Did I Come Close?

   

Second Sunday of Advent

08 December 2024

 

First Reading: Bar 5:1-9

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

Second Reading: Phil 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel: Lk 3:1-6

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

In the recent Feast Conference I attended, Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the TV series "The Chosen" was asked, "If you will see Jesus face to face, what will you say to Him?"

Jonathan answered, "Was I close? Did I come close to how You want people to see You through me?"

I believe that should also be our state of mind everyday. At the end of the day, did we make Jesus proud? The intention is not to make us feel distressed but more of repentant with the intention to do better the next day.

Today's Gospel says, "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths' (Luke 3:4)." In the same line of thought, are we preparing the way of the Lord? Or are we the burden to His path?

Preparing the way of the Lord seems to be a daunting task. But we can start with the little gestures that can mean more to the receiver. A practical example would be controlling our temper, practicing patience while driving or commuting to work, and being kind to an erring staff. As Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Prayer

Father teaches us how to prepare the way of the Lord. May we not be the cause of our brother to stumble away from His path but instead a beacon of Your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

(* Feast Conference is the yearly gathering organized by the Light of Jesus, a Catholic Charismatic community)

Pointless Obedience

    

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

01 September 2024

 

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

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

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

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

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

A well-off man organized an outreach event on a weekend with his friends to help the people in the slum area of the city. During the outreach, an elder woman asked the organizer why he is doing it. The man answered, “It is what our private association has been doing every year. We give donations to the poor because we have been blessed with more than we deserve.” The woman asks the man again about his own reason why he does it aside from the association’s yearly event. The man arrogantly answered, “Why do you question the one who is helping you? Can you just accept what we are giving? Maybe that is why you poor can never be successful in life. You always complain even if it is for your own good!”

A young lady is having her driving exam along with her friend. The instructor then asked a question to test her, “Two people are crossing the street. One is walking slow because he is old. The other is a young kid who is running ahead. What do you hit first?” The young lady smiled and winked at her friend to assure her of a correct answer. She then confidently said to the instructor, “Well, the old person already had a long life, but the kid still has a long life ahead. So, I would hit the old one.” The instructor and her friend could not believe what she said. When the instructor walked away shaking her head, her friend said, “That’s not and will never be the right answer! You should have answered ‘you hit the brakes!’ Why would you even think of hitting a person?” The young lady replied, “Shimenet (She may not) like the content of my answer, but I am answering.”

There are many times when we are too confident, and even proud, that we are not doing anything wrong. We oftentimes think that we are above others who do not follow rules. How many of us have been devoted to offering tithes and services in our community thinking that we are doing more than enough to help the ministries? How many of us feel proud joining an outreach for the poor on a Sunday, only to loathe the commuters who are waiting for a bus on a busy highway because they are blocking the driving lane where we are in? Are we even aware of how we “obey” the rules thinking that we are doing good, but forget how we should build our relationship with God?

Jesus rebuked the people who are so rooted in tradition but are not mindful of how God wants His people to obey His commandments in a loving way. We may eat a meal after carefully washing our hands, but if we waste food or even indulge more than we need to, we are missing the point of valuing food as grace. When we donate hard earned money to the church but despise the poor for not paying taxes, we fail to realize the true meaning of giving. Even if I go to mass every day, or receive the sacrament of reconciliation frequently, if I keep on looking down on people who does not follow rules or laws, this may hinder me in building a better relationship with God.

Everything that is good came from God. Saint Paul said that every perfect gift is from the Father, who planted the word of truth in us. He wants to be doers of the word, not just hearers. This is where we need to be aware of our freedom to choose what is good and loving. Jesus said, “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” We are all created by God to be good and loving. It is what we do that makes us good or not. If I see injustice in our society but not speak against it, I am choosing to be unjust and letting the goodness that God planted on me decrease. As we become aware of the good nature within us, may we be reminded how Jesus leads us to have a better relationship with God, for us to understand more and obey His commandments in a loving way.

Prayer

Loving Father, we come to You in our unclean state to ask for Your mercy and compassion. Grant us the grace of awareness of the good in us so that we may choose more of the loving way that Jesus taught us. Help us to find Jesus in every person that we meet and let them guide us in building a better relationship with ou. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, AMEN.

Better Today than Yesterday

   

  Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 August 2022 

 

First Reading: Wis 18:6-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:1, 12, 1819, 20-22

Second Reading: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel: Lk 12:32-48

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." - Luke 12:39-40

If the Son of Man comes tomorrow, are you ready? Am I ready? Your answer is most likely the same as mine, "I do not know". But they said the way to find out is to ask ourselves, "What have I done to the least of my brothers?"

Oh no! If you had asked me five years ago, I must have been beaming with pride and would have said "Yes, I am ready!" I was so active in the community that my mom would miss me since I am barely home. But now, I have come back to my usual Sunday mass-goer kind of thing. How would I answer this question? I do tithe and give to charities every now and then. Does that count?

And then, some of nudge of light came in and heard these questions. "How are you with your neighbor or your friends? Have you been a good daughter or sister? Have you forgiven your enemies?" I was thinking of grander gestures of righteousness when I had not even considered the basic yet often overlooked aspect of our Christianity.

I cannot completely say I am ready if Jesus is to come today, but I am a work in progress. I know my journey is not perfect but I believe my efforts will not go in vain. "What have you done to make yourself better today than yesterday?" This is what Fr. Dave Concepcion says in most of his sermons. Let us examine ourselves and prepare for what is to come.

Prayer

Prepare our hearts for Your second coming oh Lord, that you may find us pleasing. May we welcome You not with fear but with a joyful heart. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Do good to others

   

  Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

10 July 2022 

 

First Reading: Dt 30:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading: Col 1:15-20

Gospel: Lk 10:25-37

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ?And who is my neighbor"?

This Gospel about the Good Samaritan is one of my most favorite Bible stories of all time and I am sure most of us do too. A Samaritan is not Jewish or pure Jew. And in Jesus' time, this parable clearly shows that eternal life is not reserved only for the Jews nor for those that obey the Commandments. You can get into heaven by doing good to others.

In our present day and time, I encounter a lot of people who are challenged in their financial life brought about by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and aggravated by the Russian and Ukraine War. So many poor people suffer and became poorer. A lot of people lost their jobs and sources of income. In these trying times, the Lord challenges us to be a "Good Samaritan" to our fellowmen. We are all called to do good to others especially the poor, the needy, and those that in the marginalized sector of our community. In my own capacity as Financial Educator, I go out and meet up with people from different walks of life to teach them how to cope with the financial crisis they face. I also am a witness to many Good Samaritan in our community who goes out of their comfort zone to help those who are in need in their spiritual needs. Everyone is our neighbor.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us so we can be a blessing to others. I pray for more Christians in both words and deeds. May the Good Samaritan inspire more people to do good to others who are in need. In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-13 ng Hunyo 2021

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa):  EZ 17:22-24

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan):  92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa):  2 COR 5:6-10

Gospel (Mabuting Balita):  MK 4:26-34

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Madalas kong sinasabi sa mga estudiyante na ang paglalagay ng talinhaga sa pagsulat ng tula o kuwento ay nakahahatak o naka-e-engganyo ng mga mambabasa. Hindi ba't napapaisip tayo sa kahulugan ng mga talinhaga o nagkakaroon ng iba't ibang anggulo ang kahulugan ng kuwento? Nagiging mabisa talaga ang kuwento kung may talinhaga kaya't madalas na ibinibigay sa atin ito ng ating Panginoong Jesus. Tulad sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, dalawang talinhaga ang kuwento para sa atin. Sa unang talinhaga, madali nating nakikita ang taong naghahagis ng binhi na kanyang itinatanim. Kung may nagtanim, natural na tutubo ito, lalago ito nang hindi nga natin namamalayan, at saka aanihin sa tamang panahon upang mapakinabangan. Sa pagmumuni-muni ko sa Ebanghelyo, nangangahulugan na kailangan ko ring magtanim, hindi siyempre literal na binhi ng halaman, pero dahil panahon ng pandemya, naging plantito na nga rin ako. Tulad ng pagiging plantito o plantita, hindi lang libangan ang pagtatanim, kailangan din kasing magtiyaga sa paghihintay na lumago o mamulaklak o mamunga, hindi naman kasi ngayon mo itinanim ang buto at bukas ay tutubo agad. Dahil talinhaga nga nga ang paghahasik ng binhi, ipinapalagay ko na isa ang kabutihan o mga gawaing mabuti ang inihahasik; ang pinakasimpleng kasabihan na kaugnay dito ay: "kung nagtanim ka ng kabutihan, kabutihan din ang iyong aanihin". Maaaring kabutihan para sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa kapwa ang anumang kabutihang itinatanim natin. Pero hindi nga ito madali o hindi naman agad-agad na makikita ang magandang resulta. Halimbawa'y ang pagiging mabuting  ehemplo ng magulang sa mga anak ay isang pagtatanim ng pundasyon na balang araw ay aanihin kung sila naman ang magkaroon ng sariling pamilya. Parang sinasabi sa atin ng Diyos na maghasik ka lang ng mabuting binhi habang nabubuhay at ibibigay Ko sa iyo ang masaganang ani sa takdang panahon.

Sa ikalawang talinhaga, gumagamit si Jesus ng konsepto ng pinakamaliit na binihi na kamangha-manghang magiging pinakamayabong na halaman; na maging pinakamaliit na binhi man ang ating itinanim, tulad nga ng buto ng mustasa, payayabungin ito ng Diyos nang higit pa sa ating inaasahan. Kung sa sarili lang nating kakayahan ay napaka-imposible na magawa natin ang kagilagilalas na kasaganaan mula sa kakarampot na binhi, pero sa grasya ng Diyos, tiyak ang pagbabagong anyo na maging labis na kayamanan ang pagyabong nito. Kaya nga araw araw, maya't maya nating pinasasalamatan ang Diyos sa pagbibigay sa atin ng sobra-sobrang biyaya sa buhay na kadalasan ay hindi natin aakalain na mapapasaatin. Marami namang anak ng Diyos na mas karapat-dapat mabigyan ng masaganang biyaya kaysa sa atin dahil sa dami ng ating mga pagkukulang at kasalanan sa Diyos, pero magtataka ka kung bakit patuloy na pinayayabong  ng Diyos ang grasya sa ating buhay. Kung tayo ay umaasa na payayabungin ng Diyos ang ating buhay, marapat na ipanalangin ang pag-unlad sa iba't ibang aspeto ng ating buhay: una, and ispirituwal na biyaya upang higit nating makilala at mahalin ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod; ikalawa, ang pisikal at mental na kalusugan natin; ikatlo, ang biyaya para sa ating pamilya upang lalong magningas ang pagmamahalan at pagkakaisa sa bawat tahanan; ikaapat, ang mapaunlad pa ang ating hanapbuhay at maging sapat ang kinikita para sa mga pinansiyal na pangangailangan ng ating pamilya. Sa huli, gusto kong isama rin sa pananalangin ang hangad ng aking puso, ang magkaroon ng malayang oras na magawa ang anumang gusto kong gawin, halimbawa'y ang makapagpinta o makapagsulat pa ng maraming obrang sining, ang pangarap na matutong magpatugtog ng biyolin, ang makaukit ng obra mula sa inagos na punong-kahoy, o makapaglingkod nang labis sa simbahan o sa bayan,

 

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, ipinagkakaloob Mo sa amin ang Iyong walang-hanggang  biyaya ng katubusan at mayabong na biyaya ng kasaganaan, kahit pa nga napakaliit ang aming pananampalataya, dalangin namin na kami'y patuloy na gabayan sa paghahasik ng kabutihan sa aming kapwa. Amen.

 

 

 

The Treasure We Seek

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 26 July 2020
First reading 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life f your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:28-30

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 13:44-52

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old".

Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

In today’s Gospel, we are given more parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the Parables of the Treasure in the Field and the Pearl of Great Price, we see the true value of the Kingdom of Heaven; so great it is a price that once we find it, we would relinquish all else to keep it.

The Kingdom of Heaven is of such great value that the riches of this world would not match it—all with its eternal glory. But as valuable it is a treasure, there is a great challenge to complete: we must yearn; we must pursue to find it. Truth be told – there is a likelihood that one may stumble upon treasure by pure chance, but he sure increases the probability by seeking treasure every day! And this is where it is great to read between the lines—the lessons given by the parables. There is far too great a harvest, but only few willing to labor (Matthew 9:37), so we must not tire out in doing good, for our harvest will come if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).  

The Parable of the Net closely resembles the Parable of the Wheat in last Sunday’s Gospel; it presents us with a dichotomy of personalities: one group whose goodness can be likened to quality-catch fish, and the other, the evil, resembling the fish to be thrown out. The parable calls us to be like quality-catch fish: that with our good works, we would be good finds ourselves, just like the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price.

Parables about the Kingdom of Heaven sure do give us a wealth of analogies to better understand God’s Kingdom—His reign. They also give us great parameters to determine if we conform to the behaviors of one who can be likened to such treasures. It is my hope that we more closely, day by day become like the treasure we seek so earnestly to find! It is the Holy Spirit who can help us in this daily endeavor.   

Prayer

Abba, thank You for giving us a treasure worth giving up all else just to secure, a great pearl whose quality we should try to harness within ourselves, and good fish whose so being a good catch we should try to be, ourselves.

We could only wait with expectant hope about the glorious eternal life that is about to unfold. Thank You for giving us a great future to hope for. May You always be with us and patiently, unyieldingly help us as we yearn for it with good works.


May our good works and exaltation of You be perpetually pleasing to You as our humble sacrifices, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

The Culmination of Our Reaping

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 19 July 2020
First reading Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

For who will say, “What have you done?” or who will resist your judgment?
Who will accuse you for the destruction of nations that you made?
 Or who will come before you to plead as an advocate for the unrighteous?

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly; nor can any king or monarch confront you about those whom you have punished.

You are righteous and you rule all things righteously, deeming it alien to your power to condemn anyone who does not deserve to be punished.
For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
 Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us; for you have power to act whenever you choose.
Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'”

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds ar the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

The Gospel for today gives us three parables that describe the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God has been laid out in different stories to characterize it faithfully, but in our Catechism classes, we learn that the Kingdom of God is the reign of God.

Parables pertaining to the Kingdom of God typically present us with ranges of behavior, some we should veer away from, but one we should emulate. 

In the first parable in today’s Gospel, the wheat can be likened to the good, and the weeds, the evil. 

In the second parable, the good have been likened to a mustard seed which, while at first is unnoticeable, can grow up to be the most magnificent of trees—being of such great function with its size and sturdiness. 

The third parable likens the good to the leaven in the bread, which, although sporadic and separately spread at first, can still permeate the whole and transform the bread, making it rise.

Today’s Gospel gives us insightful takes on how we could be as children of God. As wheat, we are planted in the world with the weed. We have read in the Bible how we should not conform to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:2), but to be in it to spread the Word (Mark 16:15), to be the salt that does not lose its taste (Matthew 5:13), and the light that shines good deeds to others for the Father’s glory (Matthew 5:14-16), not only ours. We could start as small as the mustard seed, or as sporadic as the leaven in the bread, but if we grow, develop some more, and pursue, we could still deliver what God has called us to do.


While we are planted with the weed and grow with the weed, we may suffer for a while in doing good, but we should not tire of doing good, for in the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). While we have small achievements and blessings from the Lord to celebrate here on earth, the culmination of our reaping is at the appointed time of harvest—the end of days. 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving us Your parables so we could understand Your Kingdom better. As the wheat, please help us become quality harvest. As the mustard seed, please help us so that even if we start small, we still achieve the good You called us to do.

Please help us in our daily walk in life so we become more and more like Jesus, the perfect example of faith and good works.

May we radiate You forever even with our humble works, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Relearn, Rethink, Rectify

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

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

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:18-23

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

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 13:1-23

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

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

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

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


Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Prayer

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

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

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

In Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Beyond Disasters

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 09 February 2020
First reading Isaiah 58:7-10

[What is a fast day acceptable to the Lord?] Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.

Second reading                                                          1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in much fear and trembling; 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples,
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp-stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Reflection

By Benj Santiago

“Let your light so shine before men, that they me see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Taal Volcano exploded last January 12, 2020, Sunday afternoon. Thank God no one was killed, except for quite a number of livestock and animals. There was so much devastation to farms and properties within the vicinity of the volcano. The government had to enforce evacuation and locked down critical areas. 

This disaster proved again the generous hearts of many people. Family, friends, associates, and different institutions local and international had collectively and individually made contributions to help out those who are displaced and are in distress. And more blessed are those who do their charitable works in secret. 


I just hope and pray that all these good works we do will continue even beyond disasters. Unlike our ordinary lights (at home, in the office, in the car, in our cellphones, etc.), the light of Christ reflected in our good works must be kept on, it must shine 24/7. It must never be kept under a bushel basket.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for keeping us safe and out of harm's way from the volcanic eruption. We pray Lord that you will continue to inspire us to do good works to give glory to You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Spot Audit

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 15, 2015

First reading
Daniel 12:1-3

‘At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people. There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your own people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace. The learned will shine as brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue, as bright as stars for all eternity.’

Psalm                                                                                                           Psalm 15:5,8-11

Second reading                                                                                 Hebrews 10:11-14,18  All the priests stand at their duties every day, offering over and over again the same sacrifices which are quite incapable of taking sins away. He, on the other hand, has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin offerings.

Gospel	Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said, ‘In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

  ‘Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

  ‘But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.’

Reflection

By Edgardo Tulabut

In my two previous corporate employment, never did I experience any unannounced audit. Different types of audits happen very often in my line of work. There were customer audits, ISO audits, 5S audits, etc. But they were always scheduled ahead in such a way that we, the auditees, had time to prepare to make things better in the workplace than on a typical day.

Unlike in what a community sister told me about how they were audited in the bank where she works. She said that aside from the same announced audits, there are also times when a mystery auditor comes in disguised as a client or sometimes even as person who pretends to wait for someone else while observing the transactions going on. An example of what they check was whether the 'no noon break' policy is being followed or not.

Some of my siblings had experienced being the official mystery customers for a fast food chain in the 90s. They do what a regular customer would do but only taking notes of everything they observe, good or bad, such as attitudes of servers and the guards, the quality of food, the cleanliness of the place and the restrooms, and so on.

In the school where I now teach, the dean and the department chairperson do observe classes unannounced. But they usually happen towards the end of the semester. But it’s good that I just discovered earlier before writing this article that the dean conducts one of her classes next to my classroom so I’ll just assume that an observation may happen anytime she wishes. So I better be at my best every day.

Jesus has not announced when His final audit will be. But he’s given us hints when he’s coming and a lifetime to prepare. We may not live long enough to witness the Second Coming, but a spot audit may happen any time, that is when we will be called to leave our life on earth.

So we better be at our best every day.

But you know what, even before that big day, we can always do self-audits by examining ourselves, correcting our mistakes, confessing our sins, asking for forgiveness, and aligning ourselves to God’s specs through daily one-on-one conversation with Him and regular confession.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the 24/7 open line of communication with You. May these keep us calibrated to how You designed us to be—Your future saints in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen!