Very Important Servants

    

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 September 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and  8

Second Reading: Jas 3:16—4:3

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Almost everyone in Metro Manila is familiar with a scene during rush hours where a convoy of vehicles goes through the heavy traffic with two or more police riding two-wheeled vehicles as escorts. You may have shaken your head at least once during the time when you saw something like this. It may have irritated you more if you found out that it was a government official being ushered so that he or she could get to where he or she is supposed to be faster than everyone else on that road. You may remember how during that time you were so anxious about getting late for work and wishing there could be a faster way, and you had no choice but to sit it out. A scene that when we witness it a lot of times, we become used to it and we just ignore it. Then it becomes our common definition of what it means to be a public servant.

What does it mean to be a leader? What does it mean to be trustworthy of authority? What does honorable mean? In our everyday lives, we can somehow define what being a public servant is by simply looking at and observing what they do.

Almost every day, we hear a lot about government officials who are corrupt and dishonest. There are people who justify a misuse of public funds, or even being dishonest about the purpose of the fund being asked. There are those who use government properties for their own desires and benefits. There are also those who run away during difficult times, especially when the people who they have promised to serve need help. We know how obvious these are and yet they remain “unbowed”. But most of us still support these so-called servants and even defend them. We even discuss who among them is the greatest.

The effect of this may not be obvious but we can say that there are times when we have really lost the sense of true service. In the church or in a community where almost everyone is a volunteer, people sometimes think that they are in a higher position than those who are not volunteering. There are times when I used my servant ID to pass the long line of people waiting outside because I am running late. There are servants who think they have permission to pass through security just to take a photo of a high-profile servant. Oftentimes, we miss the point on why we are called to serve and become our own version of “honorable” or “VIS - very important servant”.

Today’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus being our guide and model for us to know the true meaning of service – Obedience. This does not only mean being obedient to those who are above us. A disciple is not above his or her teacher, and yet the teacher can be a servant of the disciple. The core of obedience is being open. Our openness to God who calls us in ways that are unexpected. We become open when we die to our own desires and empty ourselves for the benefit of other people. We become open when we offer the gifts that God has given to us to those in need. Jesus, being our model, emptied Himself and put first what God asked of him to show us how a true servant should be. If we only pray like Jesus Himself, “Not our will, my Lord, but Yours be done.” Then we will truly know what it’s like to be the first and greatest in the Kingdom of God. 

 

Prayer

PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY

Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, 

Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve You as You deserve. 

To give without counting the cost, to fight heedless of wounds, 

To labor without seeking rest, 

To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward 

Save the knowledge that I have done Your will. AMEN.

Pagtanggap at Pangangalaga sa mga Bata

Sto. Niño 19 January 2020
First reading Isaiah 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

                    
Second reading                                                          Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18 

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 with- out 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. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.

Gospel                                                                        Matthew 18: 1-5, 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Reflection

By Nats Vibiesca

Tampok ang katangian ng mga bata sa Ebanghelyo ngayon na nais ng Panginoong Jesus na ating tularan (nating mga matatanda o anuman ang edad): ang maging mapagpakumbaba. Malinaw ang habiling ito ni Jesus sa mga alagad, pero bakit nga ba nagtanong pa ang mga alagad kung sino ang pinakadakila sa kaharian ng langit? Lagi naman kasing ganito tayong matatanda, na nangangarap na maging dakila, ang masaklap lang ay hindi ito upang maglingkod bagkus upang magmalaki o magyabang sa lahat. Kung nakikita nating nakahihigit ang ibang tao sa atin, materyal o anumang bagay na nakaaangat ang iba, hindi na lang paghanga ang nararamdaman natin kundi inggit at pag-iimbot na sana'y makuha rin o mahigitan pa ang anumang mayroon siya. 

Sana'y hanggang paghanga na lang ang nararamdaman natin sa tagumpay ng iba o magsilbing inspirasyon ang kanyang natamo upang magsumikap din na makamit iyon, ngunit hindi sa dahilang upang may maipagmalaki lamang kundi maging daan ang tagumpay na iyon na mapabuti ang paglilingkod sa kapwa at mapatatag pa lalo ang mga relasyon sa kapwa. Kaya nga lang ay parang natural na pag-uugali ang umuusbong sa ating katauhan na dapat na maging mapagmataas sa kapwa na humahantong sa paghamak sa mga maliliit. Subalit taliwas naman ang pag-uugaling ito sa kagustuhan ng Diyos at isang mabuting halimbawa nga ang utos sa atin na pagtanggap at pagtulad sa mga bata.

Sa totoo lang, napakabigat at napakahirap na gawain ang nais ng Diyos kung susuriin natin ang madalas na mga nangyayari sa mga bata sa ating panahon. Nandiyan ang madalas na pag-abuso ng mga matatanda sa mga bata: abusong pisikal at sekswal, abusong verbal, abusong moral at abusong ispiritwal. Ang mas masakit pa nga kung minsan ay ang mismong mga magulang o kamag-anak ang numero unong nang-aabuso sa mga bata. Hindi rin ligtas ang mga bata sa abusong paggamit sa kanila sa puwersahang paghahanapbuhay imbes na mag-aral o maglaro upang mapanatili ang pagiging bata. 

Laging nakakadurog ng puso ang makakita ng mga namamalimos sa kalsada na matatanda habang bitbit ang mga sanggol o bata na hindi alintana ang anumang masamang epekto nito sa kalusugan o pagkatao ng bata. Hindi natin siguro masisisi ang mga magulang nila kung napilitan silang isangkalang sa hanapbuhay ang kanilang mga anak kung sila rin ay biktima ng kawalang pagpapahalaga nating nakaaalam sa kahirapang dinaranas nila. Ang iba nama'y naglaho na talaga ang konsiyensiya kaya't mismong anak nilang bata pa'y kinakalakal na ang katawan na ngayo'y kumakalat sa internet. Dahil na rin sa kahinaan ng mga bata, sila ang madalas na malubhang apektado ng anumang sakuna, halimbawa'y ang kalunos-lunos na sinapit nila sa pagputok ng bulkang Taal. Huwag sana nating ipagkait ang anumang tulong na maibibigay natin sa mga batang apektado ng kalamidad na ito.  

Mahaba pa ang listahan kung papaano natin hinahamak ang mga bata sa ating panahon. Kung minsa'y nakawawala na rin ng pag-asa tayong mga matatanda upang sagipin sila sa kumunoy ng pag-aalipusta at sumisibol na lang marahil ang pag-asa sa mismong mga bata na rin. Pagsumikapan nawa natin ang malaking hamon sa atin ng Ebanghelyo ngayon na mahalin natin nang lubos ang mga bata dahil sa pagtanggap sa mga bata ay si Jesus nga ang ating tinatanggap.   

Prayer

Panginoon, tulad ng Iyong pagkalungkot, labis din kaming nagdurusa sa tuwing nakikita naming inaabuso ang mga bata. Nagsusumaamo kami sa Iyo na bigyan kami ng sapat na biyaya upang sapat kaming makatugon sa hamon na tanggapin at pangalagaan namin ang mga bata sa lahat ng pagkakataon, at upang maunawaan naming lubos na dapat naming tularan ang kanilang mga katangian. Amen.

To Us

Santo Niño January 15, 2017

First reading Isaiah 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in

blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm                                                    Psalm 28:1-4,9-10
Second reading                                                          Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18 

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 with- out 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. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 18:1-5; 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Reflection by Pietro S. Albano
Looking at a baby or a little child would often make one’s day. The mere sight or sound of one’s child after a busy day lifts up our often wearied spirit. The simple thought of that little one looking up to us keeps us going in spite of how uncertain life could be. Most of us would have already taken down our Christmas decors. When I was about to put our Nativity scene in the box, I looked at the statue of the Baby Jesus and kissed it. Like our children, we feel that same comfort beholding our Lord as a little, helpless, and innocent child. I always use to think that the Christmas season in the Philippines does not end on the feast of the Lord’s Baptism, but on this feast of the Sto. Niño.  And so, across the country (as well as in other parts of the world) devotees bring their various statues of the Holy Child to what is a colourful and vibrant procession.  This celebration brings to mind that “… a child is born to us” (emphasis mine), as written by the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus comes as a humble child to us arrogant people. He comes as an innocent baby to us muddled in sin. He comes as a gentle baby to us who are burdened.  He comes as a frail child to us who are weak. Going back to Isaiah's prophecy, the Sto. Niño comes to us, to our wounded and divided nation as a "Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace".  That’s how special we are!

Prayer

Sto. Niño, we praise and thank You for Your love and mercy to us. As we celebrate Your feast day, help us to realize how precious we are in Your sight. Make our hearts like Yours so that we may be a person to others. United with Mary and Joseph we make this prayer. Amen.

Not Alone

First Reading: GN 2:18-24

The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.

So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman, ' for out of 'her man’ this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh.

Responsorial Psalm PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: HEB 2:9-11

Brothers and sisters:

He "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels, " that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers.”

Gospel: MK 10:2-16

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"  They were testing him. He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"  They replied, "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment.

But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.  For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another,

she commits adultery."

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."  Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Reflection:


Sometimes I tell my writing class students that marriage is like writing a story. Since writing is always a choice, one can choose to write marriage between best-marriage-ever and a topsy-turvy-lunatic relationship. One has the freedom to write the ideal marriage or the worst marriage. However, my constant reminder whenever they write a story is to never look far or wander around to start writing their craft. My instruction to them is simply look at oneself, recollect one’s personal experiences to trigger the process of writing because there’s a well of ideas/stories into self. So let me tell you some top secret stories in our 17-year blessed marriage life for this reflection.

Lately, my wife and I (she’s a pharmacist, I supposed she’s always using the left side of her brain in many circumstances, while I think as a creative writer which constantly using my right side, if I have one), realized that we argue on petty things to decide on something but neither of our decision would happen.  For example, she thought it is best to take a cab on one side of the street, but looking at the passing taxis, I thought the probability is higher on the other side. While we were on the opposite side of the street, waiting who can get a cab first, her brother driving a beautiful car suddenly appears offering a lift to us.  On another occasion, we argue either to ride a tricycle or walk to save money, so we can come home early to prepare our dinner (since it is just a few blocks away). But before a tricycle arrives and still not making a single step yet, heavy rains fall on us, and so we end up dating in a nearby carinderia while waiting for the flood to subside. We laugh together whenever these things happen because we always think that it is God’s Will. The comfort that we thought we could get for both of us as we decide may not be the same comfort that God wants us to give. We can never argue on what God wants us to give because it’s always the best for our family.

We may have a very good inspiration to write our marriage story but it is God who will supply all the best elements of the story to make it realistic and successful.

Prayer for couples:

Father in heaven, please grant that all couples in the world may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that both husband and wife be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both closer to you through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

Do the Opposite

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.

Second Reading: 2 Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6

Brothers and sisters:

You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations  as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,  “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,  and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,  He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,  for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,  “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star,  and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.

Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,  they departed for their country by another way.      

Reflection 
By Nicola S. Albano

The story of the Epiphany teaches us about King Herod’s jealousy and greed. He was the most powerful man alive when Jesus was born. Prior to the birth of Jesus, King Herod murdered many of his family members to secure his throne. Hearing about the newborn king made him feel threatened that he will soon be replaced. When the three magi met King Herod, he told them to “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” We later on discover that King Herod was to order the execution of all male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem to secure his power. He massacred the innocents.

            
Strong influences in our life sometimes dictate or even force us to do one thing or act a certain way. The challenge for us is to realize when it is not the right thing to do, even if there is great pressure. We are to do the right thing, to praise and honor God in spite of what others tell us what to do. The epiphany that the three wise men experienced in their dream shortly after they visited the Messiah, told them to do the opposite of what King Herod asked them to do.

Prayer

“Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. “ - Saint Augustine



God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. - The Serenity Prayer

Little Child

Sto. Nino Jan 19
First reading Isaiah 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in

blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 28:1-4,9-10
Second reading                                                          Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18 

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 with- out 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. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 18:1-5; 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Reflection by Grace Madrinan

My mother and I moved into a new house recently with my brother, his wife and two kids. It has been 15 years since I lived with a kid around. At first, it was kind of amusing, entertaining at times. I came from a deafening silence to boisterous fun; from orderly to frenzied routine. But the most adjustment that I had to make is watching out for my actions and words around the youngsters especially to my 7 year old niece.

All of a sudden, a little girl is following me around, imitating me. Often, she would ask questions that I am not prepared to answer. And when I answer, I am trying my best to explain it (or avoid it!) without losing my patience. But when she asked me about Church ethics like why is it forbidden to eat inside the Church, why do we kneel during consecration…I realized that I have the power to shape her awareness for the good or for the worse.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus confirmed that we should be wary not to mistreat or misled the little ones for they are considered the most precious in heaven. I remember as a child, I used to lift up my hands to my father whenever I needed rest from walking.  But as we grow old, we tend to wait for the last straw before we lift our hands to the Father. As a child, we always run excited to meet our father when we see them coming home from a long day’s work. But as we grow old, we can’t even focus our attention to God whenever we participate in the Eucharist. As we celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Nino this Sunday, may we be able to renew in us the same humility, innocence and fervor of the Child Jesus.

Prayer

God our Father, we are Your child and only in Your arms can we find rest. May we continue to look up to  You as a child longs for his father. Amen.

" Will and Testament "

First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, "My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.' And: 'May another take his office.' Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

Resp. Psalm: Psalms 103-1-2, 11-12, 1-20

Second Reading: 1John 4:11-16

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and He in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

Gospel: John 17:11-19

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Reflection:

By Ana Balla

I am the youngest and only daughter in a brood of three. When we were young and my parents have to go out of town for a couple of days, we were left in the care of our “Ate Flor”. Before they left, my mother handed her a list of menu and reminders, as well as a list of emergency numbers. As they move towards the door, I came running, crying and pleading my mother not to leave me. It is really an issue for me. Can you relate with me on this scenario?

Despite the absence of my parents, our routine stayed the same. Ate Flor wakes us up on time, prepares our meals, gives my medicines and vitamins, brings and fetches me to school, yells my name in our street which means playtime is over and it’s already time for homework, prepares our supper, reminds me of my medicines again, and last but not the least, the most lovely part for me, she scratches my back as I sleep. Yes, I used to sleep beside her.   There were still times like now, that I  think about her, how she is and where she is today.

Being away from their kids is not at all a relief but a risk for parents. They would usually call at home just to check on their children, a sign that they are thinking of the children’s welfare. After everything is done, they are excited to see and be with their children again. I relate the characters of my story in today’s Gospel, to the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. An automatic and usual reaction of being left behind is sadness and despair. As I made my parents’ temporary trips an issue when I was young, being left behind for me means I did not behave well. Some people, when being left aside, tends to blame themselves for the bad things that happened. Others, feel resentment with the person who left and are afraid to love again. Nevertheless, if you look a bit deeper, we are not really afraid to love again but what scares us is not to be loved in return.  Jesus, as our Lord, gave also some reminders for safekeeping. He entrusted us to His first disciples. Jesus instructed them to accompany us in our journey towards the Father, preach everywhere, and heal the sick. These were on top of Jesus’ list. Then it was handed down from generation to generation until it reached Ate Flor.

If you wonder who Ate Flor is, you may go back to the second paragraph of this reflection and see how glorious and committed she was in fulfilling Jesus’ assignment to mankind.  Ate Flor’s wondrous deeds remind me of St. Therese of the Child Jesus’ quote, “Even the simplest things when done with great love produces great results.” Each of us has the capability to preach the Gospel. Every human being who is created in God’s image and likeness are called to this mission. No other social status can hinder or be an excuse in touching our neighbor’s life.

Remember individual differences. We cannot be jack of all trades. That is why it is okay if you are not too attractive as the next person sitting to you or you are not as smart as Jose Rizal.  Ate Flor took care of a young girl for six years. She started loving the little girl when she was 4 years old, not yet on her age of reason and yet at some point, beyond reason, the grown-up girl recognized her as a true disciple of Jesus.

 From Jesus’ disciples to Ate Flor and then, carefully, handed to me. I read somewhere that the more we are blessed the more we have responsibilities.  I am saved by God’s grace that is why as a thanksgiving and as a response of being loved so much, I am also blessing the world in Jesus’ name.  Jesus did not say it would be easy. No rose petals will be laid down on our path instead, there will be time where thorns would prick us, bleed us to the core. However, He also promised lasting and real happiness as we lay our rests in Him, just as a parent with wide arms open embracing his/her child.

 Jesus’ greatness never stops. His goodness is passed down across centuries. He provides. He is always with us!

 Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for entrusting us to the care of Your chosen disciples. You are always there to look after our welfare. Like You, may we also look after the people that You have entrusted under our care. Amen.