2nd Sunday of Lent (B)

(Edited) Reflections (from) 2nd Sunday of Lent (B), March 4,2012

Liturgical readings
Genesis 22:1-2a, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm 116
Romans 8:31b-34
Mark 9:2-10

"Listen to Him."

Some bible scholars would interpret the mystery of Christ's transfiguration as a prefigurement of His resurrection - a glimpse of what that future mystery would be. Since Jesus had been telling his apostles of His impending death (Mark 9:31-33), the vision of the Transfiguration was meant to encourage Peter, James and John - to encourage them through the Crucifixion events until His resurrection. The discouraging events of the crucifixion was truly a test of faith for all of Christ's apostles. All the faithful today know what happened: Peter suffered from his denial of Jesus; James probably fled and hid together with the others; and John accompanied Mary to the foot of the Cross where they witnessed the agony and passion of Christ on the Cross.

So the Transfiguration was a mystery revealed to two leaders of the apostles (Peter for the entire Church, and James for the local community of Jerusalem) and to an evangelist (the apostle John). In that event that happened on a mountain, a voice from heaven called out: "Listen to Him". The apostles with Jesus heard the voice, but they did not understand entirely what it meant. Like the other apostles and followers of Jesus, they clung to traditional Jewish understanding which believes the Messiah would be a political leader - one who would liberate Israel from foreign powers. Jesus however made it clear that His kingdom is not of this world. His mission was to free humanity from sin and death. Only when the events of His passion took place, did all the followers fully understand the Truth of God in Jesus. It took time for the apostles, and also for us today, to learn to listen well.

Listening. To listen. It seems coincidental that the letters in the word "listen" are also the same letters in the word "silent". Silence is the key to understand and know who Jesus is for each and everyone. The liturgical season of Lent is a time to listen very well to Jesus and His words in the Eucharist. If one puts aside some time for silence and prayer, then understanding the meaning of the faith will reveal why we are where we are, and what we should do where we are. The apostles' vision of Christ's Transfiguration is a vision of faith we all need to understand also for ourselves. It is a mystery not only meant for the apostles, but also for all the faithful. It is a gift for the Church so that all may be encouraged in times where faith in Jesus needs the strength of discipline.

Memorial of Saints (February 20)

St. Ulric was an English hermit. He was converted to this state of life by a beggar he conversed with. But before he became a hermit, he was a parish priest. In his conversion to the eremitical life, Ulric's led a very penitential and holy life, which led kings Henry I and Stephen (successor to Henry) to make a pilgrimage to Ulric's hermit cell. Various miracles were reported at Ulric's tomb (died ca. 1154 A.D.).

Blessed Elizabeth of Mantua was an Italian of noble and wealthy ancestry. Elizabeth and one of her sisters entered the Third Order of the Servites after their mother's death. Elizabeth was known to have the gift of making predictions - with one prediction accurately made about her death, before it happened a year after. Many miracles were reported to have happened at her tomb (died ca. 1468 A.D.).

St. Eleutherius of Tournai became bishop of Tournai in Gaul in the year 486 A.D. At that time, the Arian heresy was influencing many Christians to their teaching. But St. Eleutherius was able to win back his people from the Arians. Because of his success, a group of Arians attacked him and beat him up as he left his church (died ca. 532 A.D.).

Sts. Tyrannio, Zenobius and Companions were martyrs of the early 4th century A.D. Tyrannio was bishop of Tyre, while Zenobius was a priest and physician of Sidon. Together with other Christians, they were martyred for their faith in Christ. St. Tyrannio was tortured, and then was drowned. St. Zenobius was put on the rack, and died later on from the torture (died ca. 310 A.D.).

St. Sadoth was a deacon who represented his bishop in the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. When Sadoth's bishop was martyred, Sadoth succeeded to the episcopate. But because of the intense persecutions of Christians at the time by Persian King Sapor II, Sadoth went into hiding. Sapor II eventually reached also the area where Sadoth was, and had him and many of his faithful imprisoned. All of them were tortured and St. Sadoth was beheaded (died ca. 342 A.D.).

St. Eucherius of Orleans became a Benedictine monk. Despite his vehement objections, he was elected bishop of Orleans in 721 A.D. When Eucherius opposed Charles Martel in the use of Church revenues to finance his wars, Martel exiled Eucherius to Cologne in Germany. In Cologne, Eucherius became popular, so Charles had him arrested but allowed Eucherius to retire to a monastery near Maastricht in the Netherlands (died ca. 743 A.D.).

1st Sunday of Lent (B)

(Edited) Reflections (from:) 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 the 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 all humanity in every way except for sin. God was made flesh in Him to give all the faithful strength against sin and the practice of virtue. Because of the sin man inherited from Adam and Eve, he easily succumbs to sin, either venial or mortal. Only Jesus in His purity can give all humanity strength to obey God, follow His counsels and inspirations. Since all have been gifted with faith at the sacrament of baptism, the baptized have the responsibility to nurture this faith in Jesus. The quality of this faith gives strength to overcome temptations: the cravings of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the strong pull of worldly ambition - three temptations that can ruin and destroy souls (as it almost did St. Augustine, before his conversion).

St. Augustine read and studied the bible well. In one of his sermons, St. Augustine teaches 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 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".

Memorial of Saints (February 12)

St. Saturninus and Companions were martyrs from Abitina in Africa. Saturninus was a priest who gathered 48 other men, women and children for a Sunday religious assembly. The soldiers of the empire asked for the surrender of the Sacred Scriptures. When Saturninus and the assembly refused, they were arrested and sent to Carthage. Some were executed the following day while the rest were allowed to die of hunger in prison. This was during the persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian (died ca. 304 A.D.).

St. Benedict of Aniane was a reformer of Benedictine monasteries in France. He first became a monk and then decided to live as a hermit in his own estate. Later, others joined him. They built a monastery and a church. Benedict soon got the support of the emperor and became director of all the monasteries in the empire. In 817 A.D., he systematized the Benedictine rule. Considered the restorer of Western monasticism, he is often called the "second Benedict".

St. Marina was brought by her father (a Bithynian) to a monastery dressed as a boy. Marina suffered much and was assigned the lowliest tasks. She was also made to perform the most severe penances. When her gender was revealed at her death, all those who maltreated or falsely accused her were filled with remorse (date of death unknown).

St. Julian the Hospitaler was of noble birth. He married a wealthy widow and lived in a castle. While Julian was away, his parents arrived seeking him. Julian's wife accommodated them for the night in the master's bedroom. When Julian was startled to see a man and woman in his bed, he killed them, not knowing that it was his parents. Filled with much remorse, he fled from the castle, resolving to do a fitting penance. He was joined by his wife and they built an inn for travelers and a hospital for the poor. Julian was eventually forgiven for his crime (date of death unknown).

St. Meletius of Antioch was appointed bishop of Sebastea in ca. 358 A.D. When the appointment caused dissension, Meletius fled to the desert and then to Syria. In 361 A.D., he was elected archbishop of Antioch. But conflicts continued and Meletius was exiled to Lower Armenia. Since the Arian heresy was causing great rifts in the Church, Meletius suffered further exiles. Only in 378 A.D., when the pro-Arian Valens died, that Meletius was reinstated to his see. St. Meletius presided at the 3rd General Council of Constantinople (died ca. 381 A.D.).

St. Ethelwald was an assistant to St. Cuthbert and became prior of Old Melrose in Scotland. He eventually became abbot of the monastery. Upon the death of Eadfrith in 721 A.D., Ethelwald succeeded as bishop of Lindisfarne. St. Ethelwald was highly praised by St. Bede the English historian (died ca. 740 A.D.).

St. Antony Kauleas was of Phrygian descent. He entered a monastery near Constantinople upon the death of his mother. In time, he became abbot of the monastery. In 893 A.D., he was chosen patriarch of Constantinople. As patriarch, Antony was active in reconciling the differing theological factions within his patriarchate (died ca. 901 A.D.).

St. Ludan was the son of a Scottish prince. On the death of his father, he gave his inheritance to the poor and built a hospice for pilgrims and the ill. He then went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On the way back, he dreamed of his death in a place near Strasbourg. When he awoke, he was given communion by an angel, and then afterwards, he passed away (died ca. 1202 A.D.).

6th Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections (From) 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), February 12, 2012

Liturgical readings

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm 32
1 Corinthians 10:31 - 11:1
Mark 1:40-45

"I do will it. Be cured."

In the past Sunday gospels, people kept coming to Jesus for healing. It was clear to the people "Who" and "What" the Good News is: He is Jesus, and He brings restoration and healing. Today's passage describes another healing miracle which Jesus performed. It is a story of a leper. A leper approached Jesus and begged for healing. Jesus, moved with compassion, cured the leper. Jesus warned the healed man not to spread the "Word", but because of the man's joy, he made the story public. The Good News he made public, which the healed man concretely experienced in his life produced such joy in him that it overflowed to others.

Part of the realities of life that all people of all cultures experience are sin, sickness and death. It is clearly plain in the reading of the Scriptures, both in the Old and the New Testament. And it is experienced in every part of man's life. But these negative realities, these death-dealing direction should not be "the" reality. The Word of God incarnated in Jesus is a greater "reality". In truth, He is the best. In Him, the Good News of life and eternal life is being revealed to every member of the faithful from the rising of the sun until its setting. Our main task is to believe in Christ and receive continuous healing from our sins through prayer, the Sacraments, and good works. The joy the healed man experienced can be the same joy for all. It is a joy from amendment in one's state of life and fulfillment of one's responsibilites.

What do the classics say about this? The Classics regard Jesus as the Divine Physician of our souls. May this quote from St. Augustine give clarity to this great truth in the Person of Jesus:

"Rightly is my hope strong in Him, because You will heal all my diseases, through Him "who sits at Your right hand and makes intercession for us," elsewise I would despair. Many and great are those infirmities of mine, many they are and great, but more potent is Your medicine. We could think that Your Word is far from union with men, and we could despair of ourselves, unless He has been "made flesh and dwell amongst us." (from the Confessions of St. Augustine)

Memorial of Saints (February 5)

St. Agatha dedicated herself to God and a life of chastity early in life. A Roman consul desired her and used the persecutions to possess her. When Agatha refused his advances, the consul subjected her to all kinds of tortures including the cutting off of her breasts. The final torture which led to her death was her being rolled over red-hot coals (date of death unknown).

St. Avitus of Vienne succeeded his father as bishop in 490 A.D. Avitus became known for his wisdom, learning and charity. He converted King Sigismund of Burgundy to Christianity in 516 A.D. Avitus wrote an allegorical epic on the creation of man, a poem on chastity, and many homilies and letters still existing to this day (died ca. 525 A.D.).

St. Bertoul came from Germany and was converted to Christianity when he went to Flanders. He became the steward of Count Wambert. Bertoul accompanied the Count and his wife on a pilgrimage to Rome. Upon the death of the Count and his wife, Bertoul was granted their estate, but he decided to retire instead to a monastery he had founded at Renty. It was here that St. Bertoul spent his last years (died ca. 705 A.D.).

Sts. Indractus and Dominica were siblings from Ireland. They were children of an Irish chieftain and were Christians. The two siblings went on a pilgrimage to Rome with several of their companions but they were killed by Saxons near Glastonbury, England (died ca. 710 A.D.).

St. Vodalus was from the north of the British Isles. He went to Gaul to preach the Christian faith and then became a recluse beside St. Mary's Convent as Soissons. He was known for his holiness and dedication to a life of poverty. Noted also to have performed miracles, he died ca. 720 A.D.

St. Adelaide of Bellich was the daughter of the Count of Guelder. She became abbess of Bellich convent, near Bonn, and also at St. Mary's in Cologne. These two abbeys were built by her father. Known for her charity to the poor, this is where she spent her last years (died ca. 1015 A.D.).

The Martyrs of Japan were seventeenth-century martyrs which included: one layman, 10 Dominican priests, and 13 Dominican laypeople. Some of their names were: Peter Baptist, Martin de Aguirre, Francis Blanco, Philip de las Casas, Paul Miki, John Goto, James Kisai, Francis Miako, Gonsalo Garcia, Louis Ibarko, Thomas Kasaki and Francis-of-St-Michael (died ca. 1637 A.D.).

5th Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections: (From) 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), February 5, 2012

Liturgical readings

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 147
1 Corinthians 9:1-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

"He went off to a lonely place in the desert to pray."

Jesus teaches all who hear the gospel that prayer is the key to make lives, relationships and work contribute to healing in all its forms. Though Jesus was busy healing many people (including Simon Peter's mother-in-law), He showed a good example to those who follow Him, how He makes prayer the first priority in His ministry: "He rose up early in the morning to pray." Like Jesus, in prayer, all the faithful can receive from the Father that life-giving spirit that brings healing and help to many, with its primary source in the Eucharist.

For many who live in the city or semi-urban areas, discipline and planning is necessary to manage time and set some for prayer, reading of Scripture, and reflection. Following the example of Jesus, anyone can rise early in the morning and make prayer the first priority of his work day. What Jesus exemplifies in the gospel has become a well-founded tradition in the Church: from the monastic spirituality of ancient Christianity up to present daily Mass-goers of many parishes. The Sacraments invite all to be healed of many bad habits that need to be replaced by life-giving ones that the faithful may be a strong witness to others.

There are many practical helps to lead the faithful to prayer. Meditation tapes are very popular. There are also many books that give ideas how each one can pray more effectively. If one's intuitive and feeling faculties are strong, then these are a big help (especially in reading Scripture passages). Intuition and feeling accompanied with God's grace lifts up minds and hearts to God. St. Augustine, a known authority in the faith, is noted to have used his intuitive and feeling faculties in prayer. The prayer and spiritual tradition of other saints can also help (St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Thomas of Aquinas, and St. Francis of Assisi). Following the Saints' tradition of prayer helps well to obtain that depth of rootedness needed to make Christian life an instrument of peace and hope for many.

Feasts of Saints Celebrated in the Month of February

Pionius, martyr; Brigid or Bride, virgin; Sigebert III of Austrasia; John "of the Grating," bishop; Henry Morse, priest and martyr (February 1)

Presentation of the Lord (February 2)

also on February 2: Adalbald of Ostrevant, martyr; Joan of Lestonnac, widow

Blase: (died early 4th c. A.D.); bishop of Sebaste in Armenia; associated with the healing of throats; venerated as well by the Eastern Church; believed martyred in the persecution of Licius. (February 3)

Anscar or Oscar: (died 865 A.D. at Bremen); O.S.B. missionary to Denmark and Sweden; bishop of Hamburg; great preacher and administrator; known as the "Apostle of the North", patron of Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. (February 3)

also on February 3: Laurence of Spoleto, bishop; Ia, virgin; Laurence of Canterbury, bishop; Werburga, virgin; Anskar, bishop; Margaret "of England", virgin; Aelred of Rivaulx, abbot

on February 4: Andrew Corsini, bishop and confessor; Theophilus the Penitent; Phileas, bishop and martyr; Isidore of Pelusium, abbot; Modan, abbot; Nicholas Studites, abbot; Rembert, bishop; Joan of Valois, matron; Joseph of Leonessa; John de Britto, martyr

Agatha (died probably under Decius c. 251 A.D. in Sicily); patroness of Palermo and Catania; invoked for protection against volcanic eruptions and fires; mentioned in the Roman Canon. (February 5)

also on February 5: Avitus of Vienne, bishop; Bertoul or Bertulf; Indractus and Dominica, martyrs; Vodalus or Voel; Adelaide of Bellich, virgin; The Martyrs of Japan: Peter Baptist, Martin de Aguirre, Francis Blanco, Francis-of-St.-Michael, Philip de Casas, Gonsalo Garcia, Paul Miki, John Goto, James Kisai, Caius Francis, Francis of Miako, Leo Karasuma, Louis Ibarki, Antony Deynan, and Thomas Kasaki

Paul Miki: Jesuit scholastic, and his 25 companions, including 2 other Jesuits, 6 Franciscans, 15 tertiaries and 2 laymen, were crucified by order of the ruler Hideyoshi, 5 Feb. 1597 A.D. at Nagasaki; among them, the Mexican, Philip of Jesus, the first martyr from the Americas to be beatified; protomartyrs of the Far East (canonized in 1862 A.D. by Pope Pius IX). (February 6)

Pedro Baustista: (died 5 February 1597 A.D.); martyred by crucifixion at Nagasaki; Spanish Franciscan Friar who had worked as a missionary in the Philippines before he was appointed superior of his Order in Japan. (February 6)

also on February 6: Mel and Melchu, bishop; Vedast or Vaast, bishop; Amand, bishop; Guarinus, bishop; Hildegund, widow

on February 7: Adaucus, martyr; Theodore of Heraclea, martyr; Moses, bishop; Richard, "King"; Luke the Younger

Jerome Emiliani (died 1537 A.D. of the plague); Venetian soldier whose conversion led to the founding (1534 A.D.) of the Clerks Regular of Somascha, today numbering 500 members; dedicated to the poor and the education of youth; patron of orphans and abandoned children. (February 8)

Josephine Bakhita: was a young Sudanese girl sold into slavery and brought to Italy where, while serving as a nanny she was set to live with the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. There she was baptized, and having reached maturity age, was granted freedom by Italian law. In 1896 A.D., she joined the Canossian Daughters of Charity where she served humbly for the next twenty five years. She died after a long and painful illness, during which she would cry out to the Lord: "Please loosen the chains … they are so heavy!" Her dying words were "Our Lady! Our Lady!" (February 8)

also on February 8: John of Matha, confessor; Nicetius or Nizier of Besancon, bishop; Elfleda, virgin; Meingold, martyr; Cuthman; Stephen of Muret, abbot

Apollonia, virgin and martyr: in the reign of Emperor Philip, mobs of anti-Christian people went through the streets of Alexandria and accosted those who professed the Christian faith. Some of them they killed at once, while the others had to endure torture. One of the Christians they tortured was Apollonia. Apollonia was an old deaconness who had to endure the evils done by the anti-Christian rioters. The description of her martyrdom has ensured her a place in the history of martyrology. When the anti-Christian rioters took hold of her, they brought severe blows to her jaw, damaging some of her teeth. Her torturers then proceeded to pull out all of her teeth with a pincer. She was then thrown into a big fire created by the rioters. Because of this description of her martyrdom, she is represented in Christian art with a gold tooth and a pincer. St. Apollonia then became known as the patron saint of dentists and of all toothaches.

also on February 9: Nicephorus, martyr; Sabinus of Canosa, bishop;
Teilo, bishop; Ansbert, bishop; Alto, abbot

Scholastica: (died c. 547 A.D. at Monte Casino); sister of St. Benedict; "She could do more because she loved more" (Gregory the Great). (February 10)
also on February 10: Soteris, virgin and martyr; Trumwin, bishop; Austreberta, virgin; William of Maleval

on February 11: Our Lady of Lourdes; Saturninus, Dativus and Companions, martyrs; Lucius, bishop and martyr; Lazarus, bishop; Severinus, abbot; Caedmon; Gregory II, priest; Benedict of Aniane, abbot; Paschal I, priest

on February 12: Marina, virgin; Julian the Hospitaler; Meletius, bishop; Ethelwald, bishop; Antony Kauleas, bishop; Ludan

on February 13: Polyeuctus, martyr; Martinian the Hermit; Stephen of Rieti, abbot; Modomnoc; Licinius or Lesin, bishop; Ermengild or Ermenilda, widow; Catherine dei Ricci, virgin

Cyril and Methodius: (Cyril died 869 A.D., Methodius died 885 A.D.); brothers known as the "Apostles to the Slavs"; prepared Slavic liturgical texts; served as the "spiritual bridge between Eastern and Western traditions" (Pope John Paul II); patrons of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and with St. Benedict, co-patrons of all of Europe. (February 14)

also on February 14: John Baptist of the Conception; Auxentius; Conran, bishop; Antonius of Sorrento, abbot; Adolf, bishop

on February 15: Agpae, virgin and martyr; Walfrid, abbot; Tanco or Tatto, bishop and martyr; Sigfrid, bishop

on February 16: Onesimus, martyr; Juliana, virgin and martyr; Elias, Jeremy and Companions, martyrs; Gilbert of Sempringham

Seven Founders of the Servites: The Servites were founded by seven Florentine cloth merchants in 1223 A.D.; they popularized devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. (February 17)

also on February 17: Theodotus and Julian, martyrs; Loman, bishop; Fintan of Cloneenagh, abbot; Finan, bishop; Evermod, bishop; Silvin, bishop

on February 18: Simeon, bishop and martyr; Leo and Paregorius, martyrs; Flavian, bishop and martyr; Helladius, bishop; Colman of Lindisfarne, bishop; Angilbert, abbot; Theotonius, abbot

on February 19: Mesrop, bishop; Barbatus, bishop; Beatus of Liebana; Boniface of Lausanne, bishop; Conrad of Piacenza

on February 20: Tyrannio, Zenobius and Companions, martyrs; Sadoth, bishop and martyr; Eleutherius of Tournai, bishop; Eucherius of Orleans, bishop; Wulfric

Peter Damian O.S.B.: (died 1072 A.D.); indefatigable defender of the Gregorian reform; monk, later Cardinal bishop of Ostia; promoter of the religious life. (February 21)

also on February 21: Severian, bishop and martyr; Germanus of Granfel, martyr; George of Amastris, bishop; Robert Southwell, priest and martyr

on February 22: Chair of Peter, Apostle; Thalassius and Limnaeus; Baradates; Margaret of Cortona

Polycarp: (died c. 155 A.D. at age 86); disciple of St. John and bishop of Smyrna; his Letter to the Philippians witnesses to various New Testament writings; the martyrdom of Polycarp records his being burned at the stake; one of the first martyrs to be venerated. (February 23)

also on February 23: Serenus the Gardener or Cerneuf of Billom, martyr; Alexander Akimetes; Dositheus; Boisil or Boswell, abbot; Milburga and Mildgytha, virgins; Willigis, bishop

on February 24: Montanus, Lucius and Companions, martyrs; Praetextatus or Prix, bishop and martyr

on February 25: Victorinus and Companions, martyrs; Caesarius Nazianzen; Ethelbert of Kent; Walburga, virgin; Tarasius, bishop; Gerland, bishop

on February 26: Nestor, bishop and martyr; Alexander of Alexandria, bishop; Porphyry, bishop; Victor or Vittre the Hermit

on February 27: Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, confessor; Besas, Cronion and Julian, martyrs; Thalelaeus the Hermit; Leander, bishop; Baldomerus or Galmier; Alnoth; John of Gorze, abbot; Ann Line, martyr

on February 28: Proterius, bishop and martyr; Romanus and Lupicinus, abbots; Hilarus, priest; Oswald of Worcester, bishop