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DAILY GOSPEL
Friday, 29th March 2024

Matthew 26:14-25

Date posted: April 17, 2019

Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”‘
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.
Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”
He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Reflection
This gospel reminds us of the various conflicts, betrayal and deceit that we have experienced from time to time in our lives. It is comforting to know that God, our refuge and hiding place is always with us, and he will deliver us from our situation in this period of darkness. He will strengthen and give us His perfect peace in the midst of our difficulties and sufferings. May the Lord Jesus’ sacrifices, offerings and death help us to be strong in our faith so we can receive his grace to respond with a compassionate, loving and forgiving heart to others especially for those who have wronged us. Have there been times in our lives when we also have betrayed Jesus?  Jesus will never stop loving and inviting us to come to him no matter what we do! Will you accept his call? What hinders you to accept his invitation?

Lasallian Guiding Principle
LGP states that “Zeal is the active expression of faith in gospel witness and service.” This only affirms that as Lasallians, our journey in life must be guided by God’s unconditional love and mercy. We must follow the Lord’s self-sacrificing love and ways so can go the extra mile in selflessly serving people especially the lowest, least and lost in the society. Dearest God, give Lasallians the strength to persevere in prayer despite all the setbacks and difficulties helping others especially for those who are against us. Forgive us if we fail to become living witnesses of your goodness, compassion and healing love. Lord God, please touch the Lasallians. Heal us. Change our sinful minds, hearts, desires and ways. Work in our lives.  We offer you all that we are and all that we do for your greater glory. Amen.

Prayer for the Tercentenary of the Founder’s passing to Eternal Life (Adapted)
God, our Father and Mother, You love us with endless mercy. You call us to be your sons and daughters. Give us a generous heart:  A heart of flesh that “burns within us.” A heart always willing to love. A compassionate heart for those who suffer. A heart where there is a place for all Lasallians around the world. Lord Jesus, you call us to follow you. Give us the courage to live our commitment. Teach us to go beyond our borders. Teach us to discover you in the lowliest. Teach us to look with the eyes of faith. Teach us to share our mission with all Lasallians of the whole world. Holy Spirit, You call us to live with joy. Fill us with your grace to live the values of the Gospel. Fill us with your grace to be active members in your Church. Fill us with your grace so that we may be credible witnesses, together with the entire Lasallian Family, in the midst of our world. Together and by association, we wish to renew our Lasallian commitment, and, in an attitude of thanksgiving, celebrate these 300 years of life. We ask this through Mary’s intercession, Queen and Mother of the Christian Schools and through the intercession of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Universal Patron of Christian Educators. Amen.

Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Value: Zeal for service (Nurturing service)
Culture Theme: We give selflessly and receive graciously.
Productivity Theme: Going the extra mile.
Week 4:   We are willing to make personal sacrifices.


Sources:

C.(n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved April 15, 2019, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/
DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family, p8.

(Prepared: Nancy Anticamara Balatay)

Our Daily Lasallian Reflection and Prayer is DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder, SJBDLS.