A Stone's Throw

   

Fifth Sunday of Lent

06 April 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel: John 8:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, 

This Gospel always hits home. A woman is dragged out and humiliated for her sin, and she stands there, just a stone’s throw away from judgment—literally and emotionally. The crowd is ready, stones in hand, but Jesus steps in and flips the moment upside down with a single challenge: “Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”

That phrase “a stone’s throw” reminds me how close we often are to judging others. We may not hold physical stones, but sometimes our thoughts, words, or attitudes are just as sharp. We stand, just a step away, ready to criticize, label, or dismiss someone for their mistakes—forgetting that we’ve made our own.

What speaks to me most is how Jesus doesn’t excuse the sin, but He also doesn’t shame the sinner. He protects her dignity, reminds everyone of their own imperfections, and then gently tells her to "go and sin no more." It’s a reminder that Jesus meets us where we are, not to leave us in our mistakes, but to help us rise above them.

In my work as a school counselor, I’ve seen many students judged quickly—for failing grades, bad decisions, or behavior issues—without people taking the time to understand the “why” behind them. And I admit, there are moments I’ve been tempted to mentally throw a stone too. There are times I catch myself being quick to judge others—whether it’s someone who made a bad choice or someone whose actions I don’t agree with. This Gospel reminds me that I’m not perfect either. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve needed forgiveness, and others have shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it.

And maybe, like the woman, I’ve had moments of guilt or shame where I felt unworthy. But the readings reminded me that Jesus doesn’t define us by our failures. He sees the whole person. That gives me hope—and reminds me to offer that same grace to others.

We are all called to be humble, before criticizing others, I reflect on the grace I’ve been given and the second chances I’ve received. In moments of frustration or judgment, I pause and ask: “Am I helping this person grow, or am I just pointing fingers?, or I am projecting my personal issues to him/her?” We are invited to be like Jesus in the crowd to stand between the broken and the stones—offering support, not shame.

“A stone’s throw” can mean being physically close, but in this context, it reminds me how close we can come to choosing judgment over mercy. Jesus shows us a better way: to drop the stone, extend the hand, and walk with others toward healing. That’s the kind of counselor—and person—I strive to be.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to drop the stones of judgment I so easily carry and to see others through Your eyes of mercy. Teach me to respond with compassion, even when it's easier to condemn. Remind me that I, too, have needed grace. May I always choose love, just as You chose love for me. Amen.

Radical Love: A Freedom to Man's pride.

   

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 

23 February 2025

 

First Reading: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians, 15:45-49

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

 

Love your enemies. This is the fundamental command of Jesus in today's Gospel. This sounds beautiful and good but when we face real-life situations of betrayal, insult, or injustice, our hearts often resist. Forgiveness is difficult because of our ego. When someone wrongs us, our pride is hurt. We feel disrespected, taken for granted, or even humiliated. Some of us would have said, “I will never forget what they did to me.” Or “I will forgive, but I won’t talk to them anymore.” Some even say, “I’ll forgive… if they apologize first.”  However, all these things make us bitter, restless, and heavy inside. It imprisons our hearts that makes us numb and empty. 

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to free ourselves from the imprisonment of hatred through Mercy and Love. It is a radical movement within us when our empty heart were filled with the Mercy and Love of God. The word for love used here is agapē, meaning unconditional love. This isn’t about emotions; it’s a decision to will the good of the other person. 

It is God who loves us first. Even in our sinfulness, God forgives us. He forgives us even when we don’t deserve it. He asks us to do the same. And if we hold on to grudges, we close ourselves off from God’s grace. But if we give mercy, we receive mercy.

God’s mercy is not just an idea—it’s an invitation to freedom. The more we let go of resentment, the lighter our hearts become. Jesus does not ask us to forgive because it’s easy. He asks us because it is the path to true peace. 

And so, let us ask ourselves: Are we holding onto grudges? Are we still carrying past hurts? May we have the courage to let go, to trust in God’s justice, and to love as Christ loves. Amen.

Prayer

God our loving Father,

You gave us knowledge and wisdom

To know the truth.

Grant us the grace of Mercy and Love

For us to love each other even those who have wronged us

That we may also become an instrument of your love and mercy to others.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Live the Day

    

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

17 November 2024

 

First Reading: Dn 12:1-3

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

Second Reading: Heb 10:11-14, 18

Gospel: Mk 13:24-32

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

The end times. Is it near? Or is it still far away? No one knows. Many doomsday sayers are telling us that the end times is near because of the ongoing conflicts, natural calamities and disasters in different parts of the world. But again, the Bible says, no one knows except the Father.

We come across this passage at this time of the year when we are about to end the Liturgical Year. It is a reminder that I, you, all of us need to be prepared at all times. And the best way to prepare daily is to love others, to forgive those who sinned against us, and ask forgiveness for the sins we committed, plus the sins of omissions.

You and I must continue to appreciate blessings we receive including the opportunity to live another day. We need to show kindness, respect and empathy to people we meet every day.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, I pray that I may appreciate each day I live. May I be a blessing for people I interact with each day. May Your love, generosity, and kindness overflow from me to people I meet every day. Help us Lord to be prepared for the end times every day. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Haven of Peace and Forgiveness

    

Pentecost Sunday

19 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

I did not know how life is lived in Manila. I was young when we relocated in Gagalangin and I was just going along with the flow. Fortunately, God called me through His church and in His grace, I was able to form a deeper connection with Him. He took me in and gave me a more meaningful life through His devoted disciples.

I am glad Pentecost happened. It gave birth to the church that is blessed with peace, guided by the Holy Spirit and was empowered to forgive sins. The church is God's haven of peace and forgiveness. It is more than Sunday masses. It has more to offer. God and His Holy Spirit is in there, waiting for you with arms wide open.

Draw near to God, come to the church and help bring others closer to Him so they can too, can enjoy God's peace and forgiveness.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us a community where we can build our faith and receive peace and forgiveness. Please continue to help and protect your church, your people. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Patawad

    

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon)

17 September 2023

 

First Reading: Sir 27:30‐28:7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

Second Reading: Rom 14:7-9

Gospel: Mt 18:21-35

 

Reflection

By: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Sa palabas na Face to Face sa TV, ang programa ay laging nagsisimula sa away ng dalawang tao, magbabangayan sila at makikita talaga ang matinding galit nila sa isa’t isa. Kung minsan ay mag-aambaan na parang magkakasakitan pa at aawatin naman sila ng mga tila bouncer sa set. Pero sa dulo ng programa, laging nagkakasundo ang magka-away, nagkakapatawaran, mangangako ng pagbabago at haharapin na nila ang masayang pamumuhay. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi laging parang tulad sa palabas sa TV na Face to Face ang nangyayari sa buhay natin. Hindi palaging happy ending dahil napakahirap magpatawad ng kapwa natin na sukdulan ang ginagawang kasalanan sa atin. Ang Ebanghelyo natin ngayon ukol sa pagpapatawad ay hindi talaga madaling sundin lalo na kung ang kasalanan ng ating kapwa ay apektado ang ating buhay. Ngunit kung hindi tayo magpapatawad ng ating kapwa, papaano tayo manghihingi ng tawad sa Diyos ng ating mga kasalanan? Ipagdarasal ba natin na “Lord, huwag Mo siyang patawarin kasi napakalaki ng kasalanan niyan sa akin.” Nililinaw sa atin ni Jesus na lagi’t laging kailangan nating patawarin ang sinumang magkakasala sa atin sapagka’t ang Diyos mismo ay handa tayong patawarin sa anumang kasalanan natin.   

Minsan napadaan kami sa Edsa nang rush hour.  Kaliwa’t kanan ang mga kamote riders na kasabayan naming nakamotor. Kahit ano’ng ingat ko sa pagmamaneho ay nagitgit pa rin kami. Tinamaan nang bahagya ang sapatos ng misis ko at gilid ng motor. Kahit alam kong nasa tama ako, bukod sa may dash cam ang motor namin, ang nanggitgit pa sa amin ang nagalit na parang kami ang may mali. Hindi ko na iginiit na mali siya at tama ako. Hayaan mo na sabi ko sa misis ko na aking angkas, hindi naman grabe ang nangyari, konting gasgas lang ika ko. Habang kumakain kami sa SM, nanggigigil pa rin sa galit ang misis ko dahil sa pagkakagitgit sa amin. Iniba ko na lang ang usapan para makalma na ang misis ko. Pagkaraan ng ilang araw, tinatanong ako ng aking misis tungkol sa nanggitgit sa amin sa Edsa, gusto niyang ikuwento ko ang detalye, pero sabi ko’y hindi ko na matandaan iyon. Tapos tinanong niya ako kung ano ang kinain namin sa SM ng gabing iyon at sinabi ko naman. Sabi ng misis ko, “Natandaan mo lahat ang kinain natin pati presyo pero hindi mo matandaan nung ginitgit tayo ng kamote rider?” Pinaliwanag ko sa misis ko na hindi ko na iniisip pa ang mga pinatawad ko na, binubura ko na sa isipan ko upang hindi na ito maging bagahe pa sa aking pagmamaneho. Kung paulit-ulit ko kasing aalalahanin at poproblemahin ang mga may kasalanan sa akin, baka uminit lagi ang ulo ko, baka ma-high blood pa ako. Siguradong maaapektuhan ang pagmamaneho ko at pakikitungo sa iba pang motorista pag dinala ko pa ang bagaheng iyon. Napagtanto ko na magandang pagsasanay ng pagpapatawad sa kapwa ang tulad ng pagpapatawad sa mga nagkakamali at nagkakasala na mga motorista. Ang pagiging kalmado ay malaking bagay sa pagpapatawad. Mahirap ito pero posible. Kung ang dami ng alalahanin natin sa buhay ang nagpapahirap sa atin upang magpatawad ng kapwa, isipin na lang natin ang dami ng kasalanan natin sa Diyos na dapat nating ihingi ng tawad.  Kung hihingi tayo ng tawad sa Diyos, ihingi na rin natin ng tawad ang mga nagkasala sa atin. Habang buhay pa’y mas magandang ihingi na rin sila ng tawad sa Diyos kaysa sa nakasanayan natin na ihinihingi lang natin ng tawad ang mga kaluluwa ng mga mahal natin sa mga padasal.

Prayer

Panginoong Jesus, dalangin namin ang biyaya ng pagpapatawad upang ang lahat ng nagkasala sa amin ay agad naming mapatawad.  Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatawad sa aming kapwa, mapatawad Mo din Panginoon ang lahat ng aming kasalanan.  Amen.

Peace Be With You

   

  Second Sunday of Advent 

04 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Second Reading: Rom 15:4-9

Gospel: Mt 3:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

This Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace, to which the various meanings are reflected upon in our Mass readings. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the King to come who is the King of Peace. Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans gave importance on welcoming one another and living in harmony with each other. Saint Matthew highlighted Saint John the Baptist who was inviting the people to repent in order to enter the Kingdom of God through Jesus.

In today's modern world, peace is the most abused word as people define it differently and far from God's definition of peace mentioned in today's readings. Some say peace is no more violence but people are at war with the environment and those living in it. Peace is having a healthy relationship with others but cannot forgive his parents, brothers, sisters, or children. Peace is living a good life but at the expense of other people. And some would say inner peace but are actually addicted to drugs and sins.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the reason of our preparation for Christmas, is the only One who can give us genuine peace. But He requires us one thing to achieve His promised peace and that is to repent, to ask for the forgiveness of our sins, and hopefully to sin no more. That only requirement for peace is actually the hardest as we are sinners ourselves to which even after repentance, we still fall to the same sin again and again. But the good news is, Jesus is the fountain of mercy, our baby steps in going back to Him and doing good, will surely be remembered and be blessed. Jesus always wants the peace to be with us and may we aspire for peace to be with ourselves, too.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to repent and find Your peace. It will not be an easy task for a sinner like me but I know it is possible. Aid me in moving forward to Your mercy and may the peace be with me, Amen.

A Father's Love for the Two Lost Sons

 

 Fourth Sunday of Lent

27 March 2022

 

First Reading: JOS 5:9a, 10-12

Responsorial Psalm: PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Second Reading: 2 COR 5:17-21

Gospel: LK 15:1-3, 11-32

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

There is perhaps no one on earth who would hold up to our parents when it comes to how well we have been loved growing up. From our tireless daily upkeep to the number of things in the home that need maintaining, not to mention the work they have had to balance with their own threshold for personal well-being, it is a marvel how our parents keep up with everything and have lots yet to spare for us children. If this is any amazing, how much more the love of our Father in Heaven?

The story of the prodigal son shows how genuine and even childlike in innocent expression is the love of the father for his son. To be asked for their young’s own inheritance when the parent is still alive is not for the fainthearted of parents to take, but the father in the story objects not and gives the son his sum anyway. Not even the extravagant escapade of his son was enough to turn him away and at the slightest sight of the son’s remorse, the son need not complete his way home. On his way, the father left home to greet and welcome him back—in full glory. This is the Father’s love for us, stubborn we may be over a life of our free choosing, at the faintest sign of our contrition, we would find no less a home in Him, warm in welcome and full in acceptance.

Imagine how decadent the son’s life was. He asked for his share and made a treatment of his father no different than a dead man. In a different circumstance had the father fallen the property would be called “estate” and the son “heir”; and the transfer would have been natural; but the father was alive, very much so, and not a hint of hesitation would be made out from his reaction. He willingly gave: no questions, no excuses. But the moment the son returned, can we believe it? The father made haste to admit him back into his house all with the choicest robe, a ring on his finger, (new) sandals on his feet, and a full celebration; for his son was dead but is now alive again, and that called for him a celebration. This shows us how the father’s… how our Father in Heaven’s love, beyond accepting, is completely restorative.

The second element worth keeping note of is this: the son who lost his way. In another story in the Bible specifically the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15), God likens Himself to a shepherd who would willingly leave the 99 only to find the lost one. “When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’” (Luke 15: 5-6) To find the lost one is such a spectacle to God that He said: “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). At this point, if we feel we belong to the faithful 99, to suspend our indignation is advised. For it only takes a moment when we get lost ourselves to realize – God leaving the 99 is so important when the lost one is us; but if we stop to think at the basic level, with our own welfare already considered: why is it so special to find the lost if it is only one to the 99?

Everyone has his or her respective predisposition for being good. Thank God we have been born likely to be Christian. For a country whose majority represent the Christian fold, it comes no surprise how many, especially the posterity, are likely to turn to religion. A devotee grandparent who taught us the rosary and the novenas and knows at length her litanies, a faithful mother who first introduced us to Church, a lay minister father who would teach us the Bible, and prolific Catholic schools to supplement all these – we are greatly predisposed towards Christianity… towards overall religion and spirituality. But in other parts of the world, the situation would be different. There would be no grandparent, mother, and father to teach the Bible, let alone have anyone familiar count as a seasonal Church attendee. What of now the people with no access to spiritual materials, religious institutions, and spiritual contemporaries? What of the people who, though with virtuous potential, by faulty programming, developed a taste for delinquent behavior? And this is only for people who have had bare to no touchpoints with spirituality growing up. A person could grow up with the most lavish of comforts, with the most untiring support system, with the most extensive array of spiritual references, but suffer all the same from the unquenchable thirst to go for something that appears so “enchanting” … “exhilarating”. Are all these people barred entry into God’s congregation with no chance of redemption? A person could be fighting all nature – internal predisposition, corrupted moral instruction, and all other obstructions – to be admitted into God’s fold. The lost one could have had none close by—or anyone legitimate to refer to for spiritual instruction; the lost one could have had troubles that made for some aversion to any bit that represents anything Christian; the lost one could have come from a broken home, a neglected childhood, domestic abuse, a bullied youth, so difficult a circumstance to develop a vexing character, but here it is, the lost one, repenting… dead before, but is now alive again. This is the second element that was so impressive in the story of the prodigal son. In giving us reference to the parable of the lost sheep, we are shown how the love of our Father is so pure to actively seek out the lost, with so thoughtful consideration to the circumstance of their origin.

The third element that was noteworthy was this: the jealousy of the brother of the prodigal son. The jealous brother and the prodigal son can be likened to these groups of people: the jealous brother – those who have toiled long living a Christlike life, and the prodigal son – those who have been welcomed as new members or returning. Those who have tired long consistently in the Christian life can understandably feel indignant toward those who have just been welcomed, especially if the latter have been found to be accepted unconditionally; but the story of the prodigal son reminds us that the Father does not at all discount anyone’s labor, for those who have lived with Him “have always been with Him, and everything He has is [theirs], too,” (Luke 15:31)—and of course—the brother’s also. This sharing with each other is only natural in keeping with our Christian virtue. Furthermore, as Galatians 6:9-10 provides: “[We must] not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Today’s readings call us towards the following: the Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), not to forget the Father’s acceptance no matter how far we think we have fallen from the fold, and the 2nd Reading (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), to reconcile ourselves to the Father in Christ and to propagate to our neighbors this salvific Message of the Lord so everyone partakes in this redemption, with us as His ambassadors.

Prayer

Lord, Thank You for being our good Father and for all the graces You give us. Thank You especially for the love You lavish on us, that it is not enough You spared not Your own life, that You go with us in our every day, but that You are willing more so to accept us despite our sins, if only to reconcile us to You and to make us Yours in love and perpetual joy. May we share with others incessantly the love You give us tirelessly. These we ask in Jesus’ most holy Name,

Amen.

 

Radical Love

 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 February 2022

 

First Reading: 1 SM 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Responsorial Psalm: PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

Second Reading: 1 COR 15:45-49

Gospel: LK 6:27-38

 

Reflection

By: Sem. Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

 

One campaign slogan commonly seen in the present Philippine political climate speaks of a radical love. Love comes from different forms. Love allows us to enter into a deep relationship and communion with others. When Jesus speaks of a radical love, what does he mean?

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to love like how God loves. Years ago, I came across the real meaning of the word "Compassion". Compassion derives from the two Latin word, cum meaning "with" and passio which means "suffer". Therefore, in a literal sense, real compassion is to be with the suffering - to suffer with others. It is the ultimate expression of love. Of course, it is easy to suffer with someone dear to us. It is easy to empathize with our friends and loved ones. But Christ asks for more. Christ asks us to love our enemies, those who have wronged us and to those who have bitterly caused us pain and hurt.

What a demand from Jesus! It seems to be an impossible task to do. Jesus wants a change of heart. This is hard because this is not our way. Our natural tendency is to get even or just discipline our enemies as best as we can. It utterly reverses our human understanding about enemies and forgiveness. It tells us the way God goes about things, holding nothing against us despite all our failings. This is how Jesus lived. His attitude of heart was blessed by His Father and brought Him into eternal life. In the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus uses extreme language to highlight the importance of our relationships to one another. We are to deal with others - even to those unlovable, mindful of how we ourselves have received the good gift of forgiveness from God. This reminds us of the words in the prayer Christ Himself taught us, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

The love Jesus speaks of is not just emotion: it is a commitment of the will. It is extravagant and limitless, and it includes us all, good and bad alike. This is the true love that frees up the world's gridlock of hatred, judgment, blame, recrimination and violence. It is an active loving based on going the extra mile. "The measure of love is to love without measure" as Saint Francis de Sales would say.

Prayer

Lord, loving our enemies is contrary to our human nature. But now You are asking us to love them. We always fail You. Lord, change our heart and transform it to become like Your merciful heart especially during sacramental celebrations. Allow us to spend time pondering how You have been merciful to us even when we are sinful and ungrateful. In this way, we learn the way of the Gospel. This we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Resist Temptations Like Jesus

First Sunday of Lent

21 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  GN 9:8-15

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading:  1 PT 3:18-22

Gospel:  MK 1:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

Clear today in the Gospel is how, though God and Human, Jesus was tempted no less than by the enemy. As Matthew 4:1-11 recounts elaborately, the scene first takes place in a desert—a barren land. Jesus was hungry after fasting for forty days and nights, so the enemy thought that it was perfect recipe for disaster. He showed himself to the Lord and said: "If You are the Son of Man, command that these stones turn into loaves of bread."  But Jesus unperturbed, responded: "It is written: one does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." And so passed the first temptation.

 

The story was much the same for the second and the third temptations. In the second, on top of a synagogue, the devil goaded Jesus to throw Himself down, for the angels of the Father would surely come to His protection "lest He dash His foot against a stone." Jesus said back: "Again it is written, you shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."

 

In the third temptation, the devil took his brazenness to the brim. Looking down a mountaintop, gazing at the magnificent properties sprawled across the land, he told Jesus to swear allegiance to him instead of the Father. Jesus, with character confidence, retorted: "Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship, and Him alone shall you serve."  The devil left Jesus, convinced finally that our Lord cannot be moved the other way.

 

Such is the obstinacy of sin: it is not content with us, humans. It insists on spreading its teasing—its temptations—even in the face of our Lord in His humanity; but the marvel is how unlike us, Jesus did not waver.

 

Daily tussles with life would prod us over and over to succumb. Struggles of varying degrees would compel us to relinquish integrity: to sin as if deplorably, so inevitably, to live. So is the dark side of human nature: in its limitlessness, it looks to circumventing rules in its exhaustion of ways to subsist—to barely live, more so with uprightness.

 

This is no condonement to sin when one gives in to temptation, but it is not like we have a God who does not understand. He took on human form here on earth. He occupied the same flesh as we did, and was subject to the same fleshly limitations. He knows what we are—who we are, and how far down we can fall in desolation. But though subjected to temptation just the same, unlike us, Jesus did not sin. We can only hope to be like Jesus through the persistent struggle to be good, but in that endeavor, we are not fallible. So let us take to Jesus to help us in our ordeal and to forgive in times of need, "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)

 

As if the temptation stopped with the third, the Gospel today provides us with an apparent fourth that also could have urged Jesus to surrender. John was apprehended by the officials, and this could have been cause enough scare to flee and desist from spreading the Gospel; but similar to the first, second, and third temptations, Jesus was unswerving to the devil's machinations. He continued His evangelization of the Gospel. "This  is the time of  fulfillment," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Prayer

 

Jesus, amid temptation, please help us to become like You, unbending as much as possible. In the times when we fall, please extend us Your forgiveness and restoration. Please help us to turn down sin and its temptations. Please help us spread Your word, our ultimate Mission. In Your Most Holy Name, o Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Guide to Forgiveness

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time13 September 2020
First reading Sirach 27: 30-28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things,

yet the sinner hugs them tight.

The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance,

for he remembers their sins in detail.

Forgive your neighbor’s injustice;

then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Could anyone nourish anger against another

and expect healing from the LORD?

Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself,

can he seek pardon for his own sins?

If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath,

who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days, set enmity aside;

remember death and decay, and cease from sin!

Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor;

remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults.

Second reading                                                          Romans 14:7-9

Brothers and sisters:

None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.

For if we live, we live for the Lord,

and if we die, we die for the Lord;

so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

For this is why Christ died and came to life,

that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,

“Lord, if my brother sins against me,

how often must I forgive?

As many as seven times?” 

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. 

That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king

who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting,

a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. 

Since he had no way of paying it back,

his master ordered him to be sold,

along with his wife, his children, and all his property,

in payment of the debt. 

At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,

‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’

Moved with compassion the master of that servant

let him go and forgave him the loan. 

When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants

who owed him a much smaller amount. 

He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,

‘Pay back what you owe.’

Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,

‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’

But he refused. 

Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison

until he paid back the debt. 

Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,

they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master

and reported the whole affair. 

His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. 

Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,

as I had pity on you?’

Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers

until he should pay back the whole debt. 

So will my heavenly Father do to you,

unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Because they say, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word”, would you agree therefore that forgiveness becomes the most difficult act to do?

After teaching us how to resolve issues with our brothers and sisters last Sunday, Christ is now bringing us to a higher level of saving relationships. 

Today’s Gospel presents us a concrete guide to forgiveness. Firstly, it should be given seventy-seven times meaning no limit, endless, and on-going contrary to Peter’s generous suggestion to Jesus of limiting forgiveness to just seven times. As long as the person repents and promises to change for the better, he must be forgiven. Secondly, forgiveness is the result of being moved with compassion which is mercy, that we ourselves have received when God the Father forgave our sins and saved us through His Son, Jesus Christ. As we have received mercy, we are also called to be merciful to our brothers and sisters. That is what the king in Gospel’s story was expecting from his servant as he cancelled all his debts, but the latter failed to do so toward his debtor. In the end, the measure he used toward his fellow servant is the same measure applied to him by the king.

Although properly guided by the teachings, Jesus’ model of forgiveness is still a tough one to follow. When we were young, we settled conflicts easily. Why? It is because we value more the person, our playmate than our issues, as it is happier to always play games with someone. But as we grow older and began to become entitled, we now justify our actions so we found it difficult to see our own shortcomings. We blame all the faults to our brothers, nourish anger in our hearts, desire vengeance, and always wish to get even. We think more of ourselves and the pains they caused us, than the relationships we have established with them. As our First Reading says, “Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?” How can we confidently pray Our Father and recite “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sins against us”, if we hate our neighbor?

Today, Jesus tells us to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. Numerous times, big or small offense, He embraces us completely, giving us chances to start anew. Yet, as human beings who are hurt by betrayal and injustice, God knows that our path to forgiveness is a process that will take time. It is a grace that we should ask from above. Let us be reminded that as we open ourselves in the process, Jesus is walking with us, encouraging us, and over time, will give us the grace to let go and forgive the one who hurt us, soon.

Prayer

Father, I pray for those who have caused me hurt, and even if I cannot wish them well now, I pray that one day I might, through Your Son, Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

As We Forgive Those Who Sinned Against Us

Sixth Sunday of Easter

17 May 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Second reading                                                        1 Peter 3:15-18

Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

Gospel                                                                     John 14:15-21

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

When I pray the Lord’s prayer and come to the part, “forgive us our sins…” there are few times that I can’t continue. These are the times when I am still in the process of forgiving, or worse when it is hard to forgive. Usually, I just continue with, “Lord help me to forgive.”

Early this year, I had a small dispute with a sibling about a small property. I will just make the long story short. I gave way with a heavy heart. No, I did not plan to hate my sib. I just tried my best to understand their situation. And I love the whole family and that will remain. 
But I did plan not to step in that small house again until I get a property of my own. 

And then, The Lord’s Prayer. 

Yes, I asked God to help me in the process of forgiving. I don’t know how, but that just remained my prayer. I ask God to help me totally forgive.

Then came last week’s Gospel reading. My prayer was answered as I read the Gospel to prepare my article for last Sunday. It says, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

I almost cried reading the verse.

It’s like God was telling me, “Detach yourself from worries of the world; reconcile with a brother/sister over that petty estate; and help me furnish your house in eternity instead.”

Today, in the Gospel, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) And His greatest commandment is, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

“As I have loved you” He said. How did He love us? While we were sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)


And there I was, concerned about a tiny house… of a loved one… in need.

Prayer

Lord, heal our wounds when we feel betrayed. May we always be reminded that what we lose here on earth out of love is nothing compared to our rewards in heaven. Help us to forgive. Amen!