The Fire That Divides and Heals

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

17 August 2025

 

First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

 

Reflection By:

Bro. Carlo Alexis Malaluan

Diocese of Imus

I met Elizabeth in a retreat in Tagaytay. We became friends and told me her life story. After years of living a life centered on success and approval as a corporate manager in a multi-billion company in BGC, she encountered Christ in a deeply personal way during a silent retreat. Since then, something shifted. She didn’t become a saint overnight — no one does — but her priorities began to change. She started going to daily Mass, simplified her lifestyle, and spoke openly about her faith. At first, her family was proud. But soon, they began to feel uncomfortable. “You’re becoming too intense,” they said. “You used to be more fun.” The same people who once supported her began to keep their distance. She was torn — faith had awakened something beautiful in her, but it also brought a quiet kind of pain: misunderstanding, distance, even rejection even from the persons closest to her.

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are not easy to hear: “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already blazing!” And then, even more jarring: “Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, I tell you, but rather division.”

This doesn’t sound like the Jesus we imagine—the gentle shepherd, the healer of wounds, the one who calms storms. But the fire He speaks of is not the fire of violence or vengeance. It is the fire of the Holy Spirit, the fire of truth, the fire of transforming love. And yes, that fire brings division—not because it seeks to destroy, but because it compels us to choose.

There are moments when the Gospel will disturb our peace—not the peace of Christ, but the false peace we often cling to: peace based on pleasing everyone, avoiding difficult conversations, staying silent when truth is inconvenient. Jesus comes to set a fire to those illusions. And when someone begins to live out that Gospel, to walk away from comfort and toward conversion, it can cause ripples—sometimes even among those closest to us.

That’s why Jesus speaks of households divided. The Gospel changes people. It reorders priorities. And not everyone is ready for that change. Just like the young woman, when we begin to live with deeper conviction, we may be met not with applause, but with resistance—even misunderstanding or rejection from those who love us.

But here’s the truth: Jesus does not bring fire to punish. He brings fire to purify. The division He speaks of is not the end, but the beginning of something new. He divides not to scatter, but to reveal—to show us what truly matters, to awaken us from complacency, to call us into deeper fidelity.

So if you’re feeling that fire—if your faith has begun to cost you something, or set you apart—don’t be discouraged. That may be the very sign that Christ is near, burning away what cannot last, to make room for what is eternal.

Because the fire He brings does not only divide. It also heals, transforms, and sanctifies. It leaves us freer, truer, and more fully alive.

Prayer

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

Ika-17 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

28 Hulyo 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: 2 Hari 4, 42-44

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 144, 10-11. 15-16. 17-18

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Efeso 4, 1-6

Ebanghelyo: Juan 6, 1-15

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

Kapag nahaharap tayo sa matinding pagsubok sa buhay o nawawalan na talaga ng pag-asa, madalas na kumakapit tayo Diyos upang humiling ng milagro o himala. Alam kasi nating hindi lahat ng bagay ay kayang lunasan o ipaliwanag ng kinikilalang batas na siyentipiko. Halimbawa ang problema natin sa pagkakasakit, na kahit na napakaingat natin sa kalusugan ng ating katawan ay dinadapuan pa rin tayo ng karamdaman na hindi kayang pagalingin ng mga duktor at gamot na nirereseta maging sa pinakamamahaling ospital pa ang puntahan.  Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit sinusundan at dinudumog si Hesus ng mga tao: “…. sapagkat nakita nila ang mga kababalaghang ginawa niya sa pagpapagaling sa mga maysakit.”

Kung tutuusin, tuloy-tuloy ang himala ni Hesus sa tuwing tayo’y nakikiisa sa Banal na Misa; sa pamamagitan ng paghahati-hati at pagtanggap ng Katawan ni Hesus sa Banal na Eukaristiya, patuloy din nating tinatanggap ang katangi-tanging grasya mula sa himalang ito. Ngunit hindi natatapos ang himala sa pagtanggap natin kay Hesus sa Eukaristiya at dahil nananatili ang biyaya ng Diyos sa atin, patuloy nating pinadadaloy ang himala sa pamumuhay natin pagkatapos ng Misa. Hindi ba’t kahanga-hanga ang himalang nangyayari ngayon sa ating bayan pagkatapos bayuhin ng matinding pagsubok dulot ng pagbaha? Pagkaraan ng isa’t kalahating dekada ay naulit ang mala-Ondoy na delubyo ng pagbaha at maraming hikahos sa buhay ang nangailangan ng tulong upang maisalba ang buhay. Kaliwa’t kanan sa ngayon ang nagnanais na tumulong sa mga nasalanta, maging ang walang-wala ay gusto ring mag-ambag ng kanilang munting makakaya upang makaagapay sa higit na nangangailangan. Hindi natin alintana ang hirap na pinagdaraanan dahil nakatuon tayo sa pagtulong sa ating kapwa upang makaahon muli, bayanihan ika nga ang pinaiiral.

Hangga’t patuloy ang pagtanggap natin ng biyaya mula sa himala ng Eukaristiya sa Banal na Misa, nag-uumapaw rin ang himala ng pagbabahagi natin sa ating kapwa na naghihintay sa ating awa at tulong.

Panalangin:

Panginoong Hesus, salamat po sa patuloy na pagdaloy ng Iyong biyaya sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap namin sa Iyo sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Itulot Mo Hesus ang pagpapadaloy din namin ng biyayang ito sa aming kapwa na nangangailangan din ng himala mula sa Iyong kabutihan. Amen.

Restorer

    

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 June 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

Second Reading: 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15

Gospel: Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

During the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish church on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, there was a white cloth placed on the altar from the monstrance down to the steps of the sanctuary. Before bringing the Blessed Sacrament back into the tabernacle, the leader invited us to approach the altar and touch the cloth while gazing at the Blessed Sacrament. It was a powerful experience kneeling together with my family on the steps of the sanctuary. Touching the cloth “connected” us with our Eucharistic Lord. 

Such experience gave us a glimpse of what the woman in today’s Gospel experienced when she touched Jesus’ clothes. A healing experience! “If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be the One who made them”, St. Anthony of Padua once said. However, this state of loveliness became obscured “by the envy of the devil, death entered the world” (Ws 2:24). Sickness and death, then and now, show us the effect of sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 6:23). Restoring humanity to God’s image (Gn 1:27) cannot be done by any creature though. Only Jesus, who is both God and man, can do it. In fact, He has already achieved it.

“Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life”, goes an old version when we proclaim the mystery of our faith after Consecration. We can experience Jesus’ restorative action through the sacraments. As sinners, we need healing through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Reconciled and healed, we need nourishment through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. St. John Bosco once said, “The devil is deadly afraid of fervent Communions and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.” How often have we received the sacraments? When was the last time we spent moments adoring our Lord in the tabernacle? Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle, which we can only win if Jesus is on our side. Remember, “Though he (Christ) was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we praise You for You have rescued us. Through our frequent reception of the sacraments, especially receiving Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion, and our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, may we conquer the enemy so that we may share in Your glory. Amen.

God's Inclusive Salvation

   

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 August 2023

 

First Reading: Is 56:1, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

Gospel: Mt 15:21-28

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

 

One thing I observed when I entered the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol in Tagaytay is that there is no front gate to protect the compound from the thief or burglar. I asked this thing to my formator and he told me that Tahanan is a home for all that everyone is welcome to enter and pray, to ask for food, and to ask for shelter. This goes back to a story when a person was welcomed during Christmas Eve. The person ate with the priest and personnel of Tahanan. To their surprise, he just got out of the prison and was about to go back to the province.

In my years of stay in Tahanan, I attested to the reality of the story. Whenever a person enters the Tahanan and asks for food, we give them what we have. Sometimes we also give them some clothes and most especially, we welcome with open hearts those who want to pray. Tahanan is not just a house of seminary formation but an inclusive home for all.

The readings for today speaks of God’s inclusive salvation. In the Gospel of Matthew, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, wanting him to cure her sick daughter. This pericope is an opening that salvation is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. That is, it is not exclusive for the chosen people but extends to all. This healing of a Gentile woman’s daughter because of her great faith is another sign of an inclusive love of God for our salvation. St. Paul reminds us that God's gifts and call are irrevocable, and His mercy extends to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.

In a world that can sometimes be divided by differences, let us remember that God's love transcends all boundaries. Let us strive to cultivate a faith that is unwavering, a humility that is genuine, and a love that is inclusive. May we, like the Canaanite woman, approach Jesus with boldness and trust, knowing that His mercy is available to all who believe.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and minds to be like the Canaanite woman who showed her great faith in You to heal her child. Grant that our faith may also become bigger like hers and may we be a true missionary disciple of Yours. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Peace says it all

    

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

16 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:3-9

Gospel: Jn 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Peace be with you. (Jn 20:19).

Jon was my friend since high school. Such friendship developed through the years especially when we started serving the parish through the Apostleship of Prayer. We had a misunderstanding once, which caused us to avoid each other in church. One evening, someone called out from outside our house. “Hello! We come here in peace!” It was Jon. Those words thawed away the cold treatment we were showing each other previously. We were reconciled right there and then!

What a relief it was for the fearful disciples when their Risen Lord and Friend appeared to them and said “Peace be with you.” Just three days before that blessed day, these same disciples deserted Him. Shouldn’t they get a tongue-lashing? And yet, here was Jesus giving them peace, showing His wounds, breathing on them the Holy Spirit, and sending them as agents of His mercy.

The Risen Lord is also doing the same to us through Word and sacraments, as well as in the poor condition of the least, the lost, and the last in our communities.  Have we rejoiced and made others rejoice in Jesus’ triumph over sin and death? Have we believed and made others believe in His resurrection? Have we been receptive and made others receptive to His healing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for giving Your peace to our wearied and fearful hearts. May it continuously transform us so that we too may become instruments of Your healing love and mercy throughout the world. Jesus, King of Mercy, we trust in You. Amen.

A Healing Story

    

Fourth Sunday of Lent

19 March 2023

 

First Reading: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: Eph 5:8-14

Gospel: Jn 9:1-41

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Our Gospel this Sunday narrates how Jesus healed a man, blind from birth. It was written that when Jesus saw the man, he did not think twice of healing him, saying "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him."

Regaining sight, the man, even if questioned many times by the Pharisees, ridiculed until he was thrown out, the man has sticked to his belief that the one who healed him is a good man. So grateful for the gift of healing, when Jesus introduced Himself to the man, he undoubtedly believed and worshiped Jesus in return.

How many times did we hear stories of healing miracles? Isn't it that those who experienced healing miracles have actually become followers and promoters of Jesus? In their gratefulness for their regained health, they sing praise to the Lord and promise to love Him with all their hearts.

I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy last year. It was sudden and it happened two days after my 32nd birthday, on August 19, 2022 at 11AM. What a gift from God, getting sick after my birthday, huh. I was just scrolling on my phone when I felt that the right side of my upper lip weakened. Feeling that something was not right, I tried to drink water and there, it was dripping. I didn't have full control of my drinking and eating when we had our lunch. I looked at myself in the mirror and the right side of my face from right eyebrow down to the right side of my lips had difficulty moving. My symptoms also worsened overnight.

Before Bell's Palsy hit me, I was never hospitalized and fever was the severe sickness I had. The cause of Bell's Palsy is unknown but may be triggered by viral infection, lack of sleep, weakened immunity, or stress. My case was due to weakened immunity, therefore, I was told to constantly boost my immune system, avoid stressors, sleep well, and limit screen time to prevent the possibility of Bell's Palsy to recur.

Because of my health condition, I was not able to serve as a lector and commentator for one month as I had difficulty speaking too. I could not clearly pronounce the words with letters P, B, and F. While still recovering from Bell's Palsy, another unfortunate incident happened to me. My bag with Php15,000.00 and all IDs got snatched. I was already sick Lord, and then the money I could use for my medication was taken just like that. I got depressed to the point that I questioned God why those things happened to me.

Four doctors (family medicine, neuro-surgeon, neurologist, rehabilitation) and four Physical Therapists have helped me to recover. I was declared Bell's Palsy resolved in less than two months of seeking medical attention. Thanks be to God and to the people He used as instruments as my recovery was way faster than the usual cases. Yes, I got sick but God did not let me wait any longer to be healed.

A month after my diagnosis, having noticed my fast recovery, I immediately went back to serving the Lord, as it is my little way to show Him my sincerest thanks and appreciation for His gift of healing.

Being sick and having been healed, I always wanted to share how God has touched me with His healing hand, that I appreciate Him more now, because at my lowest, He was there, He did not let me down, but instead, He has lifted me up.

Grace after grace, I was also assigned during Special Masses presided over by His Eminence, Jose F. Cardinal Advincula last December 8 and 24, 2022 and this January 6, 2023 after my Bell's Palsy Journey. See how faithful is Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus. I was once had difficulty speaking but it is also through speech that He redeemed me and I serve Him.

It is when we are blind that we see clearly, when mute that we can speak well, when deaf that we can listen carefully, when numb that we actually feel God's presence.

Prayer

Thank You Lord for the gift of healing, for not leaving us alone during the challeging times, and for showing Your faithfulness toward us. May we sing forever of Your Love, O Lord and celebrate the wonder of Your Name, to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Shake It Off

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 July 2021 

 

First Reading: AM 7:12-15

Responsorial Psalm: 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: EPH 1:3-14 or 1:3-10

Gospel: MK 6:7-13

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send him out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits". - Mark 6:7

I have not experienced being summoned and sent on a mission as serious as the disciples on the Gospel. The closest assignment that I can recall was giving flyers to passersby inside the mall and inviting them to our Catholic prayer community called The Feast. Unfortunately, I was received with offending stares or ignored completely.

How much more difficult it must have been with the disciples back then, to think that they are dependent on the hospitality of the town they are visiting. Surely not everyone is welcoming an unfamiliar teaching. But just like Jesus had instructed, "Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them (Mark 6:11)". So the disciples went on with their task, shrugged off the rejections and moved on. And because of their perseverance, "They drove out demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them (Mark 6:13)".

My task may not be as grand as the disciples, but I would like to believe that even with the littlest task I did for the community, I had somehow contributed to spread the Gospel. It is good to note that despite the rejections I experienced, there were also some who responded positively to the flyers I was distributing. Some of those we engaged in conversation were even happy to learn that there was a nearby Feast community that they could join.

I believe this is the message of today's Gospel. We have to carry on with the job regardless of how we are received by society. For as long as we know that we are an instrument to God's plan, we just need to shake off the rejections and focus on the mission at hand. Just like what Mark 4:26-27 says, "...it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land . Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how". We just need to spread His Word and trust that He will make it grow.

 

Prayer

 

Dear God, though we are unworthy, we thank You that You have entrusted us to spread the Gospel. Guide us and give us the courage to pursue the task at hand regardless of the outcome. Amen.

 

 

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-27 ng Hunyo 2021

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa): WIS 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan): 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa): 2 COR 8:7, 9, 13-15

Gospel (Mabuting Balita): MK 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Sa unang tingin ay parang napakalungkot ng kwento sa Ebanghelyo. Dinudumog ng napakaraming tao si Jesus na gustong humingi ng tulong sa Kanya. Karamihan ay mga taong nawawalan ng pag asa. Mga desperado sa buhay. Sila 'yung mga sumuko na sa kahahanap ng paraan para gumanda ang kabuhayan, silang mga sumubok na ng lahat ng paraan sa paghahanap ng lunas para gumaling sa karamdaman, mga taong naghahanap ng tapat na mamumuno sa kanila upang makamit ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bayan, samu't sari ang kanilang desperasyon sa buhay kung kaya't nakikita nila si Jesus bilang potensiyal na tagapagligtas sa lahat ng kanilang kahirapan. Mukhang walang pinagkaiba ito sa ating panahon. Isa ka ba sa mga nakaranas na ng desperasyon sa buhay? 'Yung tipong ginagawa mo naman ang lahat, pero wala talagang masilip na pag asa? Kaya nga kay Jesus na lang tayo aasa dahil wala na tayong magawang paraan. Bagama't marami nga sa atin ang lumalapit kay Jesus, pero karamihan ay baka hindi buo ang pananampalataya; baka nakikisabay lang tayo sa agos, halimbawa'y kung may prusisyon, namamangha tayo sa tradisyon at kailangang makasama sa tropa, o kung mahal na araw ay may pabasa, may padasal at may pa-caridad, may penitensya o pagpasan ng krus habang nakayapak pa. Napakaganda at napakayaman ng mga tradisyong ito lalo pa't mahabang panahon na itong ginagawa at isinasalin sa bawat henerasyon bilang pag-alaala sa mga dinaanan ng ating Panginoong Jesus, ngunit kung ang pananampalataya natin ay nakasalalay lamang sa pagpapatianod sa agos at wala tayong personal na relasyon sa Diyos, hindi malayong masama tayo sa mga sinasabing panatiko ng relihiyon at hindi naman naiintindihan at naisasapuso ang mga ekspresyon ng pananampalataya.

Pero ang babae sa kuwento na may malalim na hugot sa buhay, mataimtim na lumapit kay Jesus at buong pananampalataya na kumilos sa gitna ng daluyong ng mga tao na mahipo lamang ang laylayan ng damit ni Jesus. Alam ni Jesus kung sino ang tapat na nananampalataya sa Kanya, akala natin ay hindi tayo napapansin ni Jesus dahil sa dami ng lumalapit sa Kanya, pero tulad ng babae, kahit laylayan lang pala ng damit ang mahawakan sa gitna ng mga taong dumudumog kay Jesus ay nararamdaman Niya ito. Kung minsan sikretong umiiyak na lang tayo sa bigat ng mga problema natin sa buhay, habang naliligo ay sinasabay natin sa agos ng tubig ang bawat patak ng luha ng pagdurusa natin; o kaya sa gabing ang lahat ay tahimik, nababasa ng luha ang unan hanggang sa makatulugan na natin ang lahat ng bumabagabag sa ating puso; hanggang sa umaabot pa sa kawalang-pag asa at iniisip natin na napaka-imposible na ang solusyon sa ating mga problema; pero ang sabi ni Jesus sa atin ay nakikita Niya ang lahat ng sikretong ito, nararamdaman Niya ang lahat ng ating paghihirap. Kung kaya't taimtim ang ating paglalambing sa Diyos, tapat ang atin pagtawag sa Diyos, hindi man natin alintana kung tayo ay mapapansin, naglaho man ang ating pag asa at sa ating pagkakaalam ay himala na lang ng langit ang kasagutan.

Ang diwa sa atin ngayon ng Ebanghelyo ay para bagang sinasabi sa atin ni Jesus "anak, hindi kita pababayaan, nararamdaman ko ang bawat pagdurusa mo, naririnig ko ang bawat hikbi ng iyong pinakamahinang iyak, papahiran ko ang bawat patak ng iyong luha, naubos man ang lahat ng paraang alam mo o pagtawanan ka man nila dahil sa iyong pananalig sa akin, narito ako, mapanatag ka dahil kasama mo na ako saan ka man magpunta".

Kung kasama natin ang Diyos dahil sa ating totoong pananampalataya, mukhang imposible man ang lahat, sa kabutihan ng Diyos, ang ninanais ng ating puso ay Kanyang ipagkakaloob sa takdang panahon.

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, nakikipagbuno kami sa kawalang pag asa sa buhay at nakikita Mo ang anumang pagsubok na dumarating sa amin, dalangin naming ipagkaloob Mo ang biyaya ng tapat na pananampalataya sa Iyo upang matupad ang hangarin Mo sa amin na laging mapanatag ang kalooban at tanggapin ang kapayapaan na galing sa Iyo. Amen.

 

 

Ascension Sunday

Solemnity of the Ascension of

Our Lord Jesus Christ

16 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading:  EPH 1:17-23

Gospel:  MK 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." "These signs will accompany those who believe: they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Today is the Ascension Sunday. The Second Glorious Mystery in the Holy Rosary. The commemoration of the lifting up of our Lord Jesus Christ, Body and Soul into heaven.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is giving His disciples instructions "habilin"  to spread the gospel of LOVE to all "creatures", and to "baptize" those who believe. Again with a promise for those who will drive out demons, speak new languages... and heal the sick.

The Lord is telling  us that believing in Him means not just in words and prayers but in ACTIONS. True believers are known to DO what He has done. We are being commissioned as true believers to proclaim the Gospel of love to everyone, and every creature.

The disciples heeded the command of Jesus to "go into the world" as evidenced by the fact that the word of God spread out to the entire globe. They had faced so much trials and difficulties but they persisted. In fact all of them had been martyred (except John) for proclaiming that Jesus is God!

The task is not yet completed. There are still a lot of non-believers. Thus, as believers, we in turn are called to continue to spread the good news through words and actions in our own family, in our workplace, our community, in our own country, and the whole world!

Can it be done? With technology that we have, it definitely is possible. Bro. Bo, The Feast, Magis Deo Community, Joel Osteen, Brian Houston are just a few of personalities and communities that use the internet space to spread the good news. The Catholic Church up to Pope Francis maximize the use of the internet to bring the good news out to the whole world. In my own small way, I also do my best to proclaim the Kingdom of God by posting His Word in my Facebook account.

But I believe it is just half of what the Lord commissioned us to do. I believe God wants us to move to action. We must spread LOVE in our actions. As Jesus said, there must be accompanying signs of our belief. And with the pandemic that remained unchecked, the call to "heal the sick" to you and I as believers is an urgent call. May you and I act in whatever way possible to help those who are sick and dying.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for our continuing good health of mind, body, and spirit in the midst of this pandemic. Continue to empower us with your Holy Spirit that we may all continue to proclaim and spread Your LOVE through our words and actions to all the people we can reach out to. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.

 

 

 

Empathy in Action

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

14 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  LV 13:1-2, 44-46

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 32:1-2, 5, 11

Second Reading:  1 COR 10:31—11:1

Gospel:  MK 1:40-45

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

"Moved with pity." In stories of Jesus' healing, most of what we hear is how Jesus can restore people to pristine condition even with the people doing things little in appearance but are actually great displays of faith. Not much attention is given to the feeling that made Jesus deem it necessary to heal. And also this is where we focus on today: "pity."

The "pity" we examine here is not that which is synonymous with "patronization" or "condescension." For the pity of Christian quality is not that which is infested with an "I am better than thou"  mentality, but one which understands, communes with, and bears affection for another who is suffering. The closest pity to the Christian character is that we call empathy: the ability to put oneself in another's shoes.

 

The pity most commendable is that which moves us to positive action. We can see someone suffering and we can look wistfully  at them and say: "I pity", but unless and until there is  action to better other's experience, pity stays as it is: a feeling...a feeling that is soon to stagnate when left on its own.

 

The direction pity takes us is another to consider. Towards which action—positive or negative this pity moves us, we should be wary of, for we can think that we are only "looking out for another", but in our haste and disregard for the other's pace and feelings, little do we know, we could be spreading salt on the wounds he or she has long been struggling with.

It is not enough to pity. To pity is static if it ends in itself but bears good if it directs us towards positive action. Further, even if we may be "well-meaning" to another, we must be caring of his or her situation and disposition. We must think about how he or she is feeling, and how fast or slow, how accepting or resistant he or she is about the actions we recommend to him or her out of pity, for to deal with another in disregard can be dehumanizing, undignified,  and unchristian. Such disregard can lead to falling outs that can happen even in the mundanity of the dinner's table.

The pity, or should we say empathy we should espouse is that of Jesus, who looks lovingly at His sheep and in His wistfulness at their predicament, is moved to healing. Our healing, while not miraculous, may come even in simple words, in humble but steady and warm company, as long as we have and nurture the love Jesus had for others and set it ever ablaze within ourselves.

Lastly, as we talk about pity, another important point must be made. We commonly extend pity to those who have less, but do we realize that we should be extending the same loving pity towards those who give us so many and so much but go without being thanked? Our Gospel for today is that of a leper being healed, and in another story, as we recall, God healed another ten, but only one came back to offer his thanks. May we ever be grateful for the kindness God extends us. If we only knew how many and much He gave and still continues to give, the number of our days would never be commensurate avenues for thanksgiving. So it is our words, as limited as they are, in which we can thank the Lord, but more so, in our deeds the—kindness we "pay forward" to others.

Prayer

 

Jesus, as we adopt in our lives the kind of pity You were inspired by, may we be moved to positive action and so better others' lives, not to be content doing nothing with their plight.

May our pity bring healing to others and not damage them through condescension. May we empathize with them and love them so we turn into You and show Your loving face to alleviate them of their suffering.

In the same vein, in Your righteous and loving pity towards us, may Your miraculous healings to us and others develop in us the natural proclivity and ultimately the will to  thank You back as did the one leper You healed and went back to You to give his thanks, and to extend to others the same kindness You graced us with.

All these in Your most holy Name, o Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Jesus, The Great Healer and Evangelizer!

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  JB 7:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading:  1 COR 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel:  MK 1:2939

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

Three accounts, one divine reality. The Jesus that we see today is He who brings miraculous healing.

Jesus has been called many things: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), but one that greatly tantalizes people unto Him at a pace so instant is His being the "Great Healer." As a child, I remember how my mother would tuck me into bed. On nights she would feel a fever running up my body, as she places her hand on my forehead to see how high the fever likely is, she would remind me, "Jesus is the Greatest Physician."

 

There are only few things that can uplift the human condition so significantly--so instantly than miraculous healing. This is why it is understandable how for some people, as far-off from the faith they may have appeared before, we hear stories of radical conversion. As incredible as the healing is, the amazement towards God, which can bring about the radical conversion, can also be.

Jesus needed only little to make healing happen. In the Gospel we read, it was only the hand of Simon's mother. As He helped her up, the fever left her. In Matthew 9:20-22, twelve years of bleeding made no impediment of God's ability to heal. It was only hem if His garment the woman in distress needed touching--only so slightly--and twelve years of bleeding--now gone! In John 5, there was a man gazing upon the pool of Bethesda. He was regretful upon thinking how for many years, he could never manage to go into the pool for many who were much more able-bodied than he was  would go first. And then came Jesus' healing words: "Get up, pick up your mat, and go."

 

In these instances of healing, it is common to hear Jesus saying something along the lines of: "Go, your faith has healed you;"  but truth be told. Even our ability to believe can falter. Differing experiences every day could bring us to felicitous speaks, but to also disheartening troughs. Would God be any less able to heal us if we fall short on faith? I, for one, believe that God can heal independently of our faith. He precedes us; it is His breath that willed us into existence. His abilities surpass our abilities, and more so, our shortcomings. I believe that God can work well beyond our ability or inability to believe, for past our ability to believe is His innately unconquerable love. So why does God say that it is the woman's faith that healed her? Why do we believe that it is our faith that heals? It may be that while God is ever able to heal us with less regard to where we are in life, strong in faith or not, bearing in mind that it is well in God's ability to implant in us the faith we need, the faith that we muster ourselves can serve as the "door" that signals our assent to the Lord. In other words, our faith can either accept or reject God's healing, as willing as He is--ever!--to administer it.

The reality of faith is beyond me. While I may not fully understand what the relationship is between our faith and God's miraculous healing, it is my hope that God would help us cultivate strong faith, nonetheless. For if God said we can move mountains even with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), who knows that astounding realities our faith can make happen if God breathes his miracles into it?

After doing great feats of healing, it is admirable how Jesus took to prayer. Such was His relationship with the Father that Jesus culminated His healings with His communication with the Father. Along with Jesus healing many from their predicaments, He delivered the Good News. Jesus met healing and evangelization together--both parts of His ministry--faith and works intertwined! Commendable in healing ability, also in fulfilling responsibility. This is the Jesus we love and serve.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, help us cultivate strong faith, so we can enable Your healing to happen in us and others. May this healing bring us closer to You. In our testimonies, may the healing experience bring others closer to You.

 

Please help us also make good with our responsibilities as You did. Please help us in our undertakings and may we never fail to fulfill our responsibility to spread Your Good Word.

In Your most Holy Name, Jesus, Amen.