Sunday, September 23, 2018

Reflection September 28, Friday; Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Priest: Luke 9:18-22

Gospel: Luke 9:18-22
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
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Reflection:
What is the secret to deeper friendship with Jesus? It is through prayer with our full attention directed towards Jesus. Just try allocating about five to ten (5 to 10) minutes of your time everyday in prayer.

Just try reading the Bible and feel every word that is written there most especially the pronouncements of Jesus. Just try attending Mass with your attention focused on the entire celebration. Just try having a regular weekly visit to the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel and spend time there.

These are all methods for us to grow in friendship with Jesus. And it follows that when we’re already friends with Him we shall know that He is the Christ of God. Many of us (including me) have not yet reached that deeper level of friendship with Jesus.

In the gospel, Jesus posed this question to the disciples “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Among them it was only Peter who answered correctly. Why? This is for the reason that among the apostles it was Peter who was always with Jesus. And it is safe to say that when we are always with Him we would develop a much deeper friendship with Him.  

Do you also want to be friends with Jesus? You therefore have to discover more about Jesus through your prayer, presence at Holy Mass, presence at the Adoration Chapel and by reading more about His life and ministry in the bible. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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