RVA Daily Reflection

The Unshakeable Security in God

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJTo Listen, Empty Your SELF!Reflection Date: May 11, 2025 Fourth Sunday of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17; John 10: 27-30
Paul and Barnabas boldly declare their mission to bring the Good News to the Gentiles. Despite facing opposition and persecution, the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The response of the crowd reveals a deep hunger for truth. The Gentiles welcome them and attentively listen to the Word of God. Their active listening reflects a sincere journey of seeking both God and self. Paul’s shift toward preaching to the Gentiles echoes the inclusive mission of Jesus. Are you willing to be a light to the nations, with that same spirit of inclusiveness in your community or workplace?
The second reading, from the Book of Revelation, presents a powerful vision of heaven: a great multitude gathered before God, not divided by race, language, or background, but united in worship. This challenges us to foster inclusion and break down barriers in our communities. Verse 14 tells us these are people “who have come out of the great tribulation.” They have suffered but remained faithful, purified by the blood of Jesus. Their story reflects the Christian journey, not marked by faith alone, but by endurance. The Good Shepherd gently leads us through life’s struggles.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls his followers “my sheep,” emphasizing a personal relationship of love, trust, and deep recognition. He continues, “My sheep listen to my voice.” When we truly listen, we are revitalized and filled with creativity. When we listen deeply, our horizons expand. Too often, we listen only to reply or respond; instead, we are called to listen in order to understand.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
Are you listening to your inner voice, to the cries of unborn children, to the pleas of the poor and marginalized, and to the suffering of Mother Earth?
To experience life fully, we need to listen—because true listening re-creates us and draws us closer to the Risen Lord.
How open are you to sharing the Good News of Jesus, even when it is difficult?

When the Journey Gets Tough – Your Response?

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJTestimony To The Life-giving Power of GodReflection Date: May 10, 2025 Saturday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 9:31-42; John 6:60-69
The first reading highlights the growth of the Church and the powerful works of the apostles, particularly Peter. After the conversion of Saul, the Church enjoys a time of peace and rest. There is growth, healing, and new life. The Church thrives not only in hardship but also in times of peace. The believers walk in reverence before God and remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Peter performs two miracles. In the first, he proclaims with authority, “Jesus heals you.” This healing reflects the power of Christ flowing through His disciples. Are my eyes fixed on Jesus? The second miracle—bringing Tabitha back to life—is a powerful testimony to the value of humble service. It reminds us that the Church grows not only through preaching but also through tangible acts of healing, compassion, and trust.
The Gospel reading captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. His message shocks and offends many, dividing the crowd and testing their commitment. Following Jesus is not always easy; it demands trust and surrender. When Jesus no longer meets your expectations—or when His message becomes difficult—will you also walk away? Jesus asks each of us, “Do you also wish to leave?” (John 6:68). What is your response? Faith is nothing less than trusting the One who lives, loves, moves, and abides in us as the very source of life itself.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
Look for opportunities in your community, family, parish, or workplace to serve others as Tabitha did.
Stay open and vigilant to receive the hard teachings of Christ that challenge your lifestyle, attitudes, and beliefs.

A Blueprint for Divine Transformation

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJA Divine Reality Beyond Human LogicReflection Date: May 09, 2025 Friday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings:  Acts 9: 1-20; John 6: 52-59
The story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is one of the most dramatic narratives in the New Testament. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters the Risen Christ and is completely transformed. This powerfully reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. The encounter leaves Saul blind, vulnerable, and dependent on others. Before Saul could become Paul, he first had to be broken and healed.
Ananias’ role in this transformation is equally significant. Despite his fear, he obeys God’s command, welcomes “Brother Saul,” and becomes a channel of healing and acceptance. The Risen Christ calls Saul into a new mission: “You will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6). Saul’s transformation leads him to become the apostle to the Gentiles. This passage challenges us to examine our own “roads to Damascus,” where the Risen Christ still waits for us—as He did for both Saul and Ananias. We are called to embrace even our enemies with love and courage.
In today’s Gospel, the crowd questions Jesus: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52). Jesus responds with a bold declaration that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. His teaching challenges us to move beyond human reasoning, inviting us into intimate union with His very life. The Eucharist thus becomes a real participation in Jesus’ sacrificial love. Just as the body needs food to survive, our souls need the Bread of Life to truly live.
Another important point is that the Jews argue among themselves about Jesus’ statement. Their slowness to believe prevents them from reaching any understanding. Likewise, in today’s world, we often find that trust in relationships is fragile and hard to rebuild. As the father of the possessed boy once pleaded with Jesus, let us also say: “Lord, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
Are there areas in your life where you might be opposing God’s work without realizing it?
Do you approach the Eucharist with faith and devotion, recognizing the real presence of Jesus?

Seeking Truth with Sincerity

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJA Transformative RelationshipReflection Date: May 08, 2025 Thursday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 8: 26-40; John 6: 44-51
The first reading presents a rich and powerful story of the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. In this encounter, we see divine guidance, evangelization, and the power of Scripture leading to inclusion into the community of faith. God directs Philip to a specific person at a specific time, and Philip responds immediately—taking a desert road. The eunuch, a sincere seeker of truth, is struggling to grasp the meaning of a passage from the book of Isaiah. Prompted by the Spirit, Philip approaches him and opens the Scriptures to him.
This is a clear indication that God often leads us into unexpected encounters. As a result of the eunuch’s joyful response, he receives baptism—a powerful sign that salvation is not limited by social status, race, or geography. Am I attentive to the promptings of the Spirit, even when they lead me down unfamiliar paths?
The Gospel passage today is part of Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse, where He reveals profound truths about salvation and His sacrificial mission. “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him” (John 6:44) emphasizes that salvation begins with God’s grace, not human effort. Our faith is our total response to His divine call. Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers His very self so we may experience deeper communion with Him. The Eucharist, where Christ feeds us with Himself, poses a challenge today: Do you hunger for Him as you do for daily bread? Do you allow yourself to be drawn by the Father into deeper intimacy with Christ?
Call to Action for Catholic Living:                                                                                     
Be aware that faith is a gift initiated by God’s loving grace.
Help others encounter Christ through Scripture, with simplicity and clarity.

Mission and Service

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJPersecution - A Catalyst for MissionReflection Date: May 07, 2025 Wednesday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 8: 1b-8; John 6: 35-40
The first reading captures a dramatic turning point in the early Church. After the martyrdom of Stephen, Christians are scattered and persecution breaks out, spearheaded by Saul. Yet, surprisingly, what looks like tragedy becomes a channel for God’s greater plan. What seems like a defeat turns out to be the seed of a new beginning; what appears to be a setback becomes a strategic dispersal.
Philip, one of the seven deacons, goes to Samaria—a region despised by the Jews. There, he boldly preaches Jesus’ message of love and justice. His ministry brings great joy to the city. This reminds us that God can turn suffering and hardship into instruments of growth and renewal. Ultimately, all their sufferings and struggles bring greater joy (Acts 8:8), healing, and freedom. Truly, the blood of the martyrs becomes the seed of the Church.
Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), the first of the seven “I AM” statements in John’s Gospel. This metaphor signifies Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Setting a hopeful tone, He continues to invite all people to Himself, offering a promise of inclusion. We are thus called to share this bread of life through our acts of charity, justice, and compassion.
This text also reminds us of the Eucharist—it speaks of the sacrificial love of Jesus for us. His self-giving love is made visible in our service to humanity, particularly to the marginalized and excluded. As Fr. Martin Hogan notes, “Easter celebration is nothing but the unwavering commitment of Jesus to us.” Let this commitment energize our deepest longing to serve the poor with zeal, imitating Christ’s self-giving love.
Call to Action for Catholic Living:
Like Philip in Acts 8, can you strive to bring Christ’s nourishment to those who are spiritually hungry?
Do you approach the Bread of Life—the Eucharist—with trust? Or do you, like the crowd, demand signs and resist surrender?

Encountering the Sacred

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJMove Beyond!Reflection Date: May 06, 2025 Tuesday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 4: 32-37; John 3: 7b-15
The first reading today is a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship. Stephen’s boldness in proclaiming the truth, even in the face of death, challenges us to ask: How courageous are we in living out our faith? Stephen accuses the religious leaders of being stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, highlighting their refusal to submit to God.
Stephen’s life and death mirror Christ’s own. He looks up to heaven, prays for his executioners, forgives them, and commits his spirit to God. His death marks a turning point for the service and mission to the Gentiles. His story reminds us that faithfulness often invites opposition but opens doors for transformation, as seen in the eventual conversion of Saul, who stands as a witness to Stephen’s martyrdom.
How do you respond to opposition — with anger or with love? Let us, then, be open to the prompting of the Spirit, even when it leads us to uncomfortable truths.
In today’s Gospel, the crowd demands a sign: "What sign will you give us, so that we may see it and believe you?" (John 6:30).
True faith is not based on signs but on accepting the person of Jesus, who is the giver of life. He redirects them to understand that He is the true bread that satisfies those who seek Him.
They ask a pertinent question: "What must we do?" (John 6:28).
This shows their readiness to commit themselves to Christ’s ways.
The response from Jesus is: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29).
Still, their work-based mindset has not fully grasped the meaning of His words.
Hence, Jesus redefines their expectations, stating: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).
Call to Action for Catholic Living:
Like the Samaritan woman, do you have the heart to ask Jesus, "Give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty again" (John 4:15)?
Are you ready to search for your Jesus who nourishes you with His love, grace, and truth?

Seek Christ for Who He is!

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJTransform Trial into Opportunities.Reflection Date: May 05, 2025 Monday of the Third Week of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 6: 8-15; John 6:22-29
In the first reading today, we witness the growing tension between the early Christian community and the religious authorities. They argue with Stephen, one of the deacons, but cannot withstand his wisdom. They resort to false accusations, but nothing succeeds. His faithfulness to God leads to persecution, yet he remains calm and radiant, reflecting God’s glory.  How do you handle opposition when standing for justice and truth? Are you prepared to face false accusations with grace?
Stephen, initially appointed for practical service at table, steps out boldly to preach the Gospel. This shows that the integration of diaconal service and the proclamation of the Gospel are inseparable in the kingdom of God.
The crowd in John 6 tries to track Jesus after witnessing the multiplication of the loaves and fish. They are eager for another free meal, but Jesus sees straight to the heart of their hunger. He says, "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life" (John 6:27).  
The expectation of the crowd is that Jesus should satisfy their hunger, perform miracles of healing, and bring about political liberation.
Similarly, we seek Him in times of struggles, crises, and trials; we pray for our earthly needs and sometimes bargain for our comforts and conveniences. But Jesus redirects us towards something that endures — from earthly needs to spiritual nourishment.
It is an honest question from the people, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" (John 6:28).
Today, we too look up to Him and ask the same question. His simple reply is: "Believe in the one He has sent" (John 6:29).
In other words, faith is not just belief but a relationship — a trust that shapes our life.
Call to Action for Catholic Living:
Let us seek Jesus, not for what He gives, but for who He is.
Let our search, our hunger, lead us to deeper love, solid faith, and the fullness of life that comes from Christ alone.

A Call to Mission and Service

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJFrom Failure to PurposeReflection Date: May 04, 2025 Third Sunday of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
The apostles’ defiance of the Sanhedrin’s orders underscores the central theme of discipleship. This conflict arose when the apostles continued preaching about the resurrection of Jesus despite explicit bans. They had to face the consequences—torture, warnings, and dishonor. Yet, "they left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name of Jesus" (Acts 5:41). What gave them this courage? It was the Spirit of Jesus and their love for him.
Does this not reflect the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12)?
Courage, powered by the Holy Spirit, comes not from rebellion but from conviction. Towards the end of today’s Gospel passage, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. After Peter answers in the affirmative three times, Jesus closes the conversation with: "Follow me" (John 21:19).
It required courage and love to follow Jesus. Yes, you need courage to offer your life. Remember, courage is closely linked with love. That is why the threefold question of Jesus to Peter, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17), shakes him and transforms him from shame into purpose.
Jesus does not dwell on Peter’s failure but reorients him towards service, a service that is rooted in love.
It reassures us that Jesus meets us in our failures, transforms our brokenness into opportunities for service, and calls us to follow him with humility and courage. Amidst the noise and chaos of the world, the second reading from the Book of Revelation invites us to total surrender to the Lamb who triumphed through sacrifice. Christ meets us in our weakness, feeds us, forgives us, and calls us to follow him with renewed hearts.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
Recognize the Risen Lord in your life, filled with the courage that arises from his presence.
Realize your intense love for Jesus — a love that cares and dares to take risks.
Reclaim your freedom to live a courageous life to its fullness.

Be A Seeker of Truth

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJNurture Your Faith from WithinReflection Date: May 03, 2025 Saturday of the Second Week of EasterFeast of Saints Philip and James, ApostlesDaily Readings: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-8; John 14: 6-14
God often works powerfully through those who serve quietly. Today’s saints, Philip and James, remind us that holiness is not about fame or recognition, but about faithful discipleship.
It is Philip who brings Nathaniel to Jesus, saying, “Come and see” (John 1:46). James, often called James the Less, is even less known — yet tradition honours him as the first bishop of Jerusalem and a martyr.
Philip’s request in today’s Gospel is sincere. He wants to see God and so asks Jesus, “Show us the Father” (John 14:8). Jesus’ response is gentle and profound: to see Christ is to see the Father. Are you able to recognize Jesus in the Scriptures, in prayer, in the Eucharist, and in the brokenness of others?
Tradition refers to James as a just man, known for his deep piety and faith. He guided the Jerusalem community with wisdom and died a martyr’s death. He teaches us the power of quiet strength and consistency, inviting us to renew our own sense of mission. His commitment to God’s service is further revealed in his New Testament epistle, which emphasizes the unity of faith and action. He challenges believers to live their faith through deeds, declaring, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
The apostles’ deaths remind us that discipleship often demands radical surrender. Are you ready for such surrender?
Learn to integrate belief with justice and compassion.

The Power of Unstoppable Witness

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJAbundance And ResponsibilityReflection Date: May 02, 2025 Friday of the Second Week of EasterMemorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the ChurchDaily Readings:  Acts 5: 34-42; John 6: 1-15
This passage narrates an important moment in early Church history, when the Apostles face trial. They are arrested for preaching about the Risen Jesus and are released on the condition that they should not speak or teach about Him in public. Despite being flogged, they depart “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).
The apostles’ refusal to stop preaching highlights their unwavering commitment to the mission entrusted to them. Their boldness, fueled by the Holy Spirit, contrasts with Gamaliel’s cautious approach. It clearly shows that any movement rooted in Christ will endure, while human constructs will fade away. This challenges us to take a bold stand for the truth, rejecting compromise. Let our allegiance to Christ transcend fear, pressure, or persecution.
The gospel passage of today is rich and layered with reflection. First, Jesus anticipates the needs of the people — showing that God is always attentive to our hunger, whether physical or spiritual. We are never out of God’s sight, and our needs never go unnoticed.
Secondly, the boy’s offering of five loaves and two small fish may seem insignificant, yet Jesus uses them to perform a miracle. Our gifts, when placed in God’s hands, can be multiplied to bless many. It is a call to generosity and trust.
Thirdly, Jesus organizes the crowd before performing the miracle. He brings order, structure, and peace.
Fourthly, God’s generosity exceeds our expectations — the people are fed and fully satisfied.
Fifthly, Jesus shows reverence for what remains. He instructs that nothing be wasted.
Thus, this passage is not just about feeding hungry stomachs; it is about experiencing the very presence of Jesus, who meets our deepest needs.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: 
God works with what we offer. Are you ready to share something with Him?
What is your response to wastefulness? Think of how much food is discarded daily — in restaurants, during functions, and at celebrations.
Remember Jesus’ words: “Let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12).