CoVid Takes, Jesus Saves!

Twenty-fourth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

12 September 2021 

 

First Reading: IS 50:5-9a

Responsorial Psalm: PS 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: JAS 2:14-18

Gospel: MK 8:27-35

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

Who do people say that I am? We have been hearing this question probably once a year in the Gospel, and each year we may have different responses. In this pandemic, I was just wondering who people say Jesus is.

For the past two months, I lost two uncles and two aunts. All three siblings of my mother and her sister in law. Only my aunt, mom's only sister died of complications due to CoVid-19. She fought severe CoVid for more than a month in the hospital. Her hospital bills went to 3.2 milion where none of us have millions in the bank. And she's the last among them who died. Our house was just next to her house. So when five of them tested positive for CoVid-19, we were also positive. Three in our household, both of my parents and I. We all recovered from CoVid-19 except her.

For the past three years, I was living away from my parents. I see them twice or thrice a month. I went back here to Bulacan from Laguna to attend my uncle's funeral who died of a liver problem. Little did I know that three more deaths would follow. When we were all symptomatic, I was really worried about my parents' lives. I would wake up in the middle of the night just to check if there were still breathing. I prayed not for my healing but theirs. I have mental health problems, so dying is something I would take pleasure from. Just the thought of ending life's miseries and hopefully being with our Creator is something I really look forward to. So I asked for God's mercy and healing for my parents' and one special night I asked Jesus to heal me because no one will take care of my parents if I go ahead of them. The anxiety, the fear, the loss CoVid-19 brings to a number of families is real. No one wants that. Nobody wants to spend their last days physically alone, around strangers. It's something you wouldn't want to wish for anyone, not even for your enemy.

Jesus remains to be my healer and savior. In Him, I find rest. Truly, as we read the Psalms this Sunday, He has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk in the land of the living. Grief takes many aftershocks and having that number of deaths in the family in a matter of two months brings desolation, differences, and drought in Spirit. Maybe this is where Jesus' invitation comes in. To take up His cross and still follow Him.

But Jesus is God. Yes, He may share with us human experiences but definitely He is a way more stronger than we are. I can just recall how much He suffered on His way to the cross. Accepting that death in itself is a part of life makes coping a bit easier. When I see my aunt suffer in the hospital, procedure after procedure. She cannot talk. She cannot say where it hurts. We all surrendered to God's ways because we are hurting seeing her suffer, not being able to do anything to alleviate her pain. Believing in God's mercy and Jesus' promise of afterlife, makes letting go easier.

Jesus teaches us that if we want to save our lives, we must deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. What attachments do we hold dearly that hinders us from having a deep and loving relationship with Him? Are we obsessed with life that we take for granted to actually live? How do we respond to detachments and losses in life?

Listen to Jesus. What is He telling you today?

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, make my heart the same as Yours. Help me to value events, people, and things the way You do. Teach me to follow You especially when it entails making a personal sacrifice and discomfort for me. Give me grace to see You in all things, the courage to say yes and continue, and the strength to carry my cross. Amen.

 

Peace Be With You

Third Sunday of Easter

18 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Second Reading:  1 JN 2:1-5a

Gospel:  LK 24:35-48

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Why are you troubled?"

 

God knows what we really need this time of Easter. It's amazing how words in the scriptures capture our attention. Even the disciples were still frightened themselves. Imagine losing their Lord and Teacher to death. They could not grasped why it had to happen. They did not yet understand that Jesus has to suffer, die, and will rise again. And in the midst of their anxiety, confusion, and doubts, God greets them. He also greets us "Peace be with you." I often feel like God really knows just what I need to hear and when. I don't know about you, but I'm yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

In this season of CoVid-19 pandemic (sorry if I have been reflecting on the pandemic again) especially here in the Philippines where positive cases continue to rise, our hospitals are filled to the capacity, our health workers are just so exhausted, we just need the greetings of God "Peace be with you." We really can't help but be afraid especially we see people already close to us getting afflicted and suffering from CoVid-19. This is for real.

Today, we really do not understand why it is happening. But just like Jesus who said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled."  Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And He said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead  on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness  of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

 

Our mission continues to share the good news of Christ no matter where we are, what we are experiencing right now. We must continue to spread the good news of God's love. That He is present in our suffering because He suffered Himself.

Let me share the lyrics of this beautiful song because there are also words from the Lord that He will be ever with us.

I Am Ever With You

Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

It is really I whom you see

I offer you now my peace

I have waited for this moment

To be with you again

In my heart you'll remain

In your heart I'll stay

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you,

You must know. I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

I'm beyond all anguish all death

I'm risen to life anew.

 

When you feel that you've been emptied

And can give no more

Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you.

You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Prayer

 

Dear Jesus, many people are suffering, confused, afraid, worried, anxious right now,. Where are You Lord? Lord, we know that You are here with us in our suffering and pain. Please continue to strengthen us. Give us the grace of complete trust and confidence in You. Increase our hope that one day, all shall be well. All these I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Stay Grateful!

Second Sunday of Easter

Sunday of Divine Mercy

11 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 4:32-35

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Second Reading:  1 JN 5:1-6

Gospel:  JN 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting."

 

At this time of the pandemic when people are losing their jobs, businesses are closing down, families are losing their loved ones to CoVid-19, there is just so much uncertainty and anxiety. How long will this pandemic last? How long, O Lord? This is the question of so many of us.

And it can be overwhelming. And today we are reminded to give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting in whatever circumstances we may have.

Can we pause for a while and be present for the moment? This is the Second Sunday of Easter and we should be thankful that we are still alive! Start writing down the things that you are thankful for and you will be surprised! Start it right now. Thank God for  a new life every morning, for the sunshine, for the rain, for the trees, for the flowers, the plants, the mountains, the sea, your eyes to see, your ears to hear, there is food on the table, you still have your feet to walk, you have friends, you can still meet people online, the gift of technology, you can connect and browse the internet, you have your phone, the comfort of your bed, the air-conditioner, the electric fan, your kitchen, your home, and on and on and on. How many were you able to list down?

 

Yes, we may be filled with dark clouds but the Lord is here. Let us keep the faith and hope in the Lord. Let us thank Him for His continued presence and unconditional love. We just have to believe that. The Lord is our only refuge at this time of the pandemic and for that we should already give thanks. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. We strive for the grand spiritual adventure, which we haven't had, and neglect the many gifts from God that we do have. Let us be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is everlasting!

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus for whatever life may bring I say THANK YOU! Give me the grace of a grateful heart all the time. Because when there is gratitude and humility, there is peace. Thank You for everything You have given me Lord including the gift of life that I sometimes take for granted. All this I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

 

 

The Lord is Risen!

Easter Sunday

The Resurrection of the Lord

4 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading:  COL 3:1-4, 22-23

Gospel:  JN 20:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead."

Today is a very joyous day because it is Resurrection Sunday! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! The Lenten days of fasting, almsgiving, and repenting are over. Christ's resurrection vividly demonstrates that love is always stronger than fear or hate or even death. Certainly, something to celebrate. And given what we have all been through this past year, we all really need reasons to celebrate, to find joy and reason for our hope. We just came out of the dark days of Good Friday and experience the fullness of Christ's light on Easter!

Maybe some of us would fret at these words, what is there to rejoice when we are in the midst of a pandemic? Many people are dying, our health workers and front liners are tired, the CoVid-19 cases are rising even with vaccination going on already. Where are You, Lord? People are anxious, worried, frustrated. At these moments, it may seem less clear how the Easter story is our story.

Let us take comfort in knowing that this is exactly the situation of Jesus' friends and followers not only during His Passion, but even in the earliest days of the Resurrection. It took time for them to recognize the reality of the Resurrection. The truth of the Easter Sunday is that God's love is victorious. That is the essence of our faith. Good still wins out over evil. Life wins out over death.

Remember that it is not our action that makes Easter happen. Rather, it is about taking the time to be attentive to God's creative action. God's unstoppable love resurrected Jesus from the dead. And it is God's love and not our own action that will lead to our own resurrections—both our bodily resurrections (someday) and the ways we experience new life now, in the midst of fear, suffering, grief, and even death.

Our part is simply to acknowledge our feelings, pay attention, wonder, and pray.

• If I am feeling emptiness or grief, I can bring my sense of emptiness to God and, like Mary Magdalene, wait for God, paying attention to where I might find new life beyond the tomb.
• If I am feeling fear and am shut inside my own room, I can bring those fears to God and know that God will enter right into that space with me. God can surprise me beyond the confines of my own understanding.
• If I am feeling doubt, I can express these doubts to God and, like Thomas, wonder how God invites me to touch the reality of the Resurrection.
• If I am feeling a desire for increased connection with God, I can let God walk with me, talk with me, and even "feed" me with the divine presence. I can let myself love God and let God love me in turn.

The Lord is risen. There is reason for hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a silver lining amidst the dark clouds.

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, I know You are here with us right now, walking with us, consoling us, embracing us, loving us. We just need to be aware and conscious of Your presence. Let me not be afraid . Let me receive Your peace. Thank You Jesus and all these we pray in Your Name. Amen.

 

 

 

The Church is the People

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 23 August 2020
First reading Isaiah 22:19-23

Thus says the Lord to Shebna, the master of the palace: “I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your post. On that day I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and will clothe him with your robe and bind your sash on him. I will commit your authority to his hand, and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honour to his ancestral house.

Second reading                                                          Romans 11:33-36

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?” “Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 16:13-20

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Reflection

By Bernard M. Borja

Almost six months after the community quarantine was enforced, churches remain to celebrate The Eucharist, with very few people who attend physically, but continue to extend through online media. During the first weeks of the quarantine, the faithful have been longing to receive the sacraments especially The Holy Eucharist. But because of the quarantine and to slow the spread of the virus, churches have temporarily closed their doors to the people. Since then, the hunger and thirst for spiritual consolation has grown for many people.

After more than a month, many parishes still held Masses especially the commemoration of The Passion and Resurrection of Christ during Holy Week. Many people wanted to go back to

church insisting that the church should also be reopened along with business establishments.

Some even pointed out that the decision of the bishops and clergy to remain close is not acceptable because the faithful need to receive The Eucharist physically. They also went on saying that it is the very foundation of our Catholic faith. While this desire is valid and true because of our longing for Christ, sometimes people forget how Jesus built the Church through Peter and the apostles. Jesus built not just a physical house of prayer but a spiritual home in each of us. Jesus continues to desire to live in our hearts and make it our home, if only we realize that and welcome Him. Sometimes, we become blinded by our pride of knowing more about our faith. Our understanding of the Church is hindered by thinking for our own selves and being entitled to being served. We forget that most of the time, God reveals Himself to us when we are outside of the house of prayer. This is evident during this pandemic and even continues today through the efforts of helping those in need. When the Church closed its doors during the quarantine, it is because the Church has been deployed, and God opened many more churches at homes.

In the Gospel today, Peter, without a doubt, acknowledged who Jesus is. Even though there

were times when Peter has doubts, especially during difficult situations like the storm, he would always remind himself that Jesus is The Son of The Living God. It is our human frailty that reminds us that we need God in our life and through this weakness, we are able to see clearly the power of God through us.

Everything that God has revealed to us is enough for our human mind to take and understand.

There are things that have been revealed to us but could not fathom what it really means, so we interpret in our own human ways (like the different interpretation of the Bible verses). But in these interpretations, it will never be enough to understand the whole of God’s wisdom. This is a limitation of our humanness. But this limitation is a reminder for us to open our hearts in faith. It is because of our humanness that we long to see more of the wonders of the Lord in extraordinary ways. But it is because of our limited understanding that our faith is strengthened. Just as how God’s power is mostly revealed in our weakness, God entrusts the key to the gates of heaven to a human being who also became the foundation of the very Church that God continues to build on earth. The Church is the people. For in this Church that God continues to reveal Himself through each of us, to let His kingdom be brought from heaven to earth.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

We know in our hearts and we proclaim to the world that You are The Son of The Living God. We open our hearts to welcome You as we continue to be the church and serve You as we should. We ask You to free us from any binding of spiritual pride which hinders us from thinking and caring for others. We beg for Your grace of patient heart to continuously receive You spiritually, and in the near future physically through The Eucharist. We ask all these with dear Mother Mary’s intercession as we also commemorate her coronation. Amen.

Kumusta Ka Na?

Ascension of the Lord

24 May 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second reading                                                        Ephesians 1:17-23

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel                                                                     Matthew 28:16-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

As we were entering February this year, I remember posting “Feb Be Good” as my Facebook status. Of course, this has something to do with Taal Volcano erupting to start the year. In my introduction as a co-preacher at The Feast in San Fernando, I even mentioned this and of course asked the congregation how they were coping up.

Then as we entered March, I was on stage again asking the congregation how they were doing, because after the Taal eruption, we were then about to face something we are not yet ready to face - Covid-19 pandemic - that we are now experiencing. I even added the recent Kobe Bryant’s death just to paint a picture of what’s going on in the world.

But, of course, in both instances, what I delivered was a message of hope; that God is in control, and that our God is bigger than our problems.

Now, three months later, kumusta ka na? How are we doing so far? How many versions of the quarantine did we already have? Can we still do it? How long can we last?

Today, I still give the same message: GOD IS IN CONTROL. GOD IS BIGGER THAN ALL OUR PROBLEMS.

I am not an expert in advising what should or should not be done in our present situation. But here are my priorities: first priority is our health and survival. As a famous business giant was quoted in social media, “Success during these times is to be alive.” So that should be our priority. Let’s not get sick.  

Then we must have a plan, how to stretch our income. This is the time to stop buying non-essentials. Plan how to make money during these times also. Let us think of a one year situation. Or, might as well listen to experts on until when shall we be experiencing this.

Let us not forget to help others who are helpless. Then improve ourselves. I believe in prospering ourselves in times of crisis, so that when all these is over, we are on top of our game. 

And then surrender everything to the Lord. 

Do you have doubts that we will get through this?

In today's Gospel, Jesus was about to leave His disciples. It was also mentioned they doubted. Why did they doubt? What did they doubt?

Probably with all the things that has happened to them and to Jesus during those times they doubted if they could survive the trials that they would be facing. Now, Jesus was even leaving them. And Jesus even left them with great responsibility— to make disciples of all nations. 

But of course, let us not forget what Jesus promised. That He will be with them, and us, till the end. 

Do you have doubts? Let us hold on to His promises. He will be with us till the end.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, forgive me if I sometimes doubt. May I always be reminded of Your promise that You will be with us till the end. Amen.

I Long for the Day

Fifth Sunday of Easter

10 May 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 6:1-7
During those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.
And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.”
What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Second reading                                                        1 Peter 2:4-9

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, so that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Gospel                                                                     John 14:1-12

Jesus said to his apostles:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms!

So, how are you going to celebrate?  Will you be together with mom? (I am writing on the perspective of a son 😊) Or are you celebrating away from each other because of quarantine?

If you’re away, please make sure to call her on this very special day. But if you’re together, please do practice social distancing.

Me, I even refrain from kissing my parents’ hands nowadays because I take social distancing seriously.

All these entail sacrifices. And during these times, not just ordinary sacrifice. We sacrifice because we do not want that one thing to happen. We do not want our loved ones to get sick, especially the seniors. Especially, not because of us.

Sacrifices hurt. But we do them because of love. Love is the reason why we maintain distance from our loved ones.  Love is the reason why we don’t visit them nowadays. Love is the reason why we don’t see them in person.

My sister, who only lives a few blocks away from us, with my mother, one time expressed how she misses hugging our mom. What more during this Mother’s day. I am not a touchy person but how I long for the day when I also am not afraid to kiss and embrace my mom.

But all we can do is to take joy in knowing that we sacrifice because of love. Let us “…stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14) because, in God’s grace, this, too, shall pass.

Do you miss mom, or dad, or your friends? There’s this one person I know who truly misses us. All of us, moms or not. He misses us so much that He’s prepared mansions for each of us (as mentioned today in the Gospel). Now I know why He’s raised as a carpenter. 😊

Jesus longs to be with us one day, that He made the ultimate sacrifice.

Prayer

Thank You, Jesus… for the mansions… for mom… for Your sacrifice. Amen!

The Good Shepherd's Herd

Fourth Sunday of Easter

03 May 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 2:14, 36-41
Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. . . Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Second reading                                                        1 Peter 2:20-25

If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.

He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Gospel                                                                     John 10:1-10

Jesus said to his disciples, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

Are you granting the front liners’ simple requests from us?

What are they?

Staying at home. And along with it, social distancing, wearing face mask, and washing of hands. These are very basic, aren’t they?

Just stay home and you help save lives. If you have something else to give, better. But even if we cooperate by just staying home, it is already a big help.

You don’t have to sacrifice like the front liners to save lives. Just stay at home.

But why can’t everybody do it? I hope you can. And I hope you do.

If you do, what can you say about those who do not follow the rules? Are you annoyed with them? Irritated even?

You know what, at home, only my younger sister has a quarantine pass. When she goes out to buy necessities,  she is all wrapped with extra clothes, complete with gloves, face mask and goggles. And she follows social distancing.

When she comes back home, we almost shower her with disinfectant alcohol. Then, her extra outer clothing goes straight to the washing machine. All the goods she buys are disinfected. We even wash fruits and vegetables with soap. And if we buy readily cooked food, we heat them again before consuming.

But look at what others do. They roam around as long as they can keep away from barangay officials and the police. Some gossip. Others gamble. Others drink alcoholic beverage. As if nothing serious is happening.

Worst, I heard from the news, there were some who just received amelioration and used the money for drugs.

But then, of course, there are those who really have nothing. They lost their jobs. Some are “no-work, no-pay” like me. Vendors cannot sell. Drivers are banned from transporting people. They don’t know where to get rice for the day. No money to buy medicine for mom and dad who are both seniors. And there are many other sad stories you will see on the news.

How can we tell them, “Stubborn! Hard-headed!”? Simple things you cannot do. Right?

Today in the second reading, St. Peter said in his first letter, “If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.” (1 Peter 2:20)

St. Paul said to the Galatians, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

You keep on doing the right things, but it seems nothing is happening?

Don’t give up. Just continue doing good even if the rest do not mind at all. Following the government, especially in times like these, shows what kind of sheep we are. Are we part of the good sheep, or are we the black sheep?

In his letter to the Romans, St Paul said,” Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.

If you are among the privileged (those who have enough), these are the right times to obey the authorities, no matter what your political affiliations are. Don’t be a black sheep; be a good one.

And if you are more than privileged (you have more than enough), then why not be a shepherd to others and show that you really are part of the herd of the Good Shepherd?

Prayer

Father, forgive us for our stubbornness. Help us to be more considerate, compassionate and obedient for the sake of many. We continue to pray, please put an end to COVID-19 and grant complete and immediate healing to Your people. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.