February 28, 2014 - Friday Mass Readings and Reflection - The Sanctity of Matrimony

Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” - Mark 10:9

MR. COOL

We consider blessed those who have persevered... – James 5:11

      Quality guru Edward Deming said, “Put a good man in a bad environment... The environment always wins.”

       The first company I worked for had a great culture. It treated people well. It was well organized, structured and systematized. As a result, I was excelling on many fronts. People said I was Mr. Cool... or at least I thought I was!

       Years later, I found myself in another big company but this time in a higher position with a lot more perks. I had a company car, a big office, a potted plant in my office, a secretary, managers reporting to me, housing benefits, the works! But I was unhappy. It was a toxic environment where people didn’t respect each other. I couldn’t function well. The once Mr. Cool was now Mr. Stress. And I was stressing out my staff too. My boss shouted, so I did too. He cussed and, shamefully, I occasionally did too. Thankfully, I got out of there — in location and hopefully in habit!

       So, was Deming right after all? In the absence of God’s grace, yes, definitely. But in the eyes of faith, it was an opportunity for me to prove my Christianity and God’s persevering grace in my life. To respond instead of react. To be peaceful amidst raging waters. To be Mr. Cool in spite of stress. Ariel Driz 

1^ST READING

 

 

The life of a prophet is never easy. He or she is called to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, no matter what reception they may get in the world. Read through thebooks of the prophets in the Old Testament. You will see that their lives were often difficult and full of suffering. We are called to be prophets; actually, at baptism, we were all anointed as prophets. Let us not be afraid to speak the truth of the Gospel, no matter how unpopular it may be.

 

James 5:9-12

9 Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” 12 But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that you may not incur condemnation.

 

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 3 He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Marriage is a special kind of relationship. Because children are involved, it is appropriate that marriage has an enduring quality. Marriage is not just another thing we get, consume, and then throw away when we tire of it. Marriage is meant to endure. It is the bedrock foundation of society.

 

 

Mark 10:1-12

1 Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. 2 The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. 3 He said to them in reply, “What did  Moses command you?” 4 They replied, “Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 5 But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 10 In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

REFLECTION

 

SALT AND LIGHT. YES AND NO.

 

         Let me use yesterday’s Gospel about the metaphor of “salt and light” as a vantage point for our reflection on the readings today. What does being “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” really mean? How exactly can we accomplish that great task of following Christ?

       “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” We need to be preserved by our saltiness, and let others be preserved by our own. Sometimes, we just have the inclination to blend into the world and avoid the cost of standing up for what is right for fear of rejection, hurt, failures. But we need to be constantly on guard of our distinctive saltiness, for when we lose it, we become worthless.

       It also points to Jesus as the Source of the light that we should allow to shine at a place where it can be seen and most useful. Without a power source, we cannot be light. It is futile even to attempt to be a light on our own because soon our energy will be consumed and we will be powerless. Hence, our true role as followers of Jesus is to reflect His light so others will be drawn to the Source and not to us, the instruments. In all of the Bible’s references to light, light is not self-generated. As a symbol, light pictures the simultaneous transcendence and immanence of God: it is from above, but it permeates everyday life.

       The readings today remind us that our “yes” should always be a “yes” and our “no” a “no,” and “what God has joined together, no human must separate.” We cannot proclaim our love for one another and not become its witnesses and defenders. We need to constantly aspire to become “salt” and light,” beginning in our relationships. We cannot say we love our partner, and be unwilling to sacrifice for the sake of this love.

       May our “yes” to love be a complete “yes,” one that is willing to be “salt” which preserves, seasons and heals, and be “light” which exposes, reveals and shines. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 "Lord Jesus, may we learn to value and safeguard the sanctity of matrimony."

Source:   http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-28

February 27, 2014 - Thursday Mass Readings and Reflection - Cut It Off Whatever Causes Us To Sin

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.” – Mark 9:43 

SIN IS SIN

         On our way home from my parents’ house in Quezon City, we passed along Gov. Forbes Street in Manila towards Nagtahan Bridge.

       When we came to a halt due to the stoplight, we saw three teenage boys who stole various items from the pickup truck that was in front of us. We blew our horn to call the truck driver’s attention. But the traffic light turned green so we all just drove ahead.

       At other times, we witnessed the same scene in Araneta Ave. and also on C-5 Road. Those boys seemed to have mastered stealing items from vehicles. They even seemed to enjoy doing it! For whatever reason they may have, what they did was against one of God’s 10 commandments.

       Then it dawned on me. There are sins which we might be enjoying doing over and over again. But for whatever justification we may have, sin is sin. Thus, we must muster the courage to say no to it. Sol M. Saura

1^ST READING

 

Wealth is not inherently bad; it is simply inherently dangerous. It is a source of temptation to self-sufficiency and a possible distraction to our seeing and doing the work that God has for us. We know material pursuits can consume our time and efforts. It is easy to neglect our faith and find our time consumed by the ways and things of the world. The more wealth we have, the greater the danger.

 

James 5:1-6

1 Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. 2 Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become  moth-eaten, 3 your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. 4 Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

 

 

P S A L M 

 

Psalm 49:14-15, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20

R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

13 [14] This is the way of those whose trust is folly, the end of those contented with their lot: 14 [15] like sheep they are herded into the nether world; death is their shepherd, and the upright rule over them. (R) Quickly their form is consumed; the nether world is their palace. 15 [16] But God will redeem me from the power of the nether world by receiving me. (R) 16 [17] Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, 17 [18] for when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down. (R) 18 [19] Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed, “They will praise you for doing well for yourself,” 19 [20] he shall join the circle of his forebears who shall never more see light. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus warns us about the effects of the example we give to others, especially to children. He tells us to be sure that the example we give is one that is truly worthy of the name “Christian.” We will be held responsible for the bad example we give to others. We need to do our best to ensure that we live holy and righteous lives that will not be stumbling blocks for others.

 

 

Mark 9:41-50

41 Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his  reward. 42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. [44] 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. [46] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 “Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

REFLECTION

 

WHAT COMPLETES YOU?

 

        What are the things you can’t live without? I suppose the list is endless. There are many things without which we would feel incomplete. We cannot live without a computer, Internet or cable TV, but these things also have taken so much of our time. We have less time to pray and less quality time with our families; we become less interactive and less receptive to the needs of other people. Something fills our lives but something is also taken away.

       We cannot live without money. We all need it, but to some it has become the very reason for existence. Some people would do everything for money. And then there are influential people who cannot live without power. They want to perpetuate themselves in power while the poor have become used to living as mere subjects to local royalties.

       If any of these things cause us to sin, we have become slaves. They never did complete us. On the other hand, they have rendered us spiritually disabled. Thus, the Lord’s drastic stand: Cut them off. It’s better for us to enter heaven incomplete than throw our souls to hell.

       In our quest for a better life, we are trapped in the devil’s net. In our desire to be complete, we drift away from God. Our life will never be complete apart from and without Him. Longing for Him and eliminating things that hinder our full relationship with Him is the sure way to experience completeness. No matter how difficult it is to give up certain perks and luxuries, we will only get to know God and what it means to be complete when we have nothing, long for nothing, and know nothing but God!

       In the absence of all these, when they are cut off in our lives, we become desperate. Philip Yancey writes in The Jesus I Never Knew, “We are all desperate and that is, in fact, the only state appropriate to a human being who wants to know God. Having fallen from the absolute Ideal, we have nowhere to land but in the safety net of absolute Grace.” Only He can complete us! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

"Lord, I consecrate my whole self to You. Make me do everything right for love of You and for Your greater honor and glory."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-27

February 26, 2014 - Wednesday Mass Readings and Reflections - Anyone Who Is Not Against Us Is For Us

 

 You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. – James 4:14

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

       A wake has a way of making you reflect on your life. Especially if the person you’re visiting died young.

       The other day, I came from two wakes. One was for a 50-year-old businesswoman who had left behind a husband, their five-year-old son, and their barely one-year-old dream house. The other was for a 95-year-old grandma who had left behind three children, 14 grandkids and 16 great grandkids.

       Comparing the two women, it’s easy to think that my friend who died in her 50s had her life cut short. She could have had so many other experiences and accomplished many other dreams. I couldn’t help but think of the plans she had made with her husband that will remain unfulfilled. I also thought of the many years her son will grow up missing his mother. But knowing how my friend lived and died, I can say that she faithfully stewarded the years that the Lord had entrusted to her.

       In the end, it’s not how many years we lived but how we lived those years. Whether we live long or not, we want to leave behind a legacy of faithfulness for those who will come after us. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

1^ST READING

 

What really matters in life? Is it the amount of money we hope to make in a lifetime? Is it the acclaim of the world regarding how brilliant we are at a particular sport or intellectual pursuit? Is it whether or not we gain eternal life? The former things are for this world only — we cannot take any of it with us when we die. Eternal life is forever. This is what James reminds us of in the reading today. He is not saying that we should not work hard at our jobs but he is encouraging us to keep things in their proper perspective.

 

James 4:13-17

13 Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit — 14 you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. 15 Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” 16 But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.

 

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11

R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

1 [2] Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all who dwell in the world, 2 [3] of lowly birth or high degree, rich and poor alike. (R) 5 [6] Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 6 [7] They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 7 [8] Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 8 [9] too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 9 [10] to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 10 [11] For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus is not worried about competition if it is about the truth. If someone is truly working for the Kingdom of God, we should help them and not hinder them, even if we may not totally agree with them in every aspect of doctrine and belief. If the basis is there for a healthy relationship, it does not matter that the relationship is not yet perfect.

 

 

Mark 9:38-40

38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” think: If someone is truly working for the Kingdom of God, we should help them and not hinder them. 39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.”

REFLECTION

 

HE WILLS

 

       In high school, groups of seminarians would go to our school to conduct vocation campaigns and awareness seminars. But I particularly remember the leaders of Youth Marian Crusade, especially Aloy Aliño (now a priest of the Diocese of Cubao) who quoted today’s First Reading: “You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. Instead, say, ‘If the Lord wills it.’”

       It lingered with me for some time but made a shallow impact on me then, until Jesus manifested His personal call to me to the priesthood. At that time, when I was seriously considering priesthood, it was clear to me that I wanted to be a missionary, without fully realizing what it meant or what it would require. Growing up, I had a fascination to be in mission. I enjoyed participating in immersion and outreach programs. I was attracted to the immense possibility of the world outside my comfort zone.

       I eventually entered the Our Lady of the Angels Franciscan Seminary where, inspired by the missionary heart of St. Francis and his followers, I was introduced to the fascinating challenge of foreign missions.

       But the Lord had another plan. I did not become a missionary in a foreign land. Instead, my assignments as a priest were in Pasig, Malabon, and eventually in Tondo, where I was pastor of different parishes for almost 19 years. I had no idea how I would turn out; I only knew that whoever and whatever I am today, it is because of the Lord. Because He willed it. He wills it.

       Looking back, most people who knew me then said that my decision to enter the seminary was radical. I thought so, too. In fact, I considered myself anything but priestly. But that is precisely how Jesus called His first disciples. He chose, and made them worthy, no matter how radical it all seemed. And like how I was inspired years ago to take the first step to respond to His call to the priesthood, may I also be a testimony to others, now as a priest, in following Him concretely through active witnessing to His love — to always be for Him, and Him alone. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 "Lord Jesus, may I always be ready to obey Your will."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-26

February 25, 2014 - Tuesday Mass Readings and Reflection - The Greatest In The Kingdom

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. – James 4:10

 

MAKEOVER

       There they were, a panel of judges, looking at me from head to toe. “You desperately need a haircut.” “Your polo makes you look forgettable.” “Wear contact lenses instead.”

       I was at a professional development seminar and going through the roughest judgment of my life. Outside, I was smiling, but inside, I was dissenting. Suddenly, the emcee announced, “We’d like to surprise you with a makeover!”

     The next 30 minutes was the biggest (and fastest) transformation of my life! I fitted new clothes. Then I was given an eight-minute haircut. Finally, I was taught how to carry myself. Here’s the scary part: I was never allowed to look at myself so I was initially resisting the makeover.

       But when the doors opened, I stood there with my friends, awestruck. I walked in with a regained confidence that came from an openness to change and willingness to trust.

       God wants to do a makeover in our lives, too. He has prepared a whole wardrobe that will make us perfect in His eyes. But many times, we resist these changes. They seem too radical, too weird, too difficult. But are you willing to be a child and just surrender to His perfection and grace? Migs Ramirez 

1^ST READING

  

Altruism is an important part of being a disciple of Jesus. This means that we learn to be concerned about the needs of others and not just our own. Our faith is most truly expressed through our concern for others. Look at the example of Jesus. He tells us during His ministry in both word and deed, that He came not to be served but to serve. This must become the basis for our life of discipleship. Let us seek how we can best serve in the Kingdom of God.

 

 

James 4:1-10

1 Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? 2 You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. 3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says, “The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy?” 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.

 

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23

R: Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

6 [7] And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest. 7 [8] Far away I would flee; I would lodge in the wilderness. (R) 8 [9] “I would wait for him who saves me from the violent storm and the tempest.” 9 [10] Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels. (R) In the city I see violence and strife; 10 [11] day and night they prowl about upon its walls. (R) 22 [23] Cast your care upon the Lord, and he will support you; never will he permit the just man to be disturbed. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus makes it very clear that following Him will not be easy. This is the second of the “take up your cross and follow Me” passages. There is a cost involved in following Jesus. For the martyrs, the cost was their lives. This will probably not happen to us, but in some ways the daily martyrdom of obedience to God’s Word, if we truly take it up seriously, is just as difficult.

 

 

Mark 9:30-37

30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, 37“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

REFLECTION

 

THE GREAT AND THE SERVANT,

THE FIRST AND THE LAST

 

      A visit to the Obizpado de Cubao is always a pleasant experience for me. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco would joyfully welcome me and other visiting priests. He would walk me to my car at the parking area and wave goodbye until I have left. Dining with him is another story. He puts food on my plate and serves me whatever I want for drinks. And then he would put out all the possible “to go” items that I could bring home with me.

       And there’s the late Msgr. Ceferino Sanchez, a housemate at the Cardinal Sin Welcome Home. When my psoriasis was at its worst, he bought an ointment prescribed to him by a dermatologist. Not only that, he lovingly applied the ointment to my wounds with his bare hands. Oh, how I cried at his deathbed. (By the way, I’m now psoriasis-free!)

       Jesus says in the Gospel, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Pope Francis exemplifies this call of the Gospel. Following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, he commits himself to the service of the poor, the least and the last. He washed and kissed the feet of prisoners, AIDS patients and inmates at a youth rehabilitation center. He is a servant at heart.

       As a parish priest, I was used to being served until I moved to my present residence, where I get to serve at Mass like a sacristan, help another priest read the sacramentary, prepare things for the Holy Hour, visit and cheer up the bedridden housemates. I may not have the heart of a servant yet, but I enjoy playing the supporting role to other priests.

       Receiving a child in Jesus’ name means serving the little ones, the voiceless, the powerless. It means seeing Jesus in them and  serving Him in them. It was one great challenge that the Lord gave His Apostles in their quest for greatness — the same path on which we are invited to journey. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 "Lord, pour Your grace upon me as I humble myself to see the new things You want me to experience each day, and
help me to find joy not in greatness but in humble service to others."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-25

February 24, 2014 - Monday Mass Readings and Reflections - The Power Of Prayer

“If you can!” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

PRAYER IS FUEL

      I have a weird tendency to ask God for something big, but at that pivotal moment that He answers my prayer, I’d become fearful. Thoughts that I didn’t deserve the blessing would fill my mind or I’d doubt whether I had what it takes to accomplish what was set before me.

       One recent incident was when I declared to God that I wanted to proclaim His Word and become a lay preacher. Then one day, our Feast builder, who heads our prayer meeting, told me that he wanted me to start preaching at our gathering. I was excited, but at the same time I panicked and became fearful.

      I offered to God my concerns and He assured me that He would equip me. Since then, constant prayer and communion with Him have fueled my preaching and my whole life.

       No matter what you’re facing right now, bring your apprehensions before the Lord. Prayer can restore your joy and even propel you to reach greater success. JPaul Hernandez

1^ST READING

 

One of the signs of true righteousness is peace. This makes a lot of sense because love, the basis of righteousness, will always work for enduring peace in the world. If we examine all the fruits of the Spirit, we will see that they contribute to peace in one way or another. This means that if we work for true peace in our relationships and within our communities, we will automatically grow in love and righteousness as well.

 

James 3:13-18

13 Beloved: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

 

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R: The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

7 [8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 14 [15] Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Prayer is an important part of our faith. It is essential to harnessing fully the graces God has given us. The grace of God is rarely something that benefits the individual alone — it is to be shared with others in some way or another. Even if a particular grace is personal, one’s growth in embracing the grace will benefit those around him as it will change him for the better.

 

 

Mark 9:14-29

14 As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. 15 Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” 19 He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” 20 They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. 21 Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” 24 Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” 25 Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” 26 Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. 28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

REFLECTION

 

INVESTING IN PRAYER

 

     More and more today, we are exposed to the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) culture. This is a good thing because it allows us to move beyond our perceived abilities, and to strive to come up with something unique through our own efforts. In a sense, we can say that we are involved in what we do because we are part of it not only in the planning but more so in the execution.

       Take for example the painting of a house. Today, we are more inclined to do the painting or repainting job ourselves. Not only is it practical, it is also fun to do! But, as in anything, one needs to know what to prepare beforehand. Before doing any painting job, we need to make sure we have scraped, filed, sanded and cleaned the wall. After that, and probably the most important, we have to apply a primer. We cannot skip these prerequisites. If we do, we will have a finished product that is either seriously flawed or may not work at all. Imagine your wall paint peeling off in front of your eyes, or seeing bubbles or rough surfaces after you have finished the job.

       We can create something we can be truly proud of if we take the time to prepare. The same applies to what we read in the Gospel today. At the end of the passage, a disciple of Jesus asks, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” And Jesus mentioned a prerequisite: prayer. We cannot expect to heal, do miracles, drive out bad spirits, or anything, if we are not men of prayer like Jesus.

       We need to invest time for prayer if we want to see fruits in our ministry. While it is easy to put together projects for the poor, for the underprivileged and the needy, as in painting a house, we need to have these integrated with prayer, a necessary prerequisite, and to ultimately lead them to prayer, as an act of thanksgiving and praise to God. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 "Jesus, I open myself to Your Spirit so that I may truly understand the full power of prayer."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-24

February 23, 2014 - Sunday Mass Readings and Reflection - Love Your Enemies and Pray For Those Who Persecute You

 

 “Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn away from the one who borrows from you.” – Matthew 5:42

GENEROUS WITH GOD'S GENEROSITY

      God’s prolific giving always amazes me. I’ve been at the receiving end of His generosity, shown through people who have given to me of their time, talent and resources.

       One of the most memorable generous deeds I received was from my friend Irma. When she heard about our family’s financial woes, she gave me a check, the amount of which enabled me to pay for an outstanding debt. She told me that she had sensed from the Lord that she should give me that specific amount and immediately did as she was told, out of obedience to Him and her desire to help me.

       The generosity shown to me by both God and man is my motivation to be generous to others, too. While I am a woman of simple means, still I trust that the moment someone asks and I decide to give, God blesses my giving. I trust Him to provide for my needs as I strive to also help those in need. I trust that I can be generous with His generosity.

       After all, everything that I have is from our generous Father. He began the unending cycle of giving and I just do my best to “pay it forward.” Dina Pecaña 

1^ST READING 

A holy life is the goal for all Christians. What does it mean to be holy? It means to live in imitation of Jesus. This is why it is so important to have a strong and committed prayer life, reading the Scriptures as often as we can. This is how we get to know who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. Without it, left to our own devices, we will struggle to understand how to live according to His example.

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy. 17 “You shall not bear hatred for your brother and sister in your heart. Though you may have to reprove your fellow citizen, do not incur sin because of him. 18 Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

P S A L M 

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 3 He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 10 Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. (R) 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. (R)

2^nd READING 

That we are temples of the Holy Spirit is an incredible reality that we should reflect upon often. I am sure our parents have told us at one time or another to respect the fact that we are in a church and to act accordingly. Think about it — Christ dwells in us and we are His temple. This truth, if nothing else, ought to inspire us to live holy lives out of respect to Him, who lives within us and guides us.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

16 Brothers and sisters: Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. 18 Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written: “He catches the wise in their own ruses,” 20 and again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” 21 So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, 22 Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, 23 and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

GOSPEL

The Gospel is a challenge to live in its fullest expression. If you are going to embrace something, then you may as well do it properly and embrace its fullness and not just bits and pieces as they are convenient. We should not pick and choose what we like about God’s call for us but embrace it in its entirety. The degree to which we can embrace this is the degree to which we will become saints.

Matthew 5:38-48

38 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? 48 So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

REFLECTION

(HALF) BROTHER AND THE RAGING NANAY

       Nanay was a tough woman. A true-blooded disciplinarian. Strict and straightforward. Hers was the only voice we would obey in the house.  I have a half-brother, who is as old as I am and almost looks like me but looks exactly like Tatay. Nanay knew about him but would rather not talk about the issue. My siblings and I would go out with him in secret, lest we catch her ire. He and his mother were Nanay’s enemies. Until she attended the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar and joined a local Charismatic community. She mellowed down.

       Then one day, my half-brother decided to pay me a visit in my parish. I was out. Nanay was there. Tatay was there. Tatay introduced them to each other. My half-brother told them about his forthcoming wedding.

       Consequently, Nanay required all my siblings to attend the wedding of our brother (no longer half-brother). She also did. Face to face with the other woman, she initiated an exchange of pleasantries. Later on, at the baptism of my brother’s son, Nanay was the doting mother who entertained the guests and supervised the food. She had learned to love her enemies. When Nanay died, the first floral arrangement came from this brother of mine with the words, “Alaala ng Anak, Manugang at mga Apo.”

       I credit Nanay’s change of heart to the new life in the Spirit she received. But more than this, she discovered the liberating effect of forgiveness. While it is easier and fulfilling to get even, there is untold joy in being able to “love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.” The challenge is to love those for whom we harbor ill feelings and who are most difficult to love, accept and forgive. Doing so makes us true children of the Father.

       A friend once asked me why she always seems to cross paths with a person she hates. The more that she wishes to avoid her, the more she would accidentally meet her. I told her it’s God who makes them meet — for them to make time for forgiveness and for old wounds to be healed. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 "Lord Jesus, touch my heart and soften it so that I may learn to forgive."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2014-02-23