Hello! Disappointment can make people defensive. As a result, we must find a way to channel it. The beginning of today's gospel describes Judas leaving the Last Supper while Jesus and the rest of the disciples remain. What was the cause? Judas is frustrated because Jesus knew what he would do next. According to Matthew's gospel, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which troubled Judas. Feeling desperate, Judas departs from the Last Supper! While the gospel begins with personal selfishness, disconnection, and betrayal, it concludes with the latter apostles' love, faithfulness, and unity only because of Jesus' commandment.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! We learn and mimic our mother's characteristics at a very early stage of life, one of which is her voice. Research shows that babies might begin to hear their mom's voice around 23 to 26 weeks in the mother's womb. Thus, this development helps the infants distinguish between their mother's voices and the voices of others shortly after birth. From the mysterious ways of life, we believe that God has instilled in them the instinct that they could communicate with their children to great lengths that she brings us to life and subsistence.
In today's first reading, the Acts of the Apostles illustrates a scenario where the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem aggrieved the first apostles. While preaching and healing in the essence of Jesus' love and power, the Jewish leaders warn them not to do good deeds in the name of Jesus. How so? The religious leaders fear that the name of Jesus could reincite public attention regarding the execution they inflicted on Him. Indeed, the name of the Jewish man they once tried to eradicate vexed their memories!
It was a joyful Easter Sunday, and I hope you will experience the spirit of the Risen Christ every day! On Easter Sunday, as I was driving along the 60 freeway, I saw the parks were filled with people and their families camping and picnicking together. Their gatherings shared various aspects of life, supporting each other. We must recognize that the good influence of a collective system is intense. Whenever a group of people gathers together in a spirit of collaboration for the common good of others, the outcome is enormous.