Living Fully, Not Just Existing

    

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 August 2024

 

First Reading: Prv 9:1-6

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

Second Reading: Eph 5:15-20

Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

The past weeks were a roller coaster ride for me. All emotions were up and shifted momentarily in just a flicker. I was surprised, excited, and extremely scared, but I could not stop the thrill of the ride. I had to endure until it stopped, and I literally felt the rise of acid inside my gut. Just like any other circumstance in life, it stopped and passed. In God’s grace, I thrived again. 

Last weekend, my husband and I attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar of Bukas Loob sa Diyos Community, and in that seminar, I realized a thought that deeply hurt me, nobody stopped and intentionally  asked me, how I was? Nobody asked me, “kumusta ka?”, someone who would take the time to really listen. I know everyone is busy. I also know that because I was still in the situation, if someone asks, I couldn’t also elaborate my thoughts so I would simply say, “Okay lang”. I was fighting the meltdown upon having this thought. In silence and darkness, all they asked us was to surrender to the Holy Spirit, to talk to Jesus, to be with His presence.

Most often the conversations we have been having  were about the circumstances of life. We might be thriving and busy, competently making our work done, meeting deadlines and expectations, fulfilling obligations, loving and caring for the people around us, to simply say we have been doing life and not necessarily having a life within us. Last weekend made me realize that I have been doing life lately and not having a life, and Jesus was concerned about this, is there a life within me? Is there a life within you? This question pushes us to discover the hunger within us and the life Jesus wants to feed us. All the Gospels these past few weeks, have been all about this. 

Two weeks ago Jesus challenged us to consider the bread we eat. Is it a perishable one or does it sustain us? Last week, Jesus declared himself to be the bread of life. Today, he says, “Eat me. Drink me.” This is the only way to have life within us. Any other diet leaves us empty and hollow, hungry for life. When we depend on people, even on our loved ones to fill in the hunger we have, most of the time we will just be disappointed and later we might be toxic to them too. 

Jesus is talking about the life that is beyond words and yet we know it when we taste it or when we experience it. We get a taste of it when we love so deeply and profoundly that everything about us passes away and somehow we are more alive than ever before.  In this moment we are in the flow, the wonder, and the unity of life, and it tastes good.

Jesus is our healer and our health. He is our life and the means to the life for which we most deeply hunger. We don’t work for the life we want. We eat the life we want. Wherever human hunger and the flesh and blood of Christ meet, there is life. We consume his life that he might consume and change ours. We eat and digest his life, his love, his mercy, his forgiveness, his way of being and seeing, his compassion, his presence, and his relationship with the Father. Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood, remains in me and I in him. Let us work on having a life and not just living it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who offers Himself as the Bread of Life. May we embrace this sacred gift with reverence and faith, finding in Him the sustenance for our souls and the strength for our journey. Help us to live in unity with Christ, ever mindful of His presence and love within us. Guide us to cherish this holy communion and to share its grace with others, so that through our lives, Your love and truth may be made known. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Born for the Light

    

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

24 June 2024

 

First Reading: Is 49:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 139 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

Gospel: Lk 1:57-66, 80

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Kristina and Joey have been married for a few years. During family reunions, relatives often ask them when they would have a baby. As Kristina grew older, a relative discouraged her from trying as she was past the age when women conceive. In spite of that, the couple continued to pray and try. A few months passed, Kristina got pregnant and then gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Josephine Emilia. Two years later, the couple is expecting another baby.

In today's Gospel, a baby boy was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Nine months previously, Zechariah admitted to the angel Gabriel "I am an old man and my wife is well on in years" (Lk 1:18). In spite of this, the Lord has shown His favour on this holy couple. Relatives and neighbours sharing their joy ask, "What, then, will this child be?" (Lk 1:66). The Lord will make this child the light to the nations, "that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6). He will be the Lord's forerunner who "heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel" (Ac 13:24).

"What, then, will this child be?" This would often be our question gazing on a new-born baby. Perhaps this was the same question asked by our parents and elders when we were born. The Lord has favoured Elizabeth and Zechariah, Kristina and Joey. He has blessed us too with a gift of a child or children. Like us, our child or children may not have a gargantuan task like John the Baptist's, but we have a duty to spread the word of salvation. We have a mission to bear witness to Jesus, "the true light that enlightens all men" (Jn 1:9).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, "we praise You, for we are wonderfully made" (cf. Ps 139:14). Through the prayers and example of Saint John the Baptist, help us, especially all expectant parents, to value the gift of life and dedicate it to prepare a way for Your coming. Amen.

Hearts on Fire

    

Third Sunday of Easter

23 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-23

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:17-21

Gospel: Lk 24:13-35

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us? (Lk 24:32)

Fr. Anthony Dolan, a retired priest who lives next to our parish church, once encouraged us to listen to God's Word as though it was our first time hearing it. Indeed, there is  a temptation to take God's Word for granted especially if we have been so familiar with it.

In today's Gospel, the two disciples experienced hearing the Scriptures with fresh pair of ears on their way to Emmaus. Their being downcast at the apparent 'failure' of Jesus' death prevented them from recognizing Him. Out of His love, Jesus made the move to help them recall the Scriptures, realize its fulfillment in Him, and recognize their Master in the breaking of the bread.

Such action of Jesus is repeated every time the Mass is celebrated through the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. That is why it is really important that we come to church on time, otherwise we will be missing out either of these liturgies, the Liturgy of the Word especially. And if we do miss it out, we won't be able to appreciate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Worse, we may not be able to receive Holy Communion.

Another suggestion is to read and reflect on the Mass readings beforehand. As a lector and as a worshipper, I find these practices really helpful in my service and in my spiritual growth. Preparing for Mass through God's Word fans the flame of love in our proud, fearful, or downcast hearts and makes us better witnesses of the Risen Lord. As the Responsorial Psallm goes "Lord, you will show us the path of life" (cf. Ps 16:11).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Make our hearts burn as we listen to Your Word so that we too may always recognize You in the breaking of the bread, and proclaim the Good News of Your  Resurrection to all. Amen.

A Strong Woman

 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

01 January 2022

 

First Reading: NM 6:22-27

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

Second Reading: GAL 4:4-7

Gospel: LK 2:16-21

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

In one of the virtual meetings we had in the Diocese's Vocations Team last year, a nun told me: "Mary is a strong woman." Indeed, Mary's reaction when she heard the shepherd's testimony was remarkable: "she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart." Indeed, we could dismiss her as a simple girl who would lamely agree and accept what the shepherds told her and Joseph. However, here is a woman who would "take what they have heard and then turn it over, muse on it, consider it from various perspectives, question it, wonder about it, delight in it" (Bishop Robert Barron).

As we start a new year, we could not fail to look back at the year that was. COVID-19 would still be on top of the list for sure, plus other global and local issues. There would also be personal achievements, challenges, and failures. How do we make sense of these? What do these things tell us as we welcome and move forward to 2022? Are we just going to accept them as part of life or are we going to discern God's message and plan in these?

"Mary is a strong woman." Her life as God's Mother was not a bed of roses. Her life was full of challenges and sorrows. She and Joseph escaped with the baby Jesus to avoid Herod's wrath. She and her family returned later and lived in the remote town of Nazareth. She stood courageously at the foot of the Cross. She witnessed her Son's Resurrection and Ascension. She was with fellow Christians when the Holy Spirit descended on them. Through it all, her faith was unshaken. As we welcome the New Year, let us draw strength from Mary, God's Mother and ours that we too may treasure all the wonderful things that God has done for us last year and ponder them in our hearts.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for the New Year. Thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of Mama Mary, give us a strong heart that would seek, marvel at, and fulfil Your plan. Amen.

 

Cutting Off Part of Ourselves

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

26 September 2021 

 

First Reading: NM 11:25-29

Responsorial Psalm: PS 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14

Second Reading: JAS 5:1-6

Gospel: MK 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

This Sunday Jesus calls us to reflect on our thoughts and actions like any other Gospel. However, in today’s readings He invites us to examine parts of ourselves that are causing us to stumble and fall into sin. In so doing, we can make a choice to detach those part of our lives. Moreover, He also invites us to be tolerant of others because we are all sinners. At times, we may not even know that another person is suffering which may drive him to hurt others as well. Tolerance in excess is bad. But, tolerance to give others the benefit of the doubt, be more open-minded and giving allowances for mistakes that just like me, maybe, the person needs someone who would understand and lead him to a life more pleasing to God. 

For instance, I am recognizing that envy is a source of sin in my life. I often think that some people are just born lucky having all the ideals in life and some people are born to experience trauma, neglect and abandonment. I often asked God why does unfortunate events keep happening in my life. Am I the one to blame? Do I make bad decisions more often? Am I inviting people to hurt me? Honestly, when I get to look closely in my life, I am in trouble because my actions simply have consequences. This often led me to shame especially towards my relationship with Jesus. I am struggling to detach from this but I am surrendering my sinfulness to God by making a confession. When you sin big time, admitting it to a priest, to a human being, makes you feel really humble. I do my best to reflect each night and identify the parts of my day I should be thankful for. 

“Cutting off” parts of ourselves that lead us to sin is really hard and challenging but it is possible. 

 

Prayer

 

Thank you Lord God for letting your Word get through me. I surrender my life to You. Help me to recognize the small blessings I enjoy each day and lead me to trust You that all things work for Your greater glory. Help me to see myself as how You see me. Amen.

 

Duty of Love

Sixth Sunday of Easter

9 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

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

Second Reading:  1 JN 4:7-10

Gospel:  JN 15:9-17

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in His love. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."

The theme of the last Sunday Gospel and this Sunday continues to be that of LOVE. Actually, the whole Bible from beginning to end is about God's Love! In fact, in today's Gospel, the word LOVE is mentioned nine times. Jesus made it clear how to show love. He laid down His own life for us! And He commanded us to do the same. Not just for people who are related to us like our parents, siblings, or children, but for friends! Personally, to fight and die for my family would be a natural instinct. But to lay down willingly my life for a friend will take a lot of courage. A lot of real love.

In the midst of pandemic we are facing today, I believe that front liners are concrete example of authentic love. They put their health and life for the sake of others. We see and hear in the news that many of them served willingly for others. Enduring long work hours, the pain of seeing their patients suffer and die. And even to the extent that they themselves contract the virus and die! I am sure they will reap their reward in heaven.

I saw in a news a doctor lamenting the sad situation of those who were afflicted with CoVid-19. She had seen patients dying while waiting in the makeshift tents for a space in the ER. She cries out her heart seeing patients die because the hospital equipment and facilities needed are already exhausted. And these are people she isn't related to. She simply showed her unconditional love and care to people she encounter. She did everything possible for these people even putting her on life on the line.

But, I guess we can also show love not just by literally putting our lives on the line, or giving up our life out of service for others. I believe we can also show authentic Christ-like love by putting other people's needs and priorities ahead of ourselves. Tough challenge for most of us. But it's the only way to show we follow the commandment of LOVE!

 

Prayer

 

Dear God, we pray that we never give up in loving others. We pray for our front liners, that they may be healthy and safe as they perform their duty of love. Help us to put other people's needs ahead of ourselves. We pray that we continue to love unceasingly our family and all the people we meet. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.

 

 

 

Stay Grateful!

Second Sunday of Easter

Sunday of Divine Mercy

11 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 4:32-35

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

Second Reading:  1 JN 5:1-6

Gospel:  JN 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting."

 

At this time of the pandemic when people are losing their jobs, businesses are closing down, families are losing their loved ones to CoVid-19, there is just so much uncertainty and anxiety. How long will this pandemic last? How long, O Lord? This is the question of so many of us.

And it can be overwhelming. And today we are reminded to give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting in whatever circumstances we may have.

Can we pause for a while and be present for the moment? This is the Second Sunday of Easter and we should be thankful that we are still alive! Start writing down the things that you are thankful for and you will be surprised! Start it right now. Thank God for  a new life every morning, for the sunshine, for the rain, for the trees, for the flowers, the plants, the mountains, the sea, your eyes to see, your ears to hear, there is food on the table, you still have your feet to walk, you have friends, you can still meet people online, the gift of technology, you can connect and browse the internet, you have your phone, the comfort of your bed, the air-conditioner, the electric fan, your kitchen, your home, and on and on and on. How many were you able to list down?

 

Yes, we may be filled with dark clouds but the Lord is here. Let us keep the faith and hope in the Lord. Let us thank Him for His continued presence and unconditional love. We just have to believe that. The Lord is our only refuge at this time of the pandemic and for that we should already give thanks. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. We strive for the grand spiritual adventure, which we haven't had, and neglect the many gifts from God that we do have. Let us be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is everlasting!

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus for whatever life may bring I say THANK YOU! Give me the grace of a grateful heart all the time. Because when there is gratitude and humility, there is peace. Thank You for everything You have given me Lord including the gift of life that I sometimes take for granted. All this I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

 

 

Beatitudes - Beautiful Attitudes

Solemnity of All Saints

1 November 2020
First reading Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14

I, John, saw another angel come up from the East,

holding the seal of the living God.

He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels

who were given power to damage the land and the sea,

“Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees

until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal,

one hundred and forty-four thousand marked

from every tribe of the children of Israel.

After this I had a vision of a great multitude,

which no one could count,

from every nation, race, people, and tongue.

They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,

wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.

They cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne,

and from the Lamb.”

All the angels stood around the throne

and around the elders and the four living creatures.

They prostrated themselves before the throne,

worshiped God, and exclaimed:

“Amen.  Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving,

honor, power, and might

be to our God forever and ever.  Amen."

Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me,

“Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”

I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.”

He said to me,

“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;

they have washed their robes

and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

 

Second reading                                                          1 John 3:1-3

Beloved:

See what love the Father has bestowed on us

that we may be called the children of God.

Yet so we are.

The reason the world does not know us

is that it did not know him.

Beloved, we are God’s children now;

what we shall be has not yet been revealed.

We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,

for we shall see him as he is.

Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,

as he is pure.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 5:1-12A

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,

and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 

He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you

and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward will be great in heaven.”

 

Reflection

By Art B. Reyes

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Perhaps, this word is commonly heard among the Catholics. It might be frequently heard but it is often misunderstood because there are “ironies”.  I say ironies because it tells us that there is blessings in our sorrow, poverty, persecutions, and deprivations. This is really difficult to understand and even takes a fool to understand. But, it is a source of consolation, a fountain of joy to those who have faith.

The world tells us that happiness is measured by our success, popularity, influence, and wealth. But if only we contemplate about it, we can find out that these are not an assurance that we can attain peace and joy in life. Material things wear out, success can be lost overnight, influence can betray you, and wealth can abandon you in an instant. Yes, those can give you happiness but they are fleeting. What matters really is our family who will always be there, the love that we share that grows and multiplies, our offer of true friendships that can weather any storm, and our harmonious relationship with each other that will last a lifetime. They are the fountains of joy and peace. 

The Beatitudes will help us to finding peace, to moving on, and to finding meaning in whatever situations we are in. Whatever we go through, good or bad, happy or sad, the Beatitudes give us the consolation and the assurance that all will be well if we hold on to God.

Today is also the Feast of all Saints. Saints were not extra-ordinary people, but they lived the Beatitudes. They took the road to holiness by living simply, spreading good deeds, and sacrificing worldly pleasures and wealth. They allowed God to shine through their lives.

Let me share to you the lyrics from one of my favorite songs.

My Peace:

My peace I give unto you

It's a peace that the world cannot give

It's a peace that the world cannot understand

Peace to know, peace to live

My peace I give unto you

My love I give unto you

It's a love that the world cannot give

It's a love that the world cannot understand

Love to know, love to live

My love I give unto you

It's a love that the world cannot understand

My love I give unto you

Prayer

Gracious God, You have so richly blessed us with life, with love and joy, with hope in the midst of despair. Help us to be a reflection of Your overflowing grace so we can be the light of the world shining light in the midst of hopelessness. Let our attitudes in life be as beautiful as the Beatitudes, sharing with others what we have received, boldly proclaiming the good news of your love, finding the seeds of your kingdom within us and letting your way grow in our lives and throughout the world. 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.

The Humble One

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 July 2020
First reading Zechariah 9:9-10

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:9-13

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

We have heard how it was said in today’s Gospel: the wisdom of the Lord has been revealed to the little ones, for so seems good in the Lord’s sight.

This Sunday, we delight in one characteristic of Jesus that gives balance especially with the status quo, the normal scenario we have today: whereas the world sides with the learned, the powerful, the rich, and the aesthetically pleasing, the Lord uplifts the downtrodden; the never or little heard; the unnoticeable; the forgotten.

The wisdom of the Lord, aside from His supernatural graces come through Jesus, the One who came humbly Himself, not likening Himself to God the Father, but exalted by God the Father anyway; this Jesus who was born in a (likely) decrepit manger in small-town Bethlehem, who was Son to a carpenter, who graced being a little one Himself, although delivered the will of the Father triumphantly, nonetheless.

Come to think of it, no matter where we look, we are, or we were, little to something; to someone.

We are all little to the world. The vastness of the universe and the whopping circumference of the earth make us minute grains; pieces of dust.

To someone, it is no stranger that we feel small. Perhaps there is a person ready we have in mind as we read this; we have been made to feel little by at least one person in our lives, likely those who have authority or seniority over us. We have been subordinates to bosses, children to parents or those advanced in years, novices to experts, students to teachers, and many such else.

We have all felt how it is to be the new one, the young, the unlearned. We have had our humble beginnings. We all have had experiences of being small. And this is where we take consolation: that in that feeling of being small, we are not alone; we have One who espoused that feeling although He did not need to. He existed with the Father in the very beginning, and with the Father, enjoys supreme reign over all, yet He came down from Heaven to accomplish the Father’s mission—to redeem us all. He may have started small when He was conceived, but God has delivered through His hands something monumental; something eternal.

If there is any inkling in our mind that thinks there is no end to our feeling small, may we take solace in this: as we take the humble position, in our feeling small, God exalts us; just like how God the Father did with Jesus. Jesus was born and lived in the simplest of ways, but God has let something magnificent be delivered through His hands; and who is to say God the Father cannot do great things with us, too?

It may be difficult, or even excruciating to take the humble position: to forgive when the aggressor takes all his or her pride to soar mockingly over us, to fly under the radar when we do good works just not to be noticed, not to harp on our achievements lest we make it about ourselves, and many such else. There are many ways we can take the humble position, but whatever way we choose in good faith, the Lord will exalt us in His own way.

Let this be our consolation: in our struggle to be the little—the humble one, we have Jesus whom we can learn from, He who is meek and humble of heart, He whom we can take our rest in, He whose yoke we can carry, for His yoke is sweet, and His burden, light (Matthew 11:29-30).

Prayer

Abba, first, we would like to praise You for the greatness that You are. 

Thank You for giving us hope that amid our feeling of being small, You are there to be with us and lift us up. You are very faithful in loving and extending mercy to us, and we believe that You would be also faithful in completing the work You began in us.

May Your exaltation of us also bring good to others, lifting them up, as You have lifted us.
May all these bring glory to You, our Father, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.