MUSTARD SEED

God continues to bless us despite our offenses because we have a forgiving God who looks not on our sins but on our repentant hearts. A sin can never be undone by committing another sin. Nor can we set aside, hide and run away from it. There's nothing we can do to cover it up. Everything is known to Him. Today's 1st reading speaks of David's several attempts to get away from his sins but failed and ended up with a much greater sin, to cause the death of a dedicated and brave soldier, Uriah. Things can really get worse if we keep on setting aside or putting off what really needs to be done. When it comes to sin, there is nothing else we can do but to face it and accept the consequences of our actions. The solution can be found in the 3Rs, RECONCILE by REPENTING and REPAIRING the relationship we have broken. Amen. Hallelujah!

2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
...David then said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and bathe your feet.” Uriah left the palace, and a portion was sent out after him from the king’s table. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace with the other officers of his lord, and did not go down to his own house. 10 David was told that Uriah had not gone home. On the day following, 13 David summoned him, and he ate and drank with David, who made him drunk. But in the evening he went out to sleep on his bed among his lord’s servants, and did not go down to his home. 14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab which he sent by Uriah. 15 In it he directed, “Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.” ...

Organizing all my daily reflections since 2007 made it easier for me to locate and retrieve them. I have found it very rewarding and beneficial. It has given me the opportunity to access with ease, the insights and reflections I wrote in the past. Thus paving the way to recall, reflect, and share it again. Today, I am reminded of Fr. Alex Amayin, the associate priest in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. This is because of a talk that I felt I needed to share again in light of the readings today. His talk was about reconciliation which is very much in line with the 1st & psalm readings for today. It was centered on 4 things which is 1. SIN 2. GRACE 3. FORGIVENESS 4. RECONCILIATION. He said that the 1st 3 are all a reality but #4 is only a possibility. There is no doubt that SIN happens but the GRACE of God is always present and available for us even before we ask for FORGIVENESS. When we ask FORGIVENESS, God is always ready to give it. RECONCILIATION calls us to true conversion. We should always find our way back to God and never doubt His mercy. He cited the example of a snake and caterpillar since both of them undergoes conversion. The snake sheds off its old skin but comes out the same while the caterpillar emerges into a butterfly. We can either choose to be the snake or the caterpillar. Take your pick. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11
R: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
...Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 3 [5] For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. 4 [6] “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” (R) I have done such evil in your sight that you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.

Our God is good all the time! God does not expect us to be instant saints. He assures us that all we need is a small seed of faith sown in our hearts. As it grows, God can do wondrous things beyond our expectations. Each one of us with no exception has a seed that God has planted in our hearts. God is always at work in us. Whether we are doing something or not, He is the Mastermind, Creator and Executor of everything. It is not through our efforts and abilities that we are able to accomplish anything. All we have to do is just allow this growth to take place in us and not hinder or obstruct it. He can see through our future and knows well also what we are going through at the moment and what we had been through. All things work for the good of those who love and serve God. All we need to do is just cooperate as He operates. 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 this 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.” No matter how hopeless and discouraging things may seem to appear we have to be fully convinced in the power of God to produce great outcomes from very humble beginnings. All we've got to do is stick to God through and through and things will always turn out for the best. 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.” He said, "To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 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." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

IN THE SILENCE OF THE HEART

Is there a specific bible verse or passage in the bible that is very dear to your heart and which touches you the most? I do. Most of us have and whenever we encounter it there's something very special that we can associate with it. I guess, I have shared this favorite bible passage of mine many times already, the prophecy of Habakkuk in 2:2-3 which is: Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. This Word of God came to me as the 1st reading on that day of Oct 7, 2007 when I was about to make a major decision which made all the difference in my life from that day on. I am standing on the promises of God my Savior, standing on firm ground, I will not be moved. Things may still not be looking up and great at the present time but I am still firm in my faith  as on that day I held on to this prophecy as in today's 1st reading where King David professes his confidence in God's words and promise. Amen. Hallelujah!

2nd book of Samuel 7,18-19.24-29.

And now, Lord GOD, you are God and your words are truth; you have made this generous promise to your servant. Do, then, bless the house of your servant that it may be before you forever; for you, Lord GOD, have promised, and by your blessing the house of your servant shall be blessed forever."

There is no doubt that God is able to fulfill all His promises and carry out everything that He said. A confirming event that I consider very special was whenever we chance upon Fr. Mike Barry. We have been following him wherever he has a healing session nearby and to have an unexpected chance of attending mass celebrated by him is something I consider a great blessing and indeed a very pleasant surprise. It has always brought joy to all of us most especially to me. He is a priest whom I consider my personal prophet due to the many times I have personally experienced his gift of discernment and prophecy which I have shared several times already in my previous reflections. I have been getting messages of confirmation through the things he said to me about my PAST and affirmation through the things that are happening to me at the PRESENT thus giving me hope for the things that I have been praying for and are bound to come in the FUTURE. These things happen one after the other in an orderly sequence every time he prays over me despite the fact that he doesn't know a single thing about me. Although he didn't say the homily and did not conduct a healing session I was able to get another confirmation through Fr. Alex Amayin who said in his homily at that same time that, "The Word of God is like rain, it will not go back to the clouds without fulfilling first its purpose of watering and nourishing the earth and its vegetation in the same way that His words will not go back to Him without doing what it said it would do. We should also be proud of our parents. They may not be perfect but they are the arms that cradled us when we were still babies, guided us through the different stages of our lives and stood with us through thick and thin. So wherever they may be now whether still living or resting in peace let us give back to them the honor and praise they deserve. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 R: The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
1 LORD, remember, for David all his anxious care...The LORD swore an oath to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw...

I could remember a time when I hesitated for a moment when I was about to hand over to this home health nurse a copy of a daily reflection that I wrote and got inspiration through him the way I normally do with most of the people I am around. A lot of questions popped into my mind like, Would he mind receiving a bible reflection? Is he Christian? Can I really do this? I've encountered a lot of sensitive issues here in the US when it comes to religion and the faith. I suddenly felt like chickening out. We haven't known each other long and might take it in a different way. God is good that when I am about to back out I suddenly received from this very sweet lady who dispelled all my doubts and fears a boost of confidence and courage to carry out this task. Although she did not say the exact words from today's gospel it was just like I was hearing them from the silence of her good heart. For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. We should take every opportunity to let the people we meet see clearly the light of the lamp shining from the lampstand by spreading the Good News. We also 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. Just like this particular time that was very difficult for a friend of mine whose husband passed away to see the light of hope. But we continue to believe that in a moment of darkness filled with grief and despair of losing a loved one there is still hope that light is still shining through and is bound to be known to all in His most perfect time. We have to have faith in the heart and believe that everything will unfold in His time and be able to discover the light in the midst of trying and uncertain moments. We may not grasp the meaning of all the things at the moment but everything will soon come to pass and only the light of God's truth will prevail.  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

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.

STAND FIRM

We have a God who never fail and will always fulfill what He said He would do. This prophecy of Samuel in today’s 1^st reading explains why Jesus was often referred to in the scriptures as Son of David. The long history of the chosen people of God speaks of a Messiah whom they have long waited for. The more we get familiar with the scriptures the better our understanding of the prophecies from the Old Testament in connection with the New Testament. The deeper we know more about them the better our amazement and appreciation of how God works in mysterious, wonderful and miraculous ways. The long span of more than 4 thousand years that date way back to the time of Abraham to the time of Jesus speak of God's faithfulness to His covenant with His people. I often hear people say that life is so uncertain and that nobody knows what's going to happen next. Everything that we do seems to be a gamble for we are so imperfect and bound to make mistakes and wrong decisions. There are times when we look at our lives and ask where it is headed, when are things going to happen and change for the better and what awaits us in the days to come. It is so appeasing to know that we have a God who always speaks to us through the events, people and circumstances that surround us. In today's 1st reading, it tells us that only time can tell, all we have to do is remain faithful to God and persevere to the end since it speaks of Samuel telling David of a prophecy which was fulfilled 900 years later in Jesus. God's promises will always be true and can stand the test of time all throughout generations. Before I got myself involved in bible study I was just taking the title of Jesus as "Son of David" for what it is, just a title they have decided to call him. After several sessions things become clearer to me and taken on a deeper meaning. People who address him in the New Testament as Son of David are people who know of the salvation history of Israel or the chosen people. They are the very people who have come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah because they have been promised of one who will come from the House of David as foretold by the prophets of old.  This is very interesting that we find our Christian faith rooted in Jewish heritage. The more we know of the ancestral beginning of Christianity the better our appreciation of it and eventually and inevitably lead to awe and marvel of God's wonders and miracles. St. Joseph is the foster father of Jesus and protector of the Holy Family. Joseph is an unwitting accomplice to the work of salvation. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is his betrothed. He is given no options as to what he wants as regards the birth of Jesus. Yet somehow Joseph manages to allow the grace of God to lead and guide him such that he willingly accepts his role as foster father of Jesus and protector of the Holy Family. We, too sometimes find ourselves in a situation when we have no idea how things came about, it just happened without exerting any effort on our part. It just shows how God is able to do wonderful things in our life. All we need to do is follow the example of Joseph who at that time did not have any idea whatsoever that those were going to happen to him. Joseph is a righteous man; he stands in the line of righteous men stretching back to Abraham. It was mentioned above that he had little choice about the direction of his life. However, we must not fail to reflect upon the option that he could have simply walked away and left Mary and the child in her womb to fend for themselves. He could not do this as he was a good man and could see that Mary was going to need his help. Though he may seem to be a somewhat silent observer in the work of salvation, he plays a much greater and more important role than most give him credit for. He allowed God to lead and guide him through that situation which he obviously did not plan or intend to happen.  In whatever situation we are in right now, whether it's all part of our plans or not, let us continue to allow the grace of God to work for He can surely bring about goodness and prosperity in our lives. We may be in a situation where we are not truly satisfied with what is happening around us but we must continue to believe. What a glorious promise from God to His faithful servant David. He has the same words for those who will faithfully and perseveringly follow His lead. If we can only look back and examine carefully our lives in the past then we can gauge from there if we have been totally obedient to His will in our lives. Are we missing out on something? Let us be quick and diligent to assess our lives so as not to miss out on the best things that God has in store for us. We can always count on God to carry out the plans He has for His people and always be true to His word. There is no greater joy in the knowledge of the hope, joy and love that Jesus is our Savior. Amen. Hallelujah!

2 Samuel 7:4-17
...Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ” 17 Nathan reported all these words and this entire vision to David.

We are assured of a God who never breaks His promise and will see everything come to fulfillment. He will not disappoint nor let us down for His love for us endures forever. The promises of our God will stand firm. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30 R: For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] I will make your dynasty stand for ever and establish your throne for all ages.”...

The legacy of King David has been handed down to us through Jesus. We have all been given the opportunity to prosper and bear much fruit as in today's gospel but all of it remains a seed with all its potential that still needs to be realized through our cooperation. I remember when I was picking out a specific greeting card that I was planning to give to someone. From out of the many greeting card choices, I suddenly singled out this particular greeting card with a picture of a bird which I had not chosen and just made fun of, since we were laughing and joking about it. Today's gospel contains this bible verse, "some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up...As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them." It just dawned on me that these birds can pose as a very enticing and interesting view for us with regards to our life in the same way that Satan can deceive us all. We can just watch them and be fascinated as they eat the seeds without realizing that we are being robbed of God's Word in us. This particular scene reminded me of a time when I had the opportunity of enjoying this picturesque garden overlooking a small stream, with lots of birds in it and almost looks like paradise. I enjoyed the view and even fed the birds. God’s message with regards to the gospel today has become more intense as these circumstances start to unfold before me. Its urgency tends to be heightened even more by the fact that we are constantly in a battle, day in and out which we might not be completely aware of since we do not know what’s really going on around us. Sometimes we can be lured into something very beautiful without realizing that there is a catch to it. We must not forget that the choice is completely ours. We have all been chosen, qualified and equipped for a fruitful harvest but it is all up to us to respond in accordance to this great privilege. Let us all seek to nurture this seed that Jesus has planted in our hearts. Just like any other plant that grows, it needs to be well taken care by regularly watering it and exposing to air and sunlight depending on the specific demand of the plant. The same way with us who have already been planted with God's word. Let us constantly ask God to always open our minds and hearts to the mysteries of His Infinite love and mercy that we may become the rich soil where the seed of the Word of God can be cultivated and bear much fruit. Let us guard with all our strength this perfect gift of God to us in Jesus Christ and never let it be stolen away by the enemy. We have the power and the will to drive it away. In today's gospel the Lord is inviting us to examine ourselves closely and become the rich soil and produce fruit. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 4:1-20

...“The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you.But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.’” Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no root; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

THE FAMILY OF GOD

We might have witnessed certain occasions wherein we have been confused, puzzled and even shocked of some people who got so carried away with their emotions and just acted in a way that they could not care less how they look in front of other people. This is usually the case with people who have totally surrendered themselves to someone or something that they are in love with that they have become enslaved by their feelings and just follow its dictates. It is just so overwhelming to see how it can compel people to do the strangest and unimaginable acts. Nowadays, we see people who abandon themselves to following such desires. It is just sad that there are times when we fall for the wrong desire that drives us to action. We sometimes end up regretting what we did after finding out that it is for the wrong conviction that we acted foolishly.  It is good to imagine what David did in today’s 1^st reading.  It must have been quite a sight to see royalty, king and mighty warrior dancing without a care in the world. We all know that what he had done is all worth it because he danced before the Lord who is King of kings, Lord of lords and worthy of all our honor and praise. Amen. Hallelujah! 

2 Samuel 6,12-15.17-19.

....Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the LORD with abandon, as he and all the Israelites were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn.....

We can't claim to be this kind of person, a Christian but conduct ourselves in a very unlikely way. Let us no longer be deceived by the false and misleading truths and principles that this world presents to us every single day. We have to be grounded at all times on this truth that today's psalm is telling us. There was a time when Tita Neds complained that something is wrong with the television. She said that somebody fixed it already but it didn't stay fixed for long. It wasn't the manufacturer who repaired it that was why. If it was brought to its manufacturer they would definitely know what to do with it. We've got to be conscious of this reality and apply it to ourselves. When something goes wrong we should know where to go, to whom we really belong, the Lord. This is the covenant: we belong to the Lord and He belongs to us for we are His people and He is our God. If we look at what's happening in the world today most especially the economic crisis wherein even the leading nations are being challenged by the present situation then we are really bound to anticipate the worst. Not even those people who used to be very confident of their present jobs in their respective stable companies can be too sure of what's going to happen next. There have been so much speculations of what will be the outcome of this worldwide problem of the economy and most of them are not good. With all these rubble, there is just really one thing we need to focus on and that is God. It is not easy to live life in this world but we can rejoice and be glad, we have an army, a battalion, a full house of saints with all the angels constantly and endlessly praying and singing in heaven, the so called triumphant Church/army of God, who intercede in our behalf and is joyously inviting us to be one of them. We are being reminded by the readings today to always keep ourselves blameless before the Lord no matter how tough things are. God wants to be with us, there is no doubt about that. But just like water and oil which can not be put together and mixed so is God and man if we are in sin or harbor anything that can not be attributed to the holiness of God. We can not force two different things to go together. Water is a polar molecule and oil is non polar. They do not mix because they are two different substances as in the adage, "Like dissolves like." God can not change. He is already who He is, Holy in all His ways. We can change. We can be like God in His holiness and goodness if we want to be with Him forever. Let us not lose sight of what a mighty God we serve who made the heavens and the earth. We pray to God to open our eyes that we may see the wonders of His love. We should think profoundly of our daily walk with the Lord which consists of not only a leisure stroll in the plains and valleys of life but a steep climb up to the top of the mountain. We must avail of the sacrament of reconciliation. It gives us renewed strength and hope. Our life consists of steep and dangerous climbs but we must not forget that God is always at our side. If we are to carefully assess our life we would find that it feels good whenever we are able to overcome most of our pitfalls though there are some that still needs improvement. We must praise and thank God that every time we experience a fall back and backslide we can immediately go back to Him through the sacrament of confession which restores us to our original path and right track. It is God's desire that we will someday come face to face with Him. There is a need for us to prepare for that day. We are sometimes guilty of not focusing on God's countenance alone, there are times when we get distracted by other things and today's psalm reading serves as the reminder. I heard a story about God's radiating and blinding light that when we stand before Him nothing is hidden from Him, He will never turn away from us but if we ourselves are tainted with the guilt of our sins then we can not withstand His presence and will definitely hide and ran away from Him, far from His ever blinding Light that penetrates us. Let us all hope that when that day comes we can stand in His Holy Presence and claim with confidence our rightful place in His Kingdom. 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. A virgin is with child. The Old Testament scriptures have foretold of this and point to the coming of Christ. The prophets preannounced and prefigured His coming and pointed to the fulfillment in Jesus in the New Testament. He has loved us first and continues to do so. He encounters us ever anew in the sacraments especially in the Eucharist. The Church helps us to respond to God’s initiative through word and teaching and the gathering of believers who respond faithfully. We have to be firm, resilient and faithful people of God. We’ve got to really focus on what is truly important and essential. We live in a world where there are so many distractions that we tend to lose sight of what should be our greatest and most important concern. After all has been said and done we will find in the end that what truly matters is not what will last only in this lifetime but for all eternity, a reward from God our Savior. When somebody invites us for a party we just don't go there without preparing ourselves for it. Much more gatecrash and just go to a party without an invitation. We are blessed that God has invited us. The best we could do being privileged, honored and counted to come to His banquet in heaven is to make preparations and always be ready to take part in it, really belong and not end up an outcast. We should not lose sight of this standing invitation that God gives us in our daily life. There is indeed a need to always be prepared so that when the final moment comes we can reside in the heavenly abode of God. In every game there is a rule to follow and only those who play it fair and square can finish to the end and win their prize. Today’s psalm gives us a guideline to follow in order to make it through. We should always long to see the face of God at all times in every person, event and circumstance in our lives. Let us always hold on to this image so that someday when we finally come face to face with God we will receive a blessing and reward for He will surely bring about what He said He would do. In the course of the time and in the history of mankind we hear of people like Abraham chosen by God. The chosen people were given laws and ordinances to follow. The remnants of the chosen people or those who were faithful to God in keeping these commandments like Simeon and Anna, Joachim and Anne are those who belong to the Hebrew generation, kept the Jewish tradition and prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. This initiation of God in loving us first should bring us to act and make love blossom as a response on our part. We've got to be consistent to the kind of people who longs to see God's face. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalms 24,7.8.9.10.

R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R. Who is this king of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. R. Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R. Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory. R.

God wills all to be saved. There is no doubt that the grace of God is enough and we are all called in every walk of life to respond freely to this. The choice is ours to make. We just have to remember always and never forget that God has already won over any pain, suffering and ultimately death. Absolutely nothing is too difficult for Him. All we have to do is lay claim every waking moment that we have already been purchased for a price and saved by the blood of Jesus on the cross. Let us not lose our salvation by turning our backs on the family where God wants us to belong. Nothing else in this world should give us joy and confidence other than the truth that we are part of the great family of God. Nothing compares to having the privilege to be called the child of God as His will becomes enthroned in our lives. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 3,31-35.

And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. (For) whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." 

SIN & PLAQUE

Our God is our stronghold, in Him alone we must trust. Amen. Hallelujah!

2 Samuel 5: 1-7, 10

 But David did take the stronghold of Zion, which is the City of David.  David grew steadily more powerful, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

If we enter into agreement with any person we have to make sure that we are able to fulfill it and vice versa for the person whom we make a contract with. It is so disappointing when things do not turn out the way it should be and terms and conditions are not followed. I guess, we have all encountered mishaps and are dismayed along the way.  It is always best that if there's someone whom we should observe and maintain a covenant with then there should be no other but God. For His words and promises will always remain true. As in Habakkuk 2:2-3, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." We can be assured that His covenant will last and stand firm. Thousands of years have passed and only one name remains tried and true and continues to stand the test of time and even eternity, the name above all names, Jesus. If we are to look closely and pay attention to the succession of events of the salvation history or covenant history which goes back to the time of Adam & Eve and Noah and dates way back to 1800 BC during the time of Abraham, Moses (1200), David (means the favored one,1000), Exodus (600) to the birth of our Lord Jesus we will see God’s faithfulness and steadfast love for His people.  In this time line are significant events that happened from the time of Creation when God created man who fell into sin and became unfaithful and how God continuously called us back to Him by showing us who He really is throughout the length of time. As dramatic events unfold, like the entrance of the Israelites to the promised land, the pockets of rebellion as they took over the 12 tribes and settled into a life of monarchy (kings) from their 1st king (Saul) to King David and King Solomon, the time of David is described as the greatest time of the people of God. Today’s psalm speaks of how God is pleased with His faithful servants and promises to maintain kindness forever. If we look at St. Joseph in the eyes of the Jews, we find that he is the person who gave Jesus His proper name and claim as descendant of King David. Joseph was more of a foster father, because he was truly the legal father of Jesus. In like manner, he was not just the guardian of Mary. Before the law and traditions of Israel, he was the husband of Mary of Nazareth, the one who legitimized the “virgin birth” of Jesus to Mary. In the church’s liturgy, Joseph, aside from the Blessed Mother, is the only saint mentioned in the “Divine Praises” for the Eucharistic Benediction.  Then, according to experts on the apparitions of Fatima, Joseph was the only saint who appeared with the Blessed Mother in those phenomena that happened in Portugal." All these things tell us that there is really no cause for worry and fear for we have a God who is faithful to all His promises. We should always be reminded of this reality and never doubt that everything will come to pass. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 89: 20, 21-22 , 25 -26

R: My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.

....Once you spoke in a vision, and to your faithful ones you said “On a champion I have placed a crown; over the people I have set a youth. R. “I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.” R. “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand upon the sea, his right hand upon the rivers.”

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. I had 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 needed 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. 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. 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. We are not bound of any chains for God has set us free, we claim victory in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 3:22-30

....But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. 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. There is hope that the Lord will deliver us from our miseries and bring joy in our hearts. 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

Brothers and sisters, if we are confident that we are where we are supposed to be and the Lord allowed things to happen in our life the way they are happening right now then we should be still and know that God is in control. We need to understand the mysteries of our faith in order to appreciate it better. We have to go near as much as possible to the Word of God and experience it come to life and see His glory shining on us. As we go near Him we see his face and feel His love. We always have hope in the Lord who knows what's best for each one of us. There should be no doubt in our minds that He answers prayers. All we have to do is call on the Lord, trust that He hears the sound of our call and wait for Him with courage. When we get carried away by all the commotion there is a tendency that we neglect the essential and most central issue which is to always believe that we shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. There is really nothing that we should worry about if we always hold in our hearts the truth about Jesus. There may be times when we encounter disappointments and setbacks in life but this doesn't mean that God has stopped becoming the Loving God that He is, who suffered His only Begotten Son to die on the cross for our sake. Our focus should be on the truth of this love and everything that it stands for. This reminded me of a mini play staged in EWTN of a passenger waiting to be boarded on the airplane. He was the 1st and only person in the boarding area waiting patiently for his seat reservation to be called. He got surprised when someone came along and hardly ever waited when his seat number was called. He felt somehow annoyed at the idea of someone who just came and did not wait but got on the plane first although he managed to stop himself from making a scene. A lady with her young child also came and looked very excited to board the plane but he tried to warn them not to keep their hopes up too much because it would definitely take time and said that he had been waiting for a long time and came early but his number had not been called yet. To his surprise their numbers were called and happily boarded while he was once again left behind. He simply couldn't stand it anymore when a pleasant young lady came with all smiles on her face and speaking of how excited she is to board an airplane for the first time. The company of this nice lady kept her impatience at bay. She advised him to stop thinking about how the others were able to get there quickly but rather think of the joy he would have once he gets there. She assured him to just relax and make the most of his time because he has a reservation and a ticket all he needs to do is just wait. He did exactly just that and found himself at peace until the time his number was called. The same thing happens to the best of us when we are confronted with a tedious and exasperating process of waiting. We tend to lose our peace and joy and succumb to worry and doubt. If we are holding on to something that was assured to us by a trustworthy and reliable source we can put our worries to rest. Although sometimes anxiety can still find its way to our hearts and forget on whom our confidence lies.  If we remain in the Lord and put our trust in Him then there is nothing we should worry about. In life, there are 4 things which are 1. sin 2. grace 3. forgiveness 4. reconciliation that we could all learn a lot from. The 1st 3 are all a reality but #4 is only a possibility. Reconciliation calls us to true conversion. An example that fits this is a snake and caterpillar since both of them undergoes conversion. The snake sheds off its old skin but comes out the same while the caterpillar emerges into a butterfly. We have to ponder and think about setting our goals high, keeping our thoughts positive and coming up with new solutions. There is no room for fear for He is consistent to His nature as God. Let us strive to become the child He has meant us to be. Another thing we could learn something about is a puzzle. I am one person who never even thought of working on a jigsaw puzzle. I am not the type of person who would bother to even buy one. It just happened that when I was in Japan and saw all sorts of things which are being sold in a bazaar, I ended up buying one for no reason at all. In fact it took years before I finally opened it and put the puzzle together. That was when I actually experienced how to do it. It takes patience and perseverance to do it especially with the complicated puzzles. Sometimes in life we just back out and give up when things become complicated and when we do, we fail to witness the bounty of the Lord. As today psalm tells us, we've got to wait with courage and be stout hearted. We should all long for the day when we will have 100% confidence level in all our decisions for God. When the time comes it will totally remove all forms of anxiety and fear and incline ourselves to Him at all times. It should be our ultimate desire and nothing else, to always be in the presence of the Lord. To abide in Him at all times even when things are not very good. I could never forget and would always remember those times when I used to pick figs at Sis Loreta's garden. It was then that a thought came to my mind while I was climbing a ladder in order to get the figs in hard to reach places. Despite the fact that I was already on top of the ladder there were still some figs that I was not able to see and pick up right away although it was already right in front of me. They are being covered by the leaves of the tree and some are hidden in between branches. I just realized that it could be compared to how God showers us with all the blessings and graces that we need. There are times when we fail to see it though it is already right in front of us. Sometimes we have to really look very closely and try to turn our gaze into different angles in order to see it. What's funny was that when I thought that I've got almost every ripe fig in the tree, I noticed one big ripe fruit at the lowest part of the tree, there was even no need to use a ladder in order to get it. Sometimes in life we resort to a lot of means that are sometimes no longer necessary. All we have to do is believe that we will see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living if we will just be patient and full of courage. We ought to realize that if we wait on the Lord patiently and persevere long enough we will never be disappointed for He alone is our light and salvation. Amen. Hallelujah!

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. In today's gospel God is urging us to rise up from darkness and respond to His call and follow Him. Although we have already been endowed by God with the gift of eternal life the battle for our souls does not stop.  Though, we have been purchased for a price by God’s own Son who gave His life and shed His blood on the cross. The enemy who has been defeated just doesn’t want to give up. We can only marvel at its persistence in getting a hold of our souls. We just have to always be in touch with the truth and never let it slip our minds. We are destined for the Kingdom of God right now and that is to come I have been watching a lot lately of the EWTN Channel and the homilies of the priests in the TV masses have inspired me to a great extent. I was able to get some very inspiring words of wisdom from Fr. Wades Meneses that would make us really think. Some of these were, “If you’re back is against the wall, His was on the cross.” Instead of pointing a finger, lend a hand.” “Anger is just one letter away from danger.” “7days w/o prayer makes us weak.”  “If you kneel before God then you can stand before anyone.”  “Give satan an inch and he will become your ruler.” “Satan subtracts and divides, Jesus adds and multiplies.”  Words are important. Today’s words of Jesus from the gospel are just plain and simple and also the very first words before He started His Public Ministry. “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.  There’s nothing more to it than what it says. For it is exactly what we’re supposed to do whoever we are, whatever we do and wherever we are right now. Just like the 3 magi whose feast we celebrated this month, we should also faithfully follow the star that leads to Jesus and bring with us the best offering that is fitting for a King. And we must keep in mind that as we travel through life we ought to be always sensitive and wise enough to know the messages that God is sending our way whether in a form of a confirmation or a warning so as to be well guided in our journey. Amen. Hallelujah!

Matthew 4:12-23

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

DAMASCUS

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."  His conversion gives us hope. It tells us that God’s grace is at work and enduring. The history of God’s people is a story of conversion. There is more to it than meets the eye. God promises great things to those who believe in Him. Paul’s conversion was extraordinary in the sense that he was a persecutor of Christians and was out to put them all in chains. He thought that he was rendering service to God by doing so. Jesus touched his life in a very radical way. He was struck by a blinding light and fell on the ground. For 3 days he was unable to see until Ananias came and brought back his sight.. We may not realize it but we too are like Paul in a way when we sometimes think that we are right before God and not fully aware of what God really wants us to do. Our daily circumstances point us to this direction whenever we encounter situations that make us fall and get stuck in the dark. We go through this agony for a period of time but it would all be worth it no matter how difficult it may seem because it can serve as an eye opener for us. Sometimes we really have to go through whatever we are going through right now in order for us to realize some things that we can never understand without experiencing it ourselves. It is crucial that we identify the several trips to Damascus that we have had in our life. Let us not remain blind and choose to grope in the dark. We just have to recognize God's presence in the Ananiases of our lives that can bring us back to the light and truth. Once we do, should embrace it without letting it go. God promises great things to those who believe in Him. For God's power is beyond measure and knows no boundaries, we are called to respond to His call in today's first reading. 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. I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. 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. “On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting.’ My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 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.’ Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus. “A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 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. 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; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard. Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”

We find in the story of Paul that he eventually regained his eyesight and started proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. Wherever we're coming from we should strive to follow his example of groping for the truth about the light while he was in darkness and blind. We have a responsibility in our hands which is very clearly proclaimed in today's psalm. As we find our way to God may we find ourselves taking part in the mission and call that Paul himself obediently followed and fulfilled. We are not just listeners and onlookers, we apparently have to do what the psalm reading tells us today. We have all been commissioned to go out to all the world and tell the Good News. No matter who we are, what we are, where we're from and where we are. We need to strive to do our best to improve our knowledge of God for He has great plans for all of us. There is really a need to equip ourselves in order to respond as best as we can to His call. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, that's why we should take care of our bodies too. Just think of it, whenever we are preparing to receive guests in our home we always try our best to make it look presentable and go through extraordinary efforts to make it special. I believe that we should develop this kind of attitude each day as we bear in our minds that God dwells in us. It is our duty to make Him feel at home and make it a fitting dwelling place for Him. Let us make ourselves a living testimony of the gospel. What a way to live if by just looking at us people will be blessed and praise God for we become proof of His steadfast kindness and fidelity. Sounds very difficult but as God our Father is Almighty we continue to hope that all things are possible and we can do all things through Him. God is so good indeed, and reminded about my son’s allergy. If not for it I wouldn't have known of his drinking spree and could have failed to remind and emphasize to him what a few bottles of beer could have led him. I am thankful that as early as possible it has already been put to a stop. Although I would like to give my son the benefit of the doubt that even without the allergy I know that Allan knows his limitations and can very well overcome any possible addiction that is being hurled right in front of him by the enemy for he is a Youth for Christ. As parents we need to look after the welfare of our children and give them sound advice. But parents or not there is indeed a need to speak up, be bold and courageous. There is really a need to remind ourselves constantly of this truth in order to respond as best as we can to this call in today's psalm reading. Once we've made a decision to embrace the truth and turn our backs on our old ways which are not headed to the path that God wants us to travel then we can be assured that we are right on track. Shout it out to the whole world and let it be known by everyone. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 117: 1bc, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. (R)

We see in today's gospel if we read further the divine power of Jesus Christ as He ascended into heaven. He is now seated in the throne at right hand of the Father. He has passed from death to another life beyond time and space after His resurrection. The risen body of Christ was not recognized immediately by Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the road to Emmaus. His appearance was different in the resurrection from His earthly presence. His humanity has entered into the glory of God. He was filled by the power of the Holy Spirit and sharing in the divine light of God's glory. He is fully present in the spiritual realm of the God the Father. Something of course that He has from the very beginning since He shares in God's full divinity. He just wanted to share this glory to us. He has entered into the glory of God to inspire us, the faithful to offer our homage and adoration. The glory of God that appears and disappears can only be discovered in the realm of faith. He is inspiring faith in each one of us. His resurrection has reached its full significance in this salvific event, His triumph and victory over sin and death. We remember that He was condemned to death for claiming that He was the Son of God. With His resurrection, He is confirmed and raised by the Father. Not raised like Lazarus who died again but He is raised never to die again. He said that when He is lifted up we would know that He is the Son of God and confirms His claim about His divinity. He has defeated sin and death. We are truly free. His resurrection is the principle and source of our resurrection. He is the source of new life for everyone and manifests our adoption as children of God. He is life itself. It is a hope that inspires faith and charity in us towards Him. He is the source of life and our future resurrection. He dwells in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery we come in contact with in the resurrection. In the ascension we see an even greater or another difference in the veiled glory of the risen one and that of Christ ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Who is His Father and our Father. Remember He said to Mary "Do not touch me as I have yet not ascended to the Father." As He ascended in the clouds and into heaven we look upon the full glory of God. The clouds symbolizes the fullness of glory as we recall in the Old Testament the clouds that descends in Mt. Sinai and the Transfiguration (Lk. 9:35) in the New Testament. These speak of the fullness of glory. The resurrection and ascension, all confirm that Jesus Christ is alive. Pope Benedict says that the ascension does not imply a temporary absence in the world but rather inaugurated the new, definitive and insuppressible form of His presence by virtue of His participation in the royal power of God. We find in today's gospel that Jesus told them that all power in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This has inspired and empowered them as they became His witnesses and told the world of what He has done. In this communion with Jesus and in His power over death, to resurrect and ascend into heaven, we too have the power to proclaim what He has done for us. We all have the mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in whatever way we can by our actions, love and words. Jesus gives to us His Holy Spirit and He hands over to us everything that He is. Marvelous signs, wonders and miracles, these are only teasers of what really await us. We have to be wise and know where our loyalty lies. It helps to think of the precise and awe inspiring messages of the prophets in the bible who were able to confirm one another despite the vast difference of time and space when they got the messages and the time these messages were found, compiled and written. An example is in Dan 7:13, Ezekiel 2:1, John 19:5, Mt. 26:64 and Zechariah 12:10 wherein the the name "Son of Man" is mentioned and is also frequently used by Jesus in the NT referring to Himself. Also in Daniel 7:25-26, Leviticus 26:18, and Leviticus 23:34-35 which confirms each other in the message about obeying and making holy the Lord's day. And several others like in Daniel 12:2, Mt 25:46 and Jn 11:11-13 as the earliest clear enunciation of belief in the resurrection of the dead. The presence of angels in Daniel 7:10 and Mt. 4:11.  The book of Daniel is considered also the forerunner of the revelation. (Daniel 5:25, Daniel 7 and Revelation 12) Come to think of how God arranges the events in our lives in a wonderful pattern that if we really take a close look and pay attention to our God we'll find out that every single thing works and happen for a wonderful reason which are all bound to work for good. Each one of us has his or her own calling and it is well to know what God is asking us to do. In whatever it is that we do we can well be assured of the truth that He will always confirm it through accompanying signs. We would know deep in our hearts whatever it is that God wants us to do. No matter how big or small the task may be God will never leave us groping in the dark and will always hold us by the hand to guide and enlighten us in the path that He wants us to take. The best way to live our life is to always glory in the truth that if we have God in our life then we are destined for greatness before the eyes of the Lord. If there's one thing in this world that we can surely depend on and even put everything at stake just to follow that's none other than the direct and precise admonition of Jesus in today's gospel. We are all called to answer to this call and if we are not yet fully convinced and dedicated to our response then we should not delay any longer for the time to do it is now. 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 16:15-20

15 Jesus said to his disciples: “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.” 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. 20 But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

THE HEART & THE PRAYER

The purity of desire, cleanliness of intentions and nobility of character all dwell in the heart of man. That is why God does not look on appearance but into one's heart. It is noteworthy that today’s 1^st reading demonstrates the goodness of David and his upright character over Saul. The Lord wants us to remove all wickedness in each one of us. We can never hide from God because everything that does not come sincerely from the purity of our hearts will eventually be revealed, exposed and people will know about it sooner or later. We should have the same conviction as David in today's 1st reading to stand by what is good. Despite his opportunity to get back at Saul and take his revenge he still did what was right in the eyes of God. David's heart is pure and full of mercy. Though, it may cost him his own life that he spared Saul's life, his enemy who wanted him dead but he still decided to leave it all up to God. Amen. Hallelujah! 

1 Samuel 24:3-21                            
You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead....I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. 13 The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. 14 The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you...

Just as David did not take vengeance into his own hands and relied on God's mercy and protection. We should also do the same and follow today's psalm reading. God never ceases to amaze us each day especially when we are greeted with some wonderful turn of events and circumstances that are happening before us. It may be just petty and little things for some but if we have faith in God then every single thing that happens is always Divine Providence. There was this Roman emperor, Diocletian in 303 AD in North Africa (presently known as Tunisia) who persecuted Christians at that time. He ordered the tearing down of Churches and imprisonment of people who would be caught in Christian worship which was considered illegal at that time. In fact inhabitants of entire villages were put to death when they refused to submit to pagan worship. These martyrs persevered to the end. Their love and devotion to God can not be denied and was even documented in the record books. When they were asked if they owned a bible they answered that they keep the bible in their hearts and it can not be destroyed. Furthermore they said when asked why they received Christians in their homes to gather for Holy Mass, they answered, " Si ne Dominico non possimus" which means "Without the Lord's day we can not cope. We are unable to live as we should." They became the Holy Eucharist Models up to the present time. This is a truth that we should be aware of, we can not live without the Eucharist, in order to cope with the toil and exhaustion of the journey in this world we are presently in. The Eucharist is at the root of all holiness. How many saints have advanced to holiness through the Eucharist? Holiness has always found its center in the Eucharist. It is the highest form of praise to God. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11
R: Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.
...for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by. (R) 2 [3] I call to God the Most High, to God, my benefactor. 3 [4] May he send from heaven and save me; may he make those a reproach who trample upon me; may God send his mercy and his faithfulness...

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 top is the importance of prayer. Today's gospel is also about the call of the first apostles which entails their primary mission to spread the word of God. We are all called to share in this mission of the 1st apostles and go forth to spread the good news to all. 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.

MISSING THE POINT

David defeated Goliath and fought in service of King Saul but Saul missed the point and was consumed by envy and anger.  He should have been grateful to David for delivering the Israelites from the hands of the Philistines. Let us pray to the Lord that we be guarded from the malice of sin (Pride, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, avarice and sloth) and truly live a life after Christ. Today's 1st reading also speaks of Jonathan who interceded in David's behalf and thus was spared his life. It demonstrates to us the power of intercession and encourages us to do the same for our fellow brothers and sisters. We are all called to pray and intercede for each other. Even those people whom we never had the chance of knowing personally. In turn we should also thank God for using people as an instrument to save us from every danger. We can not deny that we have witnessed God's intervention in our life through people that we can consider as Jonathan just like in today's first reading. Amen. Hallelujah!

1st book of Samuel 18,6-9.19,1-7.

...Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul's son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: "My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know...Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. 5 When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” 6 Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.”...

We only rely on people whom we can depend and whom we know are trustworthy. We are just setting ourselves for a disappointment if we risk trusting people whom we know can not deliver. Even if they are dependable enough there are some instances when things still do not work out the way it should. We just can't get total control and charge of everything no matter how perfect things may seem to be. This is because we have limited knowledge, capacities and resources no matter how hard we push ourselves to our maximum level. Our limitations show how imperfect we are and we can only make all things perfect and beautiful if we walk in the presence of God. He has gifted us with so many wonderful things in this world. We have the gift of friends and the company of our fellow brothers and sisters who all belong in this great and big family that God has provided us. If those people close to us and even those whom we don't know can intercede and pray for us then there is nothing we should be afraid of. Not even the scariest thing, person or element in this world should make us doubt that God is over and above all things in this world. Let us be firm in our belief that no harm can come before us if we stay on God’s side. If God is with us who could be against us? Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-12, 13-14

R: In God I trust; I shall not fear.

1 [2] Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me; all the day they press their attack against me...9 [10] Now I know that God is with me. 10 [11] In God, in whose promise I glory, 11 [12] in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me? (R) 12 [13] I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. 13 [14] For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; ...

A lot of people profess their faith in God for they have witnessed His mighty power but it is our responsibility as believers to be discreet in the conduct of our faith so as to really reflect the true spirit of God who dwells in us. We have to be careful, too in keeping our distances with the people around us most especially with friends who are always close to us, so as not to end up bumping or crushing into one another. What do I mean by this? It is sometimes true, the old saying that goes like this, "Familiarity breeds contempt." Even if we have the closest and most trusted friends around us, it is also important to realize that there are times when we have to keep our distance from one another. In today's gospel even Jesus needed to keep a safe distance from the crowd and is somehow showing us the need to set our limitations too.  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.  God has gifted us with so many wonderful things in this world. We have the gift of friends and the company of our fellow brothers and sisters who all belong in this great and big family that God has provided us. If those people close to us and even those whom we don't know can intercede and pray for us then there is nothing we should be afraid of. Not even the scariest thing, person or element in this world should make us doubt that God is over and above all things in this world.

The secret of Mark’s gospel can be found in the gospel today. These very words, “He warned them sternly not to make him known,” is Mark’s trademark. Just imagine people witnessing all kinds of miracles and being instructed not to make Him known. This is due to the fact that the signs and wonders wrought by His mighty hand can only be fully understood in the light of the Paschal Mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. In Mark 8:27-29 it is written, "...Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Messiah." We thought it was Peter, who became the 1st Pope of the Catholic Church who first got it right. But if we read further on in the same chapter 8 of Mark in the following verses, 30-33, "Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." What Mark was trying to say is that we got it all wrong if we thought that Peter got it right because he didn't. He missed the truth about Jesus, he can not handle the truth that the Messiah, the King will be nailed and die on the cross. Just imagine Jesus who predicted and poured out his agony over his passion and death but was disappointed by Peter's inability to really get the point. It seemed ironic that the 1st Pope just guessed it right but it was really a pagan, a centurion who first got it right because he saw the cross of Jesus as the sign of His Kingship. For it is written in Mark 15:37-39, "Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" This means that if it was the centurion pagan who first got it right and not the 1st pope then salvation is for everybody even to the pagans and the Gentiles. Also in Mark 5:25 "There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured. "Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction." A woman was considered of no social standing during that time, and to be a pagan/Gentile only added to her worthlessness she was not even addressed with her own name. In Mark 9: 49-50, "Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another." During his time, salt was stored in a bag and used in the cooking the way in the same manner tea bags are used. This is to filter the impurities so after use the taste is gone and what's left is just a bag of dirt. Mark was very much around these kind of people and this is what he was trying to convey in his writings. Mark was very much around the very people whom we usually look up to as the leaders of the community but fail to reach the mark. For in Mark 10: 32-45 when Jesus predicted for the 3rd time his passion and death, "Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise." Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" Mark was with people with a lot of conflicts. This is shown in the following bible passages as in Acts 15: 36-41, "After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us make a return visit to see how the brothers are getting on in all the cities where we proclaimed the word of the Lord." Barnabas wanted to take with them also John, who was called Mark,but Paul insisted that they should not take with them someone who had deserted them at Pamphylia and who had not continued with them in their work.So sharp was their disagreement that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.But Paul chose Silas and departed after being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.He traveled through Syria and Cilicia bringing strength to the churches."

In this passage Paul's dislike for Mark (John) was very obvious. Also in Galatians where Paul did not hide his dislike for Peter (Kephas) 2:11,"And when Kephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong."

Although there were conflicts among the people in the Church, as it usually does, they were able to go past it and built the Church. These things can be considered as the agitation in the grain of sand in the clam which eventually turned into a priceless pearl. This anxiety among these people of God brought about the spread of the Church in various places for they were divided into 2 groups and were able to evangelize in 2 different places at one time. God saw to it that everything turned out for the good. The Markan Community emphasizes this truth that despite the brokenness of the people the Church of God, the community still survived which is evident to this very day.  The Kingdom of God must be viewed through the lens of Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King but not one seated on the throne but hanging on the cross. 

Mark wants us to realize that we should not want Jesus just because of our own personal agenda. What Mark was trying to say is that we would never get it right unless we can handle the truth about the Son of God, Messiah and the King who will be nailed and die on the cross. It is not easy to grasp especially at that time when the Jews were expecting for the Messiah to liberate them from the oppression of the Romans. Considering of course that we live in a world where suffering, pain and death are considered a curse and something that we could not embrace all too willingly. This is exactly why they were warned not to make Him known because they would end up missing the point. We need to see the cross of Jesus as the sign of His Kingship. 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. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.”. He warned them sternly not to make him known.