Cycle C - Year II:  

17 July 2016: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Gospel: Please read  Luke 10:38-42

Seek God first of all!

How do we start a typical day? As we wake up, do we rush to get things done for the day? Or do we pause a moment to plan first and organize our activities for the day? Do we have the habit of beginning our day in prayer, to thank the Lord for the gift of another day?

We hear this Sunday an incident in our Lord's public life that provides valuable lessons on how we can witness and live our faith in daily life.

Jesus is in Bethany visiting with friends. He loves to visit the home of sisters Martha and Mary and enjoys their warm hospitality. The sisters welcome Him in their house. While Martha is bustling about the house and trying to provide hospitality to their special Guest, Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His teachings. So Martha complains, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?"

Our Lord said to Martha in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from her."

We might easily identify with Martha with our very busy lives. We, too, welcome Jesus in our hearts. But soon after we are distracted by a great many things. Because there is just too much that needs to be done, in work and in our family with its many demands. And so it seems difficult to find time for good, solid meditative prayer. That is why we do not hear the quiet whispering of God, in nature, in silence, in another person, in the Word, in the depths of our hearts, and so do not receive the only nourishment we need. "One thing is only needed," Christ tells us, and it is Him in our heart.

While "service" is an important part of discipleship, Jesus teaches us to set our priorities right. The "better part" chosen by Mary in the Gospel narrative by St. Luke is Jesus Himself.

Thus, listening to the word of God is an important thing in our lives. Because what the Lord wants of us, first of all, is to be close to Him, put our trust in Him amidst our daily concerns. Time spent in -prayer is always important. When it comes to our spiritual life, prayers and meditation are critical. We hold up to the Lord our daily activities and scrutinize them in the light of His teaching, in order for us to see what needs to be strengthened or discarded. In this way we are able to see what is leading us closer to Jesus, or taking us away from Him.

 

God speaks to us constantly. But we have to leave our worries and distractions behind, and sit quietly at His feet to listen to Him. Only then will we receive the "better part" and the promise that it will not be taken from us. Only then will we produce "fruits" with patient endurance.

Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving our Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us to give Him our concerns and anxieties because He is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. 

Do we seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in our house?

Let us pray: O Jesus, reach out Your hand and still my anxious soul. Settle me down at Your feet. Give me Your light when I am in darkness. Because to be in Your presence is life and joy for me. You are all I need, and I was made to hear You. Free me from needless concerns and preoccupation, that I may give You my undivided love and attention.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Cycle C - Year II:

10 July 2016: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Gospel: Please read Luke 10:25-37

Caring for others!

Before the coming of computers and other electronic gadgets, did you experience bonding time with parents through bedtime stories?

In the early 50's, my single mother would put me and a brother soundly asleep by reading to us bedtime stories. And it has always been effective, I recall now.

Even to these days, storytelling is used in public speaking, and even in classroom teaching. For effective storytelling is a fine and beautiful art. A well-developed and presented story can cut across age barriers and will hold the interest and reach its listeners. Because stories will be easily remembered long after other orations.

In the Christian world, we are familiar with the parables of Jesus, which is a form of storytelling. The parables represent a key part of Jesus' teaching, in fact forming approximately one-third of recorded teaching of Jesus according to biblical authorities.

These parables are simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, usually depicting simple everyday life of Jesus' time. But although these parables are "simple", they convey deep messages that are central to the teaching of our Lord Jesus.

In this Sunday's Gospel by Luke, we will hear one of the most well-known parables, that of the Good Samaritan.

There was a Jewish expert of the lad who stood up to test Jesus on how to inherit everlasting life. Their conversation touched on two great commandments: love God and love your neighbor. But, like any other legal experts even in our time, the lawyer wanted to spar with Jesus over the legal texts of the law, and so asked Him, "And who is my neighbor?"

Our Lord responded by telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Let us examine briefly the

implication of this parable at that time. In the social context of that time, Jesus tells this parable to shock and challenge His listeners. Because recall that Jews were hostile to the Samaritans, who were considered social outcasts. Thus, by the choice of such protagonist, Jesus intentionally scandalizes the lawyer to shock this complacent and self-serving man into genuine understanding of love for neighbor.

Ultimately, our Lord also addresses this Parable of the Good Samaritan to everyone in our time, especially those who want to test God and justify themselves. We can, therefore, learn important lessons from this parable.

First, the use of Samaritan (whom we said was considered the outcast of society at that time) as depicting him as a good neighbor is to show that we ought not to set limits to our charity. It must extend even to our "enemies" who need our help. For Christian charity knows no bounds.

Second, the parable presents the Samaritan as the exemplar of love for neighbor to show that God's grace also extends to all, that is to say, beyond the "saintly and the holy", enabling even Samaritans (or the "less-Godly") to love others as God commands.

Finally, the story teaches us that to be a neighbor is to be more sensitive to human life, both the joy and pain of people. Because being a neighbor is not based on personal relationship, race or religion. We should worry less about our own perception, or definition, of who is a neighbor, but more about being a neighbor to all, especially those who desperately need our help and mercy.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan provides an inspiring standard of love for neighbor. And Jesus told this parable to show how wide God's love and mercy towards all. In our time Mother Theresa is our role model of a good neighbor as she cared for the abandoned and the dying in the streets of India.

In sum, the Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that love must be generous, sacrificial, extending even to our "enemies". Because it is in being a neighbor that we are also able to be living witnesses of our faith through concrete action of charity and mercy, and not just through self-serving devotion.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Cycle C - Year II:

3 July 2016: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Gospel: Please read Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Sharing the Good News!

Having just elected our new leaders, we now look forward to how they will actually lead us in the next six years of our collective journey as a nation.

As a post-election reflection, perhaps it is useful to validate our basis for choosing our new leaders. It goes back to our very basic understanding of what it takes to be a leader.

For example, are leaders really born, or they are trained and developed over time, sometimes by special circumstances in their lives? It depends on our own human experience of leadership.

In the corporate world one effective way of developing future leaders is through an on-the-job training of those with leadership potentials (and credentials) where their leadership skills may be harnessed through hands-on experience.

There is a similar training program in formative years of those aspiring to be religious missionaries. It is called "regency" where seminarians interrupt their academic formation and sent on the field to have an actual experience of various mission works undertaken by the congregation they belong.

Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself was the formator of the first Apostles. Thus far, from the day they were recruited the twelve Apostles have been following our Lord from place to place, witnessing the miracles He performed and listening and learning from His preaching. But they were just followers, and not yet missionaries themselves.

In the Gospel narrative this Sunday, Jesus will now give them the "hands-on" training to prepare them for missionary work. Jesus tells them to go out on their own and work their own miracles in His name. And like Jesus, they are to give up their families and lead itinerant lifestyle, traveling from place to place to preach and share the Good News of the kingdom of God and work wonders in Jesus' name. Thus, Jesus gives His Apostles both the power and authority to speak and act in His name.

What is the impact of the Gospel reading for us today? The following points for personal reflection may be useful.

The mission of the twelve Apostle is carried on today by their successors: the bishops and all ordained ministers, religious men and women, and even lay people like us. Because by virtue of our baptism, we lay people are also sent to bear witness to Christ in word and deed.

In doing our own missionary work as lay people, and also for ordained ministers, let us heed the reflect on Jesus' advice and instructions to the first Apostles.

First, Jesus tells His Apostles to "travel light", meaning with little or no provision at all. Because "poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with material possessions and thus makes ample room for God's provision instead. In other words, we must trust and depend on God rather than on ourselves.

Second, the Lord gives us the power and authority to work wonders in His name. But also He wants us to use this power and authority with love and humility, and always for the good of others. Remember always that it is the Lord we preach, not ourselves.

And last (but not least), Jesus entrusts us with His gifts and talents to continue His saving works in our times. Are we ready and eager to place ourselves at God's service, to do whatever He tells us to do, to witness His truth and saving power to whomever our Lord sends us?

In the Eucharist at Holy Mass, let us pray: Lord, make me a channel of Your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in You. Free me from all attachments that I may pursue the things of heaven without distraction. May I truly witness the joy of the Gospel, both in my word and in my deed. Amen.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Cycle C - Year II:

26 June 2016: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Gospel: Please read Luke 9:51-62

Following in our Lord's journey!

The United Nations is alarmed about recent pronouncements that seem to justify or encourage extra-judicial killings. For indeed, if we subscribe to the "law of retaliation" that is "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" very soon we will become a blind and toothless society.

The challenge of our Christian faith is to keep calm in the midst of storm, to keep our peace even in turbulent times. Because we believe that our life on earth is but a journey, in preparation for our final destiny in the heavenly home.

The Gospel this Sunday presents Jesus determined to journey toward the final stage of his mission which must happen in Jerusalem. For it is in Jerusalem that He will reveal the whole purpose of His life on earth, namely, to die out of love for others.

The travel narrative begins with the brief encounter where Jesus is rejected in Samaria. But Jesus rebukes His disciples who wanted to repay the hostility of the Samaritans with fiery destruction.

The rest of the Gospel story entails admonition from our Lord about detachment from all worldly security when we decide to accompany Him in this "journey".

What are life implications of the Gospel for us today?

The first lesson for those who would travel with Jesus is to put aside all initiatives prompted by anger, violence, and prejudice. In the Gospel, Jesus Himself rebukes the disciples James and John who wanted to "call fire from heaven to consume" the hostile Samaritans.

This wisdom teaches Christians to put aside anger and violence as ways to solve problems. Jesus reminds us that to "call fire down from heaven" is not the Christian way to deal with difficult people.

The second lesson is that those who follow Jesus must be willing to let go of all previous attachments. Because half-hearted discipleship simply will not be acceptable.

And this is the challenge for those who want to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in His journey to Jerusalem. The Lord expects the same kind of decisiveness from His followers. It is not going to be easy, that is why we need to pray persistently and consistently for grace to be able to respond to the challenge. Our Blessed Mother is our very model in complete submission to God's will.

Because when we really begin to trust more the wisdom of Jesus, we will gladly let go of unworthy attachments as we trust more and more the promises of God and begin to run joyfully toward the future, which is our heavenly destiny.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Cycle C - Year II:

19 June 2016: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical color: Green)

Gospel: Please read Luke 9:18-24

A challenge of faith!

Because it is the start of a new school year, let us begin our Sunday reflection with a typical classroom incident.

Here is a story of a math teacher and his students. The teacher gave this surprise quiz: "There are five birds resting in a tree branch. You shoot one, how many are left?"

One student answered: "None teacher!" Astonished, the teacher asked back, "Why is that so, if only one was shot?"

"Well, Sir, birds are not stupid. When one was shot, the rest flew away of course." End of the story.

Often, oral exam is tricky and hard, because it gives little time to think for the right answer. But also it can elicit the smartest answer.

The Gospel narrative for this Sunday is like an oral exam for the disciples. Our Lord Jesus was praying in solitude and the disciples were with Him. Jesus tests His disciples with a question: "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They answered Him: for some John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the ancient prophets.

After hearing the opinion of others about Him, our Lord asks the apostles the pivotal question: "But who do you say that I am?"

Always quick to react, Peter answers by professing that Jesus is truly "the Christ of God." Peter

recognizes that Jesus is the one whom the people are waiting for, and that He comes to fulfill the promise of old. Now no mortal being could have revealed this truth to Peter but only God Himself. It was through faith that Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. Thus, Peter has the distinction as the first apostle to publicly recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (meaning, Messiah or Christ). And "Christ" is the Greek translation for the Hebrew word "Messiah". So, Peter was able to pass his practical exam on our Lord's identity, through the gift of faith.

The second part of this "exam" is the requirements or demands for believing in the Messiah. Jesus Himself explained that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die in order that God's work of redemption be accomplished. How startled the disciples were when they heard this part.

And Jesus makes it clearer about the second part of their "exam". He told them, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."

What do we make of the Gospel narrative in practical life?

Our Lord Jesus tests each one of us personally with the same question in our practical exam, "Who do you say that I am?"

Like Peter we can be as quick to respond that "Jesus is the Christ of God!", that we believe that Jesus is our personal Messiah. Professing our faith in Jesus is the easier part of discipleship.

But Jesus challenges us to go deeper into the very roots of our faith. If we want to share in Christ's victory then we must deny ourselves in love, take up our cross in sacrifice, and follow Him in service.

In other words, who do we say or profess Jesus is in our personal lives is not simply by words alone but by our deeds and lifestyle as practicing Christians. This is the real challenge and it is not going to be easy, when there is the tendency, and the temptation, for some Catholics to be selective on Church's teaching that is convenient to them. But that is why the term is "practicing Christians" because we keep practicing and living our faith until we perfect it.

Do we take up the challenge of our profession of faith in the Lord Jesus?

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!