"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide
July 13, 2025 (Cycle C, Year I) – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Community Word: Proclaimers of the Good News are witnesses of the Kingdom of God.
Theme: We are proclaimers and witnesses of God’s Kingdom when we show compassion and kindness to the helpless.
Promise: “The Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds, he spurns not.” (Ps. 69:34)

Reflection:
Our community theme for this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that we are called to be proclaimers and witnesses of God’s Kingdom when we show compassion and kindness to the helpless. This call to compassionate action echoes the great commandment of Jesus in Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

This is not just a gentle suggestion but a clear and powerful invitation to live a life of genuine love, a love that is expressed not merely in words, but in concrete actions of mercy and kindness. Jesus Himself gave us the new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). We are exhorted to translate this love into everyday encounters, becoming living witnesses to His Kingdom through our actions.

The first reading reminds us that God’s commandments are not distant ideals but are written deep within our hearts, calling us to obey them and live in communion with Him. The second reading, from St. Paul, reveals Christ Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God. In the same way, we are called to recognize the face of Christ in our neighbors. To truly love Jesus, we must love those around us. As Scripture challenges us in 1 John 4:20: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

Who, then, is our neighbor? It is not only our friends or family but also those we find difficult to love; the ones who may have hurt us, misunderstood us, or even those we do not personally know. Our neighbor is every person God places along our path, especially those who are wounded, rejected, or suffering in silence. Their wounds may not always be visible. They could be bearing the scars of criticism, rejection, emotional abuse, or spiritual dryness.

We are called to be generous with our kindness, mercy, and compassion toward everyone, especially those who are suffering. Simple gestures – a sincere smile, a warm greeting, a word of encouragement, a heartfelt "thank you," can touch hearts and lift spirits. Visiting the sick, offering prayers of healing, or simply being present for someone in distress are powerful acts of love that proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom.

As anointed shepherds in our community, we are also invited to examine ourselves: Have we gone the extra mile for someone in need? Have we reached out to a brother or sister who feels isolated, burdened, or different from us? Jesus calls us to bring His love to every corner of our lives, to our homes, workplaces, ministries, and communities.

Loving our neighbors, particularly those we find challenging, is not easy. It requires dying to self, humility, and a heart transformed by God’s grace. On our own, we cannot love as God commands. But through persistent prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened to go beyond our limitations and extend the love of Christ to all.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may we become bearers of hope to those who dwell in darkness –
those who are confused, emotionally or physically distressed, or on the brink of losing faith. The Lord’s promise assures us: “The Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds, he spurns not” (Ps. 69:34). Let us allow ourselves to be instruments of His compassion, so that His light and love may shine through us.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh upon us. Mold us, fill us, and use us as vessels of Your love. Enkindle in our hearts the compassion of Jesus so that our words may heal and our presence may bring comfort. Make us instruments of unity, peace, and healing in every place You send us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in Your love. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.

Reflection Guide Questions:
1. How do you express your love for your neighbors, especially those you find difficult to relate to or understand?
2. What hinders you from helping those in need? How can you overcome hesitation and become more responsive to those who are struggling?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
July 15, 2025 (Sun) – Dt 30:10-14/ Ps 69:14, 17, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37/ Col 1:15-20/ Lk 10:25-37
July 16, 2025 (Mon) – Ex 1:18-14, 22/ Ps 124:1-8/ Mt 10:34-11:1
July 17, 2025 (Tue) – Ex 2:1-15/ Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33, 34/ Mt 11:20-24
July 18, 2025 (Wed) – Ex 3:1-6, 9-12/ Ps 103:1-4, 6, 7/ Mt 11:25-27
July 19, 2025 (Thu) – Ex 3:13-20/ Ps 105:1, 5, 8, 9, 24, 25, 26, 27/ Mt 11:28-30
July 20, 2025 (Fri) – Ex 11:10-12:14/ Ps 116:12-18/ Mt 12:1-8
July 21, 2025 (Sat) – Ex 12:37-42/ Ps 136:1, 23, 24, 10-12, 13-15/ Mt 12:14-21

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Weekly: Theme, Promise, Order, Direction and Prophesies (bldworld.org)