Feast of the Holy Family (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Feast of the Holy Family (C), December 30, 2012

Liturgical readings


Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

"On the third day they came upon him in the temple."


Like all Jewish families, St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother brought the Lord Jesus with them for the feast of the Passover. The Lord was twelve years of age at the time. When the feast ended, his parents returned home not knowing that he remained behind. As soon as Joseph and Mary realized this, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him. On the third day of their search, they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers of the Law. When Mary expressed her anxiety at not having him by their side, Jesus replied in words his parents did not understand.


St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother were responsible parents. Although the Lord Jesus may have known the way back home - since it was their yearly custom to do so - his parents nevertheless wanted to be certain that he was safe. Both of them knew in faith that they were entrusted with someone of divine origin because of the many events related to his birth: the angel Gabriel; the miraculous conception of Elizabeth; the angel's messages to Joseph in his dreams; the visit of the shepherds; the visit and gifts of  the Magi.  But Joseph and Mary's human understanding cannot grasp yet the words Jesus spoke at the Temple. The Lord's wisdom and knowledge are beyond any human understanding.


The Lord Jesus, like any Jewish boy, was obedient to his parents. Tradition recounts that he spent thirty years in Nazareth growing up with the people of his own generation. His mother kept all the events related to her son in her memory and contemplated them in her heart. Jesus also learned the trade of his foster-father Joseph: carpentry. Nothing much is known about this hidden years, except that Jesus progressed steadily in wisdom before God and his townmates in Nazareth. This story of the Finding in the Temple, and mention of their hidden family life, reminds us of the many good qualities each of them exemplifies for every member of the Christian family.

Points for reflection: How can the Holy Family inspire us to treasure the traditional Catholic values we have always known?

4th Sunday of Advent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

4th Sunday of Advent (C), December 23, 2012

Liturgical readings


Micah 5:1-4a
Psalm 80
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

"Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."


There are only a few passages in the New Testament which refer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this Sunday's gospel passage, we find her visiting her cousin Elizabeth. She does not speak in the passage, except for a mention of her greeting. That greeting caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Much joy filled Elizabeth's heart that she praised Mary for trusting the Lord's words. We can note that Elizabeth's words of praise became part of every Catholic's prayer in the rosary. Both Elizabeth's and Mary's humility before God's mercy is rooted in that patient hope of a people awaiting their deliverance from God - fulfilled after 42 generations have gone since the time of their ancestor Abraham.


Meditating on this mystery of the Visitation, we can gain much wisdom as we reflect upon the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. We can discover God's grace can enter our human history even in the most unexpected places. And involving members of Jewish society who were closest to God in prayer. A virgin from Nazareth (who knows no man) conceives the Word of God in her immaculate womb. An aged and married woman (known to be barren) conceives a son in her old age (in a town of Judah not even named in the gospel). Two miraculous conceptions. Two miracles of life. Miracles of life that will bring great tidings and joy to the world. And it all began with a simple, humble trust and obedience in God's Word.


To trust in God and His will is what we are all called to do daily. This is not easy, for this faith will be tried several times during our mortal life. Mary is a good example for us in the exercise of faith and obedience to God's will. That is why next to Jesus, she is the most loved and the one whom many go to in times of need. This gospel shows us that she is ready to help those who are in need of her assistance. Thus devoting ourselves to her, she will always intercede to God for us for the necessary graces to live virtuous lives. Just as the gospel presents her bringing the Good News of salvation and deliverance from sin to her cousin Elizabeth, our devotion to Mary will also lead us to a greater praise of God's mercy and a greater love for Christ, our Redeemer and Prince of Peace.

Points for reflection: What are the obstacles that prevent us from having more trust and faith in God's will? How can our devotion to Mary help us in our Christian journey of faith in God's Word?

3rd Sunday of Advent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

3rd Sunday of Advent (C), December 16, 2012

Liturgical readings


Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

"What ought we to do?"


Last Sunday, we saw St. John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In this Sunday's gospel, he continues to preach - this time addressing himself to three groups of people: those who have a surplus of basic needs, a group of tax collectors, and a company of soldiers. These groups of people are the rich, and those employed by the Roman empire to have power over its subjects (financially and by military force). When John proclaimed a baptism of repentance, these people wanted to know what this meant for them. So they asked him directly. St. John was very practical in his response: he instructed them to care for those who were marginalized in the Empire -the poor and the powerless.


St. John's appearance in the Jordan area reminded the people of God's promises through the prophet Zephaniah: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion...the Lord has removed the judgment against you." The people wondered also if John the Baptist was the Messiah, but John said plainly that he was not, and that the Messiah will come soon, to baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and in fire. Before this baptism of the Messiah was to be fulfilled, John was entrusted by the Lord to emphasize to the people the need for repentance and to care for others. He exhorted those with surpluses and those who wielded authority and power, to use them not as the pagans do, but with the charity, justice and mercy Yahweh requires of them.


Charity, justice and mercy. Three Christian virtues to safeguard our spiritual path from a direction of selfishness, unfair practices, and abuse of power. It takes time to examine ourselves, to reflect, and to see in what ways we may have failed to practice these virtues during the year. But Advent is a special season of grace for us. It is a time for prayer and purification, in joyful expectation of One who alone can give us that quality of hope to endure any present trial or distress (and to practice virtue even in the midst of adversity). Advent is a season to patiently wait for the Promised One. He alone can give us that quality of peace that cannot be destroyed, since it is rooted in God's love for all humanity and creation.

Points for reflection: Everyone of us is gifted by God with unique abilities, talents, intelligences or resources. How can each one of us practice in his own state of life that charity, justice and mercy God requires of us? In what ways can we extend our hand to the less fortunate in our immediate neighborhood this Advent?

2nd Sunday of Advent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

2nd Sunday of Advent (C), December 9, 2012

Liturgical readings


Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Luke 3:1-6

"Make ready the way of the Lord."


St. John the Baptist is a strong character in the readings during the Advent season. His leadership is a prophetic service to his people - leading them to a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Entrusted by the Lord to prepare God's people for the coming of the Messiah, his baptism will take away their "robes of mourning and misery" - caused by many infidelities to Yahweh. So we see St. John in the gospel crying out in the Jordan river and calling the people to prepare for their salvation in God. This salvation will make them see once more that God's promises and His faithfulness are true: the Lord has, is, and will continue to do great things for them, and fill their hearts and their land with His mercy, justice and joy.


Repentance and amendment of life. These are very important themes to reflect upon during Advent; it helps to make our hearts ready for the Lord.  It can begin with the grace and healing received in Confession. When our sins have been taken away by the Lord in the Sacrament, it makes strong our life of charity in God's name: in every thought, word and deed. The law of Christ is not only something external to us, but is engraved much more deeply within our heart and soul. We learn in the Spirit and in the Church that only Jesus can save us, and that our hopes find its true fulfillment in Him. God saves, but we also have to do our part in working for our salvation, as well as that of our neighbor's, through the grace of perseverance and fortitude we receive from Him.


To repent and amend our life needs a little more work. We have to take it to heart and to daily practice. It is especially in these times when the family is beset by so much uncertainty and moral degeneration, that Christ's call becomes stronger: calling every family to renew their commitment to work for His kingdom. The Lord's prophetic call at the beginning of His public life echoes also during Advent: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." It only takes humble and contrite hearts to make that first steps needed to renew our resolutions and make ready the way of the Lord. Once we resolve to a renewal of hearts and minds to God, Jesus will be with us despite all the uncertainty and adversity we experience around us. He is our Emmanuel; He will continue to be with us for all time.

Points for reflection: How can we see adversity as the source of our salvation in Christ? How can we see our faults and weaknesses as entry points for the redeeming grace of Jesus?

1st Sunday of Advent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

1st Sunday of Advent (C), December 2, 2012

Liturgical readings


Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25
1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

"Pray constantly..."


Not many Catholics see the value of constant prayer. But this contributes much to spiritual alertness to our mortality, and consciousness of the need for God and His salvation. Jesus Himself tells His disciples to pray constantly, for it will guard them against all indulgence, drunkenness and worldly cares. The Lord meant this counsel not only for His disciples, but to all people of all cultures who will believe in His words. For by praying constantly in faith, all who believe will be given "the strength to escape whatever is in prospect" (as He says in this Sunday's gospel for Advent). With constant prayer and the gift of faith, all can "stand secure before the Son of Man".


What does Catholic spirituality say about "constant prayer"? Maybe we think that this ideal is incompatible with a busy life in today's modern context. But the counsels of spiritual masters can convince us that it is an ideal possible if it is taken to heart (and to practice). Below are some quotes that can give us ideas for our own personal prayer:


"the remembrance of Jesus...with each breath." (St. John Climacus)


"we must pray literally without ceasing - without ceasing - in every occurence and enjoyment of our lives." (St. Elizabeth Seton)


"those words that struck you when you were praying: engrave this in your memory..." (St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer)



From the time of Jesus, to St. John Climacus (7th century), to St. Elizabeth Seton (18th century), to St. Josemaria Escriva (20th century), and to our present Eucharistic celebrations, the spirit of constant prayer is kept aflame in preparation for the Parousia (the Second Coming of the Lord). We do not know when this will happen. But it is wise to be prepared (like the 5 wise virgins in the parable of the 10 bridesmaids). If we faithfully join in the constant prayers of the Church, and do what is asked of our state, we need not worry of "dying of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth". For even if the "powers in the heavens will be shaken", we can learn daily to wait with joy for the salvation promised by the Lord.

Points for reflection: How can we keep aflame the spirit of constant prayer in our hearts? What can we resolve to do to avoid a direction to "indulgence, drunkenness and worldly cares" this Advent-Christmas?

Solemnity of Christ the King (B)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

34th Sunday of the Year (B), November 25, 2012

Solemnity of Christ the King

Liturgical readings


Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33b-37

"As it is, my kingdom is not here."


The gospel presents Jesus being interrogated by Pilate with the initial question, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Then the first reading from the book of Daniel presents the image of the Son of Man, who upon reaching the Ancient One, received dominion, glory and kingship. The responsorial psalm then chants with: "The Lord is king; He is robed in majesty." And the second reading begins with this line: "Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead and ruler of the kings of earth." All four Scripture passages speak of the Lord Jesus as our King.


The Kingdom Jesus wants to establish begins in our hearts. When the quality of our faith grows to the level of quality as the good soil in the parable of the sower and the seed, then God's Kingdom will be established well in us. Jesus began this mission of building this Kingdom with the apostles and His other disciples. But it was at Pentecost that this Kingdom became a community of men and women, with one mind and heart in God. As this community grew, they shared God's Word and and celebrated His Life. The Church continues this mission and leads all the members of God's Kingdom towards their eternal destiny.


God's kingdom is born and reborn in every one at a baptismal consecration. It is a Kingdom where God's mercy and goodness abides. As members of this Kingdom, we are called to do our part so that our hearts are in accord with God's Heart (and to call others to believe in the Kingdom). One tradition which Catholics follow for God's Kingdom to dwell in the home is to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the house. A priest officiates the rite of enthronement. Once the Sacred Heart is already enthroned in a home, all that is needed is to renew that consecration. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps the family see God as the true King and Lord of the home.

Points for reflection: In what ways can we make the Heart of God and His Kingdom reign in our hearts?

33rd Sunday of the Year (B)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

33rd Sunday of the Year (B), November 18, 2012

Liturgical readings


Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Mark 13:24-32

"The heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will not."


Jesus spoke of His coming again - "in the clouds, with great power and glory" (not anymore as child wrapped in swaddling clothes at Bethlehem). He spoke of the need to be watchful and vigilant, for no one knows that day or hour. Not the angels, not even Himself; only God the Father knows. Much destruction will occur during those days. The heavens and the earth will pass away. But the Lord reassures all, that His words will not pass away. That is why He calls us to believe in His words, that we may have hope and cleave to God as our Redeemer and Saviour.


Catholic spirituality has this important character of being ready and prepared for the Day of the Son of Man. As early as the 1st century, St. Paul was already preparing the young Christian churches. He said: "stand firm ... keep the traditions ... let Jesus be your comfort and strength in everything that you do or say" (1 Thessalonians 2:15ff). What he says is true. Whether the Day of the Son of Man comes during our own lifetime (or not), only Jesus will be our comfort and our strength. For "it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time" (Daniel 12:1ff).


The End Times. Death and God's judgment. But God's justice is qualified by His mercy. What can give us confidence before God during those days? St. Claude la Colombière (instrumental in propagating devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus) has an attitude towards death which is a good example for us:


"What would give me confidence before God's judgment would be nothing other than the number and greatness of my sins. Here is a confidence really worthy of God: far from allowing us to be depressed by the sight of our faults, it strengthens us ... by its infinite conception of the goodness of our Creator".

Points for reflection: What verses in the Scriptures remind us of the goodness of God? As parents or godparents, how can we instill in the young a love for the Bible?

"She gave from her want, all that she had to live on."

1 Kings 17:10-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

"She gave from her want, all that she had to live on."


1 Kings 17:10-16 and Mark 12:38-44 both present widows as protagonists in their stories. Despite their poverty, these widows still continued in their trust and confidence in Yahweh. The prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16) and Jesus (Mark 12:38-44) showed to these widows that God cares for them and all the little ones in society. Both Elijah and Jesus did not look at the poverty of the widows, but more on their great virtue of faith and trust in God. The faith of the widow in 1 Kings 17:10-16 saved her (and her only son) from hunger and death, while the widow in Mark's gospel earned her much praise from Jesus, and the attention she deserved from everyone in the synagogue who listened to Jesus.


Psalm 146 expresses well how God takes good care of the least of His children:


"The Lord ... secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets captives free ...
The Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord raises up those that are bowed down;
The Lord loves the just ...
The fatherless and the widow He sustains ... (Psalm 146:7ff)


The example of the two widows helps us learn very well that God should be our true hope and our future. Despite their dire situation, they opened their hearts so that God's providential care may enter their lives. We too are called to be open and to see how the Lord wants to enter our lives. We need not wait to be in dire straits (like the two widows in the readings), before we realize the value of placing our hope and trust in God. God calls us always. And sometimes in moments when we least expect it. Through the relationships and work we have in our respective states of life, God calls us and shows His desire to dwell in our hearts and souls. Our response is simple: to place our trust and confidence in Him, and to persevere in our faith and in His promise of eternal life.

"There is no other commandment greater than these."

Liturgical readings


Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28b-34

"There is no other commandment greater than these."


A scribe went to ask Jesus about God's commandments. Jesus replied with two commandments that summarizes what can be found in the Ten Commandments: first, to love God with our whole being (1st to 3rd commandments); and second, to love our neighbor as ourselves (4th to 10th commandments). Then Jesus added, "there is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe was pleased with the answer of Jesus, and confirmed that following these commandments "is worth more than any burnt offering or sacrifice."


To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love our neighbor as ourselves. These two commandments contain the Christian ethic to cultivate reverence and respect for God, and all He has created - including the environment. We know if we are obeying God just by examining what we have done, what we are doing, and how we treat others and ourselves. If we fill our mind, heart, and soul with God's Word and the Sacraments, then we will have the strength to do good and to continue to do what is right. Only when we patiently endure to do God's will can we receive His promise of eternal life.


We know by experience that following God's commandments is not always easy. But practicing a devotion helps. And a popular devotion that all Catholics can make is a devotion to Mary. St. Louis-Marie de Montfort (member of the French school of spirituality which includes St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, St. Francis de Sales, and St. John Eudes) advices this devotion to Mary because:


The Blessed Virgin prevents virtues from fading away ... merits from being wasted ... and graces from being lost; she prevents devils from doing harm (True Devotion to Mary #174)

Together with a devotion to the Eucharist, both can anchor us well to God in times of trial and adversity. Through these devotions, the Lord will sustain us and keep our souls rooted in His Life and teachings, whether it be in adversity or prosperity.

"Rabboni, I want to see."

Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52

"Rabboni, I want to see."


The endnotes of one or two bible translations say that the term 'Rabboni', is a solemn Aramaic term for Master or Teacher. Bartimaeus in Mark's gospel uses 'Rabboni' to address Jesus. If you remember, during the season of Easter, this 'Rabboni' was also spoken by Mary Magdalene (in John 20:16) when she saw Jesus risen from the tomb. It seems coincidental that Bartimaeus (who was blind) and Mary Magdalene (who lost 'sight'of the Lord) both said, "Rabboni". It was more common for the gospel writers to use the term "Rabbi" in addressing Jesus. What would have been the intention of St. Mark and St. John to use "Rabboni"?


We should be grateful now that we understand with faith that Jesus is the Son of God. But during the Lord's earthly ministry, His own people did not see, nor realize who He really is. Jesus had performed many signs and miracles that made a strong and positive impact among His people, but many still failed to "see" Jesus in His divine nature. It had to be the witness of a sightless beggar and a woman whom seven devils were expelled, to see something more than just a Rabbi or Teacher in their midst. The quality of Bartimaeus' and Mary Magdalene's faith made them see beyond mere appearances, to look into the truth more deeply. Faith in the truth spurred them to take action: Bartimaeus began to follow Jesus up the road, while Mary went to the other disciples to announce the Good News of Jesus rising from the dead.


Seeing the Lord from the perspective of Bartimaeus and Mary is a call to see beyond mere intellectual understanding of who Jesus is. It was faith in Jesus that led Bartimaeus to discipleship and Mary Magdalene to witnessing. We can learn a lot from their example. Their faith in Jesus bore fruit in the desire to follow Him and to witness to His presence. Bartimaeus and Mary were both simple folks during Jesus' earthly minsitry. As the gospel attests, most of those who had faith in Christ were ordinary people. This is why the gospel spread fast, because the "masses" make up most of the population. Although there is no popular account or story in Tradition that say Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene became martyrs or missionaries to far-flung areas of the Roman Empire, their following and witnessing to Jesus was like a mustard seed that helped the infant Church to have faith and to grow more followers of that faith.

"Anyone who wants to rank first must serve the needs of all."

Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

"Anyone who wants to rank first must serve the needs of all."


There arose a feeling of indignation among the apostles because two of their own rank, James and John, approached Jesus and requested that they be sitted one at His right, and the other at His left (when He comes into His glory). To remedy the situation, Jesus called all of them and emphasized the priority of service above positions of honor and authority. His own words and deeds attest to this teaching. Jesus Himself exemplified service as a poor, itinerant preacher going about many villages to heal the sick, to reconcile sinners back to God, and to give hope by raising many dead back to life.


A life of serving others - in family, work or community - is not an easy responsibility or commitment. It takes God's grace from the Sacraments and the daily practice of prayer and work to continue, persevere and be faithful until the end. Whenever we encounter difficulty in any of our responsibilities, we can remember what St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans as a source of encouragement or consolation:


Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) God will provide timely help for anyone who trusts in Him in whatever responsibilities he needs to complete.




This is the wisdom that many should believe in. For those who are called to positions of authority, then the example of Jesus can help them see how they are to accomplish their work. What is important is not to fall into the temptation of wielding power and authority that causes disunity and disharmony - just as James and John did. Jesus and the example of saintly monarchs in our Catholic history can inspire and protect us from falling into this temptation. To resist the temptation to power and authority without a strong sense of responsibility and ethics calls for an attitude of valuing the common good above personal interests, valuing mercy above material motivations, and valuing God above all loves - be it persons or things.

"They are no longer two but one flesh."

Liturgical readings


Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

"They are no longer two but one flesh."


Christ's love for the Church is the basis for the indissolubility of the sacramental bond of marriage. Just as Christ was faithful until the end, so the Church calls all married couples to root their marital life in Christ's example of fidelity. Faithfulness is not an easy virtue to practice. It is in fact a difficult virtue to practice in any state of life. But with the grace of God, it can be done. And it will not certainly be always difficult. Fidelity in marriage between man and woman is very important to any society, because it is the living cell that stabilizes relationships in any society. It is also the nursery of vocations to the Church. It is the ideal we need to uphold so that the moral standards of society will not degenerate and completely break down.


In one of her meditation recordings, Sister Joan Chittister (an American Benedictine), reflects on the meaning of fidelity and commitment. She says commitment is very costly, and there will be times when we experience only the "will to commitment, instead of the joy". There will also be doubts and times of distance, but all these are part of it. In such times, Sr. Joan counsels us not to run from difficulties but to work through problems - patiently enduring what needs to be done. We will certainly receive encouragement from family and friends, and to look at situations from fresh new angles. More than these, those whose commitments are tried and troubled need not forget to seek counsel from professionals, and most of all from the old and the wise, who have definitely seen and experienced more to life than younger generations.


Many Saints in their writings give spiritual counsel for fidelity and commitment. They teach that meditating on the life of the Lord - especially His Passion and Death on the Cross - is very helpful. Reflecting on the Lord's suffering can teach us self-denial, patience, forbearance, humility, perseverance, mercy and love - important virtues that help anyone in the commitment to marriage. It will open anyone's eyes to see how the example of the Lord's fidelity can give not only meaning, but also the strength to persevere in the commitments of married life. Though couples may experience infidelities (in its many forms), at one or more times in their marriage, God is merciful. He always gives an opportunity to renew the ties that bind. He has given us His Son (in the Sacraments) to heal the wounds caused by infidelities, and to continue once more in the vocation of marriage - a vocation rooted very much in Jesus' love for the Church.

"Anyone who is not against us is with us."

Liturgical readings


Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 19
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

"Anyone who is not against us is with us."


In the Jerusalem Bible, Mark's gospel passage is divided into three parts. Each of the three parts have the following paragraph headings: "On using the name of Jesus" (Mk 9:38-40), "Charity shown to Christ's disciples (Mk 9:41), and "On leading others astray" (Mk 9:42-48). One common theme running through all these three paragraph headings and sections is the theme of Christian discipleship. The Lord taught His disciples what is important in Christian discipleship: to work for the common good of the faith; to make their ministry bear fruit in charity; and to avoid occasions of sin - especially what can be scandalous in the eyes of other believers.


Working for the common good of the faith. In the gospel passage, when the apostle John saw someone who was not of their company use the name of the Lord to expel demons, he reported it at once to Jesus. John reported to Jesus a situation he understood on the level of appearances and human associations. But Jesus led John to go beyond just his political way of understanding. Jesus led John to see it from the perspective of the Kingdom's ultimate purpose: to heal the sick, expel demons, and reconcile as many people back to God. For Jesus, what was more important than viewing it only at the level of political associations, is to see everything and everyone working for the common good of the Kingdom. Everything done in the Lord's name (the common good) is for the Kingdom.


If we in our present generation follow this teaching of Jesus, we will realize an important responsibility: working for what unites towards the common ground, rather than be in adversarial relationship to one another due to our differences. It is not an easy counsel to follow, because we will need to forget our differences and cultivate a spirit that works along common grounds. Cultivation of this spirit needs more prayer, and a sincere desire to work in harmony with others. If we cannot convince or convert others to be Catholics, nor let them see the truth in what we believe, then we are called to respect whatever they believe in, and work along lines where universal values are commonly agreed upon. These universal values are what humanity generally agree upon: values like peace, universal human rights, and non-violent actions. But the ultimate goal and mission of the Church is to bring as many people to be baptized and receive the sacramental benefits all Catholics receive.

"He put His arms around a little child."

Liturgical readings


Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Psalm 54
James 3:16 - 4:3
Mark 9:30-37

"He put His arms around a little child."


World history records kingdoms built on pride, power, and money. This is the order by which world civilizations (guided by what is sinful in our humanity) dominate others - a truth classical teachers call "hubris". Jesus, however, teaches about a kingdom whose values are built on top, and within this order: one ordered towards humility, self-sacrifice and charity. He points to the attitude of a little child (as opposed to the domineering attitudes of his apostles), as a greater value to signify this kingdom. His disciples were arguing about who was the most important among themselves, but the child Jesus presented made them see that children in God's kingdom know that the most important Person of all is the Father. He is the One who provides and cares for all His children. Such a great lesson by a great Teacher. And One who Himself exemplifies humility in all its truth.


The disciples as yet did not understand that the kingdom Jesus was leading them to would have as its pillar their own Master's passion, death and resurrection. Not only did they fail to understand, but they were overwhelmed by the tragic events Jesus had to pass through. And so, when their egos were under attack, they, like abandoned children, fled and sought refuge for fear of the Jews. Only when Jesus rose again from the dead were they comforted and encouraged with a peace that only God as Father can give. In all His resurrection appearances, Jesus greeted all His followers with "Peace". It was God's arms of peace in the Person of His Son Jesus that embraced them and dissipated the fears and anxieties brought about by their Teacher's crucifixion and death.


Relating to God as our Father is part of our Catholic tradition. In Catholic spirituality, this relationship was developed well by St. Therese of the Child Jesus (and also by St. Gabriel Possenti, a Passionist). For those who have read St. Therese's autobiography, it is very easy to understand why her life exemplifies very well the lesson Jesus teaches about childlikeness and humility. If one is able to read her autobiography (The Story of a Soul), you will see that holiness can begin from childlike attitudes that are practiced in any state of life. St. Therese's experience of God's love embracing her soul shows clearly that the kingdom of God is present even in the most humble situations of family, daily work, and living in community with others.

To judge by God's standards

Liturgical readings


Isaiah 50:4c-9a
Psalm 116
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

"Judge by God's standards, not by man's."


When Peter declared that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus took the opportunity to teach them what this meant - in relation to Himself, and to Peter and his companions. It was a difficult teaching that Peter's limited understanding took hold of him, and made him dissuade Jesus from the terrible fate of the Cross. Jesus, understanding God's will, rebuked Peter, and took occasion to teach everyone within hearing about self-denial, the cross, Christian discipleship, and life itself. All the truths that Christ taught on that occasion is in our Christian faith - often heard during the liturgical season of Lent. These truths that Jesus emphasized become more real for us whenever we find ourselves in a situation of adversity.


Going back to the gospel passage, we will see that Peter appeared to have missed hearing the end of Jesus' explanation: "...and to rise three days later." Suffering, rejection and death from Jesus' first words struck Peter's attention, that he missed listening to what would happen after all that. Humanly speaking, it can happen to us too. Perhaps not in the same way as Peter's but similar, according to how we are overwhelmed by a series of negative, death-related events. Like Peter, we get absorbed by the bad appearance and forget to "listen" to the good God can still do. We must avoid judging on human standards alone.


God became man in Jesus to show us that human suffering and death is not the end. By His resurrection, He showed a path to love, hope and life. We understand all human pain and death from this perspective of Christ conquering death. Jesus has created a new standard above our ordinary way of seeing and understanding. It is a noble standard. We are reminded of this noble standard every time we celebrate the Eucharist. In communion, when we receive the Body of Christ, our lives are elevated to the standard of Christ's Life. This is the reason why we revere much the image of the Crucified Jesus. Although our physical sight sees suffering, by prayer and the gift of faith, we know that God sent His Son Jesus to elevate our human understanding to God's standards.

"Ephphatha!"

Liturgical readings


Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37

"Ephphatha!"


Healing from Jesus' hands comes about because of an act of humility and a response of faith on the part of the one who seeks healing. This act of humility and and response of faith can also be made by a group of people concerned with their ailing companion. A passage from Mark's gospel is a good example of this act of humility and response of faith. A group of people from the Ten Cities begged Jesus to cure their companion who was both deaf and mute. Some of Jesus' healing miracles involved just a word from Him. But in this healing act, Jesus used extra care: "He put His fingers into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue, then He looked up to heaven and said to the man, 'Ephphatha'!" Ephphatha means be opened.


It is very rare for anyone to be healed apart from family or community. When a member of the family or community is sick, the family or community is also concerned with the person's healing. They give support in terms of prayers, encouraging words or being with the sick person until he is healed. Every family or community is a unity. Like the physical body, when a part of the body like the thumb hurts, or becomes dysfunctional, the whole body suffers and feels the pain. So it is with the family or community. When a member of the family or community is ailing, all other members are affected and concerned.


It is the same with the Body of Christ. When a member of the Body is sick and needs healing, everyone is affected and concerned. Prayers are often offered in the Mass, and the priest or his communion ministers bring the consecrated host for the sick or elderly in their homes. The Sacrament of Anointing is also administered when the sick person needs to recover from a major illness. This service can only be done by the parish priest. For the many who believe, acknowledging God-in-Jesus as the ultimate source of healing, leads not only the sick, but also the entire family or parish community to complete trust and faith in God for the health of everyone.

St. Augustine: "Clean up your heart"

Liturgical readings


Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Psalm 15
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

"All these evils come from within and render a man impure."


In passages of Leviticus, the Hebrew tribes were prohibited to eat animals that were specified as unclean. This tradition of clean and unclean (which also extended to other situations and not just food) has been handed down from generation to generation. The Pharisees in the time of Jesus made the people observe these traditions, but neglected to teach the people the importance of interior purification. They overemphasized external rituals and neglected the path to a "clean heart". And this is what the Lord did not like His followers to do. For Jesus, it is also and more important to be clean within.


This interior process of purification emphasized by Jesus has also been handed down to generations of Christians in the history of the Church - especially in religious life. One of the best guides for this is St. Augustine. Augustine says that vices and sins cloud "the eyes of our heart", making it difficult to see the good well. We are called to take the painful (but healing) step of renewing our faith, of making a leap into the Good, hoping to see the light amidst the darkness around us (cf. St. Augustine's Sermon #53). Vices that stand in our way should be swept away before we can practice virtue. St. Augustine's advice rings out clearly for us today: "clean up your heart as much as you can! Work at it so that God may come and help you prepare the place where He wants to stay."


It has always been a practice in the Church to examine one's conscience by reviewing all that one did during the whole day before retiring for sleep. Taking time for silent prayer, we can review the disposition of our hearts and see what actions flowed from it. Doing this helps us to examine our souls and see where we are lacking in virtue and how we are to practice it more. This practice of examining one's conscience at the end of the day is a classic spiritual exercise for greater self-knowledge and a knowledge of God's grace acting in our lives. If we begin this discipline then we can work on our faults and imperfections and avoid the paths that lead to vice and sin. Perseverance in prayer and the practice of virtue, most especially to love God above all, and to love Him in others and in ourselves, is what the Christian life and community living is all about.

"The words Jesus spoke are spirit and life."

        
Liturgical readings


Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Psalm 34
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

"The words Jesus spoke are spirit and life."


We can understand why Jesus had a difficult time convincing His own disciples about giving His Flesh as food. It was difficult for Jesus to convince a people whose context of understanding was still rooted in their Mosaid Law - the Law Moses gave them in the Old Covenant. In this Old Covenant, the followers of Jesus and the others with them, understood as "food" only the food which their own Jewish Law permits them to eat. And that is stipulated in the Old Testament. Jesus, a wise teacher, instead of referring to the laws on food in the Scriptures, pointed to His own words as Spirit and life. He wanted His disciples to understand that His Body and Blood are nourishment for eternal life. But they still did not understand and left. They thought only of "perishable" food rather than the food that leads to eternal life. So the people left. Only the Twelve remained.


With the gift of the Eucharist, we understand now how Jesus words are indeed spirit and life. These point to the words of the readings and the gospel. And the prayers of the Mass also gives life to these readings. They help us situate our own lives in the life and Person of Christ, the Word-made-flesh - the Sacrament we receive in Communion. It is the Sacrament that brings the nourishment we need for our souls. It is in the Eucharist that our souls are healed, our spirits are ennobled once more, and our hearts are encouraged to live the Christian life and its principles. With a renewed sense of Life through the Body and Blood of Jesus, even sufferings and losses can have meaning - strengthening us against unbelief, despair or indifference. God's mercy in the Body and Blood of Christ blesses us and gives us new hope.


We are now called to listen well to the Scriptures being read in the Mass. These lead us to understand better what Jesus had been teaching His followers and all the people who listened to Him in Biblical times. Listening is easy if we learn to focus on what is really important. Some helps to this discipline is to know how to keep still and be silent. When we have learned to silence the inner noise within us, then it would be easier to listen to the Word proclaimed in the Mass. Maybe this is one reason why many of Jesus' unbelieving disciples protested and left. They did not know how to keep still nor did they remain silent; they did not listen so as to understand. But, the Twelve did. They only spoke when Jesus questioned them. The hearts of Simon Peter and his companions showed a predisposition to listen. We can learn much from their example.

"The man who feeds on this Bread shall live forever."

        
Liturgical readings


Proverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 34
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

"The man who feeds on this Bread shall live forever."


At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, He called the people to believe in the gospel and reform their lives. His promise of eternal life has a condition: we believe in His word, reform our lives and follow Him. The work of reforming our lives and amending it, according to Christian values, also needs food. This is why Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is here that we receive God's Word, and the Bread that nourishes our soul. It is the Word of God in the Mass and the Sacrament of the Eucharist that lightens up our path to God once more, so that our steps are clearly directed toward living the Christian life where we live and work.


The Word and the Bread in the Eucharist gives that strength and quality of faith need to make life truly worth living. For in the spiritual journey, this faith can get tested and tried with so many situations our human condition can give. Maybe one's faith may not be tested and tried as great as that of biblical character Job, but it can nevertheless feel like being "crushed to the ground". Even with such experiences, we always have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Despite the struggles we all have to go through, Jesus in the Word and the Sacraments, in the priest and our community, is always there for us. It is us who oftentimes sometimes forget that these resources are always there for us. We only need to take that effort to go to Confession and to go to Mass regularly again.


Life is fleeting. And times flies fast. Those who experienced death in its many forms and had time to reflect on the One thing necessary are fortunate. When the days of adversity arrive again, they know the best Person to run to: Jesus in His Presence in the Sacraments and in the Catholic community. We only have to look to the example of Christ. Though He was God, his humanity had to undergo the pain of the Cross and the mortality humanity has to experience: death. But He showed us the way of faith in God. And because of His faith and obedience, the Father brought Him back to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is this quality of faith that we are called to have. We can have this same quality of faith if we remember to be humble, call to God in prayer and in the Mass, and do something about our situation in life. The Bread that we receive in the Mass gives us that faith to "live forever" in God.

They shall all be taught by God

Liturgical readings


1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34
Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2
John 6:41-51

"They shall all be taught by God."


Jesus made a claim before His own people, saying: "I am the bread that came down from heaven." But the people doubted this teaching because they knew that Jesus was the son of Joseph. Their doubts made them murmur. What did the Lord do with their reaction? He led them to understand the teaching in the context of His relationship with the Father. Jesus wanted the people to discern and discover His divinity - hidden in His humanity. Yes, He was the son of Joseph, but there was more to just that. The people only understood God as the One who fed their ancestors with manna from heaven. They were not aware of the possibility that this God, who gave their ancestors manna in the desert, can be incarnated in human flesh. God can 'come down from heaven' in Jesus and be 'bread' for them. Bread that comforts and gives life.


It has been two millenia since the time of Jesus (ca. 33 A.D.). Catholics today are very privileged to be spared from the doubts and confusion which the people in biblical times experienced. We can understand the gospel now from the Church's definition of the mystery of the Incarnation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Today is a call to be grateful for all those who have gone before us - especially the early Church Fathers and the doctors of the Church. These ancestors of our faith have literally suffered to give succeeding generations, and our own generation a clearer and better understanding of the mystery and Person of Jesus. For this great gift, we have the responsibility to help others also see how God in Jesus is truly the Bread of Life that came down from heaven: Bread that nourishes our souls with the faith, hope and love that will see us through the vicissitudes of life.


God has given us many gifts, many blessings. He has given us the gift of freedom and the treasure of time. When we use these treasures not only for producing perishable food, but also for the Bread and Life that matters, then we can help make Christ's presence and the hope He gives come alive in our homes and our work. The key to our Christian life is found in the words of Jesus Himself: "No one can come to Him unless the Father draws him." Jesus' present in the Scriptures, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and in our Christian communities, draws us to the truth about God and His love for us. It is this truth of God's love that gives our lives direction and meaning. It is this truth that gives us our identity before others who do not know Christ. It is this truth that integrates everything in our life as a people called to be one family in God.

"Work for food that remains unto life eternal."

Liturgical readings

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
Psalm 78
Ephesians 4:17, 20-24
John 6:24-35

"Work for food that remains unto life eternal."

Those who benefitted from the miraculous feeding of Jesus went forth and followed Him. They may have wished to see another miracle and benefit again. They did not understand what the miracle meant, who Jesus is, and what His prophetic mission meant. Jesus then pointed out to them what was important. He elevated their understanding from the level of physical needs, to a level that was more important: "to work for food that remains unto life eternal." The crowds had difficulty understanding because they associate the miracle of Jesus with the miracle Yahweh had performed for their ancestors in the desert (the manna from heaven). It from this old understanding that Jesus redirected their faith to believe in Him now as the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven - their new Source of Life.


In life and work, many of us sometimes lose sight of what God wants us to understand. Like the people who were fed from Jesus' feeding miracle, we may set our focus on the food we work for, rather than look to the Source of that food. In this context of understanding, whenever food becomes difficult, like during calamities or economic difficulties, it help us greatly if we go back to the spiritual discipline needed to manage such a situation. Discipline helps us not to get lost in a time of adversity. Discipline in the spiritual life redirects our focus on what truly matters: the One thing necessary. If we ground ourselves in this truth, we obtain that strength of hope necessary to help us overcome any adversity. And once we overcome every trial and test of faith, our lives begin to be reordered to the Life that always matters: love of God, others and self, in the very context of our respective states of life.


This love has its source in the framework of the Church's teaching of Jesus as the Bread of Life. It anchors our souls well in a hope that will never disappoint. If we practice the discipline of beginning and ending each day of work with prayer (or a weekday Mass), it will help us understand the deeper purpose of our life and work. This has been a practice of the Church since ancient times. The following prayer from St. Ephraem (ca. 306-373 A.D.) reflects on what it means to "work for food that remains unto life eternal":


"The beginning of the sun's passage through the sky marks the beginning of the working day for us mortals: we ask You, Lord, to prepare in our minds a place where the day that knows no end may give its light. Grant that we may have within us this light, the Life of the resurrection, and that nothing may take away our delight in You."

"Gather up the crusts so that nothing will go to waste."

Liturgical readings

2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-15

"Gather up the crusts so that nothing will go to waste."

The passage from St. John's gospel speaks about the miracle of five loaves of bread and two fish. It was a miracle that fed five thousand men. In other gospel versions, there is an additional phrase added - "not counting women and children". But even without this additional phrase in John's gospel, common sense will tell us that often, people travel with those they know - like family and friends. So, not only did the men benefit, but also members of their family or some friends. But the point to all these is that everyone had their fill, and there were still left overs that filled twelve containers. Jesus was one who knew the value that food can give to people. So, he told his followers directly: "gather up the crusts that are left over so that nothing will go to waste." Jesus may have thought to distribute the leftovers to the people so they will have food when they travel back home.

All creation and human life is part of God's plan - a plan which is good and meant to serve His divine purpose.  All life comes from God and goes back to God. This mystery of life and material blessing we receive each day must be multiplied and then responsibly taken care of, "so that nothing will go to waste". This can be seen also in the Eucharist when the priest and the communion ministers gather the hosts that are left over. The Eucharistic celebration is a symbolic gesture of that feeding miracle of Christ. The hosts that are gathered by the priest and his communion ministers are placed in a few ciboria and then returned to the tabernacle. These hosts are meant to be distributed to the sick and the elderly in the parish community.

Everyone knows the value "left overs" in hard times. It is during such times that families train their children to eat only what they can consume and not to leave any food in their plate. Parents ought to discipline their children in this matter not only during hard times, but for all time. Food is a grace we receive from God. We bless our food and thank God after every meal. In some businesses, we see a few good employees who get the clean leftovers and give it to the poor in their neighborhood. These are miracles of sharing we need to reproduce in abundance. We are called to follow Jesus' example well: to manage whatever is available, work to produce as much good as we can, and if we do well, we can produce resources beyond our expectation. The combined gift of faith in God, in the abilities of others and in our own ability, help us see beyond what is available to what can be produced in abundance.

"(Jesus) began to teach them many things."

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

"(Jesus) began to teach them many things."

After the apostles worked hard in their preaching and mission, the Lord invited them to go to a deserted place to rest from their labors. The mission Jesus sent them too was fruitful, for many believed in their words and deeds. The success of their mission work made crowds continue to stay close to them - making it difficult for them to even rest and eat. So Jesus led them to a boat where they could go far. This did not deter the people who were eager to follow them. The people arrived at the place even before Jesus and the Twelve embarked from their boat. When the Lord Jesus saw the crowd, He was moved with compassion, for the people were "like sheep without a shepherd".

Since the time of Jesus, the missionary spirit and works of the Church had left us with many "landmarks". These basic "landmarks" are what we find in our Creed, the moral teachings of the Church, and the traditional prayers (both individual and Sacramental) that have guided us since baptism. As long as we believe, follow and continuously pray within these landmarks, we will be kept within the sheepfold of Christ, our Good Shepherd. But if we remove these landmarks from our way of life and follow other philosophies, trends or ways of thinking (especially anti-Catholic ones), we may end up losing our way in the world.

Our present times appears to be neglectful of these landmarks and the many faithful clergy who continue to teach them. However, humility and vigilance will help us follow the right path in these times. Humility predisposes our minds and our hearts to listen and to obey. Vigilance, on the other hand, keeps our minds and our hearts watchful against anything that can lead our souls astray. Combined with prayer and faithful reception of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we will surely be guided by the Holy Spirit in the right path. And one other important truth to remember is to keep within the thinking and the practice of the Church (as St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Thomas of Aquinas counsel in their writings). All these will help us through the confusion, uncertainties and anxieties of the times.

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them."

Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them"

God sends His Son Jesus for a mission. As Jesus was sent, so He also summons Twelve apostles and sends them for the same mission. It is in this mission that obedience and poverty are also practiced. These are the three Christian ideals that go together, and should be part of every "missionary". Jesus embodied these ideals in His life and person. He practiced them first in His life as a poor, itinerant preacher. He summoned the Twelve to follow Him, and they obey in the spirit of their Master's zeal and radical poverty. It is this missionary spirit that enkindles every missionary in the Church to go forth into the world to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

The lay faithful are also called to share in this mission by virtue of their baptismal consecration. We are called to sanctify the secular realities we find ourselves in. Sanctification is not an easy, nor pleasure-filled process because it entails purification - both on the part of the missionary and on the people who receive God's Word. It involves discipline, perseverance, sacrifices and a conversion experience that can become unsettling at first. All of us undergo this purifying process. We are called to understand how our faith calls us to make God's Word and Sacrament fruitful in our lives and in our works. The call to sanctify the very realities we are immersed in have their rootedness in Jesus. The more we are rooted in Christ, the more our mission leads to life. Christ is the Life of the mission. Our mission is to live that Life.

Christian life is celebrated in the Sacraments through our ordained ministers. We can also be integrated more deeply into this life by joining parish-based lay ministries. These are established spiritual paths to make Christ known to others. Prayer is always primary in these spiritual paths. All apostolic activity flows from this basic attitude. Whether we act in family or in work, or add involvement in parish-based lay ministries, we need to be rooted in Christ through prayer. Only if we do so will all our actions bear fruit in the Holy Spirit. The success of our works will produce the humility, understanding, patience, hope, and charity of Christ. This rootedness in Christ in prayer, the Sacraments, and ordinary work is the simplest path to join the Church in mission, obedience and poverty.

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near."

Ezekiel 2:2-5
Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near."

Jesus emphasized faith in His prophetic preaching. It is one important theme of His proclamation and preaching, especially at Galilee. He says with emphasis: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news." To believe in the good news. It is the Lord's appeal to all to have faith in Him and the Kingdom of God. However, not all respond in faith. And this we see in the gospel passage of Mark 6:1-6. Those who did not respond in faith were His own countrymen. Their familiarity with Jesus' family background prevented them to discern His divinity. It was this lack of faith that distressed Jesus not only in this instance, but during His entire public ministry. But the Lord continued on for He had great faith in the Father and in the mission of building God's kingdom.

Faith is a gift. And it is not found in all. For those of us who receive this gift, we are called to be grateful and generous. It helps us to know a God who loves all and who wills life in its fullness for all of humanity. It moves us to be good and to correct our way of living and working with others. It helps us to act well in the eyes of both God and man. The more we have faith, the more we will see that God indeed, by our faith in Him, can "move mountains". Faith can indeed move mountains - so that we can overcome whatever toil or hardship that comes our way. Faith is the key to receive the reward God promises us in our present state and at the end of our lives. Oftentimes, we do not see that reward; but faith gives us the eyes to discover where that reward already is. It is often in the truth and wisdom we receive from our encounter with God in prayer and in our work.

Faith can indeed move mountains. But we don't need this degree of faith everyday. The daily miracles of faith we see are those times when we continue to persevere in doing the good that we ought to do, even when others in our environment aren't. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is our inspiration in this regard. She said, paraphrasing in a few words, "if others are bad, be good just the same". And St. Paul too can inspire us to always act in good faith: "The trials we have had to bear in our lives are no more than people normally have; we can trust God not to let us be tried beyond our strength; and with any trial He will give us a way out of it and the strength to bear it." (1 Cor 10:11-13). 

Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (B)

"What image will help to present the reign of God?"

Liturgical readings

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 92
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Mark 14:26-34

"What image will help to present the reign of God?"

Jesus asked a question to the crowd: "What image will help to present the reign of God?" 

After posing this rhetorical question, He presented a parable of the mustard seed. Previous to both the question and the parable of the mustard seed, He also presented another parable: the parable of the seeds growing quietly while the sower went about doing his other duties. Jesus poses parables to the people with commonplace realities as the subject and the context, so that they can understand better what He was pointing to. Both the parables of the seed growing quietly and the mustard seed used the image of "seed" as an analogy to the reign of God which the Lord Jesus wanted to point to. The first parable used seeds that produced a wheat field ready for harvest, while the second parable used a mustard seed that grew into the largest of shrubs - sheltering the birds of the sky. 

The seeds in the first parable produced food, while the seed in the second parable produced shelter. The gospel helps us to see that the reign of God provides both food and shelter for all its subjects. The food it produces is an imperishable food, and the shelter it provides gives refuge from what can harm. Jesus wants us to see that the reign of God is like a father-king that provides for all the children of His family: both nourishing food and a secure shelter. This Father-King provides everything for us. As His children fed and secured, we are also encouraged to share these provisions with others - that they too may belong to the reign of God.

Catholics are privileged to have a Church that has provided and continues to provide countless generations with the imperishable food in the Eucharist and the refuge needed to be healed from the harm done by sin and potential harm in the future. As nourishment and healing is provided in the Eucharist, the priest extends this "nourishment and healing" to others when he says that we are to love and serve the Lord at the end of the Mass. All baptized lay faithful received this "missionary mandate". And it is a simple mission that can be done in the very circumstances of the lives of every lay person. Like the seed that grows quietly under the earth, every good deed done in family and workplace blooms forth in peace. And like the mustard seed that grows into a big tree, the family and the workplace becomes a shelter in God's protection and love.

"He took bread and gave it to them; He likewise took a cup and passed it to them."

Liturgical readings

Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm 116
Hebrews 9:11-15
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

"He took bread and gave it to them; He likewise took a cup and passed it to them."

The scripture passage from the book of Exodus shows how the person of Moses offers sacrifices to Yahweh in behalf of Israel. Moses used an animal as a sacrifice and splashed its blood on an altar. This is the Old Testament. Now in the New Testament, in a passage from Mark, it is the Person of Jesus who offers the sacrifice. But He sacrificed His very Self for the redemption of the new Israel. Jesus used bread to signify His Body, and wine to signify His Blood. The sacrifices offered by Moses and the Old Testament priests sealed the covenant between Yahweh and the 12 tribes of Israel. In the New Testament, it is the Lord's very Body and Blood that sealed the covenant between  God and the Church - originally formed from a community of disciples led by the 12 apostles.

Both events described above tell us of two covenants: the Old one based on the Law, and a New one based on the love of God in Christ. The new covenant was sealed by a meal in the Last Supper account. The meal of bread and wine in the Last Supper and its continuation in the Eucharist is an act of the Lord's mercy toward us. The Father provides us not only with physical food from all the good He created in the world, but He provides us also with spiritual food - His very Son - to give life to our souls and revitalize our spirit. The Eucharist calls us to look to Christ and elevate our minds and hearts to what is above, and to leave behind for awhile all secular concerns. It seems apropos that the gospel passage on the Last Supper speaks of an "upstairs room" - symbolic of what God wants us to do: to move upwards and to lift our sights to a level from which we can "see God".

So when we attend the Sunday Eucharist, let us always remember the sacrifice the Father had done for us to save us from our earthly bondage to sin. Let us remember how God in Jesus frees us from the many "knots" which our own sinfulness has led us to. So when the priest elevates the bread and the wine during the consecration, it is a call for us to be free from these "knots" of sin which tie us down to the earth. It is ultimately God's grace in the Sacrament of the Eucharist that frees us and lifts our souls to what is already noble in us: the potential to do what is good and right through the image and likeness of Christ in our souls since our Baptism.

"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Jesus said: "Receive the Holy Spirit."

John 20:19-23

Jesus said: "Receive the Holy Spirit."

In the first reading, the book of Acts tells the story of Pentecost. In the gospel of John, there is no Pentecost story, but there is reference to the Holy Spirit given by the Risen Christ, when He "breathed" the Spirit on the disciples and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit". Common to both the Pentecost story in Acts, and the gospel passage in John, is the image of life-giving air, in the form of wind or breath. Both these images, especially "Breath of God", is ascribed to the person of the Holy Spirit. Integrating both the image of wind and breath, from the gospel of John and the passage in Acts of the Apostles, gives us a sense of "life in motion" - one with a powerful presence in the form of a "strong, driving wind", and the other with a gentle presence in the form of the breath of the Risen Jesus". 

The presence of God is not only felt in the reading of the Scriptures, but in the other prayers of the Sunday Eucharist. The Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Pentecost also contains the Sequence on the Holy Spirit. It is a prayer recited, chanted, or sang in prose or poetic text - depending on local cultural traditions. This Sequence tells us who the Holy Spirit is for us through the titles given to Him: "Father of the poor", "Giver of God's gifts", "Light of men's hearts", and "Solace in the midst of woe". Not only does the Sequence tell us who the Spirit is but also tells us what He can do for us who place our faith and trust in Him. He can "heal wounds", "renew strength", "wash the stains of guilt", "bend the stubborn heart and will", and "guide steps that go astray".

The Solemnity of Pentecost every year reminds us of the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit dwells in the Church as a whole, and individually through His members - all given different gifts and charisms to make the gospel known throughout the world. This gospel is made effective by real human or supernatural experiences of healing, strength, forgiveness of sins, guidance and direction. Beginning from the apostles, until all baptized of our present generation, the Holy Spirit continues the mission of Jesus. The ordained ministers, religious of various orders or congregations, and the lay faithful make Jesus come alive today in the Word and in the Sacraments. It is by faith, hope and love that we know that the Holy Spirit will continue to make effective the saving ministry of Christ until the end of time.

Ascension Sunday (B)

"It was Christ who chose you to go forth."

John 15:9-17

"It was Christ who chose you to go forth."

The vine-branches imagery points to our relationship with Jesus. And one that will bear fruit only in Him. That relationship leads us to charity - one that thinks of the other as oneself. This is the charity that bears good fruit by obedience to God's commandments, listening to His counsel and doing good works from the Holy Spirit's inspirations. "Love one another as I have loved you" is that inspiration that speaks to us in God's Word and the celebration of the Eucharist. As we meditate on what Christ did in His public ministry, we are also to do as we live out the Eucharist in our lives. The Eucharist sends us forth in the name of Christ to bring the spirit of charity in the very secular spheres of life and work.

The concept of love in Christianity is different from how the secular world understands it. In one of his sermons, St. Augustine of Hippo says that since we are brought up in this secular notion of love, we do not usually love others in the way God wills of us. To love the right way, we are called to conquer first the spiritual illnesses (bad habits and vices) within us: pride, despair, and earthly attachments. Spiritual health thus means to refocus and re-center our lives on God and our eternal destiny, so that this purified love may flow also to others. It means that we attend to our our daily concerns in the right way that we may not forget the one thing necessary (cf. Donald Burt's "Augustine's Search for God").

To balance our lives in a fast-paced world filled with the speed of technology is not easy, but with God's help in a context of family, co-workers and friends, we can work at it and succeed.. We only need the courage to begin each day to be faithful, and soon we can pass through from pride to humility, from despair to hope, and from earthly attachments to spiritual concerns. It is possible; prayer and moments of silence helps us be open to the Holy Spirit. Openness to God will help us take stock of where we are and where we are headed: lives lived well for the building of God's kingdom in our midst.

We are branches of the vine...Jesus is the stem from whom we yield good grapes.

John 15:1-8

"For apart from Christ you can do nothing."

Chapter 15 of John's gospel clearly teaches who we are in relation to Christ: He is our Lord and our Life, and we are His followers.  He is the Vine, and we are the branches. A branch can produce fruit abundantly only if it lives connected to the vine. So it is with our Christian life. If we live in Christ, and He in us, we can produce good works, that will make our life or vocation pleasing to both God and man.

The vine-branches imagery presented in John 15:1-8 was also reflected upon by the French missionary, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort in his book "True Devotion to Mary". In True Devotion #68, he writes:

"...the Holy Spirit compares us to branches of the vine of which Jesus is the stem, and from whom we yield good grapes."

This "good grapes" are our "good works". And our good works, according to Montfort, belong to God, who created us for that very purpose. "Jesus is the sole source and must be the sole end for all our good works".

Although our goal in life is to make our life, person and works fruitful and abundant in all that is good and right (for God, the common good, and our own personal good), there will be times in our life when fruitlessness and barrenness seem to dominate. It is a truth and a fact of life. But the counsel in today's gospel will help us overcome those situations. As long as we call on the Lord for His help, set our heart right, and never depart from Him, then in time, He will make all that we worked hard for produce a good harvest. The key is to remain steadfast with the Lord - to have faith in His Word and thank Him always for His blessings in our prayers and in the celebration of the Sacraments.

"There shall be one flock then, one shepherd."

John 10:11-18

"There shall be one flock then, one shepherd."

Chapter 10 of John's gospel, is Jesus' "good Shepherd" discourse. The chapter tells us what a Good Shepherd is through Jesus good example. Jesus uses shepherd imagery that is familiar to His audience as a platform for good leadership. And for Jesus', good leadership, like the Good Shepherd does not leave His flock at the "sight of the wolf". He does not abandon the sheep and leave them to be scattered. Only a hired hand does that. But as the good Shepherd, Jesus gathers His sheep into one fold, and readies Himself to lay down His very life for them. We are the Lord's sheep, and He is always ready to be at our side whenever danger arises.

Probably the best example for our generation of one who imitated the Lord well is Bl. John Paul II. During his long papal vocation, Bl. John Paul II was able to gather into one flock the world's religious leaders of various faith denominations and lead them to pray for peace in Assisi, Italy. He was able to shepherd into one flock those who believe in the universal values of prayer and peace. Bl. John Paul II exemplified well Christ's role as the Good Shepherd, by completing his papal term until the end, despite the difficulties he experienced in his health.

"There shall be one flock then, one shepherd." 

This prophecy in the gospel began to be realized by the many missionary journeys Bl. John Paul did to promote the gospel of peace. He not only called the Church to be one, holy, Catholic and apostolic, but also called others who do not belong to the Catholic flock. The Catholic Church has always been working for Christian unity and interreligious dialogue since the Second Vatican Council. The example of Bl. John Paul and the Lord's prayer for unity (also found in the gospel of John) is an example and a prayer each of us, in his own way, can include in his way of life and work. Not only big things, but even small things count. If each person were to work for unity in their respective states of life and in the secular settings of family and work, then each one can contribute very well to the fruition of our Lord's prayer for "one flock" that prays and works for the cause of peace in the world.

"Recall those words I spoke to you when I was still with you."

Luke 24:35-48

"Recall those words I spoke to you when I was still with you."

This gospel passage from Luke presents a second appearance of Jesus to His followers. In this second appearance, the  two disciples on the way to Emmaus were also present with the others. The two "Emmaus" disciples were sharing their experience to the bigger community, when Jesus appeared again to all of them. All of them were frightened because they thought Jesus was a ghost. But when Jesus showed them His wounds and asked for food, this reassured them and dispelled all their fear. The Lord Jesus then said: "Recall those words I spoke to you. He continued to explain the prophecies concerning His passion, death and resurrection, and opened their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures."

Bible scholar Jerome Neyrey, author of "The Resurrection Stories", says that gospel-writer Luke likes to structure sections of his gospel in "two's": 

there are two annunciation stories (to Zechariah and to Mary),

two birth narratives (John the Baptist and Jesus), 

two trials of Jesus (before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate), 

and also two stories on Jesus' appearances to His followers (to the Emmaus disciples and to the apostles). 

As regards the two risen appearances of Jesus, Neyrey says there is an added difference to the 2nd resurrection story: Jesus formally commissions His followers to preach the words He spoke to them. They are to preach the word for the remission of sins beginning in Jerusalem and then to all nations. ("Recall those words I spoke to you when I was still with you.")

The Risen Lord's commission to preach the gospel was given not only to the apostles and His disciples but to all in the Church. Since the majority of Catholics are lay people and do not preach in the manner of the clergy, it is by virtue of one's baptismal consecration that all can contribute to the mission of bringing the gospel everywhere. The clergy cannot do this, especially in the secular settings were the lay people work: small business, in the retail industry, banks, telecom and tech corporations, and in logistical operations. But the spirit of the gospel can be brought to these very settings by the laity. When lay people commit themselves to following Christ, they can show generosity, kindness and mercy. Forgiving each others' offenses is probably the most "gospel" of all the actions we can do to one another.

At the sight of Jesus, the disciples rejoiced with faith

John 20:19-31

"At the sight of the Lord the disciples rejoiced."

The faith experience of the disciples and Thomas is something all of us can relate with. Human like us, both had to rely on their physical senses. Thomas doubted at first, because his knowledge of Jesus, was the Jesus he knew that died on the Cross. Although Jesus had raised many people back to life, they still did not know in reality that Jesus Himself can really rise again in the power of the Holy Spirit. But Jesus did, and He made many appearances to His followers.

When Jesus appeared to His disciples, they rejoiced and believed. Thomas had not been with them in the Lord's first appearance. And so, he doubted. But when the Lord appeared again, and this time with Thomas present among his brethren, Thomas believed and exclaimed with reverent faith in Jesus as his Lord and God.

Upon reflection, we can see that there are two kinds of faith: one based on community experience, and one based on a personal experience. St. Thomas was being called to a more personal faith in Christ. When his doubts were removed by the Lord's appearance, St. Thomas responded with greater piety - not unlike our own faith response when we recognize God in the consecration during the Eucharist.

Examining our own faith responses, instead of pitting one's faith over another and contesting which faith is more real or genuine, we are called to integrate both. To accept the creative tension that exists between a communitarian faith experience and a personal faith experience. One cannot live without the other. Both are experienced in the social milieu. 

Faith is one of the theological virtues. It is rifely shown in many miracles of healings in the gospels. Here is a list of some of them: 

the Syrophoenician woman (Mk 7:24-30, Mt 15:21-28); 

the centurion's slave (Lk 7:1-10, Mt 8:5-13); 

the woman with a hemorrhage (Mt 9:20-22, Mk 5:25-34, Lk 8:43-48), 

All these make us see the personal expression of faith within the context of a believing community. 

Today, we live in very uncertain times. But we are called to live in these uncertain times with faith in Jesus. And to do so one day at a time. Faith in Jesus will dispel that which we are ignorant about. Faith in Jesus will heal all our doubts, and lead us to certainty of God's love for us.  So we are called to pray for this gift of faith everyday - in the very routines of life and work. And like Thomas, let us be humble so that Jesus may make Himself known to us - in His Word and Sacrament, and in the very communities we celebrate and remember the Lord. We should know in truth that God will do everything for us so that we may believe in Him, and follow His commandments, counsels and inspirations.

Christ lives again through our witness

John 20:1-9

It is Christ risen from the dead that inspires us to promote a culture of life.

If we read the gospels and use our imagination, we can picture in our imagination the excitement which the sight of the empty tomb did to three of Jesus' followers: Mary Magdalene, Peter and John. All three were moved to "run". First it was Mary Magdalene. After she saw the "stone moved away" at the tomb, she "ran" to Simon Peter and to John - reporting to them all that she saw. We can picture in our mind how she may have been short of breath, eyes brimming with apprehension, and with a heightened intensity in her voice. For the gospel notes her report to the apostles with exclamation marks! 

She told her story to the apostles. So, Simon Peter and John also "ran" to find out for themselves what happened. Although we know that Christ as risen, the three at that time did not know this yet. They did not fully understand all that the Lord was telling them while He was with them. 

Christ made it known in the gospel of John that He is the Resurrection and the Life.  This truth was backed up by His miracles. Example of these miracles were: the story of the widow of Nain's only son; Jairus' daughter; and the moving resurrection story of Martha and Mary's dead brother, Lazarus. Jesus did not only cure the sick, drive out demons, save His apostles from the storm, and feed a hungry multitudes. He brought the dead back to life. These miracles of life lead us to the Source of Life Himself: His Body and Blood - which had been given to all by His sacrifice on the Cross. His 
Body and Blood is now what we receive in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. By the power of His Risen body, we live again and are strengthened from all forms of "death" around us.

Christ lives again not only in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, but in the very witness of our lives, words and deeds. The work Jesus began, we in the Church continue. It is a work of mercy; it is a work of peace. Everyone in the Church is called to participate in this work and mission of Christ to promote life to the fullest - "from womb to tomb". What gives us strength in our witness is Christ Himself - in the Eucharist and in the communities we live and work in. The more we integrate our faith in the very routines and special events of our lives, the more we shall see and experience the life of Christ in us. And there will be special moments when we may be impelled by His Spirit to promote a culture of life and peace through simple acts of kindness, patience and generosity.

Prayer, vigilance & faith in God

Mark 14:1 - 15:47

In the Garden of Gethsemani, Jesus counseled Peter, James and John to pray & keep watch. This Passion Sunday, if we place ourselves in the scene of the gospel, we can feel that He gives this counsel also to us. For what happened to the three apostles can happen also to us: we may fail to be watchful and fall asleep. 

The gospel tells us what happened to Peter, James and John. When Jesus prayed in Gethsemani on the eve of His arrest, the three apostles did not listen to Jesus' counsel to stay awake. Instead, they followed their natural inclination - they slept. Jesus came from where He prayed, and came back to them finding them asleep. This happened three times. The three apostles did not know the importance of vigilance and watchfulness: virtues that can prevent faith in God from faltering. And so, since they were unprepared, when Jesus was arrested, they deserted Him and fled.

Jesus prayed intensely and deeply before entering into His Passion. He asks us to do the same this Holy Week:

to pray, 

to remain with Him, 

and to keep our souls awake. 

Traditional practices of the Lenten discipline are a great help. Ordinary acts of mortification and small sacrifices in the very contexts in which we live and work is what is called of us. We try to be more patient at work, kinder with others at home, or be more respectful to the people we meet on the street. It is not that difficult because Holy Week is just one week. It may be just the spiritual discipline and strength we need to get by for the rest of the year. So, whenever small things don't go right along the way, or something amiss happens, we do not fly off the handle easily and lose our patience. 

We need not depend only on our own strengths and intelligence in the practice and discipline of Holy Week. According to the wisdom of the Scriptures and "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis, if we trust in ourselves more than we trust God, then when a time of testing comes, we may have not enough reserves of inner strength that only faith in God can give. So we add prayer, vigilance and faith in Jesus. These are what can make us strong - not only for ourselves, but for others too. Like Jesus, we will be "on solid ground", and not "shifting sand". Temptations may come - worries, anxieties, fear, uncertainties - but if we ground ourselves in the love of Jesus, we may overcome all these and continue to do what is good and right. Prayer and watchfulness (awareness) can deepen our faith and anchor us well in every storm of life.  

To imitate Christ in His obedience

John 12:20-33

"Let him follow me where I am."


It was by the obedience of Jesus that saved us from a direction of sin and death. Though Adam had sinned, the new Adam - Christ - recovered our life of grace by His obedience.

Many verses in today's gospel lend rich imagery to this virtue of Christian obedience: 

"Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies" 

"Let him follow me where I am" 

"It was for this that I came to this hour"

"Once I am lifted up from earth". 

All these verses can remind us of who Christ is to us by His obedience to the Father's will: 

Jesus is our Bread of Life 

His mission is to be an itinerant preacher calling us to be His disciples

His agony in the Garden of Gethsemani teaches us obedience that is a dying to self-will

His death on the Cross equates His obedience to the Father in their love for all of us.


Sin has entered our humanity ever since Eve obeyed the suggestion of the Evil One and Adam obeyed the suggestion of Eve. We know that this inherited sin lives in us when we are aware of the darkness of our rebelliousness to law or disrespect for authority - in whatever form they may require of our respective states of life. It can start with a small undisciplined desire, which if left unchecked, can lead us to all sorts of bad habits and vices. However, what Jesus has taught us is the solution to all these bad habits: to be vigilant over our senses and to desire to obey God's will to do what is good and upright. 

Healing from sin and evil is a lifelong process. But it is possible, with God's grace. All the Saints were aware of their sinfulness. The 43-year old French missionary, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort (1673-1716 A.D.), was aware of this even in his deathbed. But God gave Him the grace to be grateful when he exclaimed: "I shall sin no more". 

The Lenten season can be a time to practice obedience again. To pray, fast and give alms. Like St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, our fidelity to this practice can grant us the healing we need for both body and soul. We practice good habits one day at a time. And we imitate the obedience of Christ one day at a time. 

1st Sunday of Lent (B)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good:

Reflections for Spiritual Growth and Self-Renewal, 1st Sunday of Lent (B), February 26, 2012

Liturgical readings

Genesis 9:8-15 Psalm 25 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:12-15

"Reform your lives and believe in the good news."

The gospel passage for this 1st Sunday of Lent (B) is comprised of only 4 verses; yet, in many Catholic bible translations, this passage is divided into two paragraphs: The Temptation of Jesus (verses 12-13) and The Beginning of Jesus' Galilean Ministry (verses 14-15). Mark's description of the temptation of Jesus is not as detailed as that of Matthew's version (Mt 4:1-11), nor of Luke's version (Lk 4:1-13). In Mark's version, there are no descriptive details of the Jesus' encounter with Satan. And the victory of Jesus over Satan's temptation is implied in the gospel of Mark.

Jesus was like us in every way except for sin. God was made flesh in Him to give us strength against sin and the practice of virtue. Because of the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve, we easily succumb to sin, either venial or mortal. Only Jesus in His purity can give us strength to obey God and His commands, follow His counsels and inspirations. Since we have been gifted with faith at our baptism, we have the responsibility to nurture this faith in Jesus. The quality of this faith is what can help us overcome temptations, such as the craving of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the strong pull of worldly ambition - three temptations that can ruin and destroy our souls (as it almost did St. Augustine, before his conversion).

In one of his sermons, St. Augustine says that the battle against evil is "harsher for those who are young". He is speaking from experience and reflecting in his wisdom years. It is true. In old age, the seniors (seasoned Catholics) know well about this fight and have passed through it many times. Quoting St. Augustine, he says: "you have grown old in this combat...age has worn you of the fight". And the wise saint continues also to say that even old age can "wear out the foes". But St. Augustine knows the importance of vigilance, because he knows the ancient enemy still "does not cease to disturb the peace even of old age".

Points for reflection: What passages in the Bible or traditional Catholic prayers can help us overcome the temptations we encounter in daily life and work or leisure? What means can we take to avoid situations that can lead us to sin?