31 March 2025 (Monday) / Monday of the 4th week of Lent / Lenten Weekday

31 March 2025 (Monday)

Monday of the 4th week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday.

First Reading: Isaiah 65: 17-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b

Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14

Gospel: John 4: 43-54

First Reading : Isaiah 65:17‐21

Thus says the Lord: Now I create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered, and will come no more to men’s minds. Be glad and rejoice for ever and ever for what I am creating, because I now create Jerusalem ‘Joy’ and her people ‘Gladness.’ I shall rejoice over Jerusalem and exult in my people. No more will the sound of weeping or the sound of cries be heard in her; in her, no more will be found the infant living a few days only, or the old man not living to the end of his days. To die at the age of a hundred will be dying young; not to live to be a hundred will be the sign of a curse. They will build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 29(30):2,4‐6,11‐13

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead, restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him, give thanks to his holy name. His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life. At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

The Lord listened and had pity. The Lord came to my help. For me you have changed my mourning into dancing: O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14

14 Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the LORD will be with you.

(14. Seek good and not evil so that you may survive, and Yahweh, God Sabaoth, be with you as you claim he is).

Gospel : John 4:43‐54

Jesus left Samaria for Galilee. He himself had declared that there is no respect for a prophet in his own country, but on his arrival the Galileans received him well, having seen all that he had done at Jerusalem during the festival which they too had attended. He went again to Cana in Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a court official there whose son was ill at Capernaum and, hearing that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judaea, he went and asked him to come and cure his son as he was at the point of death. Jesus said, ‘So you will not believe unless you see signs and portents!’ ‘Sir,’ answered the official ‘come down before my child dies.’ ‘Go home,’ said Jesus ‘your son will live.’ The man believed what Jesus had said and started on his way; and while he was still on the journey back his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive. He asked them when the boy had begun to recover. ‘The fever left him yesterday’ they said ‘at the seventh hour.’ The father realised that this was exactly the time when Jesus had said, ‘Your son will live’; and he and all his household believed. This was the second sign given by Jesus, on his return from Judaea to Galilee.

Words of the Holy Father:

Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe”. The official, instead of remaining silent, goes forward and says to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies”. And Jesus answers, “Go, your son will live”. It takes three things to make a true prayer. The first is faith: “If you have no faith…” And very often, prayer is merely oral, made using the mouth, but it does not come from the faith of the heart; or it is a weak faith… The second condition that Jesus teaches us is perseverance. Some ask, but grace does not come: they do not have this perseverance, because in the end they do not need it, or they do not have faith. Take prayer seriously, not like parrots: blah blah blah and nothing more. Jesus Himself rebukes us: “Do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words” (see Mt 6:7-8). No, it is perseverance, there. It is faith. And the third thing that God wants in prayer is courage. Someone might think: does it take courage to pray and to stay before the Lord? It does. The courage to stay there asking and going ahead. This virtue of courage is so necessary. Not only for apostolic action but also for prayer. (Santa Marta, 23 March 2020)

Santo Benyamin, Martir.

Dalam kisah para rasul, kita membaca kisah Petrus dan Yohanes dihadapkan kepada Dewan Sanhendrin karena mereka mewartakan Injil Kristus dan menyembuhkan seorang yang lumpuh. Kedua rasul itu dilarang keras mengajar lagi atas nama Yesus. Tetapi Petrus dan Yohanes menjawab: Silahkan kamu putuskan sendiri manakah yang benar dihadapan Allah: taat kepada kamu atau taat kepada Allah. Sebab tidak mungkin bagi kami untuk tidak berkata-kata tentang apa yang telah kami lihat dan telah kami dengar. (Kis4:19  20).

Kata- kata inilah yang mendorong Santo Benyamin untuk mengorbankan hidupnya bagi Kristus dan Injil. Benyamin adalah seorang diakon, berkebangsaan Persia. Ia hidup kurang lebih pada permulaan abad ke lima. Oleh karena kesalahan seorang Uskup bernama Abdas, penganiayaan kepada kaum Kristen mulai berkecamuk lagi. Uskup Abdas membakar kuil utama dewa orang- orang Persia. Perbuatan ini menimbulkan reaksi hebat diantara orang- orang Persia yang masih kafir itu. Mereka menangkap orang - orang Kristen dan menyiksa mereka hingga mati. Diantara orang- orang Kristen yang ditangkap itu ada Diakon Benyamin yang sama sekali tidak terlibat dalam tindakan pembakaran kuil kafir itu. Diakon Benyamin dianiaya dengan kejam.

Kebetulan ada seorang Romawi yang mengenal baik Benyamin. Ia memohon kepada Raja Persia agar membebaskan Benyamin. Permohonan ini dikabulkan raja Persia, tetapi dengan syarat: Benyamin tidak boleh lagi mewartakan Injil atau menyebarkan agama Kristen di kalangan orang Persia.

Mendengar syarat pelepasan itu, Benyamin dengan gagah berani menolak persyaratan itu. Seperti Santo Petrus dan Yohanes, Santo Benyamin menjawab: tidak mungkin saya tidak mewartakan Kristus dan Injil- Nya. Karena jawaban ini, Benyamin dihukum mati pada tahun 424.

Hari biasa Pekan IV Prapaskah

Yes. 65:17-21; Mzm. 30:2,4,5-6,11-12a,13b; Yoh. 4:43-54

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Yes 65:17 "Sebab sesungguhnya, Aku menciptakan langit yang baru dan bumi yang baru; hal-hal yang dahulu tidak akan diingat lagi, dan tidak akan timbul lagi dalam hati.

Yes 65:18 Tetapi bergiranglah dan bersorak-sorak untuk selama-lamanya atas apa yang Kuciptakan, sebab sesungguhnya, Aku menciptakan Yerusalem penuh sorak-sorak dan penduduknya penuh kegirangan.

Yes 65:19 Aku akan bersorak-sorak karena Yerusalem, dan bergirang karena umat-Ku; di dalamnya tidak akan kedengaran lagi bunyi tangisan dan bunyi erangpun tidak.

Yes 65:20 Di situ tidak akan ada lagi bayi yang hanya hidup beberapa hari atau orang tua yang tidak mencapai umur suntuk, sebab siapa yang mati pada umur seratus tahun masih akan dianggap muda, dan siapa yang tidak mencapai umur seratus tahun akan dianggap kena kutuk.

Yes 65:21 Mereka akan mendirikan rumah-rumah dan mendiaminya juga; mereka akan menanami kebun-kebun anggur dan memakan buahnya juga.

Mzm 30:2 (30-3) TUHAN, Allahku, kepada-Mu aku berteriak minta tolong, dan Engkau telah menyembuhkan aku.

Mzm 30:4 (30-5) Nyanyikanlah mazmur bagi TUHAN, hai orang-orang yang dikasihi-Nya, dan persembahkanlah syukur kepada nama-Nya yang kudus!

Mzm 30:5 (30-6) Sebab sesaat saja Ia murka, tetapi seumur hidup Ia murah hati; sepanjang malam ada tangisan, menjelang pagi terdengar sorak-sorai.

Mzm 30:6 (30-7) Dalam kesenanganku aku berkata: "Aku takkan goyah untuk selama-lamanya!"

Mzm 30:11 (30-12) Aku yang meratap telah Kauubah menjadi orang yang menari-nari, kain kabungku telah Kaubuka, pinggangku Kauikat dengan sukacita,

Mzm 30:12 (30-13) supaya jiwaku menyanyikan mazmur bagi-Mu dan jangan berdiam diri. TUHAN, Allahku, untuk selama-lamanya aku mau menyanyikan syukur bagi-Mu.

Yoh 4:43 Dan setelah dua hari itu Yesus berangkat dari sana ke Galilea,

Yoh 4:44 sebab Yesus sendiri telah bersaksi, bahwa seorang nabi tidak dihormati di negerinya sendiri.

Yoh 4:45 Maka setelah ia tiba di Galilea, orang-orang Galileapun menyambut Dia, karena mereka telah melihat segala sesuatu yang dikerjakan-Nya di Yerusalem pada pesta itu, sebab mereka sendiripun turut ke pesta itu.

Yoh 4:46 Maka Yesus kembali lagi ke Kana di Galilea, di mana Ia membuat air menjadi anggur. Dan di Kapernaum ada seorang pegawai istana, anaknya sedang sakit.

Yoh 4:47 Ketika ia mendengar, bahwa Yesus telah datang dari Yudea ke Galilea, pergilah ia kepada-Nya lalu meminta, supaya Ia datang dan menyembuhkan anaknya, sebab anaknya itu hampir mati.

Yoh 4:48 Maka kata Yesus kepadanya: "Jika kamu tidak melihat tanda dan mujizat, kamu tidak percaya."

Yoh 4:49 Pegawai istana itu berkata kepada-Nya: "Tuhan, datanglah sebelum anakku mati."

Yoh 4:50 Kata Yesus kepadanya: "Pergilah, anakmu hidup!" Orang itu percaya akan perkataan yang dikatakan Yesus kepadanya, lalu pergi.

Yoh 4:51 Ketika ia masih di tengah jalan hamba-hambanya telah datang kepadanya dengan kabar, bahwa anaknya hidup.

Yoh 4:52 Ia bertanya kepada mereka pukul berapa anak itu mulai sembuh. Jawab mereka: "Kemarin siang pukul satu demamnya hilang."

Yoh 4:53 Maka teringatlah ayah itu, bahwa pada saat itulah Yesus berkata kepadanya: "Anakmu hidup." Lalu iapun percaya, ia dan seluruh keluarganya.

Yoh 4:54 Dan itulah tanda kedua yang dibuat Yesus ketika Ia pulang dari Yudea ke Galilea.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Saint Peter Regalado

St. Peter Regalado came from a wealthy, devout family in Valladolid, Spain, and joined the Conventual Franciscans at age 13. Shortly after his ordination, he became the superior of the friary in Aguilar and later led all Spanish Franciscans in a reform movement focused on poverty and penance. He was known for his effective leadership, addressing the shortcomings of others with patience and compassion and encouraging fellow friars to recommit to their vows. St. Peter was believed to have the ability to bilocate, often seen at two convents simultaneously. 

He practiced silence, devoted much time to prayer, and celebrated Mass with deep devotion. St. Peter engaged in physical penance, fasting, and adhering to strict religious poverty, all while facing opposition with grace. He provided for the poor and sick with great care, experiencing extraordinary graces such as levitation during prayer. The bishop of Osma, when he saw the saint, said: “Truly, that is the abode of God.” St. Peter Regalado passed away on March 31, 1456, at the age of sixty-six. His burial site became a place of reverence and reported miracles.

St. Peter Regalado, let the fragrance of thy virtues diffuse itself in our lives. May we aspire to follow in your footsteps of divine righteousness and find the courage to carry out acts of penance with fortitude.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Saint Berthold of Calabria

St. Berthold of Calabria was a Norman French crusader known for establishing a hermit colony on Mount Carmel in 1185. He entered Carmelite literature in the 15th century as St. Berthold of Mount Carmel and is recognized as one of the early leaders of the Carmelite Order. Aymeric appointed him as the first superior general of the Carmelites.

During his time, Berthold dedicated himself to reforming the Christian soldiers in the region after experiencing a vision of Christ. He led the Carmelite community for an impressive forty-five years. His journey to the Holy Land was part of the Crusades, and he was present in Antioch during its siege by the Saracens. It was here that he received a vision of Christ, who condemned the soldiers' immoral behaviors. 

At that time, numerous hermits from the West lived in Palestine. Berthold is believed to have arrived at Mount Carmel in 1185, where he constructed a small chapel and gathered a group of hermits to live in accordance with the example set by the prophet Elijah. While this community is thought to have contributed to the formation of the Carmelite Order, historians generally discount this claim due to a lack of supporting evidence. Berthold continued to govern the community he founded on Mount Carmel until his death in 1195.

St. Berthold of Calabria, intercede for us and guide us towards God's will.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

30 March 2025 (Sunday) / 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) / Fourth Sunday of Lent, Second Scrutiny of the Elect

30 March 2025 (Sunday)

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Second Scrutiny of the Elect.

First Reading: Joshua 5: 9a, 10-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 17-21

Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 15: 18

Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3,11-32

First Reading : Joshua 5:9‐12

The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have taken the shame of Egypt away from you.’ The Israelites pitched their camp at Gilgal and kept the Passover there on the fourteenth day of the month, at evening in the plain of Jericho. On the morrow of the Passover they tasted the produce of that country, unleavened bread and roasted ears of corn, that same day. From that time, from their first eating of the produce of that country, the manna stopped falling. And having manna no longer, the Israelites fed from that year onwards on what the land of Canaan yielded.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 33(34):2‐7

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called, the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : 2 Corinthians 5:17‐21

For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work. It was God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the work of handing on this reconciliation. In other words, God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, not holding men’s faults against them, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God.

Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 15: 18

18 I will get up and go to my Father and shall say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

(18. I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you).

Gospel : Luke 15:1‐3,11‐32

The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them: ‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery. ‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father. ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate. ‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property – he and his women – you kill the calf we had been fattening.” ‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found."

Words of the Holy Father:

This teaching of Jesus is very important: our condition as children of God is the fruit of the love of the Father’s heart; it does not depend on our merits or on our actions, and thus no one can take it away, not even the devil! No one can take this dignity away. Jesus’ words encourage us never to despair. I think of the worried moms and dads watching their children move away, taking dangerous paths. I think of the parish priests and catechists who wonder at times if their work is in vain. But I also think of the person in prison, who feels his life is over. I think of those who have made mistakes and cannot manage to envision the future, of those who hunger for mercy and forgiveness and believe they don’t deserve it.... In any situation of life, I must not forget that I will never cease to be a child of God, to be a son of the Father who loves me and awaits my return. Even in the worst situation of life, God waits for me, God wants to embrace me, God expects me. (General Audience, 11 May 2016)

Santo Yohanes Klimakus, Pertapa.

Kisah masa kecil dan masa muda Yohanes Klimakus kurang diketahui dengan pasti. Banyak orang menduga bahwa ia berasal dari Palestina dan telah berkeluarga sewaktu memasuki biara pertapaan di gunung Sinai. Ia dikenal sebagai seseorang yang mampu bertahan terhadap aneka macam cobaan. Ia mampu mengekang dirinya terhadap segala macam godaan. Setelah selesai masa novisiatnya selama 4 tahun, ia mengikrarkan kaulnya. Melihat kepribadiannya yang menarik, Abbas biara itu meramalkan bahwa Yohanes akan menjadi Terang Besar bagi Gereja.

Beberapa tahun setelah kaulnya, Yohanes mengundurkan diri dari pertapaan gunung Sinai itu dan memencilkan diri ke gurun pasir yang sunyi. Disana ia mempelajari riwayat para Kudus serta berbagai tulisan mereka. Usaha ini berhasil membentuk kepribadiannya menjadi seorang yang bijaksana dan suci. Banyak orang yang tertarik dengan kepribadiannya yang rajin datang meminta nasehat dan bimbingannya. Ia sendiripun sangat sering mengunjungi para pertapa lain di Mesir. Tentang para pertapa Mesir itu, Yohanes berkata: Kebanyakan mereka sudah tua; rambut mereka sudah putih termakan usia; kulit mereka berkerut keriput; tetapi wajah mereka ceria dan memancarkan kebijaksanaan hidup yang mendalam; keramahan dan kegembiraan mereka membuat saya senang berada diantara mereka; hati mereka tertuju kepada Allah dalam kepolosan dan kemurnian.

Dalam usia 70 tahun, Yohanes dipilih sebagai Abbas di tempat pertapaan di Gunung Sinai. Ia menulis sebuah buku mengenai kesempurnaan hidup Kristiani, yang terkenal selama berabad - abad. Pada hari- hari menjelang kematiannya, ia mengundurkan diri ketempat sunyi untuk berdoa dan bertapa. Ia meninggal pada tahun 649.

Santa Roswita, Pengaku Iman.

Santa Roswita hidup antara tahun 935- 1000. orang tuanya yang kaya itu memasukan dia dalam biara Gandersheim di Jerman untuk dididik oleh suster- suster di biara itu. Mereka berharap anaknya bisa memperoleh pendidikan yang baik. Sesudah dewasa, Roswita memutuskan untuk menjadi suster di biara itu. Suster Roswita pandai menggubah syair dan mengarang buku- buku roman dan buku- buku keagamaan.

HARI MINGGU

PRAPASKAH IV

Yos. 5:9a,10-12; Mzm. 34:2-3,4-5,6-7; 

2Kor. 5:17-21; Luk. 15:1-3,11-32

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Yos 5:9 Dan berfirmanlah TUHAN kepada Yosua: "Hari ini telah Kuhapuskan cela Mesir itu dari padamu." Itulah sebabnya nama tempat itu disebut Gilgal sampai sekarang.

Yos 5:10 Sementara berkemah di Gilgal, orang Israel itu merayakan Paskah pada hari yang keempat belas bulan itu, pada waktu petang, di dataran Yerikho.

Yos 5:11 Lalu pada hari sesudah Paskah mereka makan hasil negeri itu, yakni roti yang tidak beragi dan bertih gandum, pada hari itu juga.

Yos 5:12 Lalu berhentilah manna itu, pada keesokan harinya setelah mereka makan hasil negeri itu. Jadi orang Israel tidak beroleh manna lagi, tetapi dalam tahun itu mereka makan yang dihasilkan tanah Kanaan.

Mzm 34:2 (34-3) Karena TUHAN jiwaku bermegah; biarlah orang-orang yang rendah hati mendengarnya dan bersukacita.

Mzm 34:3 (34-4) Muliakanlah TUHAN bersama-sama dengan aku, marilah kita bersama-sama memasyhurkan nama-Nya!

Mzm 34:4 (34-5) Aku telah mencari TUHAN, lalu Ia menjawab aku, dan melepaskan aku dari segala kegentaranku.

Mzm 34:5 (34-6) Tujukanlah pandanganmu kepada-Nya, maka mukamu akan berseri-seri, dan tidak akan malu tersipu-sipu.

Mzm 34:6 (34-7) Orang yang tertindas ini berseru, dan TUHAN mendengar; Ia menyelamatkan dia dari segala kesesakannya.

Mzm 34:7 (34-8) Malaikat TUHAN berkemah di sekeliling orang-orang yang takut akan Dia, lalu meluputkan mereka.

2Kor 5:17  Jadi siapa yang ada di dalam Kristus, ia adalah ciptaan baru: yang lama sudah berlalu, sesungguhnya yang baru sudah datang.

2Kor 5:18  Dan semuanya ini dari Allah, yang dengan perantaraan Kristus telah mendamaikan kita dengan diri-Nya dan yang telah mempercayakan pelayanan pendamaian itu kepada kami.

2Kor 5:19  Sebab Allah mendamaikan dunia dengan diri-Nya oleh Kristus dengan tidak memperhitungkan pelanggaran mereka. Ia telah mempercayakan berita pendamaian itu kepada kami.

2Kor 5:20  Jadi kami ini adalah utusan-utusan Kristus, seakan-akan Allah menasihati kamu dengan perantaraan kami; dalam nama Kristus kami meminta kepadamu: berilah dirimu didamaikan dengan Allah.

2Kor 5:21  Dia yang tidak mengenal dosa telah dibuat-Nya menjadi dosa karena kita, supaya dalam Dia kita dibenarkan oleh Allah.

Luk 15:1 Para pemungut cukai dan orang-orang berdosa biasanya datang kepada Yesus untuk mendengarkan Dia.

Luk 15:2 Maka bersungut-sungutlah orang-orang Farisi dan ahli-ahli Taurat, katanya: "Ia menerima orang-orang berdosa dan makan bersama-sama dengan mereka."

Luk 15:3 Lalu Ia mengatakan perumpamaan ini kepada mereka:

Luk 15:11  Yesus berkata lagi: "Ada seorang mempunyai dua anak laki-laki.

Luk 15:12  Kata yang bungsu kepada ayahnya: Bapa, berikanlah kepadaku bagian harta milik kita yang menjadi hakku. Lalu ayahnya membagi-bagikan harta kekayaan itu di antara mereka.

Luk 15:13  Beberapa hari kemudian anak bungsu itu menjual seluruh bagiannya itu lalu pergi ke negeri yang jauh. Di sana ia memboroskan harta miliknya itu dengan hidup berfoya-foya.

Luk 15:14  Setelah dihabiskannya semuanya, timbullah bencana kelaparan di dalam negeri itu dan iapun mulai melarat.

Luk 15:15  Lalu ia pergi dan bekerja pada seorang majikan di negeri itu. Orang itu menyuruhnya ke ladang untuk menjaga babinya.

Luk 15:16  Lalu ia ingin mengisi perutnya dengan ampas yang menjadi makanan babi itu, tetapi tidak seorangpun yang memberikannya kepadanya.

Luk 15:17  Lalu ia menyadari keadaannya, katanya: Betapa banyaknya orang upahan bapaku yang berlimpah-limpah makanannya, tetapi aku di sini mati kelaparan.

Luk 15:18  Aku akan bangkit dan pergi kepada bapaku dan berkata kepadanya: Bapa, aku telah berdosa terhadap sorga dan terhadap bapa,

Luk 15:19  aku tidak layak lagi disebutkan anak bapa; jadikanlah aku sebagai salah seorang upahan bapa.

Luk 15:20  Maka bangkitlah ia dan pergi kepada bapanya. Ketika ia masih jauh, ayahnya telah melihatnya, lalu tergeraklah hatinya oleh belas kasihan. Ayahnya itu berlari mendapatkan dia lalu merangkul dan mencium dia.

Luk 15:21 Kata anak itu kepadanya: Bapa, aku telah berdosa terhadap sorga dan terhadap bapa, aku tidak layak lagi disebutkan anak bapa.

Luk 15:22  Tetapi ayah itu berkata kepada hamba-hambanya: Lekaslah bawa ke mari jubah yang terbaik, pakaikanlah itu kepadanya dan kenakanlah cincin pada jarinya dan sepatu pada kakinya.

Luk 15:23  Dan ambillah anak lembu tambun itu, sembelihlah dia dan marilah kita makan dan bersukacita.

Luk 15:24  Sebab anakku ini telah mati dan menjadi hidup kembali, ia telah hilang dan didapat kembali. Maka mulailah mereka bersukaria.

Luk 15:25  Tetapi anaknya yang sulung berada di ladang dan ketika ia pulang dan dekat ke rumah, ia mendengar bunyi seruling dan nyanyian tari-tarian.

Luk 15:26  Lalu ia memanggil salah seorang hamba dan bertanya kepadanya apa arti semuanya itu.

Luk 15:27  Jawab hamba itu: Adikmu telah kembali dan ayahmu telah menyembelih anak lembu tambun, karena ia mendapatnya kembali dengan sehat.

Luk 15:28  Maka marahlah anak sulung itu dan ia tidak mau masuk. Lalu ayahnya keluar dan berbicara dengan dia.

Luk 15:29  Tetapi ia menjawab ayahnya, katanya: Telah bertahun-tahun aku melayani bapa dan belum pernah aku melanggar perintah bapa, tetapi kepadaku belum pernah bapa memberikan seekor anak kambing untuk bersukacita dengan sahabat-sahabatku.

Luk 15:30  Tetapi baru saja datang anak bapa yang telah memboroskan harta kekayaan bapa bersama-sama dengan pelacur-pelacur, maka bapa menyembelih anak lembu tambun itu untuk dia.

Luk 15:31  Kata ayahnya kepadanya: Anakku, engkau selalu bersama-sama dengan aku, dan segala kepunyaanku adalah kepunyaanmu.

Luk 15:32  Kita patut bersukacita dan bergembira karena adikmu telah mati dan menjadi hidup kembali, ia telah hilang dan didapat kembali."

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

29 March 2025 (Saturday) / Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent / Lenten Weekday.

29 March 2025 (Saturday)

Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday.

First Reading: Hosea 6: 1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab

Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8

Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14

First Reading : Hosea 5:15‐6:6

The Lord says this:

They will search for me in their misery.

‘Come, let us return to the Lord.

He has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us;

he has struck us down, but he will bandage our wounds; after a day or two he will bring us back to life, on the third day he will raise us and we shall live in his presence. Let us set ourselves to know the Lord; that he will come is as certain as the dawn: his judgement will rise like the light, he will come to us as showers come, like spring rains watering the earth.’ What am I to do with you, Ephraim? What am I to do with you, Judah?This love of yours is like a morning cloud, like the dew that quickly disappears. This is why I have torn them to pieces by the prophets, why I slaughtered them with the words from my mouth, since what I want is love, not sacrifice; knowledge of God, not holocausts.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 50(51):3‐4,18‐21

What I want is love, not sacrifice. 

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.

What I want is love, not sacrifice.

For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

What I want is love, not sacrifice.

In your goodness, show favour to Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, burnt offerings wholly consumed.

What I want is love, not sacrifice.

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8

8 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

(1. Come, let us cry out with joy to Yahweh, acclaim the rock of our salvation.

2. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving, acclaim him with music.

3. For Yahweh is a great God, a king greater than all the gods.

4. In his power are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are his;

5. the sea belongs to him, for he made it, and the dry land, moulded by his hands.

6. Come, let us bow low and do reverence; kneel before Yahweh who made us!

7. For he is our God, and we the people of his sheepfold, the flock of his hand. If only you would listen to him today!

8. Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as at the time of Massah in the desert,

9. when your ancestors challenged me, put me to the test, and saw what I could do!

10. For forty years that generation sickened me, and I said, 'Always fickle hearts; they cannot grasp my ways.'

11.Then in my anger I swore they would never enter my place of rest).

Gospel : Luke 18:9‐14

Jesus spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous and despised everyone else: ‘Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood there and said this prayer to himself, “I thank you, God, that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous like the rest of mankind, and particularly that I am not like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all I get.” The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This man, I tell you, went home again at rights with God; the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

Words of the Holy Father:

The parable lies between two movements, expressed by two verbs: to ascend  and to descend. The first movement is to ascend. Indeed, the text begins by saying: “Two people went up into the temple to pray” (v. 10). This aspect recalls many episodes in the Bible, where in order to encounter the Lord, one goes up to the mountain of his presence (…). But in order to live the encounter with him and be transformed by prayer, to rise up to God, a second movement is necessary: to descend. Why? What does this mean? In order to ascend towards him, we must descend within ourselves: to cultivate the sincerity and humility of the heart that give us an honest outlook on our frailties and our inner poverty. (…) It will be he who raises us up, not us. The more we descend with humility, the more God raises us up. (…) The Pharisee and the publican concern us closely. When we think of them, let us look at ourselves: let us confirm whether, in us, as in the Pharisee, there is the intimate presumption of being righteous (cf. v. 9) that leads us to despise others. It happens, for instance, when we seek compliments and always make a list of our own merits and good works, when we concern ourselves with how we appear rather than how we are, when we let ourselves be trapped by narcissism and exhibitionism. Let us beware of narcissism and exhibitionism, based on vainglory, that lead even us Christians, priests and bishops, always to have one word on our lips. Which word? “I”. (Angelus, 23 October 2022)

Santo Bertold, Rahib.

Santo Bertold dikenal sebagai seorang rahib. Bersama kawannya Brokard, Bertold bertapa di Gunung Karmel, Palestina dan mendirikan Ordo Karmel pada awal abad ke 13. Brokard sangat dihormati oleh orang Islam.

Santo Yonah dan Berijesu, Martir.

Martir adik-beradik ini disiksa hingga mati karena meneguhkan iman banyak orang Kristen di berbagai penjara Persia. Yonah ditindih dengan press sampai mati, sedangkan adiknya Berikjesu menemui ajalnya setelah dituangkan ter panas kedalam mulutnya. Keduanya tak gentar sedikitpun menghadapi siksaan yang ditimpakan atas mereka. Mereka bahkan bersyukur karena turut serta bersama Yesus dalam penderitaannya untuk menyelamatkan manusia.

Hari biasa Pekan III Prapaskah

Hos. 6:1-6; Mzm. 51:3-4,18-19,20-21ab; 

Luk. 18:9-14

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Hos 6:1 "Mari, kita akan berbalik kepada TUHAN, sebab Dialah yang telah menerkam dan yang akan menyembuhkan kita, yang telah memukul dan yang akan membalut kita.

Hos 6:2 Ia akan menghidupkan kita sesudah dua hari, pada hari yang ketiga Ia akan membangkitkan kita, dan kita akan hidup di hadapan-Nya.

Hos 6:3 Marilah kita mengenal dan berusaha sungguh-sungguh mengenal TUHAN; Ia pasti muncul seperti fajar, Ia akan datang kepada kita seperti hujan, seperti hujan pada akhir musim yang mengairi bumi."

Hos 6:4 Apakah yang akan Kulakukan kepadamu, hai Efraim? Apakah yang akan Kulakukan kepadamu, hai Yehuda? Kasih setiamu seperti kabut pagi, dan seperti embun yang hilang pagi-pagi benar.

Hos 6:5 Sebab itu Aku telah meremukkan mereka dengan perantaraan nabi-nabi, Aku telah membunuh mereka dengan perkataan mulut-Ku, dan hukum-Ku keluar seperti terang.

Hos 6:6 Sebab Aku menyukai kasih setia, dan bukan korban sembelihan, dan menyukai pengenalan akan Allah, lebih dari pada korban-korban bakaran.

Mzm 51:3 (51-5) Sebab aku sendiri sadar akan pelanggaranku, aku senantiasa bergumul dengan dosaku.

Mzm 51:4 (51-6) Terhadap Engkau, terhadap Engkau sajalah aku telah berdosa dan melakukan apa yang Kauanggap jahat, supaya ternyata Engkau adil dalam putusan-Mu, bersih dalam penghukuman-Mu.

Mzm 51:18 (51-20) Lakukanlah kebaikan kepada Sion menurut kerelaan hati-Mu bangunkanlah tembok-tembok Yerusalem!

Mzm 51:19 (51-21) Maka Engkau akan berkenan kepada korban yang benar, korban bakaran dan korban yang terbakar seluruhnya; maka orang akan mengorbankan lembu jantan di atas mezbah-Mu.

Luk 18:9 Dan kepada beberapa orang yang menganggap dirinya benar dan memandang rendah semua orang lain, Yesus mengatakan perumpamaan ini:

Luk 18:10  "Ada dua orang pergi ke Bait Allah untuk berdoa; yang seorang adalah Farisi dan yang lain pemungut cukai.

Luk 18:11  Orang Farisi itu berdiri dan berdoa dalam hatinya begini: Ya Allah, aku mengucap syukur kepada-Mu, karena aku tidak sama seperti semua orang lain, bukan perampok, bukan orang lalim, bukan pezinah dan bukan juga seperti pemungut cukai ini;

Luk 18:12  aku berpuasa dua kali seminggu, aku memberikan sepersepuluh dari segala penghasilanku.

Luk 18:13  Tetapi pemungut cukai itu berdiri jauh-jauh, bahkan ia tidak berani menengadah ke langit, melainkan ia memukul diri dan berkata: Ya Allah, kasihanilah aku orang berdosa ini.

Luk 18:14  Aku berkata kepadamu: Orang ini pulang ke rumahnya sebagai orang yang dibenarkan Allah dan orang lain itu tidak. Sebab barangsiapa meninggikan diri, ia akan direndahkan dan barangsiapa merendahkan diri, ia akan ditinggikan."

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Saint Castor (Castore) of Tarsus

St. Castor of Tarsus, also known as Castore, is recognized as a martyr in the Catholic tradition. He lived in Tarsus, Cilicia, and was martyred for his Christian faith, but the exact circumstances of his martyrdom are unknown.

Despite the lack of detailed accounts, St. Castor is honored for his courage and devotion, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by early Christians. His feast day is celebrated on March 28th, the date of his martyrdom.

St. Castor, you were willing to suffer and die for Christ; pray that our hearts like thine may also be inflamed with love for Jesus. Amen.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

28 March 2025 (Friday) / Friday of the 3rd week of Lent / Lenten Weekday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up)

28 March 2025 (Friday)

Friday of the 3rd week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up)

First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17

Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17

Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34

First Reading : Hosea 14:2‐10

The Lord says this:

Israel, come back to the Lord your God;

your iniquity was the cause of your downfall.

Provide yourself with words and come back to the Lord. Say to him, ‘Take all iniquity away so that we may have happiness again and offer you our words of praise. Assyria cannot save us, we will not ride horses any more, or say, “Our God!” to what our own hands have made, for you are the one in whom orphans find compassion.’ – I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them with all my heart, for my anger has turned from them.

I will fall like dew on Israel. He shall bloom like the lily, and thrust out roots like the poplar, his shoots will spread far; he will have the beauty of the olive and the fragrance of Lebanon. They will come back to live in my shade; they will grow corn that flourishes, they will cultivate vines as renowned as the wine of Helbon. What has Ephraim to do with idols any more when it is I who hear his prayer and care for him? I am like a cypress ever green, all your fruitfulness comes from me. Let the wise man understand these words. Let the intelligent man grasp their meaning. For the ways of the Lord are straight, and virtuous men walk in them, but sinners stumble.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 80(81):6,8‐11,14,17

I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.

A voice I did not know said to me: ‘I freed your shoulder from the burden; your hands were freed from the load. You called in distress and I saved you.

I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.

‘I answered, concealed in the storm cloud; at the waters of Meribah I tested you. Listen, my people, to my warning. O Israel, if only you would heed!

I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.

‘Let there be no foreign god among you, no worship of an alien god. I am the Lord your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt.

I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.

‘O that my people would heed me, that Israel would walk in my ways! But Israel I would feed with finest wheat and fill them with honey from the rock.’

I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17

17 Repent, says the Lord; the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

(17. From then onwards Jesus began his proclamation with the message, 'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.')

Gospel : Mark 12:28‐34

One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him any more.

Words of the Holy Father:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.... You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12:30-31). In choosing these two Words addressed by God to his people and by putting them together, Jesus taught once and for all that love for God and love for neighbour are inseparable; moreover, they sustain one another. Even if set in a sequence, they are two sides of a single coin: experienced together they are a believer’s strength! To love God is to live of him and for him, for what he is and for what he does. Our God is unmitigated giving; he is unlimited forgiveness; he is a relationship that promotes and fosters. Therefore, to love God means to invest our energies each day to be his assistants in the unmitigated service of our neighbour, in trying to forgive without limitations, and in cultivating relationships of communion and fraternity. (Angelus, 4 November 2018)

Santo Doroteus dari Gaza, Pengaku Iman.

Selagi dalam pendidikan Doroteus bosan dengan segala macam pelajaran di sekolah. Lebih baik aku memegang ular daripada membolak balik buku pelajaran, katanya. Tetapi lama kelamaan ia merobah sikapnya yang konyol itu dan berjuang menghilangkannya. Hasilnya ialah ia kemudian menjadi orang yang amat rajin dan suka belajar dan membaca.

Semangat baru ini kemudian menghantar dia kedalam kehidupan membiara pada tahun 530 di sebuah biara di Palestina. Kepada rekan- rekannya ia mengatakan: Jika kita dapat mengalahkan perasaan bosan dan segan belajar sehigga kita menjadi orang yang suka belajar, maka tentunya kita juga dapat mengalahkan hawa nafsu dan menjadi orang yang Kudus. Kata- kata ini menunjuk pada tekadnya yang keras membaja untuk mencapai kesempurnaan hidup lewat cara hidup membiara. Salah satu caranya adalah senantiasa bersikap terus terang, dan terbuka hati dan pikiran kepada atasan dan rekan- rekannya. Dengan cara ini ia memperoleh ketenangan batin dan semangat dalam menjalani cara hidup membiara. Dalam bukunya ia menulis: Barangsiapa rajin berdoa dan bermati- raga serta berusaha sungguh- sungguh menguasai kehendaknya, ia akan mencapai ketenteraman batin yang membahagiakan.

Dorotues mencapai kemajuan pesat dalam hidup rahaninya dan kemudian mendirikan dan memimpin sebuah biara pertapaan di Gaza. Ia berusaha memajukan pertapaannya dengan menjalankan pekerjaan- pekerjaannya dengan baik dan menciptakan persaudaraan antar para rahib. Ia selalu berlaku ramah kepada rekan- rekannya. Tahun- tahun terakhir hidupnya, ia mengalami banyak masalah. Godaan dan penyakit merupakan percobaan besar baginya. Namun ia tetap riang. Kepada rekan- rekannya ia mengatakan: Tidaklah sukar mencari dan menemukan sebab  musabab dari semua itu. Baiklah kalau kita mempercayakan diri kepada Tuhan sebab Ia tahu apa yang penting dan berguna bagi kita. Tulisan- tulisan rohaninya sangat bagus, sehingga pada abad ke 17 tulisan- tulisan itu diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Perancis dan Inggris.

Bagi Doroteus, kesucian tidaklah sama dengan mengejakan mukzijat- mukzijat dan / atau menjalankan puasa dan tapa. Semuanya itu memang baik dan berguna, kesucian itu suatu tindakan menyangkal diri sendiri dan menundukkan kehendak pribadi kepada kehendak Tuhan atau menhendaki semata- mata apa yang dikehendaki oleh Tuhan, demi cinta kasih akan Dia. Dengan berusaha mencapai tujuan inilah, maka Doroteus akhirnya menjadi orang Kudus.

Hari biasa Pekan III Prapaskah

Hos. 14:2-10; Mzm. 81:6c-8a,8bc-9,10-11ab,14,17; Mrk. 12:28b-34.

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Hos 14:2 (14-3) Bawalah sertamu kata-kata penyesalan, dan bertobatlah kepada TUHAN! katakanlah kepada-Nya: "Ampunilah segala kesalahan, sehingga kami mendapat yang baik, maka kami akan mempersembahkan pengakuan kami.

Hos 14:3 (14-4) Asyur tidak dapat menyelamatkan kami; kami tidak mau mengendarai kuda, dan kami tidak akan berkata lagi: Ya, Allah kami! kepada buatan tangan kami. Karena Engkau menyayangi anak yatim."

Hos 14:4 (14-5) Aku akan memulihkan mereka dari penyelewengan, Aku akan mengasihi mereka dengan sukarela, sebab murka-Ku telah surut dari pada mereka.

Hos 14:5 (14-6) Aku akan seperti embun bagi Israel, maka ia akan berbunga seperti bunga bakung dan akan menjulurkan akar-akarnya seperti pohon hawar.

Hos 14:6 (14-7) Ranting-rantingnya akan merambak, semaraknya akan seperti pohon zaitun dan berbau harum seperti yang di Libanon.

Hos 14:7 (14-8) Mereka akan kembali dan diam dalam naungan-Ku dan tumbuh seperti gandum; mereka akan berkembang seperti pohon anggur, yang termasyhur seperti anggur Libanon.

Hos 14:8 (14-9) Efraim, apakah lagi sangkut paut-Ku dengan berhala-berhala? Akulah yang menjawab dan memperhatikan engkau! Aku ini seperti pohon sanobar yang menghijau, dari pada-Ku engkau mendapat buah.

Hos 14:9 (14-10) Siapa yang bijaksana, biarlah ia memahami semuanya ini; siapa yang paham, biarlah ia mengetahuinya; sebab jalan-jalan TUHAN adalah lurus, dan orang benar menempuhnya, tetapi pemberontak tergelincir di situ.

Mzm 81:6 (81-7) "Aku telah mengangkat beban dari bahunya, tangannya telah bebas dari keranjang pikulan;

Mzm 81:7 (81-8) dalam kesesakan engkau berseru, maka Aku meluputkan engkau; Aku menjawab engkau dalam persembunyian guntur, Aku telah menguji engkau dekat air Meriba. Sela

Mzm 81:8 (81-9) Dengarlah hai umat-Ku, Aku hendak memberi peringatan kepadamu; hai Israel, jika engkau mau mendengarkan Aku!

Mzm 81:8 (81-9) Dengarlah hai umat-Ku, Aku hendak memberi peringatan kepadamu; hai Israel, jika engkau mau mendengarkan Aku!

Mzm 81:9 (81-10) Janganlah ada di antaramu allah lain, dan janganlah engkau menyembah kepada allah asing.

Mzm 81:10 (81-11) Akulah TUHAN, Allahmu, yang menuntun engkau keluar dari tanah Mesir: bukalah mulutmu lebar-lebar, maka Aku akan membuatnya penuh.

Mzm 81:11 (81-12) Tetapi umat-Ku tidak mendengarkan suara-Ku, dan Israel tidak suka kepada-Ku.

Mzm 81:14 (81-15) Seketika itu juga musuh mereka Aku tundukkan, dan terhadap para lawan mereka Aku balikkan tangan-Ku.

Mrk 12:28 Lalu seorang ahli Taurat, yang mendengar Yesus dan orang-orang Saduki bersoal jawab dan tahu, bahwa Yesus memberi jawab yang tepat kepada orang-orang itu, datang kepada-Nya dan bertanya: "Hukum manakah yang paling utama?"

Mrk 12:29 Jawab Yesus: "Hukum yang terutama ialah: Dengarlah, hai orang Israel, Tuhan Allah kita, Tuhan itu esa.

Mrk 12:30 Kasihilah Tuhan, Allahmu, dengan segenap hatimu dan dengan segenap jiwamu dan dengan segenap akal budimu dan dengan segenap kekuatanmu.

Mrk 12:31 Dan hukum yang kedua ialah: Kasihilah sesamamu manusia seperti dirimu sendiri. Tidak ada hukum lain yang lebih utama dari pada kedua hukum ini."

Mrk 12:32 Lalu kata ahli Taurat itu kepada Yesus: "Tepat sekali, Guru, benar kata-Mu itu, bahwa Dia esa, dan bahwa tidak ada yang lain kecuali Dia.

Mrk 12:33 Memang mengasihi Dia dengan segenap hati dan dengan segenap pengertian dan dengan segenap kekuatan, dan juga mengasihi sesama manusia seperti diri sendiri adalah jauh lebih utama dari pada semua korban bakaran dan korban sembelihan."

Mrk 12:34 Yesus melihat, bagaimana bijaksananya jawab orang itu, dan Ia berkata kepadanya: "Engkau tidak jauh dari Kerajaan Allah!" Dan seorangpun tidak berani lagi menanyakan sesuatu kepada Yesus.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno

Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno was born in Alessandria, Italy, on 7 March 1825. He was the youngest of 12 children in an aristocratic family. He was raised in a home marked by a concern for the poor arising from the parents' strong Catholic faith. He joined the Sardinian army and he had held the rank of captain-of-staff at one time. 

After resigning from the military, Francesco pursued studies in mathematics and astronomy, eventually receiving a doctorate from the University of Paris. On his return to Turin, he took the position of Professor of Mathematics at the local university. He established refuges for the elderly and poor, and also oversaw the construction of a church in Turin dedicated to the memory of soldiers who died for the unification of Italy. St. John Bosco convinced Francesco to become a priest, and he was ordained in Rome at age fifty-one. 

Fr. Francesco founded the Minim Sisters of St. Zita in 1881 to help maids and domestic servants, later expanding its outreach to include others, such as unmarried mothers. With their help, he also established another refuge, one dedicated to taking in prostitutes. Francesco has made significant contribution to the Church through his ascetical writings and the composition of some sacred melodies. He is also credited with several mathematical and geometric discoveries, including the celebrated ""Faà di Bruno Formula."" Francesco Faa di Bruno died in Turin on 27 March 1888 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on the centennial of his death in 1988.

Prayer

Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno, pray for us to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to seek the common good for all persons."

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

27 March 2025 (Thursday) / Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent / Lenten Weekday.

27 March 2025 (Thursday)

Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday.

First Reading: Jeremiah 7: 23-28

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13

Gospel: Luke 11: 14-23

First Reading : Jeremiah 7:23‐28

These were my orders: Listen to my voice, then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Follow right to the end the way that I mark out for you, and you will prosper. But they did not listen, they did not pay attention; they followed the dictates of their own evil hearts, refused to face me, and turned their backs on me. From the day your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until today, day after day I have persistently sent you all my servants the prophets. But they have not listened to me, have not paid attention; they have grown stubborn and behaved worse than their ancestors. You may say all these words to them: they will not listen to you; you may call them: they will not answer. So tell them this, “Here is the nation that will not listen to the voice of the Lord its God nor take correction. Sincerity is no more, it has vanished from their mouths.”

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 94(95):1‐2,6‐9

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us. Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come in; let us bow and bend low; let us kneel before the God who made us: for he is our God and we the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the desert when your fathers put me to the test; when they tried me, though they saw my work.’

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13

12-13 Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful.

(12. 'But now -- declares Yahweh- come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning.'

13.Tear your hearts and not your clothes, and come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and he relents about inflicting disaster.

14.Who knows if he will not come back, relent and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a libation to be presented to Yahweh your God?).

Gospel : Luke 11:14‐23

Jesus was casting out a devil and it was dumb; but when the devil had gone out the dumb man spoke, and the people were amazed. But some of them said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven; but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses. So too with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? – since you assert that it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils. Now if it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils, through whom do your own experts cast them out? Let them be your judges then. But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil. ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.’

Words of the Holy Father:

And we can ask ourselves this question: ‘Do I watch over myself, over my heart, over my feelings, over my thoughts? Do I guard the treasure of grace? Do I guard the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within me? Or do I leave it as it is, safe, do I think it‘s all right?’ But if you don’t guard it, someone stronger will come along. But if one stronger than he comes along and overcomes him, he snatches away the weapons in which he trusted and divides the spoils. Vigilance! But, three criteria, eh! Do not confuse the truth. Jesus fights against the devil: this is the first criterion. The second criterion: He who is not with Jesus is against Jesus. There are no half-hearted attitudes. The third criterion: Vigilance in our heart, because the devil is cunning. He is never cast out forever! He will be definitively cast out only on the last day. [...] Let us ask the Lord for the grace to take these things seriously. He came to fight for our salvation. He has overcome the devil! Please, let us not do business with the devil! He seeks to come home, to take possession of us... Do not relativise, be vigilant! And always with Jesus! (Santa Marta, 11 October 2013)

Santo Rupertus, Uskup dan Pengaku Iman.

Santo Rupertus dikenal sebagai orang Kudus keturunan suku bangsa berbahasa Jerman. Sebelum menjadi misionaris di Bavaria sehingga dijuluki Rasul Bavaria, dia telah menjadi Uskup Worms, Jerman.

Perjalanan misionernya ke Regensburg, Bavaria, dilakukan pada tahun 697. Di Regensburg, Rupertus bersama beberapa orang rekannya diterima dengan baik oleh adipati Theodo. Adipati ini masih kafir namun ia sangat baik hati dan mendukung para misionaris itu dalam melaksanakan tugasnya sebagai pewarta Injil Kristus.

Agama Kristen memang sudah masuk di wilayah kekuasaan Theodo sebelum kedatangan Rupertus bersama kawan- kawannya. Ini terbukti dari data yang ada bahwa beberapa orang di wilayah ini sudah menganut agama Kristen, termasuk saudari kandung Theodo sendiri. Setelah menyaksikan keberhasilan karya para misionaris itu dan merasakan sendiri kebenaran agama Kristen, Theodo memutuskan untuk menerima pelajaran agama Kristen dari para misionaris itu. Rupertus lah yang mengajari dia agama Kristen bersama beberapa orang lainnya. Di Bavaria Rupertus dengan kawan- kawannya mendapat sukses besar dalam karyanya. Untuk memperkokoh karya mereka, Rupertus mendirikan sebuah pusat pendidikan agama di Juvavum, Austria. Disini ia melayani umatnya sebagai Uskup hingga hari kematiannya pada tahun 710.

Nikodemus, Pengajar Israel.

Nikodemus adalah seorang farisi dan dewan Anggota Sanhendrin. Kisah tentang dirinya dalam hubungannya dengan Yesus dapat ditemukan dalam Injil Yohanes 3: 1-21. Ia kagum akan kepribadian Yesus dan cara pengajaran Nya yang penuh wibawa. Ia mengakui Yesus sebagai seorang utusan Allah. Ia datang kepada Yesus di waktu malam hari dan menanyakan Yesus tentang bagaimana orang dapat mendapatkan Kerajaan Allah. Yesus menjawab bahwa manusia harus dilahirkan kembali dari air dan Roh. Pada akhir hidup Yesus dengan peristiwa tragis di Salib, Nikodemus tampil lagi sebagai seseorang yang mengurapi jenazah Yesus dengan minyak wangi. (Yoh 19:39).

Santa Lucy Filipini, Pengaku Iman.

Lucy Filipini lahir pada tahun 1672 di Tarquinia, Italia, barat laut Roma. Ia dikenal sebagai pelanjut pendidikan bagi kaum wanita Katolik di Italia.

Sebagai seorang gadis yatim piatu, Lucy berhasil menarik perhatian Kardinal Martinus Barbarigo karena ketelatenan, kesalehan dan bakat- bakatnya. Ia mendesak Lucy untuk belajar disebuah institut Pendidikan Guru, yang disebut Maestre Pie di Monte Fiascone, dekat Tarquinia. Kemudian pada tahun 1707, Paus Klemens XI meminta Lucy untuk mendirikan sekolah pertama dari Maestre Pie di Roma. Tugas ini dijalankannya dengan sukses besar hingga ia menghembuskan nafasnya terakhir pada tanggal 25 Maret 1732. Pada tahun 1930 ia dinyatakan Kudus oleh Sri Paus Pius XI (1922- 1939).

Hari biasa Pekan III Prapaskah

Yer. 7:23-28; Mzm. 95:1-2,6-7.8-9; 

Luk. 11:14-23

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Yer 7:23  hanya yang berikut inilah yang telah Kuperintahkan kepada mereka: Dengarkanlah suara-Ku, maka Aku akan menjadi Allahmu dan kamu akan menjadi umat-Ku, dan ikutilah seluruh jalan yang Kuperintahkan kepadamu, supaya kamu berbahagia!

Yer 7:24  Tetapi mereka tidak mau mendengarkan dan tidak mau memberi perhatian, melainkan mereka mengikuti rancangan-rancangan dan kedegilan hatinya yang jahat, dan mereka memperlihatkan belakangnya dan bukan mukanya.

Yer 7:25  Dari sejak waktu nenek moyangmu keluar dari tanah Mesir sampai waktu ini, Aku mengutus kepada mereka hamba-hamba-Ku, para nabi, hari demi hari, terus-menerus,

Yer 7:26  tetapi mereka tidak mau mendengarkan kepada-Ku dan tidak mau memberi perhatian, bahkan mereka menegarkan tengkuknya, berbuat lebih jahat dari pada nenek moyang mereka.

Yer 7:27  Sekalipun engkau mengatakan kepada mereka segala perkara ini, mereka tidak akan mendengarkan perkataanmu, dan sekalipun engkau berseru kepada mereka, mereka tidak akan menjawab engkau.

Yer 7:28  Sebab itu, katakanlah kepada mereka: Inilah bangsa yang tidak mau mendengarkan suara TUHAN, Allah mereka, dan yang tidak mau menerima penghajaran! Ketulusan mereka sudah lenyap, sudah hapus dari mulut mereka."

Mzm 95:1 Marilah kita bersorak-sorai untuk TUHAN, bersorak-sorak bagi gunung batu keselamatan kita.

Mzm 95:2 Biarlah kita menghadap wajah-Nya dengan nyanyian syukur, bersorak-sorak bagi-Nya dengan nyanyian mazmur.

Mzm 95:6 Masuklah, marilah kita sujud menyembah, berlutut di hadapan TUHAN yang menjadikan kita.

Mzm 95:7 Sebab Dialah Allah kita, dan kitalah umat gembalaan-Nya dan kawanan domba tuntunan tangan-Nya. Pada hari ini, sekiranya kamu mendengar suara-Nya!

Mzm 95:8 Janganlah keraskan hatimu seperti di Meriba, seperti pada hari di Masa di padang gurun,

Mzm 95:9 pada waktu nenek moyangmu mencobai Aku, menguji Aku, padahal mereka melihat perbuatan-Ku.

Luk 11:14  Pada suatu kali Yesus mengusir dari seorang suatu setan yang membisukan. Ketika setan itu keluar, orang bisu itu dapat berkata-kata. Maka heranlah orang banyak.

Luk 11:15  Tetapi ada di antara mereka yang berkata: "Ia mengusir setan dengan kuasa Beelzebul, penghulu setan."

Luk 11:16  Ada pula yang meminta suatu tanda dari sorga kepada-Nya, untuk mencobai Dia.

Luk 11:17  Tetapi Yesus mengetahui pikiran mereka lalu berkata: "Setiap kerajaan yang terpecah-pecah pasti binasa, dan setiap rumah tangga yang terpecah-pecah, pasti runtuh.

Luk 11:18  Jikalau Iblis itu juga terbagi-bagi dan melawan dirinya sendiri, bagaimanakah kerajaannya dapat bertahan? Sebab kamu berkata, bahwa Aku mengusir setan dengan kuasa Beelzebul.

Luk 11:19  Jadi jika Aku mengusir setan dengan kuasa Beelzebul, dengan kuasa apakah pengikut-pengikutmu mengusirnya? Sebab itu merekalah yang akan menjadi hakimmu.

Luk 11:20  Tetapi jika Aku mengusir setan dengan kuasa Allah, maka sesungguhnya Kerajaan Allah sudah datang kepadamu.

Luk 11:21  Apabila seorang yang kuat dan yang lengkap bersenjata menjaga rumahnya sendiri, maka amanlah segala miliknya.

Luk 11:22  Tetapi jika seorang yang lebih kuat dari padanya menyerang dan mengalahkannya, maka orang itu akan merampas perlengkapan senjata, yang diandalkannya, dan akan membagi-bagikan rampasannya.

Luk 11:23  Siapa tidak bersama Aku, ia melawan Aku dan siapa tidak mengumpulkan bersama Aku, ia mencerai-beraikan."

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Saint Margaret Clitherow

St. Margaret Clitherow was born in England in the year 1555 to a protestant family. Margaret was known for her charming personality and good looks. In 1571, she married John Clitherow, a wealthy butcher and chamberlain of the city, and they bore three children together. She converted to Roman Catholicism in 1574. Though her husband belonged to the Protestant Church, he was supportive of Margaret as his brother William was a Roman Catholic priest. He paid her fines for not attending Anglican church services.

Margaret was first imprisoned in 1577 for failing to attend church. Two more incarcerations at York Castle followed the final one lasting about 20 months. Her third child, William, was born in prison. She risked her life by allowing Catholic priests to celebrate Mass and hide in a secret room in her house. Margaret sent her eldest son, Henry, to the relocated English College in Reims to pursue training for the priesthood. Her husband was summoned by the authorities to explain why his oldest son had gone abroad, and in March 1586, the Clitherow house was searched. The hiding room for priests was discovered after a frightened boy revealed its location during the raid.

Margaret was arrested for this capital offense, and the trial took place in the Guildhall. While Margaret was on trial, many efforts were made to encourage her to deny the Catholic faith, but she held firmly. Finally, she was condemned to be pressed to death upon sharp rocks. Her holiness can be glimpsed in her words to a friend when she learned of her condemnation: "The sheriffs have said that I am going to die this coming Friday, and I feel the weakness of my flesh which is troubled at this news, but my spirit rejoices greatly. For the love of God, pray for me and ask all good people to do likewise."  She was executed on 25 March 1586, which also happened to be Good Friday that year. Pope Paul VI canonized Margaret in 1970. 

Prayer

St. Margaret Clitherow, help us to be like you. Pray for us to love and protect each other in everything we do. Amen.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

26 March 2025 (Wednesday) / Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent / Lenten Weekday.

26 March 2025 (Wednesday)

Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20

Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c

Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19

First Reading : Deuteronomy 4:1,5‐9

Moses said to the people: ‘Now, Israel, take notice of the laws and customs that I teach you today, and observe them, that you may have life and may enter and take possession of the land that the Lord the God of your fathers is giving you. ‘See, as the Lord my God has commanded me, I teach you the laws and customs that you are to observe in the land you are to enter and make your own. Keep them, observe them, and they will demonstrate to the peoples your wisdom and understanding. When they come to know of all these laws they will exclaim, “No other people is as wise and prudent as this great nation.” And indeed, what great nation is there that has its gods so near as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to him? And what great nation is there that has laws and customs to match this whole Law that I put before you today? ‘But take care what you do and be on your guard. Do not forget the things your eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life; rather, tell them to your children and to your children’s children.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 147:12‐13,15‐16,19‐20

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God! He has strengthened the bars of your gates he has blessed the children within you.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

He sends out his word to the earth and swiftly runs his command. He showers down snow white as wool, he scatters hoar‐frost like ashes.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

He makes his word known to Jacob, to Israel his laws and decrees. He has not dealt thus with other nations;vhe has not taught them his decrees.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c

63c, 68c Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

(63. 'It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

64. 'But there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the outset who did not believe and who was to betray him.

65. He went on, 'This is why I told you that no one could come to me except by the gift of the Father.'

66. After this, many of his disciples went away and accompanied him no more.

67. Then Jesus said to the Twelve, 'What about you, do you want to go away too?'

68. Simon Peter answered, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life,

69. and we believe; we have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.'

70. Jesus replied to them, 'Did I not choose the Twelve of you? Yet one of you is a devil.'

71. He meant Judas son of Simon Iscariot, since this was the man, one of the Twelve, who was to betray him).

Gospel : Matthew 5:17‐19

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’

Words of the Holy Father:

In the Gospel of today’s liturgy, Jesus says: “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them” (Mt 5:17). To fulfil : this is a key word to understand Jesus and his message. But what does this fulfilment mean? To explain this, the Lord begins by saying what fulfilment is not. The Scripture says, “Do not kill”, but for Jesus this is not enough if brothers and sisters are then hurt by words; the Scripture says, “Do not commit adultery”, but this is not enough if one then lives a love tainted by duplicity and falsehood; the Scripture says, “Do not bear false witness”, but it is not enough to take a solemn oath if one then acts with hypocrisy (cf. Mt 5:21-37). This is not fulfilment. (…) The commandments that God gave us should not be locked up in the airless vaults of formal observance; otherwise, we are limited to an exterior, detached religiosity, servants of “God the master” rather than children of “God the Father”. Jesus wants this: not to have the idea of serving a God who is master, but Father; and this is why it is necessary to go beyond the letter. (…) No, true love is never up to a certain point, and is never satisfied; love always goes beyond, it cannot do otherwise. The Lord showed us this by giving his life on the cross and forgiving his murderers (cf. Lk 23:34). And he entrusted to us the commandment most dear to him: that we love one another like he loved us (cf. Jn 15:12). This is the love that gives fulfilment to the Law, to faith, to true life! (Angelus, 12 February 2023)

Santo Ludgerus, Uskup.

Santo Ludgerus lahir pada tahun 742. Cita- cita imamatnya tercapai ketika ia ditabhiskan menjadi imam dan kemudian menjadi Uskup pertama di Muenster, Jerman. Sebagai Uskup ia berusaha keras mempertobatkan orang - orang Jerman yang masih kafir dan meletakkan dasar yang kokoh bagi perkembangan iman umat di seluruh keuskupannya. Ia meninggal dunia pada tahun 809, tatkala sedang dalam perjalanan apostolis mengelilingi wilayah keuskupannya.

Santo Ireneus dari Sirmium, Martir.

Santo Ireneus masih sangat muda ketika terpilih menjadi Uskup kota Sirmium, sebuah kota di Propinsi Pannonia, Eropa Tenggara. Dia dikenal sebagai seorang Uskup yang beriman kokoh dan punya semangat pengabdian dan kerasulan yang tinggi. demi Kristus dan kerajaan Allah, ia rela meninggalkan sanak saudara dan orang tuanya.

Sewaktu terjadi penganiayaan terhadap orang Kristen pada masa pemerintahan kaisar Diokletianus, Irenius dihadapkan kepada Gubernur Pannonia untuk diadili. Ia dipaksa membawakan kurban persembahan kepada dewa- dewa kafir Romawi. Uskup Ireneus yang saleh dengan tegas menolak perintah Gubernur. Katanya kepada Gubernur: Sengsara itu akan kutanggung dengan gembira supaya aku dapat mengambil bagian dalam sengsara Tuhan ku.

Karena jawabannya ini, ia disiksa dengan kejam. Ibu dan sanak saudara, kenalan dan sahabat- sahabatnya menganjurkan dia agar dia mengikuti saja kemauan gubernur supaya luput dari kematian ngeri.

Meskipun demikian Ireneus tetap setia kepada Kristus karena berpegang teguh pada kata- kata Kristus: Barangsiapa menyangkal Aku di hadapan manusia, maka akupun akan menyangkal dia dihadapan Bapa Ku yang di surga. Ia sebaliknya menantang gubernur agar segera menyelesaikan perkaranya sesuai kehendaknya.

Ia digiring ke atas panggung untuk dipenggal kepalanya. Ireneus tampak tak gentar. Ia bahkan membuka sendiri pakaiannya, lalu mengangkat tangannya ke atas sambil memohon agar Yesus datang menjemput jiwanya. Peristiwa ini terjadi di kota Mitrovicea, Yugoslavia pada tahun 304.

Hari biasa Pekan III Prapaskah

Ul. 4:1,5-9; Mzm. 147:12-13,15-16,19-20; 

Mat. 5:17-19

Warna Liturgi Ungu

Ul 4:1 "Maka sekarang, hai orang Israel, dengarlah ketetapan dan peraturan yang kuajarkan kepadamu untuk dilakukan, supaya kamu hidup dan memasuki serta menduduki negeri yang diberikan kepadamu oleh TUHAN, Allah nenek moyangmu.

Ul 4:5 Ingatlah, aku telah mengajarkan ketetapan dan peraturan kepadamu, seperti yang diperintahkan kepadaku oleh TUHAN, Allahku, supaya kamu melakukan yang demikian di dalam negeri, yang akan kamu masuki untuk mendudukinya.

Ul 4:6 Lakukanlah itu dengan setia, sebab itulah yang akan menjadi kebijaksanaanmu dan akal budimu di mata bangsa-bangsa yang pada waktu mendengar segala ketetapan ini akan berkata: Memang bangsa yang besar ini adalah umat yang bijaksana dan berakal budi.

Ul 4:7 Sebab bangsa besar manakah yang mempunyai allah yang demikian dekat kepadanya seperti TUHAN, Allah kita, setiap kali kita memanggil kepada-Nya?

Ul 4:8 Dan bangsa besar manakah yang mempunyai ketetapan dan peraturan demikian adil seperti seluruh hukum ini, yang kubentangkan kepadamu pada hari ini?

Ul 4:9 Tetapi waspadalah dan berhati-hatilah, supaya jangan engkau melupakan hal-hal yang dilihat oleh matamu sendiri itu, dan supaya jangan semuanya itu hilang dari ingatanmu seumur hidupmu. Beritahukanlah kepada anak-anakmu dan kepada cucu cicitmu semuanya itu.

Mzm 147:12  Megahkanlah TUHAN, hai Yerusalem, pujilah Allahmu, hai Sion!

Mzm 147:13  Sebab Ia meneguhkan palang pintu gerbangmu, dan memberkati anak-anakmu di antaramu.

Mzm 147:15  Ia menyampaikan perintah-Nya ke bumi; dengan segera firman-Nya berlari.

Mzm 147:16  Ia menurunkan salju seperti bulu domba dan menghamburkan embun beku seperti abu.

Mzm 147:19  Ia memberitakan firman-Nya kepada Yakub, ketetapan-ketetapan-Nya dan hukum-hukum-Nya kepada Israel.

Mzm 147:20  Ia tidak berbuat demikian kepada segala bangsa, dan hukum-hukum-Nya tidak mereka kenal. Haleluya!

Mat 5:17 "Janganlah kamu menyangka, bahwa Aku datang untuk meniadakan hukum Taurat atau kitab para nabi. Aku datang bukan untuk meniadakannya, melainkan untuk menggenapinya.

Mat 5:18 Karena Aku berkata kepadamu: Sesungguhnya selama belum lenyap langit dan bumi ini, satu iota atau satu titikpun tidak akan ditiadakan dari hukum Taurat, sebelum semuanya terjadi.

Mat 5:19 Karena itu siapa yang meniadakan salah satu perintah hukum Taurat sekalipun yang paling kecil, dan mengajarkannya demikian kepada orang lain, ia akan menduduki tempat yang paling rendah di dalam Kerajaan Sorga; tetapi siapa yang melakukan dan mengajarkan segala perintah-perintah hukum Taurat, ia akan menduduki tempat yang tinggi di dalam Kerajaan Sorga.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

25 March 2025 (Tuesday) / The Annunciation of the Lord ‐ Solemnity / Annunciation of the Lord Solemnity.

25 March 2025 (Tuesday)

The Annunciation of the Lord ‐ Solemnity.

Annunciation of the Lord Solemnity.

First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14; 8: 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 40: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 4-10

Verse Before the Gospel: John 1: 14ab

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

First Reading : Isaiah 7:10‐14,8:10

The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore,

will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son

whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means "God-is-with-us."

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 39(40):7‐11

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here am I.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

In the scroll of the book it stands written that I should do your will. My God, I delight in your law in the depth of my heart.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

I have not hidden your justice in my heart but declared your faithful help. I have not hidden your love and your truth from the great assembly.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

Second Reading : Hebrews 10:4‐10

Bulls’ blood and goats’ blood are useless for taking away sins, and this is what Christ said, on coming into the world: You who wanted no sacrifice or oblation, prepared a body for me.

You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin; then I said, just as I was commanded in the scroll of the book, ‘God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.’ Notice that he says first: You did not want what the Law lays down as the things to be offered, that is: the sacrifices, the oblations, the holocausts and the sacrifices for sin, and you took no pleasure in them; and then he says: Here I am! I am coming to obey your will. He is abolishing the first sort to replace it with the second. And this will was for us to be made holy by the offering of his body made once and for all by Jesus Christ.

Verse Before the Gospel: John 1: 14ab

14ab The Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us; and we saw his glory.

(14. The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth).

Gospel : Luke 1:26‐38

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Words of the Holy Father:

‘Nothing is impossible to God’ (Lk 1:37): This is the Angel’s final response to Mary. When we believe that everything depends solely on us, we remain prisoners of our own abilities, our own strength, our own short-sighted horizons. When, on the other hand, we are prepared to let ourselves be helped, to let ourselves be advised, when we open ourselves to grace, it seems that the impossible begins to become reality. [...] God continues to seek allies, continues to seek men and women capable of believing, capable of remembering, of recognizing themselves as part of His people in order to cooperate with the creativity of the Spirit. God continues to walk our neighbourhoods and our streets, He goes everywhere in search of hearts capable of listening to His invitation and making it become flesh here and now. Paraphrasing St Ambrose in his commentary on this passage, we can say, “God continues to search for hearts like Mary’s, willing to believe even in quite extraordinary conditions (cf. Exposition of the Gospel according to Luke II, 17: PL 15, 1559). May the Lord increase this faith and this hope in us. (Homily, Solemnity of the Annunciation, Monza Park, 25 March 2017)

Maria menerima Kabar gembira dari Malaikat Gabriel.

Salam engkau yang penuh rahmat, Tuhan sertamu, terpujilah engkau diantara wanita. Demikianlah salam Malaikat Gabriel kepada Maria. Selanjutnya Malaikat Allah itu berkata: Jangan takut, hai Maria, sebab engkau beroleh kasih karunia di hadapan Allah. Sesungguhnya engkau akan mengandung dan akan melahirkan seorang anak laki- laki dan hendaklah engkau menamai Dia, Yesus.

Gereja merayakan peristiwa ini secara khusus mengingat arti dan maknanya bagi keselamatan manusia. Boleh dikatakan peristiwa Sabda menjadi daging berawal pada saat Maria menyatakan kesediaannya dan persetujuannya kepada Malaikat Gabriel, pembawa khabar gembira itu, dan semenjak itu pula Maria menjadi Bunda Allah. Satu hal yang harus kita camkan dalam hati ialah hormat Allah pada Maria sebagaimana terlihat dalam permintaan kesediaan Maria untuk menerima Sabda Allah dalam rahimnya. Disini Allah tidak memaksa Maria, tetapi meminta kesediaannya. Maria sendiri menyadari bahwa Tuhan memilih dia karena menganggap dia layak untuk menerima khabar gembira itu. Tetapi sebagai manusia, Maria masih tampak ragu- ragu akan makna khabar itu. Oleh karena itu, ia menanyakan lebih lanjut keterangan dari malaikat Allah itu: Bagaimana hal ini mungkin terjadi ? Dan ketika ia sudah merasa pasti akan makna khabar gembira malaikat itu, Maria berkata: Aku ini hamba Tuhan; terjadilah padaku menurut perkataan Mu.

Semoga hari raya Khabar Sukacita ini menumbuhkan dalam diri kita semangat ketaatan ada Allah dan kesediaan berkerja sama dengan Allah dalam karya penyelamatan Nya.

HARI RAYA

KABAR SUKACITA

Yes 7:10-14; 8:10; Mzm 40:7-8a.8b-9.10.11; 

Ibr 10:4-10; Luk 1:26-38.

Warna Liturgi Putih

Yes 7:10 TUHAN melanjutkan firman-Nya kepada Ahas, kata-Nya:

Yes 7:11 "Mintalah suatu pertanda dari TUHAN, Allahmu, biarlah itu sesuatu dari dunia orang mati yang paling bawah atau sesuatu dari tempat tertinggi yang di atas."

Yes 7:12 Tetapi Ahas menjawab: "Aku tidak mau meminta, aku tidak mau mencobai TUHAN."

Yes 7:13 Lalu berkatalah nabi Yesaya: "Baiklah dengarkan, hai keluarga Daud! Belum cukupkah kamu melelahkan orang, sehingga kamu melelahkan Allahku juga?

Yes 7:14 Sebab itu Tuhan sendirilah yang akan memberikan kepadamu suatu pertanda: Sesungguhnya, seorang perempuan muda mengandung dan akan melahirkan seorang anak laki-laki, dan ia akan menamakan Dia Imanuel.

Yes 8:10 Buatlah rancangan, tetapi akan gagal juga; ambillah keputusan, tetapi tidak terlaksana juga, sebab Allah menyertai kami!

Mzm 40:7 (40-8) Lalu aku berkata: "Sungguh, aku datang; dalam gulungan kitab ada tertulis tentang aku;

Mzm 40:8 (40-9) aku suka melakukan kehendak-Mu, ya Allahku; Taurat-Mu ada dalam dadaku."

Mzm 40:8 (40-9) aku suka melakukan kehendak-Mu, ya Allahku; Taurat-Mu ada dalam dadaku."

Mzm 40:9 (40-10) Aku mengabarkan keadilan dalam jemaah yang besar; bahkan tidak kutahan bibirku, Engkau juga yang tahu, ya TUHAN.

Mzm 40:10 (40-11) Keadilan tidaklah kusembunyikan dalam hatiku, kesetiaan-Mu dan keselamatan dari pada-Mu kubicarakan, kasih-Mu dan kebenaran-Mu tidak kudiamkan kepada jemaah yang besar.

Mzm 40:11 (40-12) Engkau, TUHAN, janganlah menahan rahmat-Mu dari padaku, kasih-Mu dan kebenaran-Mu kiranya menjaga aku selalu!

Ibr 10:4 Sebab tidak mungkin darah lembu jantan atau darah domba jantan menghapuskan dosa.

Ibr 10:5 Karena itu ketika Ia masuk ke dunia, Ia berkata: "Korban dan persembahan tidak Engkau kehendaki?tetapi Engkau telah menyediakan tubuh bagiku?.

Ibr 10:6 Kepada korban bakaran dan korban penghapus dosa Engkau tidak berkenan.

Ibr 10:7 Lalu Aku berkata: Sungguh, Aku datang; dalam gulungan kitab ada tertulis tentang Aku untuk melakukan kehendak-Mu, ya Allah-Ku."

Ibr 10:8 Di atas Ia berkata: "Korban dan persembahan, korban bakaran dan korban penghapus dosa tidak Engkau kehendaki dan Engkau tidak berkenan kepadanya" ?meskipun dipersembahkan menurut hukum Taurat?.

Ibr 10:9 Dan kemudian kata-Nya: "Sungguh, Aku datang untuk melakukan kehendak-Mu." Yang pertama Ia hapuskan, supaya menegakkan yang kedua.

Ibr 10:10 Dan karena kehendak-Nya inilah kita telah dikuduskan satu kali untuk selama-lamanya oleh persembahan tubuh Yesus Kristus.

Luk 1:26 Dalam bulan yang keenam Allah menyuruh malaikat Gabriel pergi ke sebuah kota di Galilea bernama Nazaret,

Luk 1:27 kepada seorang perawan yang bertunangan dengan seorang bernama Yusuf dari keluarga Daud; nama perawan itu Maria.

Luk 1:28 Ketika malaikat itu masuk ke rumah Maria, ia berkata: "Salam, hai engkau yang dikaruniai, Tuhan menyertai engkau."

Luk 1:29 Maria terkejut mendengar perkataan itu, lalu bertanya di dalam hatinya, apakah arti salam itu.

Luk 1:30 Kata malaikat itu kepadanya: "Jangan takut, hai Maria, sebab engkau beroleh kasih karunia di hadapan Allah.

Luk 1:31 Sesungguhnya engkau akan mengandung dan akan melahirkan seorang anak laki-laki dan hendaklah engkau menamai Dia Yesus.

Luk 1:32 Ia akan menjadi besar dan akan disebut Anak Allah Yang Mahatinggi. Dan Tuhan Allah akan mengaruniakan kepada-Nya takhta Daud, bapa leluhur-Nya,

Luk 1:33 dan Ia akan menjadi raja atas kaum keturunan Yakub sampai selama-lamanya dan Kerajaan-Nya tidak akan berkesudahan."

Luk 1:34 Kata Maria kepada malaikat itu: "Bagaimana hal itu mungkin terjadi, karena aku belum bersuami?"

Luk 1:35 Jawab malaikat itu kepadanya: "Roh Kudus akan turun atasmu dan kuasa Allah Yang Mahatinggi akan menaungi engkau; sebab itu anak yang akan kaulahirkan itu akan disebut kudus, Anak Allah.

Luk 1:36 Dan sesungguhnya, Elisabet, sanakmu itu, iapun sedang mengandung seorang anak laki-laki pada hari tuanya dan inilah bulan yang keenam bagi dia, yang disebut mandul itu.

Luk 1:37 Sebab bagi Allah tidak ada yang mustahil."

Luk 1:38 Kata Maria: "Sesungguhnya aku ini adalah hamba Tuhan; jadilah padaku menurut perkataanmu itu." Lalu malaikat itu meninggalkan dia.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero

St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero, the beloved Archbishop of San Salvador, stands as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of oppression and injustice. His unwavering commitment to the marginalized and poor people of El Salvador earned him a revered place in history. Born on August 15, 1917, Romero was initially known for his conservative views, but as the political turmoil escalated in his country, he transformed into a fierce advocate for human rights. His deep faith and compassion compelled him to speak out against violence and inequality, eventually leading him to confront the brutalities of the Salvadoran government and military.

Romero’s prophetic voice reached its peak during his sermons, where he powerfully addressed the suffering endured by everyday Salvadorans. He became an ally to those who had been silenced and oppressed, urging his congregation to recognize the dignity of every human life. His steadfastness during a time of fear and repression inspired many to join the struggle for justice. Ultimately, his words were not just preaching; they became a call to action, moving individuals to stand up against tyranny and seek a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.

Tragically, on March 24, 1980, Romero's life was cut short when he was assassinated while celebrating Mass. Yet, his legacy endures, echoing in the hearts of those who continue to champion social justice and human rights. Canonized as a saint in 2018, St. Romero’s life and message serve as a profound reminder of the impact one individual can have in the pursuit of truth and righteousness. His courage to stand firm against injustice continues to inspire countless individuals and movements around the world, lighting a path for future generations to follow in the fight for dignity, peace, and compassion.

St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero, pray for the faithful to be compassionate towards the marginalized in our communities.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.

24 March 2025 (Monday) / Monday of the 3rd week of Lent / Lenten Weekday.

24 March 2025 (Monday)

Monday of the 3rd week of Lent.

Lenten Weekday.

First Reading: Second Kings 5: 1-15

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 42: 2, 3; 43: 3, 4

Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 130: 5, 7

Gospel: Luke 4: 24-30

First Reading : 2 Kings 5:1‐15

Naaman, army commander to the king of Aram, was a man who enjoyed his master’s respect and favour, since through him the Lord had granted victory to the Aramaeans. But the man was a leper. Now on one of their raids, the Aramaeans had carried off from the land of Israel a little girl who had become a servant of Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would approach the prophet of Samaria. He would cure him of his leprosy.’ Naaman went and told his master. ‘This and this’ he reported ‘is what the girl from the land of Israel said.’ ‘Go by all means,’ said the king of Aram ‘I will send a letter to the king of Israel.’ So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten festal robes. He presented the letter to the king of Israel. It read: ‘With this letter, I am sending my servant Naaman to you for you to cure him of his leprosy.’ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his garments. ‘Am I a god to give death and life,’ he said ‘that he sends a man to me and asks me to cure him of his leprosy? Listen to this, and take note of it and see how he intends to pick a quarrel with me.’ When Elisha heard that the king of Israel had torn his garments, he sent word to the king, ‘Why did you tear your garments? Let him come to me, and he will find there is a prophet in Israel. ’So Naaman came with his team and chariot and drew up at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent him a messenger to say, ‘Go and bathe seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will become clean once more.’ But Naaman was indignant and went off, saying, ‘Here was I thinking he would be sure to come out to me, and stand there, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the spot and cure the leprous part. Surely Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, are better than any water in Israel? Could I not bathe in them and become clean?’ And he turned round and went off in a rage. But his servants approached him and said, ‘My father, if the prophet had asked you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? All the more reason, then, when he says to you, “Bathe, and you will become clean." So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha had told him to do. And his flesh became clean once more like the flesh of a little child. Returning to Elisha with his whole escort, he went in and stood before him. ‘Now I know’ he said ‘that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 41(42):2‐3,42:3‐4

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God?

Like the deer that yearns for running streams,

so my soul is yearning for you, my God.

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God?

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God?

O send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God?

And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God?

Second Reading :

There is no Second Reading.

Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 130: 5, 7

5, 7 I hope in the LORD, I trust in his word; with him there is kindness and plenteous redemption.

(4. But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.

5. I rely, my whole being relies, Yahweh, on your promise.

6. My whole being hopes in the Lord, more than watchmen for daybreak; more than watchmen for daybreak

7. let Israel hope in Yahweh. For with Yahweh is faithful love, with him generous ransom;

8. and he will ransom Israel from all its sins)

Gospel : Luke 4:24‐30

Jesus came to Nazara and spoke to the people in the synagogue: ‘I tell you solemnly, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country. ‘There were many widows in Israel, I can assure you, in Elijah’s day, when heaven remained shut for three years and six months and a great famine raged throughout the land, but Elijah was not sent to any one of these: he was sent to a widow at Zarephath, a Sidonian town. And in the prophet Elisha’s time there were many lepers in Israel, but none of these was cured, except the Syrian, Naaman.’ When they heard this everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They sprang to their feet and hustled him out of the town; and they took him up to the brow of the hill their town was built on, intending to throw him down the cliff, but he slipped through the crowd and walked away.

Words of the Holy Father:

These words reveal that Jesus’ failure was not entirely unexpected. He knew his people, he knew the heart of his people, he knew the risk he was running. He took rejection into account. And, so, we may ask ourselves: but if it was like this, if he foresaw a failure, why did he go to his home town all the same? Why do good to people who are not willing to accept you? It is a question that we too often ask ourselves. But it is a question that helps us understand God better. Faced with our closures, he does not withdraw: he does not put brakes on his love. Faced with our closures, he goes forward. We see a reflection of this in parents who are aware of the ingratitude of their children, but do not stop loving them and doing good to them, because of this. God is the same, but at a much higher level. And today he invites us too to believe in good, to leave no stone unturned in doing good. (Angelus, 30 January 2022)

Santa Katarina dari Swedia, Pengaku Iman.

Santa Katarina lahir di Ulfasa, Swedia pada tahun 1331. Ia adalah anak keempat Santa Brigita dari Swedia. Ketika berumur 13 tahun, ia menikah dengan Eggard van Kyren, seorang pemuda bangsawan Jerman. Meskipun demikian ia tetap tertarik dengan kehidupan membiara yang telah menjadi cita- citanya semenjak kecil.

Pada tahun 1349, setahun sebelum Eggard suaminya meninggal dunia, Katarina pergi ke Roma untuk mengunjungi ibunya Brigita yang sudah lama berada disana. Pertemuan dengan ibunya mengobarkan lagi panggilan hidup membiara yang dicita- citakannya. Tatkala suaminya meninggal, ia menggabungkan diri dalam perkumpulan yang didirikan ibunya untuk melaksanakan karya- karya cinta kasih. Tampaknya ia sungguh berbahagia dengan cara hidup ini.

Pada tahun 1373 sepeninggal ibunya, Katarina kembali ke Swedia dan berkarya di Vadstena sebagai pemimpin perkumpulan ibunya. Tahun berikutnya ia kembali lagi ke Roma. Ia berkarya disana selama lima tahun sampai waktu penggelaran ibunya sebagai Santa. Setelah itu ia kembali ke Vadstena dan berkarya disana hingga menghembuskan nafasnya pada tanggal 24 Maret 1381. Ia digelari Kudus pada tahun 1484 oleh Sri Paus Innocentius VIII (1484- 1492).

Hari biasa Pekan III Prapaskah

2Raj. 5:1-15a; Mzm. 42:2,3; Mzm. 43:3,4; 

Luk. 4:24-30

Warna Liturgi Ungu

2Raj 5:1 Naaman, panglima raja Aram, adalah seorang terpandang di hadapan tuannya dan sangat disayangi, sebab oleh dia TUHAN telah memberikan kemenangan kepada orang Aram. Tetapi orang itu, seorang pahlawan tentara, sakit kusta.

2Raj 5:2 Orang Aram pernah keluar bergerombolan dan membawa tertawan seorang anak perempuan dari negeri Israel. Ia menjadi pelayan pada isteri Naaman.

2Raj 5:3 Berkatalah gadis itu kepada nyonyanya: "Sekiranya tuanku menghadap nabi yang di Samaria itu, maka tentulah nabi itu akan menyembuhkan dia dari penyakitnya."

2Raj 5:4 Lalu pergilah Naaman memberitahukan kepada tuannya, katanya: "Begini-beginilah dikatakan oleh gadis yang dari negeri Israel itu."

2Raj 5:5 Maka jawab raja Aram: "Baik, pergilah dan aku akan mengirim surat kepada raja Israel." Lalu pergilah Naaman dan membawa sebagai persembahan sepuluh talenta perak dan enam ribu syikal emas dan sepuluh potong pakaian.

2Raj 5:6 Ia menyampaikan surat itu kepada raja Israel, yang berbunyi: "Sesampainya surat ini kepadamu, maklumlah kiranya, bahwa aku menyuruh kepadamu Naaman, pegawaiku, supaya engkau menyembuhkan dia dari penyakit kustanya."

2Raj 5:7 Segera sesudah raja Israel membaca surat itu, dikoyakkannyalah pakaiannya serta berkata: "Allahkah aku ini yang dapat mematikan dan menghidupkan, sehingga orang ini mengirim pesan kepadaku, supaya kusembuhkan seorang dari penyakit kustanya? Tetapi sesungguhnya, perhatikanlah dan lihatlah, ia mencari gara-gara terhadap aku."

2Raj 5:8 Segera sesudah didengar Elisa, abdi Allah itu, bahwa raja Israel mengoyakkan pakaiannya, dikirimnyalah pesan kepada raja, bunyinya: "Mengapa engkau mengoyakkan pakaianmu? Biarlah ia datang kepadaku, supaya ia tahu bahwa ada seorang nabi di Israel."

2Raj 5:9 Kemudian datanglah Naaman dengan kudanya dan keretanya, lalu berhenti di depan pintu rumah Elisa.

2Raj 5:10 Elisa menyuruh seorang suruhan kepadanya mengatakan: "Pergilah mandi tujuh kali dalam sungai Yordan, maka tubuhmu akan pulih kembali, sehingga engkau menjadi tahir."

2Raj 5:11 Tetapi pergilah Naaman dengan gusar sambil berkata: "Aku sangka bahwa setidak-tidaknya ia datang ke luar dan berdiri memanggil nama TUHAN, Allahnya, lalu menggerak-gerakkan tangannya di atas tempat penyakit itu dan dengan demikian menyembuhkan penyakit kustaku!

2Raj 5:12 Bukankah Abana dan Parpar, sungai-sungai Damsyik, lebih baik dari segala sungai di Israel? Bukankah aku dapat mandi di sana dan menjadi tahir?" Kemudian berpalinglah ia dan pergi dengan panas hati.

2Raj 5:13 Tetapi pegawai-pegawainya datang mendekat serta berkata kepadanya: "Bapak, seandainya nabi itu menyuruh perkara yang sukar kepadamu, bukankah bapak akan melakukannya? Apalagi sekarang, ia hanya berkata kepadamu: Mandilah dan engkau akan menjadi tahir."

2Raj 5:14 Maka turunlah ia membenamkan dirinya tujuh kali dalam sungai Yordan, sesuai dengan perkataan abdi Allah itu. Lalu pulihlah tubuhnya kembali seperti tubuh seorang anak dan ia menjadi tahir.

2Raj 5:15 Kemudian kembalilah ia dengan seluruh pasukannya kepada abdi Allah itu. Setelah sampai, tampillah ia ke depan Elisa dan berkata: "Sekarang aku tahu, bahwa di seluruh bumi tidak ada Allah kecuali di Israel. Karena itu terimalah kiranya suatu pemberian dari hambamu ini!"

Mzm 42:2 (42-3) Jiwaku haus kepada Allah, kepada Allah yang hidup. Bilakah aku boleh datang melihat Allah?

Mzm 42:3 (42-4) Air mataku menjadi makananku siang dan malam, karena sepanjang hari orang berkata kepadaku: "Di mana Allahmu?"

Mzm 43:3 Suruhlah terang-Mu dan kesetiaan-Mu datang, supaya aku dituntun dan dibawa ke gunung-Mu yang kudus dan ke tempat kediaman-Mu!

Mzm 43:4 Maka aku dapat pergi ke mezbah Allah, menghadap Allah, yang adalah sukacitaku dan kegembiraanku, dan bersyukur kepada-Mu dengan kecapi, ya Allah, ya Allahku!

Luk 4:24 Dan kata-Nya lagi: "Aku berkata kepadamu, sesungguhnya tidak ada nabi yang dihargai di tempat asalnya.

Luk 4:25 Dan Aku berkata kepadamu, dan kata-Ku ini benar: Pada zaman Elia terdapat banyak perempuan janda di Israel ketika langit tertutup selama tiga tahun dan enam bulan dan ketika bahaya kelaparan yang hebat menimpa seluruh negeri.

Luk 4:26 Tetapi Elia diutus bukan kepada salah seorang dari mereka, melainkan kepada seorang perempuan janda di Sarfat, di tanah Sidon.

Luk 4:27 Dan pada zaman nabi Elisa banyak orang kusta di Israel dan tidak ada seorangpun dari mereka yang ditahirkan, selain dari pada Naaman, orang Siria itu."

Luk 4:28 Mendengar itu sangat marahlah semua orang yang di rumah ibadat itu.

Luk 4:29 Mereka bangun, lalu menghalau Yesus ke luar kota dan membawa Dia ke tebing gunung, tempat kota itu terletak, untuk melemparkan Dia dari tebing itu.

Luk 4:30 Tetapi Ia berjalan lewat dari tengah-tengah mereka, lalu pergi.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.