Everyday is Christ-mas

... gave thanks to God...

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[a] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.-Luke2:36-40

What a year it was! It started painfully for me, it started in desolation. But God knows how to wipe every tear and pain away at the right time or at a time that He intended for healing to come. As I look back on this year's journey, all I can say is, "Thank You, Lord!"

Prior to Jesus' birth, it was built up by back-to-back miracles. When His birth came, the world rejoiced - along with Heaven - whether consciously or unconsciously, whether in grandeur or in simplicity only. Today's Gospel speaks of a return of the Holy Family to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. Eventually, life has to go back to its normal and ordinary ways. Jesus' invitation for us is to keep our relationship with Him strong and ever alive as if everyday is Christmas Day. Christ is born to us. Come let us adore Him everyday of our lives.

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The wait is over

A contradiction!

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”-Luke2:22-35

I was touched by how faithful Simeon waited for the Savior. Perhaps as he waited, there were moments that he gave up, moments that he was tired, moments that he wished he were dead already. Finally, the day came. So strange, perhaps, to see an honored elderly man giving homage and much praise to an infant. I cannot help but feel that it was Simeon who asked permission from an infant to give him rest and a happy journey beyond. When did the "Simeon" in us showed much respect and humility to others? When was the last time the "Simeon" in us gave praise to God in our busyness and rush during the Christmas festivities? When did we wait for so long for something? How did we feel when finally, after a long wait, it was granted?

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The families today

Families today need help.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord...

39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.-Luke2:22,39-40

The Sunday after Christmas, the Roman Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. As such, it is a reminder to us all to look and see our family, and the families around us. I am truly blessed to be in a family that is quiet and in good terms with one another. We may have our shortcomings, but generally my family is a happy one and truly blessed by God with peace and unity.

Last Saturday, we heard the sad news that before Christmas, the High School grandson of our laundrywoman was caught "stealing" $100 from their relative and benefactor. As such, he was accosted by the police officer about his actions. On that same day, he was sent to a far, far away village to be temporarily "exiled." The boy held much promise because he was intelligent, a scholar, a loving kid. Then this event happened. Perhaps the guardians were asking where did they go wrong considering that the kid was sent to a very good school, and all that he asked for is granted. [The guardians happened to be lax in teaching what is good and bad (morally) to the kid. For them, anything and everything goes, even tolerating the kids hobby of gambling at such a young age.]

The Holy Family is inviting us all to not only care, feed, protect the children, but to teach them the moral goods (like honesty, generosity, respect, etc.) to help them be better people later on - one that upholds good, abhors evil, fears and loves God. For how can the children be the future if their past is already wrong?

Image courtesy: WikiHow and artist

What did he see?

What did he see?

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.' Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.-John20:1a,2-8

It made me wonder, what did he see? what did he believe? Did he believe that "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him?" Whatever the answer may be, it is all now moot. But what do we see? And what do we believe? As the Christmas season continues, along with the upcoming new year, what is Jesus' invitation for us to see in our lives? Nowadays, it is difficult to believe if there is no concrete evidence supporting it. Not only in science, but almost everywhere. Is it enough of a reason to discredit a person just because change is slow? Is it difficult to believe that our world can be better despite its chaos?

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The day after Christmas

Persecution in the midst of celebration.

17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.-Matthew10:17-22

Before Christmas, the Gospel readings were building up the celebration that would happen on the 25th. On Christmas Day itself, the world rejoiced for the birth of the Lord. Quite suddenly, on the 26th day, the Roman Catholic Church celebrated the martyrdom of St. Stephen - the first to die for Jesus. Life indeed is full of births and deaths, of rebirths and deaths. St. Stephen is a gentle reminder to us all Jesus is with us in whatever stage of life we are in. He is not only present in the "births" of our life, not only present in the "Calvarys" and "crosses" of our life, but also during our death and resurrection where we will go home to dwell in the place prepared for us in Heaven along with the saints and angels.

Painting by: Domenico Fiasella (Martyrdom of St. Stephen)

Jesus Christ is born for us!

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”-Luke2:1-14

Christ is born for us! The Word became flesh and continues to dwell in us! Have a blessed Christmas!

Hope in them

A befitting praise!

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

71 salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us—

72 to show mercy to our ancestors

and to remember his holy covenant,

73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

and to enable us to serve him without fear

75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”-Luke1:67-79

Every child born brings with him/her hope in this world. Perhaps newborn babies are much better than the present generation. Perhaps these babies will make better decisions for the good of all and not only for the good of only a few. Of course, when one sides with Good, the 'Bad' ones or those whose interests will be reduced will definitely put up a good fight. Usually the bad ones say, "We are doing what is for the general good of all." or "We have the right to this or that." Unfortunately, they fail to see that they are only championing their interests or the interests of a few even if it is so wrong, or the interests of the devil itself beautifully packaged in a box sometimes called Human Rights.

Jesus and John the Baptist continue to show us the way up to this time and in many more years to come. Despite mankind's refusal to listen nowadays, Jesus and John continue in believing that eventually we would respond and come home to God.

Image courtesy: artist

What will he say about the world today?

What will this child be?

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.-Luke1:57-66

If John will return now, what will he say about the present generation? One thing I know, he spoke of repentance and publicly denounced 'unlawful' relationships. For me, if John will come back today, he MIGHT speak against certain unlawful relationships - homosexual relationships and/or union, husbands getting another husband's wife or another woman, wives getting another wife's husband or another man, infidelity and unfaithfulness. Perhaps he MIGHT speak against the world's immorality, pleasures and debauchery. Perhaps he MIGHT speak against the lack of respect and reverence the world has with God. Perhaps he MIGHT speak of how selfish mankind has become, always choosing one's convenience even if it meant sacrificing Right for Wrong. Today, it is easy to get rid of a husband or wife like simply changing a shirt. What happened to the vows of being there for one another "for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health til death do us apart?" Today it is easy to just get anybody to bed to satisfy one's pleasures and cravings. What happened to chastity and self-denial? Do we really have to give in to what we want all the time?

Image courtesy: artist

A song of praise

A song of praise to God.

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.-Luke1:46-56

This is a song of one who saw God. This is a good song for those who have seen the merciful and saving hand of God during the time when everything was hopeless and dark. The proud will be humbled. And the humbled will finally be exalted. God promised and continues to keep His promise of being there for us since the beginning of time and until the end. Mary saw the saving hand of God. Mary has a big part in the salvation story. It's saddening to see Mary taken for granted by some. Have you seen the saving hand of God in your life today?

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Yes or No?

My response to God's invitation is...

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.-Luke1:26-38

I remembered the responses of the Biblical figures who were selected by God for a mission. When Sarah heard that she would bear a son, she laughed and thought that the joke was on her. Moses came up with a lot of excuses. Jacob wrestled the angel. Gideon was afraid. Jeremiah made an excuse out of his youth. Mary responded with her wholehearted "Yes" to the plan of God. Peter acknowledged his sinfulness and unworthiness. Zacchaeus repented and returned the money to those whom he cheated. The thief acknowledged Jesus at the point of death. Paul embraced the new faith. So different are their responses. But how are we going to respond to the call of God? What if His invitation is not to our liking? What if the mission is bigger than life? Mary is inviting us to respond to God with a big "Yes." When God plucks us out for a mission, He intended it for us and us alone.

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Keep the fire going

The Lord has taken away my disgrace at the right time.

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

... 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”-Luke1:5-25

Some said that Zechariah cannot speak because he was greatly stupefied or shocked by the Angel Gabriel's presence. Others said that Zechariah became mute because he did not believe that - after a long time - his prayers were answered despite the impossibility of it. But with God, everything is possible. Even if God Himself personally gave this message to Zechariah, he wouldn't still believe. And this is why he was temporarily put to a state of silence until the time of its fulfillment.

We are all like Zechariah sometimes. We prayed for a long time for a promotion, for winning the lottery, for the return of a lost love, for a one-in-a-million break, and yet when it comes we cannot believe it or we bungle it. Perhaps our hearts turned cold because we have waited for so long. Perhaps by waiting for long a time, we lost the 'fire,' or the perseverance to keep on.

As the birth of the Lord Jesus comes, let not our hearts go weary. We continue persevering that our lives and the world will be better along with the reign of Jesus. We continue praying without ceasing for miracles in our life. And when it comes, are we ready for it?

Image courtesy: Domenico Ghirlandaio (Gabriel's Annunciation to Zechariah) and artist

Loves righteously

Mercy and Love.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God is with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son,and he gave him the name Jesus.-Matthew1:18-25

Righteous means (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous. A righteous person conforms to or in conformity with the moral law. I think, then, that this type of person will do and follow what is exactly written especially by the moral law. According to the Law, a woman found to be with child out of wedlock faces banishment or stoning to death depending on the situation. In Mary's case, supposing Joseph declared that the child is not his and supposing that no one would believe that her child is the Holy Spirit's work, she faces either banishment and/or execution of both mother and child. But Joseph has shown mercy and compassion. Instead of putting her to shame - which is actually what he should have done as a righteous man - he opted for a quiet divorce. Divorce is not a good thing too. But compared to death sentence, divorce is probably much better instead, considering that Mary and her child would be banished and not put to death. But God has better plans. God protected Mary and Jesus by revealing to Joseph in a dream that the child is the Savior and Mary conceived not out of sin, but through the Holy Spirit. Mary and her Child were given a home and a good man that will care for them both.

God is rich in mercy and compassion. Even the most evil of men is forgiven by God and will be embraced by Him should s/he repent. Joseph probably was much pained by Mary's pregnancy knowing that it was not his. But instead of being angry at her, hating her or putting her to shame, he has shown mercy, compassion and love which is a true indicator that Joseph had the grace to have a heart similar to God. Not all injustices should be paid equally by blood. Not all pains should be equally paid by pain. Not all wrongs should be equally paid by shame and disgrace. What do you prefer? A righteous world where love is absent? Or a world that loves and forgives righteously?

Image courtesy: clker and artist

Meet the family

Meet the family.

1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar...

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse,

6 and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

Abijah the father of Asa...

10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

Amon the father of Josiah,

11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah[c] and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

... Zadok the father of Akim,

Akim the father of Elihud,

15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob,

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.-Matthew1:1-17

Well, not really an impressive family tree but definitely just like any of us. Jesus' family tree is composed of men and women who were both saints and sinners, who were both great and weak, who were both a success and a failure, who failed and tried again. Abraham, the father of all nations, once denied Sarah as his wife. If it wasn't for Sarah's suggestion, he wouldn't have banished Hagar and Ishmael. Jacob had 2 wives and 2 concubines. Tamar fought for her rights indeed but it's a bit "way out there." David, almost perfect, ordered Uriah's death and took the latter's wife. Solomon, full of wisdom, fell unto his many wive's pagan worship. And so on...

How do we like history to remember us? Saint or Sinner?

Image courtesy: Aert de Gelder (Judah and Tamar)

Testify and Testimony

He testified!

33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.-John5:33-36

From the time of Moses, up to the time of the prophets, and until John the Baptist, they all testified to the truth. And what is the truth? The truth that God is with us, pained by our sins, chastises gently, and gathers us back to Him. Yes, He loves us. The prophets shone like a lamp that gives light. They gave us enlightenment through their prophecies, sacrifices, teachings and miracles. And, the prophets showed the way - the way closer to God through repentance and turning away from sins.

The prophets testified to the truth, showed the way and shone like the light. The prophets came into existence to prepare us for the coming of Jesus. Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. Jesus is The Way, and His Way is marked with Love and Light. Jesus is The Truth, and His Truth is Love. Jesus is The Life, and the Life that He gives to those who go to Him is marked with Love, Peace and Contentment, a life of Light!

Jesus is inviting us all to be witnesses of Him who gives us Life wherever we go, but it is not only through proclaiming the Word alone. Rather, the best way to be present-day witnesses of Jesus is through our Christ-like day-to-day interaction and existence with our neighbors through love, peace and respect amongst so many others.

Image courtesy: artists

The Authority

Jesus is The Authority.

23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.-Matthew21:23-27

Jesus is The Authority! If the chief priests' authority came from their bloodline and from their studies, Jesus need not ask for authority from somebody else because He is The Authority.

Suddenly, I cannot help but remember the many fellowships, religious sects and 'corporations with religious work,' that boast of their superiority of the Bible. [However, I respect some that are humble in nature] Just because they can 'speak,' they immediately believe too much of themselves. As what the saying goes, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." Meaning, "A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking that they are more expert than they really are." Particularly because the Bible's meaning is inexhaustible. Our interpretation of it can be colored by our experiences, difficulties, current situation and so forth. God will never be boxed by our experiences alone no matter how vast it is. God will never be fully understood simply by looking and understanding Him through a peephole of what we call our experiences. Therefore, intellectually, the Bible's meaning is vast. Is knowledge of God, then, impossible? No, because the summary of the Bible and knowledge of God can be found in one word alone - LOVE. Loving God and loving one's neighbor are the keys to unlocking so vast a knowledge and so deep a relationship with our Creator through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Image courtesy: artist

Who am I?

Who are you?

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[a] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”[b]

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 “I baptize with[c] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.-John1:6-8,19-28

Who are you? Who am I? Do we really know who we are? Many of us would easily say, "Yes, of course." But the truth is, we really do not know ourselves well. It is through the eyes of other people that we can have a glimpse of our other side. And sometimes, these other people can choose to say the contrary especially if they have other motives.

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest." With God, I need not worry who I am, because it is enough that my identity is as His beloved child. I am a sinner, yes. But I am still His much loved child and that He bestows upon me His love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness to start anew and be a better person. 

Image courtesy: artist 

Listen

Apples. Grapes. Oranges.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain,

10 they asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?"

11 He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things;

12 but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands."

13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.-Matthew17:9a,10-13

I cannot help but laugh a little at the reading, and make a little version of it. It's as if two people are talking. Let's call them John and Jane. John asked about apples. Jane answered the question about apples, and added that perhaps the grapes will most likely end like the apples. When they finished talking, somebody approached John and asked what it was about. He says, "We were just talking about the oranges."

I am not belittling the comprehension of the disciples. But listening truly helps. Listening is not just about hearing using one's ears and comprehension, but listening using the heart too. What is Jesus saying? What is my heart saying? What is my conscience saying? What is the event, the place saying? Listening will only be effective if we respond to its message through our actions, thoughts and words according to Jesus' life and example.

Photo courtesy: artist

What do they want exactly?

Well, what's the right thing to do?

16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17 “‘We played the pipe for you,

and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”-Matthew11:16-19

The paradox of it all! John was a prophet even by just looking at his lifestyle. Yet, the people say of him, "He has a demon." Jesus was a people person, The Prophet for the people, One that stays and understands with the people. Yet, they say of Him, "Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." Well, what do they want exactly?

People expects much from others. If we give in to what the people want, there will always be a few who complain. If we do not give what the people want, still there will always be a few who complain. If we give more than what the people want, still there will always be a few who complain. What to do then? To just follow and seek the will of God. All our works should be for Him alone, and never to please others.

Image courtesy: dreamstime

Miracle

“... yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

There is a similarity between Elijah and John the Baptist. In fact, Jesus even said, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah...” [Matthew11:14]

One of the things that touched me about Elijah was the miracle that the widow of Zarephath received from God through him. Her jar of flour did not go empty; the jug of oil did not run dry, and her dead son was raised back to life.

Yesterday, I was in a little difficulty. I need financial help pretty bad. As my soul poured my problem quietly to God, it is as if He is telling me not to worry. He said, “I helped you this far. I wouldn't abandon you now.” And God made me remember a miracle that Philip Neri did before when he fed some street children. Nothing was on the pot already, nothing to give anymore to the children. Yet, God replenished it so that Philip can still give food to the hungry children. Not only that, I read about what God did to the widow of Zarephath through Elijah - her jar of flour did not go empty; the jug of oil did not run dry, and her dead son was raised back to life. Yes, I believe that God is assuring me of His mercy and love. More than ever, He will not abandon me.

What kind of miracle do you need today?

Image courtesy: Rutilio Manetti (Elijah revives the Son of the Widow of Zarephath)

Simply Love

Jesus' yoke is easy!

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”-Matthew11:28-30

As I read the Gospel reading, two words came to my mind, the "What" and the "How." What is the "yoke" and what is the "burden?" Yoke is the teaching, while the Burden is its application or implementation. The Jewish instruction during the time of Jesus was very complicated. The Law spawned into many practices, traditions, rituals, ceremonies and the like. Any pupil will have difficulty memorizing it all. Thus, the yoke makes one weary. The application or implementation of it is also burdensome.

A classic example is the ritual of a cleansed leper [I would have wanted to write them all here but the ritual is too long]. The cleansing ritual is too long and in stages as well. But notice that with Jesus, it is simply "Go your way. Your faith has saved you." As a Catholic, I do not remember anybody having to show themselves to the priest after getting cured from ailments like cancer, stomach pains, bleeding and the like. Of course anybody can show themselves to a priest to thank them for prayers but it is not mandatory or a high-level requirement to do so.

Jesus' yoke is indeed easy and His burden light. The summary of the Bible is set on two greatest commandments only - Love of God and Love of Neighbor. Or simply put, LOVE. Love is Jesus' yoke. And what of the burden or the teaching's application or implementation? Acts of love! Acts of love need not be great. It can even be just a small one. It can even be done by being kind and respectful to others like saying "Thank you" to the waiter. Even a smile is an act of love.

Image courtesy: artists

I found it!

God loves us all. He never wanted us to be lost.

12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.-Matthew18:12-14

Some considered the shepherd foolish. Why leave the 99 on the hills and look for one stray sheep? What is one compared to ninety-nine? Such is God. His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. He makes crooked paths straight.

Our human tendency is always dictating us to favor the majority over the minority. We choose the best, strongest, most intelligent over the last, the weak and the dull. We prefer the sinless, the perfect, the flawless, the saint, the good ones. Good choices actually. Who in his/her right mind would prefer the sinner, the imperfect, the flawed, the unrighteous, and the bad lot? Normally, none would prefer it. And even if the sinner says, "I have repented," none would take heed. If the flawed says, "I am beautiful," no one would bother. And even if the worst of mankind says, "I am converted," still it is difficult to trust. It is easy to judge, to condemn and to cold-shoulder if we are not the one being judged, condemned and/or cold-shouldered.

Each of us is much loved by God. He doesn't love us because we are good only, but He continues to love us with our imperfections, character flaws, weaknesses and despite our sinfulness. He has long accepted us in both our strengths and weaknesses. The more that we get lost, the more He would find us and embrace us for "your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."

But how do we return God's love? Is it by continuing to sin? Do we return God's love by tolerating our wrongs because we are confident that we are forgiven still at the end of the day?

Image courtesy: Mitchell Tolle (Lost Sheep), artists

The Big Yes

The "Yes" that changed it all.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"

29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.

30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"

35 And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.-Luke1:26-38

As I read the Gospel reading, I was touched by its beauty. It was a story of a young girl who said "Yes" to God's invitation through the Angel Gabriel. It was a story of two miracles - a barren and past-childbearing woman having a child at last, and a young virgin girl having a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a story of how salvation started. Before, everybody rejoiced at this miracle event. We are saved! Now, as we progressed scientifically, technologically and philosophically, as our minds continue to explore unchartered truths, many of us question if this miracle event happened at all. Thus, questioning Jesus' existence at all. Worse, questioning God's existence.

Many great events happened in history. Some we still remember, others faded to obscurity. Sometimes these stories turn a different path - Events become History, History becomes Legend, Legend becomes Myth, and Myth becomes a Tale for kids alone to hear.

As followers of Jesus, we are tasked to be active participants in spreading our salvation story. This can be done, not only through repentance and reconciliation with God during the Twin Seasons of Advent and Christmas, but by being active participants in the cycle of Jesus' birth, ministry, death and resurrection through our continuous renewal, resurrection and conversion. The story becomes alive if we live it out at present. Also, the constant retelling of how it all started through Mary should be remembered always. Let's not turn our salvation story into a mere historical event only, or a legend, or a myth, or a fairytale, rather, let us not be afraid to believe and to show that it is the Truth that we have been waiting for. Let us not downgrade Mary because the mission is hers and hers alone. Without her "Yes," salvation might not have happened at all.

Image courtesy: Philippe de Champaigne (Annunciation) and artist

He comes!

Prepare ye the way!

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God,[b] 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”[c]—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’”[d]

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with[f] the Holy Spirit.”-Mark1:1-8

Christmas is just around the corner. This season brings a kind of joy and merriment in the hearts of all. Food, gifts, parties, bonuses, holiday breaks and store sales are here and there. Yes, we are happy and satisfied. Of course we are happy that the Lord Jesus is born to save us all. Hey, there is no Christmas festivity if it wasn't for Jesus.

But before Christmas, there is one man whose part in the life of Jesus is significant. John the Baptist, the voice from the wilderness, announced the coming of the Lord which gave joy to mankind. It is not just an announcement alone but an invitation for us all to be the welcoming committee when John said, "Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths." How? By living out our baptism, acknowledging our sins and repentance. No other better way to celebrate Christmas and welcome Jesus than repentance and to be Christ-like in thought, word and action.

Image courtesy: Titian (John the Baptist) and artist

Who made them few?

Pray for more laborers for the harvest is rich and abundant!

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’

10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and illness.-Matthew9:35-10:1

The harvest is indeed rich and abundant but the laborers are few and still diminishing in number as years go by. So many clergy and religious boast of the number of seminarians and aspirants/candidates they had or seen before. Now, the number is so few and sometimes none at all. "Many are called but few are chosen," some would argue. But for me, when God calls, it is a serious matter and He doesn't joke. Once called, it is forever but it is up to the receiver of the call whether to say "yes" or "no." To say "No" is the very reason why few are chosen. God is not fickle. He doesn't call for nothing and He doesn't call only to dump the person in the end.

Many seminary and religious formation houses stress perfection, that is, a candidate must be Christ-like in everything - thought, word and action. However, because of a candidate's past, imperfections and character flaws, one commits blunders, errors, moments of stupidity and sometimes sin. And because of that, some would judge or question the formation of the candidate. Welcome to the lost voice of Understanding!

Who are we to judge if Jesus Himself never questioned nor sent home His disciples despite knowing that they would abandon Him during His Passion and Crucifixion? Who are we to judge or reject candidates if Peter and Judas Iscariot were not even rejected or sent away by Jesus despite knowing their denial and betrayal later on? Sometimes understanding is what is needed more over perfection. However, pure understanding alone is not healthy as well. Sometimes, it is good to ask, "Who makes the number of laborers few? Us - humans - or God?"

Image courtesy: artist, stained glass from Moulins Cathedral

Kudos to them

What kind of blindness do you have? Jesus is the True Healer that removes all infirmities.

27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.-matthew9:27-31

I was struck by the two blind men. Despite being "blind," they were able to follow Jesus and were still able to approach Him when He had gone indoors. Could it be that there were people who helped them? But if we take the Biblical account literally, it seems that the blind men knew where they were supposed to go. Could it be that they have a different kind of blindness? Perhaps a 'blindness' that eats the soul?

Notice that Jesus asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" in reference to the healing they were asking for. But why did Jesus ask them? If it is simple healing, why is it that Jesus had to ask them if they believed He can do it? Could it be that they were asking for a 'healing' beyond physical blindness?

As I reflected, one word came to me - Brokenhearted. There were many people who experienced being brokenhearted - from losing a loved one, separation, failure, rejection, bankruptcy and so on. Some rise above it. While others drown on it to such an extent that they commit suicide or lost the will to live. I remember the movie 'Dark Knight Rises.' It took Bruce Wayne eight (8) years to move on. But hanging the batsuit doesn't mean giving up the will to live.

Kudos to the blind men who believed that Jesus can heal their infirmities! If they were blind within - assuming they were brokenhearted and lost the will to live (remember, if a person loses the will to live, no doctor can heal such a case since from the start the patient is not fighting) - kudos to them for being brave enough to ask Jesus to heal their infirmity and believing the He alone can heal them. Kudos to them for believing that with Jesus, all pain and infirmity can go away even with His words alone.

Image courtesy: El Greco (Jesus heals the man born blind), Dark Knight Rises, artist