It will soon be goodbye to the year 2011 and hello 2012. The 1st reading reminds me of a friend who has a habit of saying, "It's ok." There was a time when her name on the certificate given to her was grossly misspelled, it made me really laugh. I couldn't stop myself from laughing all the more when she started to say those words again. That was when I took the initiative to ask the organizers of the conference to correct her name and issue another certificate. People have become accustomed to saying, "It's ok." when the truth, most of the time, is it's really not ok. How many times have you heard others say that "God will understand, it's just a white lie." Of course God always understand but the problem here is the consequence of our wrongdoing or sin since God is truth and He can not be otherwise. When we sin we are opposed to God. We exclude ourselves from God thereby rejecting that we belong to Him. If we give up our citizenship in God then we lose all the benefits that go with it. What a waste, so we better think twice before we sin. This also made me think about predestiny. We may have heard about this from people of our faith but it remains a mystery for us. We may have encountered an argument about this saying that if we have been predestined to be saved then what's the use of striving to do what's good since we are already saved so nothing that we do can change that. We can come up with a lot of debatable issues regarding predestiny and even twist it in accordance to our own personal convictions, beliefs and sad to say for our own conveniences and justification. I believe that what matters most is what truly lies in the unseen and deepest recesses of our hearts where only God can see. Mother Angelica in her EWTN program said to a lady who called that no ne has the right to stop her from her devotion like kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. For it is written in Rom. 14:11, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." and Philippians 2:10, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,..." We are called to stand firm in our faith. Let us not give in to any kind of pressure or oppression that hinders us from proclaiming the truth. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 John 2,18-21.
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. 20 But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
A lot of things have happened this year and we must proclaim with all our heart, mind and soul how faithful our God is to us. Now that the year is about to end it should become an opportunity for us to really praise and thank God wholeheartedly for whatever happened to us. God is faithful. If we will try to look back at the sequence of events that took place in our life then we will find that everything have all been a testimony that God never leaves nor forsakes us. We may not have received all the things we have been asking for specifically but we must believe that God in His goodness and mercy did answer all our prayers in the way that He deemed is best. It doesn't change the fact that He is God and is always in control. Every single thing works according to His master plan and divine purpose. Jesus came and entered humanity in the most humble way. He loved us as we are and was willing to be born in a manger. He doesn't wait for us to transform ourselves but take us for who we are. It is very consoling to know that we have a God who was willing to be born into the messiness of our lives. We can be assured that He will carry out the plan He has for us, as in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope. It is always worth our all when we stand by the principles of God. With that we must continue to sing of His greatness. The Responsorial Psalm says, "Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!" It is telling us that if we trust in God completely then we are all predestined to be saved and granted victory in all our battles.
Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
R: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. 2 Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day. (R) 11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; 12 let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD. (R) 13 The LORD comes; he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.
God is with us! That's all we have to know and we are all set for another year. God is reminding us that we are His children and we are heirs of everything He owns. There is no better way to start this year 2012 than to glory in this truth that we have a loving Father who will never forsake nor abandon us and will always provide for all our needs. God showed us the greatest proof of His love when He became man, like one of us, visited us, and really dwelt among us. We are sometimes led astray from the truth by the cunning deceptions and camouflaged lies of this world, we should always realize that nothing is worth more than the privilege of being a faithful and loyal child of God. Let us not be duped by the enemy and firmly hold on to our rights as a legitimate citizen of God's Kingdom. When we encounter disappointments and tend to succumb to hopelessness and despair because we have a feeling that God is so far away from us then we need to realize that there is nothing and no one that is beyond the reach of God. This idea and notion is coming from the pits of hell. We clearly have no reason to despair because each one of us is touched by God. God is with us. This is the truth, He is not distant and no stranger. He has a face in Jesus. God has a desire to redeem each soul He has created. This message is ever new, ever surprising and surpasses even our hope. Pope Benedict XVI said that the Incarnation is the culmination of Creation. It has reached its highest point when God entered into that communion of love to be one with the beloved. The Word is made flesh because of love in order to be with the beloved. Only those who love are involved in the mystery of Christmas. It occurred in history and is transcending history. This is the greatest love story of all. We are invited to enter into that mystery of love to have faith in God who loves and loves us. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 1:1-18
...the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God.
...the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
HOLY FAMILY
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. God freely created without constraint as He made us in His image and likeness. He made us all come to this world and be part of a family. The family is the foundation and the fundamental cell of society. God's view of a family is beautiful. We have to live and act this out by giving to each other totally in our family as we express and receive it. We all hope and pray that our families will be blessed by the same love that bonded Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Amen. Hallelujah!
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. 3 Whoever honors his father atones for sins; and preserves himself from them. 4 When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not all the days of his life; 14 kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-it will take lasting root.
Over the years, the olive has been the symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power and pureness. The olive tree and olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible, and one of the most significant. For example, it was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. The Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem is mentioned several times. Olive oil has long been considered sacred; it was used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece. It was burnt in the sacred lamps of temples as well as being the "eternal flame" of the original Olympic Games. Victors in these games were crowned with its leaves. Today, it is still used in many religious ceremonies. Today's psalm mentions and compares children to olive plants. We have always been awed by such great affection a mother has for her child. We've seen a lot of things throughout time that attest to this. I am a mother myself and I have done things beyond my capacity because of how much I love my children. This love of mothers for their brood grows into something very special which explains why they are referred to or likened to olive plants around the table. Let us hope and pray that the Lord will continue to look after our families. No matter how difficult this year is, for our families we have to be confident in God's assurance in today's Psalm reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Happy are all who fear the LORD, who walk in the ways of God.
What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be happy and prosper: Like a fruitful vine your wife within your home, Like olive plants your children around your table....
Let us pray that we all find ourselves bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit as we commit to not only the duties and responsibilities we owe our families but to love them wholeheartedly. It is always for the best to consult scriptures and be guided by it. Today's 2nd reading gives us good instructions as to how we become better Christians every day. As we constantly do this and develop in ourselves a love for it we will just be surprised as to how we will see the words of God take its form through our experiences and come alive in us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 3:12-21
12 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,...
Jesus is born in a family. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We are reminded of the truth of the greatness and dignity of human family. We are invited to go back to Nazareth where Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived as a Holy Family and contemplate its sacredness and holiness. As we travel through life and encounter struggles in life that leaves us wounded may we always hold on to these values that the Holy Family teaches us. As Pope Benedict XVI describes the Holy Family as fully engaged in the desire to do the will of God and put the Kingdom of God first. We should imitate the fiat of Mary, "Let it be done according to God's word." and the obedience of Joseph as he was directed by an angel. It tells us to always commit to the family through its ups and downs. It demands sacrifice and heartfelt compassion. In humble obedience to this we can always call upon the grace of God in times of difficulty in order to endure and persevere. As Pope John Paul II said, human suffering clears the way for the grace that transforms. Jesus Himself lived as man and went through everything just like any human being. We can unite our sufferings with Christ and take on a deeper meaning to appreciate its value. Nowadays, people are bothered by all kinds of diseases that before were non existent. If we are totally surrendered to God in all things then we are sure to grow strong, full of wisdom and with God's favor upon us. It was through the obedience of St. Joseph and his courage to do what has to be done that he cooperated in God's plan of salvation for us through the Lord Jesus Christ His Son. There is no doubt that God is with us but are we with or for God. In any good relationship we know that it should be a 2-way or mutual thing. One can not govern over or not respond to the other. If we aim to develop an intimate relationship with God then we need to work on it. We can learn from Anna the prophetess from today's gospel. It was said that “she was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer.” Her devotion to the Lord paid well. We sometimes go through life like a routine and we do things automatically without much thought. There are times when we just let things and circumstances pass us by without noticing any difference. Anna did not fall for this kind of trap or complacency. She immediately knew and felt the Lord's presence. There may be thousands of babies being presented in the temple during that time but she spotted the Lord. This could not have been possible if not for her prayerful and discerning attitude. Just like her, may we be sensitive always to God's presence in our midst and be endowed with discernment. This is what happens when we decide to always draw near to God. He will surely not just draw nearer but nearest to us. God does not just match or double our works and efforts but maximizes to the superlative. We’ll never find ourselves in the losing end but always in a winning situation with the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 2:22-40
...“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”...“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 — and you yourself a sword will pierce — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” ...She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
...The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Amen. Hallelujah!
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. 3 Whoever honors his father atones for sins; and preserves himself from them. 4 When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not all the days of his life; 14 kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-it will take lasting root.
Over the years, the olive has been the symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power and pureness. The olive tree and olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible, and one of the most significant. For example, it was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. The Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem is mentioned several times. Olive oil has long been considered sacred; it was used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece. It was burnt in the sacred lamps of temples as well as being the "eternal flame" of the original Olympic Games. Victors in these games were crowned with its leaves. Today, it is still used in many religious ceremonies. Today's psalm mentions and compares children to olive plants. We have always been awed by such great affection a mother has for her child. We've seen a lot of things throughout time that attest to this. I am a mother myself and I have done things beyond my capacity because of how much I love my children. This love of mothers for their brood grows into something very special which explains why they are referred to or likened to olive plants around the table. Let us hope and pray that the Lord will continue to look after our families. No matter how difficult this year is, for our families we have to be confident in God's assurance in today's Psalm reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Happy are all who fear the LORD, who walk in the ways of God.
What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be happy and prosper: Like a fruitful vine your wife within your home, Like olive plants your children around your table....
Let us pray that we all find ourselves bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit as we commit to not only the duties and responsibilities we owe our families but to love them wholeheartedly. It is always for the best to consult scriptures and be guided by it. Today's 2nd reading gives us good instructions as to how we become better Christians every day. As we constantly do this and develop in ourselves a love for it we will just be surprised as to how we will see the words of God take its form through our experiences and come alive in us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 3:12-21
12 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,...
Jesus is born in a family. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We are reminded of the truth of the greatness and dignity of human family. We are invited to go back to Nazareth where Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived as a Holy Family and contemplate its sacredness and holiness. As we travel through life and encounter struggles in life that leaves us wounded may we always hold on to these values that the Holy Family teaches us. As Pope Benedict XVI describes the Holy Family as fully engaged in the desire to do the will of God and put the Kingdom of God first. We should imitate the fiat of Mary, "Let it be done according to God's word." and the obedience of Joseph as he was directed by an angel. It tells us to always commit to the family through its ups and downs. It demands sacrifice and heartfelt compassion. In humble obedience to this we can always call upon the grace of God in times of difficulty in order to endure and persevere. As Pope John Paul II said, human suffering clears the way for the grace that transforms. Jesus Himself lived as man and went through everything just like any human being. We can unite our sufferings with Christ and take on a deeper meaning to appreciate its value. Nowadays, people are bothered by all kinds of diseases that before were non existent. If we are totally surrendered to God in all things then we are sure to grow strong, full of wisdom and with God's favor upon us. It was through the obedience of St. Joseph and his courage to do what has to be done that he cooperated in God's plan of salvation for us through the Lord Jesus Christ His Son. There is no doubt that God is with us but are we with or for God. In any good relationship we know that it should be a 2-way or mutual thing. One can not govern over or not respond to the other. If we aim to develop an intimate relationship with God then we need to work on it. We can learn from Anna the prophetess from today's gospel. It was said that “she was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer.” Her devotion to the Lord paid well. We sometimes go through life like a routine and we do things automatically without much thought. There are times when we just let things and circumstances pass us by without noticing any difference. Anna did not fall for this kind of trap or complacency. She immediately knew and felt the Lord's presence. There may be thousands of babies being presented in the temple during that time but she spotted the Lord. This could not have been possible if not for her prayerful and discerning attitude. Just like her, may we be sensitive always to God's presence in our midst and be endowed with discernment. This is what happens when we decide to always draw near to God. He will surely not just draw nearer but nearest to us. God does not just match or double our works and efforts but maximizes to the superlative. We’ll never find ourselves in the losing end but always in a winning situation with the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 2:22-40
...“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”...“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 — and you yourself a sword will pierce — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” ...She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
...The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
LEAD THE SPARROWS
The recurring words in today's readings speak of light. We may have encountered people who have experienced the saints and heaven and they always have one thing in common to say, they describe the presence of a brilliant light and likewise when people speak of an encounter with evil it is associated with darkness. When we encounter light we develop a sense of joy in us. When we speak of the Lord and proclaimed the Lord it should not just be for the sake of good feelings but most importantly to make us better men and women. Pope Benedict XVI once said in one of the books he has written that what made him believe in what he believes in is the presence of the luminous trail of saints and lives of people who lived as Jesus lived. They served as a light that pierced the darkness in this world. Today we also celebrate the feast of St. Thomas Becket, pray for us. No matter how dark it may seem for as long as we commit to doing what is right and love one another then there is always hope in the Lord as stated in the first reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 John 2:3-11
...But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: 6 whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived...the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
...Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall…
We look at our own lives and see that it is dark in many ways in the form of bad stories that we hear about. We are not perfect but we can do something to bring the glowing radiance of Christ to the world. We must be able to calm ourselves and silence our mind over a lot of worries and anxiety. In doing so we could immediately feel the peace and assurance that God never ever leaves us every step of the way. We have 101 reasons to always rejoice and be glad. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
...Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.
When God stooped down to our level and disrobed his kingship for our sake He knew from the start what He is headed for being all knowing. But some still contradicts God despite everything He has done for us. And this is all because of His great love for us. Jesus is an obedient and loving Son as He is a symbol of perfection. That even His own mother was not spared of the hurt and pain is way too much for Him. Jesus came to save us. This is a very powerful statement that not every one of us can grasp its true meaning. There's this story of a man who heard a banging on the windows one winter night and saw the freezing sparrows who were trying to get in. The man tried to save them by shooing them away towards the barn where they could have shelter. Every time he tried to come near them he scares them and they fly away. He realized that he can not save them because they can not understand him. The only way to save them is to become small like them and lead them to where they should go. Unless he becomes one of them there is no way he can save them. This is what God did in order to save us. Jesus manifested God’s love. He became a model for us to follow. This is all because He wanted to give us a participation in His Divine Life. Christmas is the Christ mass that happens every day. Mass is a perfect worship to God who is perfect. During mass we offer Jesus, the perfect sacrifice to God who laid down His life in death, obeyed perfectly and won life for us, the Church. Death is a part of life and we ought to prepare for it. Not in the morbid kind of way but by giving and surrendering all in union with Jesus. It is an opportunity just like Simeon in today’s gospel to say our yes to the Father as Jesus did. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 2:22-35
...“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
1 John 2:3-11
...But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: 6 whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived...the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
...Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall…
We look at our own lives and see that it is dark in many ways in the form of bad stories that we hear about. We are not perfect but we can do something to bring the glowing radiance of Christ to the world. We must be able to calm ourselves and silence our mind over a lot of worries and anxiety. In doing so we could immediately feel the peace and assurance that God never ever leaves us every step of the way. We have 101 reasons to always rejoice and be glad. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
...Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.
When God stooped down to our level and disrobed his kingship for our sake He knew from the start what He is headed for being all knowing. But some still contradicts God despite everything He has done for us. And this is all because of His great love for us. Jesus is an obedient and loving Son as He is a symbol of perfection. That even His own mother was not spared of the hurt and pain is way too much for Him. Jesus came to save us. This is a very powerful statement that not every one of us can grasp its true meaning. There's this story of a man who heard a banging on the windows one winter night and saw the freezing sparrows who were trying to get in. The man tried to save them by shooing them away towards the barn where they could have shelter. Every time he tried to come near them he scares them and they fly away. He realized that he can not save them because they can not understand him. The only way to save them is to become small like them and lead them to where they should go. Unless he becomes one of them there is no way he can save them. This is what God did in order to save us. Jesus manifested God’s love. He became a model for us to follow. This is all because He wanted to give us a participation in His Divine Life. Christmas is the Christ mass that happens every day. Mass is a perfect worship to God who is perfect. During mass we offer Jesus, the perfect sacrifice to God who laid down His life in death, obeyed perfectly and won life for us, the Church. Death is a part of life and we ought to prepare for it. Not in the morbid kind of way but by giving and surrendering all in union with Jesus. It is an opportunity just like Simeon in today’s gospel to say our yes to the Father as Jesus did. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 2:22-35
...“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
FOWLER’S SNARE
It is very disheartening at times when we are confronted with the harsh realities of life. It is undeniable that the power of darkness and death is at work and tries to snuff out the light and take out life. We encounter people who try to inflict guilt and torture upon the other person who try to be close to the Lord. It is ever present when we see love being extended and the response is hatred. We see this everyday and we ask ourselves why? People who respond in this way are in truth afraid and being threatened by something they don't really understand. They choose to respond and allow what is opposite to the light to prevail. The real tragedy of this life is when we do not let the light of our lives shine. We need to be in touch with this passage from today's 1st reading and respond and live it with its full meaning. There is a need for us to do the right thing not just know and say it. Although what is written below is a very simple guideline that is easy to understand, it needs to be followed diligently. If we will always make a conscious effort to live the words of God and take it seriously by acting on it then we can be assured that whatever happens, whether good or bad, is within the radiance of His light and can dispel all darkness. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 John 1:5–2:2
...God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2: 1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
Today's psalm speaks of the fowler's snare and stumbled on this sermon in the internet and felt the need to share some of the important points I got from it.
Satan is the fowler who betrays unguarded souls. He is the arch-enemy of souls, the great deceiver and prince of the power of this world who always attempt to destroy us. The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman: he does not persecute—he rather attempts to persuade and to beguile. There are several ways a fowler attempts to take his birds. First, the fowler's snare is intimately connected with secrecy. The fowler, when he goes after his birds, is very careful. Therefore the fowler carefully covers up his trap so that it is utterly ignorant of his intention to take it in the trap, little thinking that the food laid there for its banqueting is really placed there for its enticement and destruction. The temptations of the world are of this secret sort to a Christian and could often hear them say, if I were perfectly convinced of its wrongfulness, I would give it up. Sin is usually hidden, and the snare is not often made apparent. We have to take care of things that are secret and the common doings of the world.
In the second place, the snare of the fowler is generally noted for its adaptation. You do not find a fowler setting the same snare for one bird as for another; he knows his bird and he adapts his bait to it. The fowler is wise and he adapts his snare to the condition of the bird which he desires to take. Satan the fowler does just the same. He will always adapt his trap to his man, and his bait to his bird. He will not tempt you all with the same temptation he would tempt me with; nor me with the temptation with which he would naturally assail another. "The snare of the fowler." A cunning enemy we have to deal with; he knows our weak points; he has been dealing with men for these last six thousand years; he knows all about them. He is possessed of a gigantic intellect; though he be a fallen spirit and he is easily able to discover where our sore places are, and there it is he immediately attacks us. If we be like Achilles, and can not be wounded anywhere but in our heel, then at the heel he will send his dart, and nowhere else. He will find out our easily besetting sin, and there, if he can, he will attempt to work our ruin and our destruction.
In the next place, the fowler's snare is frequently connected with pleasure, profit, and advantage. In the bird's case it is for the seed scattered on the ground that he flies to the snare. It is some tempting bait which allures him to his death. And usually Satan; the fowler, uses a temptation wherewith to beguile us. "O!" says one, "I can not give up such-and-such a thing, it is so pleasant. Sir, you never knew the charms of such-and-such a pursuit, otherwise you could never advise me to relinquish it." Yes, my friend, but it is just the sweetness of it to you that makes it the more dangerous. Satan never sells his poisons naked; he always gilds them before he vends them. He knows very well that men will buy them and swallow them, if he does but gild them beforehand. Take care of pleasures; mind what you are at when you are at them. Many of them are innocent and healthful, but many of them are destructive. It is said that where the most beautiful cacti grow, there the most venomous serpents are to be found at the root of every plant. And it is so with sin. Your fairest pleasures will harbor your grossest sins. Take care; take care of your pleasures. Cleopatra's asp was introduced in a basket of flowers; so are our sins often brought to us in the flowers of our pleasures. Satan offers to the drunkard the sweetness of the intoxicating cup, which rejoices him, when his brain is rioting in frolic, and when his soul is lifted up within him. He offers to the lustful man the scenes and pleasures of carnal mirth, and merriment, and delight, and so he leadeth him astray with the bait, concealing the hook which afterwards shall pain him. He gives to you and to me, each of us, the offer of our peculiar joy; he tickleth us with pleasures, that he may lay hold upon us, and so have us in his power. I would have every Christian be especially on his guard against the very thing that is most pleasing to his human nature. I would not have him avoid every thing that pleases him, but I would have him be on his guard against it. Just like Job, when his sons had been feasting in their houses. He did not forbid them doing it, but he said, "I will offer a sacrifice, lest my sons should have sinned in their hearts, and should have cursed God foolishly." He was more careful over them at the time of their feasting than at any other season. Let us be the same. Let us remember that the snare of the fowler is generally connected with some pretended pleasure or profit, but that Satan's end is not our pleasing, but our destruction.
In the next place, sometimes the fowler very wisely employs the force of example. We all know the influence of the decoy-duck, in endeavoring to bring others into the snare. How very often Satan, the fowler, employs a decoy to lead God's people into sin! You get with a man; you think him to be a true Christian; you have some respect for his character; he is a high professor, can talk religion by the yard, and can give you any quantity of theology you like to ask for. You see him commit a sin; ten to one but you will do the same, if you have much respect for him; and so he will lead you on. And mark, Satan is very careful in the men whom he chooses to be decoys. He never employs a wicked man to be a decoy for a good man. It is very seldom, when Satan would decoy a Christian into a snare, that he makes use of an open reprobate. No; he makes use of a man who is pretendedly religious, and who looks to be of the same quality as yourself, and therefore entices you astray. Let a bad man meet me in the street, and ask me to commit sin! The devil knows better than to set him at any such work as that, because he knows I should pass by directly. If he wants his errand well done, he sends one to me whom I call brother; and so through the brotherhood of profession I am apt to give him credence and pay him respect; and then if he goeth astray, the force of example is very powerful, and so I may easily be led into the net too. Take care of your best friends; be careful of your companions. Choose the best you can; then follow them no further than they follow Christ. Let your course be entirely independent of every one else. Say with Joshua, let others do what they will, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Note, once more, that sometimes the fowler, when he faileth to take his bird by deceit and craft, will go a hawking after it—will send his hawk into the air, to bring down his prey. It often happens, when the devil can not ruin a man by getting him to commit a sin, he attempts to slander him; he sends a hawk after him, and tries to bring him down by slandering his good name. Do with the slanderous hawk what the little birds do, just fly up. The hawk can not do them any hurt while they can keep above him—it is only when they come down that he can injure them. It is only when by mounting he gets above the birds, that the hawk comes sweeping down upon them, and destroys them. If any slander you, do not come down to them; let them slander on. By the grace of God, let them say what they please against you, never answer, but go straight on. All shall end well, if the character be but kept clean; the more dirt that is thrown on it by slander, the more its shall glisten, and the more brightly it shall shine. The surest way in the world to get rid of a slander is just to let it alone and say nothing about it, for if you prosecute the rascal who utters it, or if you threaten him with an action, and he has to apologize, you will be no better off—some fools will still believe it. Let it alone—let it keep as it is; and so God will help you to fulfill by your wisdom his own promise, Let us bless God that it is written, "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler."
We should stop doing the sinful thing that we really don't want to do because we have already been saved. We are no longer bound to the yoke of sin and death, we are free. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 124:2-3. 4-5. 7b-8
R: Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
2 Had not the LORD been with us — when men rose up against us, 3 then would they have swallowed us alive. When their fury was inflamed against us. (R) 4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; the torrent would have swept over us; 5 over us then would have swept the raging waters. (R) 7 Broken was the snare, and we were freed. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents which is the massacre of innocent babies as ordered by King Herod. He was threatened by a poor baby and ordered the killing of innocent children. We can see how ridiculous it was for someone like him to do such a heinous crime for fear of a baby. We may not be killing innocent babies but when we act in a way that we reject Christ and what He stands for then we are no different from Herod. He is afraid when a baby is born and think that his kingdom will be taken away from him. When we are afraid or get threatened about something we end up doing things that we sometimes don’t really want to do nor understand why we do it. In the process we find ourselves left with nothing and lose everything we even thought of killing or dying for. We look at the fate of Herod. He slew innocent babies because of fear in his heart that slew him instead by seeking to murder life itself. It presents to us a painful reality that is still happening today in the killing of the unborn in abortion clinics all over the world. The gospel speaks of the need for the Holy Family to flee to Egypt, a foreign land. It presented to us a scenario of the Holy Family running away from the pursuit of Herod who wants the baby Jesus dead and migrating to a place for safety, unknown to them in every way being Jewish in culture and perhaps not so welcoming, I suppose. It also spoke of the difficulties and hardships their family had to go through and made it so real for us who all belong to a family of our own, too. Jesus, Mary and Joseph left a clear, real and perfect picture of a family totally aligned to God's will in the midst of all the cruelties and dangers brought about by this world. These challenges may come in different forms that can bring about our share of sorrows in life. Encountering them and knowing that we have the guidance of the Holy Family for us to live by makes all the difference. The death of the holy innocents was not in vain because in death they preached what their young mouths could not utter. The Holy Innocents enjoyed the kind of death that gives way to heavenly bliss and eternal joy. It was surely a gruesome death; but we see now that it was also a glorious death. Holy Innocents, little angels in heaven, pray for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 2:13-18
13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. ...When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under,
1 John 1:5–2:2
...God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2: 1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
Today's psalm speaks of the fowler's snare and stumbled on this sermon in the internet and felt the need to share some of the important points I got from it.
Satan is the fowler who betrays unguarded souls. He is the arch-enemy of souls, the great deceiver and prince of the power of this world who always attempt to destroy us. The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman: he does not persecute—he rather attempts to persuade and to beguile. There are several ways a fowler attempts to take his birds. First, the fowler's snare is intimately connected with secrecy. The fowler, when he goes after his birds, is very careful. Therefore the fowler carefully covers up his trap so that it is utterly ignorant of his intention to take it in the trap, little thinking that the food laid there for its banqueting is really placed there for its enticement and destruction. The temptations of the world are of this secret sort to a Christian and could often hear them say, if I were perfectly convinced of its wrongfulness, I would give it up. Sin is usually hidden, and the snare is not often made apparent. We have to take care of things that are secret and the common doings of the world.
In the second place, the snare of the fowler is generally noted for its adaptation. You do not find a fowler setting the same snare for one bird as for another; he knows his bird and he adapts his bait to it. The fowler is wise and he adapts his snare to the condition of the bird which he desires to take. Satan the fowler does just the same. He will always adapt his trap to his man, and his bait to his bird. He will not tempt you all with the same temptation he would tempt me with; nor me with the temptation with which he would naturally assail another. "The snare of the fowler." A cunning enemy we have to deal with; he knows our weak points; he has been dealing with men for these last six thousand years; he knows all about them. He is possessed of a gigantic intellect; though he be a fallen spirit and he is easily able to discover where our sore places are, and there it is he immediately attacks us. If we be like Achilles, and can not be wounded anywhere but in our heel, then at the heel he will send his dart, and nowhere else. He will find out our easily besetting sin, and there, if he can, he will attempt to work our ruin and our destruction.
In the next place, the fowler's snare is frequently connected with pleasure, profit, and advantage. In the bird's case it is for the seed scattered on the ground that he flies to the snare. It is some tempting bait which allures him to his death. And usually Satan; the fowler, uses a temptation wherewith to beguile us. "O!" says one, "I can not give up such-and-such a thing, it is so pleasant. Sir, you never knew the charms of such-and-such a pursuit, otherwise you could never advise me to relinquish it." Yes, my friend, but it is just the sweetness of it to you that makes it the more dangerous. Satan never sells his poisons naked; he always gilds them before he vends them. He knows very well that men will buy them and swallow them, if he does but gild them beforehand. Take care of pleasures; mind what you are at when you are at them. Many of them are innocent and healthful, but many of them are destructive. It is said that where the most beautiful cacti grow, there the most venomous serpents are to be found at the root of every plant. And it is so with sin. Your fairest pleasures will harbor your grossest sins. Take care; take care of your pleasures. Cleopatra's asp was introduced in a basket of flowers; so are our sins often brought to us in the flowers of our pleasures. Satan offers to the drunkard the sweetness of the intoxicating cup, which rejoices him, when his brain is rioting in frolic, and when his soul is lifted up within him. He offers to the lustful man the scenes and pleasures of carnal mirth, and merriment, and delight, and so he leadeth him astray with the bait, concealing the hook which afterwards shall pain him. He gives to you and to me, each of us, the offer of our peculiar joy; he tickleth us with pleasures, that he may lay hold upon us, and so have us in his power. I would have every Christian be especially on his guard against the very thing that is most pleasing to his human nature. I would not have him avoid every thing that pleases him, but I would have him be on his guard against it. Just like Job, when his sons had been feasting in their houses. He did not forbid them doing it, but he said, "I will offer a sacrifice, lest my sons should have sinned in their hearts, and should have cursed God foolishly." He was more careful over them at the time of their feasting than at any other season. Let us be the same. Let us remember that the snare of the fowler is generally connected with some pretended pleasure or profit, but that Satan's end is not our pleasing, but our destruction.
In the next place, sometimes the fowler very wisely employs the force of example. We all know the influence of the decoy-duck, in endeavoring to bring others into the snare. How very often Satan, the fowler, employs a decoy to lead God's people into sin! You get with a man; you think him to be a true Christian; you have some respect for his character; he is a high professor, can talk religion by the yard, and can give you any quantity of theology you like to ask for. You see him commit a sin; ten to one but you will do the same, if you have much respect for him; and so he will lead you on. And mark, Satan is very careful in the men whom he chooses to be decoys. He never employs a wicked man to be a decoy for a good man. It is very seldom, when Satan would decoy a Christian into a snare, that he makes use of an open reprobate. No; he makes use of a man who is pretendedly religious, and who looks to be of the same quality as yourself, and therefore entices you astray. Let a bad man meet me in the street, and ask me to commit sin! The devil knows better than to set him at any such work as that, because he knows I should pass by directly. If he wants his errand well done, he sends one to me whom I call brother; and so through the brotherhood of profession I am apt to give him credence and pay him respect; and then if he goeth astray, the force of example is very powerful, and so I may easily be led into the net too. Take care of your best friends; be careful of your companions. Choose the best you can; then follow them no further than they follow Christ. Let your course be entirely independent of every one else. Say with Joshua, let others do what they will, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Note, once more, that sometimes the fowler, when he faileth to take his bird by deceit and craft, will go a hawking after it—will send his hawk into the air, to bring down his prey. It often happens, when the devil can not ruin a man by getting him to commit a sin, he attempts to slander him; he sends a hawk after him, and tries to bring him down by slandering his good name. Do with the slanderous hawk what the little birds do, just fly up. The hawk can not do them any hurt while they can keep above him—it is only when they come down that he can injure them. It is only when by mounting he gets above the birds, that the hawk comes sweeping down upon them, and destroys them. If any slander you, do not come down to them; let them slander on. By the grace of God, let them say what they please against you, never answer, but go straight on. All shall end well, if the character be but kept clean; the more dirt that is thrown on it by slander, the more its shall glisten, and the more brightly it shall shine. The surest way in the world to get rid of a slander is just to let it alone and say nothing about it, for if you prosecute the rascal who utters it, or if you threaten him with an action, and he has to apologize, you will be no better off—some fools will still believe it. Let it alone—let it keep as it is; and so God will help you to fulfill by your wisdom his own promise, Let us bless God that it is written, "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler."
We should stop doing the sinful thing that we really don't want to do because we have already been saved. We are no longer bound to the yoke of sin and death, we are free. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 124:2-3. 4-5. 7b-8
R: Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
2 Had not the LORD been with us — when men rose up against us, 3 then would they have swallowed us alive. When their fury was inflamed against us. (R) 4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; the torrent would have swept over us; 5 over us then would have swept the raging waters. (R) 7 Broken was the snare, and we were freed. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents which is the massacre of innocent babies as ordered by King Herod. He was threatened by a poor baby and ordered the killing of innocent children. We can see how ridiculous it was for someone like him to do such a heinous crime for fear of a baby. We may not be killing innocent babies but when we act in a way that we reject Christ and what He stands for then we are no different from Herod. He is afraid when a baby is born and think that his kingdom will be taken away from him. When we are afraid or get threatened about something we end up doing things that we sometimes don’t really want to do nor understand why we do it. In the process we find ourselves left with nothing and lose everything we even thought of killing or dying for. We look at the fate of Herod. He slew innocent babies because of fear in his heart that slew him instead by seeking to murder life itself. It presents to us a painful reality that is still happening today in the killing of the unborn in abortion clinics all over the world. The gospel speaks of the need for the Holy Family to flee to Egypt, a foreign land. It presented to us a scenario of the Holy Family running away from the pursuit of Herod who wants the baby Jesus dead and migrating to a place for safety, unknown to them in every way being Jewish in culture and perhaps not so welcoming, I suppose. It also spoke of the difficulties and hardships their family had to go through and made it so real for us who all belong to a family of our own, too. Jesus, Mary and Joseph left a clear, real and perfect picture of a family totally aligned to God's will in the midst of all the cruelties and dangers brought about by this world. These challenges may come in different forms that can bring about our share of sorrows in life. Encountering them and knowing that we have the guidance of the Holy Family for us to live by makes all the difference. The death of the holy innocents was not in vain because in death they preached what their young mouths could not utter. The Holy Innocents enjoyed the kind of death that gives way to heavenly bliss and eternal joy. It was surely a gruesome death; but we see now that it was also a glorious death. Holy Innocents, little angels in heaven, pray for us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 2:13-18
13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. ...When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under,
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
RIGHT THING & TIME IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES
My mother has always been someone who conveys her thoughts through words of wisdom. I grew up always having a regular dose of her favorite sayings. Even if she is already angry she could still manage to think of something wise to say in the form of idioms and popular quotes. There are so many things we wanted to say but we sometimes run out of the proper words to say it. Or it could also be that we sometimes find it difficult to express something in its full context we just have to resort to a more creative means of saying it. I must say that my mother is one of the most creative people I have known. Although my mother passed away quite a long time ago already, going 18 years, she has left me with something to always remember her by. She was never lacking in sharing and conveying to us important lessons in life that a mother ought to teach her children. This is why today's 1st reading suddenly reminded me of her because just like John she did what she ought to do in proclaiming God's glory to all the beloved so that our joy may be complete. Aside from being a woman of great faith in God, she definitely knows to say the right things at the right time in all the right places. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 John 1:1-4
...what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.
We have all the reasons to rejoice and be glad knowing that we have a God who is just. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R: Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
...The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 11 Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart.
It seems impossible for somebody to rise from the dead that is why Mary of Magdala got confused despite her being able to witness with her own very eyes the many wonders that Jesus did when He was still with them. There are some instances when we just can't get it. But we should never doubt the truth that God is all powerful and able to do beyond our imagination even though at times we fail to grasp the meaning of some things happening in our lives. Jesus has taken away the obstacle and hindrance for us to enter into new life with Him. Let us not forfeit this benefit and truly believe with the heart and soul of our faith. I can still remember very vividly what Fr. James de Souza preached when I attended his seminar way back in the Philippines more than 20 years ago when the gospel for today was the focus of his teaching. He commended St. John for being the most intimate and affectionate to Jesus. From that time on, I always have this constant hope and prayer that I will grow more daily into that overwhelmingly deep affection of St. John for Jesus to always see and believe Him in order to ran and go to Him first. Today we celebrate the feast of St. John the Apostle. John is the only apostle who did not leave Christ and stayed beside Him all the way to the foot of the cross. He was also the beloved apostle who rested his head at the chest of Jesus during the last supper. It is him who Jesus entrusted His mother with at the foot of the cross. This bible passage from today's gospel has left a remarkable impression in my memory. He ran as fast he could to be closest to the Lord. It made me think of our attitude towards God. Do we also have the same enthusiasm and fervor as John? And yet he still hesitated and got a hold of such strong emotions and still acted accordingly as dictated by the virtue of prudence. He was full of love and devotion for the Lord but he did not let it get in the way or disrupt the proper order of things that needs to be followed. He outran Peter in the rush to the tomb where Jesus was buried, but he let the more superior leader of the Twelve enter the tomb first. We can follow the example of St. John’s humble deferment to someone higher, his self-sacrificing and humble disposition vis-Ã -vis seniority. We should learn from him in the way he conducted himself in such situations, full of love and abounding in grace. He definitely acted the right thing at the right time in all the right places. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 20:1a, 2-8
...On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."...They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
1 John 1:1-4
...what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.
We have all the reasons to rejoice and be glad knowing that we have a God who is just. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R: Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
...The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 11 Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart.
It seems impossible for somebody to rise from the dead that is why Mary of Magdala got confused despite her being able to witness with her own very eyes the many wonders that Jesus did when He was still with them. There are some instances when we just can't get it. But we should never doubt the truth that God is all powerful and able to do beyond our imagination even though at times we fail to grasp the meaning of some things happening in our lives. Jesus has taken away the obstacle and hindrance for us to enter into new life with Him. Let us not forfeit this benefit and truly believe with the heart and soul of our faith. I can still remember very vividly what Fr. James de Souza preached when I attended his seminar way back in the Philippines more than 20 years ago when the gospel for today was the focus of his teaching. He commended St. John for being the most intimate and affectionate to Jesus. From that time on, I always have this constant hope and prayer that I will grow more daily into that overwhelmingly deep affection of St. John for Jesus to always see and believe Him in order to ran and go to Him first. Today we celebrate the feast of St. John the Apostle. John is the only apostle who did not leave Christ and stayed beside Him all the way to the foot of the cross. He was also the beloved apostle who rested his head at the chest of Jesus during the last supper. It is him who Jesus entrusted His mother with at the foot of the cross. This bible passage from today's gospel has left a remarkable impression in my memory. He ran as fast he could to be closest to the Lord. It made me think of our attitude towards God. Do we also have the same enthusiasm and fervor as John? And yet he still hesitated and got a hold of such strong emotions and still acted accordingly as dictated by the virtue of prudence. He was full of love and devotion for the Lord but he did not let it get in the way or disrupt the proper order of things that needs to be followed. He outran Peter in the rush to the tomb where Jesus was buried, but he let the more superior leader of the Twelve enter the tomb first. We can follow the example of St. John’s humble deferment to someone higher, his self-sacrificing and humble disposition vis-Ã -vis seniority. We should learn from him in the way he conducted himself in such situations, full of love and abounding in grace. He definitely acted the right thing at the right time in all the right places. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 20:1a, 2-8
...On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."...They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
Monday, December 26, 2011
LOOK BEYOND OUR FEARS
The memory of Stephen's great love, faith and devotion to God has become a legacy to us, Christians. Most especially for Saul who was later on called Paul since he was not a believer of Jesus yet during that time, in fact he was one of the feared persecutors of Christians. It must have been a sight, just imagine he was being stoned to death and yet he visualizes and shouts of the glory of God. We have a lot to learn from the example of the life of Stephen especially during times when we encounter trials and hardships that may not even get close to losing our lives and dying a very cruel death like what happened to Stephen. May our lives become an inspiration too for others to draw strength and courage the way Stephen did for Christians and non believers like Paul. Amen. Hallelujah!
Acts 6:8-10; 7: 54-59
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people...filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
The confidence of Stephen in God did not waver up to the end. He stood firm in his faith and remained steadfast. I have read that the most critical point in our life is during the time of death because it is when a battle between good and evil is being waged over our soul. We might have heard of different stories of people about to die who were reported to have seen all sorts of vision. As we read the psalm for today may we find ourselves truly internalizing and believing the words thus visualizing the glory of God the way Stephen demonstrated for us during the critical hour of our life. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 31:3cd-4. 6 and 8ab. 16bc and 17
R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
2 [3] Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 3 [4] You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 5 [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. 7 [8] I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. (R) 15 [16] Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. 16 [17] Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness.
God is indeed talking to us personally in each and every situation we have. The priest delivered a wonderful homily and said something that made me cry. It was on the eve of Christmas when I read a very bad medical report of a loved one. It was just so consoling that immediately the Lord assured me in the homily of the priest yesterday, Christmas day when I heard him say the very words which I have been holding on to as if my life depended on it. He said that there is no reason to be afraid. God can turn our fears into hope and joy. He takes delight in His people for Him to take the form of man to be with us. He came in the most humble way a King could ever have. He did not even have an inn that could at least keep him warm and comfortable but was born in a manger housed together with the farm animals. Gathering from this point of view I should say without a doubt that we indeed have no reason to be afraid. What a way to demonstrate that awesome and reckless love of God for man that He allowed Himself to go this far and even much farther to a cross in Calvary. Although there is a sudden shift from the festive mood of the gospel for Christmas yesterday to the grim reality of this world in today's gospel since it is a word of warning to all of us. We have to persevere to the end and never lose heart, for only the steadfast will finish the race and win the crown of salvation. There is a need for us to look beyond our fears and live with hope and joy persevering to the end. Whatever we are going through, it could be something that we are presently enjoying or suffering at the moment, we need to keep in mind that all things will soon come to pass. Not a single thing in this world will remain, as the scriptures say, “Heaven and earth will fail but God’s words will still remain.” These things we need to be aware and completely confident of because we are facing a lot of challenges in life and we need to make decisions and choices with regards to it. How many times have we experienced waiting and getting ready for something but due to some delays we started to lose patience and wonder if it’s going to come at all. Or we began to be preoccupied with other things that we’ve lost our focus. We start off with wonderful beginnings but not a happy ending. When we begin to conform to values of this world and start to forget who we really are and what we are called for then the worst happens. God is the author of our life and He has written for us a wonderful beginning and it’s all up to us to live it towards its beautiful ending by walking down the path that the Lord Himself prepared for us. He has loved and respected us so much that He has given us our free wills. At the final hour, nothing we did in the past whether it’s good and noble would ever count if we have fallen into the enemy’s trap because only the one who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved. This is the only winning chance of satan, to lure us into that situation as his only and last ditch effort. We have already been saved and this status of continuously being saved until we breathe our last depends solely on us. Whether we allow ourselves to be duped by the enemy or treasure this everlasting gift from God is completely up to us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 10:17-22
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what youare to say. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Acts 6:8-10; 7: 54-59
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people...filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
The confidence of Stephen in God did not waver up to the end. He stood firm in his faith and remained steadfast. I have read that the most critical point in our life is during the time of death because it is when a battle between good and evil is being waged over our soul. We might have heard of different stories of people about to die who were reported to have seen all sorts of vision. As we read the psalm for today may we find ourselves truly internalizing and believing the words thus visualizing the glory of God the way Stephen demonstrated for us during the critical hour of our life. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 31:3cd-4. 6 and 8ab. 16bc and 17
R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
2 [3] Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 3 [4] You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 5 [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. 7 [8] I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. (R) 15 [16] Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. 16 [17] Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness.
God is indeed talking to us personally in each and every situation we have. The priest delivered a wonderful homily and said something that made me cry. It was on the eve of Christmas when I read a very bad medical report of a loved one. It was just so consoling that immediately the Lord assured me in the homily of the priest yesterday, Christmas day when I heard him say the very words which I have been holding on to as if my life depended on it. He said that there is no reason to be afraid. God can turn our fears into hope and joy. He takes delight in His people for Him to take the form of man to be with us. He came in the most humble way a King could ever have. He did not even have an inn that could at least keep him warm and comfortable but was born in a manger housed together with the farm animals. Gathering from this point of view I should say without a doubt that we indeed have no reason to be afraid. What a way to demonstrate that awesome and reckless love of God for man that He allowed Himself to go this far and even much farther to a cross in Calvary. Although there is a sudden shift from the festive mood of the gospel for Christmas yesterday to the grim reality of this world in today's gospel since it is a word of warning to all of us. We have to persevere to the end and never lose heart, for only the steadfast will finish the race and win the crown of salvation. There is a need for us to look beyond our fears and live with hope and joy persevering to the end. Whatever we are going through, it could be something that we are presently enjoying or suffering at the moment, we need to keep in mind that all things will soon come to pass. Not a single thing in this world will remain, as the scriptures say, “Heaven and earth will fail but God’s words will still remain.” These things we need to be aware and completely confident of because we are facing a lot of challenges in life and we need to make decisions and choices with regards to it. How many times have we experienced waiting and getting ready for something but due to some delays we started to lose patience and wonder if it’s going to come at all. Or we began to be preoccupied with other things that we’ve lost our focus. We start off with wonderful beginnings but not a happy ending. When we begin to conform to values of this world and start to forget who we really are and what we are called for then the worst happens. God is the author of our life and He has written for us a wonderful beginning and it’s all up to us to live it towards its beautiful ending by walking down the path that the Lord Himself prepared for us. He has loved and respected us so much that He has given us our free wills. At the final hour, nothing we did in the past whether it’s good and noble would ever count if we have fallen into the enemy’s trap because only the one who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved. This is the only winning chance of satan, to lure us into that situation as his only and last ditch effort. We have already been saved and this status of continuously being saved until we breathe our last depends solely on us. Whether we allow ourselves to be duped by the enemy or treasure this everlasting gift from God is completely up to us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 10:17-22
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what youare to say. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Sunday, December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
We are all headed to a great future and a destiny that is especially for a people of God saved and redeemed by God through his birth, an occasion today that we all happily celebrate. A Savior has been born to us and we have become heirs of God's Kingdom and glory. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 52:7-10
...all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.
Singing belongs to a heart that loves. This event of the holy night with a hymn of joy is a reflection of the praise for the goodness and beauty of God which appears to us on that night Christ the Savior is born. It is the glory of God from which all beauty and goodness is derived. We join the singing of the centuries that unite angels and men to praise God and be a people of peace. Anyone who catches a glimpse of the glory of God breaks out into song with joy as today’s psalm tells us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (3c)
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
Israel or the chosen people designated by God as 1st born and elected for the particular love of the Father has taken on a new depth. The promises made to Israel were all summed up in Jesus when He was sent to the world. Jesus is the 1st born who belongs to God in a special way and the fulfillment. He is the 1st born of all creation. He is the truth prototype of man. He is God and man. He has broken down all barriers and opened up the possibility of true communion with God. As scriptures say, "Mary wrapped her 1st born and laid Him in a manger." He is the 1st born of all brothers and sisters and helps us to true brotherhood and love one another as one family, God's family. If we will just look back and recall in times past as is written in today's 2nd reading we can never deny the fact that there is really a reason for all of us to rejoice not only during this season but throughout the year. On this very special day which is Christmas day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today's 2nd reading explains, affirms and confirms what we are all doing during this season of peace, love and joy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 1:1-6
1 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, 3 who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? 6 And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”
The idea of angels has always appealed to me most especially now that I myself have a personal experience and testimony about them. I have regarded them with so much awe and wonder after having been exposed to them for several instances when I definitely can not doubt their presence. As I have often read in my prayer book, they are considered as Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, Virtues of Heaven and all the other great and powerful names you can ever think of. It is usually that kind of thing which bewilders us whenever we are confronted by something astonishing and extraordinary. Upon reading today's gospel it just hit me that we are placed by God on a pedestal and ranked no less than an angel. As we celebrate the birth of His son today it reminds us that it is indeed a season to be jolly. The host of angels say, "Glory to God in the highest... Peace to men of good will" The speech of God and angels is different from man. To truly understand the angel's song, we are called to a free response of love. A response to God's love without which, we could not love. It is both grace and freedom. It can not be divided. It is an inter play between grace and freedom or call and response. God calls and waits for a response. He does not abandon a lost sheep nor does He allow us to be confounded by sin. He waits for us to join Him and sing with His angels. We are invited to sing with joy with faith that we are all bound by God. This we can joyfully claim on this very special day and all the days to come. When we are sometimes led astray from the truth by the cunning deceptions and camouflaged lies of this world, we should always realize that nothing is worth more than the privilege of being a faithful and loyal child of God. Let us not be duped by the enemy and firmly hold on to our rights as a legitimate citizen of God's Kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 1,1-18.
...the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God...From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace.
Isaiah 52:7-10
...all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.
Singing belongs to a heart that loves. This event of the holy night with a hymn of joy is a reflection of the praise for the goodness and beauty of God which appears to us on that night Christ the Savior is born. It is the glory of God from which all beauty and goodness is derived. We join the singing of the centuries that unite angels and men to praise God and be a people of peace. Anyone who catches a glimpse of the glory of God breaks out into song with joy as today’s psalm tells us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (3c)
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
Israel or the chosen people designated by God as 1st born and elected for the particular love of the Father has taken on a new depth. The promises made to Israel were all summed up in Jesus when He was sent to the world. Jesus is the 1st born who belongs to God in a special way and the fulfillment. He is the 1st born of all creation. He is the truth prototype of man. He is God and man. He has broken down all barriers and opened up the possibility of true communion with God. As scriptures say, "Mary wrapped her 1st born and laid Him in a manger." He is the 1st born of all brothers and sisters and helps us to true brotherhood and love one another as one family, God's family. If we will just look back and recall in times past as is written in today's 2nd reading we can never deny the fact that there is really a reason for all of us to rejoice not only during this season but throughout the year. On this very special day which is Christmas day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today's 2nd reading explains, affirms and confirms what we are all doing during this season of peace, love and joy. Amen. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 1:1-6
1 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, 3 who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? 6 And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”
The idea of angels has always appealed to me most especially now that I myself have a personal experience and testimony about them. I have regarded them with so much awe and wonder after having been exposed to them for several instances when I definitely can not doubt their presence. As I have often read in my prayer book, they are considered as Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, Virtues of Heaven and all the other great and powerful names you can ever think of. It is usually that kind of thing which bewilders us whenever we are confronted by something astonishing and extraordinary. Upon reading today's gospel it just hit me that we are placed by God on a pedestal and ranked no less than an angel. As we celebrate the birth of His son today it reminds us that it is indeed a season to be jolly. The host of angels say, "Glory to God in the highest... Peace to men of good will" The speech of God and angels is different from man. To truly understand the angel's song, we are called to a free response of love. A response to God's love without which, we could not love. It is both grace and freedom. It can not be divided. It is an inter play between grace and freedom or call and response. God calls and waits for a response. He does not abandon a lost sheep nor does He allow us to be confounded by sin. He waits for us to join Him and sing with His angels. We are invited to sing with joy with faith that we are all bound by God. This we can joyfully claim on this very special day and all the days to come. When we are sometimes led astray from the truth by the cunning deceptions and camouflaged lies of this world, we should always realize that nothing is worth more than the privilege of being a faithful and loyal child of God. Let us not be duped by the enemy and firmly hold on to our rights as a legitimate citizen of God's Kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!
John 1,1-18.
...the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God...From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
TRUE TO HIS WORD
These past few days the 1st readings were all about the prophecies of the birth of Jesus Christ and what never ceases to amaze me is the uniformity of the messages of these prophets from the Old Testament and how they were all fulfilled in the New Testament and is now continuously being celebrated year after year as we all say "Merry Christmas". I have always said this and will never ever get tired of saying this. We have a God who never fail and will always fulfill what He said He would do. This prophecy of Samuel explains why Jesus was often referred to in the scriptures as Son of David. The long history of the chosen people of God speaks of a Messiah whom they have long waited for. The more we get familiar with the scriptures the better our understanding of the prophecies from the Old Testament in connection with the New Testament. The deeper we know more about them the better our amazement and appreciation of how God works in mysterious, wonderful and miraculous ways. The long span of more than 4 thousand years that date way back to the time of Abraham to the time of Jesus speak of God's faithfulness to His covenant with His people. We may be in a situation where we are not truly satisfied with what is happening around us but we must continue to believe in the magic that Christmas brings to our hearts. We can always count on God to carry out the plans He has for His people and always be true to His word. There is no greater joy in the knowledge of the hope, joy and love that our Savior is born. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
...And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’
If we enter into agreement with any person we have to make sure that we are able to fulfill it and vice versa for the person whom we make a contract with. It is so disappointing when things do not turn out the way it should be and terms and conditions are not followed. I guess, we have all encountered mishaps and are dismayed along the way. It is always best that if there's someone whom we should observe and maintain a covenant with then there should be no other but God. For His words and promises will always remain true. As in Habakkuk 2:2-3, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." We can be assured that His covenant will last and stand firm. Thousands of years have passed and only one name remains tried and true and continues to stand the test of time and even eternity, the name above all names, Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1 [2] The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”
We can't save ourselves. We live in a dark world and need Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus to earth is the beginning of this Kingdom of God. We are destined in the fullness of time to be in perfect communion with Christ and bring to fulfillment the Kingdom. This Christmas we embrace this joy of having Jesus come to us who restored what had been broken by sin in order for us to enter into a new and deeper relationship with God. As the day of the birth of our Lord Jesus draws near the gospel continues to remind us of our role which is to follow the example of St. John's life who prepared the way of the Lord, became a guide to the feet of those who are led astray and brought them back to the path of peace. Let us all become that life giving water, no matter where we came from. If we look at our life we can say that it is much like water flowing through the river of life that is sometimes fast paced, rushing vigorously, may sometimes slow down and flow very peacefully, could pass through big boulders and rocks that block our way or worst pass through dirty and abandoned channels that end up in a rut and stagnate. No matter what situations we encounter in life we have to go through those big boulders that slow us down, block our way and just continue to go with the flow of God's grace that is surely headed to the vast and deep ocean of God's love. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:67-79
...And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
...And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’
If we enter into agreement with any person we have to make sure that we are able to fulfill it and vice versa for the person whom we make a contract with. It is so disappointing when things do not turn out the way it should be and terms and conditions are not followed. I guess, we have all encountered mishaps and are dismayed along the way. It is always best that if there's someone whom we should observe and maintain a covenant with then there should be no other but God. For His words and promises will always remain true. As in Habakkuk 2:2-3, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." We can be assured that His covenant will last and stand firm. Thousands of years have passed and only one name remains tried and true and continues to stand the test of time and even eternity, the name above all names, Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1 [2] The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”
We can't save ourselves. We live in a dark world and need Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus to earth is the beginning of this Kingdom of God. We are destined in the fullness of time to be in perfect communion with Christ and bring to fulfillment the Kingdom. This Christmas we embrace this joy of having Jesus come to us who restored what had been broken by sin in order for us to enter into a new and deeper relationship with God. As the day of the birth of our Lord Jesus draws near the gospel continues to remind us of our role which is to follow the example of St. John's life who prepared the way of the Lord, became a guide to the feet of those who are led astray and brought them back to the path of peace. Let us all become that life giving water, no matter where we came from. If we look at our life we can say that it is much like water flowing through the river of life that is sometimes fast paced, rushing vigorously, may sometimes slow down and flow very peacefully, could pass through big boulders and rocks that block our way or worst pass through dirty and abandoned channels that end up in a rut and stagnate. No matter what situations we encounter in life we have to go through those big boulders that slow us down, block our way and just continue to go with the flow of God's grace that is surely headed to the vast and deep ocean of God's love. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:67-79
...And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Friday, December 23, 2011
THE HAND OF THE LORD
Life is never easy and fair at times. If we go through trials and hardships and sometimes lose heart when confronted by the doubting and questioning minds of some people then we should always stand firm in our principles and convictions anchored in Jesus. No matter how difficult it may seem we must not lose sight of what kind of suffering Jesus had to go through and all our problems will fade in the background. We should always have the attitude of humble acceptance and complete surrender clinging only to God and not to any person, thing, situation or possession in life. These experiences will all amount to something great in the end. Which reminds me of the story of a silversmith (narrated by Fr. Joseph Magdaong) who purifies silver by allowing it to sit on the fire at its extreme heat until it finally comes out pure. The silversmith knows that the work is done once the silver starts to reflect the image of the silversmith/refiner. But it is also of prime importance that the silversmith does not remove his gaze on what he is doing because it will also ruin the silver if he exceeds even just a small fraction of the refining process. Allow this to sink in to our souls and know that we have a Perfect Silversmith in God. He never leaves His gaze upon us and knows exactly what we have to go through to bring out the best in us. In whatever we are going through right now, let us believe and trust that we are in the steady hands of the Expert who will never miss nor fail. Amen. Hallelujah!
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
...For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying [silver], and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
We have seen a lot of broken relationships in our lifetime and if we will base our understanding of the word friendship on that then we will start to lose faith and confidence in friends. It is so reassuring and comforting to see that in today's psalm it mentioned about the friendship of God and that we can be sure that it is something we can always count and depend on. It is indeed a consolation to know that we are in the hands of God. There is no reason to fear nor doubt, for the Lord will surely bless and keep us at all times. This made me think of the children who squirm and try to break free from the protecting hold of a parent. Sometimes we are no different from the children because we want God to let loose of His hold. We have a gentle and loving God who will never impose nor force Himself. It is all up to us whether we remain or wriggle free from the loving grasp of God's hands. God always work with perfection. We can always be assured that if we allow ourselves to go through the Refiner's fire then we will surely come out perfect. God is always precise in His moves and can never go wrong. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14
R: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.
Today's gospel tells us of the story of the birth of John the Baptist and the extraordinary circumstances that went with it. He was considered the precursor or the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. He was the one who prepared the way of the Lord. We can never deny the awesome and wonderful signs that God has wrought in the life of St. John the Baptist from the moment he was conceived, the time of his birth until he fulfilled the ministry and call that God has given to him. If we are to look very closely and intently at our own lives there is no denying to the truth that the hand of the Lord is always with us. It is up to us how we live this truth, whether we grow and become strong in spirit like John the Baptist is a choice we have to make. He is a well known figure in our Christian faith. We can surely learn from his example and live out God's mission for each one of us to its fulfillment. This should make us think that like John we too are called for a mission in which the ultimate goal is also to prepare the way for the Lord. For John it was His first coming but for us it is His 2nd coming. As Catholics, we believe that the 2nd coming of our Lord comes in 2 ways. The 1st is when we die and meet with God face to face which could be referred to as the coming of Christ to us individually and the 2nd is at the end of the world which is the final judgment as in Revelations when the moon, the sun, and stars are no more. Or it could also be just one time for those of us who will live up to that final day of judgment. As the bible tells us nobody knows the time or day of when will that be. It is for our own good that we are always prepared for that final day whether it's the end of the world or when we die which we're all going to be someday. Another important point to consider as we make preparations is to make an assessment of our life. We look in retrospect at the life of John and see how the hand of the Lord was with him. This should also make us look at our life in the same manner and realize that after all we've been through in life we would never have reached this far if not for the truth that the hand of the Lord is with us too. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:57-66
...they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No.He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
...For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying [silver], and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
We have seen a lot of broken relationships in our lifetime and if we will base our understanding of the word friendship on that then we will start to lose faith and confidence in friends. It is so reassuring and comforting to see that in today's psalm it mentioned about the friendship of God and that we can be sure that it is something we can always count and depend on. It is indeed a consolation to know that we are in the hands of God. There is no reason to fear nor doubt, for the Lord will surely bless and keep us at all times. This made me think of the children who squirm and try to break free from the protecting hold of a parent. Sometimes we are no different from the children because we want God to let loose of His hold. We have a gentle and loving God who will never impose nor force Himself. It is all up to us whether we remain or wriggle free from the loving grasp of God's hands. God always work with perfection. We can always be assured that if we allow ourselves to go through the Refiner's fire then we will surely come out perfect. God is always precise in His moves and can never go wrong. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14
R: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.
Today's gospel tells us of the story of the birth of John the Baptist and the extraordinary circumstances that went with it. He was considered the precursor or the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. He was the one who prepared the way of the Lord. We can never deny the awesome and wonderful signs that God has wrought in the life of St. John the Baptist from the moment he was conceived, the time of his birth until he fulfilled the ministry and call that God has given to him. If we are to look very closely and intently at our own lives there is no denying to the truth that the hand of the Lord is always with us. It is up to us how we live this truth, whether we grow and become strong in spirit like John the Baptist is a choice we have to make. He is a well known figure in our Christian faith. We can surely learn from his example and live out God's mission for each one of us to its fulfillment. This should make us think that like John we too are called for a mission in which the ultimate goal is also to prepare the way for the Lord. For John it was His first coming but for us it is His 2nd coming. As Catholics, we believe that the 2nd coming of our Lord comes in 2 ways. The 1st is when we die and meet with God face to face which could be referred to as the coming of Christ to us individually and the 2nd is at the end of the world which is the final judgment as in Revelations when the moon, the sun, and stars are no more. Or it could also be just one time for those of us who will live up to that final day of judgment. As the bible tells us nobody knows the time or day of when will that be. It is for our own good that we are always prepared for that final day whether it's the end of the world or when we die which we're all going to be someday. Another important point to consider as we make preparations is to make an assessment of our life. We look in retrospect at the life of John and see how the hand of the Lord was with him. This should also make us look at our life in the same manner and realize that after all we've been through in life we would never have reached this far if not for the truth that the hand of the Lord is with us too. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:57-66
...they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No.He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Sometimes we wonder why God is not answering our prayers in the way we wanted or expected things to happen. Today's 1st reading could make us think why some people end up doing things differently and unexpectedly the way we would normally do. Who would have done or even thought of doing what Hannah just did. When she prayed for a child, God granted her prayer and gifted her with a son, Samuel but she ended up offering him back to the Lord and left him in the temple. If we will just look at the narrow picture of this event then we might miss what Hannah was able to see and understand. We may not fully comprehend what life may bring us but we can always learn a lesson from this great woman in the bible who was able to overcome the natural tendencies of this world and did what is most pleasing to God. We should examine ourselves if we will be able to respond to the blessing or favor granted in the way Hannah in today's 1st reading responded. Sometimes we regard God in the way that will best suit our needs and desires we fail to see the unbounded goodness of God that is not limited to the specific request we are praying for. Hannah's gratitude to God exceeds the desire for what she prayed for. We could learn from this kind of attitude especially when we are praying to God for something to come or happen. In the story we found out that she was asking for a son and when God granted her prayer she gave it back to God. Where's the logic there? She should not have asked in the first place we may think. We're missing the point here if we think of it this way. Hannah teaches us to attach to God more than anything else. We must learn the art of detachment to all but God. In praying to God she acknowledged that God is generous, powerful, loving and will always provide what is best for us. She knew from the very beginning that we can never out give God. In giving back to God she ultimately learned the art of letting go of even our greatest desires to give honor to God. Amen. Hallelujah!
1 Samuel 1:24-28
24 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a threeyear- old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left him there.
God calls the shots. In other words there is no use arguing or going against an All Knowing, Powerful, Holy, Merciful and Loving God. Do we still dare to contradict such a God whose steadfast love for us extends to the heavens? There is no use resisting His love. We just have to give our heart totally in return. We all have plans and we sometimes are caught unaware or worst end up disappointed when things do not come out the way we expected it. We should never lose heart because God can always turn anything into a blessing. Whatever plans we have in life it is best to surrender and offer them up first to the Lord knowing that we're better off that way. When everything is said and done we can claim what is stated in today's psalm for as long as we trusted the Lord's words to us against all odds. Nobody can really ever fully understand the wisdom and the ways of God. It is mind blowing and unimaginable. Nevertheless, we should continue to proclaim, "What an awesome God we have!" Amen. Hallelujah
1 Samuel 2:1. 4-5. 6-7. 8abcd
R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
...I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 He raises the needy from the dust; from the ash heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”
The gospel this advent season always speaks of child bearing of those women that are called barren and somehow it can be compared to becoming fruitful for the Lord. It challenges us to give birth to a blessing from out of nothing and trust the Lord's power to do it. Today's gospel in particular contains the Magnificat which has become a famous prayer and song for most Catholics. The Magnificat (Latin: [My soul] magnifies) — also known as the Song of Mary — is a canticle frequently sung (or spoken) liturgically in Christian church services. It is one of the 8 most ancient Christian hymns and perhaps the earliest Marian hymn. The text of the canticle is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) where it is spoken by the Virgin Mary upon the occasion of her Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. In the narrative, after Mary greets Elizabeth, who is pregnant with the future John the Baptist, the child moves within Elizabeth's womb. When Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, Mary sings the Magnificat in response. The canticle echoes several Old Testament biblical passages, but the most pronounced allusions are to the Song of Hannah, from the Books of Samuel (1Samuel 2:1-10) Not many of us know that these words of Mary are taken from the very prayer of Hannah in the Old Testament which happens to be the character being spoken of in today's 1st reading. Even Mary, the Mother of God studied scriptures and used it to form part of her prayer. She was also knowledgeable of these holy men and women who lived way back in the Old Testament. If not she would not have used in the Magnificat the same words that Hannah prayed. Haven't we thought of it yet? We are better off in a way that we do not have just the Old Testament as guide for our daily living but the richness and fullness of the New Testament where everything is fulfilled. We are reminded not to forget to acknowledge the goodness of God in our lives. Sometimes we have a tendency to overlook or neglect this important thing of acknowledgement. This reminds me of a terrible mistake I did in the past. I had my thesis manuscript printed and bounded but forgot to include the acknowledgement page. When my adviser knew about it he kidded me by saying, "Thanks to I, me and myself." Well I guess, it's really important that we acknowledge people for what they did to us or most importantly God for that matter whom we owe everything. On top of that, the readings for today point to it as something we need to do and not overlook as demonstrated by these 2 popular and well loved personalities of faith. Mary's way of acknowledging the greatness of God is evident in the gospel today. It is very appropriate also that today's 1st reading is about Hannah. These 2 women both echo in their songs their deep gratitude for God. We, too in our own right can claim ownership to the Magnificat if we will only follow the example of a perfect response to God's blessing and call of these 2 women (Hannah and Mary) in today's readings. We must proclaim the goodness of the Lord for all the good things He has done and for everything that comes our way. Just like them we should develop an attitude of complete trust in the Lord and reflect in our lives the gratitude we have in our hearts no matter what situation we are in. We can surely learn from their example and start developing in ourselves this sense of gratitude and acknowledgement to whom it is really due. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:46-56
46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
1 Samuel 1:24-28
24 In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a threeyear- old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left him there.
God calls the shots. In other words there is no use arguing or going against an All Knowing, Powerful, Holy, Merciful and Loving God. Do we still dare to contradict such a God whose steadfast love for us extends to the heavens? There is no use resisting His love. We just have to give our heart totally in return. We all have plans and we sometimes are caught unaware or worst end up disappointed when things do not come out the way we expected it. We should never lose heart because God can always turn anything into a blessing. Whatever plans we have in life it is best to surrender and offer them up first to the Lord knowing that we're better off that way. When everything is said and done we can claim what is stated in today's psalm for as long as we trusted the Lord's words to us against all odds. Nobody can really ever fully understand the wisdom and the ways of God. It is mind blowing and unimaginable. Nevertheless, we should continue to proclaim, "What an awesome God we have!" Amen. Hallelujah
1 Samuel 2:1. 4-5. 6-7. 8abcd
R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
...I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 He raises the needy from the dust; from the ash heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”
The gospel this advent season always speaks of child bearing of those women that are called barren and somehow it can be compared to becoming fruitful for the Lord. It challenges us to give birth to a blessing from out of nothing and trust the Lord's power to do it. Today's gospel in particular contains the Magnificat which has become a famous prayer and song for most Catholics. The Magnificat (Latin: [My soul] magnifies) — also known as the Song of Mary — is a canticle frequently sung (or spoken) liturgically in Christian church services. It is one of the 8 most ancient Christian hymns and perhaps the earliest Marian hymn. The text of the canticle is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) where it is spoken by the Virgin Mary upon the occasion of her Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. In the narrative, after Mary greets Elizabeth, who is pregnant with the future John the Baptist, the child moves within Elizabeth's womb. When Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, Mary sings the Magnificat in response. The canticle echoes several Old Testament biblical passages, but the most pronounced allusions are to the Song of Hannah, from the Books of Samuel (1Samuel 2:1-10) Not many of us know that these words of Mary are taken from the very prayer of Hannah in the Old Testament which happens to be the character being spoken of in today's 1st reading. Even Mary, the Mother of God studied scriptures and used it to form part of her prayer. She was also knowledgeable of these holy men and women who lived way back in the Old Testament. If not she would not have used in the Magnificat the same words that Hannah prayed. Haven't we thought of it yet? We are better off in a way that we do not have just the Old Testament as guide for our daily living but the richness and fullness of the New Testament where everything is fulfilled. We are reminded not to forget to acknowledge the goodness of God in our lives. Sometimes we have a tendency to overlook or neglect this important thing of acknowledgement. This reminds me of a terrible mistake I did in the past. I had my thesis manuscript printed and bounded but forgot to include the acknowledgement page. When my adviser knew about it he kidded me by saying, "Thanks to I, me and myself." Well I guess, it's really important that we acknowledge people for what they did to us or most importantly God for that matter whom we owe everything. On top of that, the readings for today point to it as something we need to do and not overlook as demonstrated by these 2 popular and well loved personalities of faith. Mary's way of acknowledging the greatness of God is evident in the gospel today. It is very appropriate also that today's 1st reading is about Hannah. These 2 women both echo in their songs their deep gratitude for God. We, too in our own right can claim ownership to the Magnificat if we will only follow the example of a perfect response to God's blessing and call of these 2 women (Hannah and Mary) in today's readings. We must proclaim the goodness of the Lord for all the good things He has done and for everything that comes our way. Just like them we should develop an attitude of complete trust in the Lord and reflect in our lives the gratitude we have in our hearts no matter what situation we are in. We can surely learn from their example and start developing in ourselves this sense of gratitude and acknowledgement to whom it is really due. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:46-56
46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
INVISIBLE FORCE
During our lifetime we encounter people, situations and circumstances that one way or another influence, impact and sometimes unavoidably leave a mark in our life. It's a good thing if they benefit us in a positive way but sometimes there are some that create a negative impact on us. We become prisoners of these things or worse disabled and left crippled with it for life. Today's 1st reading tells us that the Lord has removed the judgment against us. We have no more misfortune to fear. Let us claim this for ourselves no matter what we've been through, and really make the Lord's presence be felt in our life by making Him King. Therefore if the Lord said so then we can definitely rely on His word. Whenever we see spectacular movies about the supernatural powers we can always expect scenes that are breathtaking and full of suspense. It showcases things like when all else failed after everything the characters have done and death or defeat is imminent then all of a sudden the powerful forces took their side and saved them from the claws of their enemies. It always turn out as a blockbuster movie that we find we find very entertaining and amusing without realizing that just like these movie characters, we as God's people can rely on His Almighty Power to win all our battles. Jesus our Savior is born, we have been redeemed. Amen. Hallelujah!
Zephaniah 3:14-18a (or Romans 12:9-16)
14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.
Just like the Blessed Mother Mary, who is Queen of heaven and earth, we too are destined for victory and royalty. If only we live out the example of her obedient life and carry Jesus in our hearts. Let us not lose hope and have faith in the Master Plan and Grand Design that God has for all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R: Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
...But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations...Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.
Today’s gospel is about the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth. It shows us a number of wonderful things about God. In the womb of their mothers, John the Voice and Jesus the Word met, the women raised their own voices in praise. Elizabeth praised Mary and her child; Mary turned the joy of them both into a hymn of praise to God. In this scene of the Visitation we are made aware of Jesus acting here from the very start. This also calls our attention to the unborn children. He was barely a week old in Mary’s womb and John was only 6 months in Elizabeth’s womb. Mary takes Him to his first missionary work. Jesus is already pouring out grace and John received the grace as he leaped in her mother’s womb. Mary is the instrument in bringing Jesus to Elizabeth and John. We must realize this and not fear that she will distract us from being with Jesus. We should respond like Elizabeth and say something that we always say when we pray the rosary. No way should we think that it will get in the way rather it would lead us to praising God even more. The Son of God was still invisible at the time of the Visitation but the sound of Mary’s voice made it visible for Elizabeth. This is why it is also worth mentioning this meditation from Magnificat entitled: The Graces of the Visitation.
The events of today’s mystery bring before the faithful in a peculiar manner the fact that our God is a hidden God, and that his power works in the soul in a secret and impenetrable manner. Four people are concerned in the occurrence we are celebrating: Jesus and Mary; St. John, and his mother St. Elizabeth. Now, it is most remarkable that of all thee sacred personages the only one who seems to perform no particular action is the Son of God himself. Elizabeth, enlightened from on high, acknowledges the Blessed Virgin’s dignity and humbles herself deeply before her: “Whence is this to me?” (Lk. 1:43) John even within Elizabeth’s womb, feels his Divine Master’s presence, and shows his joy in a wonderful way: he “leaped for joy.” Mary, marveling at the great effects of divine omnipotence in herself, exalts the holy name of God and declares his munificence in her behalf, with her whole heart. But all this time Jesus Himself, hidden beneath his Mother’s breast, gives no sensible sign of his presence. He, who is the cause of the whole mystery, takes no active part in it.
Strange as this may seem, it is not really surprising. Our Lord here hides his power intentionally, to show us how he is the invisible force that moves all things without moving himself, and directs all things without showing his hand. Hence, we shall find that though he may seem to be passive on this occasion his influence is fully apparent in the actions of the rest, whose movements are really all inspired by him alone. One of the greatest mysteries of Christianity is the holy union that the Son of God forms with us, and his secret way of visiting us… When God deigns to look upon us, we can but learn from Elizabeth how to reverence his supreme greatness by fully recognizing our own nothingness, and to acknowledge his benefits by confessing our unworthiness. - Bishop Jacques Benigne Bossuet (1704) French Bishop and Theologian.
Pope John Paul II said that the Visitation and the Eucharist is related. Also St. Francis addressed Mary in this way, “Hail His tabernacle.” When Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary also anticipated the mystery of the Incarnation. She has become the 1st tabernacle in history. The Son of God became man in Mary’s womb. God entered human history. Every time we receive Holy Communion we do not see God, He is hidden from our gaze but we can radiate God’s presence. We can do this by beating the heart of Mary and reliving the experience at the foot of the cross especially the part when He said, “Behold your mother.” We should recognize her divine motherhood. Mary carried Jesus with such devotion and love. We should relate Mary’s fiat with our amen as we receive the body and blood of Christ during Mass. The word became flesh within her and dwelt among us. In the Eucharist the flesh, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus come within us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Zephaniah 3:14-18a (or Romans 12:9-16)
14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.
Just like the Blessed Mother Mary, who is Queen of heaven and earth, we too are destined for victory and royalty. If only we live out the example of her obedient life and carry Jesus in our hearts. Let us not lose hope and have faith in the Master Plan and Grand Design that God has for all of us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R: Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
...But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations...Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.
Today’s gospel is about the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth. It shows us a number of wonderful things about God. In the womb of their mothers, John the Voice and Jesus the Word met, the women raised their own voices in praise. Elizabeth praised Mary and her child; Mary turned the joy of them both into a hymn of praise to God. In this scene of the Visitation we are made aware of Jesus acting here from the very start. This also calls our attention to the unborn children. He was barely a week old in Mary’s womb and John was only 6 months in Elizabeth’s womb. Mary takes Him to his first missionary work. Jesus is already pouring out grace and John received the grace as he leaped in her mother’s womb. Mary is the instrument in bringing Jesus to Elizabeth and John. We must realize this and not fear that she will distract us from being with Jesus. We should respond like Elizabeth and say something that we always say when we pray the rosary. No way should we think that it will get in the way rather it would lead us to praising God even more. The Son of God was still invisible at the time of the Visitation but the sound of Mary’s voice made it visible for Elizabeth. This is why it is also worth mentioning this meditation from Magnificat entitled: The Graces of the Visitation.
The events of today’s mystery bring before the faithful in a peculiar manner the fact that our God is a hidden God, and that his power works in the soul in a secret and impenetrable manner. Four people are concerned in the occurrence we are celebrating: Jesus and Mary; St. John, and his mother St. Elizabeth. Now, it is most remarkable that of all thee sacred personages the only one who seems to perform no particular action is the Son of God himself. Elizabeth, enlightened from on high, acknowledges the Blessed Virgin’s dignity and humbles herself deeply before her: “Whence is this to me?” (Lk. 1:43) John even within Elizabeth’s womb, feels his Divine Master’s presence, and shows his joy in a wonderful way: he “leaped for joy.” Mary, marveling at the great effects of divine omnipotence in herself, exalts the holy name of God and declares his munificence in her behalf, with her whole heart. But all this time Jesus Himself, hidden beneath his Mother’s breast, gives no sensible sign of his presence. He, who is the cause of the whole mystery, takes no active part in it.
Strange as this may seem, it is not really surprising. Our Lord here hides his power intentionally, to show us how he is the invisible force that moves all things without moving himself, and directs all things without showing his hand. Hence, we shall find that though he may seem to be passive on this occasion his influence is fully apparent in the actions of the rest, whose movements are really all inspired by him alone. One of the greatest mysteries of Christianity is the holy union that the Son of God forms with us, and his secret way of visiting us… When God deigns to look upon us, we can but learn from Elizabeth how to reverence his supreme greatness by fully recognizing our own nothingness, and to acknowledge his benefits by confessing our unworthiness. - Bishop Jacques Benigne Bossuet (1704) French Bishop and Theologian.
Pope John Paul II said that the Visitation and the Eucharist is related. Also St. Francis addressed Mary in this way, “Hail His tabernacle.” When Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary also anticipated the mystery of the Incarnation. She has become the 1st tabernacle in history. The Son of God became man in Mary’s womb. God entered human history. Every time we receive Holy Communion we do not see God, He is hidden from our gaze but we can radiate God’s presence. We can do this by beating the heart of Mary and reliving the experience at the foot of the cross especially the part when He said, “Behold your mother.” We should recognize her divine motherhood. Mary carried Jesus with such devotion and love. We should relate Mary’s fiat with our amen as we receive the body and blood of Christ during Mass. The word became flesh within her and dwelt among us. In the Eucharist the flesh, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus come within us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
There are times when we resort to ungodly practices and get carried away by the lure of the extraordinary that arouses our curiosity and wonder. Sometimes we justify our acts by saying that it's just for the fun of it. We do not realize that we are exposing ourselves to danger and allowing the power of the dark side to get a hold on us. We simply take these things for granted and it's a pity that we fail to grasp more than anything else the wonderful and awesome truth of a God who became man for His great love for us. There is nothing more exciting, fun filled and awesome than the truth in this song that says that we have a God who is mindful of us, hears us when we call, thinks of us and considers us His friend. The gift of life freely given to us is too costly, this truth alone should awaken all our senses to endlessly search for its deeper meaning, strive to live it to the full as a way of valuing the friendship of God. God is definitely with us every single step of the way. He will lead us exactly where we are supposed to be headed. We need not ask God for a sign for His signs and wonders are written and displayed all over the world, all we have to do is look with the eyes of our faith. The best sign is being celebrated within us, Emmanuel. In today's 1st reading it was foretold hundreds of years before, by the prophet Isaiah that the Blessed Mother would bear a son and shall be named Emmanuel meaning "God is with us." This is one of the central teachings of the Catholic Church. It is very important that we need to know more about our Catholic faith and be able to explain and defend when the situation calls for it. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 7:10-14
...“Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God... “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”...the Lord himself will give you this sign the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel
What a mighty God we serve who made the heavens and the earth. Open our eyes Lord that we may see the wonders of your creation. We should think profoundly of our daily walk with the Lord which consists of not only a leisure stroll in the plains and valleys of life but a steep climb up to the top of the mountain. This Advent season we must avail of the sacrament of reconciliation. It gives us renewed strength and hope. Our life consists of steep and dangerous climbs but we must not forget that God is always at our side. If we are to carefully assess our life we would find that it feels good whenever we are able to overcome most of our pitfalls though there are some that still needs improvement. We must praise and thank God that every time we experience a fall back and backslide we can immediately go back to Him through the sacrament of confession which restores us to our original path and right track. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R: Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
...3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain...
The earth is the LORD'S and all it holds, the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers...
Among all of God's creation, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the best and most perfect work of God's hands. For through her cooperation with God, salvation of mankind was made possible. Mary never doubted God's mercy and goodness to carry out His plan for she trusted God more than anything else. We should always be confident in the truth that God's will in our lives will always work out for our own good. Whenever we feel afraid let us always follow the example of Mary. No matter how bothering the news or instances that are happening before us we should always maintain the same total surrender and trusting attitude of our Blessed Mother. Just like Mary who agreed to conceive and give birth to Jesus we should also openly and freely accept Jesus in our lives. We should always follow after her example of a perfect handmaid of the Lord. We are destined for the Lord just like Mary, all we have to do is follow the example she set before us from today's gospel. The example of Mary's complete obedience and trust in God should compel us to do likewise and believe in the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives no matter how impossible and difficult it may seem. During the time of Mary, she knew perfectly well the implications of her total surrender to God in agreeing to become pregnant could make her the object of ridicule and can lead to a very humiliating and life threatening situation but despite all of these she consented willingly and obediently. We, too can learn a lot from her and not miss out on the glorious reward that the Blessed Mother is bestowed now in heaven and for all generations to come. Mary was predestined to take on this special role to be Mother of God. It wasn't easy for her during that time for she was still bound by human laws which meant being stoned to death if found pregnant out of wedlock. But she thought of accepting the will of God in her life first and foremost by consenting to God's word like a handmaid would do to her Master and God. We, too like Mary are invited through our daily circumstances to live out the will of God in our lives against all odds. May we also have the courage to say the words that Mary said whenever we are confronted with situations in our life that calls us to carry out God's will rather than our own. May we find in our hearts doing God's will at every moment of our life and truly make it our own. God's and our own wills as one. We all have plans in life but as the scripture in Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.” Mary knew of this and though she may have other plans for her life back then already betrothed to Joseph, she did not hesitate and accepted the will of God in her life and the rest is history. History that is forever etched in the pages of the bible and every kind of reading material but also in the heart, mind and soul of every Christian. Yesterday, the gospel narrates of barren women (Manoah's wife, the mother of Samson and Elizabeth, the mother of St John the Baptist) who were able to conceive a child for what is impossible for man is possible for God. The greatest miracle is the birth of our Lord Jesus made possible through the obedience and cooperation of our Blessed Mother Mary. May we in our total surrender to God's will become a vessel of the birth of our own miracles. God coming to us in the form of man is a truth so great and awesome that no one can fully understand all the mysteries that surround it. Even the Blessed Mother who was favored by God and given this great privilege of giving birth to Jesus, our Savior was troubled. Because of our probing minds we tend to question a lot of things and resort to various ways in order to get a better view and understanding of things but there are times, too when all we have to do is follow the example of Mama Mary's perfect obedience to the will of God. There is only one thing we need to know, meditate and internalize daily, that God loves us this much, He suffered His only Son to become man and die on the cross for us. From this standpoint I am sure that all other things will follow. There are famous stories that are very wonderful to tell that it continue to be spoken of throughout the length of time. It has been passed on from generation to generation and never lose the awe, wonder and mystery it holds for those who come to know it. There are some that never leave our memory and continue to inspire and give us hope. It serves as a driving force that keeps us going and lifts us up when we are down and out. These stories are a source of strength and courage at times when we feel like giving up. Today's gospel is about the story of how God came to save us. This is one story that we should take personally. It should never leave our hearts, minds and memories every waking moment of our lives. It is the greatest story, living and true, ever told. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:26-38
26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary...for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Isaiah 7:10-14
...“Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God... “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”...the Lord himself will give you this sign the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel
What a mighty God we serve who made the heavens and the earth. Open our eyes Lord that we may see the wonders of your creation. We should think profoundly of our daily walk with the Lord which consists of not only a leisure stroll in the plains and valleys of life but a steep climb up to the top of the mountain. This Advent season we must avail of the sacrament of reconciliation. It gives us renewed strength and hope. Our life consists of steep and dangerous climbs but we must not forget that God is always at our side. If we are to carefully assess our life we would find that it feels good whenever we are able to overcome most of our pitfalls though there are some that still needs improvement. We must praise and thank God that every time we experience a fall back and backslide we can immediately go back to Him through the sacrament of confession which restores us to our original path and right track. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R: Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
...3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain...
The earth is the LORD'S and all it holds, the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers...
Among all of God's creation, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the best and most perfect work of God's hands. For through her cooperation with God, salvation of mankind was made possible. Mary never doubted God's mercy and goodness to carry out His plan for she trusted God more than anything else. We should always be confident in the truth that God's will in our lives will always work out for our own good. Whenever we feel afraid let us always follow the example of Mary. No matter how bothering the news or instances that are happening before us we should always maintain the same total surrender and trusting attitude of our Blessed Mother. Just like Mary who agreed to conceive and give birth to Jesus we should also openly and freely accept Jesus in our lives. We should always follow after her example of a perfect handmaid of the Lord. We are destined for the Lord just like Mary, all we have to do is follow the example she set before us from today's gospel. The example of Mary's complete obedience and trust in God should compel us to do likewise and believe in the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives no matter how impossible and difficult it may seem. During the time of Mary, she knew perfectly well the implications of her total surrender to God in agreeing to become pregnant could make her the object of ridicule and can lead to a very humiliating and life threatening situation but despite all of these she consented willingly and obediently. We, too can learn a lot from her and not miss out on the glorious reward that the Blessed Mother is bestowed now in heaven and for all generations to come. Mary was predestined to take on this special role to be Mother of God. It wasn't easy for her during that time for she was still bound by human laws which meant being stoned to death if found pregnant out of wedlock. But she thought of accepting the will of God in her life first and foremost by consenting to God's word like a handmaid would do to her Master and God. We, too like Mary are invited through our daily circumstances to live out the will of God in our lives against all odds. May we also have the courage to say the words that Mary said whenever we are confronted with situations in our life that calls us to carry out God's will rather than our own. May we find in our hearts doing God's will at every moment of our life and truly make it our own. God's and our own wills as one. We all have plans in life but as the scripture in Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.” Mary knew of this and though she may have other plans for her life back then already betrothed to Joseph, she did not hesitate and accepted the will of God in her life and the rest is history. History that is forever etched in the pages of the bible and every kind of reading material but also in the heart, mind and soul of every Christian. Yesterday, the gospel narrates of barren women (Manoah's wife, the mother of Samson and Elizabeth, the mother of St John the Baptist) who were able to conceive a child for what is impossible for man is possible for God. The greatest miracle is the birth of our Lord Jesus made possible through the obedience and cooperation of our Blessed Mother Mary. May we in our total surrender to God's will become a vessel of the birth of our own miracles. God coming to us in the form of man is a truth so great and awesome that no one can fully understand all the mysteries that surround it. Even the Blessed Mother who was favored by God and given this great privilege of giving birth to Jesus, our Savior was troubled. Because of our probing minds we tend to question a lot of things and resort to various ways in order to get a better view and understanding of things but there are times, too when all we have to do is follow the example of Mama Mary's perfect obedience to the will of God. There is only one thing we need to know, meditate and internalize daily, that God loves us this much, He suffered His only Son to become man and die on the cross for us. From this standpoint I am sure that all other things will follow. There are famous stories that are very wonderful to tell that it continue to be spoken of throughout the length of time. It has been passed on from generation to generation and never lose the awe, wonder and mystery it holds for those who come to know it. There are some that never leave our memory and continue to inspire and give us hope. It serves as a driving force that keeps us going and lifts us up when we are down and out. These stories are a source of strength and courage at times when we feel like giving up. Today's gospel is about the story of how God came to save us. This is one story that we should take personally. It should never leave our hearts, minds and memories every waking moment of our lives. It is the greatest story, living and true, ever told. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:26-38
26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary...for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Monday, December 19, 2011
SPEECHLESS
Today's 1st reading tells us about the birth of Samson despite the barrenness of his mother. Every time I hear a story about barren women I can somehow relate to it because I, myself, was diagnosed before with a condition that could prevent me from bearing children. This prompted me to take this opportunity to proclaim God's mighty power in our life. My husband was aware of it and told me that he is ready for the consequences of what it may bring about. Our relationship just started back then and one of the things that we regularly do was to visit and pray at the St. Francis Church in Mandaluyong before we go to work. God is good that in spite of my condition I was able to bear children, my 2 sons, Jude and Allan. Looking back now at all those memories, I just realized that this church is the same church where the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong is situated and run by the Franciscan Order (Capuchin) where my 2 sons went to school (Elementary and High School). I am just amazed at how God made things work out. Before when we used to go to that beautiful church of St. Francis of Asissi, our relationship started as something that seems to be going nowhere but now as I try to analyze the events that took place I can already appreciate how God can turn every thing in our life into a beautiful pattern. What used to be a puzzle before, I can now reconnect and put piece by piece together. Although life continues to be a mystery after solving one puzzle another comes along. Every time we enter into this chapter of our life and are faced with so many pieces that seem to not fit it is always good to know that nothing is impossible with God. He can make all things work for good. There is always hope. Another thing that surprises me today as I mention all these things is the fact that yesterday I was just talking to a lady about St. Francis without realizing that today’s 1st reading will lead me to this sharing. Amen. Hallelujah!
Judges 13:2-7. 24-25a
...An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son... 24 The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; 25 the spirit of the LORD first stirred him.
If we will always fill our hearts with gratitude and praise for God we will realize as we look back and recall that we really have a lot of things to be thankful to God. Let us proclaim God's goodness and mercy. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 71:3-4a. 5-6ab. 16-17
R: My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Today's gospel is another demonstration of God's power to bring about something out of nothing. In this case, St. John the Baptist who was born of St. Elizabeth is not just something but someone who portrayed a great role in the mission of Jesus here on earth. God's ways are sometimes the most unlikely and unbelievably impossible. Let's not limit God's power in our life and be open to His miracles. Be not like Zechariah who doubted and was made speechless. Let us all be confident that God would fulfill what He said would happen at their proper time. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:5-25
...they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years...But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord...Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” ...
Judges 13:2-7. 24-25a
...An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son... 24 The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; 25 the spirit of the LORD first stirred him.
If we will always fill our hearts with gratitude and praise for God we will realize as we look back and recall that we really have a lot of things to be thankful to God. Let us proclaim God's goodness and mercy. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 71:3-4a. 5-6ab. 16-17
R: My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Today's gospel is another demonstration of God's power to bring about something out of nothing. In this case, St. John the Baptist who was born of St. Elizabeth is not just something but someone who portrayed a great role in the mission of Jesus here on earth. God's ways are sometimes the most unlikely and unbelievably impossible. Let's not limit God's power in our life and be open to His miracles. Be not like Zechariah who doubted and was made speechless. Let us all be confident that God would fulfill what He said would happen at their proper time. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:5-25
...they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years...But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord...Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” ...
Sunday, December 18, 2011
GOD’S DWELLING PLACE
This prophecy of Samuel explains why Jesus was often referred to in the scriptures as Son of David. The long history of the chosen people of God speaks of a Messiah whom they have long waited for. The more we get familiar with the scriptures the better our understanding of the prophecies from the Old Testament in connection with the New Testament. The deeper we know more about them the better our amazement and appreciation of how God works in mysterious, wonderful and miraculous ways. The long span of more than two thousand years that date way back to the time of Abraham to the time of Jesus speak of God's faithfulness to His covenant with His people. We can always count on God to carry out the plans He has for His people and always be true to His word. We recall when God said let there be light and God created the world. In John’s gospel (John 1:1), the very first words are, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. The word made flesh is not just a concept, He is a person who dwelt among us as the Lord has spoken in today’s 1st reading, “Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? ...The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ”
If we enter into agreement with any person we have to make sure that we are able to fulfill it and vice versa for the person whom we make a contract with. It is so disappointing when things do not turn out the way it should be and terms and conditions are not followed. We may have all encountered mishaps and are dismayed along the way. It is always best that if there's someone whom we should observe and maintain a covenant with then there should be no other but God. For His words and promises will always remain true. As in Habakkuk 2:2-3, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." We can be assured that His covenant will last and stand firm. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1 [2] The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant. 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”
Romans 16:25-27
25 Brothers and sisters: To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
On the day that the angel appeared to Mary she may have already been praying for a Savior to come. We all have been praying to God for something. Le us not doubt that God answers all our prayers in the best way possible. We should not waver or falter and have faith in God who knows our past, present and future. He can make all things beautiful in His perfect time that is for sure. There is no question to this, God is moving in power. Everything lies in the hands of God but it is in our hands whether to respond in the way Mary did or not and say this to God with all humility and trust, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” St. Anselm brilliantly captures the crucial role of Mary in our salvation history. He said, “God... is the Father of the created world and Mary the mother of the re-created world. God is the Father by whom all things were given life, and Mary the mother through whom all things were given new life. For God begot the Son, through whom all things were made, and Mary gave birth to him as the Savior of the world. Without God’s Son, nothing could exist; without Mary’s Son, nothing could be redeemed.” This is an incredible thing. It was only possible because God became man. There is an interplay between God’s grace and Mary’s free acceptance. This is what the real Catholic life is all about. This is God’s desire for us which is a fantastic calling. The power to do this is given to us by God in Jesus through Mary. Let us no longer be tricked into believing otherwise and know that just like Mary we are also called to play our part in the history of salvation the way she did. The wonderful phrase from the lips of the angel is pregnant with meaning as He announces to Mary she is full of grace. When something is full there is no room for anything else just like a glass there’s a limit to what it can hold. When the angel announced the words in the present tense by saying you are full of grace. She has no room for sin and is where the Church got its dogma that Mary is conceived without sin. The angel could have said, hail who will be full of grace. She is already filled with the grace of God, special grace from God and for God so He can do His work. God made Mary the untainted human nature and spotless. There's this painting of the Annunciation where the angel is hovering over Mary with a ray coming from his mouth to Mary’s ear. Though, this is not a literal depiction of the Incarnation but a metaphor. The angel spoke the Word of God because the angel can only speak the word of God and this painting is a beautiful depiction of what happened in the annunciation. Jesus conceived in her womb without the assistance of husband or father but with the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary hearing the Word and accepts the Word became flesh. We also hear the Word and must accept that the bread and wine in Holy Mass is transformed in the Body & Blood in the Eucharist. We celebrate this when we pray the Hail Mary which is recorded by St. Luke spoken by the angel and also taken out from the words of St. Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is a prayer that we should say often each day. Mary is a part of what she heard, accepted and said yes. Eve was also created holy and in innocence. Eve and Mary are two innocent women created by God. Lucifer tempted and spoke a lie to Eve. The devil starts off by telling a lie while Mary is greeted by an angelic being speaking the truth. Eve gives in to the devil's allurement. At first Eve spoke the truth when the devil said in Gen 3:1-3, "Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" The woman answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" but Eve was allured and gave in. Mary on the other hand when greeted by the angel, instead of propping herself up like God she said I am the handmaid of the Lord and said yes and her womb became Go’s dwelling place. Eve is the mother of the living while Mary is our spiritual mother. In the beginning humanity fell flat on his face when Adam & Eve sinned so we needed a Redeemer. We should remember these words in Gen 3:14, "Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. These are the words we should say to the devil every time we are tempted. Following that is Gen 3:15, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." We know that the woman spoken of is Mary, the New Eve, Mary crushes the serpent’s head by her Son and defeat the devil once and for all. Lucifer’s no to God made him lose heaven. As we celebrate Advent we remember that God breaks into human history and becomes one of us, wanting to be like us, as true God and true Man, filled with divinity and humanity. This is a glorious day and everytime we pray the Hail Mary. We should say it with love and not embarrassed. When we speak of something important we say it with intention, deliberation and reverence. We ought to keep this in mind that the Hail Mary is the inspired word of God. It is a beautiful prayer and a sign of God’s love for us. It is God's poem to us to get us to participate in the plan of salvation and to motivate us to say yes. If we say no to God then we’re in trouble but if we say yes then we are saved. There’ll be suffering, even Mary who is without sin suffered the 7 sorrows. When Jesus is just a baby she was told of the sword that will pierce her heart. The sword pierced her heart when Jesus was missing for 3 days but the most intense was when He died on the cross. She had to go through sorrow and she is without sin. Do we think we are to get away scar free? How we get there is not as important what matters most is that we get there. It is God's divine will that He chose Mary to be part of the equation. Her immaculate heart keeps the heart of Jesus alive while He was in the womb. He loves us and He loves her so we say yes to Mary and be a handmaid of the Lord. She will definitely help us get to where Jesus is. We will never regret it for we are a people of the Word like Mary is. We are in the 4th and last week of Advent and very soon we celebrate the birth of Christ, the Incarnation, the Word made flesh. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? ...The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ”
If we enter into agreement with any person we have to make sure that we are able to fulfill it and vice versa for the person whom we make a contract with. It is so disappointing when things do not turn out the way it should be and terms and conditions are not followed. We may have all encountered mishaps and are dismayed along the way. It is always best that if there's someone whom we should observe and maintain a covenant with then there should be no other but God. For His words and promises will always remain true. As in Habakkuk 2:2-3, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." We can be assured that His covenant will last and stand firm. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1 [2] The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant. 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”
Romans 16:25-27
25 Brothers and sisters: To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
On the day that the angel appeared to Mary she may have already been praying for a Savior to come. We all have been praying to God for something. Le us not doubt that God answers all our prayers in the best way possible. We should not waver or falter and have faith in God who knows our past, present and future. He can make all things beautiful in His perfect time that is for sure. There is no question to this, God is moving in power. Everything lies in the hands of God but it is in our hands whether to respond in the way Mary did or not and say this to God with all humility and trust, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” St. Anselm brilliantly captures the crucial role of Mary in our salvation history. He said, “God... is the Father of the created world and Mary the mother of the re-created world. God is the Father by whom all things were given life, and Mary the mother through whom all things were given new life. For God begot the Son, through whom all things were made, and Mary gave birth to him as the Savior of the world. Without God’s Son, nothing could exist; without Mary’s Son, nothing could be redeemed.” This is an incredible thing. It was only possible because God became man. There is an interplay between God’s grace and Mary’s free acceptance. This is what the real Catholic life is all about. This is God’s desire for us which is a fantastic calling. The power to do this is given to us by God in Jesus through Mary. Let us no longer be tricked into believing otherwise and know that just like Mary we are also called to play our part in the history of salvation the way she did. The wonderful phrase from the lips of the angel is pregnant with meaning as He announces to Mary she is full of grace. When something is full there is no room for anything else just like a glass there’s a limit to what it can hold. When the angel announced the words in the present tense by saying you are full of grace. She has no room for sin and is where the Church got its dogma that Mary is conceived without sin. The angel could have said, hail who will be full of grace. She is already filled with the grace of God, special grace from God and for God so He can do His work. God made Mary the untainted human nature and spotless. There's this painting of the Annunciation where the angel is hovering over Mary with a ray coming from his mouth to Mary’s ear. Though, this is not a literal depiction of the Incarnation but a metaphor. The angel spoke the Word of God because the angel can only speak the word of God and this painting is a beautiful depiction of what happened in the annunciation. Jesus conceived in her womb without the assistance of husband or father but with the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary hearing the Word and accepts the Word became flesh. We also hear the Word and must accept that the bread and wine in Holy Mass is transformed in the Body & Blood in the Eucharist. We celebrate this when we pray the Hail Mary which is recorded by St. Luke spoken by the angel and also taken out from the words of St. Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is a prayer that we should say often each day. Mary is a part of what she heard, accepted and said yes. Eve was also created holy and in innocence. Eve and Mary are two innocent women created by God. Lucifer tempted and spoke a lie to Eve. The devil starts off by telling a lie while Mary is greeted by an angelic being speaking the truth. Eve gives in to the devil's allurement. At first Eve spoke the truth when the devil said in Gen 3:1-3, "Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" The woman answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" but Eve was allured and gave in. Mary on the other hand when greeted by the angel, instead of propping herself up like God she said I am the handmaid of the Lord and said yes and her womb became Go’s dwelling place. Eve is the mother of the living while Mary is our spiritual mother. In the beginning humanity fell flat on his face when Adam & Eve sinned so we needed a Redeemer. We should remember these words in Gen 3:14, "Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. These are the words we should say to the devil every time we are tempted. Following that is Gen 3:15, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." We know that the woman spoken of is Mary, the New Eve, Mary crushes the serpent’s head by her Son and defeat the devil once and for all. Lucifer’s no to God made him lose heaven. As we celebrate Advent we remember that God breaks into human history and becomes one of us, wanting to be like us, as true God and true Man, filled with divinity and humanity. This is a glorious day and everytime we pray the Hail Mary. We should say it with love and not embarrassed. When we speak of something important we say it with intention, deliberation and reverence. We ought to keep this in mind that the Hail Mary is the inspired word of God. It is a beautiful prayer and a sign of God’s love for us. It is God's poem to us to get us to participate in the plan of salvation and to motivate us to say yes. If we say no to God then we’re in trouble but if we say yes then we are saved. There’ll be suffering, even Mary who is without sin suffered the 7 sorrows. When Jesus is just a baby she was told of the sword that will pierce her heart. The sword pierced her heart when Jesus was missing for 3 days but the most intense was when He died on the cross. She had to go through sorrow and she is without sin. Do we think we are to get away scar free? How we get there is not as important what matters most is that we get there. It is God's divine will that He chose Mary to be part of the equation. Her immaculate heart keeps the heart of Jesus alive while He was in the womb. He loves us and He loves her so we say yes to Mary and be a handmaid of the Lord. She will definitely help us get to where Jesus is. We will never regret it for we are a people of the Word like Mary is. We are in the 4th and last week of Advent and very soon we celebrate the birth of Christ, the Incarnation, the Word made flesh. Amen. Hallelujah!
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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