There are seasons in our life that we have to go through. In
fact, there are many changes looming around the corner nowadays. This Christmas
season there is really a need for the people to kneel down in prayer for God's
will to prevail in every person. There have been a lot of issues going on
around us and we can not be assured of the economic stability all over the
world but what should be of utmost concern is the decline and decay of the
moral fabric of every person. In just a few weeks we would be celebrating
Christmas, the birth of our Savior. Whatever seasons, or feelings we have there
is always a reason to paint our faces with a big smile just like what the 1st
reading encourages us to do. Have we given it some serious thought? During
those times when we almost hit rock bottom and looked like everything is a dead
end as if nothing good is ever going to happen but managed to make it through,
still standing to this day. We may not be fully aware of it but in all those
things God is always there for us. It is just a matter of drawing ourselves
really close to God so that we can feel Him better in the midst of the so many
stimuli that constantly compete to catch our attention. We have a tendency to
underplay the role of God in our lives because we are not focused on Him. It is
time we give credit to whom it is due. As today's 1st reading suggests to us,
we really have to behold and look to God so that we will truly see. I could
never forget the time when I decided to buy my son a laptop as a birthday gift.
Actually I wasn't really sure about buying one since at that time I was a bit
short in my finances. His birthday will be in a few weeks back then and I
intended to give it as a birthday gift so it will not reach him on time if I
send via balikbayan box and I know for a fact that it is not wise to send brand
new laptops and the like via door to door box.
I have heard of rumors that it is not safe because it might end up
getting lost. I finally decided against it and just hoped that if there will be
somebody going home to the Philippines
then that's the time I will decide to buy one. I knew at the back of my mind
that it may not be possible to find someone going home to the Philippines within the specified
time I have in mind which is just 1-2 weeks, in order to reach my son on time
for his birthday. To find a trustworthy person and generous at that to be
willing to carry a laptop in his/her baggage is another thing. Although there
was a longing and aching in my heart to buy this gift for my son because he has
been wishing for one, I knew I was unable to do so because of my limited
options which lead to my indecision. I was just surprised that during the
consecration in the Holy Mass, the Lord suddenly impressed in my heart that I
should push through with my plan to buy that birthday gift. It gave me a new
found confidence in pursuing the plan even though I have limited resources and
options. To my surprise, I got a call from my friend Carmen in New Jersey who told me that she's going home to the Philippines
on Aug. 24 which was exactly a week before his birthday on Aug. 31. This may be
the sign that I've been waiting for I thought, because when I asked her if it
was ok to include a laptop in her baggage she immediately agreed. All the while
I thought that everything will end up there when I was finally able to buy a
laptop and had it shipped to Carmen. It was just barely a week when I got news
from Carmen that she is no longer going home and will just send the laptop via
door to door and will no longer reach my son on time for his birthday. I was so
disappointed since I never intended to send it via door to door, could have
decided against if I had known right away and worse it was late for his
birthday. I had so much anxiety and fear upon learning of it but I held on to
God's goodness despite the seemingly endless wait for the delivery of the door
to door which took almost 2 months when normally all it takes is just 1 month
or less. For I know in my heart that my decision was based first and foremost
on the message that I got from the Lord during the consecration in the Holy
Mass I was not moved. I continued in my prayers and supplications to God that
the laptop will reach my son in good shape because it really meant a lot to me,
the way a mother longs to be with her sons but couldn't and the only
consolation is the fact that somehow I can give them something to be happy
about in exchange of my absence. Despite the long wait, God rescued me in my distress.
My son finally got a hold of his birthday gift. It was like a great relief
washed over me. If we continue to persevere in our faith in the Lord against
all odds we will come to know that something good is going to happen because
the best is in store for us. Today's 1st
reading tells us that we can look forward to a grand celebration or fiesta
galore with much rejoicing that nothing can ever be compared to it. How can we
not believe and trust in Him? How can we not give full confidence that He is
able to answer all our needs? If we allow God then every single day should be
viewed like He is always with us in the most intimate and personal way. Our God
is the most loving and caring father that He will never abandon us. No matter
what we are going through right now today's first reading should relieve us
from every kind of worry. Amen. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 25:6-10a
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Psalm 23 assures us where the road of God’s love will lead
us because it tells us exactly what kind of road we are heading to if we accept
the love of the Good Shepherd. When I was a young child, I used to sing and
imagine the scenario in the psalm reading for today. Psalm 23 has a Tagalog
song version in the Philippines
entitled, “Ang Panginoon ang aking Pastol” I have always loved singing it
because of the very comforting words in the song. It has always given me an
impression that with God on our side nothing can go wrong and if things seem to
look like there is something wrong there is really nothing to fear for He will
always be there to defend and protect. Let us not
stray away from the Lord and always stay in the flock that He cares for. We may
have heard a story of how a lion attacks its prey by separating it from the
flock and once it has cornered it and all alone that's the time it devours it.
It pays to always stay in the flock under the care of our Good Shepherd. We
have to make sure we are not misguided or deceived by a fake shepherd and
really belong to the flock of sheep that Jesus shepherds. If we are just to read and understand very well every word
said in today's psalm then we ought to find ourselves the most contented and
secured person in the whole wide world. There should be no more room for fear,
doubt and anxiety. We've got to develop the confidence and faith of a person
who have truly believed that the Lord is our shepherd. A sheep without a
shepherd doesn’t know where to go and get food. They just stand there looking
dumb and hungry. Today's psalm is a reminder and great consolation that we are
the sheep and the Lord is our Shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd as stated in
today's psalm. He makes us want for nothing more. We are so caught up
with our problems and concerns in life that we become oblivious of God. We do
not see the love of God in the midst of these disturbing events. In our journey
here on earth we are all confronted with the bitter and harsh realities of
life. Let us always remember and never forget that on top of those realities is
the resounding truth and most essential one that we have a Good Shepherd. We should praise and thank God for those experiences
although difficult served as an inspiration which we could hold on to at times
when things do not turn out right. We can be assured that everything is in
control although there is really a need to go through a so called "dark
valley" of our lives in order for us to be fully aware that we have a God
who looks after our welfare no matter how things turn out unexpectedly and not
according to what we have in mind. We always have to believe that in the end,
God is always on our side to give us the courage to carry on and find that God
got us covered. There is one thing sure if we hold on to God as a sheep to the
Good Shepherd, we will never be disappointed. The words of God in today's
readings give us an assurance that He is always there for us. He said it and He
means it then so be it. There is nothing more He could possibly mean when He
said that He is the Good Shepherd other than He cares for us. He never forsakes
nor abandons any single one of His flock. Sometimes we are confronted with
situations that push us to the limits and thus we give way. This should never
be the case at any single time. We should not entertain the option that is
clearly not pleasing to the Lord even beyond the point of maximum tolerance. We
may find ourselves able to resist up to a certain extent only. Thus when the
tough gets really tough we would suddenly find ourselves shifting our loyalty.
We only find ourselves proclaiming God in our life when situations are
favorable. It's such a pity if we would ever come to this point where almost
everybody in this world found themselves comfortably positioned. We can easily
change positions when things get uncomfortable and easily turn our backs on
what is ultimately God’s will for us. As in Rev. 3:16, So, because you are
lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. It is time to
make a stand and know which side we really are rather than continue making
excuses and justifications. We must not doubt God's ability to be the Good Shepherd that He really is to us and
trust Him rather than ourselves to carry out the plan He has for us. Just like this old adage, "Never put the
law into your hands." We should not take away God's plan from His hands
into ours and act like we know better. If there's someone who could perfectly
carry out this plan for our lives then that is no other than God Himself.
Nothing could be more perfect than entrusting our life in God's hands. Just try
to imagine ourselves right now, as is, where is with all our cares and problems
in this world. Then try to paint another picture, this time with God as the
Good Shepherd that tends the sheep, then picture ourselves as that sheep that
the Lord tends. Be still for a moment and try to absorb and allow to sink in
the words in the responsorial psalm. In God's loving embrace we are secured and
satisfied that there is nothing we stand in need of. If the Lord is our
shepherd who could ask for more? Goodness and love pursue us all the days of our
life. For as long we're sure that the Lord Jesus is indeed the shepherd who
leads us and whom we follow then there is no doubt about this. We should thank
the Lord for our daily assurances, confirmation and in all circumstances. God
will never allow us to go hungry and will always give us what we need and even
more. God is a generous God that when we're feeling hungry or in need of
something He is always there to provide, all we have to do is trust Him in His
ways, as He has promised. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R: I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my
life.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant
pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes
my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I
walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod
and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in
the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only
goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in
the house of the LORD for years to come.
The gospel for today is about the miracle of the
multiplication of the bread and feeding of the five thousand. They were hungry
and satisfied. God has always wanted us to become the best persons we ought to
be. Our lives should be a testimony of God's glory. He wants us to be always
focused on this goal and if things are not turning toward this direction then
it is time to realign ourselves to God's agenda and not be carried away by the
enticements and false assurances of this world. The gospel specifically said
that Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and
went up on the mountain. It hit me in the sense that it is somehow telling us
to go across the Sea of Galilee and elevate ourselves
to a higher level. This invitation is for all of us. Sometimes we get too
comfortable doing the old thing and whatever we have gotten used to. It is time
for us to go past it and take the challenge of climbing a higher level for the
greater glory of God. The disciples in the gospel today said this to Jesus,
"Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy
such a crowd?" He wanted to test them, because he himself knew what he was
going to do.” It's a good thing His disciples responded and cooperated with
Jesus. The same with us, we may be asked by God to go out of our comfort zones
and practical outlook. You know why? So that God can perform His miracle in our
life. It emphasizes the truth that God will never allow us to grow hungry and
will always provide for our needs. There is no need to go anywhere else for
nourishment. There is no need to go away and search elsewhere. We only have to
go to God for only Him can satisfy all our longings and desires. We may all
know about the story in today's gospel and
have heard it several times already but somehow lost the element of
surprise already. But if we will look at it very closely we will discover much
more amazing things than we already know. It was not just the satisfying and
healing of the physical hunger and deformities that God can do for us but more than
we are able to really comprehend. God can go beyond the satisfaction of our
physical needs. There is really no one or nothing else we can rely and depend
on more than God. We have a very generous God that He gives us more than enough
and even went beyond our satisfaction levels which is symbolized by the number
7 which means perfect and was used to describe the fragments left over that
they picked up. God assures in the readings for today that we will never go
hungry or thirsty for anything at all be it physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual. Since today's readings emphasizes the fact that we will be fed and
satisfied by the Lord this reminded me of our visit to Sis Ester's house for
our block rosary. We were all so blessed to experience the generosity of Sis
Ester in welcoming us in their home. She had gone out of her way for several
days just to accommodate us in their home. We hadn't been just fed but also end
up with “to go” treats. This outward display of affection on her part gives us
much joy and makes us appreciate even more the goodness of God. Although a pale
comparison to the fiesta galore or great banquet in heaven that we all look
forward to but definitely a foretaste of the best that is yet to come. In the
gospel, all they've got is the seven loaves and few fish which is nothing in
proportion to the great crowd that Jesus wanted to feed. Well, I guess ratio
and proportion does not apply to the limitless power of God. We may think that
we are in a desperate situation or we are a hopeless case. We must not
underestimate what God can do. We just have to go to God "as is where
is" just like any other junk material that can be bought in whatever
condition, God will take us exactly as we are and do the necessary work and
miracle for us. God will not just provide for our needs but more. He is indeed
a God who is more than enough! Just as Bishop Fulton Sheen was emphasizing in
his talk that there is a need to see and live both sides of life. As there is a
tragic and comic side to it, Jesus in today’s gospel also did the same thing.
He attended to not only the spiritual need of the people but also their
physical needs. If we sometimes feel that we are in a pitiful situation and
nothing good is happening to us, we better think twice before we wallow up in
self pity and depression. More than the miracle of feeding the five thousand,
God is telling us to focus more on His compassionate heart that nourishes us
physically and spiritually as well because only Jesus can satisfy us. We have a
God who will not only satisfy one aspect of our life but all of it. In today's
gospel, the vast crowd who followed Jesus in a deserted place despite of being
late was not disappointed. It gives us the assurance that God will always
rescue us and work for the good. Neither will he abandon or forsake us for He
knows what we need even before we ask it. So no matter what our situations may
seem to appear, whether we feel like we've been abandoned in a deserted place
and things are running late, we should always trust God to give us everything
we need and have been praying for. We are also invited to look at the beautiful
truths contained in the gospel. This is the only miracle that appears in all
four gospels. The others appear only in 3 or less. We can gain insight and a
deeper faith in God by focusing on these words, Bethlehem , manger and star. Bethlehem in Hebrew means “House of Bread”.
Jesus is laid in a manger, and the root word mange means to much, chew or gnaw.
The 3 wise men were led to Jesus by following a star. The star could represent
the tabernacle lamp which is the guiding light that houses the Holy Eucharist.
They would benefit us to contemplate on these things in relation to the gospel
today. Jesus always mentions in the gospel that He is the True Bread who came
down from heaven. John 6:33-35, “For the bread of God is that which comes down
from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to him, "Sir,
give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of
life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will
never thirst.” John 6:48-56, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the
manna in the desert, but they died; this
is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I
am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will
live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the
world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this
man give us (his) flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I
say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you
do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has
eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains
in me and I in him. We need to consume His True and abiding Presence. He
teaches us to adore Him, Christ the Lord just as the shepherds did with the
angels and the Magi on bended knees. Let us adore Him as well. Though we see
and taste the bread and wine, it is no longer bread and wine but the Body &
Blood of Christ. The Lord transforms what lies before us. The scriptures
especially in John 6 are very clear so as not to judge it as a mere sign and
symbol. Everybody left Him except the apostles because it is a very hard
teaching and they could not accept it. It can’t be apprehended by the 5 senses
but by faith. We must not doubt if it is true we just have to rely on the words
of our Savior who is Himself the Truth. St. Cyril of Alexandria said that we have already been
instructed in words and filled with unshakeable faith. Furthermore he said,
“What our senses fail to fathom, let us grasp through faith’s consent.” We must
not find it difficult to believe of Christ’s true presence in the Holy
Eucharist as we believe that God is on earth as He is heaven. Let us not
contradict God’s words and allow it to prevail over our reason and senses. It
will be very meritorious to our souls if we hold on to His words because it
will not lead us astray nor will it deceive us. Jesus declared it to be His
True Body & Blood so who would dare question it. We need to be strong in
faith that upon the blessing of the bread the very nature is changed so that
what looks like bread is truly the Body of Christ. If we believe the Word made
flesh and dwelt among us and created the world from nothing why can’t we
believe that He can cause His own Body & Blood as in transubstantiation, to
be present from something already existing as in the bread and wine. What a
gift we have in the Holy Eucharist, the True Bread from heaven. We need to have
a profound love of the Eucharist and be united and transformed by Holy
Communion. The faith required of the
believer is more than just being fed physically and satisfied but has to go
beyond it. How long will we be hard of heart? God is humbling Himself daily in
the altar in the hands of the priest. As we see bread and wine with bodily eyes
we should see it as the Holy Body and Blood, living and true while we remember
what He said in the scripture, "Behold, I am with you even to the end of
the world." Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 15:29-37
29 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea
of Galilee , went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30 Great
crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the
mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. 31 The
crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole,
the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of
Israel. 32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity
for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing
to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on
the way." The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough
bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" Jesus said to them,
“How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” 35 He
ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves
and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples,
who in turn gave them to the crowds. 37
They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over — seven
baskets full.
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