Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the 8th week in ordinary time, May 27th, 2026

Delivered by Vici from the Parish of St. John the Baptist in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Peter 1: 18-25; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.14-15.19-20; Mark 10: 32-45.WE HAVE BEEN REDEEMED WITH PRECIOUS BLOOD The theme for our meditation today is: We Have BeenRedeemed with Precious Blood.  SaintPeter, as the leader of the apostles and head of the early Church, gave thepeople a strong conviction that the salvation of man is not something cheap orordinary. In his letter, he affirms that we have been redeemed not with gold orsilver, but with the precious blood of Christ. Jesus showed the most perfectlove when he willingly accepted suffering, punishment, and died on the cross tosave mankind from sin. The cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of God'sgreat love for the world. Peter himself witnessed firsthand how Jesus enduredHis suffering. He saw the holy Master insulted, flogged, and finally crucified.That experience changed Peter's life completely. He who had once feared anddenied Jesus, eventually became a courageous preacher. He understood thatChrist's love was not just words, but real sacrifice. Therefore, Peter wantedevery Christian to live with the conviction that they are precious in God'seyes. Such a great love of Christ should move our hearts tolive in love as well. Jesus not only taught love, but He Himself carried it outcompletely. The apostles and disciples followed that example. They facedthreats, rejection, imprisonment, and even death in order to maintain theirfaith in Christ. Many of them eventually died as martyrs. They believed theybelonged to God who had redeemed them with His own blood. The realization that we are redeemed at a high priceshould shape our attitude to life every day. We are not meaningless people. Weare loved and saved by Christ Himself. Therefore, our lives should not be usedfor sin, hatred, or indifference to others. Every act of love, forgiveness,patience, and small sacrifice we make is an answer to the great love that Godhas given us. The right Christian attitude is to keep the heart fromdisappointing Jesus. We try to keep His commandments not because we fearpunishment, but because we love Him. A person who is aware that he has beenredeemed by the blood of Christ will strive to live faithfully, honestly, andlovingly. When he falls into sin, he will rise again and ask for God's mercy,for he knows that Christ gave His precious life for his salvation. Let us look at the cross of Christ with a gratefulheart. There we see the true self-esteem of man. God Himself is willing to giveHis life so that man can have life. So let us not waste such great love.  Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O God, we thank Your most glorious andgreat love to save us through the self-sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Maywe always live the same love. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to theHoly Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...