Crossroads

    

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 August 2024

 

First Reading: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

There may be times where we find ourselves lost in following God’s will, moments when we doubt God’s providential plan, times when we become so unfaithful to Him, moments we feel so alone and fail to recognize God’s presence in our life. The Gospel we have today is a promise of Christ's deeper commitment and faithfulness to us. Jesus has become one of us so that we become like Him.

Jesus is asking us, “Do you also want to leave?” Do you want to quit? Humans that we are, sometimes our faith is also challenged by the problems that we have. Some of us fall short of our personal needs, wants, biases and whims. We also have our defense mechanisms in place.

When we encounter people or situations which are different to our tastes and personal views, we tend to reject them outright without first trying to understand. Today’s Gospel invites us to remain faithful to the Eucharist even when we don’t fully understand the mystery of it. When we take it, Jesus lives in us, thus, we have to try to be like Jesus to the people who judge and hurt us, stay to be kind and respectful no matter our differences in views and ideas, and be with the people who need most of our help and assistance. 

Our regular attendance in the Mass and having a genuine quality time in worshiping, praying, and receiving Jesus' body and blood, really makes a difference in making our heart so strong like Christ’s, able to trust God, and live with the Holy Spirit. For when we allow the Holy Spirit to move within us, we will be drawn to our Father through Jesus. May we devote our full presence and attention each time we attend the Mass. 

Jesus has the words of eternal life. If we want to have eternal life, let us listen to Him wholeheartedly without any hesitation. Let us pray then that our Father in heaven grants us a welcoming and faithful heart and that Jesus may become the King in all aspects of our lives.

“Do you also wish to go away?” When Jesus asks us this question, may our answer be like Peter: “To whom shall we go?” May we remain steadfast in our faith and trust in the Lord. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I stand at this crossroads, I seek Your guidance and wisdom. Strengthen my faith and help me trust in Your plan. May Your light lead me, and Your presence give me peace. Grant me the courage to follow Your path, knowing that Your love and faithfulness will see me through.

Amen.

The Bread of Life

    

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 August 2024

 

First Reading: 1Kgs 19:4-8

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 4:30—5:2

Gospel: Jn 6:41-51

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Today’s Gospel is a reiteration of what God told us last Sunday. He once again gives more emphasis on the value of the bread and wine that we are partaking in the Holy Eucharist, more so, how that Bread alone and a profound relationship with Jesus nourishes our Spirit. Jesus begins by declaring, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." To the listeners of His time, this was a controversial statement. They murmured, questioning how He could claim such a divine origin, knowing His earthly parents. Yet, as the reading continues, Jesus challenges their understanding of spiritual reality versus physical reality.

The idea of Jesus as the "bread of life" resonates deeply with me. Bread is a basic, daily necessity—something we rely on for physical sustenance. Similarly, Jesus positions Himself as essential for our spiritual well-being. Just as we cannot live without bread, we cannot thrive spiritually without the sustenance He provides. This comparison makes me ponder my own spiritual hunger.

It is easy to believe in Jesus and His teaching when things are going well with my life. My spirits are high to worship and give thanks but when circumstances are odd and when at times everything seems going wrong, I oftentimes find myself asking where is God in all these. What is He trying to teach me? When and how will help come? It is hard to see the good when everything around is dark. In spite of these, I can feel that tiny spark inside me, telling me to endure and hold on, receive the Eucharist, read His promises in the Bible, attend the weekly worship session, and just let go. Cry if you need to, let go and let God handle it.

The passage also challenges me to reflect on the nature of faith and acceptance. Jesus says, "The one who feeds on this bread will live forever." This is a call to not just acknowledge Him but to fully embrace Him and His teachings. It's about an ongoing relationship where we continually draw from His life-giving presence. In practice, this means prioritizing time for prayer, reflection, and seeking to live according to His teachings. It’s a call to recognize that, like physical bread, the spiritual nourishment Jesus provides is something I must consistently return to. It’s about daily choices to align my life with His will and to rely on His grace.

As I think about these verses, I am reminded that the bread of life is not just a doctrine to be understood but a reality to be lived. It’s an invitation to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ, a relationship that transforms not just my spiritual life but the way I approach every aspect of my existence.

 

Prayer

Dear God, 

May we continually seek Jesus, the bread of life, to find our deepest satisfaction and purpose in His presence. We trust that Your profound love and provision is available to us especially when we come to You with open hearts, may we easily recognize Your work in our lives. May we be instruments of Your loving presence in the people we encounter in our daily lives. Amen.

Restorer

    

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 June 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

Second Reading: 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15

Gospel: Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

During the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish church on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, there was a white cloth placed on the altar from the monstrance down to the steps of the sanctuary. Before bringing the Blessed Sacrament back into the tabernacle, the leader invited us to approach the altar and touch the cloth while gazing at the Blessed Sacrament. It was a powerful experience kneeling together with my family on the steps of the sanctuary. Touching the cloth “connected” us with our Eucharistic Lord. 

Such experience gave us a glimpse of what the woman in today’s Gospel experienced when she touched Jesus’ clothes. A healing experience! “If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be the One who made them”, St. Anthony of Padua once said. However, this state of loveliness became obscured “by the envy of the devil, death entered the world” (Ws 2:24). Sickness and death, then and now, show us the effect of sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 6:23). Restoring humanity to God’s image (Gn 1:27) cannot be done by any creature though. Only Jesus, who is both God and man, can do it. In fact, He has already achieved it.

“Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life”, goes an old version when we proclaim the mystery of our faith after Consecration. We can experience Jesus’ restorative action through the sacraments. As sinners, we need healing through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Reconciled and healed, we need nourishment through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. St. John Bosco once said, “The devil is deadly afraid of fervent Communions and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.” How often have we received the sacraments? When was the last time we spent moments adoring our Lord in the tabernacle? Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle, which we can only win if Jesus is on our side. Remember, “Though he (Christ) was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we praise You for You have rescued us. Through our frequent reception of the sacraments, especially receiving Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion, and our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, may we conquer the enemy so that we may share in Your glory. Amen.

Not Just a Piece of Bread

    

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

02 June 2024

 

First Reading: Ex 24:3-8

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Heb 9:11-15

Gospel: Mk 14:12-16, 22-26

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"You are going to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. Not just a piece of bread", Ms. Carmelita Lopez, my Grade Six teacher used to remind us while we were queuing up for Holy Communion. Some said to themselves (or to others), "There she goes again!' Some ignored her. Yet some paid attention to what she said.

Looking back, Ms. Lopez's reminder hit on me last weekend when I distributed the Precious Blood of Christ during Communion. After drinking from the chalice, I saw my own reflection on the Blood of Christ. It was as though Jesus is reminding me of what He said in today's Gospel, "This is my body...this is my blood..." This is far more superior to the holocausts and young bulls that served as peace offerings during the time of Moses as mentioned in the First Reading. It was not just a piece of bread or a drop of wine that I am receiving and distributing to others. As I was waiting for people to approach me and drink from the chalice, I kept on looking at my reflection and asked the Lord, "Is this how precious am I in Your eyes that You poured out Your blood for me and for all? Who am I, who are we to merit such a wonderful gift as Your very self, Lord?"

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your Body and Blood for me and for all Your people. Sorry for those times when we took Your gifts for granted. Help us to realize how precious we are that You willed to be our food and drink. Strengthen us in our resolve to give due reverence to You in the Blessed Sacrament. Grant us the grace to mirror Your generosity to others especially to those in need.

O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. Amen.

To Whom Shall We Go?

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 August 2021 

 

First Reading: JOS 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: PS 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: EPH 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: JN 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Gary Tulabut

 

This is not an exaggeration. But in the last two weeks, I always wake up every morning with sad news either someone tested positive of CoVid, is seriously ill, or worst, has passed away. My social media feed is occupied by photos of candles or prayer requests.

Then we hear reports of corruption here and there as revealed by the Commission on Audit.

And here comes what's happening in Afghanistan. (Let us pray for the people of Afghanistan).

Oh, and as I write this article, we just recorded an all-time high in new CoVid cases just as the latest Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is being downgraded to, oh don't know all the NECQs (Never Ending Community Quarantines).

I have a confession to make. Since the pandemic started, I haven't been 100% consistent in attending Mass, even if it's just virtual.

It's a shame but I have been busy with many other online spiritual activities such as serving in the online Feast (our prayer meeting); editing videos of my co-leaders at the Feast for our daily online "Faith O' clock Habit"; making my own videos for this "Faith O' clock Habit"; making bulletins for our prayer meeting; attending a Bible study every Thursday; updating my Facebook page every day with the latest videos of my favorite lay preachers and homilist priests; joining community pantries; attending a caring group; and holding another Feast online with my business colleagues.

Every Sunday, I have always intended to attend Mass. But because of these "busy-ness", I just get too exhausted that instead of hearing Mass, the most I could do with my remaining energy for the day is listen to the Word Exposed by Cardinal Chito Tagle.

In the passages immediately preceding this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus emphasized the importance of the Eucharist, declaring, He is the bread of life. (John 6:26-58)

And in today's Gospel, the disciples could not understand what they just heard about Jesus' declaration. They could not accept His declaration and many of them turned back and stopped follllowing Him.

I do not fully understand what is happening in the world right now. Maybe all those busy-ness are just my way to divert my attention from all these negativities.

But St. Peter's reply to Jesus when He asked the twelve, if they, too, wanted to leave Him is a wake up call.

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" (John 6:68)

Good thing I have already prioritized and blocked a Mass schedule every Sunday even before this realization. If you haven't yet, see how Jesus reiterated The Eucahrist's importance in John 6:26-28 even though many of us could not yet accept Him sacramentally.

Prayer

 

Lord, embrace us as we go to these difficult times. You are our refuge. You are our fortress. Amen.

 

In Hopeful Patience

Third Sunday of Easter

26 April 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 2:14, 32-33
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: This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.”

Second reading                                                        1 Peter 1:17-21

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Gospel                                                                     Luke 24:13-35

Two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking together, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”

He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early that morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”

Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

When was the last Mass you have physically attended? Mine was 19th March, the feast of St Joseph. When news broke out that public Masses will suspended, it felt really different. It felt, as some news commentators would say, like World War 2. I suddenly remembered the story of how my late grandparents would still go to church for daily Mass during those times. My Lola told me that there were moments when only she, my Lolo, and the priest were present in the liturgy. Fast forward, you would see and be inspired with priests and their collaborators offering the Mass on live stream.

The suspension of public Masses (and the mandatory quarantine), for me, brings us back to those two disciples in today's Gospel. They were sad because they have lost their Master and friend. Their sadness overwhelmed them a lot that they became "foolish...[and] slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared". Their sadness prevented them from recognizing Jesus who walked with them to Emmaus.

Covid-19 has brought the world to its knees. It has caused a lot of anxiety on people and, if we are not careful, it may lead us to selfishness, complacency, hopelessness, depression, illness, and death. At times, we can be tempted to be like those two disciples to the point of failing to see and hear Jesus.

Thanks to God for creating technology, we are able to still participate in the Holy Mass and other spiritual exercises such as the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, novenas to the saints, recollections, etc. Let's take these opportunities to stay connected with the Lord. In hopeful patience, let's allow Him to keep "our hearts burning within us ... while he [opens] the scriptures to us" and breaks bread with us. My Lola used to echo the teaching that the family, the home is the domestic church. Indeed, this has been made more obvious when the lock down was enforced. Relating to the Gospel, our homes have become the new Emmaus!

And as we keep ourselves sustained by the Lord's Word and Sacrament online as it may be, let's look forward to the day when we could once again be back to our other Emmauses - our churches and chapels - eager to hear His Word and receive His Body and Blood. Lest we forget, our story doesn't end in Emmaus. Like the disciples, we're called to eagerly return to the Jerusalems of our lives - our peers, neighborhoods, workplaces, parishes, organizations, etc - and share the good news: "The Lord has risen indeed!".

Prayer

Lord Jesus, in these uncertain times, like the two disciples, we beg You: stay with us. Keep our hearts burning and yearning for Your Word and Body. Keep our hearts burning and yearning to proclaim Your Word and share Your Body. Keep our hearts from anything that would prevent us from knowing, loving, and serving You. Amen.

Eucharist for the Hungry

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

23 June 2019

First reading                                                                        Genesis 14:18-20
Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abraham by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High for handing over your enemies to you.’ And Abraham gave him a tithe of everything.

Second reading                                                                1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the Lord.

This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.” In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.”

Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death.

Gospel                                                                     Luke 9:11-17

Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing. It was late afternoon when the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.”

He replied, “Give them something to eat yourselves.” But they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, “Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.”

They did so and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Aware that people greatly patronize imported goods, a priest once said that the Eucharist is also an imported food. Why? Because, it is not produced here on earth, but it was given by our Lord Jesus as a food from heaven, with love and sacrifice as the main ingredients. Makes sense, isn’t it?

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ or Corpus Christi. In this feast, we are invited to discover the deeper meaning of the Eucharist and develop a better appreciation of it in our daily life. But the sad reality is not all Catholics believe in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They cannot fully accept that the bread and wine being offered, consecrated, and partaken in the Mass are really the body and blood of Christ. The appearance is the same, but the inner substance is changed. They called it as “transubstantiation”, - the transformation of the substance through the power of God’s Spirit and word.

In today’s Gospel, we heard that Jesus fed the multitude - the miracle of multiplying the five loaves and two fishes to satisfy the hunger of the crowd who followed Him. This is what Jesus would also like to do now, to feed the hungry with His body and blood in the form of bread and wine in the Mass. The problem is His apostles' followers -  our bishops and priests - have limited reach. They could only explain the mystery of the Eucharist to those who are already believers, those attending the church regularly. How about those non-believers staying inside their homes? Who will reach them? That’s where discipleship enters. We, who were already fed and were satisfied are called to share our experience of the Eucharist to the world, to invite more believers, and to have a multiple number of witnesses. The faithful must not be contented with merely watching the celebration, they must take part and get a share of the spiritual food that Jesus leaves us with. Full bloom Catholics do not only rely on the word, but also on the food. God’s word nourishes our mind, while the Eucharist nourishes our body and soul.

As we continue to reflect on today's celebration of Corpus Christi, let us be reminded of our own touching experience of receiving the Eucharist. Look back on the day that you were so hungry, unwelcomed, and unloved. To whom do you run to? It was to the Lord who continuously gives us spiritual food, welcomes us in His arms, and loves us infinitely despite of our painful past. Having been fed, we can now volunteer and help in God's feeding program of the Eucharist.

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us to ponder the depth of this mystery so that we may be moved to our deepest worship of Your presence into it. Amen.

Choose Wisely

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 August 2018

First reading                                                                   Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn herself seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, “You that are simple, turn in here!” To those without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel                                                                     John  6:51-58

Jesus said to them, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”

Reflection

By Jessa Janelle Padilla

How do we respond to such invitation? Do we easily respond yes or ask for enough time to think if we’re able to commit or not? Or automatically decline the invitation? Our decision is much important to the invitee. So let’s decide wisely.

In our First Reading today, Wisdom invites people into her house for dinner. She lets them eat the food and wine she had mixed and encourages them to forsake foolishness and live in the way of understanding.

After the restoration and re-opening of the Manila Cathedral - Basilica in 1958, it invited volunteers to serve in its liturgical functions. It still does almost 60 years later. Upon hearing the invitation, I suddenly thought if I am worthy to accept the invitation. Through prayers and thorough examination of myself, I responded Yes to the invitation and submit an accomplished volunteers application form. Back then, I was so nervous and not confident if they will accept me but indeed God is good. I was accepted to serve Him. Right then, my life changed to a way of understanding. I was able to understand more what God wants me to do and where he leads me.

Our Second Reading encourages us to change the way of how we live our lives. We must live as wise persons not as foolish ones. As we grow, we must grow as wise children of God. Doing what is right and good. Yet some may say that we are just human who are prone to commit sins. Yes we are but we are given by the Holy Spirit with the gift of wisdom wherein it is the intimate understanding of God's Word and His commandments which results in holy and upright living. So let's live our lives with the practicing the gift of wisdom.

Our First and Second Readings today are all about removing our foolishness and live with understanding by practicing the gift of wisdom. This prepares us to understand what our Gospel talks about. Jesus told to the crowds that He is the living bread that came down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live forever and the bread that He will give is his flesh for the life of the world. Then the Jews started to quarrel about it.

We usually had doubts on what other people talk about most especially when these people always lie. After hearing their talk, we also start to ask questions and check the credibility of information. We also start arguments with regard to it. We are like the Jews. But can we not be like them? Can we just listen and believe? Let's not be like the Jews. Let's become and live as a true Christian who believes on what God says regardless of how impossible to believe His thoughts are. Let us live by His Word and eat His bread since those who eats this bread will live forever.

Prayer

O Lord, help us to imitate the way on how You lived. May we use the gift of wisdom from the the Holy Spirit on how we make decisions for our lives. We thank You for feeding us with the food of life that may bring us eternal life. Amen.

Sustained by the Eucharist

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

12 August 2018

First reading                                                                    1 Kings 19:4-8
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Gospel                                                                     John  6:41-51

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise them up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.

“I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Reflection By Jessa Janelle Padilla
There are different kinds of test that we go through in our daily life. These tests may regard to school, work, health, relationship, and even faith. How do we prepare ourselves for these tests? What kind of preparation do we do? In school, we study and review our lessons. At work, we do our best to meet the standards, prepare the necessary documents, and comply with existing policies and procedures to pass accreditation tests. About our health, we eat healthy foods and avoid those prohibited foods and drinks to achieve good health test result. On our relationships, we open ourselves to discussion, humble ourselves, there is willingness to listen, and willingness to forgive and to move on to the next chapter with strong and long lasting relationship. And on our faith, we listen to the Word of God, eat the Bread of Life, digest it and live our lives according to Jesus’ teaching.

There might be time that we came to a point where we nearly surrender just like Elijah in our First Reading this Sunday. When he told the Lord that he can no longer continue his journey, an angel touched and ordered him to get up and eat. The angel did it twice until Elijah gained strength to continue his journey. In our journey towards life, sometimes, we also surrender and give up because of the unending hardships, obstacles and problems that we face. But every time we surrender, the Lord sends someone to lift up and enlighten us to continue our journey. And if ever we still feel that we can no longer continue our journey, He never gets tired of sending people to encourage us to keep on moving and fighting. We just need to open our hearts and minds, then listen and be enlightened. Jesus’ light comes in and defeat the darkness. We can continue our journey like how Elijah did.

Also, a peaceful and loving group may experience quarrel and horrible situation. It may be destroyed by misunderstandings and unresolved issues.  On the other hand, a healthy relationship may be broken because of bitterness, fury, anger, shouting and reviling. In the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, he told us to remove on our lives all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling along with all malice and be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving one another as God have forgiven us in Christ. We need to fight and make a move to fix what has been broken. Let us also be kind, compassionate and forgiving to one another to maintain the healthy, peaceful and loving relationships that we have and cared for.

We all have tendency to have doubt to people and even situations. This is because of the spread of fake news on social media and existence of fake people on our lives. We now think twice, thrice or more and examine the authenticity of the news before we believed. We also put people to test before we can fully trust and be open to them. How come that we became like this? What happened?

In our Gospel today, the Jews doubted that Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven because they all know that He is the son of Joseph. What is the reason for this reaction? It is because of lack of faith? As children God, only our deep faith on Him can make us believe on everything that He will say with no doubts and questions. We can respond immediately with a ‘Yes, You are the Bread of Life’ without thinking twice. We believe and can testify that He is really the Bread of Life. He sustains our needs and makes us full. He never let us down and leave our side.

As followers and believers of Him, He will grant us eternal life upon eating the Bread of Life.

Prayer

Merciful Father, we are so thankful because You gave Your only Son Jesus Christ to us as the Bread of Life. You always touch our lives by sending people to guide and support our journey to become your faithful servant. Feed us Lord with the bread that can satisfy our hunger and remove in our lives all doubts and malice. This we ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Hungry?

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 August 2018

First reading                                                                     Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.
“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. They have lost all sensitivity and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Gospel                                                                     John  6:24-35

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”

Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. or it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Reflection

By Jessa Janelle Padilla

In our daily lives, we may came to a point wherein we are not able to compromise things and situations that we are in. We complain and compare things. We are hungry and thirsty of worldly desires. We find ways to get ourselves full and comfortable without sometimes realizing that only Jesus can make us full and comfortable in His loving arms.

In our First Reading today from the Book of Exodus, the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They said that it is better that they had died at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt than to die of famine in the desert. When in Egypt they can sat by fleshpots and eat bread as much as they want while in the desert there are neither fleshpot nor bread to eat.  Why would God lead us to an unbearable situation when we are already okay with our lives? We complain and may be tempted to say ‘Just kill me so I don’t have to be living like this.’ Don’t we realize that He is leading us to such kind of situation to test us? To test our patience, test our capacity and capability to handle situations? He will never persecute and leave us alone. We have Him beside us in every step that we make. Whenever we experience this kind of situations, we must keep our grip tighter and bear in mind that after we survived this we will become stronger, wiser, and faithful servants. Also, the Lord may not provide us exactly what we want and what we ask but He surely provides us with what we truly need. Like how He provided the Israelites with quail and fine flakes for them to eat.

In the Second Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, Saint Paul says that if we have heard and were taught by Jesus we should put away the old self and be renewed in the spirit and put on the new self, created in God’s way of righteousness and holiness of truth. We must put this into our hearts and minds, and practice what Jesus taught us. How can we be renewed if we keep on being stubborn? We need to listen to His words and reflect on it for us to change. It is not a one-night process but can be done little by little until we can fully change our way of life.

In today’s Gospel from Saint John, the disciples followed and looked for Jesus when they cannot find Him. Are we also looking for Jesus’ presence in our life? Are we hungry and thirsty for His presence? Let us feed ourselves with the bread and wine from heaven.

There are times that I felt Jesus’ absence in my life. The times when He took away from me those whom I loved that I almost gave up serving Him. But I realized that I would not overcome those moments if He was not around. He is really present in my life but somehow, I overlooked Him. We all have different kinds of thirst and hunger because of our worldly desire but can we not become thirsty and hungry for His words? for His Body and Blood? for Him? Are we going to look for Him when we cannot find Him? Yes, we should look for Him since He is the only One who can satisfy our hunger and thirst. He is the only One who can give us a fulfilled life. He is the only one who can complete us. As St Peter Julian Eymard once wrote: "Live on the divine Eucharist, as the Hebrews did on the manna. Your soul can be entirely dedicated to the divine Eucharist and very holy in the midst of your work and contacts with the world."  

Jesus is the Bread of Life and whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we thank You for giving Yourself to us as our Bread of Life. Your presence in our lives keeps us full even if we are hungry and thirsty. We can overcome all obstacles because You guide us and walks along with us in our every step. All praise and glory to You in the Most Blessed Sacrament! Amen.