Youth for Christ Sto. Tomas Cluster

02142012

James 1:12-18/ Psalm 94

Gospel: Mark 8: 14-21

Now they had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “We have no bread.” And being aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” ”And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

WAY BACK INTO LOVE

Don’t worry, it’s just Valentine’s Day.

Saint Valentine’s Day or commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day is a holiday observed on February 14 to honor a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. Traditionally, it is a day for lovers to express their love to each other–commonly by giving flowers.

Today, we usually go for that special someone to go out on a date with, and if we don’t find that special someone, we look for things that can keep us preoccupied, in order to keep our minds away from the fact that, some of us, don’t have a date. But is that really what today is all about? Is it really just about us having that someone? Have we limited loving to exist only between two people?

Have you hardened your heart?

In the gospel, Jesus and his disciples were travelling on a boat. The disciples were worried that they might not have enough bread to make it in their trip. The were too anxious about not having enough to eat. So worried that they were no longer able to listen to what Jesus was saying. Jesus advised them to shift their thoughts of poverty to sufficiency, and reminded them of the miracle He did with five loaves of bread.

Every Valetine’s Day we always encounter one question, “Do you already have a date? Are you going out with someone?” We are too clouded by that question that we forget that it’s not only about having a ‘date’ with someone. Why not go out on a date with your parents, maybe with your siblings, a dear friend, or even treat yourself?

There’s a plenitude of ways to spend the day. Just as there are gazillion of ways to express love. Let’s not worry too much about how today will fare. Besides, this day was meant for us to celebrate love. Let us then be grateful for receving the best love there is–God’s love. It’s the kind that lasts beyond a lifetime.

Writer: Jeus Lauzon | Artist: Teenie Gem Villaroman

via CFCYOUTHFORCHRIST.NET