THEY MISSED HIM

Today’s 1^st reading reminded me of a football game between Texas and Alabama in January 2010. This lady whom I got acquainted with is a big fan of the Texas Long Horns. I told her that my mother happened to be a big fan of Texas too although not the Football team but the place itself. I can never forget it when she told me that she considered Texas as the best place she had visited in the US. Before the game even started and while watching the game we were both hoping and praying that Texas would win. But it was just the 1^st quarter and looked like they do not stand a chance because the score was 24 to 6 in favor of Alabama. We had the biggest surprise when all of a sudden during the last quarter they were able to catch up with a score of 19 against 24. It all got us very excited and we’re cheering out loud but they still lost in the game. We didn’t even finish the game anymore when Alabama was able to make a touchdown since it ended all hope that Texas could still win. I saw the disappointment in this woman’s face who even wore an orange jacket as a testimony of her support to the Texas Long Horns. I tried to lift her spirits up by telling her that it was a good game because they put up a good fight and what matters most is that they tried their best to win the game which make them winners themselves in their own right. There is something more to winning these titles and honors this world has to offer. The real winner of them all can be found in today’s 1^st reading. Sometimes if things we have been praying for are taking a long, long time and it seems like nothing good is ever going to happen we tend to falter in our faith and become enticed by the options that this world is offering us. It is our human tendency that lures us to this hopeless mentality of "Damn if you do or damn if you don't." deception and begin to entertain the attractive and lucrative offers being presented to us without much thought. We fail to realize the true, undisguised and plain reality that only God has the best offer there was, is and will be ever known to man. Thus it is indeed for the best to really see what this poem tells us. It is entitled, “They Missed Him” whose author is unknown. It is very appropriate for today's 1st reading. May we treasure in our hearts the real message it brings and not miss Him. Amen. Hallelujah!

They Missed Him!

They were looking for a lion,

He came as a Lamb, and they missed Him.

They were looking for a warrior,

He came as a Peacemaker, and they missed Him.

They were looking for a king,

He came as a Servant, and they missed Him.

They were looking for liberation from Rome,

He submitted to the Roman stake, and they missed Him.

They were looking for a fit to their mold,

He was the mould maker, and they missed Him.

What are you looking for? Lion? Warrior? King? Liberator?

They were looking for their temporal needs to be met,

He came to meet their eternal need, and they missed Him.

He came as a Lamb to be sacrificed for your sin

Will you miss Him?

He came to make peace between God and man.

Will you miss Him?

He came to model servant hood for all mankind.

Will you miss Him?

He came that we might have true liberty.

Will you miss Him?

He came to give you eternal life.

Will you miss Him?

When we submit to the Lamb, we will meet the Lion.

Join with the Peacemaker, and we will meet the Warrior.

Work with the Servant, and we will meet the King.

Walk with the Submitted, and we will meet the Liberator.

Concern ourselves with the eternal, and we will have the temporal.

If Jesus is not fitting into the mold you have, then come to the mould maker and get a new one.

Submit to His plan for your life and you will see the eternal need met first; then all the other things you have need of will be taken care of as well.

1 John 5:5-13

5 Beloved: Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?...you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself.

No matter what we're going through we can always rely on God to uphold and defend our cause. If we claim to be true followers and believers of our Lord Jesus Christ then we can put a claim on these same blessings and privileges bestowed on the chosen people of God. His covenant with His people is everlasting. There is a big difference between a covenant and contract. A contract is an agreement which is all about an exchange of goods while the covenant is an exchange of relationships. God wants to have a relationship with us first and foremost and through it everything else will follow. No poet, writer or artist can ever describe in words or paint in canvass the love of God. For the immensity of its beauty and glory is immeasurable and beyond understanding.  The readings for today point to the fact that we have a responsibility in our hands if we truly claim that we are a people of God. We have to follow and obey God at all times which can only be done and fulfilled if we have full knowledge of what God wants us to do. We’ve got to realize the most essential and important things in life that we sometimes lose sight of and tend to neglect. Let us not be dissuaded nor distracted by the allurement of this world and end up losing what really matters most. Our God is Perfect but we are still part of this imperfect world thus we are bound to experience the daily struggles of life. This reminds me of this incident when this lady who was already very careful in her movements still ended up scraped in her arm. She didn't even figure out how it could have happened. When we bump into something we usually develop a bruise but we would sometimes find one without knowing how it came to be. We sometimes get wounded and bruised even before we know it. Take the example of those people who are taking medications (anticoagulants) that predispose them to bruise easily. Well, things happen even if we do not want or expect it but we can always draw strength and inspiration from today's psalm knowing that God is our Mighty Healer and Savior. There are times when we are in a hurry to work things out on our own and forget to peacefully surrender all our concerns to God. That's when we end up tired and beaten because we've used up all the energy of our mind, body and soul. It's what usually happens to most of us when we are confronted with dilemmas.  If we have learned how to truly wait for the Lord then we are not far from that place of peace where God is leading us. If we look back at what we've been through especially our trials and difficulties, then we can only feel so blessed and find gratitude in our hearts for all the things that lead to now. It will always be good to undergo trials and hardships in life and remain steadfast in the Lord for everything will pay off in the end. Not a single thing that we've been through for the glory of God will ever be in vain. Victory is indeed for those who acknowledge the Son Of God, Jesus Christ. It is only right that we give all glory, honor and praise to God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

...For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. (R) 14 He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. 15 He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word!...

The Kingdom of God here on earth established by Jesus Christ, is accompanied by signs, wonders and miracles. It goes to show that He is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God. Today’s gospel speaks of  Jesus. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph. Our human nature tells us that there are sets of boundaries and limitations which we are all confined. We have our mind sets and judgments of certain things and people too. Jesus is true man but if we truly believe that He is also true God then let us not miss the point that God wills for us everything that is good. We maybe in a bad situation "as thought of"  but God can will anything and everything to happen in our life. If we will just have the faith then nothing should ever stop us from believing that God can make all good things happen to us.  God doesn't need our prayers but we need to pray fervently to God. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 3:23

When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.

He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

I remember a time when I was talking to a friend and we were discussing some matters about the faith which led me to tell her these words from today’s 1^st reading. God never ceases to amaze us in many wonderful ways. He conveys to us His messages through the scriptures and confirms them through special events and circumstances that are undeniably the working of a great God who loves us individually and personally. There is no doubt to the truth that God wanted to be up close and personal for us to really feel it. Whenever we recall all those times we’ve crossed paths with different kinds of people and touched our lives we can’t help but associate a particular experience we’ve had with them. These experiences whether good or bad should always be taken as something that adds detail and meaning to our lives and in effect would always be for the good. Even if those experiences didn’t really turn out for good and has caused us so much pain and trouble it would help us get over it if we would think and do seriously what the 1^st reading today tells us. Let’s just take His Word for it. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 John 4:19-5:4

19 Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen
cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother...For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.

During this season of the Epiphany, we witnessed the three wise men pay homage to a baby in a manger. We are also invited to focus on adoring Jesus who is God, King and Savior. What the wise and the unlearned alike sought and found in the stable is the encompassing light of heaven. Herod was so afraid that Jesus will take away his earthly kingdom without realizing that He gives away the heavenly kingdom. We continue to hope and pray against all odds as days of the New Year roll by amidst all the negative speculations, we must be firm in our belief that God will make a way. The psalm reading should inspire us even more because it is a confirmation of God's abiding presence in our thoughts, feelings, sight and hearing. There are times when it is easier for us to just be angry and fight back but the psalm reading tells us otherwise. We should experience peace in the midst of all the problems and concerns that beset us knowing that we have a God who knows, hears and sees all. Jesus Christ our Lord entered into this world as a helpless little infant like we all did. Thus every single day, hour, minute and second of our life should constantly remind us that He is our Savior. We pray that as we earnestly celebrate this season the coming of the Lord who took this humbling form of an infant may we prostrate ourselves too in homage in adoration to God. We have no reason to fear knowing that we have a God who saves. No matter how difficult things may seem to be if we will just persevere in prayer then nothing can ever withhold the blessings that God has promised us. We must always develop a kind of surrender and dependence on the Lord that is total and be confident that He is our Savior. God is our stronghold and our defender. His strength and power is beyond all telling. In Him alone should we trust and depend. There is really no room for doubt and this confidence should lead us to only one resounding cry to God alone. If we allow God then we would discover and find a source of inspiration that could arouse a lot of good thoughts in our mind and heart.  A talk entitled, “Life is worth living” delivered by Bishop Fulton Sheen in EWTN served as an inspiration which we could all benefit from. He was sharing about his childhood and was describing how he used to argue with her mom whenever he was asked to run an errand at a time while he was busy playing. And her mom would always reason out, “What difference does it make if you’re running around the backyard or running an errand for me?” He said he would always end up unable to answer her mom. It was only recently when he found the answer upon reading what Thomas Aquinas said, The difference between work and play is that, work is for a purpose while play is not. It relieves a tension. He further shared about St. John the Evangelist who was seen playing with his disciple and was questioned for his behavior. To stress his point, he asked that person to shoot arrows and asked if he loved it. The person said yes so he asked him to keep on doing the same thing non stop. But the person reasoned that he would end up tired. He was able to get his message across that when we get tired it has to be relieved by play.  He called God as the Workman and quoted this beautiful statement. “I was with the Workman playing with him all through the day.” Where does play come in when we work? Love is free without any obligation. In the divine order these 2 things go together, work and play. Greek philosopher, Plato even pictured God holding the universe with His hands playing with it. The Workman is playing and swinging the world. He said that according to a famous writer, when giving a serious discourse you have to play but never completely distract the discourse. Even Shakespeare from his book “Taming of the Shrew” said, Have we any play to distract us from this terrible hour? These 2 elements work and play, tragic and comic are important in life. Why does life have a serious side? It is because we have freedom which implies responsibility. We have the liberty to open doors and close others. Life is great to be alive. There’s joy in it if we get the true concept of life. Who best describes this combination of life, tragic and the comic? Comedians? Is it Jack Benny? He said he represents the victim of being the butt of the joke and the laughing stock of Billy Graham’s jokes. He depicts the tragic side of it. How about the comic? He chose Bob Hope whom he said is on top of everything. He always have something to laugh about and represents the comic side. Who depicts both sides? The clown, a man who combines within himself. He has the laugh and the tears. There is sadness in the clown but there is also humor. He said that there is no specific group who can claim to be the clown because  he depicts all the contradictions of human life. He could be the butt of the joke but does the same to others. Why do we like the clown? It is a picture of what we are. Dignified and yet we make fools of ourselves, proud and frustrated and glory in our wealth and yet impulsive. He mentioned Charlie Chaplain as an example.  A clown could be appearing in green pastures, makes us ridiculous and laugh at ourselves. Scriptures have it that God laughed, too. He laughs at the atheist, those who say God is dead. He is laughing at finite men trying to be infinite, poor man trying to be rich, and carbon copy who calls himself to be the original. The clown reveals both sides of the tragic and comic. Hedonists and pessimists. He urges us to see life as a whole. Tears and laughter. But in the end we have to really make the serious side or work side matter. As an ending statement he said, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul? There was a commentary about Bishop Fulton Sheen and what catches my attention most is what was said of him  in relation to the  responsorial psalm which says that he is a man loved by all peoples of faith. God is constantly assuring us of His great love for us. He never fails in reminding us of His enormous and endless love that is displayed throughout the world. Which reminds me of another incident of this old lady close to my heart who confided of some plans she is considering acting upon. I was just so surprised when I found myself brave enough to advise her though she’s much older than I am to be patient about her situation and not take actions without giving it much thought and just lift it to God in prayers. I know I have said this to her several times already and still continue to remain unwavering in my position with regards to that matter but then again the choice is all up to her. I just left her with this words of wisdom that was impressed to me to say to her, that the end will never justify the means and it would always help to put God first in everything we do and He will do exactly what is stated in today’s psalm. Has there ever been a time when we look back at our past and realize what it meant to us today? It is surely good to do this and would help us better understand what path we are headed for in this life. There is a need too, to look back at our life's time line most especially during the times that we can never forget for the rest of our life, the dramatic and significant events that happened which will remain forever etched in our memories. Which reminds me again of what happened a long time ago in the Philippines when my son, Jude was still very small and we were strolling in Megamall and before I knew it Jude is gone and nowhere to be found. I guess what happened was Jude panicked when he realized that I wasn't by his side and ran outside the Alexis watch store where we both were, without realizing that I didn't really leave him and was still with him inside that small store. As a mother my first reaction should have been panic and fear but I couldn't understand why I have the calmness and peace in my heart although we were really alarmed and were already looking for him intently.  The unexplainable feeling of serenity in my heart came from the assurance from God that was playing at the back of my mind that everything will be alright. We were able to find him at once with an old couple already carrying him. There is really nothing to fear although things at the moment demand or compel us to be afraid. Instead of running outside the security of God's love when our limited or disturbed vision hinders us from seeing God, we should always seek God who is always by our side and never really leave us. We can not deny that God constantly communicates to us in many different ways. He knows our limitations and would speak to us in the language that we can comprehend. He is never amiss in reaching out to us in countless ways that we may run out of excuses not to draw near and be able to speak to God and listen to His messages. In fact several experiences in the past inspired me to start a devotion to always pray whenever I can for the poor souls in purgatory and the souls of my dearly departed relatives, friends and even those I have no relation whatsoever but just happened to know them briefly and in passing. Our God is infinite and powerful. He is able to make all things possible. We just have to entrust everything and everyone to God in prayer, let go and let God. Let us trust God’s judgment in everything and we can be rest assured that nothing is outside His Divine Will and Providence. No matter how unstable and unsecure things are in this world we can always look forward to the time that God promises us in today's psalm. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 72:1-2, 14-15, 17

R: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

From fraud and violence he shall redeem them,...May they be prayed for continually; day by day shall they bless him.

Today’s scripture passage reminds me of Bro Tey’s inspiring testimony of God's Divine Providence in the midst of uncertainties and disappointments that he encountered in his life. He narrated that he was about to succumb to the trials and hardships that were coming his way until Mardee came into his life. He said that his wife is an angel sent by God from heaven. They got married, started a family and are blessed with a home. Now they are happily living in their own house with Lian and Meimei their daughters. Altogether they continue to build dreams and attest to God’s glory especially with dreams they wrote in the Novena to God's Love in 2007 which have been fulfilled. Everything will come to pass and God's word will always carry out its mission and not go back to Him without accomplishing it's purpose. Whatever our status in life is, we are all called to bring the good news about Jesus to everyone and there's no exception to this. The gospel today is taken from the Book of Luke and it helps to focus also on the 5 themes I learned from our bible study of the gospel of Luke. They are the ff.:

1. Life of detachment...is the pathway to a simple life. There is a Jewish expression found in Luke 9: 57-62  "Let the dead bury the dead!" which can be interpreted in English as the dead being the "slow pokes and half hearted people"  in Filipino are the so called " mga papatay-patay" This can also be related to God's call to us in in the Book of Revelation 3:14-19 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea, 10 write this: " ...I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth..." This is a picture of hypocrisy and duplicity which the Lord rejects. Also in Luke 12:32-34- store treasures in heaven, let go of possessions in Luke 14:25-35 and Luke 16:13 which is about God and mammon. Money is not evil in itself but the love of money. Resources not shared is greed and talents not shared is lust. 
2. Universal salvation/salvation. The ff. bible verses were enumerated for further reference and understanding. Lk. 2:29-35 where Simeon said"Now, Master you may let your servant go." Lk 4:18-19 which tells us to proclaim liberty to all and Lk 24:46-47, preach to all nations/salvation to all nations.
3. Importance of Women: radical concept at that time. Because women during that time are second class citizens and hold no importance in society. The ff. passages in Luke promotes the important role of women as in the hand that rocks the cradle. Lk 1 46-56- Canticle of Mary. In speaking role. (like in John 2:1-11)Lk. 8:1-3- women supported Jesus' mission. Lk 21:1-4 Widow's mite.
4. Centrality of the Holy Spirit
5. Importance of Prayer
6. Importance of Repentance

Jesus is the 2^nd Person of the Holy Trinity and is one with God the Father and God the Spirit. One God in 3 Divine Persons, Father, Son and Spirit. The scriptures tell us in the baptism of Jesus from the following bible passages that Jesus was filled with the Spirit.

Luke 3:21-22, After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Mt 3:13-17, Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Mk. 1:10-11 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Jn 1:30-34

He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove 24 from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

According to St. Cyril of Alexandria, our question might be this, why did Jesus our God submit to baptism? The answer lies in the fact that He received the Spirit in Baptism in so far as He is also human. The Spirit is already His, in Him and through Him. He received the Spirit for our sake. If we are to reason correctly then we know that He did not receive the Spirit for Himself but for us in Him so that all gifts come down to us through Him. Jesus remained God when He became man. What He was not, our human nature, He assumed so that He receives in, by and through His human nature the Spirit for our sake, benefit and advantage. He is definitely up close and personal for He took our nature to Himself in order to renew our nature in its entirety. In the light of this truth that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Jesus we are called to have a claim on the gifts that are existent with the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. We pray that we maintain ourselves in a state of sanctifying grace so that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are fully operative in us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 4:14-22

...“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”  Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 

MIRACLES HAPPEN

 An All Powerful God becoming a dependent human baby on the eve of Christmas day is very overwhelming. It points to the truth that the meaning of Christmas is shocking but it is because of love. St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite said, "At the evening of this life we will be judged by love." Even Pope John Paul II in his book about the role of Christian family said that the human person's fundamental and innate vocation is to love. No other love is greater than the love that God has for each one of us. If only we are fully aware of this then we will all be compelled to share this great love. Let us always be reminded of this so that our thought, word and action resounds this truth. This reminded me of a friend who asked me how I see myself in the next five years. Instead of answering his question I returned the question to him. He said that the last 5 years of his life just passed him by without anything remarkable happening to him and his family. He said that he would make sure that it would be different this time. At first we were into some business opportunity conversation but later on without me thinking about what to say I was already speaking and quoting about famous bible passages in the bible.  He appeared to be listening and holding on to every word I said as if he was ready to ask for more. Indeed the word of God is like a double edged sword which cuts through deep into your soul. It all ended with my invitation for him and his family to attend one of our local feasts or prayer meetings being held in West Covina and my fervent hope and prayer that he will respond to it positively. It’s my way of extending God’s love to him and his family and the choice is his to make. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 John 4:11-18

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. 17 In this is love brought to perfection among us,...There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear... 

The responsorial psalm for today is just a repetition of yesterday. I feel that it is God’s way of constantly assuring us of His great love for us. He never fails in reminding us of His enormous and endless love that is displayed throughout the world. Which reminded me of another incident of this old lady close to my heart who was confiding of some plans she is considering acting upon. I was just so surprised when I found myself brave enough to advise her though she’s much older than I am to be patient about her situation and not take actions without giving it much thought and praying to God for it. I know I said this to her several times already and still continue to remain unwavering in my position with regards to that matter but then again the choice is all up to her. I just left her with this words of wisdom that was impressed to me to say to her, that the end will never justify the means and it would always help to put God first in everything we do and He will do exactly what is stated in today’s psalm. Jesus Christ our Lord entered into this world as a helpless little infant like we all did. We pray that as the 3 Magi presented their gifts before God who took this humbling form of an infant may we prostrate ourselves too in homage in adoration to God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13

R: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

For he shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. 13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. 

We don't love properly as we ought to do in the light of God's love because of fear, anxiety, doubt and worry. We always have to keep our emotions and passion in check and balanced in order for us to love appropriately. We should not be self possessed but rather develop the proper detachment in loving and love the way God wants us. We have to be rooted in a strong and active spiritual life so that when the worst happens we can always think about the miraculous life. We have to be strong always for God is riding in our boat, navigates for us and rows us gently down the stream amidst all the storms in our lives. The miracles of Christmas confirm that nothing is impossible with God. We are sometimes terrified of the things we see around us but there is no reason to be afraid. For in today's gospel He manifested His great power to the astonishment of the disciples. It should remind us that the miraculous happens. We should focus on Jesus Christ so that nothing can shake us. God has an absolute dominion and sovereignty over our lives. Today's gospel tells us the story of His disciples who crossed the lake. This Lake or Sea of Galilee can take on a very significant meaning for all of us because of the many events in the earthly life of Jesus associated to it that can impact our lives. We too, ought to cross the lake in the midst of the storms in our lives.  When we are not focused on Jesus we tend to succumb to doubt and fear. We may be facing impossible circumstances but we need not be afraid because Jesus can cross us through the other side of the lake. We can ask the Lord to take over our boats to take us anywhere He wants us to go. We can think of a circumstance that is worrying us which is causing us to fear and be anxious. We’ve got to make a deliberate act of the will to give to Jesus our personal Lord and Savior all of these things that wear us down. What are the winds and waves that distract us in our lives? What is it that threatens to destroy our boat and capsize it? Whenever we take our eyes off Jesus we begin to be afraid and sink. We have to know what dominates us and surrender it to Him. We need to place our focus from our human point of view that humans do not walk on water to the miraculous as Jesus did. Sometimes we just don’t get it. Today’s gospel speaks of the miracle of Jesus walking on the sea which immediately took place after the feeding of the 5,000. One miracle is happening right after another. If this had happened to us in what manner are we suppose to react? We might not realize it but we can end up just like those being spoken of in the gospel whose hearts were hardened despite the miracles they themselves have witnessed. Sometimes when we succumb to fear in our lives we end up hardening our hearts the same way that happened in the gospel. The 1^st reading also speaks of the same thing as it is written: There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. We must always strive to work for the perfection of God’s love in our lives. We can start by removing all traces of fear and surpass that inevitable situation wherein we are confronted with our fears and can never run away from them. We are responsible for all our actions and we can choose to go in one direction or another. We can wallow up in fear and eventually harden our hearts in order to cope with it.  Or, boost our faith in God in the midst of trials, persecutions and terrifying circumstances that come our way and consequently instead of hardening our hearts we strengthen it knowing that we have a dependable God whom we can count on. And again I say,  the choice is ours to make. It is time that we widen or broaden our sight so that we will not end up with a tunnel vision faith wherein we only see the central vision but not the peripheral vision. I know of a senior citizen lady who has this kind of medical condition and she said it's very difficult because she can't entirely see what is before her, she has to always have someone with her whenever she goes out. The same is true with our faith let us not be afraid due to our narrow visions and not fully visualize and understand the actual and real scene that God has truly prepared for us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 6:45-52

...Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side...Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded... 

TRUE BREAD

Today’s 1^st reading reminds of this sickly old man who told me that he has seen Jesus. He said that he had been through tough periods in his life and those were the times that he believed he had seen Him. At that time I never thought that I could hear something like that from him since he said that he was raised as a kid not to believe in God but since he was nearing the end stage of his earthly life it was very consoling to know that he started to have thoughts about Jesus. What made this occurrence even more special was the fact that today's 1st reading was the same message I imparted to him. Another thing I am reminded of is the EWTN show entitled “The Journey Home” They featured former Protestant ministers (Anglican, Presbyterian and Lutheran) who converted and became Catholic priests. It was indeed a privilege to hear them talking about the Catholic faith. Fr. Ray Ryland even said that just a few days after he was ordained as a Catholic priest he shouted out loud that he is ready to die. I was also very happy to know that one of the priests they featured was Fr. Dwight Longenecker who happened to be the author of a book I read and loved so much. Hearing him talk on television and having read his book gave me an additional joy having known this priest who happens to be the author of the Living Rosary book which has touched and moved me to a deeper understanding of how to meditate when praying the rosary considering the fact that he used to be a former Protestant minister who has now embraced the Catholic faith. I felt the enormous love and mercy of God for them as they made a distinct stand to embrace God’s love in return in the light of the Catholic faith. Our God is a perfect and precise God. No hit and miss and trial and error kind of thing. I am continuously amazed at how God speaks to us in a very specific way. Unless we relate our life to the scriptures and really transform us to the likeness of Jesus then everything that we learn will be for nothing. As we come to believe in what we've heard, learned and witnessed about God, today's 1st reading poses the same challenge to fulfill the scripture passage in our lives. I believe that there is indeed nothing more that God could have done for us which He has not done. The greatest mystery ever known to man is the mystery of God revealed in the flesh. Jesus was conceived for 9 months in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and became man. We are invited to contemplate on these great and beautiful truths. There is no other name other than Jesus unto which we are to be saved. The revelation and manifestation of God who became man must be shown in us and cause an awakening in the personal level. Those who were present in the Nativity of our Lord and gazed at Infant Jesus in swaddling clothes in a manger have definitely experienced a personal awakening. Especially the eyes of the magi or the well known scholars and scientists at that time, they saw a baby lying in the straw but were able to grasp what their senses failed to fathom. They offered gifts and went down on their knees to pay homage to a God in the form of an innocent baby. They saw God and heaven here on earth and thus paved the way also for man to be with God in heaven. The faith of the Magi is the first fruits of the belief of the Gentiles. So that God will be known not only to Judea and the Jews but to the Gentiles as well. God came to save not just a few or the chosen people but He came to save us all. No one is excluded. No other love is greater than the love that God has for each one of us. If only we are fully aware of this then we will all be compelled to share this great love. Let us always be reminded of this so that our thought, word and action resounds this truth. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 John 4:7-10

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love...the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

During this season of the Epiphany, we witnessed the three wise men pay homage to a baby in a manger. We are also invited to focus on adoring Jesus who is God, King and Savior. What the wise and the unlearned alike sought and found in the stable is the encompassing light of heaven. Herod was so afraid that Jesus will take away his earthly kingdom without realizing that He gives away the heavenly kingdom. We continue to hope and pray against all odds as days of the New Year roll by amidst all the negative speculations, we must be firm in our belief that God will make a way. The psalm reading should inspire us even more because it is a confirmation of God's abiding presence in our thoughts, feelings, sight and hearing. There are times when it is easier for us to just be angry and fight back but the psalm reading tells us otherwise. We should experience peace in the midst of all the problems and concerns that beset us knowing that we have a God who knows, hears and sees all. Jesus Christ our Lord entered into this world as a helpless little infant like we all did. Thus every single day, hour, minute and second of our life should constantly remind us that He is our Savior. We pray that as we earnestly celebrate this season the coming of the Lord who took this humbling form of an infant may we prostrate ourselves too in homage in adoration to God. We have no reason to fear knowing that we have a God who saves. No matter how difficult things may seem to be if we will just persevere in prayer then nothing can ever withhold the blessings that God has promised us. We must always develop a kind of surrender and dependence on the Lord that is total and be confident that He is our Savior. God is our stronghold and our defender. His strength and power is beyond all telling. In Him alone should we trust and depend. There is really no room for doubt and this confidence should lead us to only one resounding cry to God alone. If we allow God then we would discover and find a source of inspiration that could arouse a lot of good thoughts in our mind and heart.  A talk entitled, “Life is worth living” delivered by Bishop Fulton Sheen in EWTN served as an inspiration which we could all benefit from. He was sharing about his childhood and was describing how he used to argue with her mom whenever he was asked to run an errand at a time while he was busy playing. And her mom would always reason out, “What difference does it make if you’re running around the backyard or running an errand for me?” He said he would always end up unable to answer her mom. It was only recently when he found the answer upon reading what Thomas Aquinas said, The difference between work and play is that, work is for a purpose while play is not. It relieves a tension. He further shared about St. John the Evangelist who was seen playing with his disciple and was questioned for his behavior. To stress his point, he asked that person to shoot arrows and asked if he loved it. The person said yes so he asked him to keep on doing the same thing non stop. But the person reasoned that he would end up tired. He was able to get his message across that when we get tired it has to be relieved by play.  He called God as the Workman and quoted this beautiful statement. “I was with the Workman playing with him all through the day.” Where does play come in when we work? Love is free without any obligation. In the divine order these 2 things go together, work and play. Greek philosopher, Plato even pictured God holding the universe with His hands playing with it. The Workman is playing and swinging the world. He said that according to a famous writer, when giving a serious discourse you have to play but never completely distract the discourse. Even Shakespeare from his book “Taming of the Shrew” said, Have we any play to distract us from this terrible hour? These 2 elements work and play, tragic and comic are important in life. Why does life have a serious side? It is because we have freedom which implies responsibility. We have the liberty to open doors and close others. Life is great to be alive. There’s joy in it if we get the true concept of life. Who best describes this combination of life, tragic and the comic? Comedians? Is it Jack Benny? He said he represents the victim of being the butt of the joke and the laughing stock of Billy Graham’s jokes. He depicts the tragic side of it. How about the comic? He chose Bob Hope whom he said is on top of everything. He always have something to laugh about and represents the comic side. Who depicts both sides? The clown, a man who combines within himself. He has the laugh and the tears. There is sadness in the clown but there is also humor. He said that there is no specific group who can claim to be the clown because  he depicts all the contradictions of human life. He could be the butt of the joke but does the same to others. Why do we like the clown? It is a picture of what we are. Dignified and yet we make fools of ourselves, proud and frustrated and glory in our wealth and yet impulsive. He mentioned Charlie Chaplain as an example.  A clown could be appearing in green pastures, makes us ridiculous and laugh at ourselves. Scriptures have it that God laughed, too. He laughs at the atheist, those who say God is dead. He is laughing at finite men trying to be infinite, poor man trying to be rich, and carbon copy who calls himself to be the original. The clown reveals both sides of the tragic and comic. Hedonists and pessimists. He urges us to see life as a whole. Tears and laughter. But in the end we have to really make the serious side or work side matter. As an ending statement he said, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul? There was a commentary about Bishop Fulton Sheen and what catches my attention most is what was said of him  in relation to the  responsorial psalm which says that he is a man loved by all peoples of faith. God is constantly assuring us of His great love for us. He never fails in reminding us of His enormous and endless love that is displayed throughout the world. Which reminds me of another incident of this old lady close to my heart who confided of some plans she is considering acting upon. I was just so surprised when I found myself brave enough to advise her though she’s much older than I am to be patient about her situation and not take actions without giving it much thought and praying to God for it. I know I have said this to her several times already and still continue to remain unwavering in my position with regards to that matter but then again the choice is all up to her. I just left her with this words of wisdom that was impressed to me to say to her, that the end will never justify the means and it would always help to put God first in everything we do and He will do exactly what is stated in today’s psalm. Has there ever been a time when we look back at our past and realize what it meant to us today? It is surely good to do this and would help us better understand what path we are headed for in this life. There is a need too, to look back at our life's time line most especially during the times that we can never forget for the rest of our life, the dramatic and significant events that happened which will remain forever etched in our memories. Which reminds me again of what happened a long time ago in the Philippines when my son, Jude was still very small and we were strolling in Megamall and before I knew it Jude is gone and nowhere to be found. I guess what happened was Jude panicked when he realized that I wasn't by his side and ran outside the Alexis watch store where we both were, without realizing that I didn't really leave him and was still with him inside that small store. As a mother my first reaction should have been panic and fear but I couldn't understand why I have the calmness and peace in my heart although we were really alarmed and were already looking for him intently.  The unexplainable feeling of serenity in my heart came from the assurance from God that was playing at the back of my mind that everything will be alright. We were able to find him at once with an old couple already carrying him. There is really nothing to fear although things at the moment demand or compel us to be afraid. Instead of running outside the security of God's love when our limited or disturbed vision hinders us from seeing God, we should always seek God who is always by our side and never really leave us. We can not deny that God constantly communicates to us in many different ways. He knows our limitations and would speak to us in the language that we can comprehend. He is never amiss in reaching out to us in countless ways that we may run out of excuses not to draw near and be able to speak to God and listen to His messages. In fact several experiences in the past inspired me to start a devotion to always pray whenever I can for the poor souls in purgatory and the souls of my dearly departed relatives, friends and even those I have no relation whatsoever but just happened to know them briefly and in passing. Our God is infinite and powerful. He is able to make all things possible. We just have to entrust everything and everyone to God in prayer, let go and let God. Let us trust God’s judgment in everything and we can be rest assured that nothing is outside His Divine Will and Providence. No matter how unstable and unsecure things are in this world we can always look forward to the time that God promises us in today's psalm. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8

R: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

...He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor. (R) 7 Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace,

Today’s gospel speaks of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Just as Bishop Fulton Sheen was emphasizing in his talk that there is a need to see and live both sides of life. As there is a tragic and comic side to it, Jesus in today’s gospel also did the same thing. He attended to not only the spiritual need of the people but also their physical needs. If we sometimes feel that we are in a pitiful situation and nothing good is happening to us, we better think twice before we wallow up in self pity and depression. More than the miracle of feeding the five thousand, God is telling us to focus more on His compassionate heart that nourishes us physically and spiritually as well because only Jesus can satisfy us. We have a God who will not only satisfy one aspect of our life but all of it. In today's gospel, the vast crowd who followed Jesus in a deserted place despite of being late was not disappointed. It gives us the assurance that God will always rescue us and work for the good. Neither will he abandon or forsake us for He knows what we need even before we ask it. So no matter what our situations may seem to appear, whether we feel like we've been abandoned in a deserted place and things are running late, we should always trust God to give us everything we need and have been praying for. We are also invited to look at the beautiful truths contained in the gospel. We are presently in this season between the Epiphany and the baptism of our Lord and we might want to ask why the gospel for today is about the multiplication of the loaves. This is the only miracle that appears in all four gospels. The others appear only in 3 or less. We can gain insight and a deeper faith in God by focusing on these words, Bethlehem, manger and star. Bethlehem in Hebrew means “House of Bread”. Jesus is laid in a manger, and the root word mange means to much, chew or gnaw. The 3 wise men were led to Jesus by following a star. The star could represent the tabernacle lamp which is the guiding light that houses the Holy Eucharist. They would benefit us to contemplate on these things in relation to the gospel today. Jesus always mentions in the gospel that He is the True Bread who came down from heaven. John 6:33-35, “For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John 6:48-56, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;  this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. We need to consume His True and abiding Presence. He teaches us to adore Him, Christ the Lord just as the shepherds did with the angels and the Magi on bended knees. Let us adore Him as well. Though we see and taste the bread and wine, it is no longer bread and wine but the Body & Blood of Christ. The Lord transforms what lies before us. The scriptures especially in John 6 are very clear so as not to judge it as a mere sign and symbol. Everybody left Him except the apostles because it is a very hard teaching and they could not accept it. It can’t be apprehended by the 5 senses but by faith. We must not doubt if it is true we just have to rely on the words of our Savior who is Himself the Truth. St. Cyril of Alexandria said that we have already been instructed in words and filled with unshakeable faith. Furthermore he said, “What our senses fail to fathom, let us grasp through faith’s consent.” We must not find it difficult to believe of Christ’s true presence in the Holy Eucharist as we believe that God is on earth as He is heaven. Let us not contradict God’s words and allow it to prevail over our reason and senses. It will be very meritorious to our souls if we hold on to His words because it will not lead us astray nor will it deceive us. Jesus declared it to be His True Body & Blood so who would dare question it. We need to be strong in faith that upon the blessing of the bread the very nature is changed so that what looks like bread is truly the Body of Christ. If we believe the Word made flesh and dwelt among us and created the world from nothing why can’t we believe that He can cause His own Body & Blood as in transubstantiation, to be present from something already existing as in the bread and wine. What a gift we have in the Holy Eucharist, the True Bread from heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things...his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” ...“Give them some food yourselves.”...taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to [his] disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

THE 5 SENSES & THE FAITH

There are so many things that affect our decisions and actions in life. It is sometimes so difficult to reconcile these things that we ought to do with the things we are actually doing. There is a need for us to make a conscious and determined effort to always remain in the Lord. The 1^st reading for today sounds so simple and easy to understand and yet we still end up at times unable to keep the Lord’s commandments. We have to utilize all means in order to carry out the task and mission of one who truly belongs to God. I could never forget when Sister Ester entrusted to me 2 envelopes containing money and checks for donation to the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (IMQHM) It so happened that I was in a hurry that I did not notice these envelopes fell from my bag. We already went home,  took a bath, got ready to go to church and were on our way to Sister Marcy's place to hand her over these envelopes when I found out that the envelopes were gone. I couldn't find them in my bag. I was relieved to find one envelope on the floor of the car but the other one was really nowhere to be found. That was then when I realized that I could have dropped it, as to where, that I still had to figure out. The first thing we did was rush back home and retraced my steps from the parking to my room but still it could not be found. My last resort was to go back to the bank but it had been almost 11/2 hours since I had been there and chances were that if I really dropped it there somebody could have picked it up already since it was a very busy street where people frequently walk to and from the bank since it was just across the parking lot. Another thing was that, the envelope can really attract people since it is color red, with chinese characters and the name of the bank on it, and is obviously a money envelope since it is usually used by people during the holiday seasons to place gifts in the form of money. Anyway, we just prayed and called on the help and assistance of God through His mighty choir of angels and saints for we know that only a miracle can help us.  Indeed, God is faithful for the moment we drove in front of the bank and looked at the spot where I got off, there it was lying on the road, still sealed and intact, of course with the money still safely secured. Amen. Hallelujah!

First Letter of John 3,22-24.4,1-6.

Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us. Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist who, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world,
and the world listens to them. We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us, while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

We have a God and Father who loves us so much. We need not always seek for answers and expect things to go our way. All we have to do is to keep on trusting God's goodness and mercy because there are really no answers to most of life's questions. These words in today's Psalm reading are the ones quoted by John in the 1st reading that we belong to God, we are begotten by Him. I have always believed in the power of the word of God. There is a need for us to study and know the scriptures for our own welfare. God in His ultimate wisdom and love gave us access to the Holy Scriptures in the bible. We are so blessed that we are living in a time and place where we have the freedom to take part in studying the Word of God and freely express it. Nothing could be more valuable than this. If we are totally convinced that we are God’s children then we ought to rejoice and be glad. The Lord has spoken and promised in today’s psalm and so shall it be. Remove all traces of fear and doubt for our God is able. This reality should not leave our consciousness every waking moment of our lives. There was one time during our bible study although it happened a long time ago I could never forget it when I was particularly touched by the closing prayer by Sis Lucille because she specifically cited that particular verse in Habakkuk 2:3-4 "Then the Lord answered me and said,"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." It had given me renewed strength and courage having to be reminded again of that promise and the assurance of God that He will bring to fulfillment all His promises and felt that it was another boost and assurance for me especially at that time when I sometimes succumb to despair and hopelessness. Since it was the book of Habakkuk we were discussing at that time, Sis Millie also shared of his brother who had a problem and was just holding on to the word of God particularly the one from Habakkuk which also holds a special meaning in his life and even shared about it. It was very inspiring and had my spirits lifted up. God is good. He'll never leave nor abandon us. We are all special to Him. God never really disappoints even though we are already on the verge of failing and falling, He will always be there to make a way. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11

R: I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

7 The Lord said to me, “You are my son; this day I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.” (R) 10 And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling rejoice. (R)

Maintaining a physically fit and healthy body is not an easy task. We may have seen athletes train really hard in most days of the week or even everyday just to achieve their goals. Sometimes when we do make a decision to embark on an exercise program there are times when we feel so sluggish and feels like we just want to sit back and relax. We know for a fact that if we want to see results we have to commit to a fitness regimen and follow it strictly. Although there are some issues with regards to some really obese people who were thought to have the fat genes and are more predisposed to being fat which I guess would make things more difficult for some people to really stay in tip top shape, physically speaking. But we have also seen extremely obese people who were able to win the battle of the bulge. Their determination and dedication really paid well. Although for some there are those who yo-yo back to their old shape so it is not just about committing to it for a certain period of time but for life. It just dawned on me that aiming for a spiritually fit and healthy body works in a similar way. In today's gospel God is urging us to rise up from darkness and respond to His call and follow Him. Although we have already been endowed by God with the gift of eternal life the battle for our souls does not stop.  Though, we have been purchased for a price by God’s own Son who gave His life and shed His blood on the cross. The enemy who has been defeated just doesn’t want to give up. We can only marvel at its persistence in getting a hold of our souls. We just have to always be in touch with the truth and never let it slip our minds. We are destined for the Kingdom of God right now and that is to come I used to watch a lot the EWTN Channel and the homilies of the priests in the TV masses inspired me to a great extent. I was able to get some very inspiring words of wisdom from Fr. Wades Meneses that would make us really think. Some of these were, “If you’re back is against the wall, His was on the cross.” Instead of pointing a finger, lend a hand.” “Anger is just one letter away from danger.” “7days w/o prayer makes us weak.”  “If you kneel before God then you can stand before anyone.”  “Give satan an inch and he will become your ruler.” “Satan subtracts and divides, Jesus adds and multiplies.”  Words are important. Today’s words of Jesus from the gospel are just plain and simple and also the very first words before He started His Public Ministry. “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.  There’s nothing more to it than what it says. For it is exactly what we’re supposed to do whoever we are, whatever we do and wherever we are right now. Just like the 3 magi whose feast we celebrated yesterday, we should also faithfully follow the star that leads to Jesus and bring with us the best offering that is fitting for a King. And we must keep in mind that as we travel through life we ought to be always sensitive and wise enough to know the messages that God is sending our way whether in a form of a confirmation or a warning so as to be well guided in our journey. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
…the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” 17 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”