"IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER OR NOT I AM KILLED; THE RELIGION HAS TAKEN ROOT ON THE ISLAND;

IT WILL NOT BE DESTROYED BY MY DEATH, SINCE IT COMES NOT FROM MEN BUT FROM GOD."

                                                                       - Saint Peter Chanel

 

"WHEN MARY HAS STRUCK HER ROOTS IN A SOUL, SHE PRODUCES THERE MARVELS OF GRACE,

WHICH SHE ALONE CAN PRODUCE, BECAUSE SHE ALONE IS THE FRUITFUL VIRGIN WHO NEVER HAS HAD,

AND NEVER WILL HAVE, EQUAL IN PURITY AND IN FRUITFULNESS."

                                                                    - Saint Louis Mary de Montfort

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 11:19-26

Those who had been

Scattered because of the persecution over Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia,

Cyprus and Antioch, proclaiming the message, but only to the Jews.

But there were some natives of Cyprus and Cyrene among them who,

on coming into Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, giving them the good news of the Lord Jesus.

The hand of the Lord was with them so that a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

 

News of this reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

When he arrived and saw the manifest signs of God's favor,

he rejoiced and urged them all to remain firmly faithful to the Lord; for he himself was a good man,

filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thus large crowds came to know the Lord.

Then Barnabas went off to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he found him,

he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they had meetings with the Church and instructed many people.

It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

 

Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7

All your nations, praise the Lord.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

10:22-30

The time came for the feast of the Dedication.

It was winter, and Jesus walked back and forth in the portico of Solomon.

The Jews then gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in doubt?

If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have already told you,

but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name proclaim who I am,

but you don't believe because, as I said, you are not my sheep.

 

My sheep hear my voice and I know them; they follow me and I give them eternal life.

They shall never perish, and no one will ever steal them from me.

What my Father has given me is greater than all things else.

To snatch it out of the Father's hand, no one is able! I and the Father Are One."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

I give them eternal life.

Jesus proclaims his divine authority as the Good Shepherd, affirming that his followers,

or "sheep," hear his voice, recognize him, and feel secure in his care.

He assures them, "l give them eternal life. They shall never perish,

and no one will ever steal them from me." This passage highlights Jesus'

deep commitment to protecting and guiding his followers, rooted in his unity with the Father.

It is a powerful reminder of the unbreakable relationship between Jesus and those who believe in him.

 

This passage offers comfort and assurance to us followers of Jesus.

In a world of uncertainty and challenges, Jesus's promise of eternal security reminds us

that nothing can separate us from His love and care. It encourages us to remain attentive to His voice,

trusting His authority even when the path appears unclear.

Furthermore, this encourages Christians to embody Christ's shepherding love by nurturing trust,

unity, and protection within their communities, reflecting the unwavering care of the Good Shepherd.