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Ang pagtanggap sa panauhin ay sadyang nakakabagabag kundi man nakakaligalig. Subalit pinapapaalala sa atin ng linggong ito ang dalawang bagay sa pakikipag -ugnayan natin kay Hesus. Una, hindi natin siya panauhin para maligalig tayo, ikalawa, siya ang ating pagkaing nagbibigay buhay.
Jesus led the scholar not with an expected Scriptural provision. Instead of offering a legal definition, Jesus tells a story. Jesus, who was so immersed with people, must have known so many stories from the ground. So he narrated an anecdote to answer the scholar.
When we began our Novitiate, a Polish Redemptorist priest guided our group in a weeklong retreat. He was, technically speaking, our retreat master. But I can never forget what he said to us right before he presided the opening Mass: “The Holy Spirit is our ‘retreat master.’ In fact, the Holy Spirit is the true Master of your Novitiate journey.”
On a sweltering Holy Wednesday morning, under the cruel scorching heat of the sun, this was sacred time indeed to present a creative portrayal of the Passion and Death of Jesus on the streets of Manila. It was not your traditional Way of the Cross. It had a disturbing message. Its feel, unsettling. Its purpose, to confound the watcher. It was another way of presenting the Filipino people’s suffering. This multi-sectoral gathering represented by laborers, teachers, health workers, the urban poor community leaders and members and other lay church workers have given space for a presentation of a profound “people’s interpretation” of the Gospel’s telling of the Passion and Death of Jesus. The “Kalbaryo ng Maralita” (Calvary of the Impoverished and Marginalized) is a new way for deeply reflecting on the Filipino people’s situation.
As we approach Holy Week, the readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on renewal and justice. In our country, where the wounds from extrajudicial killings (EJK) are still fresh and legal events continue to stir strong emotions, these readings remind us of the importance of both justice and hope.
For so long we have shielded and protected David and Eli from what happened with their “lost” sons. We still do so with today’s Davids and Elis.
In the account of the Transfiguration in Luke 9:28-36, there are numerous elements that invite deeper reflection. Often, discussions center on the events leading up to the transfiguration, the selection of only three disciples from the twelve to accompany Jesus, the significance of Moses and Elija’s presence, and the symbolism of the clouds. However, what is frequently overlooked is the transformation of Jesus’ face and clothing, which serves as the true indicator of the Transfiguration.
Today, as we face an election that could shape our democracy, we must not remain passive observers. The call of Christ is to descend from our comfort zones and engage in the realities of the suffering and struggling masses. We cannot afford to be apathetic.
In the First Reading from Isaiah (6:1-8), the prophet Isaiah has a powerful vision of God’s holiness. He sees the Lord in all His glory and is overwhelmed by His presence. Isaiah realizes his own unworthiness and sins, but instead of being turned away, God purifies him and calls him to be His messenger. Isaiah’s response is simple yet profound: “Here am I, send me.”
The Baptism of the Lord is more than a thing to remember or a period in Jesus’ life – it is a powerful reminder to reflect on how His baptism shapes our very being. It invites us to examine our purpose as the baptized. It is challenging us to step beyond comfort , and embody a solidarity that responds to the cries of a world yearning for justice, peace, and hope.
When the album Folklore was released on July 2020, it was just months after Covid 19 affected the entire world. Taylor Swift isolated herself in those days, but aloneness proved to be fertile ground for a revelation. One song stood out among those included in the album. In this poetic, lyrical piece, Swift “empathizes with doctors and nurses, who served the affected despite their harrowing work, and mental trauma they have to experience while handling the loss of human lives.”
Our Gospel reading this first Sunday of Advent is intriguing. How can we connect this to our preparation for the Messiah’s birthday on Christmas, and to our preparations for the second coming–the End of Days, as some people believe it will be?
In the year 600 BC, the kingdoms of Jerusalem and Judah found themselves subjugated, first by the Egyptian and then by the Babylonian empires. The empires, as ruling authorities, had control over various aspects of governance. They dictated policies, imposed heavy taxes, and appointed tyrannical vassal kings, with all facets of rule falling under their command.
By living out our faith actively in these difficult times, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and we continuously prepare to what lies ahead. After all, in the passage lies a hidden message of hope and salvation: the moment when God will gather His people, bringing them together from all corners of the earth, safe in His presence and assured of His promise of deliverance and peace.
Death anniversary noon ni Pinky, ang aking matalik na kaibigan, nag pasya kaming dumalaw sa kanilang probinsya sa Pangasinan. Halos 12 years din ako na di nakabalik doon, dalawang marunong mag-drive ang aking sinama. Yung isa, waze ang tinitingnan, tinuro kami sa isang daan na dead end naman. Kaya nag desisyon ang isang kasama namin na magtanong tanong, at natunton namin ang bahay nila Pinky. Mahusay ang makabagong panahon upang mapabilis ang ating mga gawain subalit lumilikha naman ito ng paglayo natin sa kapwa. Ang mensahe ni Hesus ay lumaganap noong ipinahayag ito ng iba at hindi lang sa limitadong kanyang mga kaibigan at isang paraan. Sa ating panahon, kinikilala natin na mabisa ang social media, subalit mabisa pa rin ang malawak na kayang maabot ng pakikipag k’wentuhan at malalim na pakikipag-kapwa.
One of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever heard about the depth of our knowledge of the Lord goes like this: Before starting the day’s business, the presiding judge called on anyone from the courtroom who knew Psalm 23 and requested to share it at the front.
Psalm 15 asks- “Who shall abide in God’s sanctuary?” “ Those who walk blameless and do what is right and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue and do no evil to their friends nor take up a reproach against their neighbors. . .” “…Who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.” “Ang mga ganitong tao ay mag-aani ng tagumpay!”
The phenomenon of Church people leaving or abandoning the Church has become a normal event in the life of the Church, particularly in developed countries as well as in developing nations. This crisis is nothing new to us today but somehow began in the early years of Christianity. The gospel of John affirmed this crisis: “… many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” This provoked Jesus to confront the Twelve: “Do you also want to leave?”
Typhoon Carina and monsoon rains have both had an impact on the country in recent days. Metro Manila experienced the worst flooding in most places, resulting in damage to people’s lives, homes, and livelihoods. River water levels surged as a result of severe rainfall. Many people needed shelter, food, and clothing for the next few days. People are desperate for even the most basic essentials.
The 71-year old congregation to which I belong to, took a hit early 2023 when many of our members seceded in relation to a wider struggle of the church that is dividing the institution globally. Despite being relatively small in number, we decided to move on with new leadership and vowed to continue serving and worshipping as those who came before us did. In my view, this experience has broken an old “banga”, which was molded from the grounds by diverse communities of faith journeys and witnessing experiences.
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