15 September 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: ARE YOU AN ADVOCATE OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT? First Reading: First Timothy 1: 1-2, 12-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 16: 1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11 Gospel: John 19: 25-27 or Luke 2: 33-35 Our Gospel reading for today depicts a notable episode in the Passion of our Lord Jesus that shows how women exercise their empowerment. Against the backdrop of the hatred of the Jews and the mocking of the Roman soldiers, the tender affection of the pious women who were ever present to attend to our Lord Jesus’ needs since the start of His ministry unto His crucifixion strikes a sharp contrast, deemed noteworthy to be forever etched in Holy Scripture. Even amidst the insulting crowds and provoking soldiers, these women were determined to stand by Jesus all the way to the end in a loving demonstration of their holy affection and gratitude towards the Savior. While His adversaries crowned Him with thorns, the women lavishly crowned Him with their love and compassion, washing Him with their tears and consoling Him by their faithfulness. The women showed courage and selfless love by remaining at the Lord’s side throughout His ordeal. They were neither cowed by the fierceness of the enemy nor turned off by the horrific sight. Their actions were proof of their love for their savior. Their hearts were breaking at the sight of the suffering Messiah, but they were unable to rescue Him in His agony or relieve His pain. By their mere presence, they exhibited compassion and love. These women were certainly strengthened by divine grace and power throughout this ordeal, proof that God’s grace is always sufficient to meet our needs. At the cross, Jesus did not forget His mother. He saw her deep distress and tenderly cared for her desolate condition – left alone in a wicked world. He therefore commended her to the care of John, the most loving and tender hearted of His disciples. This is the 1239th 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 Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, 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] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist #NativityoftheBlessedVirginMary