Jesus Christ, King of Truth!

    

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

24 November 2024

 

First Reading: Dn 7:13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5

Second Reading: Rv 1:5-8

Gospel: Jn 18:33b-37

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"You say I am a king. For this, I was born and for this, I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Jesus' message is clear when He said He came to testify to the truth to expose the falsehood and deception of the world and the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees of His time. He came to reveal the Father's love, mercy, forgiveness, and generosity.

To listen to His voice in my daily activities and interaction with people around me is to follow His teachings, and examples of humility, service, compassion, healing, guidance, and above all, love. It is very challenging in many instances even with the people I love.

I examine my conscience if I am truly listening to Him or to the lies of the world. I find myself still failing in many instances.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we humbly implore You to continue to make Your truth known to us. Forgive our shortcomings, remove all the lies in our minds and hearts, and send Your spirit of generosity and love. We pray this in Your Name, Amen.

Flash of the Eyebrows

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

29 August 2021 

 

First Reading: DT 4:1-2, 6-8

Responsorial Psalm: PS 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5

Second Reading: JAS 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

Gospel: MK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

 

Reflection

By: Gary Tulabut

 

Before I became active in my charismatic community, I was a smoker. In fact, even while I was already serving, I just couldn't stop that bad habit.

There's no question it is bad for me. And I knew I couldn't continue to be like that forever. I wanted to stop. But whenever I crave, I just thought it was a lost case. I still prayed that God would help me though. Sometimes I was able to lower the number of sticks I burn per day. But that's the best I could do...for fifteen years!

I went back to Pampanga after my employer of eleven years in Cavite closed its operations in the Philippines. My family who are in Pampanga then, didn't know anything about my vice, still I was able to hide it from them.

On the other hand, there was I, serving at the Feast, our prayer meeting. I was the social media manager of The Feast in Pampanga then. Whenever I had the opportunity, whether through social media in person, I would invite my friends or acquaintances to attend the Feast. I did this even in my classes when I switched career from the corporate to the academe. I would always tell stories to my students about the Feast. And my laptop wallpaper, which I flash through the projector in every class, was always an invitation to attend the Feast.

One time, I had the urge for a smoke. Because smoking is prohibited inside the campus, I went outside into what I thought was a safe hiding place--a parking garage for rent.

After a few puffs, I saw in about three meters in front of me one of my students who gave me an eyebrow flash (kindat sa kilay).

That signal was God's answer to me to quit smoking. There was so much judgment I read from that simple gesture. What I read from the eyes of that student was "Look at this hypocrite talking about the Feast every time, yet here we are both destroying the earth, destroying our lungs, as well as those people around us."

This is the third time today (as of this writing) thay I encountered the word "hypocrite". It was asked in one Bible study and in a caring group where I also shared my smoking story.

Hypocrisy is also the theme in this Sunday's Gospel, but I was struck more by this verse in the second reading which says, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves." I was not a mere hearer, I was a speaker, a spreader of the Word and I did not delude my students. But the problem is I was a mere speaker, I was not a doer. I didn't walk the talk.

Going back to that eyebrow flash that saved me. You probably heard a number of stories about how hard quitting is. Well, because of that incident at the parking garage, I was able to quit without any difficulty, no withdrawal, no cravings, none at all.

God answers prayers in His own mysterious ways and His own perfect time. What I prayed for fiteen years, including five years in service, He answered in a blink of an eye, or make that in a flash of eyebrows.

Prayer

 

We are sorry Lord if many times we do not walk out talk. We ask Your forgiveness, Your help, and Your mercy to lead us back to the right track whenever we go astray. Amen.

 

Relearn, Rethink, Rectify

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 12 July 2020
First reading Isaiah 55:10-11

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:18-23

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”

Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn-and I would heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”


Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

It may be a little difficult to digest the reading for today because there are stern warnings about how we ought to act. Some have grown up set in their ways, although for people willing to be molded by God, Gospels like this come as a point to relearn; to rethink and rectify their ways.

In today’s Gospel, there are four ways to be: the first group consists of those who do not understand what the Kingdom of God is. The Kingdom of God has been likened to multiple parables, instead of being given directly, perhaps because its eternal reality would not be given justice by worldly analogies requiring definitive descriptions; but in our Catechism classes, we learn that the Kingdom of God is the reign of God. The reality of the reign of God may fly over the minds of some because of the allurements of the world—the temptations that snatch one away from understanding what is truly essential, and the deceit of the evil one—diversions the enemy uses for God’s people to have skewed perceptions of the Word. The people who do not understand make up the first group Jesus described.

Before we go off-tangent on what today’s Gospel means by those who do not understand, let us think about this some more. To understand may be a passive ability for some people. For some who are smart, to understand may come very easily. But what today’s Gospel means by those who do not understand are not those who cannot wrap their minds around God’s Word by will or ability. As eternally mysterious God is, no one can fully wrap his mind around God’s reality. What today’s Gospel means by those who do not understand are those who consciously close themselves off to God’s Word. To one who lacks understanding but is willing, the Bible says: the wisdom of the Lord comes generously to one who asks (James 1:5). If there is something we can learn from the first group, it is to repent, to be open, and to be malleable to God’s Word.

The second group consists of those who warmed up to the Word of God instantly, but as quickly as their joy came, their disinterest soon followed. This is because their interest was not made to develop roots. Those who do not solidify their relationship with God can be likened to the man who built his house on sand, not rock. The storm came, and his foundation soon faltered (Matthew 7:24-27). When one does not center his identity on God, he runs the risk of being swept all too easily by the machinations of the enemy. Hardships in this world and persecution from others may be enough to sway him from the faith. The second group reminds us to nurture and strengthen our relationship with God and His Word; To identify ourselves with Him faithfully.

The third group is made up of those who, while receptive to God’s Word, just like those in the second group, were swept easily by the cares of this world. This tendency for us to bombarded by the cares of this world may be difficult to detect because unlike other sins, it does not seem just as evil. It appears harmless. And this is why we should stand on-guard just the same. When we are snowed under with bills to pay, debts to reconcile, or other worldly concerns, it may be tempting to build a life centered on finances to insulate or protect us. But as the Kingdom of God is eternal, so we should set our sights, hearts, and minds on the eternality of God; everything of this world is transitory. God offers that which transcends anything of this world.

The first, second, and the third groups are not there simply for us to feel mighty over or demean, as when we fall on our guards, we could fall just as badly into the same behaviors. We are given these groups to signify what not to be, all the while savoring and emulating the fourth group—what we should be. 


The fourth group is made up of the fruitful ones. These are the people who receive God’s Word, act on the Word, and bear fruit. These may be challenging to bear but rewarding and fulfilling to accomplish. It may be difficult an effort, but we have the Spirit who gives us strength to surpass ourselves and do the feats God calls us to carry out. Let us call out to God to help us in our need.

Prayer

Abba, thank You that besides the fourth group in today’s Gospel, You gave us Jesus—the true model of faith and good works whom we should emulate. Thank You, also, for revealing to us Your Kingdom, so we could wait for it with good works and a joyfully expectant hope.

You have given us multiple stories that invite us all the more to anticipate the eternal life we are to share with You; please help us be like Jesus, growing to be more worthy of this promise as we take our walk in life.

You are glorious, Lord, and eternally loving; for these, may we be ever grateful.

In Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

The Harvest

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 07 July 2019
First reading Isaiah 66:10-14

Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her;
rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her,
that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast;
that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom.

For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream;
and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm,
and dandled on her knees.

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you;
you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;
your bodies shall flourish like the grass;
and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants,
and his indignation is against his enemies.

Second reading                                                          Galatians 6:14-18

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!

As for those who will follow this rule – peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let nobody make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet nobody on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'”

But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ And I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Reflection

By Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

Is it not worth celebrating how plentiful the Lord’s harvest is? However, is it not regrettable how only few are willing to work for it? Perhaps the reason why only few are willing to work for such a bounty is because it may be difficult to grasp how great a gift the Lord’s harvest is. What does this harvest mean by the way?

In its simplest form, the Lord’s harvest can be likened to the things we see every day. We have food on the table, roof on our heads, parents who love us and work hard to send us to school, friends to go with us in our day-to-day tasks, money to pay our daily expenses, cell phones and the internet to make connecting with family and friends easier, and many other things.

These blessings help us realize how great a provider God is. However, the harvest of God stretches far beyond our experience here on earth. Ultimately, God’s harvest is eternal life in Christ. In Biblical terms, it is the Kingdom of God.

It takes many parables to explain the Kingdom of God. Jesus used seven (six in Matthew 13 and one in Mark 4), but the overarching truth is that it is both here in the now, and it is yet to come.

We uphold the Kingdom of God as we live for Christ here on earth as His Church, anticipating our lives in heaven as we live heaven here on earth, all with our heavenly virtues, but we are yet to realize its fullness–the ultimate prize when we enter eternity with Him.

With such an eternal reward, it is not surprising why God alerts us to those that may try to tear us away from our heavenly prize. In the Gospel for today, we are alerted to wolves. Applied broadly, wolves can be anything from events to people who make it difficult to spread the message of God’s harvest.

Internally, there may be hesitation to spread God’s Word when others look more fit and qualified to evangelize. Externally, before we leave our home, there may be many chores that render us helpless in thinking it is impossible to squeeze into our daily schedules our proclamation of God’s harvest.

Before we make it outside the driveway, our car may have already broken down. In our commutes, the vehicle we ride on may encounter problems of different sorts.

Other people can also hinder in spreading God’s Word. In the Gospel, some might not welcome us when they recognize the Word we are to share. To those who would welcome us, however, “The Kingdom of God is very near to you” (Luke 10:9).

To the unwelcoming, God told whom He sent to simply shake the dust off their feet and proceed. To us, this means not to take rejection personally and proceed with our proclamation, so we don’t fall into the sin of harboring anger and being unforgiving.

It is not always the case that people reject God’s Word out rightly. Sometimes, people suffer different blows in life that make it heavy a task to receive the message at present.

To these brothers and sisters, also to us, God’s goodness and mercy stand available, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15).

In consolation, in our revelation of the Word, rejection is nothing new, even to our brethren in the olden days: to the prophets and the disciples, and even to Jesus Christ.

As we proclaim God’s Word, what drives us aside from God’s grace, first and foremost, is our realization of how incredible the eternal prize of God’s harvest is. Even if we do not understand in full the breadth and depth of this harvest as the Lord’s mysteries transcend the transitory, when we relay to others how great this reward is, the beauty of our wonder already stands as an authentic witness. People are interested in hearing sincere testimonies.

“In this world you will have trouble”, God said. “But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

Truly, when we proclaim God’s Word, some events and people may bring impediments. But in our perseverance, there is God’s grace: even the devils submitted to the disciples at the mention of Jesus’ Name (Luke 10:17).

Surely, there are victories in God to celebrate here on earth. And God reminds us not to lose sight of the eternal, because a bigger cause for rejoicing is at hand: Our names are written in Heaven (Luke 10:20).

Prayer

Lord God, gracious Giver of the bountiful harvest, thank You for Your message today. Thank You very much for the ultimate harvest–eternal life. Though undeserving sheep we are, You still give unsparingly.

Please never exhaust in Your mercy to accept us as we repent, at even the slightest sign of remorse.

Please grant us the grace to see the tremendous value in Your harvest, so we are innately motivated to pursue its revelation to others, especially when motivations from outside—from events or people—are difficult to come by.

Please open the hearts, minds, and spirits of whom we are to share Your Word, so they accept and live It fully, and that in their jubilation, they share Your Word with others, too.

When it is difficult to spread Your Word, please grant us the patience not to give up. Please also send people to help and inspire us on the way. Please let the sight of their—and even our—reconciliation with You be a good motivator for us to continue sharing Your Word.

For those who find it difficult to accept Your message now because of a rough patch in life, please grant us the grace to be patient with them, the understanding to heed their wounds, and the love for them so we deal with them with utmost gentleness and care. Please enable in us hearts that respect their pace of healing, so that we do not worsen their pain.

May You come to the hurting so that they heal once and for all, so that they can live the life You want them to live.

Thank You, Father, and may You be glorified forever, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.