The story of the healing and the raising of the dead shows us that Jesus is omnipotent. Two completely different people benefited from Jesus’ divine power: A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years and a 12yearold girl who had died. In both cases, faith made it possible for the miracle to happen. Take note that the woman with her hemorrhage and the father of the little girl overcame the crowd and put faith in Jesus in their hearts and God’s divine action flowed into their lives.

The disciples were awed and struck after they witnessed what Jesus did. There is power in His words that even the wind and the sea obey Him. They are left pondering the question of the real identity of Jesus. Most of Jesus’ disciples are good Jews. They believe that God alone has power over nature. And yet, they just witnessed a man who seemed to have absolute control over the forces of nature. And the ease that Jesus commanded the winds: Quiet! Be still! How is it that He acted as if with divine power? They did not know He is the Emmanuel; God is with us.

St. Paul says: Walk by faith and not by sight. As Christians, we have faith and total confidence in God. We know the Lord is with us. The introductory dialogue of the Mass reminds us of this truth: The Lord is with you. He is on our side, working for our good. St. Paul believes this because he is a man of faith and trust in God. Unfortunately, not all are at that level in their faith, and many are anxious for fear of losing control of their lives. That is like walking by sight and not by faith.

Scribes who came from Jerusalem must have heard the power of Jesus. What they heard was true; Jesus had power over demons, but instead of ascribing this power to God, they accused Him of acting in the name of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. In the same scene, the crowds criticized Him for being out of His mind or beside Himself because He failed to nourish Himself properly. Sometimes, the ministry could be the most unrewarding service; there will always be people up to the guns of criticizing, judging, and misunderstanding our intentions, methods, and actions. In ministry, most of the time, there is no such thing as a winwin situation: whatever work, service, or ministry.

In the first reading, the blood of animals symbolizes a covenant-making ritual. Sprinkling the blood on the people means God and the people are making the covenant together. The blood has two symbolisms: 1.) Kinship: God and Israel now share the same blood, and 2.) Death: May my blood be shed, like these animals, if I fail to keep my covenant commitment. On the other hand, in the New Testament, the blood of Jesus Christ seals the new covenant. The Holy Eucharist is the sacrifice of the new covenant where His flesh is real food, and His blood is the true drink of the New Covenant, the cup of salvation.

In Christian baptism, the formulae words are: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And before receiving the sacrament, they respond to a threepart question when asked to confess the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit with I do. The faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity (CCC. 232). Today, we celebrate the central mystery of our FAITH, God’s mystery, the Holy Trinity.

Today, the Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the Birthday of the Church, the coming of the Holy Spirit that transpired ten (10) days after the Ascension of Our Lord. We go back to the scene when the disciples of Jesus with the Blessed Mother were inside the Upper Room, the Cenacle. Suddenly, they heard from the sky a strong wind that shook the Cenacle,and tongues of fire appeared and settled on those who were there.

Jesus commissioned His disciples at the Ascension to go to the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. The mandate is to go forth to the world and announce the GOOD NEWS. The World Youth Day, 1995, Manila theme song captures this command:TELL the world of His love!

Let us tell the world of His love, the greatest love the world has known. Search the world for those who have walked astray and lead them home. Fill the world's darkest corners with His light from up above. Walk every step, every mile, every road, and tell the world, tell the world of His love.

Jesus loves us unconditionally and greatly: should we not be convicted by His love? Often, our love for Him is shallow, wavering, and conditional. Yet, He loves us no matter what, and He even calls us His friends, “You are my friends, and I no longer call you slaves.” In truth, we all have a long, long way to go on the road of love. I pray that we all pray the Jesus’ prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Let no one of us be selfrighteous and proud.

Our Easter journey continues as we reflect on the last I am revelations of Jesus in the Gospel of John. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. Last Sunday, He revealed Himself by saying I am the Good Shepherd who lay down my life for the sheep. Today, Jesus presents another image: The True Vine - to show us how we unite with Him and share in His One life. The way a branch is attached to a vine and receives nourishment through it.

The first three Sundays of Easter bring us back to the days after the resurrection and deepen our understanding and appreciation of the meaning of the empty tomb. The Lord has Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Using the oldest yet the most common occupation in His time, Jesus uses the imagery of shepherding, a hint of His sacrifice and mission. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. On Good Shepherd Sunday, our Easter journey continues, knowing that we are in the watchful care of the Divine GOOD Shepherd.

Divine Mercy Sunday, we reflected on Thomas' experience and moving confession of faith. Today, the Gospel brings us back to the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and the unbelief of the Apostles on the first day of Easter. Cleopas and another disciple left Jerusalem frustrated and defeated when they met Jesus. Initially, they did not know it was Jesus and how they finally recognized Him in The Breaking of the Bread.

After the death of Jesus, his disciples scattered, afraid and unsure of their fate, but in the end, their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ prevailed. The newfound faith of the disciples led to a profound sense of unity among them. Their Easter faith has changed the way they live their lives. When we accept Jesus in our midst, the risen Lord is with us, and He is one with His Church, we can overcome our worries about our needs and the fear of those who act against the Church. Hopefully, like the first community of believers, with one heart and mind, we can freely and joyfully look after one another’s needs.