An Eggy Story

An enchanted hen!

31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”-Luke13:31-35

My father is away. Unfortunately, he forgot to endorse the chickens to us. The chickens are all looking at me every time I passed by but I did not bother myself with them. As an animal lover, my instinct is always to remember the food, water and needed care any pet or animal must have.

Still, I did not bother myself with them (chickens) though I can sense something is nagging at me somewhere in my thoughts. But the next day, when I passed by, I was struck by the fact that these chickens have not yet eaten the whole day. I quickly put some chicken feeds to a rooster but my problem is with the two hens in a separate cage. They seem to me pretty aggressive and they might peck me. Also, there's an egg that bothers me (I have no experience with chickens so I don't know what will happen if I get the egg). Perhaps, they have waited for so long and they are so hungry that one of them took the egg and ate it! I was shocked and sickened! How can a hen eat her own egg or some hen's egg?!

Enough of the egg story! God is different. He loves us so much that He wants us always to be with Him. Nothing will harm us for He is there to support us and protect us under His 'wings.' If sometimes there's an egg-eater hen or an egg-breaking hen in a brood, well, God will never break us or harm us for His love for us never ends despite our sinfulness. True that we have difficulties. But these difficulties, when seen in a positive way, can lead to our betterment as His children.

Image courtesy: various artists

The Battle

Words and actions must go together.

22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”-Luke13:22-30

The path to destruction and damnation is wide, but the path to salvation is narrow. The 'path to destruction and damnation' is wide because humankind can do whatever s/he wants. Here, a person can give in to temptations, delicious and favorite sins, pleasures of the flesh, dissolute, amoral and immoral living. Here, wrong is still good.

This path is so wide, so inviting and accessible. But the path to salvation is narrow. Why is that? As I reflected, the path leading to God is sometimes not only narrow but also difficult. Here, we try to be children of God - loving Him and our neighbors. But there are factors within us and outside of us that try to impede us from being children of God. These internal and external factors pull us into the path to destruction. Thus, we continuously battle external factors like the lures of the world (i.e. wealth), and internal factors like the desires of the flesh (i.e. gluttony) to stay in the right path. There is no easy way to get salvation. We cannot buy it, or make a reservation, or bid at it. It is a daily process. Yes, the 'narrow path' truly symbolizes the battle that we undergo through everyday as we embrace our true identity as children of God.

However, why is it that there are those who are rejected? In other accounts, they say, "Lord! Lord!" In this account, they say, "Sir, open the door for us." and claims connection and affiliation by saying, "We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets." The problem with these people is they acknowledge God and they know Him, but they do things that are contrary to God's ways.

There are those who say, "I truly regretted my infidelity, Lord." And yet they repeat it again and again. There are those who say, "I am religious. I will not steal nor do corrupt practices because they are in contrast with God's ways." And yet, they are the very ones who spearhead corruption. Jesus is encouraging us to make our words one with our actions. As in the letter of James5:12, "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment."

Image courtesy: Krieg Barrie and various artists

Mission and Purpose

Our mission and purpose may lie somewhere.

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.-Luke6:12-16

As I read and reflected, a part of me wondered what kind of men (and women) the other disciples - who were not chosen - are like. We know the composition of the 12 - fishermen, tax collector, zealot, a traitor and others. But what about the other disciples?

Why are they not chosen? Are there lettered men (and women)? Are there synagogue officials? Is there a Pharisee that secretly followed Jesus? One thing is certain, Jesus spent the night in deep prayer before making an important decision. As I reflected, grace has been given to me to realize that the 12 apostles were predestined long before they were born to be in Jesus' intimate circle of believers. It does not mean that the other followers and disciples were bad that's why they were not chosen. It is most likely that their capabilities, skills, talents and gifts are much utilized if they are not in the inner circle. It's like they glorify and help in Jesus' ministry more if they are not in the inner circle. Notice that for every town, there are always persons who are more religious than the rest. For every religious persons, there will always be those who are set apart to be a priest, religious brother or sister. For every priest, there will always be those who are still set apart to be bishops. For every bishops, there will always be those who are still set apart to be a cardinal.

And for every cardinal, there will always be one who will be a pope later on. Yes, we all have a mission. We all have a purpose. And it lies somewhere in our hearts waiting to be known. The Gospel reading is not just about the 12 who were chosen and not just about praying before making an important decision, but also Jesus' way of reminding us of our mission and purpose alongside with Him.

Image courtesy: Huffington Post, various artists

Yeast again!

Hypocrisy! That terrible yeast again!

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.-Luke13:10-17

As I read and reflected the Gospel, I was struck by a few points. 1) Importance of Sabbath, 2) Jesus is merciful, 3) Hypocrisy, and 4) Life.

Importance of Sabbath. Sabbath is the Lord's Day, God's Day, a day of rest with God, a day of prayer, Mass and Church services. Because it is Sabbath, any work is forbidden for the Jews. This includes healing, strenuous activities and other strong movements like walking more than a mile. That's why the synagogue leader's reaction is pretty normal. It was clear as water that healing happened on a Sabbath. However, the hypocrisy is too much because each and every person who owned an ox or a donkey would bother to untie the animal and lead it to the water even if it meant disregarding a Sabbath requirement. "My donkey might get thirsty and die." "I just bought this horse. It cost me much. I should take care of my investment. I know it's Sabbath but... my horse might get thirsty and die. I just have to take care of it." Strange isn't it? We can be very concerned with our dogs, cats and other animals. But we can turn our heads away and be oblivious of our neighbor's difficulty. Today, this hypocrisy lives. 

There are many campaigns against preservation of whales, sharks, turtles and other marine life for the future generation. There are movements to preserve big cats like lions, tigers and leopards for the future. There are organizations protecting wildlife like pandas, bears and other almost-extinct species. Yet, the irony of it all - some of us nod on anti-life practices like abortion, death-penalty and euthanasia. These people justify it by saying it helps in depopulation, it saves the mother from unwanted pregnancy, it saves the mother from trauma of having an unwanted child, freedom of choice, removing 'cancers' in the society, saving the family from burden, etc. In short, acts of evil wrapped in a beautiful box. Why are we waging war against our very own race?

Despite being in a bad light, the synagogue leader has a point in preserving the sacredness of the Sabbath by doing no work. It is just so saddening to see many institutions, organizations, people and businesses treating the Sabbath - or Sunday for many of us - as just an ordinary day still. Many still go to work. God has given us 6 days already for work. But why do we still have to use the one day with the Lord for work?

Jesus is merciful. Yes, full of mercy to us all. The woman in the story was just there perhaps quietly asking for healing. Wish granted! Jesus approached her and healed her. God knows all our needs. The truth is, even before we open our mouth and asked for help, God is already on His way taking good care of our immediate needs and those that are still to follow.

Help is there, only waiting to happen at the right time and place. Sabbath or Sunday is about God. God is love. All the acts that we do in the name of love - whether on a Sabbath or in an ordinary day - are known and appreciated by God. If we are merciful and only loving to others, God will not be angered for He is love and mercy.

Image courtesy: H. Copping; Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo; The End of the Working Day (Brooklyn Museum); various artists

Love Actually!

Love!

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”-Matthew22:34-40

Jesus said it clearly. The summary, the heart of everything is to love God and to love one's neighbor. If we love God, automatically, we love our neighbor. If one loves God but does not love his/her neighbor, that person does not know love. Loving God is tantamount to doing His will. And His will is not only for us to pray, meditate or know Him through the Bible, but also to love and serve others. Some expressions of love for God are generosity, kindness, being peaceful, hospitable and so forth. But these expressions of love cannot be done alone by a single individual for it requires other people as recipients of it.

Image courtesy: various artists

Unfold in due time

The greatest sinner. Is there such a person?

At that time some people who were present there told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2 He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? 3 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! 4 Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

6 And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. [So] cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”-Luke13:1-9

As I read and reflected the Gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder how the people reported and told the story to Jesus. Is it possible that some of them thought that the killed Galileans deserved their death because of their wickedness? Is it possible that some of them thought that God punished the killed Galileans for their acts? If we look on the culture of the Jews during the time of Jesus, they all believed that any misfortune came from God as punishment. Their infidelity, wickedness and abominable acts earned them an exile to Babylon. Sinful parents will have a deformed or sickly child. A sinful person will have sickness like leprosy. But Jesus said, "By no means!" Every person will have his/her fair share of difficulties, pain and misfortune. Tragedy falls both to the rich and poor, good and bad alike. These trials come and will serve its purpose in our life - change, repentance, strength, realization and so forth. God sends trials to serve His purpose for us, however, it is not only through trials that the purpose can be accomplished. We can change through ways like spiritual healing, spiritual counseling, retreats and recollections.

Jesus is saying, "By no means!" are we punished through misfortune, death, tragedy or sickness. There is a call to repentance for all of us. But repentance does not mean evil and difficulties no longer exist. I'll share one experience of mine. I am not a bad sort of person. I am not doing wicked things to others. I have been honest with my transactions. Yet, just 2 days ago, I was a victim of online fraud. Despite not doing any online purchase, somebody got hold of my debit card number and used it to make a payment online in three separate occasions. I would very much want to curse. Instead, I opted to pray for their conversion and change of heart, for I myself and everybody too, are in need of mercy, forgiveness and conversion. Yes, perhaps we are great sinners too in a different degree. Murder, stealing, killing, adultery, gossiping, lust, greed, backbiting, the list continues. But one thing is certain, no matter how great or small, regardless of quantity, a sin will always be a sin.

For me, the gardener represents Jesus and we are the fig tree. The fig tree never bore a single fruit after 3 years of existence. The owner already said, "Cut it down." but the gardener, ever so patient and understanding, suggests another year of existence with cultivation and much fertilizer on the tree. I like this version better because it used this term "...it may bear fruit in the future." For me, I interpreted it as patiently waiting for the fruit for a long time like a maximum of 3 years more.

Whereas in other versions, it is only a year of waiting only. The gardener truly reminded me of God's patience and understanding. God is ever patient in waiting for our return to Him. If it will take 50 tries, He will patiently wait and help us in our 50 attempts to reach Him, or He will never stop reaching out to us even if it meant 50 attempts in His part. God will never say that He is fed up or He had enough already and that He will punish us. No! God patiently waits for our return home to Him through repentance and reconciliation. It is just so unfortunate that our patience is always short. I am reminded of a story of a religious community. Priest1 always asks his brothers what they want to do, what they want to recreate, where they want to have a vacation. But Priest2 is always the killjoy. He doesn't speak much, he goes to his room always, he doesn't mingle, he doesn't recreate with the others, he doesn't join in the fun. As superior, Priest1 secretly dislikes Priest2. Priest1 would always say to himself, "I find Priest2 so mysterious. It's as if I don't know him at all. He pulls down the community. Oh, when will he be transferred!" It was during the time of Psycho-Spiritual Analysis days where there is much emphasis on processing, journal writing and looking into oneself. Because there is much focus on change and conforming to the norm, one thing was forgotten along the way - Understanding.

One day, Priest2 broke from his shell. He announced to all how thankful he was to belong in that community who understands him. He was thankful that the community did not ask for his transfer to another one. He admitted that he was undergoing depression and so much pain and brokenness, and he needs help and support. Priest1 was so ashamed of himself. Here he was, thinking how much of a killjoy and burden Priest2 is, without bothering to know what's going on with him, demanding for change and not bothering to understand him. That's what we are. We want things done in an instant. We want change in an instant. Sometimes we failed to understand and 'see' the person, his/her pacing, what's his/her story, what's his/her life because all we want is conformity to the norm. It's like saying, "If you can't fit it, then you don't belong here."

Priest1 said, "Never say, 'I find you so mysterious' to another person. Rather, we understand that person, his/her uniqueness, his/her individuality, his/her past because one day that person will unfold at the proper time and place." If Jesus patiently waits for our unfolding, so should we to others.

Image courtesy: E. Burnand (Barren Fig Tree), various artists

We can interpret them!

The messages of our times.

54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”-Luke12:54-59

We love to predict, forecast and to interpret something. We know if it's going to rain - thanks to the weather forecast. We know if we're losing a bet. We know if we're heading for trouble. Yes, God has given us the capacity to discern the events and circumstances in our lives as well as others lives.

Unfortunately, we are not using this wonderful gift of discernment sometimes. Despite knowing that we are heading for trouble, some still proceed with it. Despite knowing that drugs and alcohol cause damage, some still use it. Despite knowing that something is illegal and bad, some still continue doing it without remorse. Jesus, through the Gospel, is encouraging us to use our capacity to interpret and discern things, events and circumstances according to His purpose. Jesus is encouraging us to open ourselves to His leading and guidance, and not that we dictate what we want to Him.

People nowadays demand for justice and rights. Rather than making peace with our adversaries, humbling ourselves before them, some of us would opt for court battles. Sometimes these people are confident that they would win, only to be disappointed in the end. Worse, they even have to pay their opponents. Much is accomplished when we are humble. Much is saved when we exert effort to make peace and give second chances. Jesus is encouraging us to help spread peace in the world, and to spread the virtue of humility in a world full of arrogance and pride.

Image courtesy: P. Martin, various artists

Divided World

Together we stand, divided we fall.

49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”-Luke12:49-53

As I read and reflected the Gospel reading, I am still wondering why Jesus said, "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." But isn't it true that Jesus is the Prince of Peace? We greet one another with glad tidings during Christmas season, and this greeting is sourced from the joy the world felt during Jesus' birth. Division, and not peace, is simply something so baffling.

But there is truth to it. I know of a former police officer who never liked going to church. Always he would say, "I have no sin! So I am not obligated to attend the Mass." or "Others are more sinful that I am. If they don't go to church, neither do I." Sometimes he would disappear until the day is over just to escape the Mass. At times, he would just be quiet and block everybody from his senses. His attitude caused division to his family until finally he changed. John the Baptist caused such a division that displeased some powerful people that led to his death. In the movie "Brother Sun, Sister Moon," Francis of Assisi separated himself from his family when chose a poor life. Claire of Assisi, too, caused a division in her family when she chose to be a nun rather than a bride to a noble lord which caused much displeasure to her father.

To be with Christ sometimes cause division. Christ teaches poverty, simplicity, humility and other values and virtues. But many are not followers of these virtues and values. Some people shun poverty because they prefer a world of materialism and worldly wealth. They would say, "Why deprive myself since I have money to make me happy?" Some people shun simplicity. They would say, "I need expensive and classy bags, shoes, dresses, accessories... I have to be fashionable." Some people shun humility. They would say, "To be powerful is to be accepted." We need not be a divided world if we only open ourselves to Jesus. His way is always the right way. His way always brings contentment and bliss. His way is always love and peace. Let the fire of Jesus' love heal and bring us home to the Father!

Image courtesy: crestock.com; unknown artist; D.Lambert

Responsible Stewards!

"With great power comes great responsibility. - Uncle Ben (Spiderman)

39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”

42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.-Luke12:39-48

Jesus is encouraging all of us to be ready. This readiness is a day-to-day process. We do not prepare on the day we are attacked, broken into or when death is near. Rather, we treat each day as if today Jesus will come or death will knock. Jesus is not threatening us, but encouraging us to be prepared. This preparation has nothing to do with settling debts, paying our bills, entrusting our pets to our neighbors, making a will and so forth. This preparation is not even something strenuous at all, because this can be done in whatever acts we do in the name of charity and love.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (James4:17). The problem with the servant is that he knows the master's will, but he did not listen at all or did what he had to do. Yes, we all have that kind of experience.

We know in our hearts that what we are doing is wrong, yet we still did it. We know that what we do will ruin us, yet we still did it. Talk about doing what we don't want to do! Because we failed to listen to our hearts - where Jesus dwells - we reap what we have sown. Some go to jail, others lose their loved ones, marriages fail, communities closed their doors on us and so forth. But, Jesus' death and resurrection gave us new life and new hope. We can still change. We can even save what seems to be lost. We can improve our lives. We can be better. Nothing is impossible with God. He pours upon us grace upon grace, and all we need to do is simply to open up and accept it.

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." We are talented individuals, creative, intelligent and so much more. Our giftedness should not be kept hidden within us but ought to be shared to others "like a lamp that throws light in a darkened room." Jesus is encouraging us to be unafraid. He encourages us to share our "gifts" as service to others in the name of love. And Love is God.

Image courtesy: St. Takla Org.; unknown artists

Vigilance and Faithfulness

Stay awake and be ready!

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.-Luke12:35-38

Apart from vigilance and faithfulness, the Gospel reading is also about honesty. Sometimes, staff and employees do things when the master is away. They slacken; they loiter about; they chat and gossip; they idle; they steal away from the office to do some recreation outside.

That is why, any employer or boss is happy to find an honest, vigilant and faithful staff or employee who does his/her work well and diligently despite no one around to monitor him/her, and continues to do so when there are people around monitoring his/her work. Some people live up to the saying, "When the cat is away, the mouse will play." while others do not.

Putting myself in the shoes of the master of the house, I would be very happy when my servants are awake, waiting for me and immediately open the door when I knock. The Bridegroom is made happy when he looks about and sees the invited guests and bridesmaids waiting for his arrival no matter how late it is.

If Jesus comes again and sees us ready, vigilant and expecting Him, He will be very happy - to such an extent that He will be the One to serve us, rather than the other way around. This vigilance, readiness and preparedness can be expressed through acts of faith, hope, charity, above all, LOVE. If Jesus comes again, what will He find in our hearts?

Photo by: Dreamstime, unknown artist, St. Takla Org.

What fool!

Death is inevitable. We cannot bring to heaven the many material things we stored up for ourselves.

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”-Luke12:13-21

As I reflected, I saw two characters worth pondering. The man who asked Jesus for a favor regarding their inheritance, and the man who planned so many things only to die that very night.

Jesus is full of wisdom. No one is at par with Him when it comes to understanding the wisdom and knowledge of the Father.

Regarding the first man, perhaps if anybody heard his request about inheritance, any person would have said, "Sure." or "I'll try." But Jesus probes the mind and searches the heart. His answer was, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?... Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” It is most likely that Jesus knew that there is no extreme need at all, because if there is one, Jesus would have helped. Instead, He warned everybody about greed - possessing material things more than what is needed. Yes, we all have the tendency to be greedy and to "keep up with the Joneses."

Despite having a nice house, we still want another house. Despite having a nice car, we still want another car. Despite having a nice party already, we plan another grand party to "keep up with the Joneses." The more we accumulate, the more we buy unimportant things just to be at par or to keep up with our neighbors, and worse, we lose the true meaning of life. It is nice to own some things. It is a good sign that we work hard so that we can provide better for our family and to give good gifts to our loved ones "just like those of the Joneses." But it is another thing to be driven by greed and attachment to material things. It is another thing if we are slaves of material and worldly goods and selfishness.

Notice that the second man has so much focus on himself alone. There are many "I" "Me" "Myself" or "Mine" in his thoughts and plans. There is more to life than resting, eating, drinking and being merry. Actually, God does not say these acts are wrong at all. At the same time, Jesus does not encourage workaholism as well.

We are created after the image and likeness of God. Since God is love, then we are created to love as well. Our very existence should revolve around loving God and our neighbor. But it doesn't mean we just sit around, resting, drinking, eating and merrying with them only, but to work also since we are stewards of God's creation. And while we do these things, we bear in mind that life is transitory. If we work to have a better life and save something in the bank, we should work also for the "life ahead" and "deposit" something in our account in "heaven's treasury." What work and act should we do? If we know how to love God and our neighbor, this love will tell us what to do.

Photo by: Jim Janknegt (Rich Fool); Allan Sanders (Keeping up with the Joneses); unknown artist

Affiliations

Malice and evil acts never triumph!

15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”-Matthew22:15-21

Jesus is truly full of wisdom. His knowledge and answers never fail to silence anybody especially His critics. As I reflected on the Gospel, I cannot help but be struck by a few points. 1) If Jesus is alive now, some people will think that His answer is similar to playing safe. That is, it seems He does not want to please any group and it seems He does not want to side or affiliate with any group. 2) Some will think that His answer does not make a firm stand on important issues. That is, it seems He is neutral at such a difficult time. 3) The Herodians and Pharisees represent the two "evils."

Jesus probes the mind and searches the heart. He knew why the Herodians and the Pharisees were before Him. The Herodians don't really like Jesus. The Pharisees never liked Jesus to such an extent that they were plotting to kill Him already. But why were they there? Definitely not to know Jesus' political affiliation. Definitely not to invite Jesus to join their group. But with malice in their hearts and wickedness in their hearts, they secretly trap Jesus. Either way, Jesus' answer will definitely be a death sentence for Him.

1) Was Jesus playing safe? No, but He gave more than an answer. He gave a thought-provoking answer that silenced everybody. “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Whether they admit it or not, they know the will of God in their hearts. They know if paying taxes to Caesar was right or wrong. "The first answer is usually the right one." Though we are confused with so many voices around us, sometimes the first answer we thought of is the right one to so many issues these days. Though we cannot defend our answer, but in the very depths of our hearts, there lies the truth in all simplicity. Also, Jesus is inviting us to be careful with the affiliations we make with a group or cause. Because not all groups cater to good.

2) Did Jesus make a firm stand on an important political issue? Yes, but His answer was and still is thought-provoking. “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” A reflective Herodian and Pharisee would have thought, "What 'things' truly belong to Caesar considering that he is only a man, and a mere nothing before God?" Sometimes, we need to make a firm stand on certain issues. But sometimes we need not to especially if we are unsure, or if it is deceiving us secretly. Jesus is inviting us to be more reflective since the world we have is not that transparent anymore.

3) The two "evils." They said, "Choose between two evils." and "Choose the lesser evil." But Jesus is different. He did not choose between two evils, nor the lesser evil. What is evil is evil. What is good is good. Jesus is teaching us that we need not choose between two evils, nor the lesser evil. Jesus is encouraging us to follow the path of goodness, the path of light, the path of love, the path of God. To love God and to love our neighbor are the reasons why we are created. Why do we make our existence complicated?

Image courtesy: Tribute to Caesar, Manfredi, Bartolomeo; unknown artists

Super rich harvest

The harvest is much more plentiful!

10 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’-Luke10:1-9

Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest, the Master of Vocations. He chooses people for the Religious and Clergy, for Single-Blessedness or for Married Life. Sometimes we wonder why others are single, why others are married, why others enter the religious life or clergy. Such is life! We are brought by the Holy Spirit to where we should be.

Mysterious still is the way He chose His disciples and followers. A fisherman? A zealot? A tax collector? Loud and bold brothers? A prostitute? A would-be betrayer? A persecutor and murderer? Not really the cream of the crop, but that's the way of Jesus - mysterious, hidden, passive, full of surprises. Notice that during His passion and at the final moment of His life, He never rejected anybody nor condemned them. If so, who are we also to condemn or reject anybody just because of their background or sinfulness? Is their limit to our capacity to forgive?

Photo by: unknown artist and kaptainmyke (Cream of the Crop Vintage)

Walk in the Light!

Fear Him who has power over heaven, hell and earth.

12 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be[a] on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.-Luke12:1-7

For me, the Gospel reading is divided into three parts: secrets will be made known one way or another, fear of God, and to be fearless because we are with God.

Secrets will be made known one way or another. If we do good things in secret, such as being an anonymous benefactor of a charity, these acts will be made known eventually. Maybe a common friend or the beneficiaries themselves will spill the beans. Sometimes we are surprised to know that unlikely persons are benefactors of a promising athlete, a promising scientist, or of orphanages. When these acts are exposed, it brings happiness to the generous person as well as to the persons surrounding him/her.

But woe to the one who does wicked things in secret for it will be made known, and what terrible shame it will give to the one who commits it as well as to the people close to him/her. So many politicians and supposed "well-meaning" persons are put to shame and incarceration for secretly stealing from the country's treasury. So many pretentious and vile persons are imprisoned for doing things that destroy people's lives.

Fear of God. With all the atrocities we hear everyday, sometimes we just can't help but ask, "Where is God?" or "Why is there so much evil in the world?"

Those who do evil things did those vile acts without actually thinking of the ramifications of their actions. While others believe that they can get away with it anyway since they have money and power. But, one way or another, God knows how to make things right. If it will not be in this world, then it will definitely be in another 'world' in another time. If justice is not served now, it will be later on. Yes, there is hell. If some people celebrate "hell" here, it is not and never close to reality. As one mystic said, "What horror! Indescribable pain and such a horrific place!"

The Gospel reading may be a bit "dark" but Jesus' words are meant to strengthen us. We should not be afraid if what we do is according to God's plan and will. We have nothing to fear if God is by our side. We should cast away our evil inclinations. We should strive to walk in the light, that is according to the ways of Jesus.

Photo courtesy: Dante's Inferno, Alan Sherwood (Dante's Inferno), Platinum Hospital, unknown artist

Learn! Change!

We can learn from the sins of the past. We can shape our future by doing what is right now.

47 Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.

48 So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs.

49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,'

50 that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation,

51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechari'ah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it shall be required of this generation.

52 Woe to you lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."

53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things,

54 lying in wait for him, to catch at something he might say.-Luke11:47-52

The problem with the generation of Jesus was, they believed they learned from the past (i.e. rejection of the prophets) yet they did not believe in Jesus. Ironic isn't it? The manifestation that they learned from their past was the memorial or tomb they built for the prophets. But the last prophet of the Old, but still in Jesus' generation - John the Baptist - still suffered the persecutions, rejection and cold-heartedness of the Pharisees and other leaders. The prophesied-Messiah, Jesus, also suffered the rejection, cold-heartedness and persecution of His generation.

Last night, I was watching a "Stream" segment in Al Jazeera about abortion, and it made me remember a few points. Long ago, families, especially mothers, cry when their babies were selected as offering to the gods.

And if we look back at some of the reports about ISIS, we shed tears for the men who were beheaded without any trial. Going back to the abortion issue, I winced and felt disgusted when I heard pro-abortion women speak of "safe abortion." How can an abortion be safe when there is life being killed? I was really impressed when a pro-life lawyer said that "any being with life has rights" and abortion is not just about the ladies or women only but also "about the baby/fetus in the womb." Come to think of it, if a woman demands the right to abortion, a baby/fetus actually can demand the right to live as well. If a woman has the right to ask a lawyer, a baby/fetus has the right to justice as well by virtue that the baby/fetus has life, has human features, very INNOCENT, and is a yet to come citizen. If a child cries in an alley, it melts our hearts. If a baby can cry and beg inside the womb, asking to be spared from abortion, will it not melt hearts? Why is it that it is easy to be compassionate to a soldier beheaded by the ISIS, and not with innocent babies who cannot cry loud enough inside the womb before and during abortion? Why only feel compassion to the women, and not to the baby/fetus? Abortion is very much the same with child-sacrifice. The barbarism of the past is still the barbarism of today.

They said, "History repeats itself." But we can learn from our past sinfulness, and shape our future by doing what is God's will now. The fault of Jesus' generation is seemingly their lack of comprehension about the mistakes of the past, and their rejection of the Messiah Jesus. Since His time until now, Jesus is constantly inviting us to look back in our past. Not to relish on our sinfulness but to learn from it. The cross is not just a reminder of the atrocities done to Jesus, but it is also a reminder to all of us of our indirect participation in Jesus' sufferings through our sinfulness. The more we sin, the more painful it is for Jesus. Yes, He died for our sins and through the cross, extended eternal salvation to us too. The question is, is it a ticket for us to continuously sin? Do we really have to commit sin over and over again? Can't we choose the better part?

Photo courtesy: Ezekiel's tomb, DavinaFaerie, unknown artist