December 29, 2013 Sunday, Mass Readings and Reflection - Feast Of The Holy Family

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord."  
 -Colossians 3:20

1^ST READING 

The nuggets of wisdom we find in the Book of Ecclesiasticus have eternal value, if interpreted and understood correctly. As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, let us remember to be grateful for the blessing of our family as a gift from God. It is good to think about this once in a while because I am sure we will find something, if not many things, for which to be grateful. No matter how difficult our experience of family life is and has been, there are always blessings to be found if we look hard enough.

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. 3 Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not all the days of his life; 14 kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sin — a house raised in justice to you.

P S A L M 

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

1 Blessed is everyone who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R) 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (R) 4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)

2^nd READING 

A group or society is built on the love that people are willing to show and express to one another. True love always directs us towards the other — the one to be loved, whether that be God Himself or another person. In this way, we see that love creates a sense of community by drawing people together, often over and above mere choice, into relationships that are more than mere affection or attraction. We do not choose our family members — they are there by default. Let us seek to have the best possible relationships with all the members of our families.

Colossians 3:12-21

12 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

GOSPEL

As a child, Jesus lived in obedience to His parents. Obedience tends to be a “no go” word in society today. It is seen to be in conflict with the modern understanding of freedom. However, this is a totally false notion — both the modern concept of freedom as “freedom from…,” i.e., whatever it is that’s trying to enslave us, and also how we understand the concept of obedience as contrary to freedom. Biblically speaking, obedience to God’s will is what frees us from everything else that would enslave us to a life of sin. Ironically, it is only through obedience that we are capable of acting freely.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. 23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazorean.”

REFLECTION

THE BLESSING OF FAMILY

 

           I was at an open air concert many years ago. During the interlude, I noticed a young boy wandering around the park looking for his parents. In a state of angst he cried out, “Mommy,” in the midst of the multitude. In one moment, the whole crowd cried out in pity for the child who had been separated from his parents. Soon, the child was reunited with his mother. The crowd of people cried out in delight and made their relief known through a sudden round of applause. Similarly, the Gospel tells of Mary’s desperation in looking for her Son.

       They were returning from the Passover. Usually, families would gather in groups and head back home. Thus, Mary and Joseph presumed that Jesus was with their cousins going home. To their shock and amazement, Jesus was nowhere in sight. Can you imagine the desperation of Mary as she searched for her child? Any mother will identify with her. Meanwhile, Jesus is unaware of their trouble. Upon finding Jesus in the temple, Mary expresses her concern that she had not known of his whereabouts. Luke comments that Jesus went home with them and lived under their authority.

       Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. We thank God for bringing us into a family, where we can live and learn the ways of God. One of the commandments is that we honor our mother and father, those who have given us life. They are representatives of God, entrusted with the right and duty to exercise care and concern over our lives. We are to submit to their authority during our years of development. The family should be a great school whereby we learn to love and live according to the ways of God. Of course, each family is unique in the eyes of God. Each family has its own weaknesses, sins, secrets and traditions. Through the birth of Jesus, we are born into another family that is the family of God, the Church. We are to submit our lives to God our Father in obedience and faithful love. In God’s family, we learn to be busy with the Father’s business, placing Him above all things. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

"Lord, thank You for the gift of my family. Amen."

Source:   http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-29

December 28, 2013 , Saturday Mass Readings and Reflection - Feast Of The Holy Innocents

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 
– Matthew 2:14

1^ST READING 

The feast of the Holy Innocents is one whereby we remember those who have lost their lives through no fault of their own, especially those who have been aborted. Herod attempts the impossible — to kill the child Jesus without knowing His identity — thus, he initiates a great massacre of children. Similarly, war, abortion or drug trafficking do not discrimate, too. We cannot truly call ourselves a human society when such horrors go unchecked and often without question.

1 John 1:5-2:2

5 Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2: 1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and  not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

P S A L M 

Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R: Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

2 Had not the Lord been with us — when men rose up against us, 3 then would they have swallowed us alive. When their fury was inflamed against us. (R) 4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; the torrent would have swept over us; 5 over us then would have swept the raging waters. (R) 7 Broken was the snare, and we were freed. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (R)

GOSPEL

The lives of all children are vulnerable to the powerful, especially the self-interested and the uncaring. One of the greatest tragedies of the present consumerist society is how we don’t seem to care about the type of world we will bequeath to the next generation — one full of denuded landscapes from the misuse and abuse of the environment; stockpiles of highly radioactive materials that have not been properly disposed of, and many others besides, including exhausted natural resources. And all for what? For a moment’s pleasure and comfort! It is this sort of shortsighted thinking that endangers the health of our Mother Earth. 

Matthew 2:13-18

13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.”

REFLECTION

SILENCE IN SUFFERING

     In the midst of this joyous season of Christmas, we are confronted with the horror of evil. The Church today honors those silent witnesses, the holy innocents. No word is spoken from their lips; no actions of retaliation are made manifest. They are born, they suffer and they die in silence. Jesus, too, is born in silence; He suffers death, and dies in silence. From the very depths, silence is heard by God alone.

       Luke reports that Herod was furious at having been outwitted by the Wise Men. His anger is so violent that it results in the murdering of male infants. He is not at rest until his rage has been relieved. No one in his mind has a right to take his throne. So intense is his fury that he sees the murderous act as his only solution to keeping the throne. We can see in Herod the extent of selfishness made manifest. Fortunately, the Holy Family escapes, remaining in Egypt until a suitable time to return. Already, a few days after Jesus’ birth, He is experiencing exile and rejection from His own. John writes about this in his Gospel.

       Violence is all around us. The nightly news reminds us of the horrors of domestic and worldly violence within nations and homes. We ourselves witness the suffering of the innocent in our own time. History repeats itself as we are in touch with the issues of abortion and euthanasia — so rampant in most societies. Terrorism haunts us, national revolts are brewing and tensions run high on the home front.

       Jesus has stepped into the world as we know it. Blessed be God who has the final say. On the Cross, He has shown us victory over death, and the power of God over seemingly unending violence. The Gospel points to hope. Jesus is the Hope of all Nations. He comes as the Prince of Peace. He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is Mighty God. In the midst of worldly violence, we must turn to Jesus. We offer to Jesus, who is peace Himself, our families, nations and governments. We unite our prayers with Him and His mother, Mary, who is the Queen of Peace. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

" Lord, I suffer in silence as I see the world around me steeped in violence. Make me a channel of Your peace. Amen."

Source:   http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-28

December 27, 2013, Friday Mass Readings and Reflection - Feast of St. John The Apostle "The Beloved Disciple"

"They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” – John 20:2 

ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN

       I spent more than half of my life doing bad things. I grew up as a spoiled brat and a battered child. I spent my adolescent years as a problem teenager. A few years later, I focused my attention on doing bigger sins.

       I married at the early age of 20 and soon started womanizing. I got into pornography and sex addiction. That was also the time I started beating my wife. But after many years, she finally left me and took our children with her.

       During those days, I felt that my soul was already dead. But one time, while riding my motorcycle on the way home, I prayed to God and asked Him to bring me back to life. After having uttered that prayer, my life started to change day by day. I rose from the dead. I reconciled with my wife and family and asked them for their forgiveness.

       Today, I am a changed man. God gave me a brand new life for Jesus has resurrected in me. Monty Mendigoria 

1^ST READING

The Apostle John was the only one to die a natural death, if dying in exile can be considered natural. He was not martyred. Nonetheless, his reflections on the nature of love should be studied regularly and with passion, as we all have much to discover and learn from them. The nature of true love is rarely seen in today’s world in an obvious and explicit fashion. This is a great tragedy as we are all called to exhibit it as part of our proclamation of the Gospel. The world today is too focused on the self to readily exhibit the true nature of love.

1 John 1:1-4

1 Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our  hands concerns the Word of life — 2 for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

P S A L M 

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R: Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are around him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 11 Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. 12 Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. (R)

GOSPEL

There are a number of times in the Gospel that John is better able to recognize Jesus than the other disciples. Perhaps this is because he has opened his life more fully to the love God has for him and allowed its power to have a formative effect upon his consciousness.

John 20:1, 2-8

1 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene 2 ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. 6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, 7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. 8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

REFLECTION

BELOVED DISCIPLE

        You can be excused if you are thinking about the Resurrection at this time of Christmas. The Gospel of today is a story found in the Easter season. As we celebrate these days of Christmas, we are being introduced to a whole range of people — Stephen, St. John and the Holy Innocents. We are given a glimpse beyond the manger as to what characters will enfold in the life of Jesus. We will see in the life of Jesus many who are touched by His ministry of love and reconciliation.

       Today, we read about Mary running from the tomb, just before she has seen the Risen Lord. Mary is in a desperate state because someone has stolen the body of Jesus. In confusion, the disciples are startled: they have taken the Lord out of the tomb. John reports in his Gospel that the two run to the tomb. They confirm what Mary has spoken. The tomb is empty and only the burial cloths remain. They found it as she had said. Note that there are two responses — Peter is bewildered at seeing the cloths and empty tomb. The beloved disciple sees the same thing and believes.

       As we contemplate the Child in the manger, we, too, are called to see and believe. This Child is none other than the Son of God, the Savior of humanity.

       The beloved sees and believes. Are you the beloved disciple? The beloved disciple sees and believes because his heart is pure. Many years from the Nativity, Jesus Himself will declare how blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. For John, in his Gospel, believing is seeing. “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe” will be the final statement of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

St. John, the son of Zebedee, and the brother of St. James the Great, was called to be an Apostle by our Lord in the first year of His public ministry. He became the "beloved disciple" and the only one of the Twelve who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion. He stood faithfully at the cross when the Savior made him the guardian of His Mother. 

His later life was passed chiefly in Jerusalem and at Ephesus. He founded many churches in Asia Minor. He wrote the fourth Gospel, and three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation is also attributed to him. Brought to Rome, tradition relates that he was by order of Emperor Dometian cast into a cauldron of boiling oil but came forth unhurt and was banished to the island of Pathmos for a year. He lived to an extreme old age, surviving all his fellow apostles, and died at Ephesus about the year 100.

St. John is called the Apostle of Charity, a virtue he had learned from his Divine Master, and which he constantly inculcated by word and example. The "beloved disciple" died at Ephesus, where a stately church was erected over his tomb. It was afterwards converted into a Mohammedan mosque. 

John is credited with the authorship of three epistles and one Gospel, although many scholars believe that the final editing of the Gospel was done by others shortly after his death. He is also supposed by many to be the author of the book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse, although this identification is less certain.

— in Vatican City.

 "Dear Lord, I’m so grateful with what You have done in my life. Your resurrection gave me hope to live my life according to Your will.

 Lord, I love You, teach me to be Your beloved disciple. Amen."

Source:   http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-27

December 26, 2013 Thursday, Mass Readings and Reflection - Feast of St. Stephen and The Persecution

“Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God…. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” – Acts 6:56, 59

HOMING INSTINCT

       My wife, Dinah, loves to doze off in the passenger seat while I’m driving. All throughout the trip, she’ll sleep. But without fail, whenever we arrive home, she miraculously wakes up. I call it her homing instinct. Somehow, her body knows when she’s home.

       The words above are the last words of the martyr saint Stephen right before he was stoned to death. All his life, his eyes were fixed on the prize of heaven. He was determined to stand up for his faith even at the cost of death, perhaps because he knew he didn’t belong to this earth in the first place. He was a temporary visitor, as all of us are, too. Because of that, he confidently knew he would go to heaven — his home, where he truly belonged.

       The Philosophy term a priori refers to a prior knowledge embedded in the deepest recesses of our being that we belong to God. That’s why when we sin, it doesn’t feel right. It may bring momentary pleasure, but in the end, we somehow know that something is wrong. It’s our homing instinct. And although we often go astray in this life, I believe our inner compass will always lead us back to Him because He is our true home. George Tolentino Gabriel

1^ST READING

 

We do not need to focus upon the gory nature of the death of Stephen, nor do we really need to understand why he was stoned to death. It is more important that we ask ourselves why he, Stephen, was willing to die a seemingly senseless death. It is his faith in Christ that ought to be our focus. It is here that we will find inspiration for our own journeys of faith — the courage and strength to go deeper and persevere through all the challenges.

 

 

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

8 Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, 10 but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. 7: 54 When they heard this,  they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young 

man named Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

 

 

P S A L M 

 

 

Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16, 17

R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

2 [3] Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 3 [4] You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 5 [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. 7 [8] I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. (R) 15 [16] Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. 16 [17] Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

 

We are all called to follow Christ as His disciples and to share the Gospel with others. As we reflect upon the life of Stephen, a life cut short through hatred and misunderstanding, we recognize ourselves. If we are truthful, we have been on both sides of the fence. We have been persecuted; we have also been the persecutor. It is not for us to judge those who stoned Stephen (St. Paul was complicit in his death, or so we are told), but it is for us to ensure that we gain inspiration from his faith and willingness to die for it.

 

Matthew 10:17-22

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

REFLECTION

INTO YOUR HANDS

 

          Does it seem strange to you that on the day after Jesus’ birth we celebrate the death of Stephen? We are brought into the stark reality that life is so short. Our thoughts have been focused on the joy of birth, the love of God in Jesus’ birth, and Christmas carols being sung at our doorsteps. Yet in the midst of such joy and celebration lies death and violence. I am reminded of Job who proclaimed that if we take happiness, we must take sorrow as well. Oftentimes, the season of Christmas can be the saddest time of the year for many as they remember the loss of loved ones through tragic events.

       Stephen, whom the Church celebrates today, was the first deacon consecrated by God. You will remember that when the Apostles were feeling overburdened by the various responsibilities of mission and administration, they ordained men of wisdom and God filled them with the Holy Spirit. Stephen was included among them. Great persecution followed the establishment of the early Church communities. Stephen was caught up in the time of great upheaval for the Church. He dies in a similar way to Jesus on the Cross — surrendering Himself into the Father’s hands.

       At this time of Christmas, all of us are called to surrender — to give our lives over to Jesus. We are not meant to live for ourselves, but for the Lord alone. Stephen, being filled with the Holy Spirit and God grace, gives us an example. Let us be open to the Spirit at work in us. The love of God, the Holy Spirit, wants to be expressed in our lives. The birth of Jesus, and the death of Stephen, should inspire us — that in life or death, we belong to the Lord. The prayer of Stephen is the same prayed by priests and religious at the Night Prayer of the Church. Before we go to sleep, after our daily work, we offer all things to God. Let the Spirit that inspired Stephen to surrender himself to the Lord be the same inspiration for us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 "Lord, when I stray away from You, may You always lead me back home to Your heart where I truly belong.

 Into Your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit. Amen."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-26

December 25, 2013 Wednesday, Mass Readings and Reflection - Solemnity Of The Nativity Of Our Lord, Jesus Christ

… and made his dwelling among us. – John 1:14

THE BELEN

      For me, Christmas is best celebrated in the Philippines. Here, we play Christmas carols as early as October. We put Christmas decors in our homes way ahead of anybody else. But a favorite custom we have that I really love is our tradition of having a belen (créche) at our homes.

       A belen is a set of images that we place at a designated part of the house depicting the Nativity of our Lord. A makeshift barn with animals, shepherds, the three kings, a bright star, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, a manger filled with straw grass and Baby Jesus lying on top of it.

       Some families I know have done some innovations for their belens. Everything is complete except the grass straw where Jesus is supposed to be lying on. Then for every good deed or sacrifice they will make as an offering to Jesus, a grass straw will be placed underneath the Baby Jesus. On Christmas day, the manger is filled with grass where Jesus is laid, signified by offerings of good deeds and sacrifices that the family members have done for others.

       I love this tradition. Because in this way, every member of the family is aware to prepare their hearts for Jesus to make His dwelling among us. Marisa Aguas

1^ST READING 

 

 

There are many texts in the Old Testament, many of them in the Book of Isaiah, the Prophet, that hint at the coming of a Messiah. The Scripture scholars will tell us that there should be certain aspects to a text before considering it a messianic text per se, but sometimes we can become a little too rigid with this sort of thing. As long as we are not abusing the meaning of a text, let us allow it to draw us into contemplating on the coming of the Messiah. Hope is very important to a person as it can give untold strength and inspiration in times of trouble and stress. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to inspire us to believe and hope in the coming of the Messiah.

 

 

Isaiah 52:7-10 (or Isaiah 9:1-6)

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” 8 Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion. 9 Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

 

 

 

P S A L M 

 

 

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13)

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)

 

 

 

2^ND READING 

 

 

God has planned our salvation from the beginning of time. In His omniscience, He was aware that we would sin. Yet, love still demanded that He create us, as there can be no love without the freedom to reject that very love. Love is always a risk, as we can never know for sure if it will be reciprocated. This is the nature of love and part of its unique and enduring character. When it is reciprocated, we know that all the risk is worthwhile.

 

 

Hebrews 1:1-6 (or Titus 2:11-14)

1 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, 3 who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? 6 And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Trust John to go into a deep theological reflection on the nature of the incarnation. Yet, if we spend a little time reflecting upon the images and words he uses, I am sure we will all be edified. It is important that we reflect deeply upon the mysteries of our faith, in order to go deeper in our understanding of God. The deeper we go, the more we will be amazed and inspired to take the next step. This is the essence of becoming holy — constantly being drawn deeper into the mystery of God’s love.

 

 

John 1:1-18 (or Luke 2:1-14)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’’ 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

REFLECTION

 

GOD HAS SPOKEN!

 

       Merry Christmas to you and may Christ be born again in your hearts!

       St. John of the Cross says that God has spoken His Word; He has nothing else to say. Today, we celebrate the Word made flesh, Jesus who has united His divinity with our humanity. To quote a Father of the Church: “One of us is God.” The author of Hebrews proclaims that God has spoken to us through His Son. Today is the Day of Fire, the Fire of God’s love. Today we are united in the Son, giving glory to the Father for having saved His people through His visitation. We are called sons and daughters of God: You are my son, today I have become your Father.

       In the midst of our celebrations, it would be good to take time to reflect upon God who has taken upon Himself the fullness of humanity. See God’s humility in becoming like one of us, except having sinned. Jesus will grow and mature as a young man. He will live in a small village, learn a trade and study the Scriptures. He will die on a Cross for our salvation, destroying the defilement of sin.

       Jesus wants to be born again in our lives. Just as He was given a place in the stable, we open our hearts and lives to be that place, the throne whereby God takes His rightful place. For many years, we have been under the power of the evil one, who has ruled the world. Jesus, according to the author of Hebrews, is the radiant light of God’s glory, sustaining the universe by His powerful command. He has come to conquer sin and death. We are now reunited to Him since He is at the right hand of the Father; from thence He has taken His place to reign and rule. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

"Thank You, Father, for remembering Your truth and love for Your people. Lord Jesus, I pray that You make Your dwelling in my heart not only today but for every day of my life. Amen."

Source:   http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-25

December 24, 2013 Tuesday Mass Readings and Reflections - Zecarriah's Prophecy On John"s Birth

 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and set them free." Luke 1:68

1^ST READING 

It is not for us to decide what God needs; it is the other way around — we should surrender to whatever God gives and decides for us. Let us always seek to be open to whatever graces the Lord bestows on us and commit ourselves to use them for the benefit of others, as well as ourselves. Let us never be selfish in the way we live our lives. Jesus lived for others — we should follow His example and do the same.

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

1 When King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” 3 Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with  you.” 4 But that night the Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in?’ 8 It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 10 I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, 11 since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’’’

P S A L M 

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

R: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.” (R)

GOSPEL

One of the aspects of the Gospel is that it turns upside down many of the faithful’s materialistic desires. For example, it is not in this world that God will reward us but in eternal life with Him in heaven. Yes, some, but not all, will receive earthly riches as well, but we need to see that these are nothing compared to the graces and riches of eternal life. Only faith can help us do that.

Luke 1:67-79

67 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and set them free. 69 He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David, 70 Through his prophets he promised of old 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72 He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to set us free from the hand of enemies, free to worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 76 You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins. 78 In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, 79 to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

REFLECTION

SONG OF AFFIRMATION

       On this Christmas Eve, we are introduced to the canticle of Zechariah. What a beautiful song by this holy man at the birth of his son, John. This canticle is sung by priests and religious at every Morning Prayer of the Church. It is a joyous song of praising the God who saves. Rich in salvation history and redemption, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zechariah blesses God, then turns to bless his son and his future.

       The song is of two parts. Firstly, God is blessed for having visited His people. He has fulfilled His promise in the House of David, sending a Ruler and Shepherd as in the days of old. The song proclaims a faithful God of the covenant who remembers His people. The second part of the song is focused on the baby, John. He is called as a prophet who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways of righteousness and justice. Through John’s ministry, the people will have knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins. He will be a lamp shining brightly, enlightening others by His words and actions.

       I often imagine the song being sung over the child with great joy and delight. How affirming of his father. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, having spent so much time in silent reflection, Zechariah proclaims with great confidence the truth of his son’s future. The Gospel reminds us of God’s goodness.

       We know that parents have a responsibility to show care and love to their children. Children need affirmation and recognition. Psychologists tell us the first seven years are incredibly significant for the child’s ongoing development and maturity. The first seven years of one’s life are vital in setting the future. God has great plans for our children. Allow the song of Zechariah to inspire within us the praise of God for His awesome kindness and love. The reflection of the song of Zechariah encourages parents to love their children. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 "Lord, show me the way of Your loving kindness. Teach me to love and affirm others. Amen."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-24

December 23, 2013 Monday Mass Readings And Reflection - The Birth of John The Baptist And The Meaning Of His Name

 

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. – Luke 1:58

ASAP

    “Do you already have a boyfriend?” My relatives would often ask me whenever they’d see me. They kept asking me that question for many years. They would advise me to find a boyfriend fast, get married and start a family ASAP because I was getting old. They were afraid I would have difficulty conceiving, or worse, I wouldn’t have a child. Actually, even my neighbors, office mates and some of my friends were worried.

       Then, I had my first boyfriend at 31. We got married the following year and, in a couple of months, I got pregnant. My parents, relatives, neighbors, colleagues and friends shared my joy. We praised and thanked God for enabling me to conceive right away even though I was a bit old and had poly-cystic ovaries. As of this writing, I have just given birth to my second baby, Mateo. His birth brought much joy once more to many, not only to me.

       God has shown me mercy repeatedly and I eagerly share my story at every opportunity, even through a magazine and a TV show. It’s just one way I show my gratitude to God so that others may rejoice when they learn that God shows mercy to those who trust in Him. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag

1^ST READING 

The time will come when no one will be able to resist the truth of God’s love and mercy. I pray that on that day, we will all be properly disposed to receive that truth in its fullness. I pray that we will all do our best to prepare ourselves for the day when Jesus comes again, as after He arrives there will be no more opportunities to make preparations.

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

1 Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. 23 Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, 24 to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with doom.

P S A L M 

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)

GOSPEL

People wondered what was in store for John’s (the Baptist, as we later find out) life. The same should be true of all children. Each has the potential for greatness. The duty and privilege of being a parent is helping to develop the potential of a child and setting him or her on the path to greatness. Greatness here should be measured by the principles of heaven and not the

priorities of the world.

Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

REFLECTION

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

 

      Apart from Jesus and Mary, John the Baptist is the only one whose birth and death we celebrate. The Church considers him a large figure and he looms large as we near the days of our Savior’s birth. We are reminded of the joy of John the Baptist’s birth. What a great blessing to his parents. John will be the great precursor to Jesus and we see him out in the desert preparing the way for the people to receive a baptism of repentance.

       In this Gospel story, we see the horror on the part of the people as they seek to name the child. Traditionally, names were taken after the father in the Jewish custom, or at least from significant figures in the life of the child. The dilemma, then, is that no one in the family has the name John. This name was given to Zechariah by the angel in the Temple. His name will be John, meaning God’s gracious gift. His name signifies the mission he will fulfill as he seeks to call people into the grace and mercy of God — ultimately leading them to Jesus.

       Have you ever thought about the significance of your name? You have a name! You have an identity! You are known by your name. How wonderful is your name, known to God and those closest around you. A name is significant; it evokes security and identity. Look upon your name, find its meaning. Many of us have been called by other names that can be offensive. God loves you and calls you by name: “You are mine,” says the Lord.

       The people who witnessed the birth of John wondered what he would turn out to be. God’s hand was indeed upon him. The hand of the Lord is upon our life, too. Let us rejoice in our names and seek to live up to the names we have. Even more than that, our collective name is Christian and we are disciples of Jesus. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 "Lord, You have redeemed me and called me by a new name. I belong to You. Amen."

Source:  http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-12-23