Seasons change

Life is a like a season. There is autumn. There is winter. There is spring. There is summer. Though seasons come and go, God remains.

29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.-Luke21:29-33

Wars and insurrections, check. Earthquakes, plagues and famine, check (these happen from time to time anyway). Trials and persecutions, check (and still happen until now). Fall of Jerusalem, check. Signs in the sky, check (but what signs actually?). Jesus' generation passed away, check. Only one prophecy has not happened - the coming of the Son of Man in power and glory. Could it be that Jesus erred when He said, "... And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" while considering "... this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened...?" Impossible. Jesus never erred. Could it be that a remnant of Jesus' generation still survives until now waiting for His coming and so, prophecy has only been partially fulfilled only? Possibly.

Jesus' coming will happen in many ways. One day He will come again. Time? No one knows but it will come at a time we least expect. Jesus continues to live in our hearts. For every fall in our lives, He is there. He shares our very own passion and suffering. Jesus has resurrected and ascended into Heaven. And this privilege is shared with us. Thus, we experience His resurrection as we experience our own resurrection from our falls in life. As we see ourselves victorious in our battles in life, there is that glorious feeling. We cannot fully express it, even "Thank You, Lord" is not enough to express the glory that we feel.

We are all invited to anticipate Jesus' coming as we live our day-to-day life. He may come in a glorious state or He may come in a state we least expect (like riding in a bus beside us in the guise of a teenager). God is full of surprises. He may be preparing one for you today. Are you prepared?

Image courtesy: Blackbutterfly by Deviant art, artists

He Comes Again!

Jesus lives and will come again!

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”-Luke21:20-28

Jesus prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem. In 70 AD, Jerusalem was destroyed. Many were put to death, many were slaughtered, many fled to the mountains and neighboring cities, the Temple was looted before destroying it... nothing was left. These days, the Gospel readings were about "destruction" and hope in preparation for Advent and Christmas seasons. Jesus spoke of wars, insurrections, powerful earthquakes, famines, plagues, persecutions, desolation, falling by the sword and escape for those who were fortunate. Many died. Many accounts where written about Jerusalem's fall and what sad state it came into.

Then, there was another prophecy about His coming. But I noticed one thing - the signs. Signs will be seen in the sun, moon and stars. But it does not necessarily mean destruction. Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the seas. But it does not necessarily mean destruction. People will faint in terror of what is to come into the world and of what the heavenly bodies are saying as it shakes. But it does not necessarily mean destruction. Though Jesus speaks of many signs, He did not say anything of death explicitly. Jesus' coming is not something to be feared at because it means 'the Shepherd has come to take home His sheep.' Jesus' coming is not death to those who remained in Him, but of redemption, salvation and eternal happiness with Him. When Jesus comes today, what will He find in your heart?

Image courtesy: Francesco Hayez (Destruction of Jerusalem), artists

Grace under Pressure

In times of trouble, be not afraid. God will be there to help us out.

12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

13 This will be a time for you to bear testimony.

14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer;

15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death;

17 you will be hated by all for my name's sake.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.-Luke21:12-19

How could I know that my "end" is near? With all the pain and sorrow that I went through, life seems to be taken out of me. But looking back, I saw that my journey to recovery and healing is one of Faith, Hope, Trust and Simply Believing that God is merciful and compassionate. As what Job said, "The Lord has given. The Lord has taken away." And with my own experience, I want to add, "The Lord restores, and it is overflowing."

Did you not have an experience when you practiced something to perfection, and yet when the day to perform or do it finally arrived, nothing came out of you? Perhaps this is the reason that Jesus warns His followers and disciples not to meditate or to prepare a kind of defense. To do so, meant trust in one's own capacity. And sometimes, man can find a loophole in another man's defense. But God's wisdom are pure and irrefutable; and this is what He will give to those whom He tasked to defend the Faith.

Our troubles in life are sometimes enough to eat us alive. Sometimes we just want to end it all, to run away, to hide, to be left alone, to wallow in self pity or regret, to drown in sorrow and pain. Jesus is encouraging us to be brave and strong. To be brave and strong doesn't have to be bold acts. Most of the time, strength and courage are shown through silence, gentleness, grace-under-pressure and calmness despite the harsh turbulence around us. As the song says, "Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow Me. And I will give you rest."

Image courtesy: Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo (Martyrdom of St. Andrew), Lifehack Qoutes

Hope remains

Hope in God, I will praise Him still.

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.-Luke21:5-11

Jesus gave signs when Jerusalem's destruction would happen. There would be false prophets, wars and uprisings. And if these were still not enough, there's more. Nation against nation, powerful earthquakes, famines and plagues in various places, and fearful and great signs from the skies. When Jesus said to the weeping women, "Weep not for me" there was perhaps sadness in it considering that Israel would fall and many would be slaughtered without mercy.

But Jesus was not scaring the people. Rather, He was strengthening them with His words, "Be not afraid." Jesus was imparting Hope to the people of Israel. A remnant would always live to survive. A remnant would always live to tell the tale - the tale of Hope. When all else is lost, Hope remains. And this hope shall strengthen us and lead us home to God. We are never alone for Jesus shares our sufferings. He weeps with us and accompanies us in carrying our cross. His words "Be not afraid" continues to ring in our hearts as we face life's trials bravely.

Image courtesy: Francesco Hayez (Destruction of Jerusalem), artist

Love is the True Measure

Jesus shares our joy when we give.

Jesus[a] looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.[b] And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”-Luke21:1-4

I have encountered many poor people in my life. If I ask them about their daily survival, they would say that what money they have, they save it for their needs. Their needs involve food, clothing, water, needs of the children in school and so forth. Now that's a responsible poor! However, there are those who are in deep poverty but still spend whatever they have to gamble or buy alcoholic drinks, drugs and cigarettes. The result, they become poorer and more hungry still.

I consider the widow a responsible poor. Yes, she saved what little she has for a higher need. But this higher need happens to be giving to the temple treasury. Fascinating isn't it? A widow and poor at that. It is expected of her to use what little she has for her survival - including food, clothing, oil and other household needs. But she believes that the crucible and core of her survival is God, through God and in God alone.

Normally, any person would think of his/her survival first and foremost. But the poor widow anchored her survival to God. Simply fascinating! Our life depends on survival and ensuring that every thing and every need is there within reach. We tend to forget that there is a God who ensures our survival and needs to live, except the poor widow.

Is God saying, then, that we should imitate the poor widow? Yes and No. If we can happily and readily give all that we have to do the Church and not regret it afterwards, then our sacrifice is one that will truly touch the heart of God and the hearts of men and women. But, if we will only regret, cry and be angry if we give everything to the Church, then, much better not to do so. God appreciates a generous giver. But the generous giver must be happy in what s/he is giving to others.

It is not the amount that matters to God. Rather, it is the amount of love that we give that truly matters. As what St. Paul said to his first letter to the Corinthians chapter 13 verse 3, "... If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing." Love is the true measure of charity.

Image by: Zeferino da Costa (The Widow's Mite), Hunger Games (Katniss Everdeen), artist

The Test of Real Knowledge

Real knowledge of the Bible is to live it out everyday. God lives and exists in each and every one of us especially to those who are least, last and lost.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”-Matthew25:31-46

I have a cousin who belongs to an institution. Its members claim that their institution is a religion. But it cannot be so because the institution's category is a corporation that practices fellowship. Anyway, my cousin - who happens to be a deacon in that institution - claims that they have won every Bible debate over a Catholic. My father and siblings opt not to comment about it. Perhaps because they do not want to antagonize him and because they do not want to engage in a Bible debate should they protest. But if I was there, I would protest calmly and teach fervently. I wouldn't engage myself in a debate but I would teach. For me, every Christian - for as long as s/he follows Christ - cannot boast of winning a Bible debate because to do so is contrary to the example, life and teaching of Jesus on Humility. If Jesus humbled Himself, we should too. Knowledge of the Bible is ideal. Gaining knowledge of God by feeding the intellect with it, is good and ideal. But, the Bible and Jesus' life are summarized into two - Love of God and love of neighbor. The 2 greatest commandments - Love of God and love of neighbor - are enough defense already. Therefore, real knowledge of the Bible and of God, is the actual living out of the 2 greatest commandments of Love everyday. As St. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians chapter 13, "If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing." To feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to welcome strangers, to visit the sick and in prison are some acts of love. What have we done to show our love for God and neighbor?

Image courtesy: artists

The End is the Beginning

Life after death. Jesus triumphed over evil and death. He is alive. He continues to live. We share in His victory over death and sin.

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’[a] 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.-Luke20:27-40

There are many things in life where we cannot pin it down for good. A perfect example of this is Life After Death or the question, "What happens to us when we die?" There are many beliefs about life after death which includes resurrection.

Jesus once and for all answered the question of life after death when He said, "But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection." Though our body or physical shell dies, our spirit continues to live on (resurrection) and shall go home back to God. If we are worthy, we will be like the angels, enjoying eternal bliss with God.

It is such a pity that there are some, at this age, who still do not believe in resurrection. There are those who use science to take a glimpse on life after death or use laboratory experimentation to venture the realm of the dead. For me, the realm of "Life after Death" could never be calculated, analyzed, studied or experimented upon because this is something that should be experienced when one dies. We can only make hypothetical guesses and never reach far.

Apart from triumph over death and sin, Jesus also promises New Life to us all after His resurrection. This New Life is a brand new beginning after 'death,' a new morning after night's darkness. Our nature is prone to sin but Jesus' resurrection promises a new life, forgiveness and a new chance for us to start anew. Life indeed is a continuous resurrection, a continuous renewal, a continuous conversion until death.

Image courtesy: Jan Steen (Marriage of Tobias and Sarah); artists

A life of such

We are a 'house of prayer.'

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’[a]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]”

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.-Luke19:45-48

Each person is a house of prayer, that is, each individual is a holy sanctuary, a dwelling place of God, a Temple. What we do against others or every time we sin, is a defilement of our holiness and sacredness.

Many people today prefer a life of dissipation or debauchery. Parties here and there. Drugs here and there. Spending money here and there. Sex here and there. Physical and facial surgeries here and there. In other words, over-indulging one's self. But at the end of the day, all these things never give true happiness. But perhaps these people are already contented with superficial happiness.

A life of dissipation and debauchery will never bring true happiness even if it was packaged as the coolest thing on earth. Besides, a life of such makes us a mere 'den of robbers.'

Image courtesy: El Greco (Clearing of the temple); Hannah More quote

If Only

If only we knew of disasters to come and the many things that could bring peace, we would have listened today.

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”-Luke19:41-44

Jesus wept because He saw what will come ahead. The destruction of Jerusalem, the many men, women and children who will suffer and die, the loss of everything. Many will wish to have died earlier than see all the sufferings left and right. Jesus saw it all and wept for the people of Jerusalem on the day of its destruction.

We have experiences that we regretted. We have many sighs and tears of regret. We wished to go back to the past and change things, but it's just impossible. We have many "If only I have..." moments, but all is gone and lost. We cannot bring back the past. Then the blame game begins. But we can change forever our future by doing the will of God today. Why wait for the future to come if we can shape it as early as now?

Are there things that I need to change today? Are there things or people that I need to let go and sacrifice to avert disaster in the future?

Image courtesy: artist, Francesco Hayez (Destruction of Jerusalem)

Be brave for God!

What a king!

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.[a] ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” 28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.-Luke19:11-28

Two things struck me - the attitude of the master/king, and what of the other 7 servants.

As I read and reflected, I cannot help but remember Herod I. Herod was never the rightful heir to the kingdom of Judea. The Hasmonean Dynasty has many male descendants who had every right to be king. But because of ambition, Herod in some way "stole" it from them by securing Rome's help and support. Just like the master in this parable, he went away only to come back as king. And just like the master in this parable, his subjects never really liked him much. And, just like the master in this parable, he ordered many killings including members of his family. Jesus, too, is in some way, strangely similar with the master in the parable. Unlike the master and Herod who had to leave and earn their kingship from somewhere else, Jesus was the true king when He became God-made-man. But by becoming God-made-man, he subjected Himself to our lowliness except sin. And in the process, leaving His glorified form just to be one with us.

Just like the master and Herod, Jesus had supporters and detractors. Today, there are many who proudly claim themselves as anti-Christ through their actions, words, thoughts and beliefs. Morality is sometimes sacrificed to give way to pleasures of the flesh and of this world.

If Herod and the master in the parable had ordered many killings, Jesus - the True King and God-made-man - embraced the will of the Father by sacrificing Himself to redeem us all. Not all kings are willing to make this sacrifice for their subjects, for their enemies and even for those not yet born. But Jesus, in His great love, did it.

Another thing that struck me was, whatever happened to the other 7 servants? 10 were called to put the entrusted money to work while the master is away. If 3 made an accounting already, what of the 7? Were they successful? Were 9 servants successful in their business transactions except the last one who lost all?

My reflection is telling me "No." I believe that there were servants who were successful in putting the money to work, thus, earning more. And I believe that there were servants who were not successful at all too. Perhaps some lost it all. But, they were not punished because what is more important is taking risks, being brave, giving it a try, seizing the moment and grabbing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to excel. Hey, all stories have a hero/heroine, an enemy, a problem to solve and almost always a good ending. Regardless of the ending, notice that the hero/heroine always, always gives his/her best shot to be brave, to give it a try, to seize the moment and to grab a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to succeed. Jesus is encouraging us to be brave for Him and not to waste the God-given gifts He blessed and continues to bless us with. Sometimes all that it takes is a small step forward and faith in God.

Image courtesy: Willem de Poorter (Parable of the Talents), Rubens (Triumph of Judas Maccabee), TheBeke (David and Goliath)

The Choice that made a Difference

"I must stay at your house today." - Jesus

19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”-Luke19:1-10

Literally, Jesus invited Himself to stay at Zacchaeus' house. If today, Jesus knocks at our door and invites Himself inside, what will be our response?

It is understandable if we deny 'hospitality' to a friend who suddenly knocks at our door and invites himself/herself in especially if we have nothing to offer or we are undergoing some tough moments in life. But just imagine a stranger suddenly inviting himself/herself in to dine, stay and spend time with us. Naturally we become cautious, suspicious, vigilant and on defensive mode toward the stranger. "What does s/he want?" "Will s/he do harm to us?" "Must I call the police?" "Is s/he really what s/he claims to be?" Well, this is exactly what Jesus did. Despite not knowing one another at all, Jesus called Zacchaeus as if they were the best of friends. And despite the fact that Zacchaeus did not know Jesus at all, he accepted Him to his house and perhaps prepared a sumptuous dinner and accommodation for Him and His disciples.

What followed next is a beautiful story of conversion right then and there. One invitation and one acceptance (or "Yes") to Jesus are all that it takes to make one's life better. Zacchaeus was a rich man owing to his profession as a chief tax collector. And yet, he was able to shy away from wealth's grasp by opening himself to Jesus. Many are saying, "Oh, we can't turn away from our luxurious, worldly and pleasurable lifestyle. Life is better this way. I enjoyed it and I don't want to end it." But the many Zacchaeus of this world is saying, "No, life is better if we live in Jesus and He in us."

Jesus is not saying wealth is bad, the world is evil or pleasure is harmful because we live in the world, pleasure is everywhere and wealth appears in many forms. Rather, Jesus is inviting us to transcend from all these. These things will never satisfy us, on the contrary, it makes us hunger and thirst for it more and more. Jesus is inviting us to go home to Him - Who can fulfill all out needs. Jesus is the real Fountain of Life Giving Water that quenches all thirst and all needs.

Image courtesy: Phillip Medhurst (Jesus and Zacchaeus); artists

Give it a try!

Conquer your fear and you will see victory with God.

35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging;

36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.

37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."

38 And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

40 And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him,

41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight."

42 And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."

43 And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.-Luke18:35-43

The previous Gospel reading spoke of the fear of the third servant. Because of his fear of his demanding master, he hid the talent. Because of that, what he had was taken from him. Worse, he was thrown "outside in the darkness, where there is wailing and grinding of teeth."

In contrast, the blind man conquered all his fears just to be healed. Perhaps there was a tug-of-war between asking help from Jesus or not. But he conquered the possibility of rejection by crying out loud, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The blind knew that he had nothing to lose when he asked for help. He knew that it is much better to try, than not try at all and regret it for the rest of his life. Yes, one of his fears came true because instead of the people helping him and encouraging him to call on to Jesus, they shushed him, rebuked him, told him to be quiet. Talk about empathy! But all his efforts paid off because Jesus heard him and healed him right then and there.

The things that we ask from God are actually granted already. Sometimes we just have to be bold enough to give it a try, or be bold enough to ask. Sometimes Jesus is asking us to be brave for Him.

Image courtesy: El Greco (Healing of the Blind), Dreamstime

Fear Not!

Do not be afraid!

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’-Matthew25:14-30

The Gospel reading is enough to make one ask himself/herself, "What have I done with the talents and gifts entrusted to me by God?" Our town is the host of this year's District 1 inter-school games. For several days, we keep on hearing cheers, folk dance songs, original compositions, music, oration, declamation and so forth. This week is indeed a showcase of talents. My mother narrated her days as an archer. Well, it made me wonder about my own gifts and clubs.

For me, the main fault of the third servant is not because he hid the money, but because he was afraid. He was afraid of his demanding master. He was afraid of failure. He was afraid that when the master returns to hear their accounting, he has nothing to report because he failed. He was afraid to risk. He was afraid to commit mistakes. He was afraid to give it a try. He was afraid to get out of his comfort zone. He had a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the "master" but he cannot let go of his identity as a servant. He was given the chance to shine, to make it to the top, to be the master, to be above the rest, but he chose to swim instead in his limitations and boxed self. Aren't we like him sometimes?

Today, Jesus is encouraging us to be unafraid. Jesus is inviting us to risk for Him sometimes. Jesus is inviting us to leave our comfort zones and allow Him to lead us to places far beyond our understanding. Let's give it a try! Besides, we have nothing to lose since He is with us every step of the way.

Image courtesy: Willem de Poorter (Parable of the Talents), artists

Power Play of the Powerful and the Powerless

What will our response be when He asks?

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”-Luke18:1-8

Take note of the characters. One is a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. As judge, his office naturally gives him power, prestige, honor and fear. The other one is a widow. Women, during that time, are considered second class citizens along with children. And as a widow, she might as well be dead if she did not have a son to look after her. What is strange in the story is how power is being played. A powerful judge is actually afraid of a powerless widow! But what can a widow do? What did she say or do to make the judge fearful? And how come the judge was afraid of her? Does her words bite so much?

The truth is, the parable is not about the power play or the power struggle between the judge and the widow. Rather, Jesus speaks of the power of persistent prayer. If we ask something with all humility, trust and total surrender to God, He will grant it. However, if what we asked for will destroy us or others, God will definitely not grant it. Sometimes, there is a delay before God grants our request. Maybe because we are not ready for it or the time has not yet come for it to happen. And most of the time, God grants our requests including those that we did not ask for, those that are important and trivial in our lives.

But if God grants justice, how come there is much injustice in our world? When somebody caused us much pain, we demand for immediate justice. When wrong is committed against us, we demand for immediate justice. I, I, I, Me, Me, Me. But 'God's ways are not our ways. Nor His thoughts, our thoughts.' says the Psalmist. God, Who is full of love for us His children, thinks also of the welfare of His 'other' children. Yes, God would like to set things right for us. Yes, God would like to ease our pain by giving us the justice that we need. However, it is not as easy as we think being God. Apart from considering our pain, He also considers the pain of the one who committed it. And, all of us is His beloved. God cannot choose one side over the other.

There is a father who really loves his children. He adores them so much. He spoils them, gives them everything. They are the apple of his eyes. One day, Jake - the eldest son - came home with a frog. John - the youngest son - liked the frog so much because it was small, slimy, jumps around and has big eyes. When Jake was asleep, John decided to take the frog. Alas! the frog slid off from his tiny fingers and off it went away. When Jake awoke the next morning, he saw that the frog was not there anymore. He stormed to where poor John was asleep and demanded the frog back. John cries and tells him, "I'm sorry." But Jake was really angry. Going to their father, Jake demanded just punishment for John. As a father who loves his children and does not want to hurt them, what do you think will he do?

I, myself, was a victim of injustice. I still cry sometimes when I remember it. But I believe, justice will be served in the right time and place, and in a manner so far beyond my understanding. One of the biblical figure I reflected upon was Joseph of Jacob's twelve sons. So much injustice was done to him but he chose to forgive. By opening himself to God, he became a savior of his family. God knows how to make things right. God knows how to make crooked lines straight. Jesus is inviting us to trust Him. He knows what is right for us all.

God is Love!

Image courtesy: MMBox Production, Johann Overbeck (Joseph sold to slavery); artists

The End, The Beginning, The Rennaisance

The end is when?

26 “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

30 “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. 32 Remember Lot’s wife! 33 Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” [36] [a]

37 “Where, Lord?” they asked.

He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”-Luke17:26-37

Nobody knows exactly when the end will come. They said it was in 2000. Some said it was in 2012. And still we are alive, doing our thing, and the year is 2014 already.

They said that when Jesus comes again, there will be much destruction and pain. Maybe yes, maybe no. But for me, when that day comes, it will be a day of rejoicing because the blind will see, the lame walk, the dead will rise again, perhaps many miracles will happen. When Jesus will come again and I would be there to witness it, I would say, "Lord, thank You! I'm coming home! Finally, I can see what Your disciples saw when they were with You." However, the coming of Jesus will spell destruction, panic and doom for those who live in sin and wickedness. Why? Because anybody who committed sin and wickedness, remained unrepentant until the end, knows that the time for judgment is at hand and it is not favorable. Their sins alone speak of the kind of judgment they deserve.

I believe I am saved. I know I have my own sins, but I repent and strive to be better. I am not saying that the sinners are doomed already - hey, I am a sinner myself. Rather, it is not too late to repent. It is not too late to change. It is not too late to acknowledge that God is alive and here with us. It is not too late to accept that Jesus is our Savior.

Do you want to be saved? Or do you want to suffer in eternal damnation?

Image courtesy: various artists

Everywhere He Is

He comes!

20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”[a]

22 Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. 24 For the Son of Man in his day[b] will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.-Luke17:20-25

Even until now, there are still many false Messiahs. One says that the Spirit of Jesus and Mary possesses her. One says Jesus has returned in the form of his/her child. Others proclaim themselves as the heir of Jesus. Others fashion themselves by growing their hair and beard long to make them look authentic Jesus. But Jesus says otherwise. When He comes again, everybody will see, including the blind, from one end of the earth to another. No time zone will be an obstacle. Everybody will see Jesus' return even if a person is inside a building.

Actually, we need not exert much effort in looking for Jesus because He is in our midst. He is everywhere. He is in any living being, in any event, in any occasion. When we walk, talk, run, eat and do anything, Jesus is there with is. No escaping Him. But where is He? Jesus lives in our hearts, in our minds and in our bodies. The question is, are we aware? Did we bother to talk to Him? Did we include Him in our activities? Did we allow ourselves to be guided by Him?

Image courtesy: various artists

The one who returned

Did you forget?

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”-Luke17:11-19

In times of difficulty, we cry aloud to God. And because we need His mercy, all the more that we are sensitive to Him or His message. Sometimes we interpreted certain things as a message from Him. Example, if a person suffers in bankruptcy, and he sees a message that says, "God will give you your heart's deepest desire," most likely the man would assume that God just solved his bankruptcy. Yes, we are so attuned to God in times of difficulty.

But, when we are joyful, in abundance or God just granted our heart's desires, we forget Him. We are so drunk by joy and gladness that we forgot about Him. We thought of the happy days ahead, the reunion with family, the bonding with friends, the welcome of community and so many things, except a little "Thank You, Lord." This happens most of the time.

Once there was a soul who came to Heaven. In a certain chamber marked "Supplication," many throngs of angels are busy. So many angels and so busy. Moving on in another chamber, the soul saw one angel. The angel is bored, sleepy and nothing to work on. The soul asked, "What is your work?" The angel said, "I'm in charge of receiving the "Thank you" messages of the people to God. Sometimes the messages come. Sometimes there's none at all."

Supposing that the nine lepers were simply following Jesus' instruction of presenting themselves to the priests. Can we say that their action is indeed forgivable since they merely obeyed? For me, a simple "Thank You, Jesus" is not so much to ask. I believe Jesus wouldn't feel disobeyed if they returned to thank Him because gratitude is the language of love also. And love is God. Supposing that the nine lepers went to Jerusalem so that the lengthy ritual of purification could begin and end as soon as possible, and the Samaritan leper did not actually need this purification ritual - being a foreigner - that's why he had the time to go back to Jesus to thank Him. Can we say that the nine lepers' actions, as well as the lone Samaritan leper's actions, explain it all? No. Being a Samaritan with no business with Jews, he can actually just go home, forget the purification and Jesus. But, he thanked Jesus. Jews are more expected to be grateful since another Jew healed them. But, they didn't. Note the difference. The one with no business with Jews, thanked Jesus who is a Jew. The nine Jews, did not thank Jesus who is a Jew.

Jesus is inviting us all to speak, think and act the language of love. The language of love - which is God - also includes gratitude. Jesus does not demand much when we express our gratitude to Him. Sometimes, all that He ask is a simple "Thank You, Lord."

Image courtesy: J. Steel (10 Lepers), various artists

A Thought for the Brain

Probe deeper.

7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”-Luke17:7-10

If I was there and Jesus asked, "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?" I would say automatically, "Yes, Lord. I would ask my servant to eat and drink with me." But upon probing deeper, I realized I wouldn't say it. It's not because I am particular with class distinction, rather, I am exposed to the norm that masters/mistresses should not be together during meals if it can be helped. I say this because there are certain things that the family cannot discuss in front of servants, and servants have certain things that cannot be shared as well with the masters/mistresses. Don't get me wrong. Let's face it. There are matters we cannot do or say in front of our bosses. There are matters we cannot do or say in front of our subordinates.

Jesus, though seemingly harsh, is right when He said that after doing everything, we should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty." God cannot be bribed by our good works, accomplishments and awards. God cannot be bought by our money or acts. The blessings that we have are not because we are so good, brilliant and talented that whatever we touch turns to gold. We cannot say, "I did it, Lord. I finished the job. Now You should give this to me." No. What we have and the blessings that we receive every day comes from His bounty. We should remember that whether we do much or less, God still blesses us with gifts and graces because He loves us so much. We should humble ourselves as we remember that whatever we do - small and great alike - comes from Him, through Him, and from Him shall its result come forth.

Image courtesy: Colourbox, artist

A Gushing Fountain

A mustard seed is so small - as big as this "o"

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.

“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.Luke17:1-6

Jesus is warning us all that things that cause us to sin and stumble are bound to come. The thing is, sometimes it would come without any preamble at all. Sometimes our dearest friend would cause us to sin. Perhaps, a little flower will cause us to sin. Even intangible things like loyalty can cause us to sin. Not only that, because we inherited Original Sin from Adam and Eve, we are also sin carriers. In other words, we can also influence or cause others to sin and stumble. Woe to each and every one who causes others to sin. Woe to me as well if I cause others to sin and stumble.

It is easy to be scandalized by others' sin. But to be scandalized, to evade or to stay away from people who sinned is not the answer or the antidote for it. To scare them about the price of sinfulness is not the remedy as well. Jesus is teaching us to be forgiving of those who sinned. If we know a person sinned, then we rebuke or point it out to them. If they ask forgiveness or repent, then we should forgive them, accept them and erase their sins so that "standing up" is an easy thing to do.

Some people would like others to stumble to tragedy for them to realize their faults. Others just watch their neighbor stumble to sin. Others don't correct their neighbor because "adults should not be treated like children who needed constant correction." But I say "No." Sin knows no age (except infancy to early childhood), race, status, religion, class, etc. We should always try and try reaching out to others and prevent them from committing sin. If they continue sinning, then we continue correcting. Our forgiveness and fraternal correction should not be limited. If Christ is a fountain of forgiveness that never stops gushing, we should strive to be one, too.

Image courtesy: various artists