Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the eighth week in ordinary time, May 29th, 2026

Delivered by Svara Nirmala and Stella from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 1 Peter 4: 7-13; Rs psalm 96: 10.11-12.13; Mark 11: 11-26.BE A SHARER OF GOD'S GRACE Our meditation today has the theme: Be a Sharer of God'sGrace. There was an elderly priest who died some time ago at the age of 100 inthe local parish rectory where he had worked for the past 45 years. He was aspecial priest and was entrusted to work in that parish for a long time untilthe end of his life. There are so many interesting stories told byparishioners. His life is engraved in the hearts of every parishioner. There was a parishioner who shared his story likethis. In his family, there were 5 levels of lineage whose marriage was blessedby the Priest. Other sacraments such as infant baptism, First Communion,Sacrament of Confirmation and Marriage are also served by the Priest. The storyof this one family is also the same as many other families in the parish. Fromhis hands, families received an outpouring of grace from God. From his mouth,they heard and received God's Word that illuminates life. From his heart,parishioners get every sense of love and appreciation as people living in aspirit of peace. In short, this late Pastor was a sharer of God's grace likeJesus Christ. The priest died and went to the heaven leaving behindhis fame, especially his fragrant name and his extraordinarily good deeds. TheFirst Letter of Saint Peter in today's first reading speaks about love thatshould be shared sincerely and freely, because love really covers a lot of sin.Love demands nothing more than the necessity of sharing God's grace withothers. Today's Gospel reading encourages us to share gracewith our neighbors and what is asked is the grace of forgiveness of sins. Noone escapes the fact that one, two or more people have already been guilty ofus. Mistakes big and small have had negative consequences for us. However,those of us who are victims or those who are harmed never run out of Allah'sgrace. God always bestows His grace on us through our various types ofspiritual activities and experiences every day.  So it is not difficult for us to share the grace offorgiveness with those who have wronged us. May we not delay the opportunity toforgive others who have wronged us. The Lord Jesus advises us, that "Whenyou stand praying, first forgive if there is anything in your heart againstanyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses."Never forget to forgive as a result of too often and long delays to do so.Otherwise, sin can freeze and rust inside you. Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O Allah most gracious, may we trulybecome true distributors of Your mercy through the spirit of always forgivingour neighbors. Our Father who is in heaven... In the name of the Father ...