Brought to Him

    

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

08 September 2024

 

First Reading: Is 35:4-7a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: Jas 2:1-5

Gospel: Mk 7:31-37

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

“There are three quickest ways to spread a rumor: through the internet, through the phone, and telling your mother.” This was one of the jokes I read during Mother’s Day. But because today is Mama Mary’s birthday, I would like to honor her with this reflection. I remember I was a shy little child and growing up, I would always ask my mother to tell people what I wanted to say. I would ask, “Can you tell teacher about my homework…?” or “Can you tell my classmate that I need my pencil back…?” I also run to her every time I have problems. Come to think of it, don’t we all desire to run to our mothers most of the time, especially when we need something?

My prayers would often include asking for the intercession of The Blessed Mother. Like the song goes, “Sa aking paglalakbay sa bundok ng buhay, Sa ligaya at lumbay, maging talang gabay.” I always ask her to guide me to her son. Not that I can’t pray to Jesus directly, but I believe it adds to essence and “back up”. It’s like how me and my siblings communicate sometimes. I would ask my mom, “Can you ask kuya to pick me up somewhere…?” or my mom will ask me on their behalf.

In the Gospel today, I was struck by how the people brought the deaf man to Jesus and begged to lay His hand on him. It reminded me of how my mother became my spokesperson when I had “speech impediment” because I can’t find the words to say what I want. Just like the people who brought the man to Jesus and begged Him, The Blessed Mother also does this for us. She builds a bridge, or becomes a bridge herself, and brings us to her son.

How many of us now are deaf about injustices and oppression, not because we chose not to listen, but because we have already become numb? How many of us now who can’t speak for ourselves and are in need of someone to stand up for us? I believe The Blessed Mother can help us in these times. There is also a saying, “Silence is golden. Unless you have kids, silence is suspicious." I imagine how The Blessed Mother suspects that in most of our silent moments, something is bothering us. Like a mother who always observes her children and is on the lookout for our concerns. I also believe she participates in the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, “the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; the lame will leap like a stag, the tongue of the mute will sing.” by bringing us to her son. Through The Blessed Mother, Jesus tells us “Ephphatha!”.

 

I also want to share another saying for my last point: “Nothing is really lost… until mom can’t find it.” Sometimes, I think mothers do a better job than Saint Anthony in finding things. I believe that The Blessed Mother constantly looks for us especially when we feel lost. For her, no one is really lost. We just need to be guided to the right path and be opened. Just like Saint Monica led her son, Saint Augustine, back to God, our hearts will be restless until we are brought to Jesus and rest our hearts in Him. We can always ask our Blessed Mother Mary to bring us to her son. Like another song goes, “Puso ko'y pahimlayin Inay, upang yaring hamog ng gabing tiwasay ay madama ko bilang damping halik ng 'yong Anak. Ay! Irog kong Inay.”

 

Prayer

Dear Lord, we ask for Your heavenly grace that this day may bring deeper peace to those whose hearts are deaf and mute. We ask the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary to tell her son our joys and sorrows, and whisper to Him that we love Him. Mariang aming ina, kay Kristong aming kapatid, akayin mo kami. AMEN.

Awful Things Before the End

   

  Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 November 2022 

 

First Reading: Mal 3:19-20a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

Second Reading: 2 Thes 3:7-12

Gospel: Lk 21:5-19

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

A short familiar story:

A friend is having a panic attack due to high levels of anxiety because of having a hoarse voice and a mild cough. She consulted a doctor and told her to get tested for covid-19. She asked her friend to go with her to the testing center because she’s very anxious. On their way to the center, her friend repeatedly and constantly told her, “Stop worrying. Think positive!”

Having a positive outlook in life is good. We see the beautiful things beyond the imperfections.  Oftentimes, it helps us to have a good perspective that the adversities in life are just temporary. But there are also times when positivity is misplaced. These are the times when we shallowly look at something especially if we only want to see the outside good but not the inside bad. For example, the White House and Capitol in the U.S.A. are structures with magnificent architecture and design. But considering that slaves helped built these may change how people look at such beautiful structures. Same thing when we think of the history of Manila Film Center and how the project was rushed by those on top who only wants to see the “good side”.

There are also times when we don’t want to think that something beautiful is just temporary. Maybe because we naturally don’t want beautiful things to end. We can’t even imagine how awful something can get before it perishes. For instance, people avoid talking about how they will be on their deathbed. It’s heartbreaking even thinking about what we want when that moment comes. Sometimes when we really think about it, we want to be assured of many things – that everything will not be so bad, and we even want to know some details on when and how things shall take place. We still hold on to that positive outlook more than preparing ourselves for the awful details.

Consider imagining this in prayer:

Today or yesterday, when you woke up, what were the things you did after you got out of bed? Did you go to your usual routine of having breakfast, preparing, and going to work immediately? Who did you speak to after waking up? What are the things did you talk about? Who did you meet and speak to when  you were at work or somewhere? What were the things did you share to him/her? What were the things he/she shared with you that somehow made you think deeply about? How do you feel about doing these things? You can write about your thoughts if you want.

Now, try to imagine yourself waking up in the morning, and you already know that this will be your last day on earth. How would your day go? Would you still do the things you usually do every day? Would you take the effort of seeing the people who matters most? Would you speak with them about the things you usually speak about? Would you tell them the things you were longing to tell them? How does these 

thoughts make you feel? You can dwell on your thoughts for a while and write about how you felt.

The first time I did this prayer, it made me weep. But I still wanted to make my end to be beautiful, to be grand, to be worthy of a last day of legacy by imagining doing what matters most. But it made me look past the awful things that can happen because I still wanted to be “in control” of my fate even before the end. I would imagine just focusing on waking up and knowing that I am going to depart at the end of the day but got loose on the details that it’s also possible that I might be battling a grave disease. How would I even go through my day and do the things that matters most if I cannot even get out of my bed? I realized that even before the end, I also tend to misplace positivity.

I would just dwell in my weeping and find myself losing hope if I was there when Jesus said, “Such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” I would even lose my mind hearing Him say, “Before all this happens, they will persecute you because of my Name.” Because I do not want to know about these things, I may not be able to hear His next words, “It will lead to your giving testimony.” I may not be able to understand that Jesus is telling us what to do when these things happen and that He will never leave us alone. He says that He himself shall give us wisdom that all our adversaries will be powerless. All these I may forget if I would only focus on the beautiful things in the end. I may also forget that Jesus is also saying, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” If I do not listen to the awful 

things which also have details of provision and assurance for me to stand firm. In the end of all things both awful and beautiful will happen, but we must always remember that Jesus will never abandon us before, during, and after the end.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we thank You for being with us all the time even when we do not recognize nor acknowledge Your presence. We are heartily sorry for the times when we choose to only focus on what we want but forget to listen to Your words. May we be consoled through Your assurance that we will never go through our adversaries alone. We also pray for those who are going through sickness and pain, especially those who are dying. We pray that they may find consolation in Your words "not a hair in your head will be destroyed." We also ask the intercession of our dear Mother Mary, may she accompany and guide them as they go through the awful things before the end and eventually find peace in God's presence. In Jesus' Name, AMEN.

He Got Me Covered!

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 December 2021 

 

First Reading: GN 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm: PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4

Second Reading: EPH 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel: LK 1:26-38

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Without me knowing, He makes the best things happen." - Anabelle Balla

Should we go with the flow?

It depends on the nature of the flow and where it is going right?

I had a chance to look back and connect my life's journey from the time I was born. I realized that I did no planning at all when I was young. I was just going with the flow. Fortunately, Jesus found me during my late childhood stage and He has been moving things in my life since then. Those times when things came in easy for me--honed as a young leader in church, getting a college degree despite our financial status, getting a job in a very nice company without intending to apply there, etc., feels like Jesus got me covered without knowing it.

I feel so blessed, so favored and I don't mind to continue going with the flow...with Jesus. Like Mary did when she responded to God with the words "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And she was crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth-favored by God.

I trust that God only wants what is best for us. And I pray that He will continue to lead us and bring us all to the best life that He has prepared for all of us. A life of meaning, contributions and significance, of peace, love, joy, and prosperity at His side.

If He leads us somewhere, He will definitely ensure we successfully get there. He can make the impossible possible just like the miracle of the Immaculate Conception.

Prayer

Father, thank You for having us covered in all aspects in our life. You even gave us Mama Mary, our Mother, who is always there interceding for us and urging us to stay close to You and Jesus. May we be more like her when it comes to humility, obedience, steadfast faith and devotion to Your will. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Mama Mary, please pray for us.

 

She is Worthy!

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 December 2020

First Reading GN 3:9-15, 20

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,

the LORD God called to the man and asked him,

"Where are you?"

He answered, "I heard you in the garden:

but I was afraid, because I was naked,

so I hid myself."

Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked?

You have eaten, then,

from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!"

The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me - 

she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it."
The LORD God then asked the woman.

"Why did you do such a thing?"

 The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, 

so I ate it."

 

Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

"Because you have done this,

you shall be banned from all the animals

and from all the wild creatures;

on your belly shall you crawl,

and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will strike at your heard,

while you strike on his heel."

 

The man called his wife Eve,

because  she became the mother of all the living.

Second Reading EPH 1:3-6, 11-12

 

Brothers and sisters:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,

as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,

to be holy and without blemish before him.

In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,

in accord with the favor of his will,

for the praise of the glory of his grace

that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen,

destined in accord with the purpose of the One

who accomplishes all things according to the intentions of his will,

so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,

we who first hoped in Christ.

 

Gospel LK 1:26-38

 

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

 Then the angel said to her,

 "Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy , the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her. 

 

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

  

She was given the grace to carry Jesus in her womb and become His mother. What an amazing gift, what an honor!

 

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name  him Jesus.

 

 She as enshrined by God. Respected, loved, and obeyed by Jesus. She is worthy of God's presence!

 

No wonder why the church celebrates many Feasts dedicated for Mother Mary including the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which is universally celebrated on December 8, today. And I am glad that December 8 has been proclaimed as Special Non-Working Holiday in the Philippines. May this declaration bring glory and honor to the Father who have chosen Mary to be the Mother of His one and only Son, Jesus. And  may our country be blessed by this.

 

Together, with our family, I humbly invite you to celebrate this Holy Day of Obligation. Let us all say, "Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

 

May we, like Mary, be given opportunities this Christmas season to respond to the Lord and say, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

 

Prayer

 

O God, mercifully hear the supplication of thy servants who are assembled together on the Conception of the Virgin Mother of God, may at her intercession be delivered by Thee from dangers which beset us. And grant, we pray, that as You preserved Mother Mary from every stain of virtue of the death of Your Son, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to Your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nowhere But Here...In Christ's Embrace

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

Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges, and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people: "If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among the peoples through whom we passed. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."

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

Second Reading: Eph 5:21-32

Brothers and sisters:

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

Many of Jesus' disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection

By Fidji Rivera-Sarmiento

May I be honest and say that I’m at the lowest point in my life right now. I would not go into details, but I am trying to alleviate my depression through the Lord’s Words and through praying to our Mother Mary.

Inner emotional pain is much worse than any physical pain there is, for me. Mind you, I have 3 kids and this emotional ache, if I may call it such, does not compare to giving birth. There is a concoction of feelings of being neglected, of loneliness, of desperation, and even regret that makes you feel like your innards will bulge into your chest. It so palpable that my eyes just want to shut off, I wanted to sleep all the time. But being the mother of 3, all under 7, you know that I cannot just lock the door and nurse my spirit’s wounds, more so cry my eyes out. I have to be strong, to keep it together, and be the sun in the eyes of my kids.

And each time I feel like throwing myself to the floor, I remind myself of Jesus’ promises. I soak myself in the grace of the Lord though praying and reading the Bible. If at times I cannot stop crying, I immediately go to the Blessed Sacrament, and instantaneous relief and comfort fills me up. I have to stand firm and be the person the Lord ought me to be. I have to pick up myself and go to Jesus, for there is nowhere else to go. I can seek friends who I can party with; or maybe find a new sport that I can exhaust all my energy on; or go on a shopping spree to temporary lift me up. But I realized that I have to go through this phase and just completely trust the Lord’s will.

So for you out there, who may be undergoing the same phase as I am, know that you are not alone. I pray that the Lord touches your soul, as much as I felt His Hands on my head, giving me a pat, validating my efforts. I pray that you too may find comfort in His promises, and by seeking inspiration from His Mother who surrendered everything to God. May we always mouth, “Your will be done,” and to totally trust His plans. Complete and utter trust. No more worrying. No ifs and buts. This is what the Lord is asking of you, to believe in His mercy. No human embrace or words can surpass what the Lord has for you. He will give you the comfort you long for and the peace that passes all understanding. There is nowhere to go but to the Lord who’s always ready to welcome you into His arms.

Now ask yourself:

1. Have I sought band-aid remedies for my difficulties?

2. Have I replaced praying with partying and playing?

3. Have I forgotten how the Lord loves me so much?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for always being available to embrace us when we need Your comfort and love. Thank You for giving us Your mother, Mama Mary, who also inspires us to surrender ourselves to the Father’s will. Amen.

*Tip from a wounded soul: Surround yourself with people who also believe in the goodness of the Lord. If you are the kind who needs to be in a company of friends, seek a community you can pray with. Should you rather want to be alone, like I am now, reading will help you a lot. Do away with your tablets in the meantime and smell the scent of real books, turning each page with a hopeful heart. Bring the Bible everywhere you go. Nothing compares to the comfort of knowing that God will fight the battle FOR you. In the end, try to write. Journaling, blogging, and laying your emotions out help a ton. May God bless you as His plans continue to unfold.