January 2025

Vol 22 Issue 1

Go to Galilee

Mt 28:10

Dear brothers and sisters,

In this first issue of Letters of Aquila and Priscilla in 2025, we reflect on what it means to return to Galilee. But why is Galilee important? There are two reasons. First, it was in Galilee that Mary gave her fiat, a defining moment in the history of salvation. Pope Benedict XVI associates the Annunciation with hope; and Pope Francis encourages us to fan the flame of hope. Mary is also known by the title Our Lady of Hope. Second, it was in Galilee that Jesus called his first disciples and made them "fishers of men." Thus, the fundamental tasks of Christ's disciples are evangelization and pastoral care. Returning to Galilee means returning to these twin tasks. As pilgrims of hope, let us return to our Galilee accompanied by Our Lady of Hope.

With our love and prayers,

JUN and JEAN

2025

February 2025

Vol 22 Issue 2

It is I, do not be afraid.

Mt 14:27

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the story of Jesus walking on water, what is the significance of the sentence, which is found only in the Gospel of Mark: He (Jesus) meant to pass by them (Mk 6:48). Does this mean that Jesus wanted to sneak past the disciples? No. Here, Mark is inspired by the words in the Old Testament that made known the one true God.

Find out more by reading the attached Letter of Aquila and Priscilla.

With our love and prayers,

JUN and JEAN

P.S.

Watch out for the coming website of Letters of Aquila and Priscilla. We will send you the link once completed.

March 2025

Vol 22 Issue 3

You did for me

Mt 25:40

Dear brothers and sisters,

Mt 25:31-46 is a long pericope of 16 verses which is often called the Parable of Sheep and Goats. But strictly speaking, it is not a parable in the usual sense of a parable being a short fictitious story that illustrates a moral or spiritual lesson. It is more accurately classified as a vision of a future event describing Jesus' return and the separation of people based on their actions toward others, particularly those who are poor and marginalized. In this letter, we share our almost two-decade experience of annual gift-giving to the poor.

With our love and prayers,

JUN and JEAN

April 2025