Lent 1st Sun C. Gusto nating mabusog. Gusto nating huwag magutom. "Kung ikaw nga ang Anak ng Diyos, iutos mong maging tinapay ang batong ito." Pero paalaala ni Jesus, ang gusto nang Diyos hindi lamang katawan ang mabusog, bagkus ang kalooban din ay mabusog ng Salita ng Diyos.
Gusto natin ang kapangyarihan sa sarili nating buhay at sa buhay ng nakapaligid sa atin. "Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang pamamahala sa lahat ng kahariang ito at ang kadakilaan nito.” Subalit paalaala ni Jesus , ang gusto nang Diyos ay matanggap natin na hindi sa lahat ng bagay ay may kapangyarihan tayo. Tanging siya lamang ang may kapangyarihan sa lahat, kaya’t pagtitiwala sa kanya ay kinakailangan.
Gusto natin na maganda ang tingin sa atin ng iba, kung hindi man hinahangaan o kinaiinggitan. "Kung ikaw nga ang Anak ng Diyos, magpatihulog ka.” Subalit paalaala ni Jesus, ang gusto ng Diyos ay hindi lamang maganda ang tingin ng iba, bagkus kailangang maganda ang tingin sa atin ng Diyos dahil sinusunod natin ang kalooban niya.
“Gusto ko” at “Gusto Niya” [o Gusto ng Diyos]. Sa bawat pagpapasya at desisyon na gagawin natin sa buhay na ito, ito ang dalawang bagay na laging isinasaalang-alang. Mabuti kung ang gusto Niya ay gusto ko rin o gusto rin natin. Pero madalas ang gusto natin o ang gusto ko ay salungat sa gusto Niya.
Ngayong Kuwaresma sino nga ba ang nasusunod sa buhay natin? Si GUSTO KO o si GUSTO NIYA? Amen.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Life-giving Fasting
1st Sunday Lent C. Jesus came out of the dessert victorious against temptation. He was tempted to take some bread but he turned it down. He was tempted to take on “super” power [Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory”] but he declined. He was tempted with fame but decided to be simple and quiet. He was tempted to be filled with himself but he wanted to be filled with God; he wanted to be filled with us. In the desert Jesus died to himself in order to live for us.
This is the true nature of fasting, of denying food to ourselves, of giving up something this Lent. Fasting zeroes in on the real focus of Christian journey, not ourselves but God and the needy. We spend less time for ourselves that we may spend more time for God in prayer. We spend less for ourselves so that we can spend more in helping others. Fasting for the sake of the self is not complete; fasting in order to pray more, in order to share more , this is the true spirit of Lent.
Jesus was able to say yes to suffering and death, to salvation and freedom for all, because he said no to bread, to power and to fame, which were all for oneself. Fasting is saying no to self, not because one hates oneself, no, but because one wants prayer and giving more than oneself. Genuine fasting is life-giving.
This is the true nature of fasting, of denying food to ourselves, of giving up something this Lent. Fasting zeroes in on the real focus of Christian journey, not ourselves but God and the needy. We spend less time for ourselves that we may spend more time for God in prayer. We spend less for ourselves so that we can spend more in helping others. Fasting for the sake of the self is not complete; fasting in order to pray more, in order to share more , this is the true spirit of Lent.
Jesus was able to say yes to suffering and death, to salvation and freedom for all, because he said no to bread, to power and to fame, which were all for oneself. Fasting is saying no to self, not because one hates oneself, no, but because one wants prayer and giving more than oneself. Genuine fasting is life-giving.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
THE CHALLENGE OF LENT
The challenge of Lent is simple – to put our lives in order according to the will of God. How to respond to it makes it complicated.The symbols and activities of Ash Wednesday help us to understand. First, we are called to accept that our desire to follow Jesus is like ashes in the wind: blown left and right, very tentative and easily disintegrate. That is why the discipline of Fasting is necessary. Fasting traditionally refers to food only, but a modern rendering of fasting is to forego anything that will discipline our body or curb our appetite, in a way that will bring more opportunities for prayer, i.e. communication and intimate relationship with God, and alms giving, traditionally refers only to the giving of money but at present includes anything from presence to time, to skill, or even a word, that entails a giving up on our part.
Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving – Lent has always proposed these activities that has worked in the life of the saints and the faithful in the history of the Church. They have brought sinners into conversion. They have brought holiness into the hearts of Christians. They can also bring conversion into our hearts. They can also bring holiness into our life.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thinking as God Does
During the time of Noah humanity was steeped in sin and evil and God allowed a great flood to wipe out most of creation, except for those who were chosen to be in the Ark. At the end when the flood died down, God offered a new beginning to Noah. God offered a new beginning for the world. All of creation had a chance for renewal.
Looking at the story with human eyes, it is possible that what is recognized is the tragedy of the event, but with the eyes of faith the opportunity for renewal and a new beginning can be discovered. The gospel of Mark tells us, “You are not thinking as God does, but you are thinking as man.”
Last night I celebrated mass for a 95 year old man. Every year for the past several years I have been invited to celebrate mass there. And in one way or the other I witnessed signs of deterioration in the disposition of the patient. But I refuse to see only the deterioration. Last night I saw the gift of family, of support, of love, of faith, of care and concern.
Yes, life is full of trials and challenges, even of tragedies and defeat, but “thinking as God does” enables us to discover the blessings disguised in these facts of life. I’m not saying that it’s alright to be passive about all the tragedies of life. No. What I’m saying is that in every life situation what our eyes see as humans is but one way of looking at it. Christian faith calls us to consider always the way God looks at it, the way God “thinks” about it. Let us recognize the wonderful possibility of looking with the eyes of God; the boundless possibility of seeing through the tragedy, the trial and challenges, and finding the blessing behind them.
Come and see!
Looking at the story with human eyes, it is possible that what is recognized is the tragedy of the event, but with the eyes of faith the opportunity for renewal and a new beginning can be discovered. The gospel of Mark tells us, “You are not thinking as God does, but you are thinking as man.”
Last night I celebrated mass for a 95 year old man. Every year for the past several years I have been invited to celebrate mass there. And in one way or the other I witnessed signs of deterioration in the disposition of the patient. But I refuse to see only the deterioration. Last night I saw the gift of family, of support, of love, of faith, of care and concern.
Yes, life is full of trials and challenges, even of tragedies and defeat, but “thinking as God does” enables us to discover the blessings disguised in these facts of life. I’m not saying that it’s alright to be passive about all the tragedies of life. No. What I’m saying is that in every life situation what our eyes see as humans is but one way of looking at it. Christian faith calls us to consider always the way God looks at it, the way God “thinks” about it. Let us recognize the wonderful possibility of looking with the eyes of God; the boundless possibility of seeing through the tragedy, the trial and challenges, and finding the blessing behind them.
Come and see!
Monday, February 12, 2007
From Palms to Ashes: The Remorse and Joy of Lent
Every year we begin the holy season of Lent with the imposition of ashes. Ash Wednesday is on February 21. These ashes are blessed during the mass reminding us that we are “dust” in order to “keep us faithful to the discipline of Lent” (cf. Blessing of Ashes). The discipline of Lent calls us to genuine fasting, prayer and alms-giving (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18). These are ashes of the old palms (palaspas) we used the past year. Palms that signified our gladness in the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem have become ashes that signify sadness for our sins; from palms to ashes – from an expression of gladness to a demonstration of sadness. How can both gladness and sadness be present in the season of Lent?
Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we prepare ourselves best through penitence and repentance. We realize our unfaithfulness and regret having committed sin. There is anguish in our hearts for being weak and frail. This brings remorse to our hearts. But this is only half of the Lenten journey. The other half that makes our penitence and repentance truly fruitful is the overflowing mercy of God. He desires our transformation not only to satisfy his will and realize his plans, but more importantly for our salvation – “for you do not want sinners to die but to live” (cf. Blessing of Ashes). This is truly a source of joy. Even though we have lived a life of sin and selfishness God offers us a new chance in life with his boundless mercy and love. The realization of our infidelity before God’s fidelity can fill us with deep remorse and incomparable joy at the same time. It can be very confusing, but God’s mercy always brings consolation. Our iniquities fill us with sadness, but God’s mercy fills us with gladness.
As the ashes are imposed on us the ministers say, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance entails an honest acceptance of our faults that fills our heart with remorse. Anguish for having offended God is an element in conversion. On the other hand, believing in the gospel requires a firm trust in the good news of the mercy and love of the Father. And so we rejoice in the joy that the mercy of God brings, even in the midst of guilt, sin and weakness. God’s mercy overpowers our weakness. Thus, this season of Lent, though your heart be filled with remorse because of sin, do not loose heart and be joyful in the boundless mercy of God.
Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we prepare ourselves best through penitence and repentance. We realize our unfaithfulness and regret having committed sin. There is anguish in our hearts for being weak and frail. This brings remorse to our hearts. But this is only half of the Lenten journey. The other half that makes our penitence and repentance truly fruitful is the overflowing mercy of God. He desires our transformation not only to satisfy his will and realize his plans, but more importantly for our salvation – “for you do not want sinners to die but to live” (cf. Blessing of Ashes). This is truly a source of joy. Even though we have lived a life of sin and selfishness God offers us a new chance in life with his boundless mercy and love. The realization of our infidelity before God’s fidelity can fill us with deep remorse and incomparable joy at the same time. It can be very confusing, but God’s mercy always brings consolation. Our iniquities fill us with sadness, but God’s mercy fills us with gladness.
As the ashes are imposed on us the ministers say, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance entails an honest acceptance of our faults that fills our heart with remorse. Anguish for having offended God is an element in conversion. On the other hand, believing in the gospel requires a firm trust in the good news of the mercy and love of the Father. And so we rejoice in the joy that the mercy of God brings, even in the midst of guilt, sin and weakness. God’s mercy overpowers our weakness. Thus, this season of Lent, though your heart be filled with remorse because of sin, do not loose heart and be joyful in the boundless mercy of God.
Friday, February 9, 2007
The Grace of Ephphatha
Mark 7:31-37
A homily delivered on Feb. 9, 2007.
Ephphatha! Be opened! Mabuksan!
The readings in the mass today, present two stories of Ephphatha, i.e. stories of openness. One is from the first reading. It talks about Adam and Eve. Their consciousness were opened after eating the fruit of the tree of life, which God forbade to them. They eyes were opened and they saw that they were naked and they hid themselves. Another story of openness is proclaimed in the gospel. Jesus healed a deaf-mute man, touching him Jesus said, “Ephphata!” He heard the inspiring voice of Jesus and he begun to speak out the goodness of God.
Two stories of Ephphata with two different endings. The former ended with Adam and Eve hiding themselves because they felt ashamed of what they saw. The latter on the other hand, ended with the cured man exposing himself to the public because of his great joy in what he saw.
The grace of Ephphata opens our eyes and hearts to the reality of life. Oftentimes we see our weaknesses and limitations and we become depressed, discouraged and withdrawn. But this is just one side of reality, for as real as our limitations is the boundless mercy and goodness of the Lord. The grace of Ephphata opens our hearts to recognize that in the midst of weaknesses and limitations, the Spirit of God continues to work. Yes, we are weak and sinful, and we must not forget that, but we also affirm that God is merciful; his strength conquers our weaknesses and his boundless love transcends our limitations.
Tanggapin po sana natin ang biyaya ng Ephphata. Buksan po natin ang ating mga mata at tanggapin ang ating mga kahinaan at kakulangan subalit hindi po dito natatapos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha. Bagkus binubuksan nito ang ating mga puso upang makitang ang ating mga kahinaan ay pinalalakas ng walang kapantay na kapangyarihan ng Diyos at ang ating mga kakulangan ay pinupunan ng kanyang naguumapaw na pag-ibig.
Samahan nyo po sana ako sa pagdarasal na sana ay huwag matapos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha sa buhay ko. Lagi ko po sanang makita ang aking mga kahinaan; tanggapin ang mga ito at gumawa ng paraan. Lagi ko po sanang aminin ang mga bagay na hindi ko kaya; gaano man po kabuti ang hangarin ko para sa lahat, may mga bagay na hindi ko talaga kaya.
Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko sa Transfi dahil sa loob ng maikling panahon, magsasampung buwan pa lang po, tinanggap po ninyo kung sino ako; kung ano ang hindi ko kaya, at kung ano ang kaya ko. Maraming salamat po. Buong puso ko pong sasabihin sa inyo, masaya po ako dito sa Transfi! Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat.
Siguro pagtinitingnan natin ang parokya natin marami tayong nakikitang kahinaan at pagkukulang: meron hindi nagkakasundo, merong pagkakanya-kanya, merong nagpapataasan, nagpapagalingan, nagtatampuhan, nag-iiwasan, nagpupunahan, at kung anu-ano pa. Pero hindi po tayo dito hihinto ng pagtingin sa ating mga sarili sapagkat kahit sa gitna ng mga kahinaang ito may mahalagang misyon ang Diyos para sa atin, at siya ang magbibigay sa atin ng lakas at direksyon upang mapagtagumpayan ang anumang kahinaan.
Dasal ko po sana huwag maubos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha sa ating lahat. Patuloy po sana nating buksan ang ating mga mata sa kahinaan ng ating uganayan sa isa’t isa, tanggapin ito at sama-samang gumawa ng paraan. Patuloy din po sana nating makita na sa gitna ng ating kahinaan ang Espiritu ng Diyos ay patuloy na kumikilos: nag-aanyayang magtaguyod ng isang pamayanang gumagalang sa isa’t isa at nagtutulungan; nag-aanyayang hanapin sa mga area at sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating parokya ang mga kasamahan nating hindi pa nakakakilala ng lubusan sa Panginoon; nag-aanyayang magmalasakit sa mga nagugutom, walang tahanan, walang trabaho, at kulang na kulang sa buhay.
Kagabi po hanggang kaninang tanghali nag-solitude po ako at silencing. At sa aking panalangin sabi sa akin ng Diyos, ang regalo daw po niya sa akin ay Ephphata – kabukasan ng puso at damdamin. Magsalu-salo pa sana tayo sa biyaya ng Ephphata, at sama-sama tayong manatiling bukas sa Diyos at sa isa’t isa. Amen.
A homily delivered on Feb. 9, 2007.
Ephphatha! Be opened! Mabuksan!
The readings in the mass today, present two stories of Ephphatha, i.e. stories of openness. One is from the first reading. It talks about Adam and Eve. Their consciousness were opened after eating the fruit of the tree of life, which God forbade to them. They eyes were opened and they saw that they were naked and they hid themselves. Another story of openness is proclaimed in the gospel. Jesus healed a deaf-mute man, touching him Jesus said, “Ephphata!” He heard the inspiring voice of Jesus and he begun to speak out the goodness of God.
Two stories of Ephphata with two different endings. The former ended with Adam and Eve hiding themselves because they felt ashamed of what they saw. The latter on the other hand, ended with the cured man exposing himself to the public because of his great joy in what he saw.
The grace of Ephphata opens our eyes and hearts to the reality of life. Oftentimes we see our weaknesses and limitations and we become depressed, discouraged and withdrawn. But this is just one side of reality, for as real as our limitations is the boundless mercy and goodness of the Lord. The grace of Ephphata opens our hearts to recognize that in the midst of weaknesses and limitations, the Spirit of God continues to work. Yes, we are weak and sinful, and we must not forget that, but we also affirm that God is merciful; his strength conquers our weaknesses and his boundless love transcends our limitations.
Tanggapin po sana natin ang biyaya ng Ephphata. Buksan po natin ang ating mga mata at tanggapin ang ating mga kahinaan at kakulangan subalit hindi po dito natatapos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha. Bagkus binubuksan nito ang ating mga puso upang makitang ang ating mga kahinaan ay pinalalakas ng walang kapantay na kapangyarihan ng Diyos at ang ating mga kakulangan ay pinupunan ng kanyang naguumapaw na pag-ibig.
Samahan nyo po sana ako sa pagdarasal na sana ay huwag matapos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha sa buhay ko. Lagi ko po sanang makita ang aking mga kahinaan; tanggapin ang mga ito at gumawa ng paraan. Lagi ko po sanang aminin ang mga bagay na hindi ko kaya; gaano man po kabuti ang hangarin ko para sa lahat, may mga bagay na hindi ko talaga kaya.
Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko sa Transfi dahil sa loob ng maikling panahon, magsasampung buwan pa lang po, tinanggap po ninyo kung sino ako; kung ano ang hindi ko kaya, at kung ano ang kaya ko. Maraming salamat po. Buong puso ko pong sasabihin sa inyo, masaya po ako dito sa Transfi! Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat.
Siguro pagtinitingnan natin ang parokya natin marami tayong nakikitang kahinaan at pagkukulang: meron hindi nagkakasundo, merong pagkakanya-kanya, merong nagpapataasan, nagpapagalingan, nagtatampuhan, nag-iiwasan, nagpupunahan, at kung anu-ano pa. Pero hindi po tayo dito hihinto ng pagtingin sa ating mga sarili sapagkat kahit sa gitna ng mga kahinaang ito may mahalagang misyon ang Diyos para sa atin, at siya ang magbibigay sa atin ng lakas at direksyon upang mapagtagumpayan ang anumang kahinaan.
Dasal ko po sana huwag maubos ang biyaya ng Ephphatha sa ating lahat. Patuloy po sana nating buksan ang ating mga mata sa kahinaan ng ating uganayan sa isa’t isa, tanggapin ito at sama-samang gumawa ng paraan. Patuloy din po sana nating makita na sa gitna ng ating kahinaan ang Espiritu ng Diyos ay patuloy na kumikilos: nag-aanyayang magtaguyod ng isang pamayanang gumagalang sa isa’t isa at nagtutulungan; nag-aanyayang hanapin sa mga area at sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating parokya ang mga kasamahan nating hindi pa nakakakilala ng lubusan sa Panginoon; nag-aanyayang magmalasakit sa mga nagugutom, walang tahanan, walang trabaho, at kulang na kulang sa buhay.
Kagabi po hanggang kaninang tanghali nag-solitude po ako at silencing. At sa aking panalangin sabi sa akin ng Diyos, ang regalo daw po niya sa akin ay Ephphata – kabukasan ng puso at damdamin. Magsalu-salo pa sana tayo sa biyaya ng Ephphata, at sama-sama tayong manatiling bukas sa Diyos at sa isa’t isa. Amen.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
What Defines our Relationships?
Thursday, 5th Week, Ordinary Time
Mark 7:24-30
There are many things that define our relationships - consanguinity, affinity, interests, work, hometown, purpose, and so much more.
But for Jesus the only thing that defines his relationship is faith. Faced with the request of the Greek woman, a Syrophoenician, to cast out the evil spirit from her daughter, Jesus, although there was a mention of the reality of discrimination between Jews and Gentiles, in the end clearly revealed that it was faith that defined his relationships.
Similar to the time when Jesus was informed that his mother, brothers and sisters were calling for him outside, he proclaimed that his mother, brothers and sisters are those who hear and do the will of the Father. Clearly for Jesus what defines his relationship is his connection with the Father.
Definitely this is the summit of our community life when what defines our life together is not anymore our likes and dislikes, or our similarities or differences, but our faith, our connected to God that connects us to one another.
Mark 7:24-30
There are many things that define our relationships - consanguinity, affinity, interests, work, hometown, purpose, and so much more.
But for Jesus the only thing that defines his relationship is faith. Faced with the request of the Greek woman, a Syrophoenician, to cast out the evil spirit from her daughter, Jesus, although there was a mention of the reality of discrimination between Jews and Gentiles, in the end clearly revealed that it was faith that defined his relationships.
Similar to the time when Jesus was informed that his mother, brothers and sisters were calling for him outside, he proclaimed that his mother, brothers and sisters are those who hear and do the will of the Father. Clearly for Jesus what defines his relationship is his connection with the Father.
Definitely this is the summit of our community life when what defines our life together is not anymore our likes and dislikes, or our similarities or differences, but our faith, our connected to God that connects us to one another.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The Deceitful Self: Beware!
Nangyari na ba sa iyong akala mo ginagawa mo ang kalooban ng Diyos dahil nakakatulong ka pero sa totoo ginagawa mo lang pala ang pagtulong dahil nakakataas ng ego; dahil alam mo na ikaw lang ang makakagawa nun at di kaya ng iba; dahil sa iyo sila lumapit; dahil nasa iyo ang sagot?
There are times when we take on a certain task thinking that we do so because we want to help; we do so because we want to give our time and talent; we do so because we think we have in us the solution. Only to realize that what motivated the decision was the privilege, the esteem, the honor, the high regard, the good feeling of being able to help, the air of holiness that comes from an act of sacrifice, that comes with the task. It is still the self that rules.
One can easily be misled because of the nature and fruits of the task, but solitude and silence will always reveal the true face of taking on the task, the face not of those one wants to help but in truth the face of the self. What seems to be service and sacrifice is still self-serving job. An honest to goodness self-examination in the atmosphere of silence and prayer, is in order. A trusted spiritual director can always validate the hidden fact.
Beware!
There are times when we take on a certain task thinking that we do so because we want to help; we do so because we want to give our time and talent; we do so because we think we have in us the solution. Only to realize that what motivated the decision was the privilege, the esteem, the honor, the high regard, the good feeling of being able to help, the air of holiness that comes from an act of sacrifice, that comes with the task. It is still the self that rules.
One can easily be misled because of the nature and fruits of the task, but solitude and silence will always reveal the true face of taking on the task, the face not of those one wants to help but in truth the face of the self. What seems to be service and sacrifice is still self-serving job. An honest to goodness self-examination in the atmosphere of silence and prayer, is in order. A trusted spiritual director can always validate the hidden fact.
Beware!
Anointing of the Sick: Being a Friend to the Sick
Last Friday TOLP started the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, the feast of which is on Sunday, Feb. 11. It is also the World Day of the Sick. The pilgrim site Lourdes is known to be a place of healing. Many devotees go there and pray for healing. And a special apostolate to help the sick pilgrims works there all year round.
Taking care of the sick is a constitutive element of our Christian life. Jesus had special place in her heart for the sick; not only be curing them but by giving them hope and assuring them of the Father's care. The valuable ministry to the sick in the Church is reflected in the importance of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This particular sacrament has had its own history in terms of meaning, purpose and perception. Many still do not fully understand the purpose of the sacrament, i.e. not for the dying but for those whose faith are endangered by disease and illness.
What is the grace we ask for when we celebrate the sacrament? Let us take a look at the liturgical text. The words that accompany the anointing with the holy oil says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit." Everybody answers Amen. This is said while the minister anoints the sick on the forehead. Then, the minister continues, "May the Lord who frees your from sin save you and raise you up." Everybody says Amen. This is said while the minister anoints the hands.
The truth that is at the root of the Church's confidence in prayer for the sick is the mercy and love of the Lord, which is made present here and now by the power of the Holy Spirit. The minister, who is a priest and only a priest, asks for the grace of being saved and being raised up. The prayer after anointing can help us elaborate what this grace entails: Father in heaven, through this holy anointing grant [the name of the sick person] comfort in his/her suffering. when he/she is afraid, give him/her courage, when afflicted, give him/her patience, when dejected, afford him/her hope, and when alone, assure her/him of the support of your holy people.
The minister does not pray for a happy death, rather the sacrament provides the graces needed to endure with faith the present suffering of the sick: comfort, courage, patience, hope and companionship. These are the things the sick person needs to get through the illness with head held high and faith strongly united with Jesus. The Sacrament is a help for the journey of the sick. It is a spiritual aid or kit that a Christian can turn to when the dejection of physical weakness pulls down. There's no sense in waiting for the last dying hour, when everyone especially the priest had to be harassed and hurried in attending to the sick person. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not a ticket that will open the gates of death. Rather the sacrament is like a bottle of mineral water that refreshes the tired body to ensure perseverance and energy to finish the journey strong, whether the end is here or at the other side. The sacrament is a friend that accompanies us when we are sick in order to thwart the possibility for the illness becoming an instrument of the enemy; a friend that keeps us where we ought to be - on the side of Jesus.
Taking care of the sick is a constitutive element of our Christian life. Jesus had special place in her heart for the sick; not only be curing them but by giving them hope and assuring them of the Father's care. The valuable ministry to the sick in the Church is reflected in the importance of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This particular sacrament has had its own history in terms of meaning, purpose and perception. Many still do not fully understand the purpose of the sacrament, i.e. not for the dying but for those whose faith are endangered by disease and illness.
What is the grace we ask for when we celebrate the sacrament? Let us take a look at the liturgical text. The words that accompany the anointing with the holy oil says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit." Everybody answers Amen. This is said while the minister anoints the sick on the forehead. Then, the minister continues, "May the Lord who frees your from sin save you and raise you up." Everybody says Amen. This is said while the minister anoints the hands.
The truth that is at the root of the Church's confidence in prayer for the sick is the mercy and love of the Lord, which is made present here and now by the power of the Holy Spirit. The minister, who is a priest and only a priest, asks for the grace of being saved and being raised up. The prayer after anointing can help us elaborate what this grace entails: Father in heaven, through this holy anointing grant [the name of the sick person] comfort in his/her suffering. when he/she is afraid, give him/her courage, when afflicted, give him/her patience, when dejected, afford him/her hope, and when alone, assure her/him of the support of your holy people.
The minister does not pray for a happy death, rather the sacrament provides the graces needed to endure with faith the present suffering of the sick: comfort, courage, patience, hope and companionship. These are the things the sick person needs to get through the illness with head held high and faith strongly united with Jesus. The Sacrament is a help for the journey of the sick. It is a spiritual aid or kit that a Christian can turn to when the dejection of physical weakness pulls down. There's no sense in waiting for the last dying hour, when everyone especially the priest had to be harassed and hurried in attending to the sick person. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not a ticket that will open the gates of death. Rather the sacrament is like a bottle of mineral water that refreshes the tired body to ensure perseverance and energy to finish the journey strong, whether the end is here or at the other side. The sacrament is a friend that accompanies us when we are sick in order to thwart the possibility for the illness becoming an instrument of the enemy; a friend that keeps us where we ought to be - on the side of Jesus.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
THE MYSTERY OF LOVE
(This homily was delivered on January 20, 2007, during the wedding of Ed and Delle, at Christ the King Parish, Greenmeadows Ave., Quezon City. Bishop Raul Martirez was the main celebrant.)
Magandang umaga po. Many authors say that the most magical thing in this world is love.
Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in the magic of love?
Marami sa atin dito alam ang kuwento ni Ed at ni Del. Magkapitbahay sa Project 4. Magkababata. May mga pagtatangkang panliligaw pero walang nangyari. Si Ed nagpunta sa America. Si Del nanatili dito sa Pilipinas pero nung 2004 nagpunta sa London. May kanya-kanya ng buhay. Subalit matapos magkalayo ng matagal; matapos ang mahabang panahon ng hindi pagkikita, walang pag-uusap; Nagtagpo muli. Nabuhay ang marahil ay dati nang nandung pagmamahalan. At ngayon sa ating harapan, pinag-isa ng pag-ibig. Puedeng pang Maalaala Mo Kaya.
The love that has gathered us together today is a love that has transcended several decades of waiting and searching; a love that has crossed the continents of Asia, North America and Europe. If this is not the magic of love, I don’t know what to call it.
Kuya Ed and Ate Del, you are lucky for not all love began with magic. The wonder of this beautiful wedding day is a testament to the magic of your love. The presence of all these people who share your joy today is a proof of that magic. But do not be deceived by the magic of love; do not give in to the temptation of believing that all of love is magic. No, I assure you, the magic will not last. The magic of love will fade, but it is the mystery of love that will remain. More than the magic of love what is important is the mystery of love.
Bakit misteryo ang pag-ibig? Tatlong bagay po.
Una, ang pag-ibig ay walang katapusang pagtuklas sa minamahal. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, gaano man ninyo kakilala ang isa’t isa ngayon, hindi pa rin lubos ang pagkakakilala. Laging may bagong malalaman. Laging may bagong matutuklasan. Laging may sorpresa sa ugali, sa pagkatao, at sa buhay ng minamahal. Kaya sa pag-aasawa kailangang maging bukas sa isa’t isa.
Be open to the surprises of married life. You cannot fully rely on what you know of each other at present. More of the mystery of one another will be revealed as you go on with your married life. Kuya Ed and Ate Del, be open to one another.
Ikalawa, ang pag-ibig ay tumitibay habang tumatagal. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, gaano man katibay at kalakas ang inyong pagmamahal sa isa’t isa, ito ay laging susubukin. Mamaya tatanungin kayo ni Bp. Raul kung bukal sa inyong loob ang pagtanggap ninyo sa isa’t isa bilang mag-asawa. At alam kong walang pag-aalinlangan kayong sasagot ng OO. Pero ang OOng yan ay susubukin. Hindi isang beses. Hindi dalawang beses. Hindi paminsan-minsan. Kundi araw-araw. Pag nagbago na ng ugali; pag may mga nakialam na; pag nagkaproblema na sa pera, OO pa rin ba ang sagot sa isa’t isa?
The “Yes” that you will promise to each other today has to be renewed everyday. Kuya Ed and Ate Del, you have to say “Yes” to one another everyday.
Ikatlo, ang pag-ibig ay biyaya ng Diyos. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, dahil sa inyong pag-ibig kaya tayo nandito pero tandaan ninyo na gaano man ninyo kamahal ang isa’t isa kung ang pagmamahal ninyo ay galing lamang sa inyo, hindi ito tatagal hanggang wakas. Kailangan ang pagmamahalan ay galing sa pag-ibig ng Diyos. Kaya kailangang may mahalagang puwang ang Diyos sa inyong pagsasama.
Merely human love cannot last a lifetime. Human love is too fickle minded. Human love has too many conditions. Human love brings on so many things and changes, highs and lows, things sweet and bitter, the good, the bad and the ugly, failures and disappointments, along with joys and happiness. Merely human love is not enough to last a lifetime. Human love has to turn to God for strength and support for it to last a lifetime. Without God, Kuya Ed and Ate Del, your love lacks its origin and fulfillment.
Ito po ang misteryo ng pag-ibig: Magkakilala na pero marami pang dapat kilalanin. Tunay ang pangako ngayon, pero kailangan mangako araw-araw. Matibay na ang pagmamahal, pero kailangan ang pagmamahal na galing sa Diyos.
Kuya Ed and Ate Del, your story is truly a proof that the most magical thing in this world is love, for your love has conquered time – it has conquered several decades of waiting; your love has conquered space – it has traveled the distance of Asia, America, Europe and back to Asia. But more than the magic of your love, Kuya Ed and Ate Del, embrace the mystery of love. I pray that you will overcome the test of time, turning several decades of waiting into a lifetime of loving. I pray that you will travel not only the distance of the continents, but the challenging road of openness, fidelity and strong faith in God.
Mga kapatid, mga magulang, mga ninong at ninang, tayong lahat ay mga saksi sa pagmamahalan ni Ed at ni Del, ipagdasal po natin sila, tulungan po natin sila, at nawa’y sa pamamagitan natin lalung tumibay at lumalim ang kanilang pagsasama. Amen.
Magandang umaga po. Many authors say that the most magical thing in this world is love.
Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in the magic of love?
Marami sa atin dito alam ang kuwento ni Ed at ni Del. Magkapitbahay sa Project 4. Magkababata. May mga pagtatangkang panliligaw pero walang nangyari. Si Ed nagpunta sa America. Si Del nanatili dito sa Pilipinas pero nung 2004 nagpunta sa London. May kanya-kanya ng buhay. Subalit matapos magkalayo ng matagal; matapos ang mahabang panahon ng hindi pagkikita, walang pag-uusap; Nagtagpo muli. Nabuhay ang marahil ay dati nang nandung pagmamahalan. At ngayon sa ating harapan, pinag-isa ng pag-ibig. Puedeng pang Maalaala Mo Kaya.
The love that has gathered us together today is a love that has transcended several decades of waiting and searching; a love that has crossed the continents of Asia, North America and Europe. If this is not the magic of love, I don’t know what to call it.
Kuya Ed and Ate Del, you are lucky for not all love began with magic. The wonder of this beautiful wedding day is a testament to the magic of your love. The presence of all these people who share your joy today is a proof of that magic. But do not be deceived by the magic of love; do not give in to the temptation of believing that all of love is magic. No, I assure you, the magic will not last. The magic of love will fade, but it is the mystery of love that will remain. More than the magic of love what is important is the mystery of love.
Bakit misteryo ang pag-ibig? Tatlong bagay po.
Una, ang pag-ibig ay walang katapusang pagtuklas sa minamahal. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, gaano man ninyo kakilala ang isa’t isa ngayon, hindi pa rin lubos ang pagkakakilala. Laging may bagong malalaman. Laging may bagong matutuklasan. Laging may sorpresa sa ugali, sa pagkatao, at sa buhay ng minamahal. Kaya sa pag-aasawa kailangang maging bukas sa isa’t isa.
Be open to the surprises of married life. You cannot fully rely on what you know of each other at present. More of the mystery of one another will be revealed as you go on with your married life. Kuya Ed and Ate Del, be open to one another.
Ikalawa, ang pag-ibig ay tumitibay habang tumatagal. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, gaano man katibay at kalakas ang inyong pagmamahal sa isa’t isa, ito ay laging susubukin. Mamaya tatanungin kayo ni Bp. Raul kung bukal sa inyong loob ang pagtanggap ninyo sa isa’t isa bilang mag-asawa. At alam kong walang pag-aalinlangan kayong sasagot ng OO. Pero ang OOng yan ay susubukin. Hindi isang beses. Hindi dalawang beses. Hindi paminsan-minsan. Kundi araw-araw. Pag nagbago na ng ugali; pag may mga nakialam na; pag nagkaproblema na sa pera, OO pa rin ba ang sagot sa isa’t isa?
The “Yes” that you will promise to each other today has to be renewed everyday. Kuya Ed and Ate Del, you have to say “Yes” to one another everyday.
Ikatlo, ang pag-ibig ay biyaya ng Diyos. Kuya Ed at Ate Del, dahil sa inyong pag-ibig kaya tayo nandito pero tandaan ninyo na gaano man ninyo kamahal ang isa’t isa kung ang pagmamahal ninyo ay galing lamang sa inyo, hindi ito tatagal hanggang wakas. Kailangan ang pagmamahalan ay galing sa pag-ibig ng Diyos. Kaya kailangang may mahalagang puwang ang Diyos sa inyong pagsasama.
Merely human love cannot last a lifetime. Human love is too fickle minded. Human love has too many conditions. Human love brings on so many things and changes, highs and lows, things sweet and bitter, the good, the bad and the ugly, failures and disappointments, along with joys and happiness. Merely human love is not enough to last a lifetime. Human love has to turn to God for strength and support for it to last a lifetime. Without God, Kuya Ed and Ate Del, your love lacks its origin and fulfillment.
Ito po ang misteryo ng pag-ibig: Magkakilala na pero marami pang dapat kilalanin. Tunay ang pangako ngayon, pero kailangan mangako araw-araw. Matibay na ang pagmamahal, pero kailangan ang pagmamahal na galing sa Diyos.
Kuya Ed and Ate Del, your story is truly a proof that the most magical thing in this world is love, for your love has conquered time – it has conquered several decades of waiting; your love has conquered space – it has traveled the distance of Asia, America, Europe and back to Asia. But more than the magic of your love, Kuya Ed and Ate Del, embrace the mystery of love. I pray that you will overcome the test of time, turning several decades of waiting into a lifetime of loving. I pray that you will travel not only the distance of the continents, but the challenging road of openness, fidelity and strong faith in God.
Mga kapatid, mga magulang, mga ninong at ninang, tayong lahat ay mga saksi sa pagmamahalan ni Ed at ni Del, ipagdasal po natin sila, tulungan po natin sila, at nawa’y sa pamamagitan natin lalung tumibay at lumalim ang kanilang pagsasama. Amen.
Friday, February 2, 2007
The Words of Simeon before the Child
The child Jesus was presented in the Temple. The baby reminds us of Christmas. Simeon talks about the rise and fall of many in Israel, a sign that shall be contradicted, a sword that will pierce the heart. The words of Simeon remind us of the Cross.
Right now we seemed to be at the middle of a bridge - the joy, excitement and exhaustion of Christmas behind us and the penitential, renewing cross of Holy Week ahead of us. They may refer to two clusters of celebrations at the opposite ends of the "bridge", they form but one story of salvation.
The child whose birth never fails to inspire generosity, coming together, rejoicing and singing, is the Lord who was crucified, who died and rose again after three days. His death and resurrection has brought new life, boundless hope and life-changing love. Rejoicing and singing has become permanent. The child grew up to become the light of the world.
It's good to be at the middle of the bridge, with Christmas behind us and Holy Week ahead of us, for looking at the crucified Lord in Holy Week, we find a stronger reason to rejoice in the child of the manger. And by remembering the child in swaddling clothes, we understand the utter selflessness of the sacrfice of the crucified.
The words of Simeon uttered before the child Jesus lead our minds and hearts from the humility of Bethlehem to the humiliation of Calvary. Today, we are faced with the mysterious path that led to our salvation: the crib became a cross, a birth that was meant for death, a beginning that has destroyed the end.
Right now we seemed to be at the middle of a bridge - the joy, excitement and exhaustion of Christmas behind us and the penitential, renewing cross of Holy Week ahead of us. They may refer to two clusters of celebrations at the opposite ends of the "bridge", they form but one story of salvation.
The child whose birth never fails to inspire generosity, coming together, rejoicing and singing, is the Lord who was crucified, who died and rose again after three days. His death and resurrection has brought new life, boundless hope and life-changing love. Rejoicing and singing has become permanent. The child grew up to become the light of the world.
It's good to be at the middle of the bridge, with Christmas behind us and Holy Week ahead of us, for looking at the crucified Lord in Holy Week, we find a stronger reason to rejoice in the child of the manger. And by remembering the child in swaddling clothes, we understand the utter selflessness of the sacrfice of the crucified.
The words of Simeon uttered before the child Jesus lead our minds and hearts from the humility of Bethlehem to the humiliation of Calvary. Today, we are faced with the mysterious path that led to our salvation: the crib became a cross, a birth that was meant for death, a beginning that has destroyed the end.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
LITURGY AS THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST
“In the Christian rite, the reality of Christ is made present […]”
- Salvatore Marsili
The primary function of the liturgical rite is not the expression of interior disposition but the realization in the Church of the history of salvation, the climax and center of which is the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. Through the rites of the liturgy humanity is put into a vivid contact with the mystery of salvation; the unique and unrepeatable event of Christ is made present and communicated for the salvation of all. The liturgy extends the saving gift of God and continues the Christ-event in the here and now of the Church. This sublime presence of the saving work of God is referred to as “the ‘hodie’ of the divine saving action.” Salvation, ever new and relevant, is actualized in the liturgy, “accomplished in time but not confined to time, without repeating it, nor bringing us back to that past historical time when it took place.”
Liturgy as actualization of the Paschal Mystery is possible because in the liturgy Jesus himself is present. Liturgy is considered as presence of Christ. It is this “real presence” of Jesus that makes the liturgy shine with immeasurable dignity and genuine effectiveness. It is characterized by an “irreplaceable greatness” in realizing the sanctification of the church and expressing human worship and adoration. This presence of Christ is revealed in the different moments of the liturgical celebration through signs and symbols in the rites that are distinct and proper to the particular moment. This way, in the liturgy Christians are able to experience the presence of Christ and participate in his saving action; man obtains the salvation hoped for. In this participation man is formed into the image of Christ and becomes Christ’s presence in situations where he finds himself. This participation in the salvific work of Jesus is possible because liturgy is essentially a memorial – “understood to be an action whose symbolic components of gestures, movements, words and objects evoke in various modes and degrees a saving event or reality.”
- Salvatore Marsili
The primary function of the liturgical rite is not the expression of interior disposition but the realization in the Church of the history of salvation, the climax and center of which is the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. Through the rites of the liturgy humanity is put into a vivid contact with the mystery of salvation; the unique and unrepeatable event of Christ is made present and communicated for the salvation of all. The liturgy extends the saving gift of God and continues the Christ-event in the here and now of the Church. This sublime presence of the saving work of God is referred to as “the ‘hodie’ of the divine saving action.” Salvation, ever new and relevant, is actualized in the liturgy, “accomplished in time but not confined to time, without repeating it, nor bringing us back to that past historical time when it took place.”
Liturgy as actualization of the Paschal Mystery is possible because in the liturgy Jesus himself is present. Liturgy is considered as presence of Christ. It is this “real presence” of Jesus that makes the liturgy shine with immeasurable dignity and genuine effectiveness. It is characterized by an “irreplaceable greatness” in realizing the sanctification of the church and expressing human worship and adoration. This presence of Christ is revealed in the different moments of the liturgical celebration through signs and symbols in the rites that are distinct and proper to the particular moment. This way, in the liturgy Christians are able to experience the presence of Christ and participate in his saving action; man obtains the salvation hoped for. In this participation man is formed into the image of Christ and becomes Christ’s presence in situations where he finds himself. This participation in the salvific work of Jesus is possible because liturgy is essentially a memorial – “understood to be an action whose symbolic components of gestures, movements, words and objects evoke in various modes and degrees a saving event or reality.”
Finding the Lost Coin
Jesus compared the Kingdom to a woman who lost a coin. She searched her house, lit a lamp, rearranged her things, and i guess even asked the help of some neighbours, just to find the coin. And when finally she found the coin, there was great relief. There was great joy. This blog is about that joy - the joy of finding insights and inspirations which may have been lost, or which was never thought to be there. This blog is about the joy of discovery, which entails an honest to goodness searching, re-arrangement perhaps, or even help from friends. Still they do not compare to the joy that comes in finding what one is looking for. The other name of joy is Finding the Lost Coin.
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