“Piet, lagi mong hanapin ang kalooban ng Diyos. Lagi mong dasalin ‘Panginoon, ituro mo sa akin ang kalooban mo. Panginoon, sundin ang loob mo.” (Piet, always seek God’s will. Always pray, ‘Lord, show me your will. Lord, your will be done.) Those were my Lola Piling’s advice to me in the twilight of her life. She repeated these words to me whenever she flew to Manila. As a teenager, I was expecting she would give me tips on how to be rich and successful.
In today’s first reading, Solomon asked for an understanding mind instead of long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. God was pleased with his request and granted it. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about individuals selling everything they had to buy something of greater value. For me, my grandmother seemed to have behaved like these characters. Her priority was to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33). Wealth, prestige, etc. were secondary. Her life was characterized by prayer, family life, and works of evangelization and charity through the hospital and school she and my grandfather founded as well as their active participation in the parish.
Our readings challenge us to take a serious look at our priorities. Are these leading us closer to (or farther from) God? C.S. Lewis once wrote, "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" May we be counted among the former to enjoy the fulness of God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Loving Father, grant us a discerning heart to always know and do your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one or love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” - Luke 16:13
In this parable of the dishonest steward, Jesus tells us of a manager accused of wasting his master’s wealth. Very apt and timely to what is happening in our country today. Facing dismissal, the steward acts quickly and reduces the debts of his master’s debtors, hoping they will all welcome him and care for him once his master dismisses him. To his surprise, he received the masters’ praises, not for his dishonesty in squandering the wealth, but for his shrewdness in doing good to others using the wealth he squandered.
Jesus I believe does not condone greed and acquiring wealth scrupulously, but He urges all of us to use our material wealth wisely—not selfishly, but generously—so that it leads to eternal rewards. Earthly possessions are all temporary. We can’t bring any of them in the next life. No matter how many Billions or even Trillions your money is, nor how many your expensive cars and SUVs you have, it is still nothing as you can’t bring any of them to the grave. But when used to help others, provide food and medicines to those in need, they gain lasting value in God’s eyes.
Jesus teaches that true loyalty cannot be divided. A servant cannot faithfully serve two masters, because devotion to one inevitably leads to neglect of the other. Chasing and focusing on wealth or worldly possessions gain conflicts with wholehearted devotion to God. Wealth itself is not evil, but when it becomes the master of our hearts, it draws us away from our True Master: God.
Let’s all examine where our heart’s ultimate loyalty lies. Let’s all be reminded that we are called to serve God above all, trusting Him as our true source of wealth and life. May we all be reminded that faithfulness in small matters leads to trust in greater ones. We cannot serve two masters. Our loyalty must belong to God alone, not to wealth or possessions.
Prayer
Lord, make us faithful stewards of Your blessings. Teach us to use our time, talents, treasures, and resources with wisdom and generosity. Free our hearts from the grip of wealth, and guide us always to choose You to be our one and only Master above all else, so we may share in eternal life. Amen.
Do you know what a kleptomaniac is? A kleptomaniac takes things, literally.
A mother was cooking a family dinner when someone noticed that she was taking too long. The father checked on her and to his surprise, she was sitting inside the refrigerator. He asked what happened and the mother said, “The cooking instructions said, ‘Chill in the fridge for an hour.’”
During an argument, the girl says to her boyfriend, “I am leaving you. This is not working out.” The boyfriend replied, “I thought we were just arguing. We were not even stretching yet!”
A grandmother bought a movie for her granddaughter to watch at home. While her granddaughter was watching, she cooked dinner and did some chores. After watching, the granddaughter was running to her crying and shaking. The grandmother asked what happened and the granddaughter said, “I did not see any lamb at all!” The title of the movie says, “The Silence of the Lambs.”
We all have the tendency to take things literally, and I do not mean being a kleptomaniac. This means we sometimes lose our common sense. According to Wikipedia, Common Sense is "knowledge, judgement, and taste which is more or less universal, and which is held more or less without reflection or argument. It is often considered to represent the basic level of sound practical judgement or knowledge of basic facts that any adult human being ought to possess.” The keywords here would be, “Sound Practical Judgement.” In our everyday lives, how often do we lose our common sense? Are we even aware that we are capable of sound practical judgement? Listening to the Gospel today, we’ll try to focus on practicing our common sense as a Christian and follower of Christ.
When I was young, I remember a big portrait of Jesus attached on the wall of our house. This picture has an inscription, “The eyes of love” and really, His eyes seem to follow me everywhere. So whenever I want to do a mischievous thing, I would literally hide and make sure that I am out of sight of Jesus’ portrait. The Gospel today reminded me on what Jesus meant when he said, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” It does not really mean cutting off my hand. If my right hand was cut off because I committed sin with it, I still have my left hand to continue committing the same or another sin. And I still have my feet and whole body to do forbidden things. So, it should not be in our literal sense that we try to understand what Jesus said. We can also remember when Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Taking these things literally would mean contradicting His commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”
In our common sense, or in terms of sound practical judgement, we can understand that Jesus is telling us to put God first. As we are always reminded to have Christ at the center of everything. Not to take out everything that comes after, but to let go of whatever replaces God in our life. If our wealth would make us buy more than what we need and store things for our own benefit, then we may consider our wealth something that replaces God in our life. Jesus may tell us, “It is better for you to take no possession of wealth than to be thrown into the unquenchable fires.” Cutting off these things in this sense would also mean true freedom, in which we become more open to share the same love that Jesus gave to us.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, with grateful hearts, we give You thanks for making us stewards of Your great love. May we share this love with one another according to Your will and for Your greater glory. We ask for forgiveness when we lose our common sense in giving literal encouragement to the poor instead of giving food. May You guide us to seek Jesus first in everything that we do, for us to have the true freedom that You meant for us to have. In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN.
How often do we really discern, and beg for the grace of wisdom from God, in our decisions in life? And how seldom do we listen, and acknowledge the movements of the Spirit, for us to respond to God's call?
It is very common nowadays for people to say that their decisions in life are based on "God's Will". We can even see people who use bible verses for them to justify and convince other people that they are obeying God's commandments. While it is good that we follow and obey God, do we also check if our intention to follow is only for ourselves? Do we carefully listen when we pray, "Give US this day OUR daily bread and forgive US OUR trespasses..." and that God wants us to live for others?
Jesus taught us that following and observing God's commandments must not only be for our own benefit. We cannot say we fully observe the commandment "you shall not kill" if we agree on laws on which taking a life is justified as necessary. One cannot say that he or she does not steal, if he or she helps a person who steals to justify that the person did it for the common good. Same thing with sharing information on the internet that are pure lies (like what the so-called trolls do), we are not really obeying the commandment that we shall not bear false witness if we do this. When we do not go through a process of discernment of asking for God's wisdom in our decisions, our intentions become our own goals alone and only for our benefit. It also becomes worse when we already have a sense of what God wants but we still choose to pursue our own understanding. In the Gospel today, the man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, still chose to live for himself even when Jesus already told him what he needs to do.
Oftentimes, we ask God for wisdom especially in our decisions. But when we hear God's voice, we harden our hearts because we still forget to trust Him. Jesus knew that the man lacks trust in God. He offered the man an opportunity to deeply understand that God's commandments are not to be observed selfishly, but obeying means we also keep in mind other people's benefits. Jesus assured us that there is no one who has given up anything for His sake who will not receive a hundred times more of heaven's treasures. We only need to trust in His words and to listen carefully in our prayers. As the letter to the Hebrews says, the Word of God is able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. God continues to listen to our prayers and knows deeply the desires of our hearts. This is why we need to trust and acknowledge that we need God's wisdom in our decisions in life, and for us to say that we are really observing and obeying God's commandments.
Prayer
Send us Your Spirit, dear Lord for us to know the path that we need to take, to follow Jesus closely. We beg for the grace of Your wisdom, for us to be more trusting to You as we respond to Your calling. Grant us a pure heart, so that we may learn to live for others as we observe and obey Your commandments not for ourselves, but for the good of all. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!
Second reading Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and with- out blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.
Gospel Luke 2:41-52
Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant. He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.
Reflection
By Gary Tulabut On New Year’s Day, I shared with you the little milestones of our charismatic community, The Feast, in Angeles City. Well, it took us almost four years before we are finally going live (from using video talks). Among the many reasons for this delay was the disobedience of the servants. I am no exemption. Some time between our launch in 2015 and in 2018, we were given a direction to split up and form smaller groups; once those smaller groups start growing, we have to split them again into smaller groups of around five attendees; and so on until we have enough smaller groups, put them together, and launch one big prayer meeting with live talks. But we did not obey. We were too comfortable with one another that we did not split up. We felt that everything that we have already accomplished will be put to waste. There were many other reasons for our objections. But we kept our slowly growing group. Although some of us did our best to start other group on the side. Still, that’s not splitting up. And they did not grow. Later did we know that all those times, we were being tested. And we failed. Big time. That is why we are still a small group up to now. Well, we have learned our lessons. I’ve learned my lessons…the hard way. Now, we submit ourselves to obedience first before complaining. We humble ourselves as we acknowledge that we are not better than our mentors. Even our Lord Jesus, in today’s Gospel, submitted Himself to obedience that He grew in wisdom in the favor of God and the people.
We grow in wisdom through obedience. And we gain favor from both God and man.
Prayer Lord, thank You for the people You send us to help us grow in wisdom. We’re sorry for our disobedience. We ask Your forgiveness. Amen.
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn herself seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, “You that are simple, turn in here!” To those without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
Second reading Ephesians 5:15-20
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel John 6:51-58
Jesus said to them, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
Reflection
By Jessa Janelle Padilla How do we respond to such invitation? Do we easily respond yes or ask for enough time to think if we’re able to commit or not? Or automatically decline the invitation? Our decision is much important to the invitee. So let’s decide wisely. In our First Reading today, Wisdom invites people into her house for dinner. She lets them eat the food and wine she had mixed and encourages them to forsake foolishness and live in the way of understanding. After the restoration and re-opening of the Manila Cathedral - Basilica in 1958, it invited volunteers to serve in its liturgical functions. It still does almost 60 years later. Upon hearing the invitation, I suddenly thought if I am worthy to accept the invitation. Through prayers and thorough examination of myself, I responded Yes to the invitation and submit an accomplished volunteers application form. Back then, I was so nervous and not confident if they will accept me but indeed God is good. I was accepted to serve Him. Right then, my life changed to a way of understanding. I was able to understand more what God wants me to do and where he leads me. Our Second Reading encourages us to change the way of how we live our lives. We must live as wise persons not as foolish ones. As we grow, we must grow as wise children of God. Doing what is right and good. Yet some may say that we are just human who are prone to commit sins. Yes we are but we are given by the Holy Spirit with the gift of wisdom wherein it is the intimate understanding of God's Word and His commandments which results in holy and upright living. So let's live our lives with the practicing the gift of wisdom.
Our First and Second Readings today are all about removing our foolishness and live with understanding by practicing the gift of wisdom. This prepares us to understand what our Gospel talks about. Jesus told to the crowds that He is the living bread that came down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live forever and the bread that He will give is his flesh for the life of the world. Then the Jews started to quarrel about it. We usually had doubts on what other people talk about most especially when these people always lie. After hearing their talk, we also start to ask questions and check the credibility of information. We also start arguments with regard to it. We are like the Jews. But can we not be like them? Can we just listen and believe? Let's not be like the Jews. Let's become and live as a true Christian who believes on what God says regardless of how impossible to believe His thoughts are. Let us live by His Word and eat His bread since those who eats this bread will live forever. Prayer O Lord, help us to imitate the way on how You lived. May we use the gift of wisdom from the the Holy Spirit on how we make decisions for our lives. We thank You for feeding us with the food of life that may bring us eternal life. Amen.
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.
GospelMatthew 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.
“ God
will not hear our prayers unless we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners. We do
this when we ponder on our own sins alone, and not on those of our neighbor. “ -
St. Moses the Ethiopian
First Reading: Ezekiel 17:
22 – 24
Thus says the Lord GOD:
"I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar, and will set
it out; I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and
I myself will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain;
on the mountain height of
Israel will I plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit, and
become a noble cedar; and under it will dwell all kinds of beasts; in the shade
of its branches birds of every sort will nest.
And all the trees of the
field shall know that I the LORD bring low the high tree, and make high the low
tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have
spoken, and I will do it."
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
92:2-3, 13-16
Second Reading: 2
Corinthians 5: 6 - 10
So we are always of good
courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the
Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage, and we would
rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
So whether we are at home
or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according
to what he has done in the body.
Gospel: Mark 4: 26 – 34
And he said, "The
kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should
sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not
how. The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full
grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle,
because the harvest has come." And he said, "With what can we compare
the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?
It is like a grain of
mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the
seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all
shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make
nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as
they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them without a parable, but
privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Reflection
By: Gharri Tulabut
Have you ever been in a
situation when you were so helpless you cannot defend your beliefs against
detractors from other faiths? I did. And it was very frustrating!
We can cite many reasons
why we Catholics lack deep understanding of our faith. I used to blame the
clergy for not exerting extra time to really engage us in study of the Bible. A
twenty-minute homily per week seemed to be enough for them and leave everything
up to catechists and religion teachers. Oh, how I used to envy born-again
Christians who have their regular Bible studies and Sunday school. Some blame their
parents for not bringing them to Church early in their lives. Some even blame
the Bible itself for being not so straight forward and open to many different
interpretations.
But because of the many
frustrations I had in not being able to defend my faith, I started to search. I
read many devotional and apologist books, joined fellowship groups and Bible
studies, subscribed to Catholic magazine, attended seminars, conventions, and
conferences, and optimized the use of internet to improve my knowledge of our
faith. Most of all, I stopped blaming others but myself. And that was the for
me to make efforts to improve my knowledge about our faith, little by little
each time.
Now, though I am still
very far from being an apologist or expert, there are times that I am surprised
when I am able to explain certain things about our faith to my nephews and
nieces and even to some of my friends. I know that with the desire to improve,
God will intervene and help us increase our wisdom. As mentioned in Wis 6:12,
“by those who love wisdom, it is readily seen, by those who seek wisdom, it is
readily found.”
I think this is also true
in other aspects of life, may it be our finances, our profession or our
relationships. We cannot change things over night. But with the little
consistent efforts we can accomplish our goals. Some call this the law of the
harvest. Whatever you plant no matter how small, you will have harvest in the
future. Even our faith, though as small
as a mustard seed, may become the largest of trees.
Prayer
Thank you Holy Spirit for
the gift of wisdom! May we continue to improve our understanding of our faith
so that we may be able to spread the branches of Good News to the world, Amen!
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord: let us acclaim God our salvation, alleluia.
First reading Wisdom 9:13-18 What man indeed can know the intentions of God? Who can divine the will of the Lord? The reasonings of mortals are unsure and our intentions unstable; for a perishable body presses down the soul, and this tent of clay weighs down the teeming mind. It is hard enough for us to work out what is on earth, laborious to know what lies within our reach; who, then, can discover what is in the heavens? As for your intention, who could have learnt it, had you not granted Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from above? Thus have the paths of those on earth been straightened and men been taught what pleases you, and saved, by Wisdom.
Psalm: Psalm 89:3-6,12-14,17
Second reading Philemon 1:9-10,12-17 This is Paul writing, an old man now and, what is more, still a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for a child of mine, whose father I became while wearing these chains: I mean Onesimus. I am sending him back to you, and with him – I could say – a part of my own self. I should have liked to keep him with me; he could have been a substitute for you, to help me while I am in the chains that the Good News has brought me. However, I did not want to do anything without your consent; it would have been forcing your act of kindness, which should be spontaneous. I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord. So if all that we have in common means anything to you, welcome him as you would me.
Gospel Luke 14:25-33 Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “‘ Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’
Reflection By Pietro S. Albano
Eugene is a highly skilled professional in Manila. His job as a manager was something he had dreamed of while he was still studying in college. The company where he's employed looked really promising, same goes with his career. His salary was alright; he could buy what he needed and has some savings in the bank. In spite of this, his wife lives and works. His wife's job has good pay too as well as the chances of getting a promotion. They see each other from time to time; either he visits his wife for a month abroad or she visits him at home. At one point Eugene felt that this should not go on and decided to leave Manila to be with his wife. With a heavy heart, he flew to where his wife lives. He brought all his credentials (diploma, transcript of records, CV, etc) so he could apply for work. It wasn't easy as the country where his wife works has a different standard from the Philippines. Weeks became months and the poor guy still has no job and relies on his wife. He didn't forsee such eventualities crossing his way. He became depressed which made him not think clearly. To his depression was added the rather coldness of his wife who would call him "Tanga" (idiot) whenever he makes mistakes. Eugene wanted to come home, but the fear of being ridiculed and maligned by others prevents him from making this decision. Apart from that is the mentality that anyone who comes from abroad has money. He decided to stay with his wife. He later got a job and although it is not the same as what he had before, he chose to put up with it. He moved on.
Jesus, in today's Gospel, warns those who wish to follow Him to take a serious look at the cost of being His disciples before making a decision. To have that wisdom to learn God's intention as what the First Reading tells us. Otherwise, we will end up like Eugene who wasn't wise enough to forsee the consequences of his actions.
Father, forgive us for the many times that we have made a fool of ourselves by choosing what we thought would make us happy, for selecting those that we thought would give you glory. Pardon us when we choose falsely, when we jump into conclusions, when we make rash judgments against others. Have mercy on us for the many moments when we blamed others except ourseleves. Send us Your Spirit of Wisdom to assist us in finding out Your will and in following the footsteps of Jesus who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
ANABELLE PAYOD-BALLA is married and is blessed with four lovely daughters. Currently the Faith section Editor, Ana is one of the Tanghalang Anluwage’s members since its inception in 1991.
ART B. REYES is a semiconductor engineering professional. He is one of the founding members of Tanghalang Anluwage.
ELIZABETH R. EGUIA is an employee of a software provider company in Malaysia and has dedicated herself in bringing the Gospel to the barangay level.
NICOLA ALBANO-RACHIELE was a cardiac nurse for almost 8 years in Manhattan, NY before moving to Bethlehem, PA where she continues her career at St. Luke's University Health Network Electrophysiology Laboratory.
GRACE B. MADRINAN is an Industrial Engineering graduate of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and currently works for a semiconductor company in Cavite.
EDGARDO TULABUT is a Logistics supervisor, Financial educator, Health Advocate, Future Feast Builder under the Light of Jesus-Pampanga, Blogger, Christian Music Enthusiast, & a Coffee Freak.
FIDJI RIVERA - SARMIENTO is a special educator, answered her calling to teach beyond their home-front by establishing her own intervention center. An advocate of the inclusion education system & of the handmade revolution.
MAYZELLE ATIENZA worked for 12 years as a product engineer in Intel Technology Philippines. She is currently serving as a full-time volunteer staffer for her Catholic charismatic community.
JEANNE THERESE HILARIO ANDRES was a youth worker of Christ’s Youth in Action and now a married mom of two. She and her husband are members of The Sword of the Spirit.
BENJ SANTIAGO is involved with keeping families together, & helping achieve financial independence. A member of Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen & Professionals, and Magis Deo Community.
FELY SANTIAGO is a Financial Teacher at International Marketing Group, a
Financial Mentor, Wealth Circle & Truly Rich Club, Bo Sanchez, Inc, and Head, Financial Mentoring Ministry, The Feast Bay Area.
ROSALINDA MARKELL was a Regent of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate of St. Joseph Church,Gagalangin, Tondo. Now residing in the US, was blessed with 5 children & now have 13 grandchildren, & 3 great-grand-children.
PATTY DE LA ROSA-PAAT is the writer for the web's "Ano Yun?" sub-section. She also serves as a catechist in her parish in Laguna, Philippines.
PAM MANZANO is Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology graduate. She is the only daughter of TA senior member, the late Eliza Manzano and has a son named Piel.
GRACE JAMANDRI - FLORES is a public high school teacher in social studies. She was a parish youth leader and catechist in her younger years.
RENATO C. VIBIESCA
is teaching Literature & Creative Writing at the PUP, Jose Rizal University & St. Paul University in Quezon City. He's also contributing stories for Gospel Komiks and other publications.
THERESA BALLO is a graduate of BS Psychology in UST. She is currently working as a formation staff at the Campus Ministry and Service Office of Xavier School Nuvali.
CRIS BALLA manages a mobile apps and games design and development company. He also writes programs and designs graphics elements. He is the husband of Ana, Faith Section Editor.
MARK RODNEY P. VERTIDO is a teacher who now teaches at Holy Spirit Academy Manila. He is deeply involved in their Diocesan Youth Commission as a volunteer and other youth endeavors.
CARLO ALEXIS MALALUAN is a seminarian for the Diocese of Imus, Cavite. He have earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology before entering the Seminary. He is one of the facilitators of Online Usapang Bokasyon, an online vocation talk show of the Ministri sa Bokasyon of the Diocese of Imus. During his free time, he would spend reading books and illustrating.
MA. ROSALINA FLORES is a Technical Assistant at the Program Division of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines National Headquarters. She's also a member of the Manila Cathedral's Ministry of Lectors and Commentators.
JESSSA JANELLE PADILLA is a government employee. She is also a member of the Manila Cathedral - Basilica's Ministry of Lectors and Commentators.
JOSE PAULO M. GONZALES is a seminarian. He loves biking, swimming, and checking out new places and awesome sceneries. A lifelong learner and curious navigator, he believes there’s still a lot of wonder in life to be found.
