Dawn of Grace: A Call to a Deeper Faith

 

She went and told 

his companions who were mourning and weeping. 

When they heard that 

he was alive and had 

been seen by her, 

they did not believe. 

(Mark 16:10-11)

The dawn of grace has come, and we are called to a deeper faith. Instead of having doubts, let us believe.

Faith requires trust, even when things seem unbelievable. Jesus does not abandon us in our struggles but instead calls us to deeper faith. True encounter with Jesus leads to transformation in our lives.

Sharing the Good News is a responsibility for all believers. Our personal testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith.

Early morn, the stone rolled wide, 

Mary wept, yet hope denied. 

In her sorrow, light broke through— 

Jesus stood, alive and true.

She ran to tell, with trembling heart, 

But doubt and fear kept faith apart. 

Still, He came in mercy deep, 

To wake the souls that grief did keep.

He rebuked their hardened sight, 

Yet bathed them in His saving light.

 “Go,” He said, “to every land, 

Speak My truth, let love expand.”

Now we rise, as they once did, 

With faith proclaimed and doubts forbid. 

His story lives in hearts made free, 

Christ alive—eternally.

Lord Jesus, 

You rose in glory and appeared first to Mary Magdalene, showing that your love reaches all who seek you. Yet doubt clouded the hearts of your disciples, and you called them to a deeper faith.

Help me, Lord, to believe in your presence even when I cannot see. Strengthen my trust in you, that I may never waver in faith. Remove the hardness of my heart, so that I may embrace your truth with open arms.

You commanded your followers to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Give me the courage to share your love boldly, to be a witness of your mercy and grace. Let my life reflect your truth, that others may see and believe.

Lord, transform me through your risen power. Make me a vessel of your light, so that in my words and actions, your glory may shine. May I go forth, as you have sent your disciples, spreading hope, faith, and the joy of your resurrection.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Longer Ending

THE APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE/TO TWO DISCIPLES/COMMISSIONING OF ELEVEN

Mark 16:9-11/12-13/14-18

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Mark 16:9-15

9 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. 13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. 14 But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God is Faithful to His Promises

"I will give to you and 

to your descendants after you 

the land in which 

you are now staying, 

the whole land of Canaan, 

as a permanent possession; 

and I will be their God.” 

(Genesis 17:8)

God is faithful to His promises. Everything belongs to God and He gives according to His will. While God’s promises are sure, there is also a call for us to uphold our end of the covenant. We have a responsibility keep His covenant as we live the new life, new identity and destiny that He has given us. Faith and obedience to God’s word is important even when it seems impossible.

In the realm where divine love resides,

Where God's faithfulness to His promises abides,

Everything belongs to Him, in His hands it all lies,

He gives according to His will, under His watchful eyes.

His promises are sure, as steady as the tides,

Yet, a call echoes for us, a spiritual guide,

To uphold our end of the covenant, side by side,

A responsibility we carry, in our hearts it's tied.

A new life, a new identity, a destiny wide,

All these gifts He has given, in us they confide,

Yet faith and obedience to His word must coincide,

Even when it seems impossible, in His truth we confide.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and grace. We recognize that You are faithful to Your promises, and everything belongs to You. You give according to Your will, and Your promises are sure.

Lord, we understand that while You have made a covenant with us, there is also a call for us to uphold our end of this covenant. As we live the new life, new identity, and destiny that You have given us, we have a responsibility to keep Your covenant.

We pray for the strength and wisdom to fulfill this responsibility. We acknowledge that faith and obedience to Your word are important, even when it seems impossible. We ask for Your guidance and support in our journey of faith.

In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II. The Patriarch Abraham

COVENANT OF CIRCUMCISION

Genesis 17:1-27

First Reading | Genesis 17:3-9

3 When Abram prostrated himself, God continued to speak to him: 4 “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. 5 No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. 6 I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. 7 I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God.” 9 God also said to Abraham: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.”

Background:

This passage is from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. This is a significant moment where God makes a covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations”.

In this covenant, God promises Abraham that he will be exceedingly fertile, his descendants will form many nations, and kings will come from him. God also promises to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as a permanent possession. In return, God asks Abraham and his descendants to keep His covenant throughout the ages. This covenant establishes a special relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants, marking a significant moment in the biblical narrative.

Learning Lessons:

Faith and Obedience: Abraham’s faith in God’s promises is a central theme. Despite his old age, Abraham believes in God’s promise that he will become the father of many nations. This teaches the importance of faith and obedience to God’s word, even when it seems impossible.

God’s Faithfulness: God’s covenant with Abraham shows His faithfulness. He promises to make Abraham exceedingly fertile, to make nations of him, and that kings shall stem from him. This demonstrates that God is faithful to His promises.

The Importance of Names: The change of Abram’s name to Abraham signifies his new identity and destiny as the father of many nations. This teaches us about the significance of names and how they can reflect our identities and destinies.

Responsibility: God also places a responsibility on Abraham and his descendants to keep His covenant throughout the ages. This teaches us that while God’s promises are sure, there is also a call for humans to uphold their end of the covenant.

God’s Sovereignty: God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants shows His sovereignty over the earth. It teaches us that everything belongs to God and He gives according to His will.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

He who Promised is Faithful

We are called to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for God is faithful. Our walk of faith should be genuine and steadfast with full trust and confidence in God's promises. Mutual encouragement is essential in our faith journey. We should spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 

God sprinkles our hearts to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed so that we may live a life of purity. Through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place and approach God with boldness and assurance because of Jesus' sacrifice. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. 

Let us hold with steadfast might, 

To the hope that shines so bright. 

For in His promise, we confide, 

With unwavering faith, we abide.

He who made the promise true, 

Is trustworthy in all He'll do. 

In every trial, through every storm, 

His faithfulness will keep us warm.

With hearts united, we proclaim, 

The hope we have in His great name. 

For He is faithful, ever near, 

In His love, we have no fear.

Lord Jesus, 

You are our hope and our strength, In Your promises, we find our faith. Help us to hold unwaveringly to our confession, For You are trustworthy and true.

Guide us in our journey, Strengthen our hearts with Your love. May we always trust in Your word, And find peace in Your grace.

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Jesus' Eternal Priesthood and Eternal Sacrifice

ONE SACRIFICE INSTEAD OF MANY

Hebrews 10:1-39

First Reading | Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary 20 by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, 21 and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” 22 let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. 25 We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Promise Depends on Faith

When God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15)

The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13).

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants -- not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:16-17).

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:20-22)

But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:22-25)

Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:16-18)

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, "So shall your descendants be" (Romans 4:18).

That is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:22).

Published: 

May 30, 2024, 4:05 AM

October 23, 2023, 7:56 AM

October 21, 2023, 7:49 AM

May 30, 2023, 6:42 AM

January 22, 2013, 7:26 AM

March 19, 2011, 8:41AM

Promise Fulfilled

"Blessed is she 

who has believed 

that the Lord would 

fulfill his promises 

to her!" 

(Luke 1:45)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, who believed in the angel's message and trusted in God's plan for her. Her example inspires us to have the same faith and trust in God's promises for our lives.

God fulfills His promises. His word is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in His faithfulness. Trusting in God's word and His plans for us brings blessings. We should cultivate a strong and unwavering faith, knowing that it brings spiritual blessings and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to strengthen our faith, trust in God's promises, and recognize the blessings that come from believing in His word. 

Blessed is she, with faith so strong, 

Believing in the Lord's sweet song. 

Promises whispered, hearts held tight, 

In trust and hope, she finds her light.

Her soul rejoices, her spirit sings, 

In the fulfillment that faith brings. 

For in her heart, a seed is sown, 

A promise kept, a love well-known.

Through trials faced and doubts that fade, 

Her steadfast trust will never trade. 

For blessed is she, who dares to believe, 

In the Lord's word, she will receive.

A joy that springs from deep within, 

A peace that comes, where doubts have been. 

Blessed is she, in faith's embrace, 

Her heart aligned with God's own grace.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of faith, believing in Your promises and Your word. Just as Mary trusted in Your plan, help us to believe in Your promises for our lives.

Grant us the strength to hold onto Your word, even when doubts and fears arise. May we find joy and peace in Your faithfulness, knowing that You will fulfill all that You have spoken.

Blessed are we who believe in Your promises, for Your love and grace are ever true. Guide us in our journey of faith and help us to trust in Your perfect plan.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH

Luke 1:39-45

Gospel Acclamation

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. 

Gospel | Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

Reflection Source

Conversation with Copilot

A Promise Fulfilled

"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.'" 

(Luke 1:13-15)

The angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. This reassures us that God listens to our prayers and responds in His perfect timing, even if it takes longer than we expect.

Like John the Baptist who was given a specific purpose before his birth, God has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives, and we are called to fulfill it. His blessings often bring joy not only to us but also to those around us. Let us live a life of holiness that is dedicated to God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and committed to His ways.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's timing, seek His purpose for our lives, find joy in His blessings, and live lives dedicated to Him. 

"Do not be afraid," the angel said, 

"Zechariah, your prayer is heard. 

Elizabeth will bear a son, 

A joy and delight, for everyone.

Call him John, a name so bright, 

He'll bring rejoicing, day and night. 

Great in the sight of the Lord he'll be, 

Filled with the Spirit, pure and free.

No wine or drink shall touch his lips, 

In holiness, his life equips. 

From before his birth, the Spirit's flame, 

Will guide his path, proclaim his name.

A promise fulfilled, a prayer's sweet song, 

In faith and hope, we all belong. 

Rejoice, for God's great plan is clear, 

In John's birth, His love draws near.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, for Your promises and the fulfillment of our prayers. Just as You heard Zechariah's plea, hear our prayers and grant us Your peace.

We thank You for the joy and delight You bring, for the blessings that fill our lives. Help us to recognize Your hand in all things, and to rejoice in Your goodness and grace.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, guide us in Your ways, and help us to live lives that are pleasing to You. May we be a source of joy and blessing to others, reflecting Your love and light in all we do.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:5-25

Gospel Acclamation

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

Gospel | Luke 1:5-25

5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Faith Promise

Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, 

that through faith in Jesus Christ

the promise might be given to those who believe. 

GALATIANS 3:22

The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed Him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to Him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to Him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” (Lk 10:38-40)

Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Lk 10:38-42) Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:28)

Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:23-26)

All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:27-29)

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of wisdom came to me. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands. (Wis 7:7,10-11)

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. (Ps 90:12,14)

Published:

October 10, 2023, 7:52 AM