Mt 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, 'My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.' He answered, 'I will not go,' but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, 'Certainly, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two sons did the father's will?" "The first," they said. Jesus said to them, "I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him. And yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to thing better of it and believe in him."
The Word in other words
Many parents, teachers and other guides of the young probably will smile of nod in recognition as they listen to this parable. How often does a son/daugther or a pupil say "yes" to a request, and then go away and forget all about it! Or, having initially said "no", then have a change of heart and finally obey. This can be exasperating at times but it can also be amusing as Jesus turns it into a parable. It seems he understands our frustrations as parents.
Jesus is a mater storyteller who uses colorful language to capture the hearer's attention. However, I'm sure he does not wish merely to entertain us. There is a deep lesson and challenge for us here. If the man in the story is the heavenly Father, then all of us are his children. If the scribes and Pharisees thought of themselves as being the obedient ones, then we- the churchgoers, members of parish organizations and prayer groups- may consider ourselves to be in that category now. Yes, even those of us who are priests and religious could be caught in the same trap. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being virtuous. The problem is that it so often leads us to making harsh judgments against so-called "unvirtuous" or "disobedient". Rather than rejoice at their conversion we can at times discover resentment within us that they are being so easily and joyfully accepted by the loving Father. Or, without in any way justifying the wretched way of life of many of the "disobedient", we can find ourselves very distant from them and lacking in compassion as they cry to God in their desperation. This is, in fact, our disobedience: to be satisfied with our own virtue and not do what God really wants of us.
The truth is that both sons in the parable are far from doing the father's will. We all need to be lowly and humble in order to enter the Kingdom of God. "Create for us a clean heart, Lord, that at your Son's coming this Christmas we may be found among the humble and lowly people who are worthy to become his sisters and brothers. (Columba Breen, OSB)
- Fr. John O'Mahony, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
Gospel for December 14, 2015 (Monday) Feast day of St. John of the Cross
Mk 21:23-27
When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" Jesus said to them in reply, " I shal ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it heavenly or human origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet. " So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do no know." He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."
In other Words
We cannot please everybody. Indeed, no matter how much we do our best and no matter how good our intentions are, we still find people who cannot even express a simple appreciation for what we are doing.
In the Gospel for today, Jesus encountered another challenge to his authority from his "favorite" dialogue partners - the Jewish leaders. We have to understand that during the time of Jesus the culture of honor and shame was very strong. Honor was a highly sought-after good. This was one reason why the Jewish leaders didn't enjoy Jesus being around. As Jesus gained reputation, they themselves were losing it. As a line of defense to uphold their own reputation, they had to question Jesus' identity and challenge his authority in public.
Jesus was very much aware of this. In fact, he used the same weapon against his adversaries. Knowing the intention of the Jewish leaders, he posed a challenging question that put them into a dilemma. He turned the table on the Jewish leaders. The burden of securing honor was now on their shoulder. Since they could not afford to be humiliated in front of the crowd, they had to choose whether to be truthful or to take the safer course and lie; they chose the latter. Their ego led them to compromise what was true on this pretext, "We do not know."
Often in our lives we are faced with a similar dilemma, and then we compromise the truth. In our desire to always look good, envious of what others have done, greedy for power, wanting to get praise and honor, we end up guarding ourselves at the expense of others. Worse, we compromise what is true and settle with the safer course of self-preference.
Jesus, in this season of Advent, is challenging us, first, to stay grounded and humble, and recognize the goodness of each other. Goodness is not to be monopolized; rather, it is to be acknowledged and shared. Then, as Christians, we are to stay truthful no matter what. Truth is not to b compromised but to be lived and proclaimed in daily life.
- Fr. Mark Angelo M. Ramos, SVD (DWS-Tagaytay)
When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" Jesus said to them in reply, " I shal ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it heavenly or human origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet. " So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do no know." He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."
In other Words
We cannot please everybody. Indeed, no matter how much we do our best and no matter how good our intentions are, we still find people who cannot even express a simple appreciation for what we are doing.
In the Gospel for today, Jesus encountered another challenge to his authority from his "favorite" dialogue partners - the Jewish leaders. We have to understand that during the time of Jesus the culture of honor and shame was very strong. Honor was a highly sought-after good. This was one reason why the Jewish leaders didn't enjoy Jesus being around. As Jesus gained reputation, they themselves were losing it. As a line of defense to uphold their own reputation, they had to question Jesus' identity and challenge his authority in public.
Jesus was very much aware of this. In fact, he used the same weapon against his adversaries. Knowing the intention of the Jewish leaders, he posed a challenging question that put them into a dilemma. He turned the table on the Jewish leaders. The burden of securing honor was now on their shoulder. Since they could not afford to be humiliated in front of the crowd, they had to choose whether to be truthful or to take the safer course and lie; they chose the latter. Their ego led them to compromise what was true on this pretext, "We do not know."
Often in our lives we are faced with a similar dilemma, and then we compromise the truth. In our desire to always look good, envious of what others have done, greedy for power, wanting to get praise and honor, we end up guarding ourselves at the expense of others. Worse, we compromise what is true and settle with the safer course of self-preference.
Jesus, in this season of Advent, is challenging us, first, to stay grounded and humble, and recognize the goodness of each other. Goodness is not to be monopolized; rather, it is to be acknowledged and shared. Then, as Christians, we are to stay truthful no matter what. Truth is not to b compromised but to be lived and proclaimed in daily life.
- Fr. Mark Angelo M. Ramos, SVD (DWS-Tagaytay)
Friday, October 2, 2015
Gospel for October 2, 2015 (Friday) Feast of the Guardian Angels
Lk 10:13-16
Jesus said, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.' Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
The Word in other words
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!
In this Scripture text, St. Luke presents the troublesome event of Jesus rebuking the people for not recognizing him, not accepting him and not listening to his message. He makes it quite clear to them that by no means, can they be exalted in heaven if they do not repent and turn back to God.
This must have been a very frightening and discouraging experience for Jesus' missionaries, his disciples, as they were preparing for their first mission journey. What they witnessed there was the people's radical and willful rejection of Jesus and his authority. The disciples knew their Master's own teaching? Jesus had earlier demanded of him to forgive seventy times seven times. Was this new experience of an enraged Jesus not contrary to the Master's own teaching? But just like the disciples who needed to discern in order to understand the words and actions of the Lord, we also need a discerning heart to repent for our sins, accept our ever-new personal invitation and call, and turn back to God, who unconditionally loves and keeps on communing with us in many different ways.
"Whoever listens to you, listens to me, and whoever rejects you, rejects me, and whoever rejects me, rejects the one who sent me."
While reflecting on the Gospel, I realized that at times we might not be better than those of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Do we not also sometimes stubbornly close our hearts and minds and seal ourselves off from experiencing the Lord's pardon and forgiveness, risking to be cursed by Jesus also? Do we need to be punished first in order to learn wisdom? God does not reject a humble, repentant sinner. Nor does he find pleasure in condemning the work of his hands. Each of us known to God and important to him. Our names are written on the palm of his hand. In the silence of our hearts may we be able to hear the gentle voice of God's presence within us.
How wonderful it is to realize and know that our names are witness in heaven and that someday we are expected to be there. May we ask the Spirit's grace to be open to what God is asking of us here and now. Lord Jesus, Son of God, mercy on us sinners.
- Sr. Marty Meyer, SSpS (Convent of the Holy Spirit, QC)
Jesus said, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.' Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
The Word in other words
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!
In this Scripture text, St. Luke presents the troublesome event of Jesus rebuking the people for not recognizing him, not accepting him and not listening to his message. He makes it quite clear to them that by no means, can they be exalted in heaven if they do not repent and turn back to God.
This must have been a very frightening and discouraging experience for Jesus' missionaries, his disciples, as they were preparing for their first mission journey. What they witnessed there was the people's radical and willful rejection of Jesus and his authority. The disciples knew their Master's own teaching? Jesus had earlier demanded of him to forgive seventy times seven times. Was this new experience of an enraged Jesus not contrary to the Master's own teaching? But just like the disciples who needed to discern in order to understand the words and actions of the Lord, we also need a discerning heart to repent for our sins, accept our ever-new personal invitation and call, and turn back to God, who unconditionally loves and keeps on communing with us in many different ways.
"Whoever listens to you, listens to me, and whoever rejects you, rejects me, and whoever rejects me, rejects the one who sent me."
While reflecting on the Gospel, I realized that at times we might not be better than those of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Do we not also sometimes stubbornly close our hearts and minds and seal ourselves off from experiencing the Lord's pardon and forgiveness, risking to be cursed by Jesus also? Do we need to be punished first in order to learn wisdom? God does not reject a humble, repentant sinner. Nor does he find pleasure in condemning the work of his hands. Each of us known to God and important to him. Our names are written on the palm of his hand. In the silence of our hearts may we be able to hear the gentle voice of God's presence within us.
How wonderful it is to realize and know that our names are witness in heaven and that someday we are expected to be there. May we ask the Spirit's grace to be open to what God is asking of us here and now. Lord Jesus, Son of God, mercy on us sinners.
- Sr. Marty Meyer, SSpS (Convent of the Holy Spirit, QC)
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Gospel for October 1, 2015 (Thursday) Feast of St. Therese of Child Jesus
Lk 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy (two) others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say,'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day for that town."
The Word in other words
People today don't carry a lot cash anymore. They bring only credit cards or traveler's cheques. They travel light. They stay in hotels in order not to disturb others. They eat in restaurants so as not to worry about cooking.
In spreading the Gospel of the kingdom Jesus suggested that the messenger carry no money or clothing. He assured that the messenger will be taken cared of. He assured that the messenger will be offered bed and breakfast wherever he goes. He needs only to bring peace, healing and the assurance of the presence of God's kingdom among people. He also suggested that the messenger should not be picky about food. For me, as a messenger of the Gospel, I need to be a man of peace. I need to believe in the power that is given to me by virtue of my priestly ordination. I need to be familiar with the Kingdom of God. I also need to have simple needs, or else I won't be able to travel light and I won't be able to sleep given the simple accommodation; I won't be able to eat what is served on the table.
On the other hand, as a receiver of God's messengers, I need to be open to embrace the peace brought into my household or I will lose the blessings of peace, healing, and redemption.
Both parties ought to have authenticity. I ought to be a sincere and true messenger of the Gospel. I must be a lamb, not a wolf. As a receiver, I ought to be sincere in my acceptance of the messenger and the message he/she brings into my household.
- Fr. Patricio R. delos Reyes, Jr., SVD (LVD Tacloban)
Jesus appointed seventy (two) others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say,'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day for that town."
The Word in other words
People today don't carry a lot cash anymore. They bring only credit cards or traveler's cheques. They travel light. They stay in hotels in order not to disturb others. They eat in restaurants so as not to worry about cooking.
In spreading the Gospel of the kingdom Jesus suggested that the messenger carry no money or clothing. He assured that the messenger will be taken cared of. He assured that the messenger will be offered bed and breakfast wherever he goes. He needs only to bring peace, healing and the assurance of the presence of God's kingdom among people. He also suggested that the messenger should not be picky about food. For me, as a messenger of the Gospel, I need to be a man of peace. I need to believe in the power that is given to me by virtue of my priestly ordination. I need to be familiar with the Kingdom of God. I also need to have simple needs, or else I won't be able to travel light and I won't be able to sleep given the simple accommodation; I won't be able to eat what is served on the table.
On the other hand, as a receiver of God's messengers, I need to be open to embrace the peace brought into my household or I will lose the blessings of peace, healing, and redemption.
Both parties ought to have authenticity. I ought to be a sincere and true messenger of the Gospel. I must be a lamb, not a wolf. As a receiver, I ought to be sincere in my acceptance of the messenger and the message he/she brings into my household.
- Fr. Patricio R. delos Reyes, Jr., SVD (LVD Tacloban)
Friday, September 25, 2015
Gospel for September 25, 2015 (Friday)
Lk 9:18-22
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Messiah of God." He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."
The Word in other words
We all love a messiah, specially a glorious one. Our favorite stories and movies are about persons with extraordinary powers fighting and defeating the evil elements that oppress people or threaten our world. We then feel good in the end.
We all love the messiah of Peter and the apostles, the very same messiah of the Jews and Pharisees, a powerful and conquering messiah who will liberate his people from the nations that oppress them. Even our prayers often betray our understanding of messiah. We often pray for a messiah who would come and destroy all our enemies and solve all our problems.
Yet for Jesus, he is Son of Man, the Ebed Yahweh. Yes he will save his people not by the power and might but by offering his life for them. He will overcome the powers of this world through his mercy and love.
Jesus is the Messiah who showcased us the true face of God. A God who loves us to the end, to God's end.
-Fr. Herman Suico, SVD (Zamboanga City, Sibugay)
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Messiah of God." He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."
The Word in other words
We all love a messiah, specially a glorious one. Our favorite stories and movies are about persons with extraordinary powers fighting and defeating the evil elements that oppress people or threaten our world. We then feel good in the end.
We all love the messiah of Peter and the apostles, the very same messiah of the Jews and Pharisees, a powerful and conquering messiah who will liberate his people from the nations that oppress them. Even our prayers often betray our understanding of messiah. We often pray for a messiah who would come and destroy all our enemies and solve all our problems.
Yet for Jesus, he is Son of Man, the Ebed Yahweh. Yes he will save his people not by the power and might but by offering his life for them. He will overcome the powers of this world through his mercy and love.
Jesus is the Messiah who showcased us the true face of God. A God who loves us to the end, to God's end.
-Fr. Herman Suico, SVD (Zamboanga City, Sibugay)
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
September 24, 2015 (Thursday)
Lk 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,"John has been raised from the dead": others were saying, Elijah has appeared": still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.
The Word in other words
When I opted to be a volunteer missionary in Liberia, West Africa, I needed to undergo a lot of preparation besides the mandatory vaccination against yellow fever. First is emotional preparation because I would be working for the refugees and internally displaced people; second, physical preparation because I would be helping rebuild a community and that would require travelling even into the heart of the jungle; and third, spiritual preparation because I would be dealing with wounded people and victims of war.
Reaching my designated area of arrival, I was surprised to see the ravages brought about by the war. There was no electricity, there was scarcity of food in the market, no drinking water was available, no infrastructure was standing and, on a positive note, the presence of different non-governmental organizations doing their respective social services was visible. As a JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) volunteer, I brought with me the vision-mission of the group.
In the first reading, the Lord reminded his people through he prophet Haggai about their responsibility. The forgot the graces they received from the Lord. They became complacent about their relationship with God because they had whatever they needed. Despite all the abundance that life could offer, they were not contented at all. There was still a vacuum: though they had their fill, they were not satisfied; though they worked hard, nothing was enough for them because they took the essentials for granted.
The people of Voinjama, Liberia may have been victims of war and conflict, but they have shown their inner strength to face the challenges ahead of them as they started to rebuild their own lives and the community that was once full of life. Yes, they have little to go by materially but they have what they needed in order to survive, and that is their strong faith in a loving and merciful God.
- Fr. Jun Perez, SVD (Ansan, South Korea)
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,"John has been raised from the dead": others were saying, Elijah has appeared": still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.
The Word in other words
When I opted to be a volunteer missionary in Liberia, West Africa, I needed to undergo a lot of preparation besides the mandatory vaccination against yellow fever. First is emotional preparation because I would be working for the refugees and internally displaced people; second, physical preparation because I would be helping rebuild a community and that would require travelling even into the heart of the jungle; and third, spiritual preparation because I would be dealing with wounded people and victims of war.
Reaching my designated area of arrival, I was surprised to see the ravages brought about by the war. There was no electricity, there was scarcity of food in the market, no drinking water was available, no infrastructure was standing and, on a positive note, the presence of different non-governmental organizations doing their respective social services was visible. As a JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) volunteer, I brought with me the vision-mission of the group.
In the first reading, the Lord reminded his people through he prophet Haggai about their responsibility. The forgot the graces they received from the Lord. They became complacent about their relationship with God because they had whatever they needed. Despite all the abundance that life could offer, they were not contented at all. There was still a vacuum: though they had their fill, they were not satisfied; though they worked hard, nothing was enough for them because they took the essentials for granted.
The people of Voinjama, Liberia may have been victims of war and conflict, but they have shown their inner strength to face the challenges ahead of them as they started to rebuild their own lives and the community that was once full of life. Yes, they have little to go by materially but they have what they needed in order to survive, and that is their strong faith in a loving and merciful God.
- Fr. Jun Perez, SVD (Ansan, South Korea)
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Gospel for September 21, 2015 (Monday) Feast of St. Matthew
Mt 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at the table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
The Word in other words
A few years ago there was a strong movement in Europe and North America where Christians, young and old from all denominations, could live together. Rules to live by were reduced to the minimum. The number in each group was somehow limited but workable. In one group of 10 was a girl Linda who was working as secretary in an office. After being a regular member for a year, she simply disappeared and no one knew where she went; everyone was a bit disturbed. One evening the group huddled together to share about the problem. No one really knew why she left. After agreeing that they found Linda to be a good member of the community, they decided to do two things: 1)that they would all pray for her; and 2) if ever she would come back, no one should inquire about her disappearance. Instead they would greet her and tell her that they missed her. After two weeks Linda came back to the community ready to meet inquiring eyes and words of reprimand, but nothing of the sort happened. So, taken by surprise and stuck by kindness of the community. In the meeting she broke down, told everything. When she came back, she said she was surprised that no one was angry at her. She was doubting if they were concerned about her disappearance and why no one asked questions when she came back. She felt their kindness and concern for her. The feeling of being welcomed back revealed how good it was to be in a community like hers.
In the gospel today. we heard the Pharisees complaining about Jesus who was eating and drinking with tax collectors. The newly converted Matthew must have felt uneasy with the remark which was actually an insult to his chief guest, Jesus. When Jesus answered the accusation saying, "I want mercy, not sacrifice," Matthew must have been relieved. It is always the case that when we hear the words of Jesus, we feel delivered from evil. Like St. Matthew, let us follow where Jesus leads us and find our home in him.
- Fr. Carlos Lariosa, SVD (Radio Veritas Asia, QC)
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at the table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
The Word in other words
A few years ago there was a strong movement in Europe and North America where Christians, young and old from all denominations, could live together. Rules to live by were reduced to the minimum. The number in each group was somehow limited but workable. In one group of 10 was a girl Linda who was working as secretary in an office. After being a regular member for a year, she simply disappeared and no one knew where she went; everyone was a bit disturbed. One evening the group huddled together to share about the problem. No one really knew why she left. After agreeing that they found Linda to be a good member of the community, they decided to do two things: 1)that they would all pray for her; and 2) if ever she would come back, no one should inquire about her disappearance. Instead they would greet her and tell her that they missed her. After two weeks Linda came back to the community ready to meet inquiring eyes and words of reprimand, but nothing of the sort happened. So, taken by surprise and stuck by kindness of the community. In the meeting she broke down, told everything. When she came back, she said she was surprised that no one was angry at her. She was doubting if they were concerned about her disappearance and why no one asked questions when she came back. She felt their kindness and concern for her. The feeling of being welcomed back revealed how good it was to be in a community like hers.
In the gospel today. we heard the Pharisees complaining about Jesus who was eating and drinking with tax collectors. The newly converted Matthew must have felt uneasy with the remark which was actually an insult to his chief guest, Jesus. When Jesus answered the accusation saying, "I want mercy, not sacrifice," Matthew must have been relieved. It is always the case that when we hear the words of Jesus, we feel delivered from evil. Like St. Matthew, let us follow where Jesus leads us and find our home in him.
- Fr. Carlos Lariosa, SVD (Radio Veritas Asia, QC)
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Gospel for September 15, 2015 (Tuesday) Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
Lk 2:33-35
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister. Mary the wife of Cleofas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Word in other words
"I'm expecting a baby and I've just found out that he is suffering from Down Syndrome (DS). I'm really scared: what kind of life will my child have?" Thus opens the heart-warming youtube video clip addressed to a woman in real life expecting a baby with Down Syndrome. The video allays the woman's fears with a stirring message from 15 wonderful people with DS. "Dear future mom, don't be afraid, your child will be able to do many things." "He'll be able to hug you," one says, "He'll be able to speak and tell you that he loves you," another one says, "Dear future mom, your child can be happy." The message of the video strongly contrasts the fact that about 90 percent of unborn children diagnosed with DS are killed by abortion.
Today, after yesterday's feast of the exaltation of the cross, we are invited to journey back in time with Mary as she embraces her crosses in union with Christ's salvific role. The circumstances around Mary's pregnancy were difficult enough for the expectant mother. The nativity story was far from being postcard perfect. And now, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, Simeon prophesies: "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce..." To the young Mary these words must have evoked a great fear of the unknown. True, the angel at the Annunciation told her not to fear- but after nine months of wonder, anticipation, and fulfillment these words were shockingly harsh. We are told that Mary "pondered all these things in her heart"- and somehow she believed that everything would be well; how, she had no inkling yet. She had many lessons yet to learn and sorrows yet to bear before that glorious Easter morning when her Son stood radiant before, as if saying, "Mom, your child is happy!"
Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, will teach us too, to embrace our immeasurably smaller crosses, to trust in God's infinite love, and to look beyond our fears so we can share in Christ's redemptive work. With Mary we can learn to be persons of strength, contemplating in silence, standing in faith and love, particularly in times of darkness and suffering.
- Fr. Oliver Quilab, SVD (Germany)
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister. Mary the wife of Cleofas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Word in other words
"I'm expecting a baby and I've just found out that he is suffering from Down Syndrome (DS). I'm really scared: what kind of life will my child have?" Thus opens the heart-warming youtube video clip addressed to a woman in real life expecting a baby with Down Syndrome. The video allays the woman's fears with a stirring message from 15 wonderful people with DS. "Dear future mom, don't be afraid, your child will be able to do many things." "He'll be able to hug you," one says, "He'll be able to speak and tell you that he loves you," another one says, "Dear future mom, your child can be happy." The message of the video strongly contrasts the fact that about 90 percent of unborn children diagnosed with DS are killed by abortion.
Today, after yesterday's feast of the exaltation of the cross, we are invited to journey back in time with Mary as she embraces her crosses in union with Christ's salvific role. The circumstances around Mary's pregnancy were difficult enough for the expectant mother. The nativity story was far from being postcard perfect. And now, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, Simeon prophesies: "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce..." To the young Mary these words must have evoked a great fear of the unknown. True, the angel at the Annunciation told her not to fear- but after nine months of wonder, anticipation, and fulfillment these words were shockingly harsh. We are told that Mary "pondered all these things in her heart"- and somehow she believed that everything would be well; how, she had no inkling yet. She had many lessons yet to learn and sorrows yet to bear before that glorious Easter morning when her Son stood radiant before, as if saying, "Mom, your child is happy!"
Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, will teach us too, to embrace our immeasurably smaller crosses, to trust in God's infinite love, and to look beyond our fears so we can share in Christ's redemptive work. With Mary we can learn to be persons of strength, contemplating in silence, standing in faith and love, particularly in times of darkness and suffering.
- Fr. Oliver Quilab, SVD (Germany)
Monday, September 14, 2015
Gospel for September 14, 2015 (Monday) Triumph of the Cross
Jn 3:13-17
No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
The Word in other words
During a retreat I attended in Chile many years ago, our preacher was an old Jesuit priest who was well-known moral theologian. At one point Fr. Aldunate looked at us and said with conviction: "It was not the death of Jesus on the cross that saved us." He paused, perhaps thinking that we were surprised at his words. Indeed, we were surprised and were trying to figure out what he meant. Then he continued: "It was the LOVE with which Jesus embraced his death on the cross that saved us."
The Feast of the Triumph of Cross which we celebrate today is about the triumph of Love. Jesus gave a supreme witness to love during his most bitter suffering. When we are afflicted with great pain caused by those who despise us, our great temptation is to choose the path of anger and hatred. Pain seduces us to employ violence and seek revenge in order to eradicate that which torments us. In other words, it is very hard to be loving and forgiving when we are immersed in the bitter sorrows of life. Love seems to be an absurd road to tread when we fall victim to this world's injustice. It seems impossible to love our enemies, to pray for our persecutors, and to forgive them sincerely from the heart, But that is what Jesus consistently showed us throughout his life, most especially when he was hanging on the cross. What seems humanly impossible and unbelievable became a shining reality on the cross. Jesus offered his life out of love for his friends and enemies. He rejected the strong and persistent enticements of power, anger and hatred. Not without struggles and difficulties, he chose the path of love and forgiveness until death. His death was not in vain because his love was far stronger than death. His love bore the faith of indestructible life: the resurrection. His love has saved us, because Jesus, despite the pains we had given him, did not condemn nor give up on us, but rather continued to invite us to accept his untiring love. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta once said: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
The real triumph and definitive victory in our life is when we are able to put love in everything that we do, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. In his beautiful reflection on love, St. Paul affirms that we may give up our body to be sacrificed or burned, but if we do it without love, then it is worth nothing. Without love, we are nothing. Do you want to share the victory of Christ? Then you have be willing to love as Jesus has loved us. You have to embrace your cross until then end. This is very difficult, but not impossible.
- Fr. Edwin Fernandez, SVD (DWC, Vigan)
No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
The Word in other words
During a retreat I attended in Chile many years ago, our preacher was an old Jesuit priest who was well-known moral theologian. At one point Fr. Aldunate looked at us and said with conviction: "It was not the death of Jesus on the cross that saved us." He paused, perhaps thinking that we were surprised at his words. Indeed, we were surprised and were trying to figure out what he meant. Then he continued: "It was the LOVE with which Jesus embraced his death on the cross that saved us."
The Feast of the Triumph of Cross which we celebrate today is about the triumph of Love. Jesus gave a supreme witness to love during his most bitter suffering. When we are afflicted with great pain caused by those who despise us, our great temptation is to choose the path of anger and hatred. Pain seduces us to employ violence and seek revenge in order to eradicate that which torments us. In other words, it is very hard to be loving and forgiving when we are immersed in the bitter sorrows of life. Love seems to be an absurd road to tread when we fall victim to this world's injustice. It seems impossible to love our enemies, to pray for our persecutors, and to forgive them sincerely from the heart, But that is what Jesus consistently showed us throughout his life, most especially when he was hanging on the cross. What seems humanly impossible and unbelievable became a shining reality on the cross. Jesus offered his life out of love for his friends and enemies. He rejected the strong and persistent enticements of power, anger and hatred. Not without struggles and difficulties, he chose the path of love and forgiveness until death. His death was not in vain because his love was far stronger than death. His love bore the faith of indestructible life: the resurrection. His love has saved us, because Jesus, despite the pains we had given him, did not condemn nor give up on us, but rather continued to invite us to accept his untiring love. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta once said: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
The real triumph and definitive victory in our life is when we are able to put love in everything that we do, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. In his beautiful reflection on love, St. Paul affirms that we may give up our body to be sacrificed or burned, but if we do it without love, then it is worth nothing. Without love, we are nothing. Do you want to share the victory of Christ? Then you have be willing to love as Jesus has loved us. You have to embrace your cross until then end. This is very difficult, but not impossible.
- Fr. Edwin Fernandez, SVD (DWC, Vigan)
Readings and Gospel for September 13, 2015 (Sunday)
First Reading
Is 50:5-9
The Lord God opened my ear;
I did not refuse,
did not turn away.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who tore out my bread;
My face I did not hide
from insults and spitting.
The Lord God is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
Therefore I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
He who declares my innocence is near.
Who will oppose me?
Let us appear together.
Who will dispute my right?
Let them confront me.
See, the Lord God is my help;
who will declare my guilty?
See, they will all wear out like a garment, consumed by moths.
Second Reading
Jas 2:14-18
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and had no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
Gospel Reading
Mk 8:27-35
Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples. "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Messiah." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He began to teach them the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priest, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human being do."
He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.
The Word in other words
In our seminary days, being formed for the priesthood meant that we must learn to "take up our cross daily, and deny ourselves." It meant learning how to live simply and to live without the things that can make life easy and comfortable. This was aimed to prepare us to endure harsh living conditions in the so-called mission frontiers. We saw how seminarians who came from affluent families had a difficult time living simply and eventually dropping out when they realized they were not meant for that kind of life. During weekends and summer vacations we were encouraged to spend time with people in the far flung barangays of Cavite, Mindoro, and other places. We lived with them and they were happy to have us with them. For some of us, it was an eye opener to see how simple and poor people live. For me personally it strengthened my resolve to give my life to serve God's people as an SVD missionary.
When Jesus exhorts us to "lose our faith for his sake," he is inviting us to leave behind a life of riches and material comfort. He is inviting us to discovery the true riches that can be found only in a life of selfless service.
It does not mean, however, that in this consecrated way alone can a man save his life. Our former classmates who did not make it to the priesthood were able to discover other ways of following Christ. They learned how to deny themselves and take up their daily cross. The SVD is especially happy with the establishment of the Lay Society of Saint Arnold Janssen, initiated by former SVD seminarians. With their motto of "Faith transforming life" and their activities linked with the various apostolates of the SVD, they showed another way of being disciples of Christ.
Is 50:5-9
The Lord God opened my ear;
I did not refuse,
did not turn away.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who tore out my bread;
My face I did not hide
from insults and spitting.
The Lord God is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
Therefore I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
He who declares my innocence is near.
Who will oppose me?
Let us appear together.
Who will dispute my right?
Let them confront me.
See, the Lord God is my help;
who will declare my guilty?
See, they will all wear out like a garment, consumed by moths.
Second Reading
Jas 2:14-18
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and had no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
Gospel Reading
Mk 8:27-35
Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples. "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Messiah." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He began to teach them the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priest, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human being do."
He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.
The Word in other words
In our seminary days, being formed for the priesthood meant that we must learn to "take up our cross daily, and deny ourselves." It meant learning how to live simply and to live without the things that can make life easy and comfortable. This was aimed to prepare us to endure harsh living conditions in the so-called mission frontiers. We saw how seminarians who came from affluent families had a difficult time living simply and eventually dropping out when they realized they were not meant for that kind of life. During weekends and summer vacations we were encouraged to spend time with people in the far flung barangays of Cavite, Mindoro, and other places. We lived with them and they were happy to have us with them. For some of us, it was an eye opener to see how simple and poor people live. For me personally it strengthened my resolve to give my life to serve God's people as an SVD missionary.
When Jesus exhorts us to "lose our faith for his sake," he is inviting us to leave behind a life of riches and material comfort. He is inviting us to discovery the true riches that can be found only in a life of selfless service.
It does not mean, however, that in this consecrated way alone can a man save his life. Our former classmates who did not make it to the priesthood were able to discover other ways of following Christ. They learned how to deny themselves and take up their daily cross. The SVD is especially happy with the establishment of the Lay Society of Saint Arnold Janssen, initiated by former SVD seminarians. With their motto of "Faith transforming life" and their activities linked with the various apostolates of the SVD, they showed another way of being disciples of Christ.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Gospel for September 12, 2015 (Saturday)
Lk 6:43-49
Jesus said to his disciples, "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listen to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against the house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.
The Word in other words
Inside the Divine Word Retreat House in Sunnyside, Baguio City there is a grapefruit tree that bears robust fruits yearly. The puzzling thing is that these well-ripen fruits are bitter and sour. Even the ripe grapefruits fallen from the other side of the fence taste the same in spite of their "Davao pomelo-like" appearance. My wonderment came to a halt when one of the lay ministers at the Pink Sisters' Convent old me that bitter and sour grapefruits were common in the area because there was something wrong with the soil there.
The Lord in today's Gospel speaks of two similes, namely, that a good tree bearing good fruits is like a good person bearing good deeds and a person who listens to the Word is like a person who builds his house on a strong foundation. I therefore view the bitter grapefruits at the retreat house as due to untilled and untreated soil. Converting the soil to something productive would be like laying a foundation on a solid rock.
Today, the Lord is speaking of solid foundations in our lives. He is inviting each one of us to place our faith-foundation in him, the "Rock of all Ages." Faithful discipleship would then be the fruit we will bring about,
- Fr. Emil Pati, SVD(San Fernando, La Union)
Jesus said to his disciples, "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listen to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against the house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.
The Word in other words
Inside the Divine Word Retreat House in Sunnyside, Baguio City there is a grapefruit tree that bears robust fruits yearly. The puzzling thing is that these well-ripen fruits are bitter and sour. Even the ripe grapefruits fallen from the other side of the fence taste the same in spite of their "Davao pomelo-like" appearance. My wonderment came to a halt when one of the lay ministers at the Pink Sisters' Convent old me that bitter and sour grapefruits were common in the area because there was something wrong with the soil there.
The Lord in today's Gospel speaks of two similes, namely, that a good tree bearing good fruits is like a good person bearing good deeds and a person who listens to the Word is like a person who builds his house on a strong foundation. I therefore view the bitter grapefruits at the retreat house as due to untilled and untreated soil. Converting the soil to something productive would be like laying a foundation on a solid rock.
Today, the Lord is speaking of solid foundations in our lives. He is inviting each one of us to place our faith-foundation in him, the "Rock of all Ages." Faithful discipleship would then be the fruit we will bring about,
- Fr. Emil Pati, SVD(San Fernando, La Union)
Friday, September 11, 2015
Gospel for September 11, 2015 (Firday)
Lk 6:39-42
And he told them a parable, " Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brothers' eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye."
The Word in other words
Jesus loves to teach with parables. This is his human way of explaining the kingdom to his listeners- rich and poor, hypocrites and gentiles alike. Today's gospel formulates the question in another way: Can a person effectively teach if he himself does not practice it in his life? One time during my high school days, I came late for morning class and received a demerit for it. I felt the hypocrisy of my teacher who I saw coming late to our class a couple of times before. During our vacant time, I confronted him for what he did but sad to say he acted even more like a hypocrite by telling me- "Follow what I say; do not follow what I do."
The message of Jesus is very clear. He is stating a heavenly principle about how we should treat others. The Lord knows our faults. He sees all, even the imperfections and sins of our heart which we ourselves fail to recognize. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor, the Lord patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer of hypocrisy which inhabits our hearts. Jesus asks us to cultivate a creative attitude which will enable us to encounter others without judging them, without preconceptions and rationalizations, by accepting them as our neighbors. This total openness towards others will arise in us only when we are capable of relating with God in total trust and with each other as children of his kingdom.
- Fr. Jun Pateno, SVD (New Jersey, USA
And he told them a parable, " Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brothers' eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye."
The Word in other words
Jesus loves to teach with parables. This is his human way of explaining the kingdom to his listeners- rich and poor, hypocrites and gentiles alike. Today's gospel formulates the question in another way: Can a person effectively teach if he himself does not practice it in his life? One time during my high school days, I came late for morning class and received a demerit for it. I felt the hypocrisy of my teacher who I saw coming late to our class a couple of times before. During our vacant time, I confronted him for what he did but sad to say he acted even more like a hypocrite by telling me- "Follow what I say; do not follow what I do."
The message of Jesus is very clear. He is stating a heavenly principle about how we should treat others. The Lord knows our faults. He sees all, even the imperfections and sins of our heart which we ourselves fail to recognize. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor, the Lord patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer of hypocrisy which inhabits our hearts. Jesus asks us to cultivate a creative attitude which will enable us to encounter others without judging them, without preconceptions and rationalizations, by accepting them as our neighbors. This total openness towards others will arise in us only when we are capable of relating with God in total trust and with each other as children of his kingdom.
- Fr. Jun Pateno, SVD (New Jersey, USA
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Gospel for September 10, 2015 (Thursday)
Lk 6:27-38
Jesus said to his disciples, "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven..."
Jesus said to his disciples, "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven..."
Gospel for September 9, 2015 (Wednesday) Feast of St. Peter Claver
Lk 6:20-26
And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said : "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.
"Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way."
The Word in other words
In the seminary we have an interesting prayer which we usually pray on a first Friday juxtaposing today's Gospel on the Beatitudes with the "worldly beatitudes."
The world says: Blest are the rich; power and money rule the world. But you say: Blest are the poor in spirit; the reign of God is theirs. The world says: Blest are the pleasure-seekers; they are happy ones. But you say: Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.
The world says: Blest are those greedy for power and fame. They shall rule mankind. But you say: Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. The world says: Blest are the cold-hearted proud; they will dominate their fellowmen. But you say: Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
The world says: Blest are those who crush all opposition with force. But you say: Blest are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God. The world says: Blest are those who know how to swindle and get ahead by lies and cheating. But you say: Blest are the single-hearted, for they shall see God.
The world says: Blest are you when men flatter and applaud you; for they will esteem you highly. But you say: Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you, and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Worldly, earthly, secular, mundane, temporal, base, unspiritual- these adjectives describe the "blessedness"of today's world. However, these worldly blessings of power, money, fame, and self-indulgence are deceiving. They effectively bewitch us with their intoxicating effects and, as a result, exploitation, manipulation, and discord wreak havoc on everyone and on every relationship.
The true blessedness proposed by Jesus is being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, righteous, single-hearted and persevering in persecution and difficulties. For there is one encompassing motive in living out Jesus' beatitudes- the Reign of God. However, this reign of God is not relegated to the end time. In fact, living out the Christian beatitudes in our day to day life will bring down power and pride, make money an instrument to rebuild the lives of the poor and marginalized, and make fame irrelevant. If this begins to happen, then the reign of God is truly at hand.
- Fr. Raul Caga, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said : "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.
"Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way."
The Word in other words
In the seminary we have an interesting prayer which we usually pray on a first Friday juxtaposing today's Gospel on the Beatitudes with the "worldly beatitudes."
The world says: Blest are the rich; power and money rule the world. But you say: Blest are the poor in spirit; the reign of God is theirs. The world says: Blest are the pleasure-seekers; they are happy ones. But you say: Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.
The world says: Blest are those greedy for power and fame. They shall rule mankind. But you say: Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. The world says: Blest are the cold-hearted proud; they will dominate their fellowmen. But you say: Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
The world says: Blest are those who crush all opposition with force. But you say: Blest are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God. The world says: Blest are those who know how to swindle and get ahead by lies and cheating. But you say: Blest are the single-hearted, for they shall see God.
The world says: Blest are you when men flatter and applaud you; for they will esteem you highly. But you say: Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you, and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Worldly, earthly, secular, mundane, temporal, base, unspiritual- these adjectives describe the "blessedness"of today's world. However, these worldly blessings of power, money, fame, and self-indulgence are deceiving. They effectively bewitch us with their intoxicating effects and, as a result, exploitation, manipulation, and discord wreak havoc on everyone and on every relationship.
The true blessedness proposed by Jesus is being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, righteous, single-hearted and persevering in persecution and difficulties. For there is one encompassing motive in living out Jesus' beatitudes- the Reign of God. However, this reign of God is not relegated to the end time. In fact, living out the Christian beatitudes in our day to day life will bring down power and pride, make money an instrument to rebuild the lives of the poor and marginalized, and make fame irrelevant. If this begins to happen, then the reign of God is truly at hand.
- Fr. Raul Caga, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Gospel for September 8, 2015 (Tuesday) Feast of the Nativity of Mary
Mt 1:1-16.18-23
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brother. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron the father of Ram. Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzia. Uziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz. Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the same time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means "God is with us."
The Word in other words
At the age of 94, my mother is relatively healthy, not only physically but, thankfully, also mentally. I would always tell people, when they ask me how she is that I seem to be more "ulianin" (absent-minded) than she. And when they ask about her physical activities, I usually retort, "Taekwondo every day." Of course, all that is uttered in jest, but in a way I also want to emphasize that, at her age, my mother is still strong. Actually, her favorite past time is playing scrabble... alone!
Once, she was hospitalized due to some infection, and some friends of mine came to visit her. I was observing her, and it amazed me that she could still remember their names and even had memories of their initial meeting. Someone she remembered as having given her a box of tea that was, according to her, able to heal her of bum stomach she was suffering from at that time. And as more of my friends came, I was treated to a litany of goodness she was supposed to have received from these people, Later, whenever I would visit her at home, she would usually ask how my friends were, mentioning them by their names. Finally, when I became a priest, although we were only two children in the family, I felt blessed with so many brothers and sisters ho also called my mother, "Mama."
In a similar way, why do we love Mary so much? We are even proud to call her Mama Mary! And we celebrate her birthday today! Why? Because she gave birth to someone who adopted us as his brothers and sisters, and that is no other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God our Father. The importance of Mama Mary in our faith is always seen in connection with her Son. Her birth surely brought the fulfillment of the promise of salvation nearer to us than ever before. It was a sign that the promise of a Messiah was about to happen.
Indeed, Mama Mary is unique in God's plan of salvation. Her birth was a part of the divine plan. She was destined from the beginning to become the mother of the Lord. And what quality should the mother of God's Son possess? She should be no less than the best. She should be the holiest and the purest. She should be without sin, in fact born without original sin. She should be IMMACULATE! That's why even before she was born, she had already been saved. Our Lord deserved only the best human vessel. Mary is the vessel, the tabernacle of our salvation!
Mama Mary loved her Son. She showed this by living up to her role as his mother up to the end. If mama, my own mother, considers all my friends as her children because they are my friends, how much more does Mama Mary, the immaculate one, consider us as her children because her Son regards us as his brothers and sisters?
Thank you, Mama... Happy Birthday!
- Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD (DWC, Calapan City)
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brother. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron the father of Ram. Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzia. Uziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz. Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the same time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means "God is with us."
The Word in other words
At the age of 94, my mother is relatively healthy, not only physically but, thankfully, also mentally. I would always tell people, when they ask me how she is that I seem to be more "ulianin" (absent-minded) than she. And when they ask about her physical activities, I usually retort, "Taekwondo every day." Of course, all that is uttered in jest, but in a way I also want to emphasize that, at her age, my mother is still strong. Actually, her favorite past time is playing scrabble... alone!
Once, she was hospitalized due to some infection, and some friends of mine came to visit her. I was observing her, and it amazed me that she could still remember their names and even had memories of their initial meeting. Someone she remembered as having given her a box of tea that was, according to her, able to heal her of bum stomach she was suffering from at that time. And as more of my friends came, I was treated to a litany of goodness she was supposed to have received from these people, Later, whenever I would visit her at home, she would usually ask how my friends were, mentioning them by their names. Finally, when I became a priest, although we were only two children in the family, I felt blessed with so many brothers and sisters ho also called my mother, "Mama."
In a similar way, why do we love Mary so much? We are even proud to call her Mama Mary! And we celebrate her birthday today! Why? Because she gave birth to someone who adopted us as his brothers and sisters, and that is no other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God our Father. The importance of Mama Mary in our faith is always seen in connection with her Son. Her birth surely brought the fulfillment of the promise of salvation nearer to us than ever before. It was a sign that the promise of a Messiah was about to happen.
Indeed, Mama Mary is unique in God's plan of salvation. Her birth was a part of the divine plan. She was destined from the beginning to become the mother of the Lord. And what quality should the mother of God's Son possess? She should be no less than the best. She should be the holiest and the purest. She should be without sin, in fact born without original sin. She should be IMMACULATE! That's why even before she was born, she had already been saved. Our Lord deserved only the best human vessel. Mary is the vessel, the tabernacle of our salvation!
Mama Mary loved her Son. She showed this by living up to her role as his mother up to the end. If mama, my own mother, considers all my friends as her children because they are my friends, how much more does Mama Mary, the immaculate one, consider us as her children because her Son regards us as his brothers and sisters?
Thank you, Mama... Happy Birthday!
- Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD (DWC, Calapan City)
Monday, September 7, 2015
Gospel for September 7, 2015 (Monday)
Lk 6:6-11
On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?"
Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
The Word in other words
The Scribes and Pharisees are a most pitiable lot. In the Gospel, they were closely waiting and watching Jesus if He would cure on the Sabbath so they could lay a charge against Him. It is quite incredible that they never said a good thing about Jesus. Never. Wala. Zero. Since they were blinded by pride and envy, they were always on the lookout for a flaw, a fault, a failure, an imperfection, a weakness. In the end, they plotted and succeeded to kill Him. Tragic figures.
Finding and picking faults in others is a subtle, destructive business. It distorts one's view of things, destroys relationships, degrades the other person, and debases one's soul.
It is amazing how people can be so stingy with appreciation and praise. The fact is, praising people is the most effortless thing to do. It doesn't cost one penny to express one's admiration and appreciation. It doesn't harm one to say a good word or two about one's officemate or colleague. It doesn't make one less admirable or commendable if one acknowledges the greatness in others. Not does it inconvenience one to applaud the other person's successes and accomplishments.
Any yet, at the great cost of energy, worry, and time, people always look for a ripple of weakness in the serene ocean of goodness.
It is said that praise is never entirely undeserved. So don't hesitate to utter it. All you need is sincerity- that's all. Don't be sparing or grudging with your approving words. Go ahead. Say it. Blurt it out.
You will never fail to discover something good in others to speak about. Be generous with your positive comments and kind remarks. Tell all and sundry about the good things and virtues you hear and see in others.
The world is like an arid land in dire need of benevolence and magnanimity. Let's sprinkle it with cool water of praise and approbation. Let's shower it with refreshing drops of sincerity and kindness. Let the rain of appreciation fall on everyone we meet, and let a thousand flowers of goodwill sprout and bloom.
- Fr. Raymun F. Festia, SVD (CKMS, QC)
On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?"
Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
The Word in other words
The Scribes and Pharisees are a most pitiable lot. In the Gospel, they were closely waiting and watching Jesus if He would cure on the Sabbath so they could lay a charge against Him. It is quite incredible that they never said a good thing about Jesus. Never. Wala. Zero. Since they were blinded by pride and envy, they were always on the lookout for a flaw, a fault, a failure, an imperfection, a weakness. In the end, they plotted and succeeded to kill Him. Tragic figures.
Finding and picking faults in others is a subtle, destructive business. It distorts one's view of things, destroys relationships, degrades the other person, and debases one's soul.
It is amazing how people can be so stingy with appreciation and praise. The fact is, praising people is the most effortless thing to do. It doesn't cost one penny to express one's admiration and appreciation. It doesn't harm one to say a good word or two about one's officemate or colleague. It doesn't make one less admirable or commendable if one acknowledges the greatness in others. Not does it inconvenience one to applaud the other person's successes and accomplishments.
Any yet, at the great cost of energy, worry, and time, people always look for a ripple of weakness in the serene ocean of goodness.
It is said that praise is never entirely undeserved. So don't hesitate to utter it. All you need is sincerity- that's all. Don't be sparing or grudging with your approving words. Go ahead. Say it. Blurt it out.
You will never fail to discover something good in others to speak about. Be generous with your positive comments and kind remarks. Tell all and sundry about the good things and virtues you hear and see in others.
The world is like an arid land in dire need of benevolence and magnanimity. Let's sprinkle it with cool water of praise and approbation. Let's shower it with refreshing drops of sincerity and kindness. Let the rain of appreciation fall on everyone we meet, and let a thousand flowers of goodwill sprout and bloom.
- Fr. Raymun F. Festia, SVD (CKMS, QC)
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Readings and Gospel for September 6, 2015 (Sunday)
First Reading
Is 35:4-7
Say to the fearful of heart:
Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God,
He comes with vindication;
With divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall see,
and the ears of the deaf be opened;
Then the lame shall leap like a stag,
and the mute tongue sing for joy.
For the waters will burst forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the Arabah.
The burning sands will become pools,
and the thirsty ground, springs of water;
The abode where jackals crouch
will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus.
Second Reading
Jas 2:1-5
My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?
Gospel Reading
Mk 7:31-37
Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")
And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
The Word in other words
One Saturday morning I was presiding over a Mass in a convent quite popular among pilgrims. I was all alone, without ministers, and the church was full. Immediately I thought that I would have a problem at the distribution of communion. Fortunately there were some sisters in the church. So when communion came, I announced ," May I request two young sisters to help in the distribution of communion."
The first sister who came forward was probably the oldest in the community. I was amused, thinking that the Lord was humoring me because I personally knew the old sister; she was also hard of hearing. Anyway, I handed her the ciborium and proceeded to give communion together with another younger sister. In the middle of the communion rite, I accidentally spilled three consecrated hosts to the ground. At that time my eyes were opened. I realized how much I had underestimated the old deaf sister, for it was I who acted blindly and carelessly. I whispered a short prayer to the Lord whom I was holding in my hands. "Sorry, Lord," I said, "But thanks for opening my eyes and ears."
The Gospel today speaks to us: "Ephphata!" Let us be opened to our weaknesses and "blindness," so that we could welcome God's mercy and light in our lives.
- Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
Is 35:4-7
Say to the fearful of heart:
Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God,
He comes with vindication;
With divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall see,
and the ears of the deaf be opened;
Then the lame shall leap like a stag,
and the mute tongue sing for joy.
For the waters will burst forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the Arabah.
The burning sands will become pools,
and the thirsty ground, springs of water;
The abode where jackals crouch
will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus.
Second Reading
Jas 2:1-5
My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?
Gospel Reading
Mk 7:31-37
Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")
And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
The Word in other words
One Saturday morning I was presiding over a Mass in a convent quite popular among pilgrims. I was all alone, without ministers, and the church was full. Immediately I thought that I would have a problem at the distribution of communion. Fortunately there were some sisters in the church. So when communion came, I announced ," May I request two young sisters to help in the distribution of communion."
The first sister who came forward was probably the oldest in the community. I was amused, thinking that the Lord was humoring me because I personally knew the old sister; she was also hard of hearing. Anyway, I handed her the ciborium and proceeded to give communion together with another younger sister. In the middle of the communion rite, I accidentally spilled three consecrated hosts to the ground. At that time my eyes were opened. I realized how much I had underestimated the old deaf sister, for it was I who acted blindly and carelessly. I whispered a short prayer to the Lord whom I was holding in my hands. "Sorry, Lord," I said, "But thanks for opening my eyes and ears."
The Gospel today speaks to us: "Ephphata!" Let us be opened to our weaknesses and "blindness," so that we could welcome God's mercy and light in our lives.
- Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
Gospel for September 4, 2015 (Friday)
Lk 5:33-39
The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink." Jesus answered them, "Can you make the wedding guess fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days." And he also told them a parable. "No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak, Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. (And) no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, "The old is good."
The Word in other words
Mismatch and incompatible are the words by which we usually describe couples who don't share the same color, height, intellectual level and economic status. However, we can't deny that we have seen couples whose differences, incompatible gestures and mismatched faces have been dramatically transformed and eventually look similar as they live together for a longer period of time. Incompatibility is gradually transformed into similarity and they become truly one and the same.
Incompatibility and transformation are the first two words that come to my mind as I read the readings of today. In the first reading, Paul's letter to the Colossians show the image Christ as the image of the invisible God. Paul wants to emphasize this reality to those who deny and consider Christ as the incompatible image of God. But Christ, who co-exist with the Father, insists that "I and my Father are one." "Whoever sees me sees my Father."
In the Gospel, we discover the incompatible outlooks of Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees are quick to notice the faults of Jesus' disciples. For his part, Jesus is quick to defend what his disciples have done saying, "No one tears a piece from a new cloak and patch an old one" and "No one pours new wine into old wineskin." Christ's message, as the new wine, is incompatible with and cannot be put into the old worldview of the Pharisees who consider sinners as outcasts. But Jesus sees sinners as potentials for transformation. That's why Jesus deals with sinners with compassion. What Christ does reminds us of the basic Christian tenet: hate the sin but love the sinner.
A Costa Rican bishop once said :"La espiritualidad no se ensena sino se contagia." Roughly translated, spirituality ought not to teach but to infect. Christ deals with sinners so that people will slowly get infected with his conviction and spirituality. May Christ's contagious spirituality continue to infect those who are considered by many as spiritually incompatible so that sinners and righteous alike will someday share in the same banquet prepared by Christ.
- Fr. Semei Rebayla, SVD (Veruela, Agusan del Sur)
The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink." Jesus answered them, "Can you make the wedding guess fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days." And he also told them a parable. "No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak, Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. (And) no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, "The old is good."
The Word in other words
Mismatch and incompatible are the words by which we usually describe couples who don't share the same color, height, intellectual level and economic status. However, we can't deny that we have seen couples whose differences, incompatible gestures and mismatched faces have been dramatically transformed and eventually look similar as they live together for a longer period of time. Incompatibility is gradually transformed into similarity and they become truly one and the same.
Incompatibility and transformation are the first two words that come to my mind as I read the readings of today. In the first reading, Paul's letter to the Colossians show the image Christ as the image of the invisible God. Paul wants to emphasize this reality to those who deny and consider Christ as the incompatible image of God. But Christ, who co-exist with the Father, insists that "I and my Father are one." "Whoever sees me sees my Father."
In the Gospel, we discover the incompatible outlooks of Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees are quick to notice the faults of Jesus' disciples. For his part, Jesus is quick to defend what his disciples have done saying, "No one tears a piece from a new cloak and patch an old one" and "No one pours new wine into old wineskin." Christ's message, as the new wine, is incompatible with and cannot be put into the old worldview of the Pharisees who consider sinners as outcasts. But Jesus sees sinners as potentials for transformation. That's why Jesus deals with sinners with compassion. What Christ does reminds us of the basic Christian tenet: hate the sin but love the sinner.
A Costa Rican bishop once said :"La espiritualidad no se ensena sino se contagia." Roughly translated, spirituality ought not to teach but to infect. Christ deals with sinners so that people will slowly get infected with his conviction and spirituality. May Christ's contagious spirituality continue to infect those who are considered by many as spiritually incompatible so that sinners and righteous alike will someday share in the same banquet prepared by Christ.
- Fr. Semei Rebayla, SVD (Veruela, Agusan del Sur)
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Gospel for September 3, 2015 (Thursday) Feast of St. Gregory the Great
Lk 5:1-11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, Jesus asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John; the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
The Word in other words
There are good days, and there are bad days. For Simon, it was one of those bad days for fishing. We probably have days like that when we can also say, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing." Things are not going the way we want them to. We are let down by discouraging results. People, circumstances, and even nature seem to be conspiring to bring us down. We can call it quits. But then, for Simon, an amazing thing was about to happen that would change his life more than he planned or imagined. The miracle in his life happened because he met and welcomed Jesus; and then he said "Yes" to Him, not once, but twice.
More often than not, God uses our lowest moment to lift us up. St. Ignatius of Loyola had the call of conversion that provided the see for his founding of the Jesuit order while nursing a wound from battle, probably feeling useless and desperate at that time. St. Arnold Janssen founded the SVD during the Kultur Kampf in Germany when the suppression of the church made it impossible to do anything for the church, much less to start a missionary congregation. So, before you despair and give up, first, wait on the Lord and see how He will show you great opportunities disguised as impossible situations.
Secondly, Peter humbly obeyed Jesus with a "yes". "At your command, I will lower the nets." Why would a fisherman listen to a carpenter about catching fish in the middle of the day? When we heed God's commandment and follow His will, He will honor our obedience with opportunities and blessing.
Thirdly, Peter also responded "yes" to the call to follow Jesus and became fisher of men. Life changes for us when the awareness of our sins leads us to surrender everything to Jesus and follow Him in a new path of life.
- Fr. Emil Lim, SVD (Hongkong)
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, Jesus asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John; the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
The Word in other words
There are good days, and there are bad days. For Simon, it was one of those bad days for fishing. We probably have days like that when we can also say, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing." Things are not going the way we want them to. We are let down by discouraging results. People, circumstances, and even nature seem to be conspiring to bring us down. We can call it quits. But then, for Simon, an amazing thing was about to happen that would change his life more than he planned or imagined. The miracle in his life happened because he met and welcomed Jesus; and then he said "Yes" to Him, not once, but twice.
More often than not, God uses our lowest moment to lift us up. St. Ignatius of Loyola had the call of conversion that provided the see for his founding of the Jesuit order while nursing a wound from battle, probably feeling useless and desperate at that time. St. Arnold Janssen founded the SVD during the Kultur Kampf in Germany when the suppression of the church made it impossible to do anything for the church, much less to start a missionary congregation. So, before you despair and give up, first, wait on the Lord and see how He will show you great opportunities disguised as impossible situations.
Secondly, Peter humbly obeyed Jesus with a "yes". "At your command, I will lower the nets." Why would a fisherman listen to a carpenter about catching fish in the middle of the day? When we heed God's commandment and follow His will, He will honor our obedience with opportunities and blessing.
Thirdly, Peter also responded "yes" to the call to follow Jesus and became fisher of men. Life changes for us when the awareness of our sins leads us to surrender everything to Jesus and follow Him in a new path of life.
- Fr. Emil Lim, SVD (Hongkong)
Gospel for September 2, 2015 (Tuesday)
Lk 4:38-44
After Jesus left the synagogues, he entered the house of Simon, Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. At sunset, all people who had been sick with various diseases were brought to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
The Word in other words
An eminent baby specialist (pediatrician) had a standard treatment for frail newborn babies who failed to gain weight. When he came to see the baby during his rounds in the hospital, he would invariably scrawl on the baby's chart and give the nurse the following prescription: "This baby should be loved (fondled, hugged, massaged) every three hours.
Francis McNutt, in New York University study of nurses, found out how effective are those nurses who lay their hands lovingly on patients with the intention of healing them. These patients are found to recover more rapidly. McNutt surmises that loving, caring people communicate life-giving power to sick bodies through the healing touch of their hands.
- Fr. Fred Mislang, SVD (Villa Cristo Rey, CKMS, QC)
After Jesus left the synagogues, he entered the house of Simon, Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. At sunset, all people who had been sick with various diseases were brought to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
The Word in other words
An eminent baby specialist (pediatrician) had a standard treatment for frail newborn babies who failed to gain weight. When he came to see the baby during his rounds in the hospital, he would invariably scrawl on the baby's chart and give the nurse the following prescription: "This baby should be loved (fondled, hugged, massaged) every three hours.
Francis McNutt, in New York University study of nurses, found out how effective are those nurses who lay their hands lovingly on patients with the intention of healing them. These patients are found to recover more rapidly. McNutt surmises that loving, caring people communicate life-giving power to sick bodies through the healing touch of their hands.
- Fr. Fred Mislang, SVD (Villa Cristo Rey, CKMS, QC)
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Gospel for September 1, 2015 (Tuesday)
Lk 4:31-37
Jesus then went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, "Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are- the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
The Word in other words
My first encounter with exorcism happened in my parish when a young girl came with an amulet which had been handed down from generation to generation. She was shouting, cursing and had extraordinary strength. When the smoke of the incense touched against her skin, she shrieked and her voice changed. When the Church bells signaled for the Angelus, she screamed in pain so that she elevated one meter above the Church floor. As the prayer ended, she also slowly relaxed and all those who were around marveled at the power of prayer.
Jesus in the gospel today deals with demons to show he possesses the key to life. This authority shows the presence and concern of the rule of God on behalf of those who turn to God in time of need. Jesus meets the challenge and removes the presence and power of evil from the man without destroying the man himself. What a picture of Jesus' power! Indeed, the power of the demon is no match to the power of God.
The story of this healing closes with a profound impact on those who witnessed it. They saw that Jesus approached the evil forces with authority and power. We might picture the asking one another: "What could it mean? Where does such power come from? Luke leaves the miracle as an event to ponder on. The demon's confession suggests the answer: Jesus is the Holy One of God, and his power exceeds that of the forces of evil.
Jesus conquered evil 2000 years ago, and is still conquering evil today. Let Him do it in your life and pray that He will do it in the lives of your loved ones as well.
- Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD (WBC, Cebu City)
Jesus then went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, "Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are- the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
The Word in other words
My first encounter with exorcism happened in my parish when a young girl came with an amulet which had been handed down from generation to generation. She was shouting, cursing and had extraordinary strength. When the smoke of the incense touched against her skin, she shrieked and her voice changed. When the Church bells signaled for the Angelus, she screamed in pain so that she elevated one meter above the Church floor. As the prayer ended, she also slowly relaxed and all those who were around marveled at the power of prayer.
Jesus in the gospel today deals with demons to show he possesses the key to life. This authority shows the presence and concern of the rule of God on behalf of those who turn to God in time of need. Jesus meets the challenge and removes the presence and power of evil from the man without destroying the man himself. What a picture of Jesus' power! Indeed, the power of the demon is no match to the power of God.
The story of this healing closes with a profound impact on those who witnessed it. They saw that Jesus approached the evil forces with authority and power. We might picture the asking one another: "What could it mean? Where does such power come from? Luke leaves the miracle as an event to ponder on. The demon's confession suggests the answer: Jesus is the Holy One of God, and his power exceeds that of the forces of evil.
Jesus conquered evil 2000 years ago, and is still conquering evil today. Let Him do it in your life and pray that He will do it in the lives of your loved ones as well.
- Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD (WBC, Cebu City)
Monday, August 31, 2015
Readings and Gospel for August 30, 2015 (Sunday)
First Reading
Dt 4:2.6-8
Now therefore, Israel, hear the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your ancestor, is giving you. In your observance of the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I am commanding you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.
Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the slight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, "This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people." For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and ordinances that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
Second Reading
Jas 1:17-18, 21-22.27
All good giving an every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Be doers of the word and not hearer only, deluding yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one who peers into the perfect law* of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue* but deceives his heart, his religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Gospel
Mk 7:1-8.14-15.21-23
Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they observed that some of this disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is unwashed hands. For the Pharisees and in fact all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.' You disregard God's commandment but cling to human condition."
He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.
The Word in other words
You think that I don't even mean/ A single word I say/ It's only words and words are all I have/ To take your heart away.
Even if one means them or not, spoken words are always potent. They can break one's heart or mend it or win it over.
Philosophers are always fascinated with spoken words, The intelligible sounds uttered by a human mouth are invisible, immaterial, and mysterious. You cannot see them coming; you cannot touch and feel them, or taste them, or smell them.
You can only hear them.
Spoken words are intangible yet real, familiar yet strange. When released by a spiteful mouth, words are like invisible poisoned arrows that sting and injure a soul.
But when uttered by a kind mouth, words are like a beautiful melody winging in the air to touch and lift one's heart.
The materialists--- i.e. those who believe that the ultimate reality is matter- will be hardy-pressed if they are asked whether spoken words exist or not, or whether they are real or unreal. For spoken sounds are not material stuff. Yet, they move you, touch you, hurt you, excite you, console you, disappoint you, strengthen you, etc.
And once expressed, words are irretrievable.
What is most intriguing about spoken words is that they only mean something when uttered by humans. If a parrot asks me, "Have you eaten?", the sounds do not bear weight and significance. But if asked by my mother, they are intelligible and merit response.
But why? Do the words uttered by parrot travel in time unaccompanied by thoughts, while human words carry meanings?
But what are thoughts and meanings but intangibles?
Actually, words are thoughts and thoughts are words, and they are one and the same. They convey essence of one's personhood and character.
And it is in this context that we can perhaps understand what Jesus said in the Gospel: "Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within (words) are that defile." From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts (words), unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils (words) come from within and they defile."
It is great deal better to hold one's tongue than to utter unkindly words about others. Remember General Ulysses Grant? He was said to be able to keep his mouth shut in seven languages! What a feat!
And don't forget the old adage: "Even a fool is counted wise when he holdeth his peace."
-Fr. Raymun J. Festin, SVD (CKMS, QC)
Dt 4:2.6-8
Now therefore, Israel, hear the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your ancestor, is giving you. In your observance of the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I am commanding you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.
Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the slight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, "This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people." For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and ordinances that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
Second Reading
Jas 1:17-18, 21-22.27
All good giving an every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Be doers of the word and not hearer only, deluding yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one who peers into the perfect law* of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue* but deceives his heart, his religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Gospel
Mk 7:1-8.14-15.21-23
Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they observed that some of this disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is unwashed hands. For the Pharisees and in fact all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.' You disregard God's commandment but cling to human condition."
He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.
The Word in other words
You think that I don't even mean/ A single word I say/ It's only words and words are all I have/ To take your heart away.
Even if one means them or not, spoken words are always potent. They can break one's heart or mend it or win it over.
Philosophers are always fascinated with spoken words, The intelligible sounds uttered by a human mouth are invisible, immaterial, and mysterious. You cannot see them coming; you cannot touch and feel them, or taste them, or smell them.
You can only hear them.
Spoken words are intangible yet real, familiar yet strange. When released by a spiteful mouth, words are like invisible poisoned arrows that sting and injure a soul.
But when uttered by a kind mouth, words are like a beautiful melody winging in the air to touch and lift one's heart.
The materialists--- i.e. those who believe that the ultimate reality is matter- will be hardy-pressed if they are asked whether spoken words exist or not, or whether they are real or unreal. For spoken sounds are not material stuff. Yet, they move you, touch you, hurt you, excite you, console you, disappoint you, strengthen you, etc.
And once expressed, words are irretrievable.
What is most intriguing about spoken words is that they only mean something when uttered by humans. If a parrot asks me, "Have you eaten?", the sounds do not bear weight and significance. But if asked by my mother, they are intelligible and merit response.
But why? Do the words uttered by parrot travel in time unaccompanied by thoughts, while human words carry meanings?
But what are thoughts and meanings but intangibles?
Actually, words are thoughts and thoughts are words, and they are one and the same. They convey essence of one's personhood and character.
And it is in this context that we can perhaps understand what Jesus said in the Gospel: "Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within (words) are that defile." From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts (words), unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils (words) come from within and they defile."
It is great deal better to hold one's tongue than to utter unkindly words about others. Remember General Ulysses Grant? He was said to be able to keep his mouth shut in seven languages! What a feat!
And don't forget the old adage: "Even a fool is counted wise when he holdeth his peace."
-Fr. Raymun J. Festin, SVD (CKMS, QC)
Friday, August 28, 2015
Gospel for August 29, 2015 (Saturday) Beheading of John the Baptist
Jn 14:1-6
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me a once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
The Word in other words
During my college days, I worked in a non-governmental organization which fought for the rights of poor farmers. I wrote the press releases and joined others on street rallies. We put up barricade-tents in front of contested farm lands. We were harassed by private armies and well-known political families. Guns were aimed at our faces. I was then very idealistic and willing to put my life in danger. When my father heard this, he was more concerned with his son's life. He told me, "Fighting for justice is good. But there are more victims than victors in our country, where life is disposable. Who is going to fight for you when those criminals shoot you? It will be your parents."
As the church celebrates today the beheading of John the Baptist as a feast, it is not about the morbid delight of getting oneself killed. It is about the martyrdom of John who gave witness to the truth. He was not silent before the evil surrounding him. He went against the mainstream who's rather play safe. The prophet John said the right thing, even if it was at the wrong time and place.
Being prophetic is dangerous to one's health. That is why there is a saying: "Play it safe." Nobody wants to rock the boat. It is better to shut up, so that nobody will bother you. This survival instinct can, however, be dangerous in a situation of injustice. Ninoy Aquino bravely went home to the Philippines despite repeated warnings that his life was in danger. He said, "The Filipino is worth dying for." Many less-known political prisoners in our country have the same conviction. Nelson Mandela, also an ex-political prisoner, said: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." He triumphed like John the Baptist, who may have lost his head, but won his soul for standing for the truth.
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me a once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
The Word in other words
During my college days, I worked in a non-governmental organization which fought for the rights of poor farmers. I wrote the press releases and joined others on street rallies. We put up barricade-tents in front of contested farm lands. We were harassed by private armies and well-known political families. Guns were aimed at our faces. I was then very idealistic and willing to put my life in danger. When my father heard this, he was more concerned with his son's life. He told me, "Fighting for justice is good. But there are more victims than victors in our country, where life is disposable. Who is going to fight for you when those criminals shoot you? It will be your parents."
As the church celebrates today the beheading of John the Baptist as a feast, it is not about the morbid delight of getting oneself killed. It is about the martyrdom of John who gave witness to the truth. He was not silent before the evil surrounding him. He went against the mainstream who's rather play safe. The prophet John said the right thing, even if it was at the wrong time and place.
Being prophetic is dangerous to one's health. That is why there is a saying: "Play it safe." Nobody wants to rock the boat. It is better to shut up, so that nobody will bother you. This survival instinct can, however, be dangerous in a situation of injustice. Ninoy Aquino bravely went home to the Philippines despite repeated warnings that his life was in danger. He said, "The Filipino is worth dying for." Many less-known political prisoners in our country have the same conviction. Nelson Mandela, also an ex-political prisoner, said: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." He triumphed like John the Baptist, who may have lost his head, but won his soul for standing for the truth.
Gospel for August 28, 2015 (Friday) Feast of St. Augustine
Mt 25:1-13
Jesus said to his disciples, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready wen into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply. 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
The Word in other words
Being prepared is not only standing in attention to wait for the command, but also to make provision for any eventuality that one needs to respond to. Christianity considers earthly life as a journey and a pilgrimage. While belonging to this world, a Christian focuses also on the life to come, where the eternal banquet is being prepared. The journey towards that promised reality means daily practice and constant stimulation, using current contexts and human conditions, so that when the time comes for the door to open, we could come in, ready and prepared to celebrate and to live.
It took many years of searching and questioning before St. Augustine found the answer to his heart's desires. The realization and declaration, "Late have I loved you...," referring to his "discovery" of God, came after many detours in the crooked path which the young, restless Augustine had taken in his journey towards God. Unlike the foolish virgins in today's gospel, he did not sleep while waiting for the master to come. He was wrestling with life's issues and concerns. What brought him through those painful and chaotic life experiences was his great desire to find peace and rest in his heart. He discovered faith and learned to surrender. And so when the bridegroom finally arrived, St. Augustine was ready to welcome him into his life.
- Fr. Anthony Salas, SVD ( USC, Cebu City)
St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready wen into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply. 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
The Word in other words
Being prepared is not only standing in attention to wait for the command, but also to make provision for any eventuality that one needs to respond to. Christianity considers earthly life as a journey and a pilgrimage. While belonging to this world, a Christian focuses also on the life to come, where the eternal banquet is being prepared. The journey towards that promised reality means daily practice and constant stimulation, using current contexts and human conditions, so that when the time comes for the door to open, we could come in, ready and prepared to celebrate and to live.
It took many years of searching and questioning before St. Augustine found the answer to his heart's desires. The realization and declaration, "Late have I loved you...," referring to his "discovery" of God, came after many detours in the crooked path which the young, restless Augustine had taken in his journey towards God. Unlike the foolish virgins in today's gospel, he did not sleep while waiting for the master to come. He was wrestling with life's issues and concerns. What brought him through those painful and chaotic life experiences was his great desire to find peace and rest in his heart. He discovered faith and learned to surrender. And so when the bridegroom finally arrived, St. Augustine was ready to welcome him into his life.
- Fr. Anthony Salas, SVD ( USC, Cebu City)
St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Gospel for August 27, 2015 (Thursday) Feast of St. Monica
Mt 24:42-51
Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had knowledge the hour of the night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So to, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
"Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is long delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
The Word in other words
So Deus sabe! (Only God knows!) This is a popular Portuguese expression referring to the uncertain result of a future event or in reference to some mystery only an omniscient being would know. Indeed, it is only the Lord who knows as to when He is coming. That is why the gospel of today urges us strongly to stay awake, to be vigilant, to be prepared and to be ready always for we do not know when final coming of Jesus will happen.
But what do we do to remain awake and vigilant? The call of the gospel for us to keep in constant watch should not be lax, complacent or boring; we need to have a faith that is truly alive and active. We should not fall prey to routine which is our greatest enemy in spiritual warfare; it dulls our sense and makes us complacent. To have a faith that is active and alive means living it out through a life of righteousness, putting into practice the teachings of Christ, recognizing Him in our brothers and sisters, especially the underpreviliged, and serving Him through our needy brethren.
We are certain that the Lord will return. But so Deus sabe when that will be. But when He finally arrives, may He pronounce us "blesses" and fit to be partakers in His kingdom because He finds truly awake and prepared for His coming.
- Fr. Jovito Osalvo, SVD (Lisbon, Portugal)
Today we also remember St. Monica...
PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your intention here.)
and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had knowledge the hour of the night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So to, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
"Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is long delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
The Word in other words
So Deus sabe! (Only God knows!) This is a popular Portuguese expression referring to the uncertain result of a future event or in reference to some mystery only an omniscient being would know. Indeed, it is only the Lord who knows as to when He is coming. That is why the gospel of today urges us strongly to stay awake, to be vigilant, to be prepared and to be ready always for we do not know when final coming of Jesus will happen.
But what do we do to remain awake and vigilant? The call of the gospel for us to keep in constant watch should not be lax, complacent or boring; we need to have a faith that is truly alive and active. We should not fall prey to routine which is our greatest enemy in spiritual warfare; it dulls our sense and makes us complacent. To have a faith that is active and alive means living it out through a life of righteousness, putting into practice the teachings of Christ, recognizing Him in our brothers and sisters, especially the underpreviliged, and serving Him through our needy brethren.
We are certain that the Lord will return. But so Deus sabe when that will be. But when He finally arrives, may He pronounce us "blesses" and fit to be partakers in His kingdom because He finds truly awake and prepared for His coming.
- Fr. Jovito Osalvo, SVD (Lisbon, Portugal)
Today we also remember St. Monica...
PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your intention here.)
and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Gospel for August 26, 2015 (Wednesday)
Mt 23:27-32
Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are of full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but outside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood'. Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murmured the prophets; not fill up what your ancestors measured out!"
The Word in other words
Out of laziness I usually do not do regular full-blown room cleaning. I am very proud of this but I usually just kind of hide the dust and all those unsavory tiny trashes under my bed, only to suffer later on when all that dirt burst out in full force. Then, I will tel myself that it is good immediately to vacuum away all those tiny devils... this is House Work 101.
In the Gospel today Jesus lambasts the scribes and Pharisees for what He says is their hypocrisy. They build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous maybe to hide the sins of their fathers and to cover up for their own inequities. An evil that is tucked away would soon rear it ugly head when they would conspire to have Jesus killed.
We are supposedly very good Catholics. We donate images of saints to the Church, volunteer to have the dress of the Madonna made, or pull the carts of holy images during fiestas. The scribes and Pharisees whiten tombstones and burial monuments, yet Jesus castigates them, for they are dirty and rotten within.
The scribes and Pharisees could not hide behind stones. Nor can we hide behind the skirt of the blessed mother. If there is dirt within us, then we better vacuum it away, for "when sin reaches maturity if gives birth to death." (Jas 1.12-18).
The sacrament of reconciliation, the church's ready vacuum cleaner, is just around the corner.
- Fr. Dante Barril, SVD (Rome, Italy)
Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are of full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but outside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood'. Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murmured the prophets; not fill up what your ancestors measured out!"
The Word in other words
Out of laziness I usually do not do regular full-blown room cleaning. I am very proud of this but I usually just kind of hide the dust and all those unsavory tiny trashes under my bed, only to suffer later on when all that dirt burst out in full force. Then, I will tel myself that it is good immediately to vacuum away all those tiny devils... this is House Work 101.
In the Gospel today Jesus lambasts the scribes and Pharisees for what He says is their hypocrisy. They build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous maybe to hide the sins of their fathers and to cover up for their own inequities. An evil that is tucked away would soon rear it ugly head when they would conspire to have Jesus killed.
We are supposedly very good Catholics. We donate images of saints to the Church, volunteer to have the dress of the Madonna made, or pull the carts of holy images during fiestas. The scribes and Pharisees whiten tombstones and burial monuments, yet Jesus castigates them, for they are dirty and rotten within.
The scribes and Pharisees could not hide behind stones. Nor can we hide behind the skirt of the blessed mother. If there is dirt within us, then we better vacuum it away, for "when sin reaches maturity if gives birth to death." (Jas 1.12-18).
The sacrament of reconciliation, the church's ready vacuum cleaner, is just around the corner.
- Fr. Dante Barril, SVD (Rome, Italy)
Monday, August 24, 2015
Gospel for August 25, 2015 (Tuesday) Feast of St. Joseph Calasanz
Mt 23:23-26
Jesus said: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. (But) these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides. who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean."
The Word in other words
I have been in the priestly ministry long enough, 27 years in all and I have accumulated many different kinds of experiences, bad and good, wholesome and undesirable. I have seen how the church and all its members carry on the task of bringing the gospel message to the poor, the task we all vowed to do when we accepted baptism as Christians. But it seems that in many instances this sense of commitment is hard to come by, beginning with me and all the way up to the church hierarchy. Undeniably, save in the case of the few who are truthful to their calling to serve, the church and its members are, in fact, more at the receiving than at the giving end of service. Many are living protected and comfortable lives, blessed with good food, driving their personal vehicles, wearing signature clothes and traveling more than even before. In urban settings, one cant;s fail to notice the right in the vicinity of majestic cathedrals are street families that eke out a living a selling devotional candles, acting as informal park attendants and begging. The contrast between the rich and the poor is stark.
Hypocrisy is defined as claiming to have possessed virtues that one lacks. And since it involves deception, it can be categorized as a form of lie. Christ in the gospel for today is harsh and strong against the scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites for they were only liars by preaching virtues they did not have; they were also making the life of the people unbearable in the name of their religion and laws.
Many of us are guilty of the same Pharasaical attitude. We can only beat our breasts and say, "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." We have much cleansing to do with ourselves. But isnt't that the God we have is the God of mercy and compassion, slow to judge and quick to forgive and understand? I believe it boils down to our sincerity to learn, to internalize the gospel message, to be open to self-formation, to have the humility to accept our own weaknesses and to trust n the healing power of the divine intervention.
- Fr. Eugene Docoy, SVD (USC, Cebu City)
Jesus said: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. (But) these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides. who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean."
The Word in other words
I have been in the priestly ministry long enough, 27 years in all and I have accumulated many different kinds of experiences, bad and good, wholesome and undesirable. I have seen how the church and all its members carry on the task of bringing the gospel message to the poor, the task we all vowed to do when we accepted baptism as Christians. But it seems that in many instances this sense of commitment is hard to come by, beginning with me and all the way up to the church hierarchy. Undeniably, save in the case of the few who are truthful to their calling to serve, the church and its members are, in fact, more at the receiving than at the giving end of service. Many are living protected and comfortable lives, blessed with good food, driving their personal vehicles, wearing signature clothes and traveling more than even before. In urban settings, one cant;s fail to notice the right in the vicinity of majestic cathedrals are street families that eke out a living a selling devotional candles, acting as informal park attendants and begging. The contrast between the rich and the poor is stark.
Hypocrisy is defined as claiming to have possessed virtues that one lacks. And since it involves deception, it can be categorized as a form of lie. Christ in the gospel for today is harsh and strong against the scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites for they were only liars by preaching virtues they did not have; they were also making the life of the people unbearable in the name of their religion and laws.
Many of us are guilty of the same Pharasaical attitude. We can only beat our breasts and say, "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." We have much cleansing to do with ourselves. But isnt't that the God we have is the God of mercy and compassion, slow to judge and quick to forgive and understand? I believe it boils down to our sincerity to learn, to internalize the gospel message, to be open to self-formation, to have the humility to accept our own weaknesses and to trust n the healing power of the divine intervention.
- Fr. Eugene Docoy, SVD (USC, Cebu City)
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