Goodnews at your Fingertips Blogspot

To be prophet

2012-01-28T10:29:00.002+01:00

4th Sunday, cycle B

In the gospel, Jesus spoke with authority. How did he get to be this way? And how can we develop our credibility as Christians?

In the first reading, Moses referred to another prophet who was to come. Though we know that the prophecy was pointing to Jesus, we may also continue questioning our role as Christians anointed when we were baptized and confirmed and anointed with oil. We may proclaim ourselves as Christians if we dare to be prophets in the modern times.

A prophet is human just like anybody else. What makes him a prophet is his dedication to love and serve God. If we are not dedicated to the Lord, I'm sure we are dedicated to his opposite. Let us commit finally to the Lord.

A prophet is usually reluctant take the center stage. It is always God who gives him the authority of a prophet. Who is at the center of our lives? If it is not God, then who is in there?

Finally, a prophet speaks not the language of the world but of God. He is not afraid to tell the truth. If we are afraid to side with the truth we are not with God.

Thus, a prophet can be anyone of us or all of us. We just need to make things clear of the following: all we want is to serve Jesus; we don't want to take center stage unless God wants us to be there; and we speak the truths of God. Anything opposite to these, we don't want. Simply put, we should all be prophets!

Are we Good News?

2012-01-28T10:10:00.000+01:00

3rd Sunday, cycle B

This is a continuation of Christmas, when Jesus started his public ministry. Now, he preaches the Good News and urges people to turn away from sin. It may be odd, but people turn in to sin and turn away from the good news. How did we get to be this way?

When we were children, we must have inculcated the wrong values and sins of the world. Note this famous saying about a child:

· If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

· If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

· If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

· If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

· If a child lives tolerance, he learns to be patient.

· If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.

· If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.

· If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

· If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

· If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

· If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

We should still proclaim the Good News and turn away from sin. Let us start correcting wrong notions of life and its negativities. Instead of just accepting our state of sinfulness, we can still convince ourselves that we can still turn away from sin and believe the Good News.

Neither should we repeat the words, "I cannot do it." Of course we can! Look at the apostles; they started as fishermen but they ended up fishers of men.

Let's not say, "I don't have anything." Instead, let's say, "I still have something to give." Note the principle of tithing? There's always a tenth to be given for the service of God.

Finally, let's not say, "All is lost." The only left that is keeping us alive is our faith, love and hope in God. If we lost all hope, what is the essence of our existence?

The Good News is flowing to our world. Let us not hinder the Good News. Instead, let us welcome becoming its instrument to heal the wounded world and bringing it back to God.

Have we grown as Jesus did?

2012-01-14T09:42:00.000+01:00

Cycle B, Feast of the Santo Niño

Today, as the whole country celebrates the feast of the Santo Niño, we reaffirm our childlike innocence before God, taking off from the Child Jesus who is our guide and our salvation.

First, he is the obedient Son of God who humbly took the task to save us by becoming human. Jesus' humility paves the way for humankind to be saved. Let us reflect if God can continue to work in us or we have lost our sense of humility.

Second, he is the God who took a helpless stand of being a child. Let us reflect on our humanity and see if we are still the reflections as God intended us to be. We also take an active stand to defend the helpless life that is inside the womb of the mother instead of being its attacker.

Thirdly, he is the God that allowed himself to grow up and be our Messiah? Ask: have we really grown? How much have we matured? The test is if we can see ourselves doing God's will and not our own and we have found our vocation in this world.

Grow up as Jesus did and celebrate most beautifully the feast of the Santo Niño!

Opt for the light

2012-01-07T10:49:00.000+01:00

Solemnity of the Epiphany

We know that in the Solemnity of Epiphany, the bright star gives witness to Jesus. We should be able to confront ourselves once and for all to embrace the light rather than the darkness of sin however seemingly exciting its world is.

For one thing, light is a combination of different colors; darkness has none. And if people say the world of sin is more exciting than grace, think of the many deaths they are producing each day. There is no life in the world of darkness, while in the light, there are so many things to see and so many wonderful things to give witness to. It starts from us who have no life because we are made of clay, but the good Lord breathed unto us and gave us life. No, the color or excitement we give merit to when we sin comes from the life that God gave us and we are corrupting it. Opt for the light which is God.

I would opt for the light because it illumines my path while darkness causes me to wallow in the dark. The source of light is God Himself. St. John says that either we are agents of Satan if we continue to sin and agents of Jesus if we serve him. There are no in-betweens or combinations of good and bad. The source of light is exclusively God. Darkness marks His absence; hence, the world of sin. Opt for the light.

Third, I would opt for the light because of its radiance; darkness fills us with shame. In the first reading, it says, "You will grow radiant; your heart shall be full, since the riches of the sea flow to you, and the wealth of nations will come to you." In the light we give witness to a fruitful life which is coming from God while in darkness, we live in shame and death. Opt for the light.

In this solemnity, all light points for Christ. Everything is Christ. Follow the light!

Blessings!

2011-12-31T10:25:00.000+01:00

Cycle B, Solemnity of Mary, mother of God

Our readings today call us to recognize our blessings in the most profound ways possible. "May the Lord bless you and keep you!" The best expression of a blessing is that of Mary "who pondered all these things in her heart."

How do we express authentic thanks for all the blessings bestowed upon us by the Almighty?

"Blessing" has its roots in Hebrew "Brk" which means "to bend the knee" in worship and praise. God is the source of all blessings; he bestows us His happiness that no one can ever take away. We may bend our knees all the time to our loving Lord, knowing that He grants us every good gift.

It may also have its roots in the Greek word "eulogein" which means "to speak well of" or "to praise". Perhaps we may think of the many persons who have touched our lives and filled us with love, for they are indeed God's gifts to us.

Mary reflected on the good news of angels as told by the shepherds. May we also take time to ponder where the real gifts of God are - in the scarcity of life, the every essence of being comes out - that all of us rely totally on the mercy of God. By the conduct of our lives, may we inspire others to make life an act of thanksgiving and total service to the Lord and others.

May this inspiring thought help us to face the New Year with gladness and be filled with hope and love. Life is a blessing; everything is a blessing from the Almighty Lord!

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

2011-12-24T08:53:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of turnbacktogod.com

Merry Christmas!

Yesterday, I invited us to sing, "O come all ye faithful" because Christ in the Liturgy prepares us to be the prophets of the Most High like St. John the Baptist and await the coming of Jesus.

Now, I invite us to sing "Silent Night" as our way of contemplating the presence of the Child now born in our midst. "Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild sleep in heavenly peace."

As we know, Jesus was born in this world without a dwelling place. But surely, he must have a dwelling place - right in the center of our hearts. To help us prepare ourselves to be the dwelling place of the Lord, let us reflect on the many time we have received our Lord in the Most Holy Communion. We pray that we may rid our hearts of any impure intentions and wrong notions of the Eucharist that drown our knowledge and appreciation of it.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us the contemplative encounter in the Lord in the same we encounter Him in the Eucharist.

First, "we gather up: our hearts, recollect our being, and allow ourselves to become his dwelling place which we are." Here, we make an inventory of where we have been, what happened to us, what wounds we have inflicted by ourselves through sin, and we ask to be forgiven. We also become aware that God is present in others, that is why together, we make an honest admittance to allow Him to touch our lives.

As the mass progresses, our faith is slowly awakened. We are confronted with who we are and are encouraged to remove all defenses and masks. As we try to cover up, the Lord invites us to be who we really are - in need of Him. Because the more we come to know ourselves, the more he reveals his love to us.

We now come to the best part. Eventually, we are quietly immersed into the sea of His love that we find ourselves offering who we are and what we have. We allow ourselves to be the living offerings of Jesus to His loving Father and meanwhile, we allow Him to continue purifying us and transforming us until we are born now in God.

This is what Jesus wants, with this new birth of ours, we can fully sing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" and that we may rejoice fully with the angels as heaven unites with earth through the presence of Jesus.

May we enjoy our union with Jesus and utilize this strength to touch people's lives with His loving presence. Please greet one another with the love of Jesus!

O come all ye faithful!

2011-12-23T10:55:00.000+01:00

9th day, simbang gabi

Though it may seem tiring to even imagine getting up early in the morning to witness the Misa de Gallo, we shall miss these grace-filled days that lead to the birth of Christ. Through them, we experienced a livelier, renewed faith. It is not only Christ who was born; we are reborn in him.

The canticle of Zechariah exemplifies this renewed faith. He tongue was loosened that he could reveal God's truth, not his own. Unlike before when he was doubtful and discouraged, now he gives witness to God's will and His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

His prophesy to his son John may also apply to us, the new heralds of the good news. We shall become the prophets of the Most high. And that entails the loosening of our tongues; that our lives would be a living testimony of God's will to prepare others to meet him; and that we would commit our entire lives to instruct others so they would be able to enjoy God's presence eternally.

All of these will be like the dawn breaking, God's light will be shining upon us, and we will be walking along the way of peace.

Let us joyfully sing, "O come, all ye faithful!" with joy in our hearts. "Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus!"

the 8th day: The favor of God

2011-12-22T12:38:00.000+01:00

Things are unfolding now that the kingdom of God is already here. Jesus has started to unite us to the Father, probabaly even before the beginning of time.

At the time of John birth, note that Jesus was still there, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He may be the one preparing John to be his great messenger. He is also actively preparing us to meet him this Christmas. As he prepares John through his presence and blessing, he may also have been preparing us even before were born - to be with him and for him.

Perhaps, the etymology of the John could also give us a hint on our vocation as heralds of the Gospel. John came from the Hebrew word Ioannes which means "God has favored" or God has given freely and overwhelmingly. "Pinagkalooban ng Diyos", it is God's free will to give us his grace. Could we detect all the graces we received from the time of our conception till now? Everything is God's grace. Offer them back to the Lord is total thanksgiving now that we know that our lives are themselves products of the overwhelming grace of God.

Finally, God's graciousness extends to helping us respond to radiate his love. This is totally manifest in John, who even at his mother's womb, leapt for joy at the coming of his successor or the one whom he would serve. This unconditional response is a picture of the glory of God which has existed even before time began but was almost destroyed by sin. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ who sends precursors to prepare his way.

May we be inspired this Christmas season to totally unite ourselves with Christ who is the source of all goodness and graciousness and faithfully serve him now and always.

The 7th day: When God sings

2011-12-21T15:56:00.000+01:00

As we are getting closer to commemorating the day of Christ’s birth, we need to enter more deeply into a quiet contemplation with the events that are happening.

We now focus on Mary’s song of praise to God. But notice it is not just a mere song of praise. As Mary pours herself out to God, her whole being magnifies the Lord, her spirit is totally one with the Father. Because of the Immaculate Conception, her song is actually the song of God giving life to her and to the rest of mankind.

This is Christmas: when we unite ourselves totally to Him without reserve. Thus, we need to sing God's songs.

When God sings, we become holy in Him. That is the union of God and man in Mary’s canticle. The world of sin destroys that union, holiness seems to be pushed to the background. Mary brings it back through the power of her Son in her womb. Let us strive to lead holy lives inspired by the presence of God in us.

When God sings, every instrument is working in complete harmony with the others. Let us recognize our roles in the orchestra of our Lord, now using our Spirit-given talents and abilities. When the whole world works in harmony with one another, everyone begets life. But if people find their own tunes and serve themselves, noise erupts. Thus, God corrects those who are out of tune and who are not contributing to the harmony of music: he brings down the powerful, the well-fed, and the kings.

When God sings, the whole orchestra becomes one giant act of praise to Him. Here, even the poor, hungry and the oppressed are lifted up and given the justice they deserve.

In the Magnificant, the lowly is exulted. Mary’s name is revered by all generations. May we fix our legacy to bringing Christ to the world this Christmas by sharing Him to others.

The Passion of God

2011-12-20T09:51:00.002+01:00

The sixth day of Simbang Gabi leads us to Mary hastening to see her cousin Elizabeth. But it may in fact be Jesus who is hastening to meet his cousin John and vice versa. May this meeting repair whatever coldness we feel in our relationship with God.

Let us then talk about the passion of God.

Passion is a powerful emotion, for example, an ardent love. Its feeling is warm and embracing. Passion reveals the very identity of a human person. It also reveals who God is - pure Love. His love enlivens us each day. May we finally respond to Him in love.

Passion is also marked by a boundless enthusiasm. The creative aspect of a passionate person is endless. God has unlimited ways to bring us back to him, the best way being, the incarnation of his very own Son. We should find ways to eradicate the boredom of our lives and respond equally to making our faith alive for the sake of our children.

Finally, passion is marked by the offering of one's life in martyrdom. Passion becomes Jesus Christ as he hung dying on the cross for us. It is also Mary's heart as she hastens to her cousin Elizabeth to serve her.

Pray for the strength to face where our faith would eventually lead us - toward the offering of our lives for the sake of the one we love, God himself. May Christ finally come to our lives and change us forever!

Titles of Jesus

2011-12-19T15:40:00.000+01:00

For this fifth day of our preparation for Jesus' coming, let us focus on the titles of Jesus, for we have heard two names from our readings: Immanuel and Jesus. Pray to know more about our birthday celebrant, for He is the central character in our story of salvation.

"Jesus" came from the Hebrew word "Joshua" meaning "God saves." By this, Catechism reminds us of two basic realities about Jesus: who he is and what his mission is. Give Jesus what is due to him as God. Serve him and be one with him in his mission to save us.

Second, the title "Christ" came from "messiah" which means anointed. As Jesus was anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor, let us not forget that we too were anointed during confirmation to bring hope to others and be the soldiers of Jesus.

Third, the title "Son of God" reminds us of the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ. But it also reminds us of our divine link with God. We partake in the divinity of Jesus by being the adopted sons and daughters of the Lord when we were baptised. Let us increase in works that would bring holiness to others.

Last but not the least, the title "Lord" of course points to the Lordship of Jesus as king of heaven and earth. Thus, we give the proper reverence due Him as servants of the Lord, like the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the maidservant of the Lord. Let us be available to do the will of the King.

All these taken under consideration, Jesus becomes more real to us. Celebrating his birth would signal the celebration of our new lives in the God who saves us. Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer and Christmas

2011-12-18T13:35:00.000+01:00

The fourth day of Simbang Gabi takes us to Zechariah, who is supposed to be a faithful servant of the Lord. Scripture says he was praying for a son but had not believed when it finally came true.

What killed Zechariah's faith? His age and his wife's condition? He was discouraged all along. He prayed but lost hope. We pray but our prayers do not lift up to God. What caused our disturbance in prayer and how can we counteract it?

Prayer in its simplest definition is devotion to God. When we lose that devotion we cease the most basic gesture of reaching out to God.

Prayer is reflecting about God. When we stop reflecting about God, we would be eaten by daily anxieties and not have the capacity to discern.

Prayer is communion with God. If we lose this communion, we cease becoming His witnesses to the world. We also would not be in communion with one another.

Prayer is the condition for experiencing the real meaning of Jesus' coming to our lives. Christ would be born in people who have the zeal to pray.

The promise of God

2011-12-17T10:56:00.000+01:00

As the third day of preparation for Christmas unfolds, we see the humble home of Mary, teeming with simplicity and poverty. But in it the grandeur of heaven resides. The angel appears to her and gives her the promise of being the mother of the Savior.

Let's reflect on the definitive break between our old world of sin and the new world founded on Christ. Let us dwell on the promise of God not only to David but for the rest of humankind, past, present, and future.

A promise is a solemn oath; a declaration or vow of fulfilling something. God has not broken His promise. Humankind shall live and enjoy prosperity but only because of him. Let us convert this promise into faith the relies totally on God's promise of salvation.

Secondly, every promise is something favorable. It points to something very positive and fruitful. To Mary, the angel said about Jesus, "He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his reign will be without end." It is something to look forward to. In this regard, we pray for the gift of hope that by releasing ourselves from our old way of life, we shall be redeemed by Him who is to come into our world and lead us back to the Father.

Thirdly, every promise has an indication of sure success. "Know your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God." After this, Mary said, "I am the maidservant of the Lord, let it be done to me as you say." We also say, "Let your will be done. Make our lives useful in you." Let us pray that all our intentions may convert into genuine love that makes us submit ourselves to humble service to one another.

May Christmas finally come into our lives and change us forever!

2nd day of Simband gabi: Appreciating the family

2011-12-16T10:25:00.001+01:00

The backdrop of the stage opens and what do we see in the second day of Simbang Gabi? The whole cast coming in from all sides to the stage and around it, encircling all of us - a throng of families from the old Testament from different generations from Abraham to the New Testament characters Joseph and Mary. How do they relate with the Christmas story and the story of our salvation?

We have to realize that Christmas is not a simple family affair where families celebrate with gifts and food. On the contrary, we have to open up to the reality of a greater family where even the poor are involved as well as persons from the past and the future.

Aside from the most common definition of a family as the smallest unit of society, a family consists of the descendants of a common progenitor. Let us admit once and for that our progenitor is God himself from all goodness comes. True, we came from the fallen Adam and Eve, but the whole humankind came from God who created us in his image and likeness. Let us do everything to live up to that fact by living holy lives.

Another definition of family is a group of persons closely related by blood. Some groups perform a formal act of being one by a blood compact. Others offer their lives for the ones they love. Being family needs a certain act of commitment by offering one's life for others. Can we do that to the person next to us?

Finally, Jesus challenges us, "Who is my family? Those that do the will of my Father is mother and sister and brother to me."

Thus, the opening salvo of people in all generations celebrating life is a picture of real joy because all these people did God's will. So will we as the new family of God. In our midst Christ will be born.

Day 1 Simbang gabi: the story of our salvation unfolds

2011-12-15T16:17:00.000+01:00

The analogy of a play would help us properly dispose ourselves to the Simbang gabi masses leading to Christmas night.

In a play, after all the practices and all preparations, everything is ready for the event. The announcements are made and everyone is informed.

Three things make up a successful play: our presence, our participation, and our witnessing to the play. A play is a play when we are present and are properly disposed to attend it. Secondly, a play is a play when we participate; we are "in the play itself." Thirdly, we give witness to the play because of its profound effect in our lives.

The story of Christmas is the story of our salvation. It is God's story for us. But God said in the first reading that those who receive the gift are those who are properly disposed to receive it. Either we are absent from God or we are present.

Secondly, we participate by uniting ourselves in Christ who became one of us. We are affected fully by his words, actions, and being. We become like him. Finally, we give witness to Jesus by the conduct of our own lives. Jesus said, "My works testify that the Father has sent me." Only the conduct of our lives would give witness to Jesus if like him, we follow God's will.

Christmas may be the story of Jesus' birth. But it is the story of our rebirth as well. It is the story of our salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What Immaculate Conception means for us

2011-12-08T10:52:00.000+01:00

In the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Pius IX in 1854: "The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin."

But how does Mary's reality appeal to our own wounded human nature?

I would like to dwell on the simple words "immaculate" and "conception" to understand that the Mary's message is indeed for us Christians on the pilgrim way to heaven.

"Immaculate" means to be free from any stain, a sure quality possessed by God Himself. What is consoling is that our condition as fallen human beings is not really that hopeless. Immaculate Conception connotes our condition with God before the Fall and that we are meant to be complete again only in God. Mary and Jesus, the true Eve and Adam, broke every chain of dirt caused by sin to make God's words real, "Let us make man unto our image." And there is no other image except that of being "immaculate". As God is holy, so we are meant to be holy in God.

The second word is "conception". From the simple dictionary, this word connotes a process of life itself as well as the birthing of an idea or concept.

Either of these definitions infer what Mary stood for as she shares in the conceiving power of God. God is a God of life! He is meant to multiply and regulate life. Nobody in this world is born without having been blessed by God. This of course is a manner of attitude for us to share in the procreative faculties of God; not the killers of his procreative powers as proposed in the RH bill. The whole of creation is in the process of giving birth. Of course the opposite of this is death and murder. God intends that we be conceived as His new children, sharing in His love and life.

May we take Mary as the source and fulfillment of Christian life. To share in the Immaculate Conception means to share in the work of salvation, to make efforts to be the new Adams and new Eves in Christ our Lord. Mary, may you continue to the hope and consolation for the pilgrim people of God.

Know what you want this Advent

2011-11-26T10:07:00.000+01:00

Advent, week 1
Cycle B

Now that we are entering into another year of the liturgical season, starting with Advent, and into another year of life here on earth, it might be good to ask ourselves whether we need a Redeemer or not.

A redeemer is one who pays the ransom due to to another. How much do we owe God for all the things He has given us? How much sorrow have we caused Him? We need a Redeemer, the Son of God to serve as ransom for all debts we owe to the Master. Only Jesus can do that for us.

A redeemer is one who rescues another from sure death. We die each day due to sin. We breathe sin. Who will rescue us from this darkness? Only Jesus is the light of our lives.

A redeemer restores the honor or reputation another has lost. We have lost our dignity of being sons and daughters of the Lord. Look how we lived - as if He doesn't exist. Has it brought peace and fullness to the world? Do we wish to be restored to grace?

This Advent, know what you want. We want Jesus to redeem us once and for all!

Choose God's kingdom

2011-10-08T13:42:00.001+02:00

28th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A

With the promises written in Isaiah, what more can we ask for from the Lord? Abundance of food, happiness, and life eternal - must we let these all pass in lieu of fleeting wealth and happiness?

But truthfully, why does mankind let these all pass? He lets these all pass because he is concerned only with his own food, happiness, and life. But man's kingdom is nothing as compared with the kingdom of God. And if we are not aware of these, chances are that we contribute not fullness but hunger, not happiness but tears, and not life but death.

Submit to God as early as today, for the message of the gospel is not for those who have died; rather, it is addressed to us who are exposed to the dying and suffering world - to work so that all may receive food and dignity, fullness and not emptiness; and life eternal, not death.

Restoring things in their proper state

2011-10-01T11:09:00.000+02:00

27th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A

Isaiah's text is filled with mystery; his book reveals the destruction of Israel, but he also gives the promise of salvation not only to Israel but to the rest of the world.

When things don't happen as we plan them to be, we always ask, "What happened?" We take time to analyze so we may learn from the error we have committed.

In Isaiah, God also evaluates, "Why isn't mankind reaping sweet fruits?" It is time for us to analyze how we can cause God's work to remain fruitless as we see sufferings around us.

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus also gives a parable of the useless servants. Probably we can also see someone like that in ourselves. The degree of violence just gets worse. The final act of violence is murder not only with mankind but with God's own Son.

God is fully in control. He will restore things to their proper state. But he will use people whom He can trust. Pray that we may be one of them.

God's ways and our ways

2011-09-17T11:46:00.000+02:00

25th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A
Matthew 20:1-16
The gospel for today invites us to focus our attention on the master of the household and not on the workers. It also invites us to yield to God's designs, not our own.

God's ways extends from left to right; being able to bring life to all people. Our ways extend only as far as we are able to help those closest to us.

God's ways extends from earth till heaven; connecting the whole world with His holiness. Our ways extend only as high as we could jump with all of our ambitions.

God's ways extends from here to eternity. Our ways extend only as long as we can stay here on earth.

God's love is eternal. Ours is temporary unless we heed His command and live according to His ways. Then we shall extend our hands to all, lift all to God, and experience eternal happiness.

May we prioritize already whose will we shall follow: only God's.

God's forgiveness

2011-09-10T11:42:00.000+02:00

24th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A
Matthew 18:21-35
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom; it clearly teaches about compassion and forgiveness rather than hatred and vengeance. "He who exacts vengeance will experience the vengeance of the Lord" and "if a man nurses hatred against another, can he demand compassion from the Lord?"

The clear path to life is forgiveness. If we embrace hatred, half of the population will die each day. If we forgive, we keep the human race and we keep it running till the next generations.

Second, vengeance inflicts pain; forgiveness heals it.

Third, human forgiveness mirrors God's forgiveness. Without his forgiveness we cease to exist, nor can we experience his graces. We don't deserve to live after all that we have done against Him; still He forgives us.

May we mirror God's forgiveness then.

Extending ourselves

2011-09-03T11:29:00.002+02:00

23rd Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A
Matthew 18:15-20
Among us Filipinos, we are so aware of "extended family ties." But I wonder how far that extension really goes?

In the first reading, God warns Ezekiel against not saying his judgment to the people of Israel: "if the person dies in his sin, I will hold you accountable." The opposite applies as well, "If the person repents, you will save your life."

I couldn't imagine that we are that connected. If I will leave you to your death, I too will die. That is why the Filipino translation of "brother" says it all, "kapatid", "Ikaw ang kaputol ng aking buhay."

Every man and woman is an extension of ourselves. The widening gap between the rich and the poor, the literate and the illiterate is hurting us all. Disconnect ourselves from others and we die. Connect ourselves with the rest of mankind and we live.

We are also extensions of the Lord. We are not extensions of our own money or folly. It is this social responsibility to others that marks us as children of one God and Father. "Whatever you do to the least of your brothers, you do it to me."

So what does this extension imply to us? It means that looking at our brothers and sisters we look at ourselves. We see a sad picture of humankind and we see our greed, laziness, non-commitment and folly.

Second, let us extend that helping hand; let us extend ourselves. Helping others means helping ourselves live.

Third, extend to God and God extends back to us. Help one another and God smiles back at us. We are God's extensions.

Serve God alone

2011-08-27T11:47:00.000+02:00

22nd Sunday in ordinary time, set A

The prophet Jeremiah aptly puts every sentiment of an active follower of the Lord, "If I don't proclaim your word, there is something burning in my heart."

Are we really sure that those who have not followed the Lord are indeed fulfilled? And do you think that those whose service to the Lord is found wanting is living the fullest life?

Ever since we were born, we are meant to serve the Lord. Our birth itself is a living proof that God allowed us to live for a particular, exclusive reason: so that we may know who created us, and that in knowing, we may love and serve Him.

Jesus in today's gospel eventually leads us to the very heart of service: renouncing oneself, taking up one's cross, and following him. By renouncing oneself, others' and God world will open up to us. By taking up our cross, Jesus' life will flow to us. By following Jesus, life will flow to others also.

Simply put: serve God alone and we shall live.

The power to bind and loose

2011-08-20T12:50:00.000+02:00

21st Sunday, cycle A

From the first reading, we learned that Shebna, a king who was found displeasing to God, would be replaced by Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah. He would have the great powers of a just king.

We may not know it, but the world of politics mirrors the justice of God to bring life and order to the world. And if power is corrupted, God has the power to judge and rule and bring order to mankind.

God assigns people to do the job. Unfortunately, sometimes, people who are not attuned to God end up bringing corruption to people. Again, God would exhibit his power.

The call therefore for all us is to heed God's commands, have the courage to stay close to him, and proclaim his love and mercy to all people.

The Church in this regard has the power to bind and loose as Jesus has. Believe in the the Church that he built for all of us. It is up to us to release the potentials of a Church that has the power to bring life to all for the greater glory of God.

The scraps that fall from the table

2011-08-13T11:46:00.000+02:00

20th Sunday in Ordinary time
cycle A

I would assume that in this day and age of attractions to material things, wealth, and technologies, man still opts for eternal salvation. Unfortunately, salvation is translated to life after death. Meanwhile, the world is dying because of corruption and greed; and people are suffering because of the sins of others.

It is imperative therefore that salvation begins now, here in our world and in the world to come; and salvation comes in relying totally on God to change us and lead us to him.

Faith in and knowledge of God gradually molds us to be givers and servants, causing goodness to overflow in this world by rendering what is due to others. Thus, this world would consequently become a better place to live in because the inhabitants of this earth have the heart of God.

Finally, as the scraps the fall from the master's table are enough to give life to the Canaanite woman, so too the scraps of our lives could be rendered useful in giving life to others. Anything large or small, if offered to God becomes a source of life for others. The Pondo ng Pinoy and the Segunda Mana of Caritas Manila are examples of scraps turned things of useful value for others. We are also the scraps turned useful by our Lord to save others. Salvation begins now.

The kingdom of God

2011-07-23T11:11:00.000+02:00

17th Sunday in Ordinary time, cycle C

Tell me, what is your understanding of a kingdom? Is our understanding of a human kingdom be the same as with God's kingdom?

If we know what is in store for us in God's kingdom, we would not be in the story state we are in.

The kingdom of God taken all together, could be the very vision of our lives. Now, there are no more thoughts of getting rich or getting even. The kingdom of God is our world with God. Here God reigns.

If that is our sole desire, God's kingdom, could this affect the way we handle our lives? The sorry state of man is seeing himself, alone, seemingly alive, while the rest suffers in darkness and poverty. The kingdom of god enables us to reach out and extend God's loving hands to others.

Finally, God's kingdom enables us to see the whole picture of the essence of it all, and how the rest of humanity are related to us. God's kingdom becomes our path to lead us with each passing day to the Father and to our real home.

Thus, the Kingdom of God is our vision, our present, and our way to the future. Choose the Kingdom of God above all things.

Fruitfulness

2011-07-09T12:36:00.000+02:00

15th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle A

It cannot be denied that all of us want to be fruitful in this life. This is further affirmed by our unity with God who created us in His image and likeness. Our desire for fruitfulness must come from him.

But despite the progress, development, or whatever we call it, why is the world like a barren desert? Why are people sleeping on the sidewalk? Why are we opting to kill the world through the RH bill? What exactly is happening?

We are going to exorcise anything that makes us barren. "You have more than you think you have."

Make an evaluation of your assets, both external and internal, and realize all these can be used as gifts. The barren person sees these things as waste. The fruitful person sees them as opportunities for growth.

Secondly, realize, that God is a God of life and not of death. Even his death gives life to many. Give yourself enough time, talent, and treasure to get to know God. The barren person has no time for God, nor does he have time to serve others. "He who saves his life will lose it." The fruitful person is always in search of God's will to reach out to many.

Thirdly, realize the value of suffering. The barren person sees suffering as a curse. The fruitful person sees suffering as a way of giving oneself so that others may live.

The fruitful person enjoys the blessings of life and love. The barren person lives alone. Choose life. Choose to be fruitful.

Knowing God

2011-07-02T11:55:00.000+02:00

14th Sunday in ordinary time, Cycle A

"The more I know, the more I do not know." These words came from the famous philosopher Socrates. Wisdom arises from taking a different view of things, from a stale or static view to a refreshed and creative view.

There's another thing worth pondering I would like to share: do you know that every time we look at a painting, we always look at it in a different way? Paintings speak to us in myriads of ways.

In both of these examples, we need to have a heart of a child who has an endless capacity to enjoy things. I hope the same is true in our knowledge of God in Jesus. I hope it is still the same with our dedication to the Eucharist.

People who stopped attending masses because they feel they are doing it mechanically are also prone to closing their doors to Christ.

So what does it mean to know God?

Rise beyond the box of knowledge of God. Enter into his reality. Align ourselves with His will. For he gives life; there is no other.

Transubstantiation

2011-06-25T12:32:00.000+02:00

Feast of Corpus Christi, cycle A

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has underscored the unbreakable link between our celebration of Corpus Christi and Holy Thursday when Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist. In that Holy day, Christ transformed the whole world to himself from death to life, from condemnation to redemption, making us pleasing offerings to the Father.

In the celebration of Corpus Christ, the same transformation is happening: mystery of the transubstantiation or the changing of the substance of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. The mystery of this change connotes three things:

First, that Jesus transforms the darkness of this whole world into his marvelous light. Because of this redemption, the mystery we celebrate is rightfully called “thanksgiving” for we have so much to thank for; salvation is right before us.

Second, the changing of bread into his body applies to us when we eat the bread and drink the cup – we are assimilated in him. In normal eating, food is assimilated in us; but in the Eucharist we are assimilated in Him. We possess the same love Jesus has. We become instruments of Jesus in today’s world.

Thirdly, “in receiving communion” we allow ourselves to enter into the deepest act of unity possible – we become one with God and with one another. This is the reality of being “Church”, and Pope Benedict reminds us to constantly lift the lives of our suffering brothers and sisters in order to fully realize the true meaning of “being Church” – totally one with the Most Holy Trinity and one with humankind as it is transformed according to the image of the Lord who said, "I will be with you until the end of time!"

May we adore the Lord in His Body and Blood in every mass that we celebrate!

Come, Holy Spirit!

2011-06-11T11:21:00.000+02:00

Solemnity of the Pentecost, cycle A

It may be significant to know that when we talk about the Holy Spirit, we are not talking about a ghost but a Concrete God, a Paraclete, One that fills the Church with God’s goodness and power. He fills us and makes us concrete manifestations of His presence.

The three concrete manifestations of the Spirit are:

1. Breath or strong wind – wind that can be heard, but this is not a destructive wind but rather, a breath that gives and sustains life. The opposite one does not give breath; it kills. We breathe God and are breathed upon by the Lord. If far from God, we cease breathing life to others. We die and bring others to death. This anti-life mentality is ruining the core of our very relationship with God, the breath of life.

2. Tongues of fire – the Holy Spirit rested on the apostles, distributing His presence among them. Note that this fire doesn’t burn; not like the fires of destruction. In purification, it brings out the truer part of man and his vocation to truth and love. Never be afraid with this fire. Be touched with the fire of Jesus’ everlasting love.

3. Speaking in different languages – as God self-communicates, he produces unity far beyond we can imaging. If a person distances himself away from others, he also distances away from the Spirit. As Pope Benedict says in his message last year, "This Spirit manifests in the plurality of understanding, just as the Church is both one and multiple in nature. The Holy Spirit involves all people and overcomes all walls and barriers."

How right is this prayer rooted in the very prayer of Jesus, “Come Holy Spirit; kindle us by the fire of your love.” This prayer of Jesus continues this very moment to transcend space and time, to reach eternity in heaven. Let us be one this Pentecost and for the rest of our lives.

Are you finally convinced of following Jesus once and for all?

2011-05-28T11:15:00.000+02:00

6th Sunday of Easter, cycle A

As Easter season is almost ending, we are challenged to reflect whether at this point in time, we have experienced how it is to rise from the dead. We are also confronted whether we are able to do the same works Jesus did in this world to bring people to life.
Jesus' call seemed to resonate over and over again: If you love me, you would obey my commands. Why would we obey his commands? What is in them?

Obeying Jesus' commands means to choose what is good, what is right and what is holy. It also means accepting to follow Jesus everyday and walk in his ways. Finally, following Jesus' command means carrying his cross for the sake of life. Why obey? It is because in following Him, we choose the path of real life in the moral sense, we dwell in the Most Holy Trinity, and we bring life to others.

As we prepare for Pentecost, let our commitment to follow Jesus be as strong as ever.

The good Shepherd and promoting vocations

2011-05-14T11:56:00.000+02:00

4th Sunday of Easter, cycle A

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday; incidentally, this day is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

In this day we recall Jesus’ concern for the flock of Israel, for they were like sheep without a shepherd, and implored others to pray to the Father for laborers to the harvest.

The seedbed of vocations is the family where a child is reared to love and care. It is also in the parish community where this bond of love is further strengthened and molded to perfection. Thus, on this very day, the Holy Father called on the bishops and local Church to strengthen their campaign and promote vocations. The Holy Father called on the dioceses to review the pastoral programs geared at awakening the young to the gift of vocations. He challenged all associations, movements, ministries and ecclesial communities to answer a basic question: Are parish activities geared to fostering vocations among young people?

The Holy Father aligns the formation of vocations to the way Jesus formed his disciples. The first movement is the be friends with Jesus who is most intimate with the Father. Know Jesus in the scriptures and develop that affinity with Him.

The second is the witness of the Church and in the course of its witnessing, to form the commitment among young people to “go and make disciples of all nations. In the 2^nd wave it is important to everyone to feel the warmth of being Church.

The third wave is the ability to say yes to meaning of one’s life caused by offering oneself, “If a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies …” This third waves involves saying yes to “leave everything behind and follow Jesus.

Finally, the Holy Father called on the priests to be living witnesses of this communion by their communion with the bishop, with fellow priests, and with the people of God. In this way, the entire Church rejoices at the life being produced among the young - the gift of vocations.

New birth

2011-04-30T12:55:00.000+02:00

2nd Sunday of Easter, cycle A

For the second week of Easter, the focus of attention shifts to the Christian community as a manifestation of the Risen Lord. This is further strengthened by Peter in his letter that says, "Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth as his sons, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away, because it is being kept for you in the heavens. (1 Peter 1, 3)

What is this new birth that causes the Christian community to be united in love? What is this new birth that gives us sure hope in the promise of inheritance?

In this new birth, we are not subjected to death, for Jesus Christ rises us from the graves of our sins. In this new birth, we are tested in fire, and yet we see this as our purification toward perfection. In this new birth, though we have not seen Christ, we are already filled with the joy of His presence in our lives. In this new birth we always experience the joy of Easter because of the Holy Spirit guiding us each day.

Pray to experience the joys of being reborn in Christ!

The resurrection and our baptism into Christ

2011-04-23T11:38:00.000+02:00

Easter vigil, cycle A

The message of Easter always points to us being resurrected together with Jesus Christ right this very moment!

In the Pope Benedict's Easter message last year, he mentioned the Jewish Apocryphal literature of Adam sending Seth his son back to paradise to ask for the oil of mercy from the tree of life. But the angel did not allow Seth to enter, saying, "Adam is subject to death."

Of course in this world we want to live, but do we want to live forever? We might think that this is impossible, but nothing is impossible with God. We can live forever! The one thing that made this when we were baptized into Christ.

Resurrection is intimately linked with our baptism. But we have to place our total faith on the baptism we have received so that we can receive constantly the oil of mercy and live forever in Christ. We just need to do two things: to renounce the old ways and to put on the new garment of Christ through renewing our baptismal promises. The symbols of Easter - the light, water, and Holy Communion all point towards us receiving fully and totally Jesus Christ, making the medicine of life possible.

Embrace fully this gift of Easter - Jesus Christ himself and always sing, "Hallelujah!"

Humility and servanthood

2011-04-21T10:05:00.000+02:00

Holy Thursday, cycle A

Allow me to reflect on Pope Benedict's homily for Holy Thursday last year. He gave reference to the prayer of Jesus in John's gospel after he washed the apostles' feet, a sign of total humility and servanthood.

³"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent". Desiring life and escaping death seemed to be inherent in our humanity. Jesus shared with us the secret of real life - only in God and in knowing him. "Knowledge of God is eternal life!" says Pope Benedict. Pray to seek the face of God above all else if we want to live.

⁶"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word." The next key to life is in Jesus and our intimate relationship with Him as the way to the Father. But where is Jesus? He is in the Eucharist that we partake. Pope Benedict gives the analogy of the temple that though God is everywhere, He still resides fully in His temple. Embrace fully the Eucharist as the sign of the incarnate presence of Jesus Christ.

²⁰"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;
²¹that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." Servanthood entails that we serve one another as a condition of "being Church" or "Ekklesia", a people called by God.

May we fully learn from these words of Jesus as our way to life!

Ascent to Jerusalem

2011-04-16T11:25:00.000+02:00

Palm Sunday, cycle A

In his homily for Palm Sunday last year, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI invites us to go on a pilgrimage on the ascent to Jerusalem. But this is not simply a pilgrimage; rather, it symbolizes our ascent in Christian life and our ascent before God.

Jesus shows the way toward that ascent. But what does it take for us to go on that ascent?

Let me quote directly from the Holy Father:

"Let us sum up: the following of Christ requires, as a first step, a reawakening of the desire to be authentic human beings and thus the reawakening of oneself for God. It then requires us to join the climbing party, in the communion of the Church. In the "we" of the Church we enter into communion with the "you" of Jesus Christ and thus reach the path to God. We are also asked to listen to the Word of Jesus Christ and to live it: in faith, hope and love. Thus we are on the way toward the definitive Jerusalem and, from this moment, in a certain way, we already find ourselves there, in the communion of all God's Saints."

First, let us reawaken in ourselves that intense desire for God as a condition of becoming fully human and fully alive.

Second, be assured of the support of companions. Believe in the people of God which is the Church.

Thirdly, live out the Word of Jesus until "we find ourselves in the communion of all God's Saints."

A final note in this journey: let us be reminded that "the Cross is also part of the ascent towards the heights of Jesus Christ." The Cross which bears the saving heart of Jesus is the key to our ascent from our low stature in life towards the fullness of life in God. May this inspire us to carry our crosses this Holy Week.

To give witness to Jesus

2011-04-10T00:49:00.000+02:00

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Cycle A

This last Sunday of Lent, we are led to answer that ultimate question: who is God to us and who are we to Him? Just as Jesus is capable raising the dead to life, our ultimate identity is not in death, but in resurrection of Jesus.

First, let us review our lives to the smallest detail whether every moment with a person or event is an opportunity for salvation or sin. May we have the strength to throw away those that are not helping us attain salvation.

Second, as Jesus confronted Martha about him being the resurrection and the life, "Do you believe in me?" let us finally place ourselves unreservedly to serve Him who is the source of all our lives. Be fully convinced that He alone can grant us life that will last forever.

Finally, let us aim to be instruments of life for others. Looking back when my mother who lived a simple but devoted life when she was alive, I realized that she gave us her children values that we hold on right this very day till forever; these were the treasures of her life that are the sources of treasures also for our children and the next generation. She was the true instrument of Christ to us; she brought us real life.

Aim for the things that will bring us to life forever.

In search of the face of Jesus

2011-04-02T11:00:00.000+02:00

4th Sunday of Lent, cycle C

Pope Benedict XVI puts most aptly the theme for today's reflection: "The healing is a sign that Christ wants not only to give us sight, but also to open our interior vision, so that our faith my become ever deeper and may recognize him as our only Savior." The journey of looking within ourselves starts now.
Looking back at the time I responded to this call to be a priest, I wonder how I could have answered this call while others would not? It started out with questioning whether my initial career path would really be worth it. It was back in college that I started questioning the sense of it all. Could it be that I was searching for the face of Jesus? Could I really be searching for the truth that God intended me to be?

The second is the appreciation of "invisible" things money cannot buy. Money can buy a bed, but not a restful sleep. It can buy a house, not a home. This realization enables us to see the beauty of life that money cannot satisfy. God allowed me to enjoy the invisible things while I was reflecting to respond fully to His call; for these are the real treasures of life.

The third is to respond that whatever goodness exists in this world belongs to God. I finally responded to take this way of life as a supreme sacrifice for following the Lord's will. The fruits of goodness are endless; especially in the lives of people forever touched by the goodness of the Lord.

Aim for the interior, invisible things; Jesus is totally present.

Give me a drink

2011-03-26T09:55:00.000+01:00

3rd Week of Lent, cycle A

In journeying with Jesus toward the cross, we discover in the first week how weak we are and how we needed grace. but in the second week, we are confronted with the beauty of God who now becomes our real strength. In this third week of Lent, we are called to do something and focus our minds and hearts to serving Him.

Pope Benedict XVI reflects the third week in this way:

God in Jesus said, "Give me a drink." Have we imagined the thirst of God? We imagine the thirst of God in his most intense desire to reach out to us and to bring us to life in Him. God wishes to awaken in us the same capacity to fill up that thirst by inviting us to the life of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is that living water that extinguishes our thirst for goodness, truth, and beauty. It irrigates our restless souls; it transforms us into true worshipers, praying to the Father in Spirit and in truth.

The moment we realize this thirst of God and his passion to bring us His life, we are slowly moved to change ways, to make our lives more God-centered, and to focus all our attentions to bringing life to others. We are the living waters of the Holy Spirit to bring life to all.

The divinization of man

2011-03-19T11:54:00.000+01:00

3rd Sunday of Lent, cycle A

The spirit of lent calls us to continue journeying with Jesus with gladness, to be with him in the face of death, and to be with Him in his resurrection. This should lead us to the newness of life in him.

In his lenten message, Pope Benedict summarized the main message of the transfiguration as the glory of God; but it also marks the divinization of man. Here he took the apostles up the mountain and to listen to God's voice: "This is my beloved Son."

Pope Benedict invites us to "take a distance away from the noise of daily life and be immersed in the sea of God's presence." Through this, we discern what is good and evil, reinforcing our will to follow Jesus. This is the start of divinization: that we commit ourselves to journey with God and learn from His ways.

Divinization also becomes possible in the face of suffering and death when we connect the woundedness of humanity with the wounds of Jesus Christ, whom we know as the one who embraced sin to save us all. If we can discern the spiritual realities behind our suffering, know that we are one with God.

Finally, divinization reaches its fulfillment when we commit ourselves to bringing others to experience the resurrection of their lives - when the poor are fed, when the sorrowing are consoled, when the sick are visited and so forth. We partake in the redemptive powers of Jesus Christ.

We do not just become citizens of this world; more so, we become children of heaven.

What makes a strong faith?

2011-03-05T10:39:00.000+01:00

Cycle A, 9th Sunday

I would be totally devastated if the words of the today's gospel would be the same words Jesus declares to me on judgment day: "I do not know you; away from me you evil doer." It seems that he is commanding me to transcend from the usual minimum requirement of a Christian. On the contrary, he wishes us our faith to be built on solid rock.

The Lord seems to touch the very core of our existence. "Who is God really for us?" If we really know God, why are we cold in serving Him? Why do other things seem more attractive than God? Do we really know the extent of God's love? Knowledge of God goes beyond mere knowledge. We HAVE enter into the mystery of His love for us.

Secondly, a strong faith entails a combination of various ingredients: from wanting to know the truth, to reason, and finally to freedom of choice to love Him back. Do we exert all efforts to understand the core of our faith enough to commit ourselves to living it out? Are there hindrances in the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Thirdly, faith demands action. Action should be consistent and persistent; always awake and never resting. Learn from the saints; the more they grow in holiness, the more they humble themselves and proclaim their need for God. In the end, faith demands that whatever happens, that we remain faithful, and it is all that matters.

We are stewards of Jesus

2011-02-26T10:48:00.000+01:00

8th Sunday of the year, cycle A, Reading: Matt. 6, 24 - 34

Honestly, do we ever think about being the stewards of Jesus Christ as was said in St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians?

From the English word steiward meaning "household keeper", a steward is an official representative of the king, someone who manages the affairs of someone higher than him, and a leader who has the mandate to govern in the name of his leader.

The common denominator of all of these is the steward unquestionable link and loyalty to his Master.

We are the stewards of Jesus tasked to do three things among others:

1. that whatever happens we remain faithful to the Master, our Father, creator and Lord
2. that we do the affairs God entrusted us to do - this becomes our vocation and mission
3. that we be fruitful servants of the Master. Note the vineyard full of harvest, but the laborers are scarce. When will we start working in the vineyard of the Lord?

Think about the fullness of life obtained in serving Him. This fullness extends to all generations.

No permission to sin

2011-02-12T08:55:00.001+01:00

6th week in ordinary time, Cycle A

I cannot help but notice the words of Scripture from the book of Ecclesiastes: God never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin. (Ecc. 15, 16 - 21)

How about the many time we excused ourselves from leading holy lives because we are only human? He give no one permission to sin. How about just a little bit of white lie? He has not given us any permission to sin. How about when we are justified in doing some things that would hurt others? He has not given us any permission to sin.

Jesus said: "Be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48) This is the main gauge of Christian life, not the times we have done well or excelled even in holy actions. The gauge is if we have loved according to how Jesus loved. This is also our gauge to heaven, that it is our not goodness that will let us enter into heaven, but the presence of Jesus alive in us."

Do not kill ... Jesus wants our relationship with others be full, even with our enemies; all encompassing, thought, word and deed. Every act done with and for our brothers and sisters, every thought and word, be done be filled with love. This is absolute, meaning, not only with those who love us, but more so with those who hate us.

Do not commit adultery ... Jesus wants that our relationship be total because we have given ourselves to the other in total love with no conditions.

Do not break your oath ... Jesus wants wants us to face this realization of our wounded humanity, that we are indeed not capable of being faithful, even to our oaths. But this act of humility is the source of God's strength in us; for when we are weak, God is strong. And whatever happens, God will remain faithful with us. May this unconditional faithfulness of Lord transform us to doing his will and not just make a promise to do it.

So let our lives be living mirrors of God's love; his faithfulness, our faithfulness; His presence, our presence here on earth. Be holy is an absolute statement, no ifs, no buts.

An authentic Filipino Christian Culture

2011-01-15T10:41:00.001+01:00

Feast of the Sto. Nino in the Philippines
Cycle A
Gospel: Matt. 18, 1 - 5, 10

What is the uniqueness of Filipino faith?

Quoting from the late John Paul II when he visited Cebu City, Philippines, "I want to express my deep joy and profound thanksgiving to the Lord of history. The thought that for 450 years the light of the Gospel has shown with undimmed brightness in this land and on its people is cause for great rejoicing. Four and a half centuries of fruitful interaction between the local culture and Christian message have resulted in this harmonious blending called "Filipino Christian culture."

What exactly is the uniqueness of the Filipino Christian culture?

1. Entrustment of our country to the care of the Christ Child together with the Blessed Virgin Mary gives us a deep sense of security in the care of our loving God. A child feels truly secured. This gives us a firm grounding on our faith.

2. The late Holy Father mentioned the steady growth and maturity of the Filipino Catholic faith is truly inspiring. Despite the many problems we have which stem from corruption, the Holy Father's words of affirmation gives us encouragement that we still can learn from our mistakes. Again, like a little child, his power to learn infects us all for good.

3. Let me just end with a mission aspect that Pope Benedict mentioned in the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, "Become who you are." This is also our mission; this is who we are. The result is a growing faith, fruitful in all its works.

May our devotion to the Sto. Nino increase our knowledge and love of God. Viva kay Senor Sto. Nino!

Star of Bethlehem

2011-01-01T11:03:00.000+01:00

Feast of the Epiphany, Reading: Mt. 2: 1 - 12

Contrary to popular sentiments that Christmas is over and we're back to our work and school, Christmas is just beginning. All the excitement and hope for the New Year is now within us and in front of us. We only need to carry the Child Jesus to where we are going. We need to share Him with others. We need His saving presence to change our lives forever.

We need the star to guide us in this path. Clarify right now what our stars are, then compare it with the Star of Bethlehem.

The star of Bethlehem serves as the vision of our lives. We know what we are looking for. Do we really know what we are truly looking for in our lives? Otherwise, we still remain blind and easy bait to the lures of this world.

The Star of Bethlehem makes us "wise". We can see the whole picture. We see the things that lead people astray. Other stars lead us to foolishness. We waste our lives doing that.

The Star of Bethlehem gathers us to life, to love, and to God. All people become friends, not enemies, and we commit to sharing lives with one another. It is like our journey to heaven in communion with God and with others.

Focus on the Star and Christmas will stay with us forever.

Religious freedom, the path to peace

2010-12-31T11:41:00.000+01:00

Solemnity of Mary, mother of God
cycle A
Reading: Lk. 2: 16 - 21

As I grew older, the more I realize that round fruits and noise don't have any link with a brighter future except possessing a positive disposition. Unless we realize that our concrete actions account for the situation we have, our preparations for the New Year come to naught. We need to ponder like Mary. What exactly did she ponder on?

First, the act of pondering is very important, especially when a person is oriented to God and wishes to do His will. Do we desire to make the Master happy?

Second, Mary pondered on the shepherds themselves and what they had to say. Have we seen God in others, most specially the poor? Do we listen to what others are not saying? Do we address the needs of the poor?

Third, Mary pondered on the Christ Child on what he would be in the future. As Jesus is the Prince of Peace, I would like to focus on the message of the Holy Father for this year: Religious Freedom, the path to peace.

Even though the context of Pope Benedict's message is the violence done against the Church in other countries, we may apply it also to our situation where instead of reflecting on our life with God, we chose to focus on other worldly concerns.

Religious freedom highlights the dignity of persons. The more we think of our relationship with God, the more we value life that comes from Him.

Religious freedom enables us to celebrate the uniqueness of persons with whom God communicates Himself to. It enables us to respect and help one another.

Finally, religious freedom enables public order, development, and regard for the common good. These are the action components of peace. How willing are we to do these things?

These are the things we need to do to realize Jesus in our lives. This is what we are to become in our lives: bringers of life and love to others and realizers of God's presence in the world. We would face the New Year with renewed hopes.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Our family this Christmas

2010-12-25T23:24:00.000+01:00

Feast of the Most Holy Family, cycle A, Reading: Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

In order to commit ourselves to bring Christ into the world this Christmas we need to enter into his Family, God's family. We need to make God's family our own.

In order to do this, we need to recognize God as our Father. Joseph became father to Jesus because God willed it so. Joseph mirrored God's fatherhood.

We also need to live out the love that is God himself, the love that binds the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the binding force of a family.

Finally, we need to connect the whole family till the next generations. What we live out today is transmitted to the next. That is why what we do to our parents comes back to us.

Pray to be a Christian family where Jesus dwells, like with Mary and Joseph.

Prince of Peace

2010-12-24T12:53:00.000+01:00

Photo courtesy of Musings of a Catholic Mom

Midnight Mass
Solemnity of the Christ's Birth
Reading: Luke 2:1-14

After being prepared by the Holy Spirit all these time to meet our Lord, imagine that we are slowly walking towards the manger ... to realize what is in front of us ...

We, who are not far off from the poor shepherds, are also wounded and humbled by life, weighed down by crosses, persecuted each day, now come towards the humble stable.

We gather together in this great meeting announced by the angels. As we enter into the humble abode of Mary and Joseph, we finally see Him who has just been born into our world. He cannot speak, but he is already saying a thousand words as a baby to his mother, and the mother feeling every bit with her sleeping child who stayed in her womb for nine months, now wrapped in swaddling clothes.

And as we gaze upon this humble Child, we begin to affirm that:

... He is our Wonder counselor ... every time we invoke his name, we are consoled, cured of our illnesses, he heals our past, he gives us new life.

... He is our Prince of Peace ... He brings us in communion with one another, as he has forgiven us, so too we forgive one another, we bring peace to others ...

And He is our Mighty God ... there is power in being a Child, but not an ordinary child, but a Child who loves, a Child who mirrors God himself. We hold in our hands the King of the world, and allows us to touch him. That is a real king. That is our God.

As Christmas has dawned upon us, promise this humble Child to take care of him, to be his strength, to defend him, to fight his cause, to care for him, to share him with others. This is true Christmas! Merry Merry Christmas to one and all!

The ultimate preparation for Christmas

2010-12-23T12:19:00.000+01:00

Day 9, Simbang Gabi, Cycle A, Reading: Luke 1:67-79

We are almost ready to receive the last set of graces before we receive the ultimate Christmas gift - Jesus himself. We need to learn from the canticle of a man who was once mute but now could speak. Now he utters the truths of God and not His own. And the message of this canticle could be our own:

1. Our need for the Redeemer - He has visited his people; ask what you like the Lord to redeem... once and for all offer it to him and be confident he is already assisting you.
2. Ever faithful groom who never forgets his covenant - it is taking us and whole of humanity its lifetime to be molded according to the bride of Christ. Not only be patient but remain faithful to Jesus...
3. a prophet to give witness to the glory of God - Will we be the ones to give witness to salvation of Jesus?

Prepare for the blessed night that is to come. And the final preparation is this - Plead our Lord to redeem us, dedicate our whole lives to remain faithful to Him; be a living testimony of the salvation of Jesus.

The gift of prophecy

2010-12-22T12:34:00.001+01:00

Day 8, Simbang Gabi, Set A, Reading: Luke 1:57-66

After Mary's fiat and the the fruits of the Holy Spirit overflow, are we ready to bring Christ to the world?

This gospel invites us to focus on the gift of prophecy which is sorely lacking in today's world. When Christians turn off their prophetic role, evil finds its way in the world.

Sin makes us blind, deaf, mute. Grace opens our eyes, fine tunes our ears, and tames our tongues. Real prophets:

1. are able to see the divine in the midst of the material world. They are not blind to the sin around them. They denounce it. They proclaim the presence of the Lord in the world.
2. Prophets are able to hear the sound amidst the silence. People of the world remain deaf to the cries of the poor and the suffering. Prophets could feel the sentiments of the poor and bounce into action. They are able to hear the voice of God telling them what to do to cure the ills caused by sin.
3. Prophets are definitely not mute is speaking the truths of God. Rather, they would prefer to suffer persecution and even death rather than silence God's word.

Taking all these, prophets cause God to be present in the world to cure people and bring healing and freedom to them. Grant that we may turn out to be true prophets delivering Christ into the world.

True joy is the gift of the Holy Spirit

2010-12-21T10:50:00.001+01:00

Day 7, Simbang gabi, cycle A, reading: Lk. 1: 46 - 56

A continuation from yesterday's reading is the overflowing gift of the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit flows, there is real joy. What is false joy and what is real joy?

From Mary's Canticle we can detect three things that are sources of real joy:

1. When God is proclaimed above all else - the false joy will exult oneself, but true joy has God as our deliverer. For Mary this is clear, "My heart rejoices in God my Savior."

2. When the poor are given justice - False joy arises in exulting one's wealth. True joy stems from exulting the poor and the lowly. We may always have the poor with us, but to keep them poor is terrible indeed. We could have at least done something in our lifetime to change the outlook between rich and poor. After all, we are all poor in God's eyes.

3. When God has come to help Israel, his servant - that in everything that happens to our lives, it is the saving action of God all along. False is the joy of a person who accomplishes by his own power, and he does everything to maintain it. True joy results in humility before God and celebrating life because God has visited his people.

If we have true joy in our hearts, it is easier to see Jesus this Christmas. Everything is the action of God!

The fruits of Christmas

2010-12-20T13:52:00.002+01:00

Day 6, Simbang Gabi, cycle A, reading: Luke 1:39-45

For the fifth and sixth day, we turn exclusively to Mary as she assists her cousin Elizabeth (day 5, simbang gabi), but the service turned into a song (Day 6) because the Holy Spirit is at work, the Holy Spirit that caused everyone to be jumping with joy, for Mary to be filled with grace and for Elizabeth who was humbled that "the mother of my Lord would come to me, and my baby in my womb leapt for joy" eventually Mary uttering the beautiful Magnificat, a prayer most especially dedicated to the Lord. Tell me, are these your usual feelings as a Christian?

I'll give a hint on the fruits of the Holy Spirit as reflected by the gospel:

1. Generosity - service, selflessness; not a tinge of selfishness, of thinking only about what is good for oneself. Would you rather see a world filled with generous people or selfish people? How do we inspire others to generosity and service?

2. Real joy - the joy inside Elizabeth because she was visited by the "Mother of the Lord". Joy for the other, not envy; love, not jealousy. What area in others' lives would you feel most joyful? As we start admiring others, we begin to connect and life becomes relational - "Love one another as I have loved you."

3. Life - even inside the womb, not death. Which would you rather see - life or death? Fruitfulness or barrenness. Sooner or later, generosity or the lack of it accounts for life or death around us. Choose the path to life by offering ourselves.

Then Christ will be alive, breathing, and his heart pumping for us this Christmas.

Fulfilling our Fiat

2010-12-19T12:02:00.000+01:00

Day 5, Simbang Gabi, Cycle A, Lk. 1: 26 - 38

By now, we may be enthralled with the life offered by Immanuel, for now, he reveals himself to us. What we need now is the spirit of Mary as she said "Yes!" to doing God's will.

"Fiat" is a Latin word meaning "Let it be done." Things haven't happened yet Mary already gave herself fully into the cause. Into what? Doing God's will.

How do we give in to to Fiat to God? How do we remove the fear inside our hearts of following God's will?

1. Do some practical calculations - if I do my own will, how many people will benefit? How many will benefit if I give in to God? What do I receive if I follow my own will? What do I receive if I follow His will?
2. Do some visioning (spiritual) - What could life be like if I do my own will? How happy would I be? Now what would life be if I follow God's will? How will the world be like if I follow what I want and if I follow what he wants?
3. Core of my existence - Why did He create me in the first place? What is my mission in this world? How could I survive if I follow His will and if I follow my own?

From all these, may we see a new world unfold if only people including ourselves follow God's will. I'm sure the world will be a better place to be.

God with us

2010-12-19T11:40:00.000+01:00

Day 4, Simbang Gabi, cycle A

After our ancestor and Joseph, what are we really prepared for this day?

Ahaz was filled with fear, but God assured him of a child to be born and his name shall be Immanuel, meaning God with us.

God is always with us. But how should we train ourselves to recognize that God is with us?

1. Breathe we know God is with us. (physical) - He is the breath of life, giving life to our mortal bodies.
2. Love and we know God is with us. (social) - If we love others the same way God loves us, then God resides in us.
3. Save and we know God is with us. (integral) - If we do the same work Jesus did and be the instrument of salvation for others, then God is with us.

God has been with us all along.

Be docile to God

2010-12-17T11:34:00.000+01:00

Day 3: Simbang Gabi
Reading: Matthew 1:18-24

For this third day, I believe that the Holy Spirit is asking each one of us if we are ready to take part in doing God's work.

This is precisely who Joseph is for us. We need his virtue so we can take part in the incarnation of the Holy Spirit. We need the grace of docility in Joseph.

1. Joseph is in touch with righteousness - his willingness to leave Mary is to spare her from death. He is willing to sacrifice for her. Pray to stay on the right course of life.
2. Joseph submits to the angel's wishes - his decision is not final. Even though it was a dream, he was fully convinced of God's plan. We can accomplish so many things if we only submit to the Father's wishes.
3. Joseph performed his fatherly role with so much passion. - Every good tree bears good fruit. This is the action part of salvation. We are excited to still see this unfold in our lives. Plan well, do well, live well. But do all these as God wants.

God in the familiy

2010-12-16T12:38:00.000+01:00

Day 2, Simbang Gabi

Inspired by the opening of the CBCP Year of the Youth this 2011, the Bishops invoked Jn 5: 33ff that says a lot about becoming a witness. The young people are invited to give testimony to the living God through Jesus. So, this is our prayer - that we may see the face of salvation through Jesus Christ this Christmas.

The genealogy of Jesus orients us to the fact the Jesus is true man born in this world just like the rest of mankind - with a lineage. So, if we want to see Jesus in the concrete, I would invite us all to carry our family lineage so that we can all see Jesus, from our ancestors right to the next generation.

Let us pray to heal our family. Let us reflect where in the family tree goodness prevails, and third, that we clarify where our lineage is really going? Is everybody in the family going to God?

Pray to incarnate Jesus in the family lineage.

The face of salvation

2010-12-15T13:08:00.000+01:00

Day 1, Simbang Gabi

From the book of Isaiah:
Thus says the LORD,
         "^(A)Preserve justice and do righteousness,
         For My ^(B)salvation is about to come
         And My righteousness to be revealed.
    ²"How ^(C)blessed is the man who does this,
         And the son of man who ^(D)takes hold of it;
         Who ^(E)keeps from profaning the sabbath,
         And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
    ³Let not the ^(F)foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say,
         "The LORD will surely separate me from His people "
         Nor let the ^(G)eunuch say, "Behold, I am a dry tree."
⁶"Also the ^(N)foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
         To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD,
         To be His servants, every one who ^(O)keeps from profaning the sabbath
         And holds fast My covenant;
    ⁷Even ^(P)those I will bring to My ^(Q)holy mountain
         And ^(R)make them joyful in My house of prayer
         Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on ^(S)My altar;
         For ^(T)My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."
    ⁸The Lord GOD, who ^(U)gathers the dispersed of Israel, declares,
         "Yet ^(V)others I will gather to them, to those already gathered."

From the book of John
"You have sent to John, and he ^(AM)has testified to the truth.
³⁴"But ^(AN)the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.
³⁵"He was ^(AO)the lamp that was burning and was shining and you ^(AP)were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
³⁶"But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for ^(AQ)the works which the Father has given Me ^(AR)to accomplish--the very works that I do--testify about Me, that the Father ^(AS)has sent Me.

Reflection:
Isaiah speaks of life; he speaks of a vision where the eunuch is not dry, and the stranger is welcome, and everyone is gathered to the Lord. Meanwhile, the gospel speaks about being a witness to the truth so that we might be saved.

These readings show the face of salvation and God's desire that we be witnesses of salvation. Havc we seen the face of salvation?

This year 2011 is dedicated to the Youth, "The CBCP Year of the Youth". The Church wishes that the youth at their young age be living testimonies of the Good News. How could we mold our youth and ourselves to be living witnesses of the salvation of the Lord?

We have to start from square one; reflect the beginnings of faith or the lack of it. Life is not simply being converted from sin to grace. Let us reflect on many instances the Lord entered into our lives through our parents, through the Church, through the goodness of other people.

Second, the faith we have will be subjected to tests until it is brought into perfection. For the Lord forms us and makes our love perfect in the midst of trials. Would we stay faithful to him?

Third, the faith we have will be fruitful in good works. Now it can be seen and enjoyed by many. We can say at this point that we could see the faces of salvation in the way we deal with our neighbors, how we help the poor, and how we fight to bring about justice, peace, and love. The only thing that remains is seeing Jesus face to face and smiling at us.

This is Christmas - that we become living witnesses to the presence of Jesus in the world.

How to see the extraordinary in the ordinary

2010-12-15T10:23:00.000+01:00

3rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle A

As Christmas is fast approaching, with all the Christmas preparations around us, are we truly searching for Christmas in the right areas?

Jesus reprimanded the people, "What are you looking for in the desert - a man dressed in fine robes?" Sooner or later they would not be able to recognize the Messiah even if he was in front of them.

Dare to see Jesus in the ordinary. Make every meeting with people special. Because they are gifts. We could know how important people and things are once they are no more. Make ordinary things special.

Secondly, learn to see the gift in all things and people. Everything is an opportunity - the Church, the family, even our enemies. If we don't close our worlds to these things, these will surely lead us to life and to God.

Third, make everything instruments of salvation - everything in us and around us could be instruments to lead others to salvation - even eating, drinking, and resting. At the end of the day, reflect if all our interventions in the world lead others to God, to life, to forgiveness, to salvation, then everything becomes special. Everything becomes God's presence. That is what Emmanuel means, "God with us".

On promises

2010-12-04T10:55:00.000+01:00

2nd Sunday of Advent, cycle A

"Promises get nailed." That's why we get cynical when someone gives promises. We too don't give promises.

But we are immersed in so many promises - promises of a product that would make us young, strong, vibrant, schools that promise us good paying jobs, parents who will give us the best care, and so forth. To which of these would we believe in?

Have we believed in the promises of God or of salvation? Have we relied totally on Jesus or have we turned cynical, not engaging too much in the works of faith?

But the promises of the Lord is far too superior than any of our promises. For one, the promise is coming from the sincerest of hearts - the heart of God himself who feels our pain.

Second, the promises of the Lord is carried on by his worthy servants who gave everything they have for God. John the Baptist is a classic example. His whole life is a living witness that God's promises are true because he puts his life on the life. Of course, so did Jesus.

Third, God's promises bear fruits far greater than any other promises. The effect is tremendous - the salvation of the whole of mankind and everyone living in the fullness of God.

The lesson here is simple: open our hearts to the Lord; do not be cynical. Serve him with all our might. Because His promises are true.

The false Christmas vs. the true one

2010-11-30T22:45:00.000+01:00

Advent 1, Cycle A

We celebrate Christmas year after year, but are we truly celebrating Christmas?

The gospel today challenges us to be awake to the lures of the world that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. May we distinguish between a true and false Christmas:

a kind of Christmas that corrupts, and let us be alert from all these:
1. A Christless Christmas vs. a Christ-filled Christmas - goodness may be innate, but if we continue to distance ourselves from Jesus, our goodness will not last. Without Christ we are nothing.
2. A commercialized Christmas vs. a renewed Christmas - cease to make Christmas a costly one and we shall utilize all efforts to get to know the real source of Christmas. Have we really known Jesus Christ all these years. If we have, how come we have less time for him while we have more time for worldly concerns?
3. A comfortable Christmas vs. a sacrificing Christmas - since the original Christmas didn't have any tinge of merry-making, eating, and Karaoke-singing, let us make this resolve that as the day approaches, so too is our commitment to serve the Divine Master, even if it means carrying our crosses for the sake for lifting others specially the poor and embracing a simpler lifestyle.

When Christ comes, may he find us Christ-filled, offering, and enlivened.

Christ the King

2010-11-20T09:57:00.000+01:00

Cycle C, Solemnity of Christ the King

Never for once could the kingship of Jesus be similar to that of earthly kings and queens, presidents and those in power we see today. He humbled himself, but God exulted him, giving him the name above all names, for it shall be proclaimed by all that Jesus Christ is LORD.

What makes him a king above all the rest? Three things:
1. His power emanated from His Father in heaven - thus all goodness and justice would be exercised by him;
2. His kingship is eternal while others tried in vain to perpetuate themselves in power - What lasting legacy we would leave our children and our people? Of course, the things that would reach eternity;
3. His power reaches to down below - to the depths of man's reality, and from there he starts the path of healing. Let us finally commit ourselves to uplifting those who in time have reached the lowest ebb of their lives; let us help to lift them up and bring back their dignity.

Jesus' power as king reaches to the ends of the earth, to the highest and lowest of life, to the shortest of time till eternity, to lift us all. May we who are limited, small and weak, commit our lives to do what the Master pleases.

The wheel of fortune

2010-09-26T02:17:00.000+02:00

26th Sunday in ordinary time
Cycle C

The "Wheel of fortune" may be a game show, but it also connotes a fatalistic attitude of relying on twist of fate.

However, the readings also declare a sort of twist for people who lived convenient comfortable and luxurious lives in this world at other people's expense. If we have only one world, these people must have been collecting more than they could chew and much more: they are actually depriving others of the lives they are living.

Jesus commands us to share even the smallest bit of food that fall on the ground - all for the sake of our suffering brethren. This is my advice: Don't think of the poor only in times of crisis or need. Neither think of them only once a year. And finally, don't think of a person as if he needed your change. Think of the poor as being with us all through the centuries of corruption. Include them in the agenda of life if we want to progress in this world. And finally, he needs a sustainable program planned and implemented institutionalized system of giving tantamount to tithing will finally lift them up from their shackles. Only then could we realize what Jesus meant when he said, "As long as you did this to the least of your brothers and sisters you did it to me."

Be faithful

2010-08-07T12:36:00.000+02:00

19th Sunday, cycle C

"It is not because we have served him well, but because we are faithful."

I remember the song "What matters most." "It's not how long we held each others hands; what matters is how well we love each other." Sooner or later, the only sign of a successful marriage is the time the couple spent together. "What matters most is that we've loved at all."

We are concerned if we have given God what is due him. That is why we think of giving to the poor after we've spend some for ourselves. But the point of the entire gospel is how much we've been faithful to him.

When people are faithful, they value the Beloved; knowing that He loved them first.

When people are faithful, their lives change for the better. They become like the Beloved.

When people are faithful, they abound in good works, to the pleasure of the Beloved.

When people are faithful, they stay with Him till the very end.

It is not what we've done for God, what matters is if we've been faithful all along.

For more reflections, go to this link.

The day I stopped praying

2010-07-24T11:44:00.002+02:00

17th Sunday in Ordinary time
Cycle C
Gospel reading: Luke 11: 1 - 13

Don’t get me wrong. I am a man of strong faith. At least I struggle to be one. But the day I stopped praying was when I was a child. I prayed to receive, receive, and receive. I prayed to get high grades, to receive honors, to receive gifts, and all others that I need to pray for. I asked God to focus on me and hear my prayer.

But time after I graduated from elementary, something happened with the way I prayed. By the time I finished Grade school, I was not really interested in what I was praying for. Yes, my prayer was answered. But I gained much more: I gained a Friend.

After grade school, I continued praying to Him, but unlike my first experiences of prayer, the next ones I found hard for the Lord to grant them. I prayed for so many, but it seemed that the Lord is granting only a few. Maybe, the Lord wanted me to grow in my outlook of prayer – from a childish one to a childlike one. For I was challenged with this thought, “If the Lord seemed not hear your prayers, would he still be your true friend?" I stopped praying to receive. Instead, I started praying for the Lord to hear others' prayers. I knew they would be more important than mine.

Later on, my prayer further evolved to something like this: what would my Friend want of me - my time, my talent, my treasure? Since I knew that what I would give to him would not suffice for all the good He has done for me, I wouldn’t have anything to offer Him, except my own life.

This new journey of prayer led me to where I am right now. I decided to offer myself to the Lord as a priest and commended everything I love – my parents, my family, my friends, my concerns of the future – I offered all those dear to me. I knew that I value all these, but there’s no better way to value that to entrust everything to His care.

I still pray like a child. I’d pray with all my might, especially when my mother was confined at the hospital. I would bargain and plead to the Lord for her recovery. But I also knew that His will is a whole lot better than mine. I had to let go of what I want and allow him to do what is best. We in the family made a final commendation of our mother. He prepared her and received her into His loving arms. I knew that everyone would be secured in His loving arms and there is nothing to be afraid of.

Yes, I stopped praying wrongly, but the Lord taught me how to truly pray.

16th Sunday, set C

2010-07-17T01:47:00.000+02:00

click here for the reflection.

The closeness of God

2010-07-10T12:46:00.000+02:00

15th Sunday in ordinary time
Cycle C
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

There are three instances the God is as close to us as ever. The first is his Word. The world revolves because of the power of words. Every moment we use words. Grant that our words be God's word. We don't have the right to use words as we please but rather, to use words to bring life to people.

Second, God is close to us in Jesus Christ and our relationship with him as the Body of Christ. Grant that we may give life to this body and not take it for granted. If we want to animate the Church, we better learn how Christ lived in this world.

Third, God is close to us in the very person next to us. "Whatever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters you do it to me." Do not delay any act of kindness till tomorrow. It may be too late. Jesus is passing by each day. Do not lose the opportunity to give each day; give a portion for others. That will kill the poverty besetting our nation.

Be a modern-day disciple

2010-07-04T10:14:00.000+02:00

14th Sunday, Cycle C

Rejoice when Jesus says, "The harvest is great". We have a God who looks at the positive, not on the negative; who chooses abundance and an overflow of blessings over scarcity.

But where are workers? Jesus says, "Beg the Master to send laborers to the harvest." Then he immediately instructs his disciples to go forth to the towns in his name. Jesus also commands us to go forth and bear fruit.

But despite God's promises why do we still not follow him and work in his field? Probably we are carrying too much baggage. Maybe we have programmed our lives that we don't have time to do God's work. De-clutter with the useless concerns - these are the things we won't bring to eternal life. Invest in things that will last forever.

Secondly, We don't follow because we don't desire to bring peace to people's lives. Jesus commands his disciples, "In whatever house you enter say, "Peace to this household." But if we don't bring peace to others, we won't gain peace for ourselves. Our lives would be a never-ending struggle to survive. If we bring peace to others, we would gain peace for ourselves.

Finally, we don't become Jesus' disciples because it is not God's kingdom we serve but our own kingdoms. Yes, we serve ourselves, but in God's kingdom everyone lives; there is justice, peace, equality; there are blessings; the poor are served.

Pray to be God's disciples. It may be the best decision we would make.

How deeply do we know Jesus?

2010-06-22T10:33:00.000+02:00

12th Sunday in Ordinary time, Cycle C

There are three levels of relationships: the first is the head level; here we know someone's opinion about issues. In this level, the heart is not involved.

The second level involves the heart. Here we come to know how the other feels about things. We can feel as the other feels. In this level we clarify what is behind a certain feeling.

The third level is the gut level. Here, no words are uttered; we are deeply one with each other. We came to be one with each other because gut involves everything in us as we give ourselves to to the other.

What level have we known Jesus? Do we open our bibles to read about him and share his word to others?

Secondly, have we felt as Jesus felt? When his apostles abandoned him, how do we feel about that? Do we feel like leaving the Lord also? Have we asked how he felt about things and people? Do we share his feelings for mankind?

Finally, have we put our lives on the line just to follow the Lord because we are fully convinced that the path he took would lead us to salvation? How about laying down our lives for the sake of our children? Have we done what needs to be done to insure their salvation - to the point of sacrificing our lives for them as Jesus did?

Let us yearn to know, to love, and serve the Lord. He is worth offering our lives to.

"Forgive"

2010-06-12T09:09:00.000+02:00

11th Sunday in Ordinary time. Click here.

Become the Eucharist

2010-06-08T10:12:00.000+02:00

Solemnity of Corpus Christi, cycle C

Pope Benedict, in his homily for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, said, "Become the Eucharist." For most church goers whose intention is simply to fulfill a Sunday obligation, how could the message of the Holy Father produce a lasting and most profound effect in their lives?

I am reminded of term "Eucharistic Spirituality". Spirituality is the totality of what I believe in, what I share to others, and what I put my life into. Spirituality reveals what is in my heart, who I am, and what my mission is in this world. It reveals the fruit of my love for Jesus and His love for me.

Every aspect of the Eucharist has a direct bearing in my life. That is why I have to pay attention to celebrate every moment most worthily. Every word and action are invitations from a loving God that also become my words and actions outside the Church. As I heard it said, "The Lord be with you," I am to remind the others, "and also with you." As peace and forgiveness are given to me for free, so I give them freely and unreservedly to others.

Jesus in the Gospel said, "Give them something to eat." That is the Eucharist. I become the bread Christ wishes me to be. He wants to feed others and bring them to life. I need to offer myself, be lifted up, be broken, and to be given back to others just as Jesus did.

How I wish that there would be many of us to be bread for others. That is the Eucharistic spirituality. That eventually becomes the story of my life in the Lord.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

2010-05-29T10:11:00.002+02:00

Click on this link.

Pentecost

2010-05-19T04:05:00.002+02:00

Reflections for Pentecost Sunday, click on the title.

Ascension Sunday

2010-05-19T04:02:00.003+02:00

Please click on the title for the article. God bless!

Final commendations

2010-05-09T01:48:00.001+02:00

6th Sunday of Easter, Cycle C
Gospel: John 14:23-29
Photo courtesy of One Year Bible Blog

In the gospel Jesus gives final instructions to his apostles before he is led to the slaughter.

In this last Sunday of Easter, Jesus also gives his final commands to us before going up to heaven.

I would summarize Jesus' message in three realities: love, Holy Spirit, and peace.

"Love one another as I have loved you" - let us start aligning our love with Christ's love. Every love inside our hearts is coming from the Triune God. Then we will know whom to love and how to love truly.

Holy Spirit - the Lord will not leave us abandoned. With the gift of discernment, anything we do in this world is properly supervised by the Holy Spirit. Nothing could go wrong.

Peace - Peace is not the absence of war. On the contrary, we enter into war to insure lasting peace. It entails making day-to-day sacrifices to insure the growth of our lives. It is joining the PPCRV in the Philippines to ensure clean, honest, and orderly elections. The way of peace today is our ticket to lasting peace tomorrow.

I hope we have learned something while Christ is still on earth. And when he would go back to heaven, we already would know what to do here on earth.

Earning heaven the hard way

2010-05-01T15:32:00.000+02:00

5th Sunday of Easter, cycle C
Gospel: John 13:31-33,34-35

In the secular world, hard work cannot be stressed enough. For the spiritual world can it not be the same?

Jesus earned our salvation the hard way. In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas acknowledged enduring hardships for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. It is through those hardships that the Christian communities were born in the pagan world. It is also through the hardship of Church that the Good news continues to be preached to all peoples, most especially to the poor, where the glad tidings of the Lord is brought.

How about us? How have we worked to bring about Christ's kingdom here on earth, in our families, communities, countries, and the world? The road towards heaven is crooked and narrow, but it is worth all the effort. There are no short cuts to bringing up a child and planting the seeds of goodness in his heart. There is no easy road for someone to help alleviate the sufferings of the poor. But the satisfaction for traveling such road is endless, tantamount to eternity of bliss. All the sacrifices are nothing as compared to what is to come - our new life with and in God.

Saints in heaven

2010-04-24T12:47:00.000+02:00

4th Sunday of Easter, cycle C
Gospel: John 10:27-30

Can we do a bit of visualizing? We have been immersed with the things we see in this world that we tend to be blind with what is to come. The danger is that we might not be part of the story.

Read Apocalypse 7:9,14-17, what are the highlights of this story?
1. Myriads of people dressed in white robes and holding palms for the Lord: are we part of these people?
2. Their robes are washed with the blood of the Lamb: have we given Jesus' sacrifices any merit in our lives? Have we made our sacrifices for love of Him.
3. They shall never be hungry because the shepherd will lead them to the springs of living water: are we willing to be lead by the Lord in our lives? Are we willing to be instruments of life to others?

Give Jesus' world a thought in our lives. It is a lot lot better than the world we have created for ourselves. Here, the Lord's presence is supreme. In His world, all people live.

The cliches of being a Catholic and what we can do to change them

2010-04-17T08:59:00.001+02:00

3rd Sunday of Easter, cycle C
Gospel: John 21:1-19

Have you ever limited your definition of being a Catholic? Do you have cliche concepts of Catholicism such that it does add anything to your life? Let us dismantle any of these cliches because our faith is far greater than anything we can imagine:

"The nominal Catholics" - or Catholics simply by name. I am a Catholic because my parents are Catholics. Today Jesus is calling us to a world of intimacy. He knows each of us by name. He knows us through and through. Do we know Jesus most clearly?

"Sunday Catholics" - these Catholics activate their faith one hour every week. In order to know the Beloved you need to spend more time being with him, to "waste" more time knowing what is in his heart. How can we love someone whom we do not know? Love the Lord most dearly.

"The split - level Catholics" - these Catholics are not living out their faith in an integral way, but only by compartments, more often in conflict with one another. But with Jesus, everything is connected. Just when Peter said, "I love you Lord", Jesus would say to him, "Feed my sheep." How many of us would see the hand of the Lord in all areas of our lives? How many of us have responded to following him unreservedly? How many of us have seen him in our families, in our life's journey, and in our commitment to serve the least, the last, and the lost? How many of us are actually convinced that our lives are fleeting, and it is only God would remains? Follow Jesus most nearly.

Let our love for the Lord be sincere. And sincerity means to risk everything for God. Only then will we understand what being Catholic truly means.

In search for lasting peace

2010-04-11T09:01:00.000+02:00

2nd Sunday of Easter
Cycle C
Gospel: John 20:19-31

Jesus repeated these words to impart the power of the resurrection to his apostles, "Peace be with you." What does "peace" mean?

Peace is not the absence of war. Unrest complicates things and brings havoc to one's life. It is truth that will lead one to freedom, learning from the words, "The truth shall set us free." If need be, let us confront and not repress unfreedom. Only then can we also help others to gain real peace.

Second, peace is equated with life itself. Peace is attained only in a world filled with justice and love. It is tantamount to seeing heaven here on earth. If it is life itself, then we need to take part in it and invest time, talent, and treasure to make peace work for others, for ourselves, and for God.

Finally, we need a huge dosage of faith to realize peace. Only a life oriented in the Lord can earn true peace. The others are all a sham.

Pray for true peace!

The power of the resurrection

2010-04-03T12:36:00.000+02:00

Easter vigil
Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

Taken from an ancient homily given last Holy Saturday, it says that Jesus descended to the dead, now to fetch Adam and Eve and the rest who were waiting for their Redeemer. At the sight of him Adam, the first man God had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: “My Lord be with you all.” Christ answered him: “And with your spirit.” He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Now, our love story is complete; we who have been loved by the Lord; we both living and dead. There is not a moment, a space, or a lull in our entire reality that Christ hasn't entered. Now, he is bringing us to Himself and to His Father, to our real home and His kingdom. We shall be like Him forever.

Let us praise God then for this wonderful gift. Do we deserve this? No! Not one minute or one ounce. It is Jesus who decided for all of us. Now it is our time to respond.

Let us respond by making His word alive in our hearts and minds from now on. Let us celebrate every Eucharist with joy. and finally, let us renew the promises we made during baptism - that we will radiate Christ's light to others, no more, no less. Then the power of the resurrection will be upon us. It is Christ who decided for us! Praise be Jesus forever!

The washing of the feet, the paschal offering, and Jesus

2010-04-01T09:42:00.001+02:00

Holy Thursday, Cycle C
Washing of the feet
Gospel: John 13:1-15

As we are commemorating the washing of the apostles' feet by our Lord, we are reminded of three symbols that are deeply connected with Jesus in his desire to prove his total love for us. These things also mark the very essence of our being Christians, both you as laity and I as a priest:

1. slavery - the washing of the feet; to get things done we have to do the work ourselves; there is no room for delegation, for management or even planning. Only the slave can cleanse a dirty feet. Only someone who knows how to bend can easily toil the land. Only a man who humbles himself can cause another to live. Let us then serve one another from now on!

2. the paschal lamb - sacrifical offering; there are two sides to the paschal lamb; the meat to enable the household to live and the blood for the angel of death to pass while the first born of the Egyptians were killed. Jesus is the paschal lamb; only through his self-offering we are healed. We are reminded that for the sake of love we are to place our lives at the line. If only to make others live, I would offer everything I have - time, talent and treasure for the sake of the others.

3. the bread of life - the unleavened bread, hastily done, brings temporary relief to the family on their way to attaining freedom. Jesus is the bread of life who feeds the hungry. When we minister to one another, we need not delay, nor plan how it would go; rather, we need to do it now. Our hunger for life needs to be fulfilled today. Our ministry to proclaim the word has to be done now.

These three symbols, the Lord Jesus asks us to do in his memorial. It is the new covenant sealed in His body and blood. Let us appreciate the real essence of Christianity by living these symbols today.

Let us enter into Jerusalem!

2010-03-29T02:48:00.000+02:00

Palm Sunday, Cycle C
Gospel: LUKE 22 : 14 -- 23 : 56

Enter into Jerusalem with Jesus!

Jerusalem connotes the heavenly Jerusalem, our final destination in heaven. But it also connotes how Jesus would lead us there - through the power of the cross.

We are entering Jerusalem because of the triumph of love that Jesus initiated. Now the bond between us and His Father would not be separated for all times.

We enter Jerusalem because of the triumph of forgiveness and not vengeance. Jesus shows us the key to life by giving all others the opportunity to live.

We enter Jerusalem because of the triumph of generosity. Jesus entrusts his whole self on our behalf. Offering ourselves to God means being available to give our time, talents, and treasures for His work.

Let us enter Jerusalem with Jesus. Let our lives be stories of the triumph of love, forgiveness, and generosity.

Intimacy with Jesus

2010-03-20T10:06:00.003+01:00

5th Sunday of Lent
Cycle C
Gospel: John 8:1-11
Photo courtesy of Vignan Das Gangula's Page

The more we come closer to celebrating Holy Week, the more we get to realize that this is not the story of our conversion; rather, this becomes a story of our intimacy with the redeemer of our lives, Jesus Christ, the one who is to enter into his death for our sake.

Intimacy is a loaded word. We cannot imagine not entering into intimacy with anybody. We will just wither away and die. How about intimacy with Jesus? Do we give it a thought? By this we will realize that Christianity is not just about being good and avoiding evil; it is more about our intimacy with Jesus who is everything in our lives.

Jesus is the sacrament of the Father. He is intimately linked with Him. Our way to the Father is only through Jesus.

Jesus is the forgiveness of the Father. No matter how much we ask for forgiveness by praying directly to God, it is only through Jesus through the sacrament of Reconciliation can we attain real forgiveness.

Jesus is the way to the Father. Our lives are one big journey, not to financial security, but to salvation. Are we traveling in the right direction or are we lost? When we are on a journey, we involve our whole selves. Reflect if our every action leads us to way of salvation for ourselves and others.

Then we are ready to encounter the suffering Lord this Holy Week. Let his cross be ours for the sake of love.

Be a new creation

2010-03-13T10:43:00.005+01:00

4th Sunday of Lent,
Cycle C
Gospel: LUKE 15 : 1 - 3, 11 - 32

The Lenten season is meant to renew us and make our faith livelier. In the second reading, St. Paul describes the Christians as the "new creation" in Christ. But what does it mean for us to be new creations after this season?

First, to be new creation means to recognize our genesis in God. Once and for all we make a firm decision to participate in the creation that is continually going on, i.e., the creation of hearts that are oriented in and toward God.

Second, to be new creation means to bring out all ingenuity to preach the good news and cause the renewal of peoples. If I find myself creative in other things, why not in the work of God?

Third, to be new creation means to be pregnant, to bear the fruits of grace. For a country of 80% Catholics, it is nearly impossible that the Philippines would remain in the shackles of poverty if all people are renewed in their faith. Otherwise, being Catholic remains only in the baptismal certificates and not in actual life.

May we be new creations in God.

Who are you Lord?

2010-03-06T11:52:00.006+01:00

3rd week of Lent, cycle C
Gospel: LUKE 13 : 1 - 9

For this third week of Lent we are invited to cling to the main source of our divine nature - God himself through Jesus Christ. Though we recognize God as mystery it cannot be denied that He revealed himself in the scriptures as a just God and a merciful God.

As a just God, He hears the cry of the poor and the oppressed and comes to their rescue. This constitutes the entire history of Israel from slavery to freedom. "I am who am" is invoked in every generation by all people and He comes to our rescue by punishing the oppressor. God deserves all adoration and respect. Otherwise, we are belittling the King of heaven and earth. Justice will come upon us all.

But God is also a merciful God. Like the parable of the barren tree, he is willing to give everyone a chance to be fruitful by caring for us. Have you experienced being loved by someone enough for you to change for the better? We change for the better simply because God forgives us.

May God's justice and mercy be our focal point to adore, love, and serve Him.

Our transfigurations

2010-03-03T04:23:00.004+01:00

2nd Sunday of Lent
Cycle C
Gospel: Lk. 9, 28-36

The message of the transfiguration of Jesus points to his divinity which people didn't recognize at the time, judging from his physical appearance. But Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. His divinity emanates from his humanity.

Do we see divinity emanating from our humanity as well? If not, then consider this: ever since we were created, God already placed divinity inside of us when we were baptized. Also, everything God created was good, including us. Our humanity should not be a lame excuse for us to continue living in darkness and sin simply because we are not children of darkness. We all come from God, and we are all good.

Thus, we need to do something to increase emanation of the light inside us. We need to expose ourselves more with the source of Light whom we may have neglected to know all these years. Let us expose ourselves more to areas where we could detect the presence of Lord instead of wallowing in dark activities.

Finally, we need to emanate that light inside of us by concrete actions. If all Christians would just let that light out, including our present leaders, then the Philippines would be living proof of the Light of Christ. We may have forgotten that we the Church are the body of Christ here on earth.

The real score of temptations

2010-02-21T01:54:00.004+01:00

First Sunday of Lent, cycle C
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13
Photo courtesy of Cris Cook

Temptations may be blessings in disguise. They eventually test the quality of our faith and lead us to perfection. There are three levels of temptation and how we can rise above them.

First: the temptation to wealth - the goal is to subdue our cravings to satisfy our senses and put order into material things. "Not only on bread does man live but on every word the comes from the mouth of God." Poverty should help us realize that despite the things that give us comfort, it is only God who gives us true life.

Second: the temptation to power - the mountain is a symbol of the meeting place between God and man. But when man plays around with power, then he starts to corrupt himself, making him insensitive to the powerless and oppressed. "God alone shall you adore" was Jesus' response to the lure of power. God alone must we serve. A way to counteract our insatiable desire for power is to place ourselves at the service of everyone else, most specially the poor.

Finally, the temptation to serve oneself - Pride. The last test is man challenging the very power of God as if he were at par with Him. "You shall not test the Lord your God." Utmost humility and oblation are effective weapons to the temptation to put oneself at the center of things.

The result should be a life that denounces itself of the things of this world and commits itself unreservedly to the service and adoration of the Divine Majesty. Life for many is obtained, not death.

To be truly blessed

2010-02-15T01:14:00.005+01:00

6th Sunday in Ordinary time, Cycle C
Gospel:LUKE 6 : 17, 20 - 26

"How do we really help the poor?" But I think the better question is "How did poverty come in the first place?"

I'm sure when God created the world, He did not intend it to be so. Thus, poverty is an offshoot of sin in the world, a deviation from God's plan. Man has a lot to do in building a world where people abuse and kill each other, accumulate wealth for himself, leaving others in the dark to suffer and die.

Jesus came into the world to change all that. He did it through his own poverty, passion, and death to be with us through and through. But as he resurrected, so too we shall be resurrected with him.

Thus, the beatitudes make sense; there is hope for the poor, for those who are hungry, or suffering, or persecuted simply because they all have Jesus as their source of hope and consolation. This is sharply in contrast to those who are already wallowing in wealth, food, comforts, and laughter. If they have all this without totally depending on God, everything they have or worked for come to naught.

Rely totally on God then; learn to live the simple lifestyle and whenever possible, offer everything you have to let others specially the poor live. Be counted among the saints in heaven who are totally selfless, self-giving, and are now interceding for us. Then we shall be truly blessed.

God's word vs. man's word

2010-02-02T03:23:00.003+01:00

5th Sunday in ordinary time
Cycle C
Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11
Photo courtesy of the Truthbook

Perhaps we can infer that there is a tension going on between God's word and man's.

In the age of relativism, there is no absolute truth anymore; rather, truth is relative and that people's thoughts are relegated to opinions.

But God's word is still supreme, even before time started till the Covenant. Its offers life to us and serves as guidepost to giving life to others and giving Glory to God.

This word is brought to fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, "The Word made flesh" who dwelt among us. We in conscience cannot admit that what Jesus said and did in this world is a product of mere opinion, and that his truth is as good as anybody else.

Let us admit that fact that if people are left on his or her ways, this world will eventually collapse. But God's word will live forever. Much more, it is found in the hearts of dedicated Christians who stand by Jesus and do His will on earth.

Let us always keep God's word alive!

Will the real Christian please stand?

2010-01-30T07:30:00.005+01:00

4th Sunday, cycle C
Gospel: Lk. 4: 21 - 30

In Jeremiah, God prepares his servant for some real action; he would be a prophet of God. In the gospel, as Jesus started his public ministry, he was met with resistance.

In today's world we have a garbled view on what it means to be a Christian. But before things get more confusing, let us go back to the root of the word. Without Christ, I am nothing.

A Christian knows Christ through and through. He knows Christ from Catechism; but he also knows him through prayer and action. His life is a continual contemplation of the presence of Jesus in his life. He is a friend of the Lord.

A Christian is a follower of the Lord. He fully decides to join his ranks. He consents to bring his full self toward him and follow him wherever he goes. The Christian then is not preoccupied with the world's affairs. His joy is to follow Jesus whom he loves.

A Christian is a witness of everything the Lord stood for. He becomes an Alter Christus in the process, sharing his life to others because of love for him. Only then could we see the unfolding of Christ's presence among us through the modern-day prophets. We hope to be one among the prophets of the Lord.

God's word

2010-01-23T05:46:00.003+01:00

3rd Sunday in ordinary time, cycle C, Gospel: LK. 1:1-4; 4: 14-21
Photo courtesy of Crossroads Initiative

How important is the Word of God in your life?

In contrast with the empty words of the world, the Word of God is powerful. The Word is God Himself. He has power to bring order to our lives.

Second, the Word of God is incarnated in Jesus, the Son of God. He is the basis of a righteous life that is obedient to the will of the Father. He is the fulfillment of the law; all of it resides in him. Thus, the Word is not just inscribed in the 10 commandments; we have to start listening daily to the Word that is Jesus himself.

Third, the Word of God leads us to salvation. It is like Jesus announced, "to bring glad tidings to the poor, to set prisoners free, hope to the downtrodden, and announce a year of favor in the Lord."

Let us cooperate with the Lord as serve as instruments of hope to people. Let God's word be incarnated in us, mainly, Jesus Christ. He is the one we profess to follow, love, and adore.

Symbol of humility

2010-01-16T01:29:00.003+01:00

Feast of the Santo Nino. Click here!

Baptism of the Lord

2010-01-09T08:16:00.004+01:00

The Feast of the Lord's Baptism
Gospel: Lk. 3: 15 -16, 21 - 22
Cycle C

Baptism from the Catechism of the Catholic Church came from the Greek word baptizein which means to plunge or to immerse. To plunge into the waters of baptism means to enter into the death of our lives so that we can rise to new life in Christ.

Christ entered the world of baptism not because he needed to be baptized, but to set an example for us to enter into God's world through total obedience, to be "immersed" in His world and plan of salvation.

The question to ask is: How have we nourished the gift of baptism given to us?

As adults, we should know by now that we all belong to God, we are taken out of the world of sinfulness into grace. We should not give ourselves any excuse to remain in darkness.

Second, we have to build and strengthen this gift by constantly tuning ourselves to God's world. Catechism is not just for children; we should engage ourselves in knowing God's will in the course of our whole lives on earth.

Third, we are immersed now in a new world together with God's children, the Church. We should realize to put our faith in action through being "Church". We are the people called by God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us multiply every good work borne as a concrete response to the call of a deeper faith. Let us show others that being Church could be the greatest thing that happened to our lives, because it is the result of the loving relationship between God and man.

To be "magus"

2010-01-02T06:25:00.004+01:00

Solemnity of the Epiphany

Click here for the reflections.

Blessings

2009-12-31T06:10:00.003+01:00

Solemnity of Mary, mother of God
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

Happy new year!

New years are the best times to make resolutions and feel hopeful that blessings would abound.

In as much as we focus on the gifts that are to come, let us also realize that new year is a time of grace, a time for new beginnings, and a time of utmost realizations regarding the meaning of our lives.

For the new year, we focus on the giver of the blessings - God himself with whom Mary kept pondering the events in her heart; God who is object of praise, honor, and adoration of the shepherds.

We focus on Mary's heart as our inspiration because she embodies how to praise the Lord. Remember, to focus on the gift and not on the giver makes our blessings futile. The gifts are reflections of how much God our Father loves us.

Second, our blessings should mirror Christ's redemptive act. To where are we going to use the blessings? For ourselves or for others? Let us join Jesus, the Savior of the world who aims to lead us back to the Father.

Third, our blessings should mirror the love of the Holy Spirit. They should be immersed in a sea of love, mercy, generosity, and sacrifice. In Pope Benedict's message for the World Day of Peace, we are called to the most profound sense of responsibility to creation through global and intergenerational solidarity and contribute to the cause of lasting peace, "If you want peace, protect creation." This third factor points out to our responsibility to the well-being of others and not simply ourselves, the common good and not our own interest, and our responsibility to the people of the next generation.

Pray that we may receive the blessings of the new year with renewed hearts. Without God, we are nothing.

The vocation of the family

2009-12-26T04:53:00.004+01:00

Feast of the Most Holy Family
Cycle C
Gospel reading: Luke 2:41-52

As we glance at the manger we see the shepherds looking at the Baby Jesus. But we also see in a more central manner the figures of our Lady and Joseph looking tenderly at the newborn King. And not only they are the ones looking but so too millions of families with eyes glued to this holy scene, hoping that many would take Mary, Jesus, and Joseph as the model for their families.

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Family. Every father should look at Joseph as the model for fathers - responsible, holy, and faithful. Every father is the mirror of God the Father who provides everything for His children. To provide is not simply giving money; rather, the whole person dedicates the whole himself to provide everything, including soul and life, to his family.

The mother should look at Mary as the model of mothers - inspiring, thankful, lowly, and filled with love. In her, motherhood becomes a fitting offering to God with whom she becomes a "maidservant."

The child should mirror after the Savior of the world; he/she should look up to Jesus as the model of children - obedient, respectful, and supporting to his parent. The love a child receives from his parents should become his strength to do what he is destined to do; i.e. do his Father's will.

Christmas: the unfolding of a new world

2009-12-24T02:26:00.006+01:00

Christmas night
Reading:LUKE 2 : 1 - 14

The context of the Lord's birth could not be far from our own world - a world in which political leaders want to maintain the status quo; where a small portion of the population want their exclusive share in the world's riches while the rest of the people wallow in suffering caused by these inhuman structures.

This is the story where the Holy Family found themselves in; they were displaced, outcast, without food, home or even a decent shelter.

Yet, from this desolate scene, another alternative world is coming about - it marks the indwelling of the Lord with his power and mercy. Now, the recipients of this new Kingship are the simple folks (including Joseph and Mary), a barren woman (Elizabeth) and an old man (Zechariah), and a group of poor shepherds. Why? Because a small, helpless, homeless newborn baby is now the Savior of the world.

In this alternative world, the poor and the outcasts are the most important people, us included, as we give witness to the goodness of the Lord.

May this new world flourish. May we continue that path that Jesus took. Eventually, may we have the strength to dismantle man's created world of power and greed and start a real world of justice, love, and peace.

Merry Christmas!

Day 9, simbang gabi - our commitment to bring Christ into the world

2009-12-23T09:18:00.003+01:00

Simbang Gabi, day 9
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

With the last day of our preparation for Christmas, we realize fruit of the preparation - it is God who is preparing us all along to bring Jesus into the world, into people's hearts, into the workplaces and into communities; into churches and homes - everywhere. What started with God's story of love ended up being our own. Now we are a part of the story of salvation. The buck now falls upon us to proclaim the Christmas message - it is Christ who lives in all of us.

We can still commit ourselves more concretely to the work of salvation. Three things Zechariah prophesied in St. John that we can also fulfill in our lives:

1. "to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins" - in a liturgical way, for people to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and the Eucharist to receive full pardon always and forever;

2. "to give light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death" - we are the modern-day Catechists to remove the ignorance from people's minds and bring them to God's light;

3. "to guide our feet into the way of peace" - to live a life of charity and generosity, always making ourselves available, time, talent, and treasure, to help the poor back on their feet and for us to travel on the road to heaven.

These three things are the core 0f Christian life - liturgy, catechesis, and social apostolate. Remove one and Christian life is not complete. But live them out in an integral way and we possess a mature faith enough to make Christ's work of redemption fruitful.

Merry Christmas!

Day 8, Simbang gabi: realizing our vocation

2009-12-22T01:24:00.004+01:00

Simbang gabi
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66
Photo courtesy of the Byzantine Archeparchy

As we near the end of our journey and the beginning of our journey with Christ this Christmas, it is evident that we are being prepared for something nobler and greater, i.e., to become the modern-day messengers of the Lord Jesus to our brothers and sisters. But in way do we become messengers? I will point out an important reality that would mark the essence of becoming messengers: the reality of our vocation.

Vocation is an affirmation of God's presence in our lives. Our vocation is not just to aim to have a high-paying job or a successful career or being able to send our children to private schools. In the world of vocation we acknowledge that this is not our world; nor it is our story. Rather, it is the story of God's tremendous love for us and we are witnesses of this love.

Second, vocation affirms who we are and why we are created in the this world. Who are we? We are transmitters of God's presence in the world - in schools, at work, in businesses and market places, and in our residential communities and parishes. We utilize all of our unique resources and expertise to bring about the kingdom of God here on earth. Unless this so, our lives will remain empty no matter how much we accomplish in this world. By not becoming messengers of the Lord, our lives remain empty and meaningless and our tendency is just to hold on to existing relationships whom we thought would be the source of all our meaning.

Third, vocation is our way to heaven. In the readings the Lord purifies us until we become pleasing offerings to the Father like Jesus. It may also be that we are purified so the Lord can continue working in us. Be holy models for your children and the next generation. Leave the mark of God's holiness behind. By doing God's will here on earth, we shall gain the everlasting happiness in heaven.

This Christmas, commit to living out our own vocation of being sons and daughters of the Lord.

Day 7: the thankful heart

2009-12-21T02:33:00.007+01:00

Simbang Gabi
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

I believe that with only 2 days to prepare till Christmas, we are slowly being prepared by the Holy Spirit to be living tabernacles like Mary who carried Jesus in her womb, and bring Christ into the world. Are we ready to take such role?

Let us examine our hearts if we are ready. Better yet, let us imitate the heart of Mary as she sings the Magnificat. Her heart is filled with recognition of the Lord, the source of her true happiness.

What constitutes a thankful heart? Mary's heart is a "lowly" heart, not a "proud" heart. It puts God at the top of everything. It provides an adequate space to let God in and learn His ways. A proud heart doesn't have the attention for others. It puts the self at the top.

Mary's heart is a "poor" heart, not a "rich" heart. A rich heart has always someone or something apart from God to cling on to. A poor heart is totally dependent on God.

Last but not the least, Mary's heart is a "giving" heart, always giving time to be available for others. A giving heart heals poverty and selfishness. Every person realizes his dignity with "givers", not with "takers". It is the giving heart that is the secret to eradicating poverty, not selfish hearts.

Eventually, a poor, humble, and giving heart is the very heart of Christ. Thus, the reason for Christmas. We are now prepared to celebrate Christmas.

Day 6: reclaiming the innocence of Paradise

2009-12-20T02:06:00.004+01:00

Simbang Gabi
Gospel: Lk. 1:39-45
Photo courtesy of: AWF Media gallery

See how the Song of Songs was written: "My Beloved is leaping like gazelle, like a young stag ..." There's much in common with the world of husbands and wives and the Lord's love for us His children, "He is like a young stag..."

The story of Christmas is none other than a love story between us and the Beloved, and Christ as the supreme offshoot of this relationship. It is like a story of paradise all over again, but this time, more intense is our relationship with God. This can only be possible with a thorough, more committed preparation of His coming to our lives this Christmas and the days after that.

Would it still be impossible to recover the story of paradise? Have we really lost touch of our sense of the Lord? Have we forgotten to listen to Him? We can counteract all these if we like Mary, yearn to be "filled with grace". "The child in my womb leapt for joy" seems to be the symbol of pure and unadulterated joy; it is so innocent.

Reclaim by consciously making a commitment to rid ourselves of sin. Second, get genuinely interested in the Beloved who is higher than life itself and our very being. Third, commit to do His will and make Him happy. Be filled with grace and share it with others; then we'll see goodness and life overflow. Then we are ready to receive Christ this Christmas.