Fr. Jade Shares

All of what God is doing is for man. Man is right at the center of God's work and plan. Today's Gospel cites God's initiative for man's redemption. Man on the other hand is to witness. [Luke 24:46-53, Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension, 56th World Communication Sunday]

The disciples have the unique privilege of having Jesus as their personal teacher. However, Jesus knew that his teaching would be too much for them to understand. He assured them of the Holy Spirit who will guide them in all truth. [John 16:12-15, Wednesday in the 6th Week of Easter]

Jesus was making His disciples realized the need to safeguard every member of the community from "falling away." However, the mandate to testify and advance the Good. News should go together with it. [John 15:26-16:4, Monday in the 6th Week of Easter]

The Gospel is so explicit in telling us that love God is more than a concept, a warm romantic feeling or observing centuries-old traditions. Loving God is keeping or obeying His commandments in our lives. It has to be expressed to God thru our deeds and even words. [John 14:23-29, 6th Sunday of Easter]

Indebtedness is a sure antidote to entitlements. Instead of demanding or at least expecting special treatment and recognition, let us constantly remind ourselves that everything comes from the graciousness of God. [John 15:18-21, Saturday in the 5th Week of Easter]

Jesus introduces his own kind of friendship - open, free and giving. [John 15:12-17, Friday in the 5th Week of Easter]

I will share a reason that while we take pride as the only Christian nation in Asia, it is a shame to see our country ranking high in the most corrupt society. We mistakenly believe that loving God is a matter of emotion. The Gospel is clear in saying that to remain in God's love means keeping His commandments. [John 15:9-11, Thursday in the 5th Week of Easter]

It was because of the Jesus's coming death and ascension that He warned his disciples that he is going away. Today, we have the constant presence of God thru the Holy Spirit. However, we feel that God is not with us at times. The last words of Jesus challenge us what to do whenever this happens. Love God and obey his commandments. [John 14:27-31, Tuesday in the 5th Week of Easter]

The real winner or victor is the one who loves. Jesus despite being betrayed, arrested, crucified and died still is the victor because he loved. He said that we love one another as I have loved you. His kind of love redeemed us and opened Heaven for all. [John 13:31-33, 34-35, 5th Sunday of Easter]

Always bear in mind that we are all servants and messengers of our God and Master. Interchanging our roles with God càn be devastating. [John 13:16-20, Thursday in the 4th Week of Easter]

Jesus is a real 'representative' of the Father par excellence in words and in deeds. It shines even more when times get tough. [John 12:44-50, Wednesday in the 4th Week of Easter]

Jesus was so persistent in his preaching about "eating his flesh and drinking his blood." The promise in doing so is eternal life. First, we indeed receive the body and blood of Jesus in the form of bread and wine in the Sacrament. Secondly, receive the body and blood of Christ when we live by His word and will. [John 6:52-59, Friday in the 3rd Week of Easter]

Jesus was so bold in proclaiming that He is the Bread of Life. Such boldness came from the clarity of the past being sent by the Father and from the certainty of the future of receiving eternal life. It is a problem if we see ourselves tentative in living by Christian values. [John 6:44-51, Thursday in the 3rd Week of Easter]

The crowd was eagerly following Jesus whereever and whenever He went. Jesus, however, confronted them with the truth. He said, "you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled." [John 6:22-29, Monday in the 3rd Week of Easter]

The biggest challenge used to be seeing Jesus and the Father as one but now it is seeing the poor and Jesus as one. [John 14:6-14, Feast of Sts. Philip and James, the Apostles]

People were so persistent to be with Jesus but He knew that they were following fòr the "stomach" not to really know Him. [John 6:22-29, Monday in the 3rd Week of Easter]

A lot has been happening when Jesus appeared to the disciples at the shore of the sea. The disciples were reminded of their calling. [John 21:1-19, 3rd Sunday of Easter]

Jesus opted not to be in the boat this time even when the wind was getting stronger. 2 reasons for that: threats to man are all under the feet of the Lord and man's ways and solutions are not always Jesus'. [John 6:16-21, Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter]

After performing a miracle by multiplying the loaves and fish, the people tried to make Jesus the king. Jesus instead withdrew to the mountain alone. He did not want to be the king because it was not part of his Father's plan.

Admittedly, to live by God's precepts is challenging. Thus, to obey Him is a clear manifestation of our trust. [John 3:31-36, Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter]

Somewhat three phases in our Gospel. It started by emphasizing that Jesus was given to the world. However, it calls two responses from man - Appreciate and Apply.

Thomas wanted to be convinced but Jesus wanted to give him and them more than that. Jesus wanted to give his guilt-stricken disciples, PEACE. [John 20:19-31, 2nd Sunday of Easter]

Peter along with some disciples caught nothing until they witnessed a huge catch upon the instruction of the man standing by the shore. "It is the Lord!", exclaimed John. At times, we get frustrated not because of our own doing but because we are being reminded of the wisdom and power of God over all things in this univererse. [John 21:1-14, Easter Friday]

Jesus had to prove to his disciples that He was not a ghost. First, He asked for something to eat but immediately after that He pointed out that He has been providing them means for them to understand the Paschal mystery. Man's pursuit should not only about material satisfaction but spiritual fulfilment. [Luke 24:35-48, Easter Thursday]

Our Gospel today speaks of two "going backs." Two disciples from Emmaus went back to Jerusalem. Peter went back to where they were hiding. Both happened after encountering the resurrection of Jesus. They went back with hearts filled with much joy and hope. Let us make sure that as we "go back" to normalcy, we are far better disciples of Jesus.