While the Church welcomes all and embraces the diverse backgrounds of all people, we are reminded today that inclusivity cannot be at the cost of the Truth of the Gospel. Indeed, true unity is not found in the embracing of our sentimentalities or when we seek to alter Church doctrine to make room for what our personal inclinations are. True unity is found in Christ and His Word.

Christ, who journeyed with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, shows us what it means to truly be a synodal Church. While we are to share our joys, sorrows and aspirations with one another, we as Church, also have an important responsibility of speaking the Truth with others so that His Word may enlighten the hearts and minds of all of humanity, enabling them to discover the fullness of life – that is, a life lived in union with Christ.

Reflection question: How can I uphold the Truth of the Gospel while fostering unity within the diverse body of Christ?

Contrary to the world’s definition of peace that is a life void of suffering, the Lord offers us peace that endures even in the difficulties that we encounter in life. Just as Christ Himself finds His peace through being in union with the Father, we too are invited to draw close to the Father who desires to grant us the peace that only He can give, as we weather through the storms in our life.

Let us therefore not turn to fleeting things that promises us temporal comfort, but turn to the Father, and support one another in times of difficulties through our prayers, testimonies, and words of encouragement.

Reflection Question: How can I cultivate the peace that Christ offers, which is rooted in fulfilling the Father's will?

Do we fulfil God’s plan like Jesus, or follow our own like Judas?

Jesus’ unwavering desire to fulfil the divine plan of His Father was not out of compulsion, but from a place of freedom, love, and deep surrender. We are invited to reflect on our own lives: are we genuinely seeking God’s will, or are we caught up in our own ambitions and desires?

Like Jesus, each of us is a part of a greater divine story. Though we may only recognise God's hand in hindsight, the daily call remains—to discern, to trust, and to walk faithfully even when the road ahead is unclear.

In contrast to Judas, who pursued his own agenda, we are encouraged to choose obedience, trusting that God can weave even our missteps into His greater plan—if our hearts remain open.

Reflection question: How can I grow in daily discernment and surrender to do God’s will in my life, even when the path is uncertain?