Sunday Gospel Summaries for my Religion Subject

Parish: San Roque Parish (Diocesan Shrine of Santa Marta)

Parish Address: B. Morcilla St. Poblacion, Pateros, Metro Manila

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Roy M. Rosales, STL

August 5, 2012

John 6:24-35.

Gospel Summary

Following the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, people were very excited about Jesus. Many of them recognized the presence of God in the miracles of Jesus, but they still thought in earthly ideas of bread. They followed Jesus hoping to see more signs. Jesus reminded the people about the bread God provided through Moses when the Israelites were lost in the wilderness. He explained that was only bread to satisfy a temporary hunger, but the bread God sent in Jesus would satisfy their hunger forever. 

Gospel Reflection: As persons of Catholicism, we shouldn't rely on the physical bread alone for Jesus offered us the eternal bread in which we could count on by simply believing in Him, doing His ways and by doing His ways I mean to help people out, be understanding and courteous, and live out the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ.

August 26, 2012

John 6: 60-69.

Gospel Summary

It was very difficult for some of Jesus' followers to hear the words of today's gospel. Jesus pointed to himself as the one in whom God chose to reveal himself. But the people could not bring themselves to call Jesus by the titles they reserved for God alone. Jesus knew there would be those who would not believe-those who started to follow him but could not continue.

Gospel Reflection: 

 It is clear from this gospel that we can't fully understand all that Jesus said. It is only through faith that we continue to follow him. I remember and live out His note to us that we really don't have to see things done by Him. We should just simply believe and we will all see. God's grace and love moves in very mysterious but a 'sure-hit' way for all of us, just learn how to wait.

September 2, 2012

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.

Gospel Summary

The religious leaders criticized some of the Jesus' disciples claiming that they did not wash their hands before eating. The ritual was intended to give special care to food offered to God as opposed to "regular" or common food of the normal people. Jesus pointed out to these leaders that they had lost sight of the purpose of the law and had become totally consumed by following the law for the sake of following the law. He continued making his point by explaining that nothing that goes into a person can make that person evil. It is what comes from the person, specifically what is in his/her heart that makes the person sinful. 

Gospel Reflection: One of the most ground breaking quote I have ever heard is, 'No evil that enters a person can change him. It is what comes out of the person that what makes him.'. It moved me because it is true when Jesus said that. Because I also believe that no matter how evil the environment you are currently in, it is still up to you if you are going to take that as an inspiration to do bad as well or as a lesson to not imitate the situation. That is how I interpret the wisdom of God.

September 9, 2012

Mark 7:31-37.

Gospel Summary

Many people did not want to hear the words of Jesus, but the deaf-mute, perhaps a symbol of the Gentiles, wanted to hear and speak. He was brought by friends who also had faith in Jesus' healing power. Jesus touched the man's ears and anointed his tongue with spittle. Looking toward heaven, Jesus commanded that the man's ears be open. At the same time, the man's tongue was free and he began to talk. Mark's gospel frequently has Jesus telling those cured not to say anything about what has happened, but many of the people, including those who witnessed this miracle, could not keep the news to themselves. 

Gospel Summary: People nowadays doesn't believe in the hear-says of other believers of Jesus and they just rely on mere science to cure whatever hardship they are experiencing may be it emotional, physical, mental and even sometimes spiritual. God has provided us the technology that we need and with these we should include and have faith that we will be healed. The technology is only God's medium to still provide His ways to this generation.

September 16, 2012

Mark 8:27-35.

Gospel Summary

Jesus begins his journey to the cross and resurrection. It is clear that the disciples finally understand that Jesus is the messiah, but they still see this role as one of royal earthly glory. When Jesus corrects this image and explains that the Son of man must suffer rejection and death, Peter takes Jesus aside. Peter can't believe such things could happen to someone destined to greatness and argues with Jesus. Jesus knows these things must happen and tells Peter to get behind him and follow. To follow, Peter, the disciples, and all who have come after them, must suffer as a servant for God, putting others before themselves. 

Gospel Reflection: As a servant of God, we must know and consider the fact that we will all suffer and get rejected because it's not all the time that people will consider God as an option to their problems. Jesus told His disciples that if they follow Him, they will have so many hardships that at some point may be weakening but He told them to have faith and everything will be alright. Same goes in our situation. As long as we hold on to Jesus' message and instruction for all of us, no matter how grieve the hardships that we may experience, God will let us through.

September 23, 2012

Mark 9:30-37.

Gospel Summary

Jesus continued to try to help the disciples understand what was in store for him, but they couldn't see it. As a matter of fact, so great was their misunderstanding that they argued among themselves about who would be first in this kingdom of Jesus. Patiently, Jesus tried again to explain. Gathering in a small child, he told the disciples that anyone entering the Kingdom of God must enter it as a child. Children in the time of Jesus had no identity, no legal rights, and were basically children acting like adults. In order to be first in the Kingdom Jesus promised, the disciples (and all who follow them) must be as unimportant as a child in the eyes of society. 

Gospel Reflection: It is not the social image of a person that will lead you to heaven. Remember that Jesus told His disciples that you will enter God's kingdom as a child. It is not how people look at you that will make you a good person but it is how good you were here on earth. I could still remember what a priest once told us in one of his celebrations: 'If your right hand have given something to help the needy, don't let your left hand know.'. I still believe and hold on to that until now.

September 30, 2012

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48.

Gospel Summary

Jesus taught his disciples two different things in the gospel. First, when John came to him saying that someone, not one of them, was exorcizing demons in Jesus' name, Jesus explained that anyone who was not against them was with them. If the person acted in Jesus' name, he would not be capable of speaking out against him. The second teaching involved the way a person should respond to temptation. Not that Jesus proposed that people inflict wounds on themselves, but to make his point clearly, he suggested ridding ourselves of the parts of our bodies that lead us to sinfulness. Rather than commit sinful acts using our hands, eyes, feet, or ears, it would be better to enter heaven without those body parts than to use them sinfully and live in eternal damnation. 

Gospel Reflection: God taught us how to deal with evil things around us. The use of His name should involve belief and faith to be effective. Calling out His name without any intention of goodness will be a somewhat insult to Him because He is one of the Most High. He also taught us to deal with temptation that encircles our lives. Like what Saint Alphonsa said in one of her Maxims, she would rather die than to commit any sin that will offend God. Remember that as we move closer to the light, the larger the shadow we create behind. So be careful and always follow God's messages.

October 7, 2007

Luke 17:5-10.

Gospel Summary

Better than most people, they know what it means to serve without expecting a reward. For many, parenthood is reward enough. Jesus explained to the disciples in this passage that service was a requirement of discipleship. When the disciples asked how they could have more faith, Jesus explained that faith was a gift. Faith is not something we control, but only something we can appreciate as a gift from God. To show our appreciation, however, Jesus demonstrated through a lesson of service how we can show our thankfulness to God for the gift of faith. When we share our faith with others and demonstrate it by showing the love of God to those we meet, we proclaim our gratitude.

Gospel Reflection:

God taught us to be Faithful to Him and to our loved ones. The priest in the mass that I have attended to had shared rules on how to have a successful and happy marriage. He told us that Faith in God should run in the relationship for it is not only believing in God alone will you be Faithful but also in the relationships of husband and wife. Here is what the priest had given us:
1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. 
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you must criticize, do it lovingly. 
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. 
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once every day say a kind or complimentary word to your life partner.
9.  When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10. Remember it takes two to make a quarrel.

By these tips, I have reflected that no matter how chaotic a moment between relationships are, just learn how to balance everything and God will be in the middle to replenish and revitalize it back, just have Faith in Him and everything will be alright.