Divine Mercy-Centered Family, Brgy Bagong, Ormoc City (2026)

The Divine Mercy-Centered Family (Dimercef) was created to help families keep and receive in faith, and put Christ at the center of family relationships through the Divine Mercy devotion.

25/05/2026

📆 May 26, 2026 - Tuesday

🙏 Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

In today’s first reading, we are deeply struck by the strong call to a renewed and disciplined way of living in response to the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. The exhortation to “gird up the loins of your mind” speaks to readiness and alertness, reminding us that faith is not passive but requires an intentional and focused heart and mind. To “live soberly” invites a life of clarity, self-control, and freedom from distractions that pull us away from God. Above all, the call to set our hope completely on the grace to be revealed in Christ teaches us that our ultimate security and joy should not be anchored in worldly things, but in the promise of eternal life with the Lord.

Furthermore, today’s scripture reading also challenges us to live as an obedient child of God, no longer shaped by past ignorance or sinful desires, but transformed by the holiness of the One who calls us. The command “Be holy, because I am holy” is both inspiring and demanding, reminding us that holiness is not just a title but a way of life reflected in thoughts, actions, and choices. It calls us to examine our daily conduct and to align it with God’s character—pure, loving, and faithful. In this way, holiness becomes not an impossible burden, but a response of love to the God who first loved and redeemed us.

1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16

Beloved: Concerning the salvation of your souls, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched for and investigated it, investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

The Word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

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Living a life that is pleasing to God is not always easy, because it often places us in situations where our values differ from those around us. When we strive to align our words, thoughts, and actions with God’s will, we may sometimes be misunderstood by our families, friends, or colleagues, especially when they are guided by personal interests or worldly standards. These differences can lead to challenges, disagreements, or even quiet resistance. Yet, these experiences remind us that discipleship truly involves choosing what is right before God rather than what is simply accepted by others.

In these moments of difficulty, we are reminded that faithfulness to God is not measured by the approval of people, but by our willingness to remain obedient to His will. God does not leave us alone in such struggles; instead, He strengthens us with patience, wisdom, and courage to continue doing what is good and true. Even when we are not fully understood, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting that God sees our efforts and sustains us through every challenge.

Gospel Acclamation: See Matthew 11:25

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."

The Gospel of the Lord.🙏

24/05/2026

📆 May 25, 2026 - Monday

🙏 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

I am deeply touched by the heart of God who, even after humanity sinned, still searched for them with the question, “Where are you?” This question was not because God did not know where Adam and Eve were, but because He lovingly invited them to come back to Him and face the truth of their disobedience. Sin brought fear, shame, and separation, causing them to hide from the very God who created them out of love. Yet amid the pain of human failure, God’s mercy already began to unfold. Though consequences were given, God did not abandon humanity. In verse 15, He promised that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head—a beautiful foreshadowing of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and evil. Even in the darkest moment of the fall, God planted the seed of hope and salvation. Eve, being called “the mother of all the living,” also reminds us that life continues because of God’s sustaining grace.

Today’s first reading teaches us that although sin wounds our relationship with God, His love continues to seek, restore, and redeem us.

1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

After Adam had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to him and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me— she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”

Then the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” The man called his wife Eve, because she was to become the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord.

OR:

In today’s first reading, I am deeply inspired by the image of the disciples gathering together in prayer after the ascension of Jesus. Though they were uncertain about what lay ahead, they remained united, faithful, and hopeful as they waited for the Holy Spirit whom Jesus had promised. At the center of this praying community was the Blessed Virgin Mary, silently accompanying the disciples with a mother’s presence and unwavering faith. As the Church celebrates the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, this passage reminds us that Mary continues to guide believers toward unity, prayer, and trust in God’s promises. She who stood faithfully beside Jesus at the cross also remained faithfully with the early Church in its waiting and mission. Her presence teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer and remaining steadfast even during moments of uncertainty. As the disciples gathered with Mary, the Church today is called to stay united in faith, strengthened by prayer, and open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Though they were uncertain about what lay ahead, they remained united, faithful, and hopeful as they waited for the Holy Spirit whom Jesus had promised.

1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14

After Jesus had been taken up to heaven, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away.

When they entered the city, they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

The Word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7

R. (3) Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

His foundation upon the holy mountains the LORD loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob.

R. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.”

R. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.”

R. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

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In the Gospel of John 19:25–34, the phrase “the disciple” or “the beloved disciple” may seem simple at first, but it carries both a literal and a deeper spiritual meaning that helps us understand the message of the Gospel more fully. On the literal level, this “beloved disciple” is traditionally understood as John the Apostle. He is the one who remained near Jesus at the foot of the cross together with Mary and the other women, showing courage and loyalty when many of the other disciples had fled. In this sense, the Gospel highlights a real person who witnessed the suffering and death of Jesus in a very personal and intimate way.

However, the Gospel of John often writes in a way that goes beyond just telling historical facts. When it repeatedly uses the singular term “the disciple,” it also invites us to see a deeper spiritual meaning. The beloved disciple becomes a symbol or model of what it means to truly follow Jesus. He represents the disciple who stays close to Christ not only during moments of joy and miracles, but also during pain, silence, and suffering. In this deeper sense, the beloved disciple is not only John as a person, but also every believer who chooses to remain faithful to Jesus even when life becomes difficult or when faith is tested.

This is why the Church often encourages us to place ourselves in the scene. We are invited to ask: “Am I also a beloved disciple?” Like John, we are called to stand near Jesus at the cross—meaning we remain faithful, prayerful, and trusting even in suffering. We are also invited to stay close to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross. Together, this scene becomes a powerful image of love, fidelity, and discipleship.

So, the use of the singular “disciple” is intentional. It points to one real witness, John, but also opens the door for every Christian to see themselves in him. It teaches us that discipleship is personal and committed: one heart that chooses to stay with Jesus, especially when it is hardest to do so.

Verse before the Gospel:

O joyful Virgin, who gave birth to the Lord; O blessed Mother of the Church, who nurtures in us the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ!

Gospel Reading: John 19:25-34

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour, the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Now, since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately Blood and water flowed out.

The Gospel of the Lord.🙏

23/05/2026

📆 May 24, 2026

🙏 Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:6 says: “Each one heard them speaking in his own language.” This means the Holy Spirit made communication possible across many different languages at the same time. The diversity of languages remained, yet understanding happened.

Today’s first reading clearly says that they came from many different nations and regions, each with its own native language. That is why they were amazed when the apostles spoke, and everyone heard the message in their own tongue.

The miracle of Pentecost was not that all people suddenly shared one common language, but that the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to proclaim God’s message in a way that every listener could understand. It was a sign that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is meant for all nations and all peoples, not only for one group. The Holy Spirit overcame the barriers of language and culture so that unity could happen without erasing diversity.

This is very meaningful because God does not require everyone to become the same in culture or language before they can belong to Him. Instead, the Holy Spirit unites people while respecting their uniqueness. Pentecost therefore becomes the opposite of division and confusion. Where human differences could separate people, the Spirit created understanding, communion, and peace. So the emphasis of the scripture reading is not on one universal language, but on unity and understanding despite differences. Instead, through the Holy Spirit, He allowed them to understand one another. It became a powerful sign that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of nationality or language.

That is why Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church — because people from many nations were united in one faith and one Spirit.

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then, how do each of us hear them in our native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

The Word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! How manifold are your works, O LORD! the earth is full of your creatures;

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD.

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

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Today’s second reading invites us to reflect on the beautiful truth that all genuine faith in Jesus Christ is made possible by the Holy Spirit. No one can truly say “Jesus is Lord” except through the Spirit, reminding us that our faith itself is already a gift of God, not merely a human decision.

St. Paul then explains that although there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, services, and workings, they all come from the same Spirit and are given for the common good. This means that diversity in talents, roles, and abilities within the Church is not a problem to be fixed, but a grace to be embraced. Just as the human body has many parts yet remains one body, so too believers are many yet united in Christ.

Through baptism, all are made to drink of one Spirit, breaking down divisions of race, status, and background. This scripture reading challenges us to see that our gifts are not for self-glory but for service, and that unity in Christ does not mean sameness, but harmony in diversity under one Spirit.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service, but the same Lord; there are different workings, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

The Word of the Lord

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Today’s Gospel reading presents the Risen Christ appearing to His disciples on the evening of Easter, when they were gathered behind locked doors out of fear. Into their fear and confusion, Jesus comes and speaks words of peace: “Peace be with you.” This greeting is not only a formality but a deep gift that calms troubled hearts and restores hope. He then shows them His hands and His side, reassuring them that the One who was crucified is truly alive. The disciples rejoice as they encounter the living Lord. Jesus then breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” giving them the gift of His Spirit and commissioning them to continue His mission of forgiveness and reconciliation in the world. The authority to forgive sins is entrusted to them, not as power over others, but as a call to bring healing, mercy, and restoration.

This scripture reading reminds us that the presence of the Risen Christ transforms fear into courage and isolation into mission. Even when we feel locked in by fear, doubt, or guilt, Jesus enters our lives with peace, breathes new life into us through the Holy Spirit, and sends us to become instruments of His mercy and reconciliation.

Gospel Acclamation:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

The Gospel of the Lord.🙏

22/05/2026

📆 May 23, 2026

🙏 Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Today’s first reading offers a deeply inspiring reflection on perseverance in mission and faithfulness in difficult circumstances. When Paul finally arrives in Rome, he is still in chains, yet his spirit remains free and steadfast in proclaiming Christ. Instead of allowing imprisonment to silence him, Paul immediately reaches out to the Jewish leaders and boldly explains that he is bound “for the hope of Israel,” referring to the fulfillment of God’s promise in the risen Jesus. Even while under house arrest, he continues to welcome all who come to him and spends two whole years preaching the kingdom of God “with all boldness and without hindrance.” Moreover, this scripture reading reminds us that the mission of God cannot be chained by human limitations. Paul’s body was confined, but his faith, courage, and witness were not.

In our own lives, there may be circumstances that feel like chains—problems, disappointments, sickness, responsibilities, or moments of uncertainty. Yet this reading teaches us that God can still work powerfully through us even in seasons of limitation. Sometimes the very place of our struggle becomes the place where God’s message shines most brightly. Like Paul, we are called to remain faithful, to continue doing good, speaking truth, and sharing hope wherever we are. The Gospel assures us that no obstacle can hinder God’s purpose when we entrust our lives to Him.

In today’s time, this passage is especially relevant because many people feel confined by burdens—stress, family concerns, financial struggles, or emotional pain. Yet Paul’s example reminds us that even in our “chains,” we can still become instruments of God’s love and encouragement to others. A teacher can still inspire despite exhaustion, a parent can still nurture despite worries, and a believer can still witness to Christ through kindness, patience, and faith. True discipleship means allowing the Lord to use us wherever we are, trusting that His word continues to move “without hindrance.”

1st Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Three days later, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, "My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. After trying my case, the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains."

He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance, he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7

R. (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind.

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

The LORD searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face.

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

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In this scripture reading, after Jesus has restored Peter and told him to “follow me,” Peter turns and notices “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Peter then asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” In other words, Peter is asking, What will happen to this disciple? Will his life and mission be like mine? Jesus answers, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” Here, Jesus is teaching Peter not to compare his path with someone else’s. Peter has just learned that his own discipleship will involve sacrifice and suffering, so it is natural for him to become curious about the future of the other disciples. But Jesus gently redirects him: do not be distracted by another person’s journey; focus on faithfully following Me yourself.

This message is very relevant even today. Sometimes we also ask, Why is another person’s life easier? Why is someone else blessed differently? Why is my path harder? Jesus reminds us that each person has a unique calling and purpose. Our task is not to compare but to remain faithful in the mission God has entrusted to us. The Lord deals with each soul personally and lovingly.

The next verses also clear up a misunderstanding. Some people thought Jesus meant that the disciple whom Jesus loved would never die. But the Gospel carefully explains that Jesus did not say that. He only said, “If I want him to remain…” This was a hypothetical statement, not a prophecy of immortality. The Gospel includes this clarification to correct the rumor spreading among the believers.

Finally, the Gospel ends with a beautiful testimony: Jesus did many other things that were not written down. The sacred writer is saying that the life, love, miracles, and teachings of Jesus are far greater than what any single book could fully contain. The Gospel gives us what we need in order to believe and have life in His name, but the greatness of Christ goes beyond words.

In a simple thought: Jesus is telling us to stop comparing our journey with others and to follow Him faithfully in our own path. What matters most is not what happens to others, but how we respond to His call in our own lives.

Verse before the Gospel: John 16:7, 13

I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.

Gospel Reading: John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours? You follow me." So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?"

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

The Gospel of the Lord.🙏

21/05/2026

📆 May 22, 2026

🙏 Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Today’s first reading presents a moment where human systems of justice appear tangled, uncertain, and driven by political concern rather than truth. Festus finds himself in a difficult position as he explains Paul’s case to King Agrippa, admitting that the accusations brought against Paul are not about crimes deserving death, but rather about disputes concerning religion and “a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”

This scripture reading invites us to reflect on how truth can sometimes be misunderstood or reduced when viewed through purely human judgment. Paul stands at the center of conflicting interpretations, yet what remains clear is his unwavering testimony about the risen Christ.

In our own time, we may also encounter moments when truth is questioned or faith is misunderstood, yet this reading encourages us to remain steadfast like Paul, trusting that God’s purposes are not hindered by confusion or opposition. Even in the complexity of legal and political processes, God’s plan quietly unfolds, reminding us that the truth of Christ’s resurrection continues to challenge, confront, and ultimately transform human understanding.

1st Reading: Acts 25:13b-21

King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying, "There is a man here left in custody by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he had faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day, I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. Instead, they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."

The Word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.

R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

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Today’s first reading beautifully portrays the gentle yet profound restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. In this encounter, Jesus does not rebuke Peter harshly but instead asks him three times, “Do you love me?”—a question that heals Peter’s threefold failure and renews his calling. Each affirmation of love is followed by a mission: “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” This shows that love for Christ is never meant to remain as a feeling alone, but must be translated into responsibility, service, and care for others. Jesus also gently prepares Peter for the reality that discipleship may involve sacrifice and even suffering, reminding him that following Him means walking a path of self-giving love.

In today’s time, this Gospel speaks strongly to those who have experienced failure, weakness, or moments of regret. Like Peter, many people struggle with their own “denials”—times when fear, pressure, or doubt led them away from what is right. Yet Jesus continues to meet us not with condemnation but with restoration and trust. He still asks, “Do you love me?” in the midst of our daily decisions, challenges, and responsibilities. And just as Peter was entrusted with caring for others, we are also called to express our love for Christ through compassion, service, fidelity, and thoughtfulness in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Above all, it reminds us that true discipleship is not about perfection, but about a love that is renewed, sincere, and lived out in action, even in the midst of life’s imperfections.

Verse before the Gospel: John 14:26

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

Gospel Reading: John 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

The Gospel of the Lord.🙏

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Brgy Bagong
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