"THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR DEATH IS TO SPEND

EVERY DAY OF LIFE AS THOUGH IT WERE THE LAST."

                                      -Saint Philip Neri 

By treating today as your final day, you are forced to

strip away trivial anxieties and focus entirely on the present moment

When you remove the illusion of having unlimited time,

you naturally gravitate toward loved ones,

passions, and meaningful experiences rather than superficial stressors.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

1 Peter 1:10-16

This was the salvation

For which the prophets so eagerly looked when, in days past, they foretold the favor of God, with regard to you.

But they could only investigate when the Spirit of Christ present within them,

pointed out the time and the circumstances of this, the sufferings of Christ, and the glories which would follow.

It was revealed to them that they were working, not for themselves,

but for you. Thus, in these days, after the Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven,

the gospel's preachers have taught you these mysteries, which even the angels long to see.

 

So, then, let your spirit be ready. Be alert, with confident trust, in the grace you will receive,

when Jesus Christ appears. Like obedient children, do not return to your former life,

given over to ignorance and passions. Imitate the one who called you.

As he is holy, so you, too, be holy, in all your conduct, since Scripture says: Be holy for I am holy.

 

Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

 The Lord has made known his salvation.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

Mark 10:28-31

Peter spoke up and said, "We have given up everything to follow you." Jesus answered,

"Truly, there is no one who has left house, or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children,

or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you:

even in the midst of persecution, he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers,

sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time; and, in the world to come,

eternal life. Do pay attention: many who now are the first will be last, and the last, first."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Each of us has a unique calling from God.

One significant aspect of a man entering a seminary to train for the priesthood is the need to relocate

and leave behind his familiar surroundings for the seminary community.

Many seminarians come from various regions within a diocese,

departing from the comfort of their homes and families.

They are genuinely committed to pursuing God's calling for them.

 

This theme resonates with Jesus' emphasis when he affirmed his disciples,

who chose to follow him as itinerant preachers.

They left behind their comforts and personal plans to respond to God's call for their mission.

Although we may not be called to a life in the seminary or as missionaries, each of us has a unique

calling from God. This also requires a willingness to give and surrender to God to thrive

in our journey of following Jesus. Through our response, we also recognize

that those who courageously respond to God have found

many sisters, brothers, and parents connected through faith.