June 15, 2014 - Sunday Mass Readings and Reflection - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” – John 3:17

NO CONDEMNATION

       Live-in partners, homosexuals, someone who sleeps around, drug addicts, party animals, alcoholics, single moms, transgenders, etc.

       Do you know of anyone who may fit in one or more of the descriptions above? Maybe a colleague or an acquaintance?  Sadly, many Christians have turned their backs on them, writing them off as outcasts, sinners and deviants. We’re quick to judge and condemn them. But ironically, Christ didn’t. He chose to be among them, to understand, help and love them. And because Jesus reached out to them, it changed their lives.

Friend, we are called to do the same – not to judge but to love. Here’s how:

       Don’t condemn. Don’t reject the person, because all the more do they need our help.

       Don’t condone. Be part of their world, but don’t condone their actions. Help them overcome it.

       Conspire. Pray for them. Strategize on how you can lead them to transformation. Befriend them, just as Jesus did.

       When we do these, not only will their lives change. Ours, too, will be more like Christ’s. Mike Viñas

1^ST READING 

The Scriptures struggle to give voice to the true nature of God in His Trinitarian form. Theologians have continued that struggle for the last 2,000 years. It truly is  a mystery. However, God is not that much of a mystery such that we cannot say anything about Him. What is important is that we build on our personal experience of God with the doctrines and teachings of the Church so that we can grow in our relationship with Him.

Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9

4 Early in the morning Moses went up Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, taking along the two stone tablets. 5 Having come down  in a cloud, the Lord stood with him there and proclaimed his name, “Lord.” 6 Thus the Lord passed before him and cried out, “The Lord, the Lord, a  merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” 8 Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. 9 Then he said, “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.”

P S A LM 

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55

R: Glory and praise for ever!

29 [Dan 3:52] “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; and blessed is your  holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages. (R) 30 [Dan 3:53] Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever. (R) 31 [Dan 3:54] Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. (R) 32 [Dan 3:55]Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. (R)

2^ND READING 

Paul reminds the people of the Father’s love, the grace that comes through Jesus Christ and the fellowship or the unifying power of the Holy Spirit. The intimate relationship between the Father, Son and the Spirit is described in various places in the Gospel of John. Even though we remember the Trinity several times a day, it is difficult to comprehend the full meaning because the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we invoke constitute a great Mystery.

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

11 Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you.

GOSPEL

One of the most important witnesses of the Trinity is in the communal nature of our God. The three persons are indivisible, that is, they cannot be fully separated from each other. Yes, they are individual persons, but united in relationship such that the bonds of love between them cannot be broken. This is how it should be in our relationships with God and one another. Unfortunately, sin has damaged our capacity to love and so we have to struggle to maintain the unity that would be possible if sin was not around.

John 3:16-18

16 God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

REFLECTION 

THE MYSTERY OF LOVE

      One of the most celebrated images of the Trinity is the icon painted by Andrei Rublev in the 15th century. It depicts three angels looking into a bowl-like chalice. The two angels look towards the third angel. Interpretively, they are looking at Jesus, the only Son of God, the Anointed One sent by the Father. You will notice a hole in the altar, an open space that represents the openness of heaven to its children who have gone astray and are wandering the face of the earth. In the distance, one may notice the oak tree of Mamre, where Abraham hosted the three visitors. The temple overshadows the figures in the background. Rich in symbolism, it draws the worshipper into the mystery of the Trinity, the mystery of Love.

       Today’s Gospel is a well-known verse, short and straight to the point, but full of meaning and mystery. God the Creator — the Father — loves this world which He has created. God is interested in the life of His children. When the Triune God saw the chaos of the Earth (icon of the Trinity), God planned an awesome event that would take place in the fullness of time. His only begotten Son, Jesus, and the Second person of the Blessed Trinity, would be born like us in all things except sin. He lived, worked and ministered the love of God to many people. The love between Father and Son is manifested in the working of the Holy Spirit, the Third person of the Trinity, which is our feast today in the life of the Church.

       For John the evangelist, to see is to believe. Believing in Jesus is eternal life here and now. God desires that we place our faith and trust in His only Son, who has opened the gates of heaven by His obedience to the Father. God wants all to be saved. He desires all to have eternal life in His Kingdom. Jesus, by His death and resurrection, has saved us and set us free from the darkness of Satan’s rule. Whoever believes in Jesus will not be condemned.

       Let us profess our faith in this Triune God, opening ourselves to the mystery of Love that is God. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 "Father, mold me to always have a Christ-like heart for the lost, broken and in need."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-06-15

May 2, 2014 - Friday Mass Readings and Reflection - Multiplication of the Loaves

Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” – John 6:7

NOT ENOUGH

      As Philip responded to Jesus’ query, I imagine him taking a good look at the crowd before them, estimating how much food each person in the huge assembly would eat, and then recalling how much he used to get for a day’s work.

       He must have drawn numbers in the air and counted with his fingers (and toes even). Multiply this. Divide that. Add this. Subtract that. Until he came up with “two hundred day’s wages is not even enough.” If Philip were alive today, he surely would be a certified public accountant.

       I see a little of Philip in me. When faced with a financial need, I start computing every peso I earn and spend. Every punch in the calculator fuels a subtle belief that I can do it alone. But when the calculations show more debt than gain, I start to worry that I don’t have enough.

       Until I am reminded that, yes, my list of debts may be a mile long but God never fails to provide. I only need to have faith. If He was able to feed 5,000 people, how could He not provide for me? Osy Erica

1^ST READING

St. Athanasius, whose feast day it is today, was a great bishop of the city of Alexandria. He was a great theologian who wrote about the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity and in our lives. He spoke out against political corruption and, thus, made many powerful enemies that led to living much of his life as a bishop in exile. He refused to compromise the truth.

Acts 5:34-42

34A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, 35 and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. 37 After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. 38 So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. 39 But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. 40 After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. 41 So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.

P S A L M 

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

R: One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 4 One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple. (R)13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. (R)

GOSPEL

 

Jesus multiplies the food. This miracle indicates that the laws of nature are subject to Jesus and not the other way around. That is, God stands above the laws of nature as their Creator. This is important as it indicates that God is more than just a presence in nature as natural theology argues. He is above nature and, thus, it will submit to His commands. This also tells us that we must submit to the will and laws of God if we want to maintain good relations with Him. What is created is never greater than its creator.

John 6:1-15

1 After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. 2 A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish feast of Passover was near. 5 When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. 12 When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13 So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. 14 When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” 15 Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

REFLECTION

WHY SO MANY LEFTOVERS?

        Sometimes I wonder why there are so many leftovers after the feeding miracle. We see this in all the different Gospel accounts of this miracle. This miracle is the only one that appears in all of the Gospel accounts. Each of the Gospel writers attests to the many leftovers, so we are left to ask ourselves: Why are there so many leftovers?

       Perhaps one of the reasons for the excess in the food is to demonstrate the bounty of God — that is, God does not just provide enough. He provides far more than we would need because that is the God that He is — a God of abundant love, mercy and providence. This abundance is supposed to give us confidence that God will be equally abundant with the graces we need to sustain our spiritual lives and, if not equally abundant, then even more so.

       God did not create us just to abandon us after we let Him down through our sins. He will never abandon us, no matter how far we stray from His presence. He will always seek us out and woo us back into His presence. The abundance of God’s love for us is the reason behind the abundance of food when Jesus performs the feeding miracles. As such, let us reflect upon this message as we consider today’s Gospel.

       God’s love is something we should not place a measure on, as this only limits our capacity to receive from His infinite store of love, grace and blessings. Yes, we are limited in our capacity to receive due to our mortality, but let us not personally decide where these limits might be as I am sure that God has other ideas. After all, being our Creator, He has the capacity to increase our capability to receive His love. The message of Isaiah in Chapter 54, where we are told to increase the size of our tent, is an indication of this. Let us never limit God with our own limited expectations and shortcomings. Let us be as expansive as we can in order to receive all that He has for us. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

"Jesus, help me to expand the horizons of my thoughts and visions as to Your call upon my life so that I would never limit You from using me to do Your will in building Your Kingdom.."

Source:      http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-05-02

May 1, 2014 - Thursday Mass Readings and Reflection - Jesus of Nazareth

 

“Is he not the carpenter’s son?” – Matthew 13:55

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU

    I was in a meeting with a man whom I perceived to be disorganized. He didn’t come prepared for our meeting. As I continued to judge him, I hit the pause button. I searched deep inside: Did I hate my own disorganization? And my answer was yes!

       There are many times when I lack planning and don’t sit down and think things through. So my irritation wasn’t about this man. It was about me!

       When you meet a stranger, in the first four minutes, you form an impression of that person, just like what the people did to Jesus in today’s Gospel. You decide in four minutes what you like or don’t like. These decisions are based on facial features, tone of voice, cologne scent, and most important, your own past experiences stored in your memory bank.

       Your reactions to other people say more about you than they do about others. So, the next time you’re irritated by someone else, ask yourself: What does this irritation tell me about myself?

       If you don’t accept your own weaknesses, if you don’t accept the validity of all your emotions, positive and negative, if you don’t respect yourself, you won’t respect others. Bo Sanchez


Feast of Saint Joseph The Worker

1^ST READING 

In Catholic theology, Joseph reminds us of the dignity of work. A person without work lacks something important to his own humanity. It is in working for a living or as a volunteer that we participate in God’s creative work, and being creative is part of how God has designed us. One way we express our love for others is through our willingness to work.

Acts 5:27-33 (or Genesis 1:26-2:3 or Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24)

27 When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

P S A L M 

Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20 (or Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14, 16)

R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 19 [20] Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. (R)

GOSPEL

We should never consider one type of work better than another. A doctor has no more human dignity than a cleaner. Both jobs are essential to society. Some people get paid more for the work they do than others, but this is largely the result of sin. I believe that in a world without sin everyone would do their job, their part for the smooth working of society. We would not need money as everyone would be happy doing what they do and receiving what they need to live. Life would be a lot simpler than it is today.

John 3:31-36 (or Matthew 13:54-58)

31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 34 For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

REFLECTION

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH?

         The answer to the above question is simply that we know very little. However, the tradition of the Church has ascribed to him the title, “The Worker.” This title took on greater importance in the Church’s struggle with communist ideology in the 20th century. Ultimately, this struggle is over the meaning and place of work or human labor in relation to the dignity of the human person. In a day and age of underemployment and even unemployment, this is a crucial notion to explore. We need to ensure that we respect the right of all people to a decent job with decent conditions and decent pay. If we fail to do this, we fail those who have the least capacity to defend their rights and dignity — the poorest of the poor. We fail in one of the most fundamental aspects of our Christian calling.

       As we celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph, let us remember those who do not have gainful work, whether through their own fault or not. Let us do more than remember them and see what we can do to help right the wrongs that prevent them from having work and so express their personal dignity in and through it. Let us work for justice in the workplace as best as we can and go the extra mile to help others find a job.

       Joseph is traditionally believed to have taught Jesus the trade of  carpentry, thus giving Jesus the experience of manual labor. He was like us in all things but sin. Reflecting on the meaning of Jesus’ learning a trade is essential to situating the human person correctly at the heart of God’s creation. Human work is not just an option for us; it is essential to our self-dignity.

       In honor of St. Joseph, let us reflect on the role of work in our lives and deepen our understanding and experience of our humanity. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL 

 "Lord, help me to understand the role of work in my life and help me to appreciate any work opportunities that come my way."

Source: http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-05-01

April 30, 2014 - Wednesday Mass Readings and Reflection - God Sent His Son

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...”

 – John 3:16

GOD'S LOVE

       This particular line has always been one of my favorites among the hundreds of biblical passages that I’ve read in my lifetime. It’s very consoling, especially during moments of loneliness and bereavement.

       I remember back in 1986 when my dad was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. As soon as I knew about it, I surrendered him totally to the Lord.

       Losing someone you dearly love is beyond description. When I was a kid, one of my greatest fears was losing my dad. But as I grew older, I came to realize and understand the fact that death is indeed a part of life, that there’s an end to every beginning, that nothing in this world lasts forever. I realized that no matter how much we love a person, we will have to part ways someday.

       At my dad’s wake, amidst those wreaths and beautiful flower arrangements, one thing stood out. It was this consoling message placed beside his coffin: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son....” Dr. Henry L. Yu

1^ST READING

Would you be willing to go to jail for the sake of the Gospel? I hope so! However, there are some things that we can never really know until we are faced with them. The Apostles are not willing to compromise their faith and, thus, are jailed for proclaiming the Gospel. Let us pray for the grace to follow their example.

Acts 5:17-26

17 The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, 18 laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, 20 “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” 21 When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in. 22 But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to. 25 Then someone came in and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

P S A L M 

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

[2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 3 [4] Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R)

GOSPEL

This is an important text as it reminds us that God is always motivated by love, not revenge or impartial judgment. Knowing this gives us great hope as it removes the temptation to despair if we accept it as true. If God only desires to love us, then we can be sure of His forgiveness and of His provision for all that we need to be faithful to His will.

John 3:16-21

16 God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

REFLECTION

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

        The 10th World Youth Day that happened in Manila with the memorable presence of Blessed Pope John Paul II surely did much to make the opening lines of today’s Gospel very familiar. I bet many of us can sing until now the World Youth Day theme song. Some can probably even recall the hand gestures that go with the words. But, just thinking, how many really can understand the importance, meaning and implications of the words?

       Scholars and spiritual writers like Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the Franciscan papal confessor, suggest that it would help us a lot to understand what Jesus was saying if we can just go back and read Genesis 22:1-19. In testing the depth of Abraham’s faith, God asked him to go up Mount Moriah to sacrifice his much-awaited son of promise, Isaac, in a usual bloody human offering. We note Abraham’s prompt response. Early the next morning he went up the mountain without hesitation, with the unsuspecting Isaac carrying the wood that would be used to burn him as a human offering. But we can almost feel the inner tension inside Abraham as we reflect on his way of answering the questions of Isaac. The conversation of father and son was terse. The important thing was to prove his faith in God. Abraham was willing to sacrifice all — even his feelings — for God’s demand to be fulfilled.

       God’s great love — love that is not so so, but love that is so much — underwent similar tension. God sent Jesus with all the willingness to let Him do all for our salvation, even if God the Father knew well what this sending meant. It meant the sacrifice of dying on the cross for us. A big difference in the story: Abraham’s son, Isaac, was spared; Jesus was not. God the Father did not spare His one and only Son for us. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 "Father, when death comes in the family, remind us of Your love for us when You gave Your one and only Son. Console us in our grief."

Source: http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-04-30

April 29, 2014 - Tuesday Mass Readings and Reflection - Jesus and Nicodemus

“The wind blows where it wills… you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” — John 3:8

NO COINCIDENCES

       My friend’s house was about to be foreclosed. “Let’s see who the bank’s officers are,” he said, and then proceeded to google. The bank president’s surname sounded familiar. A call to a distant relative revealed surprise no. 1: His relative is a sister-in-law of the bank president.

       He also approached an uncle, who was a banker, for advice. A week later, surprise no. 2 came: The bank’s acquired assets manager was his uncle’s subordinate at a former job. Both promised to help. Meanwhile, my friend submitted an offer to redeem his house. And then silence. For two years, my friend tried to do everything possible to recover financially.

       January 2013 came, along with a notice to vacate his house peacefully. His wife called a cousin, hoping to sell a piece of property. But before she could make the offer, surprise no. 3 came. Her cousin’s son had just moved to the same bank and was pirated by no less than its president. More help came.

       Coincidences? I don’t think so. Rather, I believe it is God orchestrating everything that happens to fulfill His plan for us. And He sends the Holy Spirit to guide our every step. All we need to do is trust and believe. Tess V. Atienza

1^ST READING 

Unity is critical to the success of any organization. Any group that is not united will never achieve its full potential. None of us wants to waste our time when serving the Kingdom of God. Let us work together in proclaiming the Gospel, discerning what we do best and doing it, and allowing others to fill in the gaps.

Acts 4:32-37

32 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

P S A L M

Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5

R: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength; (R) And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. (R) 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (R)

GOSPEL 

The Holy Spirit’s movement in a believer’s life is likened to the wind. The air moves from a higher pressure zone to a lower pressure zone, causing a flow of air (wind). The Holy Spirit moves to where it is needed most — He knows the needs of the Church and directs the resources accordingly. Let us cooperate with the movement of the Spirit as He guides our participation in the work of the Gospel.

John 3:7-15

7 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “ ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can this happen?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? 11 Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

REFLECTION

THE WIND OF GOD

      The resurrection of Jesus is the source of our new life in God, a gift that we celebrate in baptism. It is, as Jesus has said, our birth from above. With this birth, God gives us a first installment of His many blessings. This is the Holy Spirit.

       Like the wind that is invisible, the Holy Spirit is invisible. In the same manner that we know there is wind around us, because we feel it, so too with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit manifests its presence in its fruit (cf Galatians 5:22-23) that makes us taste the beauty of life with God, and with its manifold gifts.

       In my travels around Europe, I took note of how people have maximized the wind with the use of modern windmills. Perched on top of rolling hills, modern windmills utilize the movement and strength of the wind to generate power that moves machines and produces electricity. Human genius and labor have transformed the natural gift of the wind to attain progress and development.

       The Holy Spirit is also a gift waiting to be welcomed and harnessed. Even with His best gift, God does not impose. God would always respect a gift He Himself has given us: our freedom. God waits that, in faith, we will respond. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

"Let Your Holy Spirit fall upon me, Lord, and empower me with Your gifts."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-04-29

April 28, 2014 - Monday Mass Readings and Reflection - Nicodemus Visits Jesus

 

 “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” – John 3:3

GOD EVERYWHERE

We were a quiet and solemn group as we waited patiently for our turn to pray before the statue of St. Padre Pio that late Saturday morning in Libis, Quezon City. Seated in rows at the side of the church, I could see the person in front as he or she would go to the statue, insert his or her hand through the glass window just in line with the clasped hands of Padre Pio, and pray for his or her intentions.

       My throat could not help constricting at the sight of the fervent postures of the faithful. Closing their eyes in prayer, they would stand there for a long time. Some would pray with a husband or wife, or with a little child in their arms.

       Faith is such a wonderful gift. To see the hidden kingdom, to believe that St. Padre Pio can ask God on their behalf and that the Lord will answer—that is faith indeed. What a beautiful blessing we have in the Catholic Church that we believe in the Communion of Saints—those in heaven, those in purgatory, and those on earth are united and can pray for one another.

       May the Lord grant us the grace to exercise this gift. May we continue to open our eyes to God’s hidden kingdom in the circumstances of our everyday lives. Joy Sosoban-Roa 

1^ST READING 

The Early Church faced many difficulties. It struggled to establish itself in the face of much Jewish and Roman hostility. Did the Apostles give up? Did the early converts give up? They persevered in their faith because the grace of the Holy Spirit convicted them of the truth of the Gospel.

Acts 4:23-31

23 After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. 24 And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, 25 you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant:‘Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.’ 27 Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. 29 And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

P S A L M 

Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7, 7-9

R: Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples utter folly? 2 The kings of the earth rise up, and the princes conspire together against the Lord and against his anointed. 3 “Let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us!” (R) 4 He who is throned in heaven laughs; the Lord derides them. 5 Then in anger he speaks to them; he terrifies them in his wrath: 6 “I myself have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord. (R) The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. 9 You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” (R)

GOSPEL

It is through our love for each other that people will know that we are disciples of Jesus. Without the Gospel in our lives we will merely follow the example of the world with its power plays, seeking of revenge, and so on. As Christians, we are called to the greater response of love and the power it brings to us. Let us be faithful to our calling to love one another as Christ loves us.

John 3:1-8

1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6 What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

REFLECTION

THE WOMB OF GOD

Moving away from the Easter Octave, where we revisited in our celebration of the daily Eucharist the various Gospel narratives about the appearances of Jesus risen and alive among the disciples, now we go on with the rest of the seven weeks of Easter. This journey towards Pentecost invites us to reflect daily on the fruits and consequences of the resurrection of Jesus to our faith.

       This week we read through the evening encounter of Jesus with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. This story, according to the reckoning of John, happened early in the public ministry of Jesus. His reputation rising among the people who heard Him preach, Jesus was sought out by Nicodemus. They discussed a lot about the need of being born “from above.”

       The Church consistently believes and preaches that the Sacrament of Christian baptism is that reality of being “born from above.” In this sacrament, we are “born in water and Spirit.” Baptismal water cleanses sin, and the anointing with the chrism oil symbolizes the giving of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament draws origin in Jesus’ resurrection, where we die to sin and rise to newness of life with Jesus.

       Easter is then not only an event for Jesus; it is our big season, too. Easter is the origin of our baptism, and its last day — Pentecost — is the Church’s birthday. The baptismal font is the womb of God — giving birth to new children of God whose ultimate citizenship is heaven. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 "Dear Jesus, open my eyes to Your presence, Your power and Your reign all around me. May I be a living witness of Your glory."

Source: http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-04-28

April 27, 2014 - Divine Mercy Sunday Mass Readings and Reflection - Jesus Appears To The Apostles

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them. – John 20:19

EXPECTING THE OBVIOUS

   Granny goes into a Jollibee outlet and orders coffee with honey. “Sorry, Lola, we don’t serve honey,” the waiter answered. Adamant,

grandma raises her eyebrows and demands, “You have a giant red bee outside your restaurant and you’re telling me you don’t have any honey?!”

       Just like Lola, we also ask God for the obvious because we believe we need it. In today’s reading, though, Jesus does what is not obvious. He appears in spite of the locked doors in ways the disciples did not expect. Why? Because He needs to give His disciples more than what is obvious. He needs to give them what is necessary.

       Jesus appears to us in many different ways — as a Bringer of Peace, Giver of the Spirit, Proof of the Resurrection, Messiah, Son of God…. Rarely does He come to us in ways that are obvious. But let’s never overlook two things: One, that He will give us exactly what we hope to get; and two, whatever He gives us and however He gives it, appreciate that His Presence is blessing enough for us. Rod Velez 

1^ST READING 

The sense of community among the Early Christians was very strong as related in the Acts of the Apostles. This is probably due to the fact that for the first three centuries the Church was persecuted and so supporting one another was a very high priority. Even if the threat of persecution is gone, we should continue our support and concern for one another.

Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

P S A L M 

Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

R: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

2 Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy endures forever.” (R) 13 I was hard pressed and was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 15 The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just: (R) 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. (R)

2^ND READING 

What a great image of faith — “an indescribable and glorious joy.” If only we could capture such an experience more regularly. Sometimes we are the Gospel’s worst enemies in that we do not live with the joy that we should have, knowing the gift of God’s mercy and love. We should always be joyful because, no matter what situation we are in, God is with us to strengthen us and give us victory.

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. 6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

GOSPEL
 

Thomas may have doubted at first but then he was humble enough to admit he was wrong to doubt. Let us pray for the humility of Thomas in facing our own mistakes. Let us never despair in our sinfulness because we believe in a God who has overcome the power of sin through His resurrection.

John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” 30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

REFLECTION

INNER PEACE IS BEST

        It is striking to note that the usual greeting of the Risen Lord to His disciples was “Peace be with you!” By this, He indicates peace that is not external, or peace that is without problems and conflicts. In truth, the disciples will have more of the conflicts and tensions as they go about spreading the Gospel of Jesus to nations. All the Apostles, except John, will in fact suffer violent death through martyrdom. John himself will be caught, tortured, imprisoned and exiled. Jesus, thus, refers to peace in one’s heart and spirit.

       With Jesus simple words — “Peace be with you” — He was ministering to each of the disciples. The crucifixion shattered their confidence. They saw their Master die, and they were all living in constant fear that they will soon be next. The narrative that we read today says that the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Thomas had even deeper wounds to nurse. He had put his trust and his everything in Jesus. Once, in the midst of threats on Jesus’ life, Thomas was able to say before all the disciples: “If the Master goes to Jerusalem to die, let us go to die with him” (cf John 11:16). This much he believed in the power of Jesus. But then, the crucifixion and death of Jesus shattered his confidence in Jesus’ power. Depressed by everything, he uttered: “Unless I see... I will not believe” (v. 25).

       Jesus breathed on the disciples, reminiscent of Genesis 2:7, when God breathed on the first man to communicate His life to him. With His words that seemed like a customary greeting in those times, Jesus restores confidence and inner peace to the disciples. From this, they draw the strength to go and preach the truth about Jesus, no matter what.

       This Sunday, as we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday, let us ask Jesus to visit us and all our beloved with His best gift — inner peace. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 "Grant me Your peace, Lord — the peace that transcends all tribulations and conflicts."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-04-27