ECP.Official

31/05/2026

A reflection on Matthew 28:16-20 by Ms. Benny F. Mendoza (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
"Ibinigay na sa akin ang lahat ng kapangyarihan sa langit at sa lupa" (Mateo 28:18)/"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)

Panalangin: Sa ngalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. O, Diyos ng kasaysayan, kami nagpupuri at nagpapasalamat sa Inyong walang hanggang kadakilaan, pagkalinga, at pagmamahal sa amin. Sa banal na misteryo ng Trinidad, patuloy po kayong nangungusap at nananawagan sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa, respeto, katarungan at hustisya, sa pagpapanibagong-hubog at tunay na pagbabago, at lalo’t higit sa Dakilang Misyon ng paglilingkod lalo sa mga api at pinagsasamantalahan. Kaya naman, dalangin namin na gabayan kami sa pagtugon at pagsasabuhay ng lahat ng iyon. Sa ngalan ni Hesus, Amen.

Sa pagninilay na ito ng Dakilang Komisyon (Great Commission), ibinabalik ako sa panahon kung kailan ko naisip na pasukin ang buhay ng paglilingkod at serbisyo. Mula pa sa panahon na nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong maglingkod bilang mga g**o sa Sunday School at Vacation Church School, kung saan hindi bababa sa singkuwentang mga bata ng komunidad ang naabot at natuturuan. Hanggang sa maagang sinanay sa iba’t ibang gawain ng simbahan, partikular sa gawain ng mga kabataan. Hanggang sa paglilingkod sa mas malawak na pamayanan ng mananampalataya sa Ecumenical Movement, at lalo’t higit, ng piliin kong manirahan at magpatuloy sa paglilingkod sa mga abang pamayanan ng timog-silangang Mindanao. Sa munting simbahan na aking pinanggalingan, na una kong naging training ground, lumago at nahubog ang aking pananampalataya at kamalayang naglilingkod at nagsasabuhay sa dakilang Pagkabuhay-na Muli (resurrection).

Sa kabuuang teksto ng dakilang Komisyon, ipinakita ang isang larawan ng Kristong buhay (Anak), isinugo ng Ama (magulang), kasama ng Ama ang Anak na nagsugo sa Espirito Santo, ang katotohanang patuloy na kumikilos ang Banal na Trinidad (Holy Trinity), at ngayon Siyang nagbibigay sa atin ng isang malaki at mabigat na misyon – ang maglingkod sa Kanyang bayan.

Ang Dakilang Misyon ay ang nagpapatuloy na paalala sa atin bilang mga mananampalataya at tagasunod ni Kristo, na hindi natatapos sa pagsisimba at pagbabasa ng Bibliya, ang ating tungkulin para maabot ang kaharian ng Diyos. Panawagan ito ng pagkilos, ng pagsasabuhay, ng paglilingkod. Sadlak pa rin sa dusa at hirap ang mamamayang Pilipino. Walang kahihiyang niyuyurakan pa rin ng maraming sobrang-yaman at nang mga nasa kapangyarihan ang dangal at dignidad ng mga tao. Laganap pa rin at patuloy ang paggrabe ng kawalan ng trabaho at lupa, kumersiyal na edukasyon, limitado at kapos na serbisyo medikal, ‘di makatarungang buhis na harapang ibinubulsa ng iilan, nagpapatuloy na political unrest and dissatisfaction. Kasama na rin ang mabilis na pagkasira ng Inang kalikasan bunga ng kasakiman at pagsasawalang bahala.

Isinusugo tayo (misyon) at binibigyang kapangyarihan (empowering) na saan mang dako ng daigdig isapamuhay ang ating pananampalataya, tulad ng pagsugo ni Hesus sa kanyang mga disipulo. Buhay na halimbawa ang buhay ng nabuhay-na-muli na si Hesus na marapat nating tularan – nagtuturo, nagpapagaling, nagbibigay buhay, kritikal sa mga kaganapan ilalim sa imperyong Romano maging sa pagmamalabis ng mga may kapangyarihan (sa loob at labas ng Templo), at kailanman laging isinasaalang-alang ang mga dukha at mahihirap, mga bata at matatanda, ang mga kababaihan, ang mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan.

Kaya, tayo ay sama-samang humayo at maglingkod sa Diyos!

A reflection on Matthew 28:16-20 by Ms. Benny F. Mendoza (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines)

Image: "Scutum Fidei" (Shield of the Faith/Shield of the Trinity) stained window at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green (Diocese of Connecticut, The Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion)

ECP.Official

22/05/2026

On May 20 The Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) hosted "Living the Baptismal Covenant: Faith in Action" with The Rev. Vincent Bete online via Zoom in preparation for the annual Renewal of Baptismal Vows on the Day of Pentecost in all ECP congregations on Sunday, May 24.

This retreat, a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment, invites participants to explore the heart of the Baptismal Covenant and what it means to live as a baptized people in the Episcopal tradition. Through Scripture and small-group conversation, we will trace the covenant’s biblical foundations, unpack its promises, and reflect on how we embody it—personally and as church communities in our own contexts. Participants will engage deeply with the Apostles’ Creed, examine each baptismal promise, and consider how “with God’s help” shapes our understanding of grace, failure, and renewal. The retreat culminates in a shared act of recommitment, grounding us again in the life we claim at baptism and the mission we share as a community.

The Rev. Vincent Bete is a priest in The Episcopal Church's Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, currently serving in parish ministry at St. Anne's by the Fields Episcopal Church, Ankeny, IA, as well as being Chaplain to Mill Pond - a PHS senior living community. He previously served in parish ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines. Fr. Vincent is a graduate of the ECP's Saint Andrew's Theological Seminary.

- Information on the Baptismal Covenant (Baptismal Vows) is available here: www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/baptismal-covenant

14/05/2026

The Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) invites you to "Living the Baptismal Covenant: Faith in Action" with The Rev. Vincent Bete, online via Zoom on Wednesday, May 20, 9:00AM-12:00PM (Philippine Standard Time)/Tuesday, May 19, 8:00PM-11:00PM (Central Daylight Time), in preparation for the Renewal of Baptismal Vows on the Day of Pentecost in all ECP congregations on Sunday, May 24. All welcome!

This retreat, a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment, invites participants to explore the heart of the Baptismal Covenant and what it means to live as a baptized people in the Episcopal tradition. Through Scripture and small-group conversation, we will trace the covenant’s biblical foundations, unpack its promises, and reflect on how we embody it—personally and as church communities in our own contexts. Participants will engage deeply with the Apostles’ Creed, examine each baptismal promise, and consider how “with God’s help” shapes our understanding of grace, failure, and renewal. The retreat culminates in a shared act of recommitment, grounding us again in the life we claim at baptism and the mission we share as a community.

The Rev. Vincent Bete is a priest in The Episcopal Church's Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, currently serving in parish ministry at St. Anne's by the Fields Episcopal Church, Ankeny, IA, as well as being Chaplain to Mill Pond - a PHS senior living community. He previously served in parish ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines. Fr. Vincent is a graduate of the ECP's Saint Andrew's Theological Seminary.

- Information on the Baptismal Covenant (Baptismal Vows) is available here: www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/baptismal-covenant



+++

Click here to join retreat:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83030777055?pwd=oVHZgbXHvUyX6eG7oItSvExc0KnhSO.1

Meeting ID: 830 3077 7055
Passcode: 270701

14/05/2026

A reflection on John 17:1-11 by Bro. Mark Simongo (Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026
“At ito ang buhay na walang hanggan: ang makilala ka ng mga tao na ikaw lang ang tunay na Diyos, at makilala rin nila ako na si Hesu-Kristo, ang isinugo mo.” (Juan 17:3)/“And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Sa Juan 17:1-11, makikita natin ang taimtim na panalangin ni Hesus bago niya harapin ang paghihirap at kamatayan. Sa unang talata, Tumingin si Hesus sa langit at sinabi, “Ama, dumating na ang oras.” Ang salitang “walang hanggan” na binanggit sa ikatlong talata ay madalas inuunawa ng tao sa iba’t ibang paraan. Para sa iba, ang walang hanggan ay nasusukat sa layo ng distansya—isang paglalakbay na tila walang katapusan. Para naman sa iba, ito ay nasusukat sa haba ng panahon, sa dami ng taon na tayo’y nabubuhay, o sa lawak ng ating mga karanasan. Ngunit sa pananaw ni Hesus, ang tunay na kahulugan ng buhay na walang hanggan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa haba ng panahon kundi tungkol sa relasyon—ang makilala ang tunay na Diyos at si Hesu-Kristo na kanyang isinugo.

Sinabi ni Hesus sa Juan 17:3: “At ito ang buhay na walang hanggan: ang makilala ka ng mga tao na ikaw lang ang tunay na Diyos, at makilala rin nila ako na si Hesu-Kristo, ang isinugo mo.” Ang pagkilala kay Hesus ay hindi lamang nagtatapos sa ating paniniwala at pagkilala sa kanya bilang Anak ng Diyos at isinugo ng Ama. Nakikilala din natin sya sa mga karanasan ng pakikisama, paglilingkod, at pakikibahagi sa kanyang misyon.

Ang Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines sa mga nakaraang linggo, nagkaroon ng pagsusuri sa VMG o Vision Mission Goal ng simbahan sa pangunguna ng aming Obispo, si Richard Stone Banagui. Layunin ng pagsusuring ito na alamin kung hanggang saan na ang narating ng diyosesis sa nalalapit na pagtatapos ng Bisyon 2028 sa mga programa ng simbahan.

Sa ginawang pagsusuri, naging tapat ang mga miyembro, layko, at mga kaparian sa pagsagot at pagbabahagi ng kanilang mga hinaing at karanasan tungkol sa 9 na programa ng simbahan: Bible Study, Catechism, Ushering Ministry, Sunday School, Intentional Discipleship, Stewardship, Praise and Worship, Pastoral Visitation, at Lay Ministry. Hindi naging madali ang pagsusuri, sapagkat dito nakita hindi lamang ang mga tagumpay kundi maging ang mga kakulangan at hamon ng bawat programa.

Sa karanasan ng LUIS Deanery o La Union-Ilocos Sur Deanery, naging malinaw sa maraming miyembro ng simbahan ang mga aspeto ng ministeryo na nangangailangan pa ng pagpapatibay. May mga programang nangangailangan ng mas aktibong partisipasyon, may mga ministeryong kulang sa mga manggagawa, at may mga pagkakataong kinakailangan pang mas mapalalim ang pagtuturo at pagdidisipulo. Ngunit sa halip na panghinaan ng loob, naging daan ang pagsusuring ito upang magkaroon ng mas malinaw na direksyon. Naging mas makahulugan para sa marami ang pagkakataong marinig ang saloobin ng bawat isa. Sa pamamagitan ng bukas at tapat na pagsusuri, nabigyan ng lakas ng loob ang bawait miyembro upang ipagpatuloy ang mga programa at humanap ng mga konkretong solusyon sa mga kakulangan.

Sa karanasang ito, nakita namin na ang pagkilala kay Kristo ay ang maisabuhay ang mga misyon at gawain bilang miyembro simbahan. Ang tunay na pagkilala kay Hesus ay nasusukat din sa kung paano natin ipinagpapatuloy ang kanyang gawain sa mundo. ipinapakita natin dito na kilala natin si Kristo hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa gawa.

Sa huli, ang pagsukat ng “walang hanggan” ay hindi lamang nagtatapos sa ating paniniwala at pagkilala kay Hesu-Kristo bilang Anak ng Diyos at isinugo ng Ama. Ang tunay na pagsukat ng walang hanggan ay kung paano natin maisasabuhay ang kanyang misyon bilang mga miyembro ng simbahan. Ang ating tungkulin ay maipadama sa iba ang layunin ng Panginoon—na siya ay makilala hindi lamang dahil sa kanyang kapangyarihan at katayuan kundi dahil sa kanyang pag-ibig, paglilingkod, at misyon dito sa mundo. Ang pagkilala kay Kristo hindi lamang sa kanyang mga salita kundi pati sa kanyang mga gawa ay isang dakilang karangalan.

At habang papalapit tayo sa pagtatapos ng Bisyon 2028 ng Simbahang Episkopal sa Pilipinas, dalangin nating lahat na matagpuan tayo ng Panginoon na tapat sa kanyang gawain. Kagaya ng panalangin ni Hesus sa Juan 17:9: “Idinadalangin ko sila. Hindi ako nananalangin para sa mga taong makamundo kundi para sa mga taong ibinigay mo sa akin, dahil sila ay iyo.” Ito rin ang panalangin natin bilang simbahan—na maging maayos, mabiyaya, at makabuluhan ang ating pagsalubong sa Vision 2028, habang sama-sama nating ipinapahayag at isinasabuhay ang pagkilala kay Hesu-Kristo na nagbibigay ng buhay na walang hanggan. Amen.

A reflection on John 17:1-11 by Bro. Mark Simongo (Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines)

Image: “Thy will be done” stained glass window at St John's Ashfield (Diocese of Sydney, Anglican Church of Australia). 📷 Toby Hudson

ECP.Official

14/05/2026

"The Church therefore calls upon all public officials and political leaders to act with wisdom, restraint, and moral courage. We urge them to place the welfare of the nation above personal ambition or partisan advantage, and to preserve the integrity of our constitutional processes. Genuine leadership is measured not by political power, but by faithfulness to justice, accountability, and service to the common good."

"We likewise encourage all our faithful members and our fellow citizens to remain vigilant, prayerful, and actively engaged in the democratic life of the nation. In moments of political uncertainty, we must stand firmly for truth, justice, and righteousness while rejecting actions that sow division and weaken public institutions."

09/05/2026

A reflection on John 14:15-21 by Deacon Annie Gallawon (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2026
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

There have been times in my life when I felt I had no name, no defender, and no home, and I lament.

Let me tell you about one of those times. I'm a deacon and had just returned home from a pastoral visit. I prayed over a dying father, held his family as they wept, spoke words of hope I wasn’t sure I felt myself, and I went home in silence after. I got to my front door but couldn’t go inside. I just sat on the stairs. The weight of their grief and my own loneliness was too heavy to bear. I gladly serve at the altar, but that night I asked, “God, who sees me? Who defends me when I’m the one who’s breaking?”

That is exactly the fear Jesus addresses in John 14:15-21. The disciples were about to watch Him die. Abandonment was choking the room. The panic of becoming an orphan was rising. But Jesus doesn’t rebuke them. Rather, He reassures them, saying: “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you” (John 14:18). But look at how He starts: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). For a moment I heard that as pressure, as a threat. As if Jesus is saying, “Prove you love Me or I’ll leave.” But that night on the stairs the Spirit showed me: It’s not a condition, it’s a connection.

Love moves, I realized. When our hearts are troubled, obedience is how we take His hand in the dark. Not to earn His presence, but because His presence is already ours. If we keep His word — forgive, pray, stay faithful in the small things — we’ll see He never left, because He didn’t leave us with rules. He left us with the Holy Spirit: “... I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever” (John 14:16). Not just as a guest who visits on Sundays, but someone who moves in.

So because of Him, listen: We’re not nameless. Our names are spoken by God. We’re not defenseless. We have an Advocate who fights for us in rooms we’ll never enter. We’re not homeless. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make Their home in us. You see, John 14:15-21 isn’t about earning God’s presence by being perfect. It’s about realizing we already have it, because love for Christ moves us to obey, and obedience opens our eyes to see He’s been here all along.

So if we’re lamenting today, if we feel unseen in our serving, unnamed in our suffering, homeless in our own hearts, then hear the Word of the Lord: We’re not orphans. The Father calls us His, the Son is not ashamed of us, and the Advocate is in us. Amen.

A reflection on John 14:15-21 by Deacon Annie Gallawon (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines)

Image: "Holy Spirit" stained glass window at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Glasgow (Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, Scottish Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion)

ECP.Official

02/05/2026

A reflection on John 14:1-14 by Bro. Aldwin Visaya (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026
"... the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do...." (John 14:12)

Our Gospel reading for this Sunday, John 14:1-14, is part of Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse” in the Upper Room immediately after the Last Supper, offering comfort to the disciples before His crucifixion, addressing their fear, confusion, and anxiety regarding His imminent departure. Jesus calms the disciples' troubled hearts and reassures them that His departure is beneficial as He goes to prepare a place in His Father’s house and declares Himself as the exclusive path to God.

Our memory verse, taken from John 14:12, "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father", is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the call to serve others in the name of Christ. Jesus is not saying that His disciples would do more amazing miracles – after all, raising the dead is about as amazing as we can get. Rather, the disciples, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, would carry the Gospel of God’s kingdom out of Palestine and into the whole world. The experiences of disciples and martyrs, known and unknown, are beautiful examples of how faith and service can intertwine to create a meaningful impact in the world.

Our community development work in the Philippines – a country where Christianity has deeply influenced our culture, values, and social structures aligns perfectly with this verse. The spread of Christianity to our country, which began in the 16th century through Spanish colonization and missionary efforts, has left a lasting legacy on the nation's identity, education, healthcare, and community life. Today, many churches and Christian organizations, like the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) continue to play a vital role in social development, education, healthcare, and community empowerment.

How our work reflects John 14:12:

1. Empowerment through service: Our Community-Based Development Program (CBDP) of the ECP, which is managed by The Episcopal CARE Foundation, Inc, involves initiatives that uplift communities, such as poverty alleviation through organizational capacity enhancement, livelihood programs, caring for the environment through the participation of carbon offsetting projects like clean-up drives, tree planting, tree growing, organic farming and solar energy utilization, and spiritual guidance. These efforts can be a mirror of the “greater works” mentioned, as they reflect the ongoing mission of Christ to bring hope, healing, and transformation.

2. Building communities: By helping communities we are fostering unity, resilience, and spiritual growth. We are very active in organizing associations and cooperatives to bind people together in communities from all walks of life, such as farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, encouraging them to share what they have to build capital for their organizations to create projects and opportunities for its members. When the organizations that we are assisting are operating on their own, that will be our “crown jewel” in our community development work. This aligns with the idea that faith is not just about personal salvation but also about serving others and building up the Body of Christ, "... to equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). We also collaborate and have partnerships with existing church groups and organization to ensure that the program is culturally relevant and sustainable.

In summary, our journey in our community development work is a powerful testimony of John 14:12. Sharing these experiences may inspire others to get involved and deepen our faith. This is a living expression of the Gospel. By helping communities through church development programs, we are not only fulfilling the call but also continuing the legacy of faith that has shaped the nation. May our efforts bring light, hope, and transformation to those we serve. This also teaches us to trust and believe in Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and live in love for others. These lessons continue to be relevant for believers today, offering comfort, direction, spiritual growth, and hope amidst the things that are happening that we can’t control. Jesus promises that believers will do His work – and even greater works – because He is going to the Father, and encouraging prayer in His name.

A reflection on John 14:1-14 by Bro. Aldwin Visaya (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon)

Image: "Hapag ng Pag-asa" (Table of Hope) by Mr. Joey A. Velasco (1967-2010), Philippines.

ECP.Official

30/04/2026

ECP VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2026 📖 💻
Join us every Sunday at 7:00PM (Philippine Standard Time) online via Zoom. All welcome!

+ May 3 (Fifth Sunday of Easter). Presenter: The Rt. Rev. Paul Barker (The Anglican Church of Australia). Biblical text: John 14:1-14. Memory verse: "... the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do...." (John 14:12)

+ May 10 (Sixth Sunday of Easter). Presenter: Mr. Justin Sto. Domingo (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines). Biblical text: John 14:15-21. Memory verse: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

+ May 17 (Seventh Sunday of Easter). Presenter: Bro. Aldwin Visaya (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon). Biblical text: John 17:1-11. Memory verse: "And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3)

+ May 24 (Day of Pentecost). Presenter: Mr. Jamie Somerville (The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia). Biblical text: John 20:19-23. Memory verse: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

+ May 31 (First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday). Presenter: Sis. Jessa Lyn Torrejas (The Episcopal Diocese of Davao). Biblical text: Matthew 28:16-20. Memory verse: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)

ECP.Official

29/04/2026

A virtual Bible Study on John 10:1-10 with Ms. Sarah Jane Kollin-Laus (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines)

25/04/2026

A reflection on John 10:1-10 by Bro. Randy Tenorio (Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026
"Ako ang pintuan." (Juan 10:9)/"I am the gate." (John 10:9)

Mga kapatid, bago ako pumasok sa seminaryo at maging handang maglingkod, aminin ko sa inyo Ako rin ay naging "nawawalang tupa."

May mga panahon na parang naliligaw ako ng landas. May mga pagkakataon na pakiramdam ko ay malayo ako sa simbahan, hindi ko alam ang patutunguhan, at parang walang saysay ang aking buhay. Tulad ng sinasabi sa Ebanghelyo nasa labas ako ng kawan ng tupa, walang proteksyon, at malayo sa Dyos ang aking puso.

Pero sa dakilang pag ibig ng Dyos kahit ako ay lumalayo sa kanya patuloy niyang inaalok ako at mahalin sya na aking Dyos. Sa halip na parusahan, inalok Niya ako ng pagkakataong bumalik. Inalok Niya ako na maging bahagi ng mamamalakaya ng ating simbahan ang hanapin ang mga tupang gala.

Mga kapatid sinasabi sa verse 1 at 10: "Ang magnanakaw ay dumarating lamang upang magnakaw, pumatay, at manira."

Noong nawawala ako, naramdaman ko ito. Ninanakaw nito ang oras ko, at muntik nang sirain ang kinabukasan ko.

Mga kapatid sa pananampalataya ganito ang nangyayari kapag lumayo tayo sa Panginoon naging biktima ka ng problema at kasalanan. Akala ko noon, ako na lang mag-isa akala ko wala nang pag-asa pero mali pala ako. Si Hesus ang Pinto ng lahat.

Sabi ni Hesus sa verse 9 "Ako ang pintuan; ang sinumang pumapasok sa pamamagitan ko ay maliligtas."

Dumating ang panahon naramdaman ko ang pagmamahal nya hindi Niya ako tinalikuran sa gitna ng mga pagkakamali ko sa halip, binuksan Niya ang pinto para sa akin.

Hindi lang Niya ako pinasok sa loob para doon lang ako. Inalok Niya ako na maglingkod at naramdaman kong hanapin ang iba.

Para rin sa mga Mananampalataya madalas, akala natin ang "nawawalang tupa" ay yung mga nasa labas lang, yung mga makasalanan o hindi nagsisimba.

Pero base sa karanasan ko maging tayong mga mananampalataya, minsan ay nawawala rin. Minsan nawawala tayo sa debosyon. Minsan nawawala tayo sa sigla. Minsan nawawala tayo sa tamang ugali kahit nasa simbahan tayo.

Kaya ang pag alok ni Hesus ay para sa lahat sa mga nasa labas man o nasa loob na. Inaalok Niya tayo bumalik sa tamang daan, manatili sa Kanyang pangangalaga, at Magsilbi sa iba dahil naranasan na natin ang Kanyang kabutihan.

Mga kapatid, Kung ikaw ay nawawala, may pinto na magbubukas.

Huwag tayong matakot lumapit kay Hesus gaya ng ginawa Niya sa akin, tatanggapin Niya tayo, siya lang ang makakapagbigay sa atin ng tunay na kapahingahan kahit minsan tayo ang lumalayo sa kanya. Kapatid motanggapin mo ang alok Niya ngayon. Bumalik ka sa Pinto, at hayaang gamitin ka Niya para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian.

Sa pangalan ni Hesus, Amen.

A reflection on John 10:1-10 by Bro. Randy Tenorio (Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines)

Image: "The Lord's My Shepherd" (Psalm 23) stained glass window at St Albans Cathedral (The Diocese of St Albans, The Church of England, Anglican Communion).

ECP.Official