Uphold Truth and Justice

“Are  you such fools, 

O children of Israel! 

To condemn 

a woman of Israel 

without examination 

and without clear evidence?" 

(Daniel 13:48)

God’s all-encompassing knowledge and understanding far surpass human comprehension. He knows everything, including what is hidden from human perception and what is yet to happen.

It is important to always seek truth, justice, and the divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent. This is the essence of faith in divine wisdom and justice. This faith can guide us in our actions and decisions, encouraging us to uphold truth and justice in our own lives. Let us have a deep faith in God’s omniscience. 

In realms unseen, where human minds can't tread,

God's wisdom vast, a tapestry is spread.

He knows it all, the hidden and the seen,

The past, the now, and what has yet to glean.

A faith profound in His omniscience deep,

In hearts of us, let's earnestly upkeep.

To seek the truth, to justice always cleave,

In divine wisdom, let us firmly believe.

For He, the Just, can save the innocent,

His wisdom divine, a saving testament.

This faith in God, a beacon in our lives,

Guides our actions, in justice it thrives.

So let us walk this path of righteousness,

With faith in God, His wisdom our fortress.

In every decision, in every strife,

Let truth and justice be the guide of life.

Dear God, the All-Knowing and All-Seeing,

Your knowledge and understanding far surpass our human comprehension. You know everything, including what is hidden from our perception and what is yet to happen. We acknowledge Your omniscience and place our trust in You.

Help us to have a deep faith in Your all-encompassing knowledge. Guide us to always seek truth and justice, and to rely on Your divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent.

We recognize that this is the essence of our faith in Your divine wisdom and justice. Let this faith guide us in our actions and decisions, encouraging us to uphold truth and justice in our own lives.

In times of doubt and uncertainty, remind us of Your unending wisdom and love. Help us to see Your hand in all things and to trust in Your perfect plan.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Appendix

SUSANNA'S VIRTUE

Daniel 13:1-62

First Reading | Daniel 13:41-62 (or Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62)

41 The assembly condemned Susanna to death. 42 But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: 43 you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me.” 44 The Lord heard her prayer. 45 As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, 46 and he cried aloud: “I will have no part in the death of this woman.” 47 All the people turned and asked him, “What is this you are saying?” 48 He stood in their midst and continued, “Are you such fools, O children of Israel! To condemn a woman of Israel without examination and without clear evidence? 49 Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.” 50 Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, “Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age.” 51 But he replied, “Separate these two far from one another that I may examine them.” 52 After they were separated one from the other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term: 53 passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’ 54 Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.” 55 “Under a mastic tree,” he answered. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him and split you in two.” 56 Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. Daniel said to him, “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you, lust has subverted your conscience. 57 This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness. 58 Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.” 59 “Under an oak,” he said. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to make an end of you both.” 60 The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those that hope in him. 61 They rose up against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. According to the law of Moses, they inflicted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor: 62 they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

Background:

The passage you’ve shared is from the Book of Daniel in the Bible, specifically from the story of Susanna (Daniel 13:41-62). This story is considered a part of the deuterocanonical books by some Christian traditions, such as the Catholic and Orthodox churches, but is not included in the Protestant Bible.

In this story, two elders falsely accuse Susanna of adultery when she rejects their advances. They testify that they saw her committing adultery under a tree. Susanna is condemned to death based on their testimony. However, a young man named Daniel, inspired by God, intervenes. He cross-examines the elders separately, asking each one under which tree they saw Susanna committing the act. Their answers differ, proving their testimony false. The elders are then put to death, and Susanna’s innocence is affirmed.

This story is often seen as a testament to the importance of truth, justice, and the divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent. It also highlights Daniel’s wisdom and his role as a just judge. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Speak the Truth

Holding onto anger and seeking revenge only leads to destructive outcomes. 

We should not compromise our morals because of peer pressure. 

We should stand up for what is right, be courageous in our convictions, seek justice, and live with integrity, even in the face of danger or opposition.  

Let us be advocates for justice and righteousness, standing against wrongs even when it is difficult.

John spoke with courage, clear and bold, 

To Herod, tales of truth were told. 

"It is not lawful," John did declare, 

For Herod's sin, he could not bear.

Herodias' grudge, a burning flame, 

Sought John's life, to end his name. 

But Herod feared the holy man, 

And kept him safe within his plan.

Though in the shadows, John did stay, 

His words of truth would light the way. 

For righteousness, his heart did yearn, 

In Herod's court, his spirit burned.

Lord Jesus, 

You gave John the courage to speak the truth, even when faced with danger and opposition. Help us to stand firm in our convictions, and to trust in Your guidance and protection.

Grant us the strength to speak out against injustice, and the wisdom to do so with love and compassion. May we be righteous and holy in Your sight, and find comfort in Your presence, even in times of trial.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

HEROD'S OPINION OF JESUS / THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Mark 6:14-16 / 17-29

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel | Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah;” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Know the Truth

"If you continue 

in my word, 

you are truly 

my disciples, 

and you will 

know the truth, 

and the truth 

will make you free." 

(John 8:31)

And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says "I know him" but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4). "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)

"You seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God" (John 8:40).

Published:

December 30, 2010, 9:19 AM

Bear Witness to the Truth

“You say that I am a king. 

For this I was born, 

and for this I have 

come into the world, 

to bear witness to the truth. 

Everyone who is of the truth 

hears my voice.” 

(John 18:37)

Jesus acknowledges His kingship but clarifies that His kingdom is not of this world. This teaches us about the spiritual nature of His reign and the importance of focusing on heavenly rather than earthly power. 

Being open to the truth and living by it enables us to recognize and follow Jesus' teachings. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. His mission to bear witness to the truth highlights the value of truth and integrity. He encourages us to seek and uphold the truth in our own lives. This also emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and being committed to our mission in life.

Reflecting on these lessons can inspire us to live with greater purpose, integrity, and a focus on spiritual truths.

In the quiet of the night, a truth was born, 

A light to pierce the veil, a dawn to mourn. 

"You say that I am a king," He spoke with grace, 

"For this I was born, to take my place."

A crown not of gold, but of thorns and pain, 

A kingdom not of earth, but of heaven's reign. 

"For this I have come into the world," He said, 

To bear witness to the truth, to be the bread.

In the hearts of the faithful, His voice is clear, 

A call to the truth, to those who hear. 

"Everyone who is of the truth," He proclaimed, 

"Hears my voice," in love, unashamed.

Through trials and shadows, His light does shine, 

A beacon of hope, a love divine. 

Born to bear witness, to lead and to guide, 

In His truth, we find our stride.

Lord Jesus, King of Kings, You declared, "For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." We come before You, seeking Your truth and guidance.

Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith, to bear witness to Your love and grace, and to follow Your voice in all that we do.

Help us to live with integrity and purpose, to seek Your kingdom above all else, and to be beacons of Your light in this world.

May we always hear Your voice and be guided by Your wisdom and truth. In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE TRIAL BEFORE PILATE

John 18:33-37

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!

Gospel: John 18:33-37

33 Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." 37 Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice."

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Live in the Light of Truth

 "What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; 

what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops."

MATTHEW 10 : 27

Lord Jesus, You are the light of my life. Be praised and glorified O Lord for making me see things as they are.

In You, nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. I humbly ask O Lord that You help me live in the light of Your truth. Put falsehood away from me and strengthen me to resist any form of wrongdoing. Let You love and goodness be my strongest weapon to fight the evils of the world.

My faith and trust is in you alone. Although I am surrounded by ravenous wolves who seeks to devour me, I stand strong and confident that for so long as I am with you, no harm can ever come to me. Thank You so much for Your Spirit that makes me deal with every situation in a manner that pleases You. 

You have given me so much peace even in times of troubles and have greatly increased my patience and endurance. Who else can I turn to except You who is my lone savior, protector, and master? You alone are the most valuable treasure that I have and I love you very much. 

With much love, gratitude, thanksgiving and praise I pray. Amen.

Published:

July 15, 2013, 11:21 AM

Speaking the Truth

From His side, a river flowed,

Blood and water, love bestowed.

Symbol of a sacrifice divine,

God's love for us, forever enshrined.

Son of God, yet humble in heart,

To the Father's will, He did impart.

Unto death, His obedience did span,

A lesson of humility for every woman and man.

In our journey, as we tread,

By His example, we are led.

Humility and obedience, our guide,

In His footsteps, we confide.

God's promises, a beacon bright,

Guiding us through the darkest night.

Faithful to fulfill, He stands,

Holding us in His mighty hands.

Even when adversity is nigh,

Our faith in Him, we amplify.

Bold and steadfast, we remain,

In His love, we are sustained.

Witness to the truth of Christ we bear,

His love and grace, we openly share.

In our lives, His truth resounds,

In His love, we are profoundly found.

REFLECTION:

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. (John 19:35)

The piercing of Jesus’ side, from which flowed blood and water, symbolizes the outpouring of God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s salvation. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey. 

Let us trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. Even in the face of adversity, we should be steadfast and bold in our faith, and bear witness to the truth of Christ in our own lives.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging the symbol of Your love and sacrifice. The piercing of Your side, from which flowed blood and water, is a powerful reminder of the depth of Your love and the extent of Your sacrifice for our salvation.

Despite being the Son of God, You humbly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey. Help us to follow Your example, to submit to the Father's will with a humble heart, and to obey His commandments faithfully.

We trust in Your promises, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill them. Even in the face of adversity, help us to be steadfast and bold in our faith. May we bear witness to the truth of Your love and sacrifice in our own lives.

In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE BLOOD AND WATER

John 19:31-37

Gospel | John 19:31-37

Gospel Acclamation

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord; and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

31 Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, 34 but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. 36 For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. 37 And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

Background:

John 19:31-37 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of John. This passage describes the events that took place after Jesus’ crucifixion.

On the day of Preparation for the Sabbath, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath, especially because that Sabbath was a day of great solemnity. Therefore, they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. This was in accordance with Jewish law, which prohibited bodies from remaining on the cross during the Sabbath.

The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who had been crucified with Jesus. However, when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.

These events fulfilled the Scriptures that said, “Not one of His bones shall be broken” and "They will look on Him whom they have pierced". The account of the piercing of Jesus’ side is unique to the Gospel of John.

This passage underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the events of Jesus’ death and affirms the truth of Jesus’ messiahship. It also emphasizes the importance of witness and testimony in establishing faith.

Learning Lessons:

John 19:31-37 offers several spiritual lessons:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The events surrounding Jesus’ death were not random, but fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecies. This teaches us about the sovereignty of God and the reliability of His Word.

The Importance of Witness: The account emphasizes the role of witness and testimony in establishing faith. It reminds us to bear witness to the truth of Christ in our own lives.

God’s Love and Sacrifice: The piercing of Jesus’ side, from which flowed blood and water, symbolizes the outpouring of God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s salvation.

Humility and Obedience: Despite being the Son of God, Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey.

Trust in God’s Promises: Even in death, Jesus was protected by God, fulfilling the promise that not one of His bones would be broken. This encourages us to trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.

Boldness in Faith: Despite the circumstances, the disciples remained bold in their faith. This teaches us to be steadfast and bold in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

Let’s pray and seek God’s wisdom to apply these lessons in our daily lives.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Consecrate in the Truth

"Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. 

As you sent me into world, so I sent them into the world. 

And I consecrate myself for them, 

so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

(John 17:17-19)

Jesus desires that we have the full measure of His joy within us as His disciples. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We need divine protection in a world filled with spiritual dangers. God’s word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified to by the truth. We live in the world but not be of the world. Let us continue Jesus’ mission in the world and to pray for others, interceding on their behalf.

In the heart of every disciple, a joy does reside,

A joy from Jesus, in whom we confide.

The joy of the Lord, our strength, our song,

Guiding us, uplifting us, making us strong.

In a world of dangers, seen and unseen,

We need divine protection, a shield serene.

God's word is truth, a beacon so bright,

Guiding us through the darkest night.

As believers, by truth, we've been sanctified,

In God's love and grace, we have confided.

Though we live in the world, we're not of its mold,

In God's kingdom, we have a stronghold.

Jesus' mission in the world, we continue to uphold,

Spreading His love, a story to be told.

Praying for others, interceding in prayer,

Showing God's love, His mercy, His care.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging Your desire for us to have the full measure of Your joy within us. We understand that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and we seek to experience this joy in our daily lives.

We recognize the spiritual dangers in the world and pray for Your divine protection. Guard us from harm and guide us in Your ways.

We affirm that Your word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified by this truth. Help us to live out this sanctification in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Though we live in the world, we are not of the world. Help us to remember this as we navigate the challenges of life.

We are committed to continuing Your mission in the world. Empower us to spread Your love and truth to those around us.

Finally, we pray for others, interceding on their behalf. May Your grace and mercy touch their lives.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons:

III: The Book of Glory

THE PRAYER OF JESUS

John 17:1-26

John 17:11-19 is part of a prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. This prayer is recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 17, and it marks the conclusion of the Last Discourse.

In this prayer, Jesus prays for the disciples the Father has given him. Here’s a brief background of these verses:

John 17:11-12: Jesus prays for the unity and protection of His disciples. He asks the Father to keep them true to His name, so that they may be one like the Father and the Son. He mentions that He guarded them while He was with them, and none of them was lost except the one destined to be lost (referring to Judas Iscariot), fulfilling the scriptures.

John 17:13-19: Jesus expresses His desire for His disciples to have the full measure of His joy within them. He acknowledges that He has given them God’s word, and because they do not belong to the world, the world has hated them. He prays not for them to be taken out of the world, but to be protected from the evil one. He emphasizes that they do not belong to the world, just as He does not belong to the world. He asks the Father to sanctify them by the truth, stating that God’s word is truth. He mentions that just as the Father sent Him into the world, He has sent them into the world. For their sakes, He sanctifies Himself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

This prayer underscores the themes of unity, protection, joy, sanctification, and truth. It reflects Jesus’ deep concern for His disciples and His desire for them to remain faithful and unified in the face of upcoming challenges.

John 17:11-19 offers several valuable lessons:

Unity: Jesus prays for the unity of His disciples. He asks the Father to keep them true to His name, so that they may be one like the Father and the Son. This teaches us the importance of unity among believers.

Protection: Jesus prays for the protection of His disciples. He asks the Father to protect them from the evil one12. This underscores the need for divine protection in a world filled with spiritual dangers.

Joy: Jesus expresses His desire for His disciples to have the full measure of His joy within them. This teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Sanctification: Jesus asks the Father to sanctify His disciples by the truth. He states that God’s word is truth. This highlights the role of God’s word in our sanctification.

Mission: Jesus mentions that just as the Father sent Him into the world, He has sent His disciples into the world. This teaches us that as believers, we are called to continue Jesus’ mission in the world.

Intercession: Jesus’ prayer for His disciples shows us the importance of intercessory prayer. It teaches us to pray for others, interceding on their behalf.

Worldliness: Jesus acknowledges that His disciples do not belong to the world, just as He does not belong to the world. This teaches us to live in the world but not be of the world.

These lessons can guide us in our faith journey, helping us to live out our faith with integrity, joy, and perseverance. (Copilot)