Mark-Lee T. Isidro

20/10/2025

Live with alert hearts and active faith, ready to meet Christ at any moment. Because true discipleship means not just believing, but living daily in a posture of service and readiness...

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?
Picture this: you've got a big exam coming up, or maybe it's the most important job interview of your life. You wouldn't show up unprepared, right? Of course not! In the same way, today I want to ask you a thought-provoking question: Are you ready for the most significant event in your life? Not a test, not a job interview, but the return of Jesus Christ.

Let's dive into our gospel reading from 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟱-𝟯𝟴 and explore how this passage can guide us and see how it applies to our lives.

The passage begins by urging individuals to be dressed and ready for service with lamps burning. This is a call for readiness and alertness. In a broader spiritual sense, it encourages believers to be prepared for the coming of Christ or any divine event.

Imagine you're about to compete in a major sports event, like the Super Bowl or Olympics. You wouldn't stroll onto the field in your pajamas, right? You'd be dressed, prepared, and fully awake. Likewise, Jesus encourages us to be ready, like athletes in the game of life. This means actively living out our faith, staying spiritually awake, and being prepared for His return.

Jesus uses the analogy of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. The servants are expected to be ready and attentive when the master arrives. This metaphorically represents the Christian's relationship with Jesus, where believers should always be prepared for His return.

Think of Jesus as a dear friend who's been away for a long time, but He's finally coming back for a visit. How would you welcome a friend like that? You'd be excited, ready to hang out and share in their joy. Similarly, we're Jesus' friends, and He's coming back for us. This passage calls us to be ready, not out of fear but out of love and anticipation.

Additionally, the passage suggests that those servants who are found watching and prepared when the master returns will be rewarded. Jesus, in this context, is portrayed as a generous master who, when he returns, will bless those who have been faithful by serving and waiting for him.

Imagine acing that tough exam or nailing that job interview. The sense of accomplishment and the reward that follows - it's a pretty great feeling, isn't it? In the same way, if we are found faithful and watchful when Christ returns, there's a reward in store for us. He promises to bless us in ways we can't even imagine.

What is that reward? The passage emphasizes the surprising nature of the master's actions. Instead of being served by the servants, the master is depicted as dressing himself to serve them and having them recline at the table. This inversion of roles highlights the rewards and blessings that await those who are faithful and prepared.

Think of a mentor or leader in your life, someone you admire and respect. Now, imagine that person turning the tables and saying, "I'm here to serve you." It would be surprising and humbling, right? Well, Jesus, our Master, promises something even more incredible. He will serve us! So, don't you want to be there, ready and waiting, to experience that?

So, my friend, are you ready to shine in the Master's light? Whether you're just starting your journey of faith or you've been walking it for a while, remember that Jesus is coming back, and He's coming back for you!

Stay prepared, stay excited, and be faithful. Embrace the challenge of being watchful and live in the joy of knowing that when the Master returns, you'll not only receive the greatest rewards, but you'll also experience the incredible love and service of the One who calls you His friend.

Let this message motivate you to live with purpose, love, and anticipation, and to be a light in the world, shining brightly until the Master returns!

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for the guidance and wisdom we find in your Word. As we contemplate on the message of being ready for Your return, we ask for your help in preparing our hearts and lives.

Lord, grant us the strength to be spiritually awake, to be dressed and ready for the journey, just like athletes preparing for the game of life. Help us to actively live out our faith and be prepared for the moment when you return.

We embrace the joy of being your friends, eagerly awaiting the day you come back to be with us. Fill us with anticipation and love for your return, and help us to spread that anticipation to others.

May our faithfulness be a reflection of our love for you, and may we be found faithful and watchful when you return. We trust in your promise of rewards beyond our imagination, and we thank you for your incredible love and service.

Lord, help us to grasp the astonishing truth that you, the Master, will serve us, and may this fill our hearts with humility and gratitude.

We ask for your blessings and guidance as we strive to be a light in this world, shining brightly until the day of your glorious return.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

20/10/2025

What a blessing to witness love and faith come fully legal and sacramental! 💍🥰 From facilitating this couple during their Pre-Cana to standing with them at the altar on their wedding day — truly an honor and a joy! Congratulations, Genesis and Myra! 🕊️💞✝️

Thank you for letting us be part of your beautiful journey.

May God bless your marriage with many years of love, laughter, and growing together in faith. ❤️🙏

Special joy too to see a kababayan from Guinayangan, Quezon start this new chapter!

20/10/2025

Live as if Jesus could return anytime, with a heart always ready to welcome Him.

20/10/2025

Wealth and comfort are not evil, but when they become our main pursuit, they can make us spiritually poor.

20/10/2025

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱!
It was such a joy to facilitate the Couple’s Dialogue Workshop on ‘Dreaming for the Family’ with an inspiring Italian-Filipina couple who will soon tie the knot! Truly amazing how love unites two different cultures into one beautiful story.

Special thanks to Sis Cecille of CFC for sharing your wisdom and heartfelt advice, Tito Jun for your steady guidance, and to my loving wife for always supporting me in this ministry of serving the Church. 💕✝️

Grateful to be part of God’s work in building strong, faith-filled families. 🙏🇮🇹🇵🇭

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

Jesus calls us to be rich in what matters to God: compassion, generosity, gratitude, and faith. It’s not what we store in barns that counts, but what we store in our hearts.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀?
Let us start with a question that's worth pondering: What defines your riches? Is it the number in your bank account, the size of your house, or the latest gadgets you own? Or is there something more, something deeper, that truly makes you rich? Well, hang tight, because we're diving into a powerful passage from 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝟭𝟮:𝟭𝟯-𝟮𝟭 that's going to shake up your perspective on wealth and purpose.

In this passage, a person in the crowd asks Jesus to intervene in a family dispute over an inheritance. Jesus responds with a "𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘭" to teach a broader lesson about the dangers of greed and the importance of focusing on spiritual and eternal values over material wealth. Let's see how it resonates with us.

Let's talk about that initial warning from Jesus, the one about being on guard against covetousness or greed. In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth and success, much like obsessing over the latest smartphone or designer clothes. But remember, life isn't about those possessions; it's about something more profound. It's about the love you give, the kindness you share, and the faith that guides your journey.

Jesus illustrates his point with a parable about a rich man who accumulates a bountiful harvest and plans to build bigger barns to store his excess wealth. He intends to enjoy a life of ease and indulgence. However, God's judgment comes upon him suddenly, and he dies.

Now, picture this: Imagine you're like the rich man in the parable. You've just landed a huge job promotion and a salary bump. You're thinking about buying a bigger house, a fancier car, and treating yourself to lavish vacations. But what if, in the midst of all these plans, life throws you a curveball (an unexpected event)? What if you're caught off guard, and the things you've accumulated suddenly don't matter anymore? The parable reminds us that wealth is fleeting, and our time here is limited.

So, how can you be rich in a way that truly matters? It's about being "𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘎𝘰𝘥." In modern terms, it's like investing in your spiritual growth. It means making time for prayer, fellowship, serving others, and living out your faith daily. Being rich toward God means that your life isn't just about personal gain but about sharing love, compassion, and hope with those around you. Remember, these are the riches that last beyond this life.

Now, it's essential to clarify that money, wealth, or riches aren't inherently bad. Money, when used responsibly, can be a powerful tool for good. In fact, Jesus doesn't condemn wealth; He warns against the selfishness and greed that can accompany it. Our wealth is meant to be shared because we can't take our possessions with us when we leave this world. So, when you have the means, be a joyful giver or sharer, and use your resources to make a positive impact in the world.

Imagine your own eulogy, the day when people gather to remember your life. Here's the truth: They won't be talking about how much you earned, what car you drove, the smartphone you used, or the balance in your bank account. No, instead, they'll share stories about the kindness you showed, the compassion you had, and the moments you reached out a helping hand. They will remember the true richness you left behind - the love and the impact you made in their lives. This is the legacy we offer to God and to the world.

So, my friend, I challenge you to be rich in the things that truly matter. Let's treasure our relationships, nurture our faith, and share our blessings with others. In doing so, we'll discover a richness that transcends material wealth, and we'll find lasting fulfillment in a world that often chases after fleeting treasures. Let's build a legacy of love, compassion, and generosity that will live on long after we're gone, and let's offer it to God as our true riches!

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and humbled. We thank You for the wisdom and guidance found in Your Word.

We ask for Your help in understanding that our true riches is not measured in possessions but in the love, kindness, and compassion we share with others. Lord, help us to be mindful of our actions and intentions when it comes to wealth and to be joyful givers and sharers.

May we leave behind a legacy of love and service, knowing that our earthly riches are temporary, but the impact we make on others is eternal. Teach us to be rich toward You, Lord, and to live our lives in a way that reflects Your grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

20/10/2025

Everything you have is entrusted to you by God, not owned permanently.

19/10/2025

18/10/2025

17/10/2025

Being a disciple means being sent—to bring peace, healing, and hope to others. Jesus calls us to trust in God’s provision, live simply, and serve faithfully.

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲: 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙇𝙪𝙠𝙚'𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a disciple on a mission? To journey into the unknown, carrying a message of hope and healing? Today, as we celebrate the 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙇𝙪𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩, let's explore the timeless wisdom of Jesus, found in our gospel reading from 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝟭𝟬:𝟭-𝟵, where He sends out his disciples on a mission, and see how it can guide us in our roles as modern-day disciples.

Saint Luke was a physician, a historian, and one of the four Evangelists who authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He was known for his deep compassion, attention to detail, and a passion for proclaiming the Gospel. In our passage today, we can see how the instructions Jesus gave to his disciples align with Luke's values of healing, storytelling, and spreading the Good News. Let's break them down and see what we can learn about being '𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦' in today's world.

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁: Imagine the world as a vast field, ready for the harvest of hope. Just as Jesus saw the abundant harvest, Saint Luke recognized the boundless potential to share the Good News, and so too can we find a world ripe for the message of God's love. In our time, it's easy to focus on the negatives, but there are countless opportunities to bring light to the darkness. Are you prepared to be a worker in this abundant harvest? Remember, you have a vital role to play in God's plan.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀: Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to pray for more laborers, we too must pray for workers to spread hope. In our digital age, it's like sending out a message asking for volunteers to join a mission of love, service, and compassion. We can intercede for those who will join the mission. Maybe you're praying for young people, friends, or even your own growth in faith. Your prayers matter.

• 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Picture your journey as being "𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴." In a world often marked by conflict, remember that the spirit of Saint Luke can guide us to spread peace and unity. Be courageous, as Luke was when he documented and shared the Gospel and Acts amid the obstacles he faced. You too can overcome these challenges with faith, unity, and support from your community.

• 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁: In an era of materialism and consumerism, can you imagine leaving behind all your excess baggage? Just as the disciples were asked to travel light, sometimes we need to declutter our lives to be effective disciples. It's like traveling with only your essentials on a journey, making room for what truly matters – a deeper connection with God and others. Trust in God's provision and simplify your life to focus on your mission. When you travel light, you become more agile and responsive to the needs of the world.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲: Saint Luke was known for his attention to the peace that transcends understanding. When you bring peace into a situation, it can have a lasting impact, just like a heartfelt message in a world filled with noise. Consider your words and actions as messages of peace in a divided world. Just like Jesus instructed the disciples to offer peace to each house they entered, think about how you can be a peacemaker in your communities.

• 𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Just as the disciples were invited into people's homes and offered sustenance, we, too, can experience spiritual nourishment through community and the Eucharist. Accepting the hospitality of others is like building connections in a world that's sometimes too busy for personal relationships. It's like saying 'yes' to invitations, sharing meals, and being present in one another's lives.

• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺: Just as the disciples were to heal the sick, you too can bring healing to a hurting world. The act of healing the sick can be seen as tending to the emotional and spiritual wounds of those you encounter. Sharing your faith and the Gospel, just like Saint Luke teaches, means letting people know that God's love and His kingdom is nearer than they might think. Imagine you're the spiritual equivalent of a doctor offering the cure to a hurting soul.

As we celebrate Saint Luke the Evangelist, remember that being a disciple is not a task solely for the past or a distant future. It's a call for us today. Following the example of Saint Luke the Evangelist, we are called to be 'Harvesters of Hope.' As we journey through life, we must remember that we are not alone in our mission to spread love, peace, and healing in a broken world. The lessons from Luke 10:1-9 remind us of our purpose, our need for prayer, the challenges we face, and that simplicity and trust can make us more effective in our mission.

In this fast-paced world, don't forget to pause, connect with others, and be messengers of hope. Just as Saint Luke tirelessly shared the Gospel, we too can make a lasting impact in our communities.

So, today, I encourage you to embrace your inner disciple, find your mission, journey forth, and be the 'Harvesters of Hope' in your generation. May you bring peace and healing to a world in need, and may the Gospel continue to shine through your life!

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today, inspired by the example of Saint Luke the Evangelist and the teachings of Jesus. We thank you for the call to be 'Harvesters of Hope' in this world.

As we embark on this mission, we ask for your guidance and strength. Help us to see the plentiful harvest of hope that surrounds us, even in the face of challenges. Grant us the wisdom to pray for more laborers to join this mission of love and service.

In moments of challenge and opposition, may we draw courage from Saint Luke's example and remain steadfast in our faith. Help us to simplify our lives, trusting in your provision and leaving behind the baggage that holds us back.

Teach us to be messengers of peace and healing, sharing the message that your kingdom is near. May we, like Saint Luke, be a source of light in a sometimes dark and divided world.

Lord, use us as instruments of your grace and love, and let us carry the spirit of Saint Luke with us on this journey. We pray for the strength and determination to be the 'Harvesters of Hope' in our generation.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Saint Luke, Evangelist, pray for us.