The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Thursday, Week I in Ordinary Time, Year I, 16 January 2025
Hebrews 3:17-14 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Mark 1:40-45
Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin. We have become partners of Christ only if we hold the beginning of the reality firm until the end (Hebrews 3:13-14).
Let us not waste
the present moment,
the "today",
Lord Jesus
to be faithful and true to you
always;
may we not imitate
the Israelites at Meribah and Massah
where they tested God though
they have seen his works;
soften our hearts
and open them
to your truth, Jesus
that we may not turn like
the Jewish Christians
to whom this letter
was addressed
because they could not accept
you as the Christ,
the Messiah.
In this time when your
most holy name dear Jesus
is being mocked and laughed
at by those supposed to be
learned and sophisticated,
make us realize the fact
there are so many things in this
world and universe still so beyond
our knowing nor understanding;
instead of disregarding
and ignoring you among us,
may we acknowledge
your presence in the many
instances of grace and
salvation in life;
teach us to turn to you more
often, Lord Jesus
as your part-ners,
that is, part of your very self
because without you,
we are incomplete;
open our eyes so we may
meet you especially when
you go out of your way
to find us in our alienation
and sin
as well as darkness and sufferings
like that leper you have healed;
make us ponder more deeply
your realities
and mystery, Jesus
as we follow your instruction
to be silent and to go
to the temple
to the church
to pray more,
to listen more
to your instructions.
Amen.
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