ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS - Comments From the Chair - 21 March 2021

#TheComingOfJesusHour #GrainOfWheat #DyingToOneself #Doubts #Fears #Holiness #LossesInOurLife TOPIC: WILL YOU ALLOW JESUS TO FREE YOU FROM YOUR OWN CRUCIFIXIONS? First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 Second Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 Verse Before the Gospel: John 12:26 Gospel: John 12:20-33 In today’s gospel reading, Jesus talks about a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die, shed its husk, and come to life in a new form, to yield fruit and a rich harvest later. Losing the husk is a necessary condition for transformation. Nature teaches us a lesson on coping and thriving in the face of our daily struggles, our own crucifixions. Jesus did not have it easy when he was called to fulfill his mission. Nearing his ultimate self-sacrifice, His human nature beckoned. He had doubts and fears. Our doubts and fears may hinder us from living the life Jesus wants us to have. This is the 348th installment of our CFC quarantine contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: 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   / cfchrist   and Bong Arjonillo’s Facebook page]