Lectio Divina – October 7, 2023 | Saturday of the Twenty-six Sunday in Ordinary Time, Memorial of Our Lady of Victories, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary de La Naval

“Fear not, my children; call out to God!“

Proper of Readings for the Saturday on the Twenty-six Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection by Sis Aaliyah Belles

I have a feeling that this reading is meant for me to read as I have been going through quite some things over the past few weeks because the passage that I have chosen strongly states that I must return to God with ten times more determination as He is the one who brought disaster to me, but He is also the one who will save me. It struck my mind that all of these problems I am going through will all be resolved little by little as I return to my responsibilities as a Catholic. To be frank, I lost hope, completely drained, nothing. I had this conversation with my mom, as I was telling her my problems recently and asked her why is it happening to me, she said “Baka dahil hindi ka na lumalabas at nagsisimba? Dati lagi ka na sa Loreto, ngayon hindi ka na nakikipaghalubilo,” I then realized maybe she was right, I isolated myself too much thinking it was an easier way to escape my problems, yet still here I am. There is a meme circulating on the internet about people saying “Lord tama na po, I am not your strongest soldier.” I do say that as well, thinking about why God keeps giving me problems that I cannot handle, but then again, they say that God works in mysterious ways, it was a test of faith, and I failed. But as stated earlier, even if you fail with his obstacles, He will welcome you back with open arms as long as you believe in Him and that will make your faith much stronger than before. To everyone who is facing the same thing, especially those who just entered college, let us do our very best to come back, even stronger.

Point of Reflection:

1. Where do I fall short in my faith when it comes to my relationship with the Lord?
2. What can I do to get back “10 times” stronger?
3. Recognize and acknowledge your strengths on why you are God’s “strongest solider”?

Final Prayer

Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life your promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

About the Contributor

Sis Aaliyah Belles is the Committee Head for New Evangelization, Catholic Education and Catechesis of the YFIA Movement. She is currently studying BS in Nursing at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).