REFLECTION^st1

 

CONTEMPLATE IN THE LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

 

During the first talk, Don Gianni Ghiglione emphasized the significant role of St. Francis de Sales. He encouraged all Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters to become more familiar with St. Francis de Sales and to remember his teachings. Don Gianni Ghiglione urged everyone to engage in prayer, explaining that even brief prayers can be meaningful, similar to the prayer of the faithful. He emphasized that we can offer our prayers to God and give thanks for our brothers and sisters, praying for their well-being. Don Bosco stressed the importance of approaching prayer with love and without fear, underscoring the importance of being united with the Lord and having a passionate love for young people. Our primary focus should always be on God and serving the youth. Lastly, our prayers do not need to be lengthy or public; what truly matters is that they come from the heart.

 

 

About the will of God; Prayer is deeply connected to understanding the will of God, which begins with recognizing the true image of God. This truthful image is found on the cross, as emphasized in the catechesis of the Church. If this representation of God is not accurate, then the teachings of the Church would be flawed. Jesus himself expressed that His joy comes from doing the will of God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God completely. Through prayer, we align ourselves with this will and deepen our relationship with Him.

Don Gianni Ghiglione once said, if you are studying only Don Bosco, you are not a Salesian or handicapped.

For your reflection: What are the weaknesses and strengths of your heart? How is your commitment to your work? The medicine to your work. Do you have a special or spiritual guide as a medicine for your heart? What and How is your relationship with Jesus?

 

 

2^nd REFLECTION

 

THE WORD OF GOD BECOMES FOOD FOR US. “say YES to the WILL OF GOD”

Lk 1: 26 - 38

It is a rational act to understand the plan of God. Obedience is not an act of blindness. In Luke’s Gospel, he specifies that this event occurred in a small area of Galilee called Nazareth.

Sometimes we experience a kind of spiritual death before our physical death because of the word "IF." It seems that we fail to put our trust in God, doubting Him over and over again. Do not be afraid. God is still searching for us and He is still alive. God wants us to trust Him wholeheartedly. In the text, St. Luke uses the name Yeshua, which in Greek means "Saviour"—the Lord saves, or salvation comes from the Lord. Looking back at the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, Joshua (or Yeshua) was the successor of Moses. He was the one who continued leading the people (Israel) to the Promised Land.

Consider the calling of Mary and her response to God. She was chosen by God to bear a Son. Her response to God, her "YES," saved the world. Because of Mary's affirmation, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Through her "YES," the Son of God took on our human nature. He was born truly God and truly Man. These three letters spoken by Mary saved the world from falling. If Mary had said "NO," what would have happened to human nature? Without Mary’s "YES," there would have been no Christmas, there is no cross, and no."Resurrection.

As we reflect on Mary’s response to God, it’s important for us to consider our own "YES" in the context of our religious vocation. Mary’s acceptance of God's call was a profound act of faith and trust, which changed the course of history. Similarly, each "YES" in our spiritual journey has the power to shape our lives and impact the world around us.

When we made our first profession of vows, we responded to God's call with a commitment to live out the values of our religious order. This initial "YES" was not just a formality but a deep, personal affirmation of our desire to follow Christ and serve His people. It was a declaration of our intention to embrace a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, aligning our lives with the mission of our community and the teachings of the Church.

In both our initial profession and the renewal of our vows, we echo Mary’s response to God's invitation. Her "YES" was an embrace of a divine mission that required courage, humility, and love. Likewise, our "YES" is a continual act of surrender, trusting that God will guide and sustain us in our commitment.

We need to be like Jesus and act like Jesus as a new Yeshua or Joshua. As for us, a new person, to step out and lead the crowd to the final destination where we are all in one with God.  

 

Amen