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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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

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..."

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)