WITNESSES

Today’s 1st reading describes the courageous faith of many Old Testament (OT) heroes describing their persecutions, asceticism, and the martyrdoms they endured. The reason for this recounting of these holy OT figures is summarized in the 1st sentence of Heb. 12, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” Notice the mention of a great cloud of witnesses, this refers not only to their testimonies in martyrdom, by the way the Greek word for witness is martyrs, it also refers to the fact that the saints now in heaven are witnessing from above. They are observing how we run the race toward our heavenly reward now that it’s our turn. Notice also that the same Gk. word for witness, martyrs which is used to describe those in heaven is found in other passages such as those in Mt. 18:16 (If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 'If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. ) which shows us that witness is one who is keenly observant and aware what is happening. The Lord said if your brother sins against you go and tell him his faults between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother but if he does not listen, take 1 or 2 others along with you that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of 2 or 3 witnesses. Notice also the same usage in other passages. In Rev. 5:8, the saints in heaven offered the prayers of the holy ones, in other words the saints on earth, if you cross reference that in Rev. 13:7. They are offering the prayers of the holy ones on earth before the Son of God. St. John writes, and when he had taken the scroll the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp with golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. We catch a glimpse of this scene again in Rev. 8:3-4, this demonstrates that the saints in heaven are certainly aware of our prayers and supplications to God, in reference to 1Tim. 2:1-3, and they are presenting our prayers to the Lord. In Rev. 6:9-11, the martyrs in heaven offered prayers and petitions against their erstwhile persecutors on earth. They are very aware of what’s happening on earth. Listen to what they said, “When he broke open the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the witness they bore to the word of God. They cried out in a loud voice, "How long will it be, holy and true master, before you sit in judgment and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?" Each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to be patient a little while longer until the number was filled of their fellow servants and brothers who were going to be killed as they had been. In Rev 12:10-12, the saints in heaven cry out, "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants." They said a second time: "Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever." The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen. Alleluia." They said a second time: "Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever." Referring to the smoke from her, Babylon the city on earth, goes up forever and ever. How can the saints say this if they were unaware of earthly events. The inexorable conclusion from such passages is that the saints in heaven are very aware of our circumstances here on earth. Finally, recall that Christ Himself said that the saints and angels are aware of what transpires here on earth. The Lord said, just so I tell you there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents over 99 righteous people who need no repentance. He said this in Luke 15:7-10. In Luke 20:36, Christ tells us that the saints in heaven are equal to the angels. Let’s say that every given moment, 1 million people which is a tiny fraction of the world’s total population of more than 6 billion are repenting of their sins. Christ says that the saints in heaven are somehow aware of each individual repentance. How can this be? We don’t know for neither the bible and sacred tradition tell us. But one thing we do know, the saints in heaven are able to know this. Mary and the saints are truly a great cloud of witnesses, praying for us, encouraging us, cheering us on. When we finally cross that heavenly finish line and fall happily into their arms then we’ll discover just how powerful their assistance to us as they had really been. Amen. Hallelujah!


Hebrews 11:32-40
Brothers and sisters: What more shall I say? I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions, 34 put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders.

The world believes that it is foolish to believe what we can not see but we have to believe in what we do not see and face them all with faith, this is according to St. Thomas Aquinas. The testimony of those who believe help to build up our faith and the more witnesses we have the more solid it becomes. We look to the Gospel and see that there are so many witnesses and testimonies with very little variation. They speak of the truth of the life of Jesus. We have to accept everything that the Gospel tells us. We’ve got to have faith that of Abraham who believed even though his wife is with age that the one who made the promise is trustworthy. What God says is true and He does not lie. Padre Pio said that the most beautiful act of faith is one made with sacrifice and effort even in the presence of darkness. We have to believe that God has the best things in mind for us. If He allows some things that are not pleasant in life this is only to bring about the best. Although faith is not the best of the virtues, it is the rarest. Real faith inspires all actions and reveals God in everything. How rare is real faith next to danger. We sometimes feel that we do not see so much evidence of the reality of God. God does not give us so much light so that we are not forced to accept Him nor does He give too little that we can not find Him. He gives us just enough light so as to put to practice our faith. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24
R: Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
19 [20] How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you, and which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men... The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly.

Today’s gospel shows us that we all we all have different vocations in life. Some are called to the religious orders, married life or single blessedness. Whatever our calling may be, it counts a lot to God and is not reduced to nothing or less holy as most of us think when we do not belong or are called to the Holy Orders. Whatever our present status in life is, we can still be witnesses by serving and loving God as is and where is. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 5:1-20
...As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. 19 But he would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” 20 Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

BLESSED

Isn't it true that we feel closest to God in times of trouble? The Lord gives us peace in the midst of the world’s difficulties. Haven’t we experienced God’s grace in time of affliction? He always comes to our aid. In the midst of the chaos of this world, we draw closer to Him. We go through sorrows and sufferings and see the paschal mystery, the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We hold on to the paradoxical promises in the midst of affliction. Let us not lose sight of this and truly seek the Lord at all times. Amen. Hallelujah!

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility;

The world's point of view is very contradictory to the beatitudes. The world chooses strength over weakness and poverty. What seems to be foolish for the world and folly to man is wisdom to God. The poorer you are the more Jesus will love you according to St. Therese. Jesus is attracted to our poverty and weakness because it is where we meet Jesus. Unlike the world who is attracted to strength and hires the smartest and world’s greatest. We have all kinds of difficulties and struggles. These are what drive us to Christ to cling to Him. Instead of always trying to complain and talk about it what we do is keep our eyes on the Lord. Sometimes He places something before us that He wants us to do. The challenge for us is to turn to Him in our weakness and cling to Him in prayer, faith, hope, love and abandon ourselves to Him. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
The LORD keeps faith forever, 7 secures justice for the oppressed, gives good to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. (R) 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those that were bowed down. The LORD loves the just. 9 The LORD protects strangers. (R) The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.

We are invited to enter into the divine light and joy of the Lord to share in his divine nature and light. Only through this can we find the deepest joy of everything we long for in this life which can not be found in riches, fame, power or well being. In God alone can we find the source of everlasting love and happiness. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, 28 and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, 29 so that no human being might boast before God...“Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”

God gives us these beatitudes. It means supreme blessedness and felicity that comes from God. Being poor in spirit in the biblical sense is like the man who discovers his own limitations being a creature before the Creator. Our suffering and sorrow create a hollow place in our hearts, get our attention and make us thirst for help and love. God comforts and fills us with Himself. We accept our limitations in order for the kingdom to be a reality. For those who mourn beatitude, a Christian writer said that troubled souls are safe and the untroubled are the ones unsafe. The reason for this is because we are just in the place where God can reach us. We seem to remember God more often when we have problems. The meek and docile seek God’s will patiently in contrast to using force and control. We need to wait on Him and receive everything from the Lord with gratitude. We learn to appreciate the things in this world better, look at it in the right perspective and use it according to God's purpose. God is not limited by any circumstance and He comes to those who want Him and hunger for righteousness. We can't be pure of heart if we are fractured by sin. If we put God first in our life he’ll come to us in a deeper way. A child of God is transformed by His grace to bring peace to the world. We become like Christ and help redeem the world. The world is contrary to the gospel. As we look to the blood of the martyrs which became the seed of the Church we also unite our own sufferings with Christ. It becomes redemptive suffering. We need to have the spirit of the beatitude to transform the world and maintain the saltiness in this life. This is the way that a Christian becomes effective to the world and be salt of the earth. Amen. Hallelujah!


Matthew 5:1-12
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

DECIDE VS. DISCOVER

When we were young we just follow where our parents lead us. We ought to be like little children with hands clasped by our loving parents trusting that they will not lead us to a place of danger. This should be our attitude towards God knowing that He will not allow us to go through something without seeing us through it. Just like Abraham in today's 1st reading when he went out not knowing where he was to go but by faith he sojourned. We must also develop this same kind of trust in God for us to get to where God has destined us. This is where the theory of decide vs. discover apply. We can’t say that we know everything. We only decide on what we know. Only God knows everything. In times when we are at a loss it is best to trust God to decide for us while we discover. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
1 Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. 2 Because of it the ancients were well attested. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. 9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. 11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age — and Sarah herself was sterile — for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.

The Lord our God is able to carry out what He has promised to do. He is God and Lord of the Universe. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 1:69, 70, 71-72, 73-75
R: Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
69 He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. (R) 70 Through his holy prophets he promised of old 71 that he would save us from our sins from the hand of all who hate us. 72 He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant. (R) 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to set us free from the bonds of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteousness in his sight all the days of our life.

We should be able to look at the scriptures in different levels and senses. We can say that St. Mark with regards to today's gospel is speaking to us a historical event which did happen at the time of Jesus. Squalls are common in the Sea of Galilee because of the mountains that surround it. It is known for its violent storms, which can come up suddenly and be life-threatening for any on its waters. These tempests are caused by the situation of the lake in the Jordan Rift with steep hills on all sides. The cooler air masses from the surrounding mountains collide with the warm air in the lake’s basin. Winds sometimes funnel through the east-west-oriented valleys in the Galilean hill country and rush down the western hillsides of the lake. The most violent storms, however, are caused by the fierce winds which blow off the Golan Heights from the east. If we are to look in the spiritual sense we are invited to stand in awe and wonder at who is this as spoken of by the disciples in the gospel. He is the mighty God who has in his hands the very depths of the earth. He is God. He said, "Quiet and be still!" These are the same words he commanded to the evil spirit in Mark 1:25, Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" This is the same command to the destructive power of the storm which is equal to the power of evil to the soul. Unexpected storms that come out of nowhere can be compared to the evil in the heart of man. We all know the destruction brought about by tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. We look at that and see the absolute devastation and helplessness that people experience. No one can control it. The weatherman would warn the people to just run. We leave and get out of there. We evacuate lest we be destroyed in the presence of the act of nature. We treat the devil in the same way because that’s t the power he has here on earth. This is what happens at the level of our souls, it has devastating effects. What does the spiritual weatherman say to us? Run for shelter, get out of there, get away from temptation and stay close to the Lord. How can we look at this in the spiritual sense? It’s like we too are on cold waters and out of nowhere there’s this something that causes destruction and violence in our lives. We can identify it in our interior lives. It comes over us and we cry out for help. There are moments when we say we can’t take it anymore, we’re going down, and all we can do is cry out. We sometimes have this feeling that God does not recognize what’s happening to us. We sometimes ask if God can possibly be asleep. Or does He realize what’s happening. Jesus is in the boat with us. God has authority over all creation. We need to recognize who He is. Jesus is there to help us so we don’t perish. God has the power to bring peace in the midst of the chaos in our lives. We have to recognize that He is present in our lives or in our boat. We belong to Him. We always pray the Lord’s prayer that Jesus Himself taught us. We say, “Deliver us from every evil and grant us peace.” We’re the disciples of the Lord in this boat of life. We receive a sense of peace that can only come from God. He is the God of the universe and has the power to protect us from all anxiety and bring us this profound peace. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

KEEP ON GOING

We need to exercise a great deal of perseverance in order to carry out God's will for us. I guess it can be compared to those people who wanted to get fit and lose weight. We've seen a lot of people get thin and get fat. They just continue to fight this battle of the bulge by trying to keep the weight off but back on after a while. I was just reading this article in Reader’s Digest about losing weight and generally, it has a recommendation to eat the fats and exercise less. We just don’t know what to believe anymore. I guess, the hardest part is not in losing weight but in keeping it off. Only a few people managed to keep the weight off for good. Their secret lies in the fact that to maintain a physically fit body means committing to a healthy regimen not for a certain period of time but for life. The same is true with maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Doing the will of God is not like a fair weather thing or something we do when the going is good but when it goes bad we forget about it. It doesn't work that way for when the going gets really tough that is when we should keep on going. As the 1st reading today tells us only those who do not draw back and perish will possess life. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 10:32-39
...You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. 37 “For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come shall come; he shall not delay. 38 But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.” 39 We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

No matter how tough things may become for us we only have to shrug it off and step up. Just like the story of the donkey that fell into a pit. When the people decided that it would be too much trouble for them to get him out of there they just decided to bury it down there. Every time people would throw dirt and sand into the pit instead of wallowing up into self pity and despair what it did was shrug it off and step up. Before the donkey knew it was out of the pit. The same thing should be our attitude towards life. When somebody throws bad things at us just shrug it off and step up. Then focus on what today’s psalm is telling and we’ll surely get out of whatever pit we’ve fallen into. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40
R: The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. (R) 5 Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. (R) 23 By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way. 24 Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the LORD sustains him. (R) 39 The salvation of the just is from the LORD: he is their refuge in time of distress. 40 And the LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Sometimes we have this impression that we can effect change on other people so when they don’t we succumb to despair or blame ourselves for not doing a good job. Or when people come out renewed we sometimes take the credit for it and say that it if it wasn’t for us that person would not have made it. It is simply presumptuous on our part to think this way. We may think that we know better but we can never deny that God knows best. It is definitely true what today’s sharing in Companion tells us. That’s why we really have to keep this in mind. “It is God’s work to convert people and transform their lives. As much as a preacher and teacher can convince people of the truth of the Gospel, it is still only the Holy Spirit who has the power to convict us of these truths such that we will be willing to live and die for them. Open my heart, Lord, to the truth of the Gospel so that my mind and heart would be truly formed in all that is good and perfect.” Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 4:26-34
26 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

HIDDEN

In the Philippines we have this expression, “Dinudugo na ako.” In English it can be translated as “I am bleeding.” Although not literal in its meaning when someone says this it is to emphasize the fact that a person is having a very difficult time. I guess the essence of blood or what it stands for in every culture can not be underrated. This is what came to my mind upon reading this is Companion. “Blood is very important in Jewish and Christian theology as it is seen as the life essence of the animal or person and it belongs to God. This is why the Jews will not eat food made from blood. In that blood symbolized the life essence of a being; it was offered to God as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This is why Christians see the shedding of the blood of Christ as the definitive offering of sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, because as Jesus is without sin, His offering is totally meritorious and capable of bringing true and lasting forgiveness. Previously, sacrifices had to be continually offered as they were imperfect.” Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary 20 by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, 21 and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” 22 let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. 25 We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

For our information, all of us are eligible to be in heaven with God. There is no doubt about this since we have been made and washed clean by the Blood of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
...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. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. We recall how in Mt. 13:10-11 the disciples approached him and said, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.” The seed of the Kingdom of God is planted in mystery and it grows in secret and hidden. We can not fully comprehend it for God is infinite and so is shrouded in mystery. Jesus and the Kingdom can be found at the heart of parables but with certain obscurity and in a sense with a hidden nature. Faith is a personal adherence to God and as we grow in our faith in Him the mysteries are revealed to those who draw close to Jesus in the condition that we adhere and cling to him. If we remain outside and do not enter into His love then we remain in obscurity. It is not true that the Kingdom of God is just for a selected few, everyone is invited and no one is shut out. In order to enter the kingdom we have to accept the invitation to repentance, conversion and faith. We have to make a radical choice to give up everything and embrace it. Words are not enough, because we are not just called for lip service. In Mark’s gospel we often see the words of Jesus not to say anything or tell anyone. This is because of the danger to misunderstand the kingdom and misinterpret it. At that time they were under the oppression of the Roman empire. They think of the Messiah as the one to free them from the Roman rule and use the knowledge of the kingdom for power and control. It is like putting Jesus in a box and keeping Him at a distance so as not to allow Him to change us. We have to follow and submit to God. The seed planted in our hearts although a mystery and can not fully be comprehended will draw us closer to him through faith and good works. It is much different if we are to live our vocation and grow in our knowledge and understanding of the faith. We develop trust and personal adherence in a form of clinging to God. We see this in the life of people with no high theological understanding. They articulate their deep love for God and understanding in simple ways. With people who are still suffering and struggling with difficulties that are not taken away, the hidden nature of the mystery persists. The veil is lifted and finally see God for who He is through faith, obedience and generous living in the gospel. This is the only way we can experience His love in a very real way. Though, still with the cross but still following his inspiration. This means real change in our lives that only the gospel can bring about as we remain faithful to it. Amen. Hallelujah!


Mark 4:21-25
...For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.

TOTAL RECALL

We all have to recall and not leave these good memories to be forgotten the way Paul is doing for Timothy and Titus whose feasts we are celebrating today. Paul one of the greatest apostles did not do everything by himself. He had these 2 greatest collaborators who help him fulfill God's mission. Timothy and Titus served the church and carried out good deeds in whatever situation they are in even in times of challenges. We are encourage also to stir in into flame the same grace given to them, the laity and all the baptized to participate in the mission of the church. When Jesus called the first apostles who were mending their nets to be fishers of men, at once they dropped their nets and followed the Lord. We have to make a decision even in the midst of trials and crosses. We need to surrender to the Lord for He’ll surely lead and show us the way. Our job is to follow, obey and continue in our service to the church and the gospel. We ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us with the strength that comes from God. Our natural strength tires and we need the gift and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the way that strikes people’s hearts. We can never deny the fact that one way or another somebody has influenced who and what we are today. For most people it is always the parents or someone very close to us. I have this feeling that today's 1st reading invites us to look at this aspect of our lives too. It is always nice to make a total recall of good memories. As for me the person I can point to with regards to this is my mother. She got widowed when we were still very young and I guess it has developed in her a great faith in God. She would always say that widows are special to God. We all grew up hearing her quote bible passages and words of wisdom to live by. Our loved ones who have impacted our lives so much may not be present with us anymore but we have to remain strong in memory of them for the Spirit of God lives on. Amen. Hallelujah!

2 Timothy 1:1-8 (or Titus 1:1-5)
...I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you. 6 For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

There should never be a day that passes without us giving praise and glory to God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10 (or Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4)
R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. 2 Sing to the LORD; bless his name. (R) Announce his salvation, day after day.


Doing the will of God and responding to God's call is not an easy task. Jesus warns us that times could be rough and we can expect difficulties to come our way. Things may not always go our way and get the popular choice. The message of God run contrary to the world’s message and so is the spirit of the world contrary to the spirit of God. In fact in today's gospel Jesus sent His disciples like lambs among wolves. We have to remind ourselves also that in Matthew 10:16 it tells us, "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." At the time of Jesus, we can already imagine how difficult it is to live physically in the world they live back then but nowadays we are so blessed to be able to exercise our faith freely without fear of losing our lives. The wolves in our midst may not be in the form of barriers to faith like in the time of Jesus and could very well be our very own self that has ascribed to the world's values. It could help to consider what the Companion Journal tells us to think: Today’s martyrdom is not so much a physical death but one of self-denial. Amen. Hallelujah!



Luke 10:1-9 (or Mark 4:1-20)
...Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.

NO WORRIES

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Paul’s conversion. The 1st reading for today is the 2nd telling out of 3 about his conversion (Acts 9, 22 & 26). It was at that time when he was trying to fulfill his mission paradigm since there was a treaty to arrest all the Christians in Damascus. On his way to Damascus St. Paul changed. Jesus called him by name. He comes from the tribe of Benjamin where King Saul was the most prominent figure at that time. Jesus called him by his Hebrew name, Saul. From that time on he was never the same again. Instead of him arresting Christians it was now him being arrested for converting Jews to Christianity. The mob was ready to tear him apart if not for the Roman soldiers who grabbed him and protected him since he is a Roman citizen. Despite of this he showed them that he’s still a Jew and still following the custom. He calmed everybody down and spoke to them in their language. He could speak Hebrew because he was educated in Judaism in both Greek and Hebrew. Gamaliel the greatest teacher of that time was his teacher. He lived the law and was zealous for God. It was thought at that time that when Gamaliel died all righteousness died with him because he was highly respected. Paul is Gamaliel's protégé so to speak. As he retell his story of the persecution conversion and how he never met Jesus and yet he was said to be persecuting Christ. As in Mt. 25:40, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' He derived the whole point of the Mystical Body of Christ from his conversion. The words of Jesus, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ is in a very important sense of the Church being so much as the Body of Christ. He doesn’t know Jesus, the Nazarene but what he did to the Church he did to Christ. As he was struck blind he is left with a total mystery as to what will happen next. He was led to Ananias. The blindness was a punishment but because he obeyed blindly he was healed and restored his sight. Ananias told Paul to be baptized. Paul has a high theology of baptism being baptized into the death of Christ and received new life in Christ. He learned it from his own baptism. We may ask ourselves this question, why are we baptized. We look at St. Paul. His sins were washed away and made a new beginning. Although Christ warned him that he would suffer much for the name he had persecuted, it becomes his boast that he has to suffer for the sake of Christ and so must we. As in Eph 4:1-7 "I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Amen. Hallelujah!

Acts 22:3-16 (or Acts 9:1-22)
Paul addressed the people in these words: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. 5 Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf. For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well. 6 “On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting.’ 9 My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 10 I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’ The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.’ 11 Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus. 12 “A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me and stood there and said, ‘Saul, my brother, regain your sight.’ And at that very moment I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; 15 for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard. 16 Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”

We are not just listeners and onlookers, we apparently have to do what the psalm reading tells us today. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 117:1bc, 2
R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.

It is not just a command that we have to obey for nothing. We are assured by the Lord that He will be with us throughout the end of time. No worries for He's got our backs covered and won't let us down. He is surely going to see us through it all. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 16:15-18
15 Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18 They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

SIN & PLAQUE

We are all called by God to receive the promised eternal inheritance. No one is exempted or excluded from it only those who by their own free will refuse to respond to this wonderful gift. It sometimes happens when we tend to take for granted what is being given to us by setting it aside and forgetting about it. Let us be perfectly aware of this gift and get a hold of it for it is ours to keep. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 9:15, 24-28
15 Christ is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. 24 For Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. 25 Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; 26 if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. 27 Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, 28 so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

The good news of our salvation which was obtained for us more than 2000 years ago by Jesus Christ on the cross is still being proclaimed to this very day. There is no way we can deny the truth for heaven and earth will fade but God's words will remain. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
R: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous deeds.
...All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.


The truth is that there is no sin that God can not forgive. No sin is greater than the mercy of God. Now what is this in today's gospel that speaks of unforgiveable sin? God the Holy Spirit dwells in us and if we continue to dishonor Him with our persistent and unstoppable sinning then it could already be called blaspheming because we are continuously ignoring the constant presence of God in us. It's totally refusing God's mercy. It's plain and simple. God forgives all sins but can't forgive those who do not ask for it nor are those who aren’t sorry for it. This happens when our hearts are hardened by sin. Recently I have been bothered by this sensitivity in my tooth and found out that it has hardened plaque and can not be fixed by a simple oral prophylaxis. It needs deep cleaning and costs much more in order to save the tooth. We need to give proper attention like constant and regular check up to the dentist in order to avoid something like this from happening. The same is true if we do not take care of our souls and continue to sin. Sin and plaque may have something in common after all. If it becomes too hard, we may come to a point when we are beyond repair. Let us not allow this to happen and be forever stained with everlasting sin. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 3:22-30
...Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”

THE BATTLE IS ON

We can not deny the fact that we all have a darkness lurking within us. It could be in the form of a sickness, financial problem, stressed relationship with family or a loved one and a work problem that cause heartaches. The good news is that we have already been saved by God. There’s no need to be tied down to this darkness for the light of God has shone. Amen. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 8:23-9:3
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed


Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 4 One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.


We all belong to Christ and there should be no divisions among us. Although this is something that is very difficult to achieve at times because of differences in the personalities of people but we can always strive to do our best. We know that Christ died not just for a selected few but for all. He loves us all without any partiality. Let us not look on the weaknesses of each one but rather magnify the goodness that every person has and avoid making comparisons for the saving power of the cross is offered to us all. The value of the cross embedded in us is worth more than all the shortcomings and deficiencies we have. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
10 I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. 11 For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. 12 I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Kephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

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. 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. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 4:12-23
…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.”

PERFECT MIND

What else is there that Christ could do that He has not done for us? Jesus has obtained for us the gift of eternal life. Let us hope and pray that when we reach the end of our lives we will not find ourselves singing, "I did it my way" rather sing "I did it His (Christ's) way" Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14
...But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, 12 he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

We all belong to the Creator of this world where we live the God Most High. There is no other greater dignity than this to be sons and daughters of God who is King of kings, Lord of lords and Almighty God who is with us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
R: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
1 [2] All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, 2 [3] for the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.

In our journey in this life we are living we can't help but sometimes encounter setbacks and difficulties. It is even more disheartening that also there are times when the source is coming from the very people we love and are close to us. We have to be focused on what we are facing in this life. We can't allow these things to defeat and wear us down. We've got to keep on going and be focused on what God wants us to do. Just like Jesus our Savior who is thought to be out of his mind by His relatives we ought to get ourselves ready too for these things. No matter what bothers us in this life we have to keep holding on to God who is clearly and no doubt in His Perfect Mind to know what is best for us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 3:20-21
20 Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. 21 When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

COMMUNICATION LINES

There are times when we have planned something very meticulously and expected it to be carried out the way we wanted but we all know that things do not always happen the way it should be. No matter what our situations may be at the moment we can always trust that God would carry out the best plan He had in mind for us. As in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." Things may not totally look very bright and promising right now and things seem to still be very far fetched but we can always count on God who had already obtained for us the best plan we would ever come to know. Amen. Hallelujah!

 Hebrews 8:6-13 6 Brothers and sisters: Now our high priest has obtained so much more excellent a ministry as he is mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second one. 8 But he finds fault with them and says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will conclude a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 

 When we have an appointment with somebody to meet somewhere there is always a need to communicate and agree on certain things so that the meeting could take place. In order for things to meet and be united there has to be good communication. And for this to happen we should remove all hindrances to it. We all long for everything that is good and we all know that God is good. It is just proper that we always go to God in prayer and keep our communication lines with Him always open. Amen. Hallelujah!

 Psalm 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14 R: Kindness and truth shall meet. 7 [8] Show us, O LORD, your mercy, and grant us your salvation. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. 

 Padre Pio said that prayer is the key that opens the heart of God. If this is so then we should maintain a good prayer life. It is not enough that we pray daily but it would help if we become more creative with our prayer life and discover new ways and means to enhance this very vital communication tool with our Creator. To whom can we pattern our prayer life after other than Jesus Himself. In today's gospel before He made a very important decision He went up to the mountain. A lot of people go on retreats and prayer seminars on a mountain. Why is this so? I have learned that places like mountains are very appropriate for prayer and meditation. Being on a mountain can be one of the most exhilarating and yet peaceful experiences in the world. There are so many things that account to it, especially being on top of it looking out over the world and the stillness below. The journey itself leading to exploration of new trails and new routes gives us a better perspective in life. It all comes together to make a wonderful experience. It is definitely a place where we can find peace and quiet. Even Moses during his time would go up to the mountain to pray and communicate with God. It is important that we focus our senses to God and be totally rid of the noise and distraction that the world brings. Our prayers are all heard by God there is no doubt but do we hear God's answer to our prayers very clearly. There are times when we have to go to a special place like a mountain or could be any place where we can openly receive from God and really be in touch with Him. Bottom line or tip of the mountain is the importance of prayer. Amen. Hallelujah! 

 Mark 3:13-19 Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve whom he also named apostles that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

BE IN TOUCH

Jesus is always there to save. He sanctifies us and makes us holy. Holiness is one of the being of God or God is holiness Himself. Being with contact with God makes us live, we can not touch God on our own. He was the one who came down to us. We see in the Old Testament the cultic practices that they have to do as stated in the 1st reading, in order to be in contact with God. On the day of atonement, a high priest go to the holy of holies. God’s mysterious presence is simply uncontainable. An altar is sometimes referred to as God’s footstool. Pope Benedict XVI said that this rite is an expression of the desire to cast off sins. This appointed contact of God and man took place in the cross of Christ which took away our sins. It allowed human wretchedness and God’s Holiness to meet. God touches us today through material things, the outward sign of water and wine in the Holy Eucharist, in the water in Baptism, the oil in the Anointing, the Holy Orders and all other sacraments. This is what helps us to touch Him 2000 years later. We touch the Divine, through the sacraments and the proclamation of God’s word. This is how we make contact with God. Jesus makes us holy through the sacraments and builds us as a people of God. The priest is the representative of Christ here on earth. We, the baptized also share in the priesthood of Christ. He calls some to be with Him in the Holy Orders as stewards of the ministries in His mediation of the people to God. As in John 20:21, “He who receives you receives God who sent me. As the Father sent me so I sent you. “ Acts 6:6-7, They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Acts 20:28, Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood. 1Tim 4:14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate,” These are passed on gifts for the continuation of the Kingdom of God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 7:25-8:6

25 Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them. 26 It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. 27 He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests, but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law, appoints a son, who has been made perfect forever. 8: 1 The main point of what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up.

Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 17
R: Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, 8 [9] to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” (R) 9 [10] I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.


In today’s Gospel, there are so many people that are after Jesus to the point of crushing Him. Jesus wanted to minister to all these people but He is also has to look out for His safety, stay in the path so that He could still carry on with His mission. He just told his disciples to have a boat ready for him so He could continue His mission. There are times in our life when during the conduct of our earthly missions we encounter instances when we feel like we are being crushed. Considering the fact that what we are doing is not for our own personal gain but for the welfare of others and we experience oppression in many forms. Due to this we tend to get sidetracked but we have to keep in mind that we always have to be ready and alert in order for us to carry on with the most important task in our very own lives. Though it may not be understood and approved by all the truth remains that our mission and purpose in life is to continue what Jesus has started more than 2000 years ago. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 3:7-12
...He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. 10 He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.

A PAT ON THE BACK

There are many prominent historical figures in the Old Testament whom we see the prefigurement of Christ. I can never forget how Fr. Tony in his desire to define the great act of love that God wanted to convey to us referred to it as a strip tease act. This is to emphasize how Jesus Christ in the fullness of time came to be the fulfillment of all that is written in the Old Testament. For our teasers we can start off with Jonah who was thought to be dead after being swallowed by the whale for 3 days. At first he resisted God’s plan only to come forth alive and proclaimed the words to a conversion of life. Moses himself is promised the Messiah and led his people from slavery in Egypt to the promised land. We all look to one day being with Go in heaven. Solomon sits on the throne with great wisdom and people come from all over to hear him speak. He built a beautiful temple in the Holy City and we know historically what he spoke. Though, Solomon’s wisdom is nothing compared to Jesus. In today’s 1st reading from Hebrews he has this description of Melchizedek which is also in Genesis 14:18-19, “…priest of God Most High, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; “ This is also a prefigurement of Jesus being offered as a sacrifice in the Holy Mass. The type of sacrifice he offered is bread and wine. What do we offer during the Holy Sacrifice of Mass we also offer the same bread & wine. We have the ultimate sacrifice once and for all in Jesus the true priest. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
1 “Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High,” “met Abraham as he returned from his defeat of the kings” and “blessed him.” 2 And Abraham apportioned to him “a tenth of everything.” His name first means righteous king, and he was also “king of Salem,” that is, king of peace. 3 Without father, mother, or ancestry, without beginning of days or end of life, thus made to resemble the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. 15 It is even more obvious if another priest is raised up after the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become so, not by a law expressed in a commandment concerning physical descent, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. 17 For it is testified: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

We have a high priest in Jesus Christ our Lord who intercedes for us before God now and forever. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
“Rule in the midst of your enemies. (R) 3 Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.”

Today’s gospel wanted us to realize a very important and essential matter in following God’s commands. We may all know the 10 commandments but do we truly know them by heart and abide by them in the Spirit of God. Sometimes we are too preoccupied by the letter of the law and have a tendency to neglect what truly matters, the spirit of the law which is love. There should be no room for any doubt that God speaks to us through our daily circumstances. We can never deny that there are moments when we hesitate to do something, hold back or question the reason for a certain act. It is very consoling to know that we have a God who knows exactly what we are going through. If we come to Him for guidance and direction, He will surely not lead us astray. In the gospel a question arises, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Sometimes there are instances in our lives when we are confronted by a dilemma. Whether we do something or not is always a question that we need to face daily. In fact just today I was compelled to do something I am not totally happy about but just the same I needed to do what I had to do. I am very touched and felt like God gave me a pat on the back upon reading Fr. Benny’s reflection from Sabbath. Here it is entitled , THE WITHERED HAND
The Jews had a very high, if not an absolute, respect for their laws. These laws were derived and sourced out of the laws given by Yahweh to Moses. Jesus, a Jew, knew all of these laws by heart and lived them to the full. In the Gospel today, we can dispense the idea that Jesus was not aware of this regard for the Law, which includes the law on the Sabbath — that no one is to cure on that day, among other things.
But Jesus took the opportunity here, in the case of the man with the withered hand, to bring forth the true and essential spirit of the Law. He asked the disturbing question to those around Him, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Jesus did not really violate the Law but put it in its correct perspective. The ultimate end is goodness and life. “Good” here is not the relative worldly good but the absolute divine good. Life here is really more of life in the Lord than just mere breathing. It is not against the Torah but a deepening of it. Once I was in a retreat together with priests from other countries in Europe, Asia, USA and Latin America, in Novara, Italy. Near the end of the retreat, it was announced that we would take a break after dinner, which was unusual. No reason was given. I asked my Argentinian seatmate why and he said it was because of the World Cup in football and Italy was playing against Argentina. I could not believe what I heard! Later, seeing them watch the game made me appreciate the decision even if I did not fully understand it.
Only God knows whether it was reasonable enough or in accordance with the Spirit. I tend to believe it is. The message in today’s Gospel becomes clearer. Each of us, in our heart, has a good connection with God. The decisions we make are guided and influenced by various people, events and faith. In the end, it is between us and God. As Cardinal Rosales once said, “With love and God, you cannot go wrong.” Goodness and life are testimonies of loving and a spark of the divine! Fr. BennyTuazon

Reflection Question:
Am I a stickler for rules or do I have enough sensitivity to put the spirit above the law?

Lord, grant me an open heart and mind to always listen to the dictates of the Spirit rather than the letter of the law.


Mark 3:1-6
...He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

THE ANCHOR

Today’s 1st reading begins with a statement of faith. This letter to the Hebrews is addressed to a community that has been Christians for some time. They had been showing a love and concern for other Christians as well and is something to be commended for. They have had faith and shown love and good work. Faith has to be maintained in its entirety. It’s not just about love and service but about everything in order to maintain a balance. Just like any other Christian community there is a problem that always come up when they lose zeal and go backwards. They need to be encouraged when they are feeling weak in the faith. In the earlier part of this letter it is written in Hebrews 5:13-14 “Everyone who lives on milk lacks experience of the word of righteousness, for he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties are trained by practice to discern good and evil.” They are being compared to babies who need milk instead of meat in the faith. They have fallen back and being reminded not to become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. They have lost their eagerness and are not showing the same zeal for the faith. In order to inherit the promise, faith and patience is necessary. For the most part there will be persecutions for the members of the Church. It is shown in the latter part of this letter to the Hebrews that Christians are harassed, their properties are confiscated and things get worse in the future. There’s a need to be more committed to the faith to obtain the promise. We can see written in Gen 22:16-17 "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing--all this because you obeyed my command.'' God swore by Himself and indeed blessed Abraham. For when Abraham was asked to sacrifice His son he did as he was told despite the fact that Isaac, is the son of promise but is the one being asked to be sacrificed. He may ask God how is the promise to be fulfilled but he did not and just obey. God saw his act of supreme faith. At this point God realized that he is a man that trusts God no matter what God asks for. If Abraham can do it, so can we. Considering that our situation is not that bad yet, we can go ahead with faith and hope. We saw the promise fulfilled, Isaac had 2 sons, Jacob and Esau, then the sons of Jacob and so on and so forth. They are very small people with small beginnings. We too, inherit the promise that God swears by Himself. Human beings swear with someone greater than himself like the Bible is greater than our own words. Once we’ve given our word we can’t negotiate anymore. God swears an oath and does so by Himself for no one is greater than God. There are 2 immutable things, first the promise that God gives and second the oath that He will do it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 6:10-20
10 Brothers and sisters: God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. 11 We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. 13 When God made the promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, “he swore by himself,” 14 and said, “I will indeed bless you and multiply you.” 15 And so, after patient waiting, he obtained the promise. 16 Human beings swear by someone greater than themselves; for them an oath serves as a guarantee and puts an end to all argument. 17 So when God wanted to give the heirs of his promise an even clearer demonstration of the immutability of his purpose, he intervened with an oath, 18 so that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us. 19 This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered on our behalf as forerunner, becoming high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.


An anchor is a great image for faith because it doesn’t move about, held down fast and makes firm our position. Hope with faith does not simply mean a subjective feeling of hope that depends on our own personal feelings. What are the things that we hope for? Our hope should be something objective. We should hope for what God has promised. It should be our hope that we’ll go to heaven. This is the hope that we should have in our mind, our motivation to keep and stir up our faith. It is an extremely important goal for us. We do not simply have hope in seeking for the pleasures of this world. This pleasure is tangible and something that we can get a hold of immediately. The idea of postponing the pleasure, like not resorting to drugs, pre marital sex, alcohol and not depend on what seems to be the sole pleasure in life like possessions and all sorts of material things and focus on a hope in the future. We postpone the pleasures in this life and have the hope that there is a pleasure that surpasses these pleasures of this world. We have to develop virtue or the strength on the inside. The word virtue means strength. Our interior strength comes from the fact that we lose heaven if we seek those pleasures and make them the goal in our lives. It is such a pity if it will be where the anchor of our hope lies. Our hope in the promises of God may seem to be veiled at the moment. We have to reach beyond the veil just like the veil in front of the holy tabernacle or the Holy of Holies. Essentially, it was shielding a holy God from sinful man. Whoever entered into the Holy of Holies was entering the very presence of God. In fact, anyone except the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies would die. Even the high priest, God’s chosen mediator with His people, could only pass through the veil and enter this sacred dwelling once a year, on a prescribed day called the Day of Atonement. The picture of the veil was that of a barrier between man and God, showing man that the holiness of God could not be trifled with. God’s eyes are too pure to look on evil and He can tolerate no sin (Habakkuk 1:13). The veil was a barrier to make sure that man could not carelessly and irreverently enter into God’s awesome presence. Even as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he had to make some meticulous preparations: He had to wash himself, put on special clothing, bring burning incense to let the smoke cover his eyes from a direct view of God, and bring blood with him to make atonement for sins.

“But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.” (Hebrews 9:7)

So the presence of God remained shielded from man behind a thick curtain during the history of Israel. However, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross changed that. When He died, the curtain in the Jerusalem temple was torn in half, from the top to the bottom. Only God could have carried out such an incredible feat because the veil was too high for human hands to have reached it, and too thick to have torn it. Jesus a forerunner, high priest through His death and resurrection entered heaven. Thus we too are given this free access to enter heaven. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9-10
R: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
...The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it.

Jesus is the anchor of hope that we can go to heaven because he enters as high priest not once a year and leave like in the temple of the Holy of Holies. Jesus remains in heaven to intercede for us. There is a rope that links to the anchor, our hope is the rope that links us to Jesus. Jesus is the anchor for our hope to spur us in our Christian life. In love we are created by God, in justice we are condemned but in His mercy we are redeemed through Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!


Mark 2:23-28
“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. 28 That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

THE MONASTIC LIFE

Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Anthony, the abbot and monk. Saint Athanasius, who knew Anthony and wrote his biography, said, "Anthony was not known for his writings nor for his worldly wisdom, nor for any art, but simply for his reverence toward God." He has this desire to love God above all things and to deny himself in order to know more about God. His countenance has a great beauty in it that attracted many people to him. His appearance reflects the purity and joy of his soul. Even if he has given up many things he has a radiance in his face that reflects his very soul that gives him a cheerful countenance that never changed. He projects the truth that he has something great within him, a life with God. There is a difference between Catholic monasticism and other forms like Buddhism. Buddhism practices meditations to eliminate all desire which is thought to be the source of all evil. This approach is an impersonal awareness of reality. There is a technique, right breathing and posture that need to be attained. There is this tendency to embrace transcendental meditation wrongfully. With Catholic monasticism, there is no technique, no right breathing or posture to attain. What is essential is to understand the gospel, hear and take it as directed personally to every person. Act on it by living the gospel and following Christ. It is thoroughly a love matter, union with God, transformative and life changing with a life of prayer. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 5:1-10
“You are my son; this day I have begotten you”; 6 just as he says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7 In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; 9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The monks like St. Anthony have come to a point where they realized that what they give up is really nothing compared to what God has in store for all of us. Their lives like the saints before us have become sign posts pointing to heaven. It helps us increase our zeal today as if we are beginning anew. All this life is nothing compared to eternal life so we must not be faint hearted. Nor think that we are doing anything great for the sufferings we encounter at present. It is nothing compared to the glory that is to come. The whole of earth is nothing compared to the kingdom of heaven. Just like this fascinating story of a girl with her plastic pearls. One night her father asked her if she loves him so the girl replied ,"yes". The father asked for the pearls but the girl refused and offered her doll instead but the father said no and told her he loves her anyway. The following week the father did the same thing and the girl offered her horsy. Then another week later when the father asked the same question she tearfully handed him the plastic pearls and told her dad that he can have it. To her surprise the father handed her a beautiful box with the pearls of great value. Sometimes we keep holding on to something without realizing that God is offering us something great. May we be firm and focused in leading a life of holiness that no earthly attractions keep us from loving God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
...The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion: “Rule in the midst of your enemies.” (R) 3 Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.”



In today's gospel, Jesus reveals His Divinity by referring to Himself as the Bridegroom. We can find in the scriptures especially during the time of Israel how God our Creator addressed Himself as Husband. As in Jer 3:20, "But like a woman faithless to her lover, even so have you been faithless to me, O house of Israel," says the LORD. And in Hosea 2:18, On that day, says the LORD, She shall call me "My husband," and never again "My baal." ... and 21-22 "I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD." Also in the Parable of the wise & foolish virgins who were getting ready to meet the bridegroom and the parable of the invitation to the wedding feast. St Paul’s words also in Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her..." Today's gospel is also an allusion to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We as Catholics practice fasting 1 hour before communion. Fasting symbolizes mourning which is not appropriate when the bridegroom is there. During Holy Mass, He arrives in the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. The sacrament when the Divine Bridegroom gives Himself to us. A marriage supper where we encounter the bridegroom, Jesus therefore we should have a love for the Mass. It is a foretaste of Heaven when we become enraptured by the love of God and be totally in union with Him. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 2:18-22
...“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

POINTING FINGER

Today is Religious Freedom Day in the US. Many of our brothers and sisters all over the world suffer persecution for their faith. This is a fundamental human right proclaimed to be enjoyed by everyone. Religious freedom is the path to peace according to the Holy Father’s talk, Pope Benedict XVI in the beginning of the year 2011. It is a sacred right to have religious freedom. Without openness to the transcendent, a human being withdraws to himself and fails to experience authentic freedom which leads to violation of other human rights as well. This is vital in building a just society. Wherever religious freedom is denied human dignity is offended with a resulting threat to justice and peace. We can not deny the assistance and various contributions of religious communities and believers. It has proven to be effective for the promotion of the common good. This is a force that could not be reckoned with or the truth that we can not deny. No matter how radical secularization tries to eliminate any reference to religion or any input the voice of religion may have. It can not ignore the religious dimensions of a society. This is a truth that we can not deny. Authentic religiosity is the source of a loving approach of brothers and sister as a whole family. It has to be freely chosen according to one’s conscience and not violently imposed. God beckons humanity with a loving plan and calls for a free and responsible answer that engages the whole heart. Amen. Hallelujah

Is 49:3, 5-6
...I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

The transcendent nature of humanity calls for dialogue and human understanding. In the face of difficulty and sign of contradiction we should never lose heart. Remember these words from the gospel, Mt. 5:10-12, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Violence is not overcome by violence. The world needs God. Authentic weapon for peace is religious freedom as in to practice faith without coercion. Today we remember the plight of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer greatly for the faith. We pray that religious freedom will not be eroded for those who can practice it. May our Lord show us the path to peace and use us as instruments and builders of peace. Amen. Hallelujah!


Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 Responsorial Psalm
R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.

In the 2nd reading, it is written, “to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,” This pertains to the church. It continues to grow but it is also a reality that Christians are the most persecuted people in the world. As Christ said in John 15:20, “Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” We have to pray for our brothers and sister that are suffering throughout the world for their faith, who profess the name of Jesus Christ as our Lord. Statistics say that for every 10 people, 7 can not proclaim their faith. Christians are the most persecuted. There are 2 types of religious persecution, one by the government and the other is those who belong to minority groups. These are in the form of political oppression, discrimination and intolerance. Religious freedom has declined in several countries. There is hostility against the Catholic Church for its stand on prolife issues. This is a reality for the majority of Christians. We are encouraged to support our brethren in whatever way possible especially through prayers. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Cor 1:1-3
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In all that we do and hope to fulfill in this life may we be like John the Baptist who points to Jesus. We might have heard about it or seen a painting of John with a pointing finger. Today’s gospel is the one being depicted in that painting where John was pointing to Jesus Christ. We may want to ask ourselves this question. Does our life point to Jesus or does it obscure Jesus? Can we say the same thing that John said in John3:30, “He must increase; I must decrease." We pray for this to actively take place in our lives and truly point to Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah!

Jn 1:29-34
...“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. 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 saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven 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.”

THE MANUAL

The bible has been described as something like a manual that teaches us, Christians to go about with our lives. Just like any new equipment that comes with a manual in order to operate it properly so are God's words to us. When God created us He intended for us to be guided and directed in accordance to His will and that's what the word of God does for us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 4:12-16
12 The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

When things get out of hand we have no one to blame but ourselves for God is surely not lacking in everything that He has given us for our own welfare. Amen. Hallelujah!


Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
7 [8] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

Today's gospel assures us that God is willing and able to cure all our ills and sicknesses. The problem lies not in God's ability to heal us but in our acceptance of the fact that we are sick and need healing. It may be easier for a severely ill person to recognize one's sickness because it is very obvious and undeniable than for someone whose illness and symptoms are just mild and unnoticeable. It is more dangerous in a way because the illness just creeps up very slowly and discreetly. It’s completely widespread and terminal just like some cancers even before we know it. We need to be aware of how we are doing ourselves. This does not apply to just our physical state but most importantly our spiritual. Let us not neglect nor overlook this seemingly fine condition we thought we are in and be caught unaware when everything becomes too late. Fr. Joel Jason wrote this paragraph below in his article in Sabbath.

Psychology journals now even speak of a so-called “mild addiction.” I have a friend with a drinking problem who calls it his “daily fix.” Included in this mild addictions are gluttony, chain smoking and heavy drinking. But whether it is light or heavy, it is still an addiction. It’s a form of sickness. Treating them lightly only gives a false sense that we are doing OK when in fact we’re getting sicker by the day.
Today in the Gospel, Jesus reminds us, “People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do.” It was a subtle but stinging remark directed to those religious leaders of His time who choose to be blind to their own moral sickness. Today we have the same problem. We don’t even know that we are sick because we invent names like “mild addiction” or “daily fix” to avoid calling ourselves to task. Companies who make contraceptives even market a pill with anti-pimple ingredient, taking advantage of the insecurities of the youth. What’s next? A pill fortified with beta-carotene? We are becoming sick and we do not even know it. Jesus, remind my heart.Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
When you see grossly overweight children, do you find it cute? Do you justify your disordered desires by calling them “mild addictions”?

Lord Jesus, more than the physical, I need spiritual healing in my heart, in my desires, in my will. O Hesus, hilumin mo, aking sugatang puso. Amen.


Mark 2:13-17
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

THE REST

Fr. Joel Jason f Sabbath gave a very good explanation about the 1st reading today. He said, "In the first reading today, the letter to the Hebrews spoke about the people “not entering into God’s rest.” The Biblical “rest” is an allusion to the rest of Genesis 1 where it said that God rested after the work of Creation. This “rest” is not physical. God did not grow tired. The rest indicated satisfaction and fulfillment over the accomplishment of the Divine Will as indicated by the line, “and God looked at what He has created and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The need to enter into God’s “rest” is a metaphorical way of rendering that disobedience to God’s will is the reason for the chosen people’s inability to enter the Promised Land." It will always be for our own good that we follow and obey what God tells us to do no matter what the cost and how foolish it may seem, to the world's point of view. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
...Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.

We easily forget things and become preoccupied with so many other things. This happens to most of us and we tend to neglect what is truly essential. Let us not ocus on the lesser things but on what should dominate our consciousness and awareness. Let us never forget the works of the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 78:3, 4, 6-7, 8
R: Do not forget the works of the Lord!
What we have heard and know, and what our fathers have declared to us, 4 we will declare to the generation to come the glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength.

Today's gospel shows us a threefold manifestation of the Divinity of Christ. First is the ability of Jesus to read our hearts and minds. This not a human power, only God can do this. We can not hide anything from God, He knows all our thoughts. The 2nd manifestation is the ability of Jesus to grant spiritual healing. The moment he said this, "Your sins are forgiven" the paralytic man got healed spiritually. We hear these words in the sacraments of confession and anointing of the sick.
God has the power to set us free from sin and set the soul back in union with God. Third is the power of God to grant physical healing. God can restore bodily health and put the body in the right order that God has designed it to be. Evil is the absence of the good that rightly belongs there. It is not absent because of God but because we fall away from grace. Suffering takes meaning from the action of Christ's redemption. Sometimes we miss the point just like the scribes. They did not recognize who Jesus is in spite of these divine manifestations. The paralytic and the 4 men acknowledged the power of Jesus but the scribes rejected it. Instead they accused Him of blaspheming. With regards to ourselves, I guess it is easier for us to say that He’s God at this present time than those scribes, the paralytic and the 4 men because it is a new concept that is difficult to grasp at that time. Do we really grasp the meaning of His divinity that Jesus is God? The 4 men who carried the paralytic had faith that is selfless. They wanted what is good for their paralytic friend and were focused at the good of another that’s why they were able to grasp the power of God. The scribes were selfish and can’t get beyond their mind’s view and not focused on the good of others. They failed to recognize the good that God can provide the paralytic. This is what happens when we don’t accept the Light into our lives and keep ourselves in the dark. Like these scribes who were present there observing inside the house which is believed to be the home of Peter. The Church stands firm in the witness of the apostles and the disciples about the Divinity of Jesus. He has the power to free us from sin and the effects of sin and sanctify our suffering and give meaning to it in union with His redemption. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 2:1-12
1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” — 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

HARDENED HEART=DISOBEDIENT

The Holy Spirit inspired both the Old and the New Testament. We look to both as the best way to understand what the Holy Spirit says. What the Holy Spirit said in the Old Testament is applicable to the New Testament and still is to us today. There is a lively attentiveness to the scriptures. God has not abandoned us. When we read the gospel we should be aware that the same Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament is speaking to us today in the scriptures. As the 1st reading tells us today, we become partners of Christ. Jesus is engaged to a commitment to see through the project. Christ is committed to see us get to heaven if not for this He should have not offered His life for our sake. He has given a firm down payment for us. This holds true only if we hold firm to the end of our lives to that day when God Himself will tell us, “Welcome good and faithful servants.” Amen. Hallelujah!


Hebrews 3:7-14
7 The Holy Spirit says: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice, 8 “Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion in the day of testing in the desert, 9 where your ancestors tested and tried me and saw my works 10 for forty years. Because of this I was provoked with that generation and I said, “They have always been of erring heart, and they do not know my ways.” 11 As I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter into my rest.” ’ ” 12 Take care, brothers, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God. 13 Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin. 14 We have become partners of Christ if only we hold the beginning of the reality firm until the end.



Today's psalm reading is used as a preparatory psalm in the Liturgy of the Hours just as it was used in the Old Testament. Each time we hear it, there is an emphasis to the fact that is just the same as it is proclaimed today. During the time of Moses there had been an incident of great rebellion and testing on the part of the chosen people of God. The same message is being said to us because there is a possibility that we also harden our hearts today. Massah means rebellion and Meribah means testing. It refers to the time they rebel when they had no water. Moses struck the stone in the desert and water came out. We can read in Numbers 13 when Moses sent out spies to check out the promise land and when they returned in Numbers 14 they were full of discouragement. They came back and reported that the Land of Canaan is too strong to conquer but Joshua & Caleb, trusted God. They didn’t look at the problems of the walls of the Canaan. But the people believed the spies and concluded that it’s impossible to overcome these barriers. They wanted to choose new leaders and kill Moses & Aaron and go back to slavery in Egypt. Due to their unbelief the whole generation never entered Canaan only the new generation with both Joshua & Caleb did. The goal is to enter into rest in the land of Canaan but they refused because they believed their fears rather than believe what they’ve already seen in God’s miracles in Egypt. Psalm 95 is used so often in the Liturgy of the Hours and encourages us how today we must listen well. They do not just apply to the people in Numbers 13 & 14. It also applies to the Church and we consider ourselves the New Israel. Let God call us to attention. We don’t have to fall back to the same sin of disbelief. No matter how hard the world makes us do so. The Church is beginning to experience persecution. Today we have to keep in mind what God already said in the past especially as we hear the words of His Son today. Jesus Himself gives us a greater authority than the prophets and the angels. When we look at our day, there are a number of strains that we have to alert ourselves. There are New Age beliefs that everything is God including the forces of nature. It is moving towards the act of depersonalizing God by a vague force. It clouds the truth of God the Father, God the Son & God the Spirit. There is this New Age notion vs. the Christian notion of God. The catch here is the fact that there are no demands upon the faithful to be obedient. A hardened heart is equivalent to disobedience. There is no longer a clear distinction about the truths of the faith. It's just a matter of loving nature and taking care of the environment. No other demands like obeying the 10 commandments. The truth is not existent with the New Age. They water down the Person of Jesus and lead others to disbelieve in Him. Certain scholars deny Him as a historical figure or is believed that He had a wife as depicted in the fictitious Da Vinci Code. These are all things that are far from the authentic gospel. The image of Jesus is being shaped to imitate our worst moments and sins. It makes him appear like He is no better than we are and attack His moral character. It is an act of impunity to God’s character as if He is just a character of fiction. It looks like God is on the dock as C. S. Lewis put it. Instead of us being on trial, God appears to be the one who’s on trial. Let us not fall into this kind of thinking nor continue in our lack of faith or let anything shake our faith. Indeed, if today we hear His voice, let us not harden our hearts. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 95:6-7, 8-9, 10-11
R: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
...Oh, that today you would hear his voice: 8 “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, 9 where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works. (R) 10 Forty years I was wearied of that generation, I said: “This people’s heart goes astray, they do not know my ways. 11 Therefore I swore in my anger: “They shall never enter my rest.”

Sometimes we come to a point when we just have to keep silent and not say anything at all. There are so many reasons why. It could be that some things are better left unsaid. Or no matter what we say the words we speak of just fall on deaf ears. Sometimes or most of the time silence could convey a better message than saying anything at all. In whoever or, whatever situation is involved at any time it is always for the best to follow what God tells us to do and take His word for it than follow our own. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 1:40-45
...Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 44 Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 45 The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.