Pages

Friday, January 31, 2014

January 31, 2014 Friday Mass Readings and Reflection - The Kingdom Of God Is Like A Mustard Seed



“But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” – Mark 4:32


TO BE OF SIGNIFICANCE

        Pay It Forwardis a movie based on a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde about Trevor, who tried to help three people in the hope that these people will help three others to make a difference in the world. At the end of the story, it showed how the good deeds of a few spread throughout the country.
       Significant change doesn’t start only from someone who is a president of a country or a famous celebrity. Like the mustard seed in today’s reading, no matter how small the acts that we make in the name of God, we should not take it for granted. Although it may seem insignificant to commend a colleague for a job well done, it may inspire that person to do better even in other aspects of her life. And that will affect the lives of the people around her, too.
       Let’s start the positive change within ourselves and with how we view things in our immediate surroundings. We can make our world an even better place. Mae Ignacio
 

1ST READING                                                                           
 
David is not perfect. He, too, is a flawed man. He lusts after Bathsheba and is led into serious sin that culminates in the death of Bathsheba’s husband. When he realizes his sin, he is incredibly sorry and tradition tells us that Psalm 51 is a result. Read the psalm and see what it means to have a repentant heart. It is good to reflect on the nature of true repentance as we all have reason to repent, and should do so every day.

 
2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17
1 At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign, David sent out Joab along with his officers and the army of Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. David, however, remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening David rose from his siesta and strolled about on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful. 3 David had inquiries made about the woman and was told, “She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of Joab’s armorbearer, Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her. She then returned to her house. 5But the woman had conceived, and sent the information to David, “I am with child.” 6 David therefore sent a message to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. 7When he came, David questioned him about Joab, the soldiers, and how the war was going, and Uriah answered that all was well. 8 David then said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and bathe your feet.” Uriah left the palace, and a portion was sent out after him from the king’s table. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace with the other officers of his lord, and did not go down to his own house. 10 David was told that Uriah had not gone home. On the day following, 13David summoned him, and he ate and drank with David, who made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his bed among his lord’s servants, and did not go down to his home. 14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab which he sent by Uriah. 15 In it he directed: “Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.” 16 So while Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the defenders were strong. 17 When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David’s army fell, and among them Uriah the Hittite died.

 
P S A L M 
 
 
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 6-7, 10-11
R: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
1 [3] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 2 [4] Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 3 [5] For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. 4 [6] “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” (R) I have done such evil in your sight that you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn. 5 [7] True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me. (R) 8 [10] Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; the bones you have crushed shall rejoice. 9 [11] Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. (R)
 
 
 
GOSPEL
 
God is the one who brings increase and growth to His Kingdom. It is up to us to be obedient to His will but there is very little, if anything, that we can achieve on our own strength. God needs us to be His “hands and feet,” so to speak, but the most important aspect is the will of God. Obedience to the grace of God is an essential aspect of discipleship and, thus, a prime focus for our faith.
 
 
Mark 4:26-34
26 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

REFLECTION

 
A BRIEF LOOK AT ST. JOHN BOSCO
 
 
             Today, the Church honors St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians whose good work we also appreciate very much in our country. His childhood was far from pleasant. John’s father died when he was only two years old. It was not easy for his mother to bring him up alone and give him an education that would guarantee a successful future. But she was a pious woman and gave him a good Christian education. Her beatification process has already started. What mothers can do even in times of poverty!
       John was ordained a priest at the age of 31. Having experienced an extremely difficult youth, he focused on the education of young men. As a skilled educator, Don Bosco formulated a system of education which could also be very helpful for our younger generation today. His motto was “Reason, Religion, Kindness.” He summarized his program for the youth with a brief sentence: “The young should know that they are loved.” Don Bosco once told his boys: “Remember, whatever I am, I am all for you, day and night, morning and evening, at every moment.” He advised educators to love the young as they would love their own sons. It goes without saying that this also applies to parents as educators.
       Twenty years after his ordination, about 800 students benefited from John Bosco’s educational system. One of his students even became a saint, St. Dominic Savio. To be sure that his work would continue after his death, John Bosco founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales. He sent out missionaries, especially to Latin America. When he realized the importance of printing materials, he founded a printing press and published pamphlets, magazines and books to spread the Good News.
       If more parents would follow the example of St. John Bosco and realize their great mission to prepare their children for the future and for heaven, we wouldn’t have to worry about the future of our nation and of the Church. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD


"Lord, I pray for our educators, especially for all parents. May they realize their great responsibility and privilege to form their children for a better future. May they do it with love and kindness."

Monday, January 20, 2014

January 20, 2014 Monday Mass Readings and Reflection - The Importance of Fasting And Sacrifice




“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...” – 1 Samuel 15:22


LOVE AND OBEDIENCE

        When I was young, I was not the most obedient person in the world. I must have been a disappointment to the Lord, my parents, and other people.

       Now that I am in my 50s, I regret some of the things I had done. And I realize that a lot of my mistakes could have been avoided if I loved others more than myself.

       It was St. Ignatius who said, “It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey.”

       I’m still not perfect, but now I try my best.

       To do the right thing especially in following what I believe God wants me to do... because I love God.

    To keep our home happy and healthy even if it means making sacrifices... because I love my husband.

       To fall in line at train and bus terminals even if I feel like I’m wasting my time but I know it’s the right thing to do... because I love my country.
   In the end, true obedience stems from love. Marisa Aguas



1ST READING 


The life of Saul is, at heart, a lesson in obedience. Even though Saul was not really God’s choice for the King of Israel, everything would have been OK if he had been obedient. But Saul did not follow instructions well. Whatever may be our judgment today on the nature of God’s command to Saul, his disobedience was actually rebellion against God’s will and we will see the ultimate result of this later: death. For Samuel, as for God, there are no excuses for disobedience to God’s command. 
  


1 Samuel 15:16-23

16 Samuel said to Saul: “Stop! Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” Saul replied, “Speak!” 17Samuel then said: “Though little in your own esteem, are you not leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king of Israel 18 and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and put the sinful Amalekites under a ban of destruction. Fight against them until you have exterminated them. 19 Why then have you  disobeyed the Lord? You have pounced on the spoil, thus displeasing the Lord.” 20 Saul answered Samuel: “I did indeed obey the Lord and fulfill the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought back Agag, and I have destroyed Amalek under the ban. 21 But from the spoil the men took sheep and oxen, the best of what had been banned, to sacrifice to the Lord their God in Gilgal.” 22 But Samuel said: “Does the Lord so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the Lord? Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams. 23 For a sin like divination is rebellion, and presumption is the crime of idolatry. Because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he, too, has rejected you as ruler.”





P S A L M 


Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

8 “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. 9 I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.” (R) 16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” (R) 21 When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)         




GOSPEL



This story highlights the difference between the Old and New Covenants — the Old being based on the Law and Israel’s uncompromising obedience to it, and the New being built on love and a compassionate and empathetic understanding of how we struggle to follow the Law. It seems people at times want to return to the former. This is a mistake as it leaves little room for compassion and is impossible anyway. God understands our struggles. This is not to excuse our sinfulness but to give us hope as we struggle to overcome it.




Mark 2:18-22

18 The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. 21 No one sews a piece of un-shrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. 22 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”


REFLECTION
FASTING?


     Fasting was quite important among Catholics until several decades ago. As kids, we did not like the time of Lent very much and other days throughout the year when adults had to fast and we kids had to abstain from sweets. Then there was the Eucharistic fast from midnight until the moment of receiving Holy Communion. I remember one day when I had to serve at the 6.30 a.m. Mass. At home, I had found a candy, took it in my mouth and then remembered the Mass. I quickly took it out of my mouth. When I asked the priest later whether I still could receive Holy Communion, he said no. It was a bit too strict, but now that only the one-hour Eucharistic fast remains, many Catholics still do not observe it at all. In many offices, Masses are celebrated during the noon break  and often, the priest has to wait until 12:15, or even later, because employees eat their lunch first, then come to Mass and receive Communion.

       In today’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t seem to be very keen when it comes to fasting. But this is no excuse. He defends His disciples who are with Him. But He points out that after He’s gone, they would fast. Jesus knows that “the flesh is weak” and that it needs some exercise to curb its desires.

       Feasting makes us lazy; fasting makes us strong. Feasting fills the stomach; fasting fills the soul. Feasting weakens our will and self-control; fasting strengthens our will and helps us to be in control when temptations come our way. Feasting can lead to self-indulgence; fasting gives inner strength and spiritual growth. But fasting falls in the category of sacrifice, a word many of us have erased from our vocabulary and practice.

       Today, the Church honors Sts. Fabian and Sebastian, two martyrs of the Early Church. Fabian was the first layman to be elected pope. Sebastian was a Roman soldier. Both saints were ready to lose their lives than their faith. We probably will not be killed for Christ, but what about dying a bit for Him and for the sake of our spiritual growth by reducing feasting and embracing more the sacrifice of fasting? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD



"Lord, You pricked my conscience. I realize that my spiritual growth is slowed down by self-indulgence. Thank You for reminding me of the importance of fasting and sacrifice."

Sunday, January 19, 2014

January 19, 2014 Sunday MAss Readings and Reflections - Feast of the Child Jesus



Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:3-4



1ST READING 
 


The devotion to the Sto. Nino must be one of the most popular in the Philippines. This a good devotion, but like all devotions we must ensure that we do not lose the proper focus on Jesus. As we venerate an image of the Child Jesus, the challenge remains with us to make sure that our faith continues to mature and does not simply remain that of a child. The heart of our faith demands that our faith makes a difference in how we make our choices




Isaiah 9:1-6

1The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone. 2You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. 4For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him: Wonder-counselor, God-hero, Father-forever, Prince of Peace. 6His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!




P S A L M 


Psalm 98: 1,2-3,3-4,5-6

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.


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




2ND READING



The Christ Child calls us to live and be disciples of Jesus every moment of every day. Does this sound too difficult or too harsh? Does this mean that we should all become saints? No, it is not too harsh a calling and yes, we should strive for sainthood. The only way we will make a lasting difference in the world is by living in accordance with God’s will.



Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has a blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,  4as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted un in the beloved. 15Therefore, I, too, hearing your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, 16do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.




GOSPEL


Hospitality is a characteristic of the Gospel message, as it is in many other religions and cultures. There are times and places where it is obvious that hospitality and care for others are essential for the proper respect of human dignity. Love demands that we always respect and care for one another. If only all men and women could do this, we would be able to see a remarkable transformation of international relations. Let us pray for all people to recognize the truth of this calling to mutual and lasting respect for one another.



Matthew 18:1-5, 10

1At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child over, places it in their midst, 3and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 10See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”


REFLECTION

A CHALLENGE TO GROW UP IN OUR FAITH


       Seldom do I have the chance to visit the beautiful city of Cebu, but whenever I go there, my first visit is to the Basilica of the Sto. Niño, where I pay my respect to the revered image of the Child Jesus.

       It is quite different from the Baby Jesus we have venerated at Christmas. There the Baby Jesus was covered only in skimpy swaddling clothes. In Cebu, the Sto. Niño stands before us in the full regalia of a king. He wears a crown and royal purple cloak. He holds the scepter as a symbol of power and the globe as a symbol of the universe. Before us stands the King of kings, the King of the universe.

       Looking at the Baby Jesus in the belen (nativity scene), we can easily think: What a small, weak, cute but harmless baby Jesus is. This impression is corrected by the image of the Sto. Niño. The Baby Jesus did not remain a baby but grew up and became a powerful, often demanding, preacher. This helpless baby of Bethlehem later uttered uncomfortable things like, “Love your enemies” or “He who wants to follow Me must take up his cross.”

       And so the image of the Infant Jesus in royal robes reminds us to look beyond its appearance and discover the adult Jesus, our Lord and Savior. When the late Pope John Paul II visited Cebu, he also paid a visit to the image of the Sto. Niño. In a homily, he reminded the faithful of what we just said: Jesus did not remain a child; He grew up. And then he continued, “In the same way, we must grow up in our faith.” To face the trials and demands of life, we need a strong and mature faith.

       To grow spiritually, we need regular nourishment through the sacraments. Especially in the Holy Mass, we receive even double nourishment. First, the Word of God that nourishes and guides us in our daily life. Then we receive the Eucharist, where Jesus becomes our nourishment.

       The feast and the image of the Sto. Niño then encourage us to grow spiritually, to trust God like a child and so mature in a faith that enables us to face whatever difficulties may lie ahead. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD


 "Jesus, help me to deepen my faith, to mature spiritually and so become a more effective follower of Yours."

Saturday, January 18, 2014

January 18, 2014 Saturday Mass Readings and Reflection - The Great Physician


    
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” – Mark 2:17
 
 
WHAT IS GREATER THAN SIN? 
 

      Lisa felt a gnawing pain on the right side of her abdomen but she ignored it. When it became unbearable, she asked to be taken to the hospital. The doctor immediately operated on her appendix and she recuperated in a few days. The doctor said, “If you hadn’t come to the hospital, you could have died because a burst appendix would have poisoned your blood.”
       A lot of people die a little each day spiritually because of the weight of their sins. Some of us, for fear of God’s anger and shame for our failures, wait until the pain of our sins becomes unbearable before we turn to the Lord. We are afraid that He will not accept us because we have sinned greatly. On the contrary, Jesus assures us, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” His love for us is greater than all our sins combined. It is not His desire that the sinner should die but that he may live.
       Our Divine Physician lovingly calls us back to Him again and again, no matter how many times we fall and despite the grievousness of our sins. We can trust in His Divine Mercy, a love so great that Jesus died on the cross for us. “Because of His wounds, we are healed.” Marjorie Duterte



1ST READING 
 
 
Saul is tall, imposing and handsome, yet we will see that his character and faith in God, in particular, are fundamentally flawed. David is but a boy and has his character flaws as well, but he is clearly a better man than Saul to lead God’s people. It is not surprising that the people should elect Saul; it is also not surprising that Saul is a failure when it comes to leadership.

 
1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1
1 There was a stalwart man from Benjamin named Kish, who was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite. 2 He had a son named Saul, who was a handsome young man. There was no other child of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people. 3 Now the asses of Saul’s father, Kish, had wandered off. Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go out and hunt for the asses.” 4 Accordingly they went through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalishah. Not finding them there, they continued through the land of Shaalim without success. They also went through the land of Benjamin, but they failed to find the animals. 17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord assured him, “This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people.” 18 Saul met Samuel in the gateway and said, “Please tell me where the seer lives.” 19 Samuel answered Saul “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. In the morning, before dismissing you, I will tell you whatever you wish.” 10: 1 Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head; he also kissed him, saying: “The Lord anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the Lord’s people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout. This will be the sign for you that the Lord has anointed you commander over his heritage.”

 
P S A L M
 
 
Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: Lord, in your strength the king is glad.
1 [2] O Lord, in your strength the king is glad; in your victory how greatly he rejoices! 2 [3] You have granted him his heart’s desire; you refused not the wish of his lips. (R) 3 [4] For you welcomed him with goodly blessings, you placed on his head a crown of pure gold. 4 [5] He asked life of you, you gave him length of days forever and ever. (R) 5 [6] Great is his glory in your victory; majesty and splendor you conferred upon him. 6 [7] For you made him a blessing forever; you gladdened him with the joy of your face. (R)


 
GOSPEL
 
 
Jesus’ choice of disciples is not necessarily that of someone seeking to impress. He wants to demonstrate that all people can become His followers. It does not matter what their past may be; what matters is their heart’s desire. What matters is their willingness to follow Him and take up the life of a disciple. What is the deepest desire of your heart? Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads you?
 

 
 
Mark 2:13-17
13 Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. 15 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” 

REFLECTION

 
JESUS UPSETS 
       
       When we read the Gospels, we cannot help but admit that Jesus was a person who annoyed a lot of people. He annoyed the experts of the Law by forgiving the sins of the paralyzed man, when He touched a leper, or violated the Sabbath rule. Today’s Gospel story is even worse. First, He shocked the bystanders by inviting Levi to follow Him and become His disciple. In Palestine, people hated tax collectors because they levied taxes for the oppressors and, at the same time, enriched themselves.
       Not contented doing this, He accepted an invitation from Levi to dine in his house, together with other tax collectors and questionable characters. With this, He annoyed the Pharisees. No pious Jew would enter the house of a tax collector or have a meal with one as it would make him unclean.
       Jesus didn’t care what others think. Those who were considered sinners by the pious people were very important to Him. He reached out to outsiders and assured them of God’s love. He said, “It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick do.” And then He proclaims: “I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.”
       This was shocking for His contemporaries but Good News for us. With all our weaknesses, shortcomings, failures and sins, we have no reason to be discouraged. The Lord is always there for us, especially when our fellowmen reject us because we did something wrong. We can always approach Him.
       But there is an annoying challenge we have to face. Jesus is merciful, understanding and forgiving. What about us? We identify ourselves with Levi and the sinners to whom Jesus shows His love. Yet, aren’t we sometimes among those who reject sinners, judge them and even condemn them? We are tempted to erect barriers between us and those who are different from us. That is the annoying reality Jesus makes us face today. He did not only annoy people of His time; He continues to annoy us with nagging questions. But He means well; He only wants to heal us. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 "Lord, this was a shocking realization. Yes, I easily judge and condemn others. Transform me from being a harsh, hypocritical judge into a compassionate healer.
 Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say Your Word and my soul shall be healed. Amen."

Friday, January 17, 2014

January 17, 2014 Friday Mass Readings and Reflection - Jesus Heals The Paralytic



“Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.” – 1 Samuel 8:7


 THE REJECT

       Have you experienced rejection after obeying the voice of God in your heart? I have, not just once, but a number of times. I also know of other men and women in the Bible who said yes to God and because of this, they were rejected.

       God comforts Samuel in the verse above as the people of Israel rejected him even after warning them of the bad and painful things that could happen to them and their families.

       This story reminds me of a time when I stood before an assembly who chose to reject me as their leader after I decided to follow God’s voice in my heart. I praised God for the courage and strength He gave me to accept the rejection of the very people I had served and helped. I thanked God for speaking words of affirmation to me then and for inspiring me to recall and follow Jesus’ example when He, too, was rejected by a crowd. “It is not you they reject as their leader but Me.” Those were God’s words to me.
       Are you also a reject? Don’t be discouraged. We’re in good company. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag 



1ST READING 


Samuel is scandalized by the Israelites’ desire for a king to rule over them. The people have seen how successful the nations around them have been, both militarily and economically, and attribute these successes to their being monarchical kingdoms. Therefore they want a king for Israel. Samuel believes that God is the true King of Israel and, thus, their desire for an earthly king is tantamount to religious treason.




1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22

4 All the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.” 6 Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, 7 who said in answer: “Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.” 10 Samuel delivered the message of the Lord in full to those who were asking him for a king. 11 He told them: “The rights of the king who will rule you will be as follows: He will take your sons and assign them to his chariots and horses, and they will run before his chariot. 12 He will also appoint from among them his commanders of groups of a thousand and of a hundred soldiers. He will set them to do his plowing and his harvesting, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. 13 He will use your daughters as ointment makers, as cooks, and as bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. 15 He will tithe your crops and your vineyards, and give the revenue to his eunuchs and his slaves. 16 He will take your male and female servants, as well as your best oxen and your asses, and use them to do his work. 17 He will tithe your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When this takes place, you will complain against the king whom you have chosen, but on that day the Lord will not answer you.” 19 The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said, “Not so! There must be a king over us. 20 We too must be like other nations, with a king to rule us and to lead us in warfare and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel had listened to all the people had to say, he repeated it to the Lord, 22 who then said to him, “Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them.”




 P S A L M



Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19

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

15 [16] Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk. 16 [17] At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted. (R) 17 [18] For you are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. 18 [19] For to the Lord belongs our shield, and to the Holy One of Israel, our King. (R)




GOSPEL


Jesus is often in conflict with the religious authorities of His day as He claims to have the power of God in many different ways. One of these is forgiving the sins of the people. Jesus is aware that He is the Son of God and that all good Jews would acknowledge that only God can forgive sins. Even though it makes His life uncomfortable, Jesus never takes a backward step from any of His claims. How convinced are we of the fundamental truths of the Christian faith?




Mark 2:1-12

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” — 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”



REFLECTION 
TAKING CHRIST’S WORDS LITERALLY

 

      The St. Anthony that the Church honors today is not so well known. I invite you to have a look at his life. He lived between 251 and 356, and was 105 years old when he died, in spite of a very ascetic life in the Egyptian desert.

       Anthony was the son of wealthy parents and so lived his early years in luxury. When he was 18 years old, his parents died and he was left to take care of the estate and of his sister. One Sunday, when he attended Mass, the Gospel was about the rich young man, to whom Jesus said, “Go and sell all you possess and give to the poor.” Young Anthony was struck by these words. He felt as if the Lord had spoken to him personally. He left the church and did literally what Jesus had said. He sold all his inheritance and donated the proceeds to the poor. He kept just a bit for himself and for his sister. On another Sunday, when he heard Jesus saying in the Gospel, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow,” he regretted his concession to prudence. He brought his sister to a convent, gave up all he still had, and dedicated himself completely to God by living a life of prayerful austerity in the desert.

       There are at least two points that St. Anthony makes us aware of. One is to listen well to the Gospel as if it were proclaimed just for you. After all, our four Gospels are not just reports of what Jesus did and said more than 2,000 years ago; Jesus is addressing us who read or listen to His words. The Bible is God’s living Word for us! This attitude towards the Gospel would change and improve our spiritual life, even our whole lifestyle.

       A second point is the demonic attacks. Anthony’s spiritual life appears to be a matter of psychological warfare. The enemy is not the world but the temptation to worldliness, to pleasure, complacency and pride. These demons attack us also today to divert our attention from God and from a life lived according to the Gospel. It would be good to recognize these modern demons and reject them with the same decisiveness that helped Anthony win his victory. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 "Lord, I simply ask You for the wisdom to listen to Your Word as addressed to me, and the strength to do what You tell me and fight all temptations to worldliness."

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

January 14, 2014 Tuesday Mass Reading and Reflection - Jesus' Authority Over Evil Spirits



“How long will you make a drunken show of yourself? Sober up from your wine!” – 1 Samuel 1:14


ALCOHOLISM AND OTHER ADDICTION

       How many lives have been lost due to drunken driving? How many families have been destroyed as a result of spouses or parents who have been unable to keep away from the bottle or from other drug-related props in their lives?

       Have you ever felt terror grip you when somebody you love loses it in a “ blackout “ moment? He’d say, “I don’t remember hurting you. You’re just making up a story.” Or if that person owns up to the violent act, he will offer profuse apologies only to do it over and over again.

       Life and death sometimes hang in a balance when a drunk parent, in a show of braggadocio, insists on driving on an interstate highway, crisscrossing the lane in the middle of the night.

       What’s worse is when he points a gun or a knife at you and all you can do is pray that he doesn’t pull the trigger or touch your flesh with the sharp blade.
       Friend, if you know that a person is an alcoholic or a drug addict, seek help immediately. Treatment is of utmost urgency — so act now before lives are lost or families broken. Grace Relucio Princesa



1ST READING 
 


God’s intervention in Hannah’s life is a sign that nothing is impossible to God — He can even bring life out of a barren womb. This demonstrates not just the power of God but indeed His specific power to bring forth new life. In other words, God is the author of life and any life that we see around us would not be without His blessing.



1 Samuel 1:9-20

9 Hannah rose after a meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the Lord; at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost of the Lord’s temple. 10 In her bitterness she prayed to the Lord, weeping copiously, 11 and she made a vow, promising “O Lord of hosts, if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the Lord for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” 12As she remained long at prayer before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth, 13 for Hannah was praying silently; though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli, thinking her drunk, 14said to her, “How long will you make a drunken show of yourself? Sober up from your wine!” 15 “It isn’t that, my lord,” Hannah answered. “I am an unhappy woman. I have had neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord. 16 Do not think your handmaid a ne’er-do-well; my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery.” 17 Eli said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 18 She replied, “Think kindly of your maidservant,” and left. She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast. 19 Early the next morning they worshipped before the Lord, and then returned to their home in Ramah. When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, the Lord remembered her. 20 She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him.




P S A L M 


1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8

R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

1 “My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The Lord puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 “He raises the needy from the dust; from the ash heap he lifts up the poor, to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.” (R)





GOSPEL


The demons immediately recognize who Jesus is. This is more than we can say for Jesus’ disciples and the Jews in general. As we see in Mark’s Gospel, apart from the opening lines, the identity of Jesus as the Son of God is kept hidden from the people. Why does Mark present Jesus in this way? To tell you the truth, I do not know. Perhaps it is a question we can all seek to answer as we read through his Gospel.



Mark 1:21-28

21 Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. 23 In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; 24 he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” 25 Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” 26 The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. 27 All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” 28 His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.


REFLECTION

MEETING ST. MARK

 

     Yesterday, we began to read from the Gospel according to St. Mark. Let us take a brief look at his Gospel in order to understand better the messages the Church will give us in the days to come.

       Mark was probably the cousin of the Apostle Barnabas. He was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry or His death and resurrection, but he wrote down what he heard from spectators like St. Peter. He wrote his Gospel for a community in Rome, where Emperor Nero ordered the persecution of many Christians, among them Sts. Peter and Paul. We can imagine Christians asking among themselves: Did we make the right decision to become Christians? What did we get out of it? Only suffering! Was Jesus really the Messiah and Son of God?

       Mark sat down, collected stories he had heard about Jesus, and put them together to answer their questions. As a title, he wrote: “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” He stressed that Jesus indeed is the awaited Savior and the Son of God as well. And that’s “Good News.” But he also selected from the teachings of Jesus, especially His words about the cross. He told his community that Jesus was honest with His followers. He did not promise them heaven on earth but that whoever decides to follow Him must “take up his cross.” Mark emphasized that they were following not a fake Messiah but the powerful Son of God.

       In today’s Gospel, Mark presents the exorcism scene in the synagogue. It convinced those who were present that Jesus was different from other teachers, that He had an authority even over evil spirits. But the best thing about Jesus is that He never uses His power to hurt people.

       Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God who came into this world not to dominate but to make God’s love visible. We, too, need to be reminded that Christ dwells among us and that He is more powerful than the evil forces around us. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD



"Lord, help me to show Your love as You showed Your Father’s love. Help me to follow Your example and use my strength to help others."