Simple Diakonia Deacon Hector Ortiz

"I am the good shepherd."

Reflection:
Jesus is truth, strength, and protection. Under his care, faith sanctifies frailty; hope overcomes darkness; charity provides shelter.

Today's Intention
Lord, be my shepherd today and always.

Peace and Goodness

"Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised." (Mark 16:6)

Reflection
Holy Saturday is hope; the time of the Resurrection. Jesus has overcome sin and death. Let us rejoice, for today, salvation has come to us through the water and blood of our Lord.

Today's Intention
Jesus, your Resurrection is the hope of our lives, the never-ending light. Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.

Peace and Goodness

Reflection
Good Friday is the affirmation of faith.
There are many aspects of our lives that are always not in our control. Some of them cause us a great deal of inconvenience and, at times, sorrow. Jesus on the Cross shows us that no one is immune from life's perils and injustice. However, when we place our trust in God, life's trials offer transformation and redemption.

Today's Intention
Lord Jesus, you give us the Passion as a sign of trust in your Father and the Holy Spirit. We ask that you move our hearts with the same grace of faith.

Peace and Goodness

"I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (John 13:15)

Reflection

The foundation of Holy Thursday is charity.

Aware of the certainty of the Cross and confident in his victory over death, Jesus focused on what he did throughout his ministry, serving others. He taught a model of service to his disciples by washing their feet, the lowest of a servant's duties at the time.

Today's Intention
May we be blessed this the Holy Thursday, O Lord, with the graces of charity, which flow from the Father through the Holy Spirit.

Peace and Goodness

The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced." (Isaiah 50:7)

Reflection
Fear is death when humiliation is its cause. When we place our faith in God, however, disgrace produces life. The Word of God humbled Himself that we may live. He embraced dishonor in exchange for our redemption.

Holy Week symbolizes victory over humiliation. The overcoming of light over darkness, life over death.

Today's Intention
O Lord, walk with us this Holy Week. May we do not let disgrace prevent us from living our faith.

Peace and Goodness

"I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6)

Reflection
We hear it over and over again, yet sometimes we do not get it. Jesus' servant mission was universal. He is the shepherd of every child. Despite what we may imagine, Jesus is the savior for all. Holy Week is the light that shines on that truth.

Today's Intention
Jesus, help us to become a light of salvation this Holy Week and beyond.

Peace and Goodness