Ang Karunungan ng Diyos

Ika-29 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

18 Oktubre 2026

 

Unang Pagbasa: Isaias 45, 1. 4-6

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 95, 1 at 3, 4-5. 7-8. 9-10a at k

Ikalawang Pagbasa: 1 Tesalonica 1, 1-5b

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22, 15-21

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Ipinapakita sa Ebanghelyo ngayon na napakatalino ng Diyos na ating Panginoong Hesus dahil gusto ng mga Pariseo na siluin Siya, ngunit hindi sila nagtagumpay. Ang gusto nila’y bigyang katuwiran ang pagbibigay ng buwis kay Cesar na kung ang sagot ni Hesus ay hindi dapat magbuwis, pararatangan siyang rebelde sa pamahalaan ng imperyong Romano; at kung ang sagot nama’y dapat na magbuwis, ipinapahayag Niya ang pagsang-ayon sa korapsiyon ng pamahalaan at patunay na hindi siya pumapanig sa mamamayang naghihirap na nasusuklam sa sistema ng sapilitang pagbubuwis sa awtoridad na may titulong Cesar. Sa tingin ng mga tusong Pariseo ay mahuhuli na Siya sa kanilang tanong dahil kahit ano ang isagot Niya ay walang kawala sa bitag. Gusto nilang talian ng lubid sa leeg si Hesus upang matigil na sa Kanyang magagandang gawain at gusto nilang parang aso na susunod lamang sa kanilang mga utos. Marahil ay inggit na inggit na sila sa patuloy na pagsikat ni Hesus dahil sa husay ng kanyang pangangaral na kadalasang taliwas sa kanilang itinuturo. Marami ding humahanga kay Hesus sa tunay at sinserong paggawa ng mabubuting bagay para sa mamamayan, samantalang, mga taong mapagkunwari ang mga Pariseo dahil sa pakitang-tao lamang ang kanilang pananampalataya.

Tulad ng mga Pariseo, nasasadlak din tayo sa pagkakataon na maging tuso at mapagkunwari sa ating kapwa. Kung tayo’y mapagmataas sa kapwa, kasunod nito’y inggit; kung tayo’y naiinggit sa posisyon at nauunahan ng iba sa itaas, gusto nati’y hilahin sila pababa; kung tayo nama’y nahihigitan sa kasaganaan at kasikatan, gusto nati’y angkinin ang kanilang natamo. Lalong malakas ang tukso ng inggit at pagmamataas kung tayo’y nasa posisyong tagapamahala tulad ng mga nasa politiko at negosyo. Kaya nga napakahirap mamuhay sa gitna ng mga tuso sa pamahalaan at naliligid ng mga mapanglamang na may-ari ng malalaking negosyo. Subalit, hindi naman tayo hahayaan ng ating Panginoong Hesus na mahulog sa bitag ng mga kaaway sa lipunan at kung mananatili tayong tapat sa Diyos, higit Niyang ibinibigay sa atin ang biyaya upang hindi masilo sa anumang masasamang balak sa atin. Ang sagot? Laging maging tapat sa pagibibigay ng nauukol para sa Diyos tulad ng pagsisimba tuwing Linggo o higit pang mga araw, tapat na pangungumpisal at pananatiling masigasig sa pagtupad ng lahat ng Sakramento ng ating simbahan.

Noong isang Linggo, habang papunta kami ng buong pamilya ko sa simbahan, nakasakay kami sa isang napakagarang kotse ng Grab na aming na-book at namangha kami sa kakaibang kwento ng drayber nito. Buong buhay niya raw ay ginugol sa negosyo at pagtatrabaho kaya ngayo’y retirado na’t nagtagumpay na sa buhay, kaya naglilibang na lang siya sa pagmamaneho. Nalibot na nga raw niya ang buong mundo at naiinip na lang sa bahay kaya nagpasyang maging drayber ng Grab. Kaya lang ay hindi naman daw siya nagsisimba at ni minsa’y hindi niya naisama sa pagsisimba ang kanyang mga anak at asawa dahil lahat nga sila ay abala sa pagtataguyod ng negosyo. Sayang naman ang sabi ko, sayang nga raw talaga kasi’y huli na ngayon dahil hiwa-hiwalay na sila ng tirahan ng kanyang pamilya. Nasilip ko sa salamin ang lungkot ng kayang mga mata nang sabihin ang panghihinayang.

Ang hamon ng ating buhay ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pag-aasikaso ng buwis o anumang negosyo o ganansiya sa kaperahan sa mundo, bagkus ay ipinapakita sa atin ni Hesus ang mabuting halimbawa na ang higit na kailangan nati’y ang pagbibigay ng ating oras at buhay na naayon para sa Diyos. Sapagkat ang tunay na layunin ng ating buhay ay ang makilala nang husto ang Diyos at mahalin nang tunay upang maialay natin ang ating buhay hanggang sa makapiling Siya habambuhay. Hindi naman bulag ang Diyos para hindi makita ang mga ninanakaw na buwis sa atin ng mga tusong nagsasamantala. Nag-uumapaw naman ang kagustuhan ng Diyos na tayo’y pasaganahin din sa ating buhay upang sundin ang kalooban Niya na maglaan tayo ng oras para sa Kanya. Ang totoo’y higit pa sa katalinuhan ang ipinamalas ni Hesus sa pagsagot sa Pariseo dahil ito’y tunay na karunungang mula sa Kanyang pagka-Diyos at kahit sino pang may pinakamataas na katungkulan o pinakamatalinong tao na tuso ay hinding-hindi uubra sa karunungan ng ating Diyos. Amen.

 

Panalangin

Panginoong Hesus, higit ang Iyong katalinuhan at walang hanggang karunungan na amin ding kahilingan na kahit mambunan man lang, upang mapagtagumpayan namin ang anumang hamon ng pagsilo ng mga tuso at maging grasya ito ng pagbabalik namin ng aming buhay na nararapat para sa Iyo. Amen.

To Speak Up Or To Remain Silent?

    

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 October 2023

 

First Reading: Is 45:1, 4-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10

Second Reading: 1 Thes 1:1-5b

Gospel: Mt 22:15-21

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). These words of Christ in response to the test of the Pharisees in today's Gospel are used by the opponents of the Church, especially those who are very loyal supporters of very famous and controversial politicians, to support what is known as “separation of Church and state.” For them, it means that the Church should stick to prayer and reflecting on the Word of God which is the Bible and stay quiet in topics and issues relating to politics and government. 

However, is that what the Lord Jesus meant when He said those words in response to the Pharisees who tried to test and trap Him? Did Jesus mean that the Church should remain silent on various issues relating to politics and government? Should the Church just keep quiet in the face of evils like corruption, injustice, and murder? What did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when He uttered “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” in the Sunday Gospel? 

In the First Reading, it is stated that it was the will of the Lord God that Cyrus was anointed king. God Himself gave Cyrus the power and authority to rule and lead. As stated in the Responsorial Psalm: “Give the Lord glory and honor” (Psalm 96:7b). If not for God, leaders such as Cyrus would not have power and authority as kings and rulers. This also stresses the fact that the one true king is none other than the Lord. Only the Lord God reigns supreme forever. Not a single ruler or leader in this world will possess the withstand or even match up to God because their leadership is only temporary while God’s leadership and kingship is forever. This is the truth that Saint Paul the Apostle, Timothy, and Silvanus proclaimed to the Thessalonian Christians in the Second Reading. Besides, Saint Paul the Apostle also highlighted the fact that they were just instruments that God used to introduce Himself to the Thessalonian Christians, as stated in the end of the Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:5b). 

What is the lesson being taught to us today? Respecting government leaders is very important. However, our respect for them should not make us blind and deaf to the fact that they are human and not gods. If our admiration and respect for leaders in this world has caused us to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the different injustices in our communities and society, then that is no longer respect but worship that is completely blind and deaf. By doing this, we have replaced the Lord God and denied Him the things that He deserves. Once this happens, we will indeed have a problem that is very serious. 

Our responsibility as the one true Church is to offer worship, glory, and praise to the one true God by faith and works. We fail our mission and duty as the one true Church if, as the ones who form it, remain silent in the different faces of injustice in our communities and societies like corruption and murder. Because of our failure to fulfill our mission and duty as the one and true Church that Christ Jesus Himself established, which is to offer Him worship, glory, praise, and honor, we would fail Him. Why? Because by remaining silent in the different faces of injustice, we have chosen another god. 

Prayer

Lord, You know our frailties and weaknesses as humans. Strengthen us, O Lord, so that we may be able to fulfill our mission and responsibility as Your Church to give You praise, glory, and worship by speaking out against injustices and living a life of holiness, just as You will. Amen. 

Followers of the Spirit of the Law

    

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

12 February 2023

 

First Reading: Sir 15:15-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

Second Reading: 1 Cor 2:6-10

Gospel: Mt 5:17-37

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you....Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus in today's Gospel supplements the "sermon on the mount or the Beatitudes" of who are indeed blessed. Another direct challenge to the church leaders of His time; the Pharisees and the scribes. The church leaders knew and had memorized the commandments but they exercised it literally.

We are very familiar to the Ten Commandments which begin with loving the Lord with all our hearts, mind, and soul, and love one another as we love ourselves. In today's Gospel, the Lord Jesus highlighted "Thou shall not kill", "thou shall not commit adultery", and "thou shall not take false oath". We are reminded by the Lord that we need to follow the commandments on a deeper level. We have to obey not just the letter of the law but the spirit of the law. And if we do we shall be rewarded with the promise "If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you".

I thought I am a righteous person for I have never committed adultery and surely I have not killed anyone. But as I reflect on this Gospel, I found myself guilty of "killing" others and committing "adultery". At times I held a grudge and anger with another person, and when I look with lust on another woman. I am indeed guilty and I ask forgiveness. I pray that I would put into practice all the time pure love for one another, avoiding hate, and lustful thinking.

Prayer

Dear God, forgive us for being disobedient to the spirit of the law. Enable us to be more "righteous than the Pharisees and scribes". We pray that You will send Your Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily life to adhere to the commandments. Empower us to be teachers of Your commandments through our righteousness. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus' Answer to Cancel Culture

 Fifth Sunday of Lent

03 April 2022

 

First Reading: IS 43:16-21

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

Second Reading: PHIL 3:8-14

Gospel: JN 8:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

With the emergence of social media, everyone can now be connected with each other virtually. People who are far away from their relatives, friends, and loved ones can now become closer because of the easy access to social media. Moreover, it also becomes a mode of entertainment for others. One may watch a video of a crying kid, a dancing man, and others. One click of the camera, and then you're now in the social world. When you do good, you may trend positively. But when you do something unappealing to other people, you may trend negatively. This is where the cancel culture takes place. The people become enslaved with hatred and skepticism towards other people. Then it becomes the ground of harsh judgments without really trying to understand the context and searching for the truth. With that, we tend not to allow the person to change and be renewed.

In the First Reading, God reiterated to His people to see new things and not to remember the past. "See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19). One may understand the message of God literally to forget about the past. However, God did not want us to forget the past. God wants us to see good things without the hindrance of the past. For one may not know the grace of God because of the limitation of the past. This also applies to people. We may not understand a person if we only know the negative things he/she has without really trying to understand him/her.

This was affirmed by St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians where he tells us how God allows him to be renewed in Christ. Before, he was a persecutor of those who followed Jesus Christ. But now, he was able to overcome the wrong thing he had done to many allowing himself to follow and preach the Good News, who is Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel, Jesus Christ was cornered by the Scribes and Pharisees as they brought the adulterer woman. They test Jesus by posting a question concerning the law given by Moses and canceling the adulterer woman. But Jesus has an astonishing answer. "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone on her."

In our life, we might have been like the Scribes and Pharisees, cultivating a cancel culture. We become judgmental of others as if we have not sinned against our brothers and sisters. This is what the Fifth Sunday of Lent is telling us. As the Easter fast approaches, Jesus wants us not to look at the sins of others. But on ourselves be renewed and turn away from our own sin, for He gives us every chance to renew our lives and follow Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word today, help us to become more understanding in every situation. Help us to cancel the cancel culture and replace it with a culture of love. These we ask, in Jesus' Most Holy Name, Amen.

 

Different Blindness

Fourth Sunday of Lent Mar 30
First reading 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons.’ When Samuel arrived, he caught sight of Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed stands there before him,’ but the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Take no notice of his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him: God does not see as man sees: man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.’ Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ He then asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ He answered, ‘There is still one left, the youngest; he is out looking after the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down to eat until he comes.’ Jesse had him sent for, a boy of fresh complexion, with fine eyes and pleasant bearing. The Lord said, ‘Come, anoint him, for this is the one.’ At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him where he stood with his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.

Psalm                                                                           Psalm 22:1-6

Second reading                                                       Ephesians 5:8-14

You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light, for the effects of the light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth. Try to discover what the Lord wants of you, having nothing to do with the futile works of darkness but exposing them by contrast. The things which are done in secret are things that ashamed even to speak of; but anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. That is why it is said:

Wake up from your sleep,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.

Gospel                                                                       John 9:1-41

As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, for him to have been born blind?’ ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered ‘he was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

‘As long as the day lasts

I must carry out the work of the one who sent me;

the night will soon be here when no one can work.

As long as I am in the world

I am the light of the world.’

Having said this, he spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man, and said to him, ‘Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (a name that means ‘sent’). So the blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored.

  His neighbours and people who earlier had seen him begging said, ‘Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some said, ‘Yes, it is the same one.’ Others said, ‘No, he only looks like him.’ The man himself said, ‘I am the man.’ So they said to him, ‘Then how do your eyes come to be open?’ ‘The man called Jesus’ he answered ‘made a paste, daubed my eyes with it and said to me, “Go and wash at Siloam”; so I went, and when I washed I could see.’ They asked, ‘Where is he?’ ‘I don’t know’ he answered.

  They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. It had been a sabbath day when Jesus made the paste and opened the man’s eyes, so when the Pharisees asked him how he had come to see, he said, ‘He put a paste on my eyes, and I washed, and I can see.’ Then some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man cannot be from God: he does not keep the sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How could a sinner produce signs like this?’ And there was disagreement among them. So they spoke to the blind man again, ‘What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes?’ ‘He is a prophet’ replied the man. However, the Jews would not believe that the man had been blind and had gained his sight, without first sending for his parents and asking them, ‘Is this man really your son who you say was born blind? If so, how is it that he is now able to see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know he is our son and we know he was born blind, but we do not know how it is that he can see now, or who opened his eyes. He is old enough: let him speak for himself.’ His parents spoke like this out of fear of the Jews, who had already agreed to expel from the synagogue anyone who should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. This was why his parents said, ‘He is old enough; ask him.’

  So the Jews again sent for the man and said to him, ‘Give glory to God! For our part, we know that this man is a sinner.’ The man answered, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner; I only know that I was blind and now I can see.’ They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He replied, ‘I have told you once and you wouldn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it all again? Do you want to become his disciples too?’ At this they hurled abuse at him: ‘You can be his disciple,’ they said ‘we are disciples of Moses: we know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man replied, ‘Now here is an astonishing thing! He has opened my eyes, and you don’t know where he comes from! We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but God does listen to men who are devout and do his will. Ever since the world began it is unheard of for anyone to open the eyes of a man who was born blind; if this man were not from God, he couldn’t do a thing.’ ‘Are you trying to teach us,’ they replied ‘and you a sinner through and through, since you were born!’ And they drove him away.

  Jesus heard they had driven him away, and when he found him he said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Sir,’ the man replied ‘tell me who he is so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You are looking at him; he is speaking to you.’ The man said, ‘Lord, I believe’, and worshipped him.

  Jesus said:

‘It is for judgement

that I have come into this world,

so that those without sight may see

and those with sight turn blind.’

Hearing this, some Pharisees who were present said to him, ‘We are not blind, surely?’ Jesus replied:

‘Blind? If you were,

you would not be guilty,

but since you say, “We see,”

your guilt remains.’

Reflection by Mark Vertido

It is already the last Sunday of the month and the fourth week of Lent. During the past Sundays of Lent, we have journeyed with Jesus in a transformation of spirit. We continue the journey and let God change us more.

The different characters in the Gospel this Sunday presents to us our very own characteristics as humans. First, we have the blind man who was cured by Jesus. We are not physically blind, but how many times have we neglected with our own eyes the people around us? We really need Jesus to vanish the darkness that covers our eyes that we might see light, to see the situation that is happening around. More than ever, Christians are asked to become socially aware and active because Christ is everywhere through our brothers and sisters.

But this blindness that we have reflects also how we have become spiritually blind like the Pharisees. Being blind during the time of Jesus is concrete evidence that a person is a sinner for God himself have punished that person already. Thus, the Pharisees did not believe that the blind man is already healed for he was a sinner. They even doubted the work of Jesus saying that it could not be from God. This would only show how the Pharisees are insecure when others are given blessings by God. And sometimes we become a Pharisee when we think of ourselves superior than others.

Many of us have become spiritually blind. The first reading states “man sees with the eyes; God sees the heart.” We are too much empirical that we have become blinded by the physical appearance of a person. That is why Christ has come to us that we become the “children of Light”. And as such, we need to behave accordingly as “the fruits of the light are kindness, justice and truth, in any form”.

We need to ask God to heal this spiritual blindness that we might become truly His children. The process of healing starts with the Sacrament of Reconciliation which is always offered to us by God through the Church. Let us then begin and act in kindness, justice and truth for the sake of a just and humane society, that in all things God maybe glorified!

Prayer

Lord, in Your goodness, heal our infirmities, especially our spiritual blindness, that we may ever see the beauty of creation and the people around us. Help us to see what is inside of us rather than seeing only the sin of others. Teach us to seek You always that we may become the “children of Light.” And may our actions be kind, just, and truthful, especially to our brothers and sisters in need. Amen.

Why Cause Grief?

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Feb 16
First reading Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21

If you wish, you can keep the commandments,

  to behave faithfully is within your power.

He has set fire and water before you;

  put out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Man has life and death before him;

  whichever a man likes better will be given him.

For vast is the wisdom of the Lord;

  he is almighty and all-seeing.

His eyes are on those who fear him,

  he notes every action of man.

He never commanded anyone to be godless,

  he has given no one permission to sin.

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 118:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34
Second reading                                                        1 Corinthians 2:6-10

We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age, it is true, still less of the masters of our age, which are coming to their end. The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.

  These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

  ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

  ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.

  ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

  ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

  ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

Reflection by Rosalinda Markell

The relationship between spiritual leaders and followers can sometimes become troubled. Jesus was very aware of this reality which is why in today's Gospel, He challenged His followers to cultivate a virtue deeper than that of the Pharisees and scribes.  It is unfortunate that these Jewish spiritual leaders did not live up to God's and men's expectation of them.  Jesus was quite blunt to call them hypocrites and blind guides. In another chapter of St Matthew's Gospel, He told people to do what these leaders teach them to do, but not what they do (Mt 23:3). 

Until now, we could still hear or even witness scandals caused by spiritual leaders.  Some of us lose heart that we generalize all spiritual leaders to be bad. Maintaining a cooperative spirit is necessary in order to benefit from those who provide spiritual direction to us. Our first response should be prayerful submission: "obey those who rule over you, and be submissive" (Heb 13-17).  For both leaders and followers, an attitude of mutual submission should prevail: "We are to (submit) to one another in fear of God."  (Eph 5:21). Lest leaders abuse such obedience, Jesus emphasized a heart of servant leadership to those who provide us with direction; "most assured by, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor he who is sent greater than He who sent him." (Jn 13:16). 

Let's ask the Holy Spirit to grant healing to those of us who have been hurt by our leaders' impropriety. Let's also pray for a change of heart to those who have caused grief to their flock.

Prayer

Our gracious Father, thank You for the people You have called to lead our Church. Protect them from errors in both words and actions so that they may lead Your people to the truth. May we provide them encouragement and support. Bless too our government, the leaders of our country, that they may be trustworthy instruments in bringing good to society, not war, envy, greediness, and most of all evil. Give them wisdom, an insight beyond the scope of partisan interests. Maintain peace and increase righteousness throughout the land now and for always. This we beg of You, Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Start From the Core

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

                                   

Moses said to the people: "Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?"

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

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

Dearest brothers and sisters: All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

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

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. --For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. -- So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"

He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me;

in vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile. "From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile."

Reflection

By Cris Balla

In today's world of SARS and H1N1, and a modern society incessantly inundated with the importance of hygienic living, it appears counter-intuitive that Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for not washing their hands before eating.

So why not? I think the issue is not about hygiene. After all, just a simple gesture of Jesus could cure common dysentery or amoebiasis.

Hence, Jesus drew attention on what really makes us unclean - the evil that emanates from our core. He was not distracted, did not lift a finger on the petty. He wanted our attention drawn instead to understanding that "All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean."

Instead, he rebuked the Pharisees with a passage from Isaiah.

That must have been dumbfounding for the Pharisees. They are the keeper of traditions! They are probably just doing their job (and not to mention, the apparent fault-finding to discredit Jesus so that they can keep their job of pretending to have higher sanctity).

Today, we see in us many of the same Pharisaic attitudes. We don't have to venture far to realize this; we just look at ourselves, listen to ourselves to discover the “garbage” coming out of our hearts.

So, if there's garbage coming from within me, what then can I do to prevent this? The solution is simple; the prescription from the reading from Deuteronomy is "You must add nothing to what I command you, and take nothing from it, but keep the commandments of Yahweh your God just as I lay them down for you."

Simple solution. Just keep the Commandments.

What? How? That's not so simple to do! Yes, really not easy. If it were, then all of us would have halos over our heads, and every dead would be canonized.

But not easy is no excuse for not trying. Yes, we are only human; we can only do so much... So better get started.

Prayer

Father, forgive us for all our sins. Clean us deep within and allow us to enjoy Your abundant blessings of love, peace and mercy. Amen.

Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo

First Reading: Malachi 1:14, 2:2, 8-10

Cursed is the deceiver, who has in his flock a male, but under his vow sacrifices to the LORD a gelding; For a great King am I, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen,

And if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. Yes, I have already cursed it, because you do not lay it to heart.

But you have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; You have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.

I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, Since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions.

Have we not all the one Father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with each other, violating the covenant of our fathers?

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 131:1, 2, 3

Second Reading 1Thess. 2:7, 9, 13

Although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.

With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.

Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens  (hard to carry) and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Reflection
By Patty de la Rosa-Paat


I think most of us are familiar with the song “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo” this is a classic Filipino folk song by Yano a Folk/Punk rock band here in our country it was released and became popular in the 90s. Yano band being known to their social and political theme they came up with this song which attacks religious hypocrisy.

After 16 years, in May of 2010 the song was popularized again by a semi-finalist contestant of Pilipinas Got Talent named Joel Amper a.k.a “Big Mouth” who is an animal impersonator and stand-up comedian. This guy has a unique interpretation of “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo”; he made the song sound funny, scary and weird as he sounds like a horse. His performance is a remarkable one and made him known all over the world.

The song may vary in different ways, in different interpretations but its meaning will be the same. It shows the true color of the so called “ Godly Person”.

In Holy Bible Scribes and Pharisees are the hypocrites in Jesus’ time. As Jesus said “For they preach but they do not practice.” These religious leaders pretend to be more righteous than others. They love to be recognized and praised by other people. These people I think are the biggest headache of Jesus during His time.

Unfortunately, this is true and it’s still happen nowadays. There are some followers of Christ who look holy before others, but in reality they do things of which God and conscience disapprove. They claimed to know the right way, demand others to live it, but not live it themselves.

Jesus Himself showed dismay to Scribes and Pharisees for being deceitful and for having egotistical attitude. Jesus said to His disciples “ Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” In God’s eye we are all in equal footing regardless of who we are and what we have or what we achieved in life. We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. And as we do the right thing before Him and we are faithfully following the teachings of Christ, the kingdom of heaven will be open to us.

The Gospel reading reminded me of Andoy’s story which has caught the attention of many on Facebook:

Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur, there lived a fourth grader boy who would follow this route to school every day: He has to cross the rugged plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving to and from. Once past this highway, the boy would take a short cut, passing by the Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his, "Magandang umaga po" in Bicol dialect. He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning,

Kamusta, Andoy? Papasok ka na?"

"Opo padre ... "he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would be touched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy.

"From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you can pass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of the road...that way I can see that you are home safe...."

"Thank you father ... "

"Why don't you go home ... why do you stay in this church right after school?"

"I just want to say 'Hi' to my friend, God," and the priest would leave the boy to spend time beside the altar, talking to himself, but the priest was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his heavenly FATHER.

"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker. Thank you for this! I saw a poor kitten who was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry.

Look, this is my last pair of slippers ...I may have to walk barefoot next week, you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay....at least I am still going to school.... Some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school .... please help them get to school again, please God?

....Oh, you know, Inay hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them.... Here... here and .... oh ...blood ....I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at Inay, she is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my schooling that is why she hits us....Oh, I think I am in love ... there's this pretty girl in my class, her name is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is two days from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you see, I have a gift for you . But it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Padre, padre, I am finished talking to my friend ....you can accompany me to the other side of the road now"

This routine happens every day. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a very pure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations. One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 manangs who would chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and would always find fault in what you do, they were also very well versed in cursing if you irritate them! They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosary when Andoy, coming from his Christmas party, playfully dashed in.

"Hello God! I ......"

"P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!"

Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed to help me cross the street ... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here....

" Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the manang pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church. "Susmaryosep!!! (does the sign of the cross fervently) Alis kang bata ka, kung hindi matatamaan ka!!! So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in front of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in.

There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot. A lot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy ... Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms. He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked, "Excuse me sir, are you related to this child?

Do you know this child?"

The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, looked up and answered, "He was my best friend . " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart. He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight.

The crowd was curious ... On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy.

"How did you know that your son died?" "A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother. "What did he say?" The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him.

He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..." "What did he say?"

"He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift .... I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful ... I cried, but I do not know why....all I know is I cried tears of joy .... I could not explain it, Father, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but...tell me, Father, who is this man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there ... except at the time of his death ......"Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with trembling knees, he murmured, " ... He was talking to no one ..... but .. GOD...."

Now ask yourself: Are you the child Andoy? Fr. Agaton or one of the Manangs who prayed the rosary?


REMEMBER: “ HYPOCRISY… IS THE LIE, IS THE TRUE SISTER OF EVIL, INTOLERANCE AND CRUELTY ”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we believe that there is only one Church establish by Christ with Your Divine providence. And now we pray for the unity of all believers of Your Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. May the power of Your Spirit heal us. Help us to strengthen our faith in You so that we may understand the purpose of Your will and to make our love fruitful in service for we are here not to be served but to serve You and Your people. Amen.