5 June 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist

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TOPIC: ARE YOU READY TO GIVE AN EXPLANATION TO ANYONE
WHO ASKS YOU FOR A REASON FOR YOUR HOPE?

First Reading: Second Timothy 1: 1-3, 6-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 123: 1b-2ab, 2cdef
Alleluia: John 11: 25a, 26
Gospel: Mark 12: 18-27

Jesus was tested by the Sadducees who gave the Lord a scenario about seven brothers who married the same woman at different times but then they died, with the fictional woman also dying in the end. The question of the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection was, “Whose wife will she be?”, “For all seven had been married to her.” The Sadducees were attempting to lessen Jesus’ moral authority using ridicule. Jesus’ response was quite strong; “Are you not misled?”

Through today's Gospel, Jesus provided us with a profound lesson. Whenever there is a question about the faith, even if couched in ridicule, we have an opportunity to give an "explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for our hope". Like Pope Saint Leo the Great, may we be able to do so with as much clarity and charity as possible. Our confidence lies not so much in our delivery, important as that is, but in the power of truth and the subsequent work of the Holy Spirit.

This is the 1500th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Raymond Bucu, South Asia Regional Coordinator and Provincial Area Head of Bataan, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]