“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the Blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the Body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one Body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 COR 10: 16-17)

There are many reasons to be united with others: because we are family members, organization members, or Church members. The other reason is that without building a community of persons, we can’t grow as person. But there is also one more—we “participate in the Blood of Christ,” and it makes us His kin with everyone else who comes to the Altar to receive Holy Communion.

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” (LK 6: 39-40)

The only way we can go to Heaven is to follow a good guide. There is only one guide—Our Lord Who came from Heaven and knows how to lead us there. The Bible is the light, and Our Lord is the Teacher Who wants us to be “fully trained” and to “be like his teacher.” It is a lifelong process but very important—what are we doing to become fully qualified in our knowledge of the faith?

“Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” (1 MIC 5: 1)

God’s point of view is totally different from ours. He is not looking for the best, the outstanding, the extraordinary, etc., but for someone small, humble, and ordinary. Perfection comes from Him and is His gift for us.

“Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife.” (1 COR 7: 26-27)

Paul urges us to be less concerned with changing our states of life than with answering God’s call where it finds us. We do not change others, we change ourselves. Every situation brings new opportunity, so when we look for what to change in ourselves to be closer to God and more faithful to Him we will stop blaming situations (to say nothing about blaming other persons).

“Rejoice and leap for joy! Your reward will be great in heaven.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles…” (LK 6: 12-13)

Important events were prepared for by Our Lord with prayer—like calling His apostles or facing His arrest and death. Prayer is for being with God, looking for His point of view, seeking strength and support, and seeing my role in the world from the right perspective.

“I chose you from the world, that you may go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 COR 5: 8)

We build all our first three Programs on the same structure: honesty, fidelity and love. The first step is always the same—honesty or sincerity. When we can honestly say who we are and what our condition is, we can change ourselves for the better because we build on truth. In the opposite way, “malice and wickedness” will destroy any relationship.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.” (LK 14: 33)

Being a disciple is based on who we are not what we have, so Our Lord expects us to “renounce all our possessions.” It is much easier for people to build their authority on possessions rather than on the real value of their dignity—being God’s children, being loved and loving others. We are human beings and grow when we are with others and love each other.

“Let your face shine upon your servant; and teach me your laws.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? (1 COR 4: 7)

This is a good reminder for us. Who is the Giver of our gifts? Who takes care of everything that we need to exist and to serve? Keeping this in mind will help in difficult times and will protect us from boasting.

“I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.” (1 COR 4: 5)

Not “some of you,” not “the best of you” and not “some of you after a careful check” but “everyone will receive praise from God.” It is a command for us: “do not make any judgment before the appointed time” because “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts.”

“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.” (LK 5: 1)

Jesus loves us, and because He knows everything about us is the best person to listen to and to trust. “The crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,” and we can do the same. We have easy access to daily readings, and the only “pressing in” concerns time and our busy schedules.

“Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Gospel Acclamation)