WHAT LASTS FOREVER

WHAT lASTS foREVER

 

“Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.” – 1 John 2:17

 

I met with friends I had not seen for a while and we went to have dinner at a new fresh prawn restaurant. You can imagine my excitement since prawns are my favourite food. Afterwards, we had coffee at a middle-of- nowhere place that my friend promised produced the best coffee in the city. Then we capped the night by going to a piano bar where we listened to wonderful live music. As they say, all good things come to an end. So that night ended too and we parted company with good memories in our hearts and our friendship sealed even more by the shared joy.

For those of us who find this year a great one, you probably wish 2009 will not end. But it will. And every year that will come. But even as this year ends, let’s allow its beautiful memories to cement us in our relationship with Jesus and with one another. Everything on earth will end. But the things of heaven will not. So as we say goodbye to this year, let’s keep what will last forever more deeply planted in our hearts. Joy Sosoban

 

REFLECTION:

Have I allowed anger, bitterness and hatred to fester in my heart instead of faith, hope and love?

 

Keep what will last forever in my heart, O Lord. Remove all that is not from You as we start a New Year.

 

 

WhAt is the centeR Of yOuR fAmily?

 

 

What happened during the so-called hidden years of Jesus? This question I hear many times. It has triggered a lot of legends and speculations St. Luke simply tells us in the last two sentences of today’s Gospel that the Holy Family returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew up and “became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” The next time we read about Jesus, He is already 12 years old, and then nothing more about Him is known until He went as an adult to the River Jordan where He was baptized by John the Baptist.

Yes, we would like to know what Jesus did during all these years but the Gospels are silent about it. Why? Because obviously Jesus grew up like any other boy and teenager in Nazareth.

Life in Israel was not easy. Mary must have gone every day to the well to fetch water and carried the jar home on her head. Joseph probably walked every day to Sepphoris where he worked. When Jesus grew up, He probably accompanied Joseph. On the Sabbath day they rested, went to the Synagogue and spent a day in prayer and praise of God. But something must have made this family different from all the others: at its center was Jesus, the Son of God. In spite of a harsh life, there was peace and harmony and love, an atmosphere of unity, tenderness, simple and holy happiness, God-centeredness.

Here we find the model of Christian family life. We know the slogan, ‘A family that prays together, stays together.’ When a family prays together, God is the center of this family, and thus the family is able to face trials, problems and difficulties without breaking up or breaking down, as the Holy Family survived difficulties and trials. Unfortunately, in many homes, the TV has become the center of the family. Rare now are the families that pray the Angelus and the Rosary together.

The day after tomorrow, a new year begins. Why not start it by making God again the center of your family? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

What can I do in the new year to make my life more God-centered?

 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, your life in Nazareth was not easy. But with God as center of your lives, you overcame all difficulties and reached your destination without losing direction. Help me to learn from you and to make my life more God-centered, more Christ-centered.

 

St. Anysia, Martyr, pray for us.

SHOULD BE FOLLOWED

Feast of the Holy Innocents

 

SHoulD BE folloWED

 

“When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity.” – Matthew 2:16

 

Resistance. Recrimination. Disfavor. All that I met when I chose to serve the Lord as full-time lay worker. And coming from my loved ones, it brought me pain. It came to a point when my only sibling disowned me after I failed to attend his wedding. But all’s well that ends well. Though my family and I are still healing, our relationship has improved.

When Joseph obeyed the angel’s instruction to bring his family to Egypt, he probably never thought that act would bring about the massacre of all infant boys in Bethlehem. He was just obeying the angel’s instruction. When we try to follow the Lord like Joseph did, we would sometimes feel dismayed over what it brings us. Instead of joy, it seems pain and isolation follow our obedience to God. And yet, if we see the example of the Holy Family, we see that their obedience brought about everyone’s salvation.

As the New Year approaches, there will be questions and challenges that will confront us. Many times we won’t know the exact result but uncertainty should not stop us from following the Lord. After all, He’s the One who can see how all things will end.  Joy Sosoban

 

REFLECTION:

“Unless he obeys, a man cannot believe.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

 

Strengthen my weak will, O Lord, and enable me to obey You.

 

 

OutWitting Wickedness

 

There is an interesting James Taylor song, part of which goes, “Steer clear of royal welcomes / Avoid a big to-do / A king who would slaughter the innocents / Will not cut a deal for you / . . . / But Herod’s always out there / He’s got our cards on file / It’s a lead pipe cinch, if we give an inch / Old Herod likes to take a mile.”

The song refers, of course, to the episode narrated in today’s Gospel. Thanks to a dream, the Magi became wary of King Herod, and they did not cooperate with his crafty schemes to kill the newborn baby Jesus. These wise men eventually turn the tables on Herod (wise indeed they were), through their going “home by another way” (which, by the way, is the title of the song).

But the real focus of today’s commemoration is not really King Herod. He may have been the evil “mastermind” behind the horrific happening. But it is to the credit of those nameless children that in their innocence, they had borne a heroic witness to the Baby Jesus, their own contemporary and peer. Perhaps the Holy Innocents stand for the present-day blameless children who have perished through abortion, starvation, calamities, and war. For them we offer our prayers and sacrifices today in a spirit of supplication and amends.

And perhaps too, the pranks and practical jokes which take place on this Holy Innocents’ Day will serve as symbols to remind us of the moral necessity to defy (indeed, to outwit) the wickedness menacing innocent lives. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

How do I treat the innocent people, particularly children, around me? How do I defend them from the wickedness of the world?

 

Heavenly Father, we pray for the innocent and blameless children who were victims of abortion, starvation, calamities, accidents and war. May they enjoy Your care and protection that they did not experience here on earth.

 

Holy Innocents, Martyrs, pray for us.

PROMISES

Feast of the Holy family

 

PRomISES

 

… to fulfill his vows… – 1 Samuel 1:21

 

My friend met a man on a tour. They became prayer partners, remained close even outside community activities, then fell for each other. But fear kept them from divulging their real feelings.

I knew how much they cared for each other and longed to grow old with each other. But the man had a serious issue. Years before he met my friend, he had consecrated himself to the Lord, much like what a priest vows at his ordination — celibacy, poverty, obedience. How could he marry her?

One Sunday, after giving a seminar to a group of nuns, they went home. She rode a taxi; he crossed the street and waved a hand in goodbye. She never saw him again.

My friend grieved over him. I believe the man did, too. But fulfilling his vows to the Lord was more important than any earthly vow he could make.

In life, we make promises — some we keep, some we break. But nothing should get in the way of fulfilling our promises to the Lord. In a few days, it will be 2009. Are there any promises you have yet to fulfill to God before the year is over? Tess Atienza

 

REFLECTION:

“Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep.” (Denis Waitley)

 

Lord, help me fulfill my promises to You.

 

fAmily custOms

 

We notice a curious little detail in today’s Gospel on this Feast of the Holy Family. It says that “[t]he parents of Jesus used to go every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover... as was their custom.”

Apart from a plain statement of fact (in keeping with the typical Jewish tradition), we see here a point for reflection, which can serve as a lesson for us, too, in our families today. A family which truly desires to be strong in moral formation and spiritual development must develop habits and customs which help bring these about. We must carry out repeatedly those activities which build character, family life and a closeness to Jesus. Such constantly repeated activities can become good habits, which in turn will become virtues. The family is indeed a very good venue for this, because there is a mutual positive effect of each member upon the other (as in for example, the parents vis-à-vis the children and siblings vis-à-vis one another). And of course, family activities foster togetherness.

At the same time, there is also a formation in the family which allows the young to mature into adults. There is a time to be together, yes, but also a time for independent action. “Let there be spaces in your togetherness,” advised the Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran. The prudent parent does not want to control and enslave the child. Rather, wise parents provide abundant examples of good moral living and know how to measure amounts of freedom and responsibility.

Jesus returns to Nazareth with His earthly parents out of loving obedience. He grows in wisdom and age and grace. But there will come a time when Jesus will indeed be away — not just because He gets lost and left behind in the Temple — but to be about His Father’s business: to proclaim the Kingdom. Mary and Joseph, with their humble resignation, are helping Jesus to prepare for this day. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

What activities do we engage in as a family that help us build good habits and values?

 

Heavenly Father, help us to care for our families so that we may nurture and raise children who will work for Your Kingdom.

 

St. John Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us.

 

AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH

Solemnity of the lord’s Nativity

 

AND THE WoRD WAS mADE flESH

 

“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” – John 1:14

 

Jesus said, “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel. St. Paul spent years traveling through western Asia Minor and founded his first Christian church in Philippi. Then he traveled to Thessalonica and then to Greece. Then he finally landed in jail where he continued to preach. The Word made flesh.

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta took to the streets and lived with the poorest of the poor. She visited families, washed the sores of sick children, cared for old men lying sick on the road and nursed women dying of hunger and TB. The Word made flesh.

Jesus said, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” In his lifetime, I saw how my father worked like a horse if only to make sure that none of his children go hungry. He didn’t travel far and wide, didn’t have the luxuries a working man deserved, didn’t even own a car. But in my book, he’s been the best father anyone can have. The Word made flesh. On this Christmas day, let Jesus, the Living Word, be made flesh in you and in me, too. Hermie Morelos

 

REFLECTION:

When people look at my life, will they see the Word made flesh?

 

Lord Jesus, happy birthday! May You be born in my life again as I strive to live according to Your Word.

 

 

the incARnAtiOn   When we reflect on the celebration of Christmas, it is imperative that we remember we are reflecting upon a mystery and so no amount of thought is ever going to fully explain the incarnation to us to our satisfaction. The Second Person of the Trinity, the ever-begotten Son of the Father who is without beginning or end, also takes on human flesh — as if talking about Him was not difficult enough already. How are we supposed to respond to this wonderful mystery which lies at the heart of our salvation? How we respond is up to each of us as individuals and it will depend upon how willing we are to submit our lives, and in particular our minds and hearts, to a mystery. The result of doing this will be a journey into the unknown — the unknown of the mystery of Trinitarian life in whose image we were created in order to be in relationship with God and one another. This sounds rather “heavy,” doesn’t it? Well, it is. However, it does not have to be a mystery only — it can and will be the experience of our faith if we allow it to be. What I mean by this is that the witness of the history of the Church’s understanding of life in relationship with God is drawn from the lives of men and women who have freely chosen to enter into precisely this journey. Where it has led them is a different story for each one of them. Yes, there are familiar characteristics in them all, but each has a unique strand to it as well. Are we up to the challenge? I do not know for you, but I do know that I want to go down this path. Let us pray for one another that we will all be open to the work of the Spirit in our lives so that we will be willing to be led according to the will of God and thus arrive at the true end of our being — eternal life with the Trinity in heaven. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL   Reflection Question: Are you afraid to surrender all to God? You probably should be up to the point of realizing that it is impossible for God to harm you. He always desires the best for us all.   Jesus, help me to surrender to Your call more deeply and so experience Your calling me deeper and deeper into the mystery of the life of the Trinity.   A Blessed Christmas and a faith-filled New Year!

 

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

 

 

WHAT CHIlD IS THIS?

 

“What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. – Luke 1:66

 

Last year, my caring group, composed of Kerygma preachers and their wives, gave me a baby shower a few weeks before our first baby was born. Aside from the outpouring of love and practical gifts, our daughter, Charlize Gabrielle, was the recipient of many spiritual blessings that each of them pronounced upon her.

Health, happiness and holiness. Love and divine protection. A smile that reflects God’s face. The joy and delight of the Lord. Long, straight hair. (OK, that wasn’t too spiritual but it does come in handy, especially since I spend a small fortune on relaxing my hair.) I went home that night thankful for the blessings they had pronounced and believing that my child would indeed grow in the virtues they had bestowed upon her. I can’t wait to see how Charlize will live out her calling and be a blessing to the world.

As Christmas draws near, we are confronted with the coming of the Christ Child. What He will be we already know. The question is, are we allowing Him to be all that He is in our lives?

This season, let’s strive to know this Child in a deeper way. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

 

REFLECTION:

As you celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas, what does His coming mean to you at this time in your life?

 

Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One, manifest Yourself to me in a personal way this Christmas season.

 

 

 

being puRified

 

There is at least one thing which I am absolutely sure of — we are all sinners. This leads to the knowledge that we will all need to be purified of our sins and their effects in our souls before we can enter into eternal life. It is this piece of knowledge that lends itself to the development of the doctrine of Purgatory — that state in which we are purified of all our sins and their effects before we enter heaven.

It is all very well for us to think that we can wait for Purgatory to be purified but isn’t that taking a bit too much of a risk? Why carry with us all that unnecessary sin and baggage when we do not have to? Christian tradition tells us of a way to reduce our so-called baggage due to sin by living lives of repentance and penance. We can begin to deal with sin and its effects now and the good news here is that it lessens the hold of sin over our lives.

The Church’s tradition calls upon all Christians to do penance not just for the remission of their sins but also in intercession for various causes. For example, we might offer up our penance for the evangelization of China or some other noble cause. What matters is that in developing a life of repentance and penance, we have begun the process of purifying our lives so that we will be fit for heaven. This has to be a good thing as it means that we will be growing closer to God and deeper in holiness every day.

Malachi speaks of a time of purification so that we will be made worthy to live godly lives. We Christians understand this as one of the works of the Holy Spirit. It is important for us to embrace this aspect of the Spirit’s role in our lives so that we become more effective as ministers of the Gospel. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

What are the sins in my life that I need to get rid of? How can I enter into a life of penance so that I will be purified of these sins?

 

Holy Spirit, reveal to me the sins of my life and set me on the right path of purification so that they will be banished from my life forever.

 

St. John of Kanty, Priest, pray for us.

 

MARY'S COMPANIONSHIP

mARy’S ComPANIoNSHIP

“Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months and then returned to her home.” – Luke 1:56

Mary had just received the most incredible and unbelievable news — she has been chosen to bear the child of God. She must have been elated, fearful and honored all at the same time.

But when the angel spoke about the pregnancy of her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, Mary immediately set out on a five-day journey and traveled about 97 miles to Judea to be with her. Imagine Mary on a donkey despite her own delicate condition just so she could serve and be with Elizabeth for three months.

Foolish? Nope, Mary certainly knew what she was doing — she always obeyed God. For lack of an appropriate adjective for the Blessed Mother, I describe her as reckless in loving the Lord, who will risk life and limb to serve others and courageous in her “yes” to become the Mother of God. How truly blessed Elizabeth was to receive not only Mary’s companionship but also her profound empathy.

This Christmas, as we enjoy the companionship of our Blessed Mother, let us also be as generous as she was in extending our helping hand, holding out friendship and sharing our presence with those who need it the most.Dina Pecaña

REFLECTION:

Have you called upon Mary to accompany and intercede for you today?

Sustain us, O Virgin Mary, on our journey of faith and obtain for us the grace of eternal salvation. O clement, O loving, O sweet Mother of God and our Mother Mary, pray for us.

the sOng Of An upside-dOWn kingdOm

Once more, today’s Gospel passage brings us to Ein Karem, the place of the Visitation. In the chuch courtyard, pilgrims can find the song of Mary written in more than thirty languages, including Pilipino.

This joyful song has become the evening praise of the whole Church because it is part of the official Evening Prayer (Vespers) of the Church.

After Elizabeth had praised her cousin Mary for her faith, for saying Yes to God’s mysterious plan for her, young Mary, barely 14 years old, breaks out into a song of joy, the Magnificat.

In this song of Mary, we find a theme that goes through the whole Bible: “He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.”

Jesus was rightly called an “upside-down Messiah” who brought an “ upside-down Kingdom.” Whatever has value in the world, does not have value in his Kingdom. Whoever is acclaimed great in the world, is a nobody in the Kingdom of God.

Elizabeth, old and barren, was chosen to become the mother of John the Baptist.

Jesus chose men as apostles we probably would not have chosen; he selected simple, not very educated fishermen, and not the learned scribes and scholars in Jerusalem.

In two days we will gaze at the Belen and find the Son of God, our Savior, the King of kings, not in the royal palace of Jerusalem but lying as a helpless infant in a simple manger in a dirty cave where sheep were kept.

The song of Mary, sung in Ein Karem, reminds us constantly of a basic truth: It does not matter who we are in our society or what we possess. What matters is that we have a heart like Mary: open to the plans of God, ready to do God’s will in humility, ready to serve our fellowmen. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

Reflection Question:

Am I aware that when I imitate Jesus and Mary and humble myself, I am closer to God than when I brag about what I have or who I am?

Lord, Your Mother sang a wonderful song. She reminds me of the basic values in Your Kingdom: humility and service. Let me not forget these in these hectic days before Christmas.

Sts. Chaeremon, Lschyion, and other Martyrs, pray for us.

IT'S ALL GOOD

IT’S All GooD   “… you have no further misfortune to fear.” – Zephaniah 3:15   “I’m sorry, the last shuttle left three minutes ago.” These were the shocking words of the ground crew explaining to me that I had just missed my ride to the terminal where my connecting flight was. Because of the two-hour delay of my previous flight, for the first time ever I missed my plane. I was quite disturbed at first. Later on, I realized it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. Instead of having to endure a four-hour layover in a stiff chair in the next airport, I was checked in overnight for free at a beautiful London hotel with a bed all to myself. Instead of spending a fortune for an airport snack, I had free dinner and breakfast the next day — eat-all-you-can buffet. Instead of being in transit for 24 hours straight, I got to take a 10-hour break with a nice, hot shower. And now, I have the added experience of missing a flight — and the knowledge that it’s not such a bad thing after all. Just because a situation seems unfortunate doesn’t necessarily mean it really is. If we step back and look from a different perspective, we’ll see that God will never leave us without a blessing. George Gabriel   REFLECTION: Think back on your “misfortunes.” What good came out of them?   Lord, help me see the good in every situation.

viOlence veRsus peAce     Yesterday we reflected on the same Gospel passage. But the Gospel is so rich that every time we read or meditate on it, we discover something new and profound. We are used to Elizabeth’s words, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” We repeat these words every time we pray the “Hail Mary.” Actually, these words are borrowed from the Old Testament where we find them two times: in the Book of Judges and in the Book of Judith. Now Elizabeth uses the same words for Mary. She is called blessed because she carries the Savior in her womb who will save humankind not by violence but by giving Himself up as a sacrifice to God. He will be called the “Prince of Peace.” Luke envisions the story of Jesus as the continuation of Israel’s story. But in the person of Jesus, God will act differently. From the moment of His birth, those who are called blessed follow not the way of violence but the way of peace, as Mary did when she said a peaceful, generous “yes” to the plans of God. A couple of years later, Jesus would praise in the Beatitudes the peacemakers “for they shall be called children of God.” Unfortunately there is not much peace in the world. Have we forgotten that we do not live in the violent times of the Old Testament anymore but that we are brothers and sisters of the Prince of Peace whose birth we are going to celebrate a few days from now? Have we forgotten that we are only called blessed when we work for peace? Christmas is therefore a good opportunity to look into ourselves and check whether we are peacemakers or whether through our words and attitude we contribute to the absence of peace wherever the Lord has placed us. It would be the best gift to the newborn Prince of Peace if we would, from now on, avoid anything that might cause quarrel and instead work for peace in our families, neighborhood, parishand wherever we see the absence of peace. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD   Reflection Question: Do I contribute to quarrel and anger through my words and attitude? How can I bring peace to quarrelling factions around me?   Lord, Prince of Peace, make me an instrument of peace wherever and whenever I see people quarrel and fight. Make me an instrument of peace to overcome violence and hatred.   St. Peter Canisius,Priest and Doctor, pray for us.

BY DEFAULT OR BY CHOICE

By DEfAulT oR By CHoICE?

 

“Then He says, ‘Behold, I come to do your will.’” – Hebrews 10:9

 

In the course of writing for Kerygma, I encountered many single men and women who have chosen single-blessedness over marriage — not by default but out of choice. Some live apart from their families. Some live in communities of consecrated lay people. Some live alone.

While they share moments of loneliness, they are one in saying that they do not regret their decision. They don’t have to worry about the high cost of education, cost of living andthe like. They are able to savor moments of solitude that marriage would not always allow them to. They can freely relate to people without having to worry about a spouse’s jealousy or insecurity. More importantly, they are able to focus their energies and time to fulfilling their God-ordained mission.

Hey, am I not talking about myself here? I am single still and I am enjoying what I have just mentioned above. But during special occasions like Christmas, a certain feeling of vulnerability pervades — perhaps a need for companionship?

So, by default or by choice? The answer is in my heart, where God has planted His desire for me.Tess Atienza

 

REFLECTION:

What state of life is God calling you to?

 

Lord, grant me wisdom and discernment so I would be able to see clearly what state of life would help me serve You and love You best.

 

A JOyful encOunteR

 

Every pilgrim to the Holy Land is touched by a certain holy place or experience. Some are touched by their visit to Bethlehem, others by touching the actual rock of Golgotha or standing in Nazareth at the place of the annunciation.

One of the highlights of my Holy Land trips is always a visit to Ein Karem, the small village in the Judean hill country where Elizabeth lived and welcomed Mary. The Church of the Visitation is built on a slope, surrounded by trees, overlooking a green, peaceful valley. There, these two saintly women met with great joy, where they praised God and where Mary sang her Magnificat.

Today’s Gospel passage brings us to this beautiful place. We reflect on the joyful encounter of four holy persons: Mary and Elizabeth, and Jesus and John the Baptist in the wombs of their mothers. Luke writes that Mary went in haste, as quickly as she could. Her travel from Nazareth to Ein Karem took at least three days. Pope John Paul II called Mary “a living tabernacle,” for as she travelled to Ein Karem, she was carrying in her womb the Son of God and brought Him to Elizabeth, hidden, as Christ is hidden in the tabernacles of our churches.

After receiving the Lord in Holy Communion, we also become living tabernacles. Do we realize that when we leave the Church after Mass, Christ is in our hearts and wants to be brought to those we meet throughout the day? How would this realization change our lives and that of our fellowmen?

God works great things for those who believe in Him. All greatness starts at a moment when one dares to say: Yes, I believe in it. We have to keep believing in the value of what we do, wherever God has placed us.

We too can share in the joy of Mary and Elizabeth if we believe that God calls us to greatness, to the joy of service. With humility learned from Mary,

we can become great disciples of the Lord. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

When I meet people, do I bring gossip or joy to them? Am I aware that Christ is in me and wants me to bring His joy to others?

 

Lord, uniting Yourself with me so many times in Holy Communion, You want me to bring more joy to those I meet. Remind me of this more often, Lord.

 

St. Dominic of Silos, Abbot, pray for us.

 

"ZO" MOURNING

“zo” mouRNING

 

“Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet.” – Matthew 1:22

 

One of my favorite NBA players is Alonzo “Zo” Mourning. He plays center for the Miami Heat. He was averaging at least 20 points and four blocks per game at the peak of his career. His consistent performance also earned him numerous awards and made him part of the US Dream Team that competed in the Olympics.

But in the 2000-01 season, he was diagnosed with a kidney ailment. This forced him to skip a couple of NBA seasons for his transplant and recovery. Because of this he got more involved with cause-oriented activities like serving as spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation to spread awareness about the disease, founding programs to benefit kids and donating $100 per blocked shot to the Children’s Home Society and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and many others. I think the trial of his life eventually made him a better person. By the way, he returned to the NBA after a one-year break and got his first NBA championship ring in 2006.

Sometimes things don’t turn out as we want them to. God allows them to happen so that we may grow more as a person.Alvin Fabella

 

REFLECTION:

When trial comes, do you complain or proclaim God’s glory?

 

Lord, please help me recognize Your divine presence in the trials I face. May I use the trials as springboards to show others Your love and glory.

 

JOseph — A Just mAn

 

Unfaithfulness and unwanted pregnancies are unfortunately very common today and often lead to the most terrible crime: abortion. It was different in Joseph’s time. The unfaithful woman was punished either by shaming her publicly and stoning her to death or by sending her away quietly which also would dishonor her for the rest of her life. And Joseph could not help but think that his fiancée had been unfaithful, for he knew only too well that he had not been intimate with her. He was obviously in a dilemma – which of the two actions should he take?

“Being a just man…” Matthew writes. What is a “just” person? A just person is one who tries to imitate God’s justice. And God’s justice is always an act of mercy! When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, God did not kill them. After Cain killed his brother, God did not condemn him to death. We have to do away with the image of a cruel God of justice. He is just but more than just he is merciful. Joseph learned this and so deals mercifully in his dilemma. He chose the solution most beneficial to his fiancée.

In a few days we will celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus our Savior. If He had exercised only cold justice, we would never have been saved. It was the mercy of God that sent Jesus into the world, not to punish but to save.

We are often tempted to condemn people who wrong us, who hurt us, who do us injustice. A natural reaction is to hit back. St. Joseph, following the example of God, shows us another way out of such a dilemma: practice mercy instead of harshness. With that, something beautiful can come out of the unpleasant situation, as Joseph’s action shows. We talk a lot, but do we pattern our actions after those of our loving God? “Actions speak louder than words,” we say. May the example of St. Joseph help us to practice this. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

Do I tend to judge other people and cry for cold justice and punishment? How can I develop a more merciful attitude, learned from God and from St. Joseph?

 

Lord, thank You for always showing mercy towards me, a sinner. Without Your mercy I would not be able to live. Help me to be also more merciful towards my fellowmen, especially when they hurt me and I think only of cold justice.

 

St. Gatian, Bishop, pray for us.

NOVENA TO GOD'S LOVE

NoVENA To GoD’S loVE

 

“How happy are those who have no doubts about me.” – Luke 7:23

 

Early in January 2007, Bo Sanchez, founder of the Light of Jesus, announced that he was planning to make the Feast, the community’s monthly prayer meeting, a weekly gathering. In March that year, it happened. And in another couple of months, the weekly gathering was being held in two sessions. Also early in January, Bo dared the Feast attendees to write down their seven dreams for the year. He composed the Novena to God’s Love, printed it into a small pamphlet where you can write down your dreams and distributed the novena to the attendees. And he led the attendees in praying the novena week after week.

By January 2008, many attendees were already testifying that their dreams were coming true. So Bo had the small Feast Bulletin enlarged so that the miracles could be printed to inspire others to believe that their dreams can come true.

Only God knows what Bo will dare do next. But we all know he sure is one happy guy and he has made so many happy because, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, you will be happy if you have no doubt about Him.Cynthia Santiago

 

REFLECTION:

Do you still doubt that Jesus can do wonders for you?

 

Jesus, grant me the grace to believe and have steadfast faith in You!

 

 

JOy At the stARt Of the misA de gAllO

 

A surge of joy and cheer greets us today — since early dawn in fact, thanks to the start of the Misa de Gallo today. Not only that, but today is also the National Youth Day for the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Ever young at heart, we therefore shift to higher gear starting today in our Advent preparation. This is such a lovely tradition, the Misa de Gallo or Aguinaldo Masses, quite unique to our country. In fact, special concessions have been made for the Catholic Church here in the Philippines, as far as the liturgy is concerned. Truly it is one of our most cherished traditions and a very impressive expression of Filipino Catholic faith.

Joys and wonders are all around us; we just have to look around and open our eyes. Nay more, we just have to be more aware. As narrated in our Gospel episode today, even John the Baptizer, no less, fell to “missing the point” about Jesus the Messiah, as he sent two of his disciples to Jesus (for them to verify the identity and mission of Christ). Was it because of some doubt or disillusionment on the part of John the Baptizer? But even if it were so, we can only admire him even more for his candor and sincerity.

And Jesus was equally honest and sincere as well. He told John’s emissaries to go back and report to him the various signs and wonders taking place through Christ’s ministry, in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. That should be proof or evidence enough to erase John’s doubts.

As we partake in the many opportunities for cheer and merriment around us these days (as well as in a deeper bliss and blessedness — not just partying and fun!), let all of them be positive indicators of God’s joyful presence. And finally, we take advantage today to renew our commitment in the Faith, through our active and ardent participation in the liturgy. If even the extra effort in waking up early at dawn will spur us, then let it be so. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

What is the source of my joy these days? Is it because of God’s presence in my life?  Or is it because of the mad rush for Christmas?

 

Lord Jesus, I open myself to the real joy and peace that can only come from You.

 

St. Adelaide, Widow, pray for us.

I WILL NOT

I WIll NoT…

 

“‘I will not’… but afterwards he changed his mind and went.” – Matthew 21:29

 

“I will not” was my consistent answer to the invitation of my best friend. He had been attending these “corny” Charismatic prayer meetings and was resolute to bring me there.

We were ordinary high school students who attended (and cut) classes, had superhero stickers on our notebooks and watched X-rated Betamax tapes. (That’s how old I am.)

Yet, after his frequent attendance to this “addiction,” he became an alien. He didn’t cut class anymore. He placed “Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Amen” stickers on his notebooks. He watched biblical movies on Beta tapes. And worse, he started reading the Bible and singing “Alive, alive” songs! Finally,  he convinced me to attend. But not without the magic words: “Obet, they serve merienda after the prayer meeting.” Off I went to the corniest, weirdest and what turned out to be the greatest experience of my entire life. Now I’m almost 20 years in the Lord’s service. Why? Because only fools don’t change their minds. Because God allows U-turns. Because a hardened heart can become a heart so solid as God’s witness. Because repentance literally means “change of mind.” Because now I am an alien, too.

I will not… give up on God! Obet Cabrillas

 

REFLECTION:

Don’t give up on people who refuse the Great Invitation. They’ve got what it takes: when they give in, they won’t give up in the service of the God who calls.

 

Lord, thank You that it’s never too late to change one’s mind. You are a God of second chances and new beginnings.

 

RepentAnce As pARt Of OuR Advent pRepARAtiOn

 

Today’s gospel Parable of the Two Sons takes on an added relevance during this Advent season. In fact, it can be best understood against the context of the expectation for the Messianic kingdom. It is, after all, a kingdom which is not restricted or exclusive. It is open to all, Gentiles as well as Jews, saints as well as sinners — as long as each one actually does or carries out God’s will (as against those who pay Him mere lip service).

No wonder that it is possible for “tax collectors and prostitutes” (that is, sinners who repent and accept God in their lives) to “overtake” us in the quest for the Kingdom of God. Of course it is not a mad dash to a finish line, to win some sort of medal. Again, what really counts is doing God’s will.

We should not be surprised. Our own complacency and overconfidence can very well be our undoing. Let Jesus’ very words serve as a warning for us: “When John [the Baptizer] came preaching a way of holiness, you put no faith in him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe in him. Yet even when you saw that, you did not repent and believe in him.”

We had better repent and believe in God, indeed. The First Reading from the prophet Zephaniah at once challenges us and consoles us — “You need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, And you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain.”

Having been purified thus, we too set forth to go the vineyard to work — never mind what we might have first answered the Father. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Am I doing what’s necessary to prepare myself for the Lord’s coming?

 

Lord Jesus, grant me humility of heart to repent of my sins so  that I may be able to joyfully welcome You in my heart.

 

St. Mary di Rosa, Virgin, pray for us.

 

ONLY GOD

oNly GoD

 

“The utterance of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows… enraptured and with eyes unveiled.” – Numbers 24:16

 

Today we celebrate the feast of St. John of the Cross, the Carmelite reformer who lived in the 16th century. He is considered, along with St. Teresa of Avila, as the founder of Discalced Carmelites. If you’ve ever read his story, you’ll probably come to the same conclusion as I have — it’s soap opera material.

In his efforts to found monasteries and reform the Carmelite order, he was imprisoned by his superiors, was given a weekly public lashing and then isolated in a jail cell barely large enough for his body. Yet in the midst of those difficult conditions, he wrote his most famous poem, “Spiritual Canticle.” He was able to escape nine months later and continued in the work of reformation.

As the rush of the Christmas season pulls us in its wave, St. John makes us realize how the simple life of detachment, of constantly seeking God in the midst of extreme difficulty and of living a life of faith in the midst of its ironies provide hidden joys and fulfilment that no Christmas gift or party can provide.

This Christmas, even as we thank the Lord for all the gifts and loved ones who surround us, let us remember that all these too will pass. Only God remains. Joy Sosoban

 

REFLECTION:

“Love consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.” (St. John of the Cross)

 

Detach me, O Lord, from my many attachments. Let me seek You above all.

 

 

Jesus’ AuthORity in OuR lives

 

On this third week of Advent, we feel even more strongly the build-up towards the feast of Christ’s nativity. Our liturgical readings enumerate for us the noteworthy Messianic passages and prophecies from the Old Testament. And what is even nicer is that the connection between the First Reading and the Gospel is more pronounced.

In fact, the question asked of Jesus in today’s Gospel episode (“On what authority are you doing these things? Who has given you this power?” — questions which, curiously, Jesus left unanswered) is somehow already answered by the First Reading. In other words, if only the chief priests and elders did their homework of familiarizing themselves with the Old Testament prophecies, they would have known that Jesus truly possesses the authority of the promised king, without doubt.

No wonder that Jesus enigmatically evades the trap set for Him by the chief priests and elders. In fact, He even turns the tables on them! He creates a reversal of sorts, by dodging His interrogators’ question and then throwing back to them a “counter question.”

We, for our part, should just drop the debate and quite simply acknowledge Jesus’ majesty and authority in our lives. Chief priests and elders question him, prophets like Balaam and John the Baptist (as well as saints, like John of the Cross for today) instead point to Him. In the words of our Responsorial Psalm today, we therefore implore Him: “Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

What role does Jesus play in my life? Is He the supreme authority or is He something that I simply consult when I need to?

 

Lord Jesus, do what You want with my life but grant me the grace to obey You.

 

St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor, pray for us.

WHAT'S YOUR GIFT

WHAT’S youR GIfT?

 

“Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5

 

It was my mom’s birthday and we celebrated it with a dinner party at home. She invited friends to come over and, as people normally do at birthday celebrations, they arrived with gifts. My sister, who was then still a child, stood at our foyer to welcome guests as they arrived and to receive their gifts for Mommy. When a couple from our neighborhood came, my sister kissed them and then expectantly awaited their gift. When they didn’t hand her a present, she demanded, “Where’s your gift for my mom?” The couple was embarrassed because they didn’t know it was a birthday celebration and, consequently, didn’t bring a present.

My mom overhead what my sister said and immediately came to our neighbors’ rescue. They got off the hook but my sister got a severe whacking. It’s less than two weeks before the birthday celebration of the most important Person who walked the face of the earth. For sure you’ve started preparing for the endless parties and the long gift list for your loved ones. Just one reminder: don’t show up at the party without a gift for the Celebrant.

So what’s your gift to Jesus this Christmas? Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

 

REFLECTION:

Determine today what you will give Jesus on His birthday. It could be an extraordinary act of generosity, a vice you’ll give up or more time spent at prayer. Whatever it is, be sure it’s a gift that He’d like to receive!

 

What birthday gift do You want from me, Jesus?

 

 

A deepeR kind Of JOy

 

The third Sunday of Advent is known liturgically as “Gaudete” Sunday. It’s the Latin word for “Rejoice!” This is God’s invitation to us today: to rejoice and be glad, for the simple reason that the Lord is truly near and about to come.

While joy and gladness might indeed be the most spontaneous of feelings, it is still something that should be prepared for, in a sense. The lyrics of a song in the anti-apartheid Broadway musical “Sarafina!” says, “Freedom is coming tomorrow... Get ready... prepare for your freedom.” Similarly, our Lord’s imminent arrival might make us happy and excited, but it can also catch us off guard — that is, if we are not prepared. It is not something that just suddenly falls down on your lap and then you don’t know what to do with it. In that way you hardly appreciate it. So it is also with the Good News of Christ’s coming: we have to be ready for it so we can appreciate and interiorize its full value and meaning.

We understand better now why in our Gospel today, there is a certain insistence for a practical and concrete lifestyle in keeping with an authentic conversion — as a preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Indeed, the value of practical preparation. Again this might seem in contradiction with the nature of joy which is spontaneous and natural. But when you think of it, we’re talking of a deeper kind of joy here. Unless you’d rather settle for the cheap, “pirated” substitutes? The original meaning, in fact, of the word “merry” in the ubiquitous greeting these days (“Merry Christmas”) is not just “happy” or “joyful” or “pleasurable.” There is a deeper, more spiritual sense to it, as in “peaceful,” “holy,” “blessed.” John the Baptist’s testimony to Jesus, as well as his recommendations, can all be for us a doable “project of life” which can guarantee such blessedness and joy. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Do I experience joy and gladness of a deeper kind as Christmas approaches? If not, what might be preventing me from having real joy and gladness at the Lord’s coming?

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to free my heart from anything that prevents me from experiencing real joy that can only come from You.

 

St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.