light.
True ministry relies not on human strength but on divine authority. Jesus models reliance on God’s strength rather than our own abilities. His instructions show God’s providence.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us reflect on how we can extend God’s love—whether through service, sharing our testimony, or advocating for the voiceless. Embracing our mission with faith, we trust in God's provision and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. 
May we approach our calling with joy and unwavering trust in God. Amen.

Hearing and Doing God's Word

Author: Father Peter John Maria LouisJesus redefines family as those who hear and act on God's wordReflection Date: September 24, 2024 Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary TimeDaily Readings: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Luke 8:19-21
As Jesus teaches the crowds, He is told that His mother and brothers are waiting to speak with Him. Instead of responding directly, Jesus redefines family in a spiritual sense, saying, "My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."
Jesus emphasizes that hearing God's word is not enough—we must live it. In a world filled with countless distractions, He calls us to center our lives around His teachings, reminding us that true intimacy with Christ begins with an open, attentive heart.
While earthly relationships often take priority, Jesus invites us to see beyond biological ties and embrace a deeper spiritual kinship. We are all integral members of His family, bound together by our commitment to hearing and doing God's word.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us expand our understanding of family, fostering communities built on love, obedience, and service. As we follow Christ, may we listen with intention and act with compassion, united in faith. Amen.