Anger: A Root Cause

Anger is the root cause of all.

20 I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’[b] 22 [c]But I say to you, whoever is angry[d] with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.-Matthew5:20-26

Souls are purified and cleansed in purgatory before they are admitted in Heaven. Some people are 'rehabilitated' in prisons, asylums or medical facilities 'until they have paid the last penny' that is, until they have paid the consequences of their actions. But, as I reflected, it seems Jesus is somewhat saying we need not go into that by: 1) Agreeing to settle with an opponent, 2) Forgiving and/or asking for forgiveness, 3) Remaining silent in tense situations - that is, to refrain from cursing, condemning or uttering painful words, 4) Meekness and, 5) Freeing oneself from the root cause of it all - ANGER. Anger and jealousy drove Cain to kill Abel. Jacob fled to Laban out of fear of Esau's anger. Anger drove so many to commit murder, to 'kill' somebody by destroying their credibility as persons, to 'kill' somebody by condemning them or judging them, and so forth. As Lent continues, Jesus is inviting us to free ourselves from Anger, and to grow more in Love and Forgiveness.

Image courtesy: Bartolomeo Manfredi (Cain kills Abel) 

A Generous God

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,[a] 10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.12 [b]“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.-Matthew7:7-12

Why, then, are some people suffering, in pain and in sorrow? Many asked, many sought, many knocked, but God seems to be not hearing anything at all. God always grants a request especially from a person with a sincere, humble and contrite heart. Isn't it a daily miracle that we can still wake up and go to work? God sometimes grants a request after a certain period has passed. Is it delay? No, more like making things happen at the right time and place. And, if God never granted a request, it only means He has something much bigger and better to give. Jesus is inviting us all to never stop praying, and to always always ask from a generous God.

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Repent!

Simply put - change and repent.

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.-Luke11:29-32

A long time ago, Nineveh was perhaps a wicked place. Nobody knows exactly what the Ninevites did, but God wanted to destroy it unless the people repent. Jonah came with a mission from God, telling the Ninevites to repent and to hope that God will change His mind. God indeed changed His mind upon seeing the repentance of each and every creature. Today, the prophets of the Old and Jesus continue in crying out, "Repent!" But we are not listening at all. More and more unspeakable sinfulness and debaucheries are happening everyday. Change is not for some people only, but for all. Let us change before it is too late.

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Forgive + Pray

Pray + Forgive.

7 [a]In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.[b] 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9 [c]“This is how you are to pray:Our Father in heaven,[d] hallowed be your name,10 your kingdom come,[e] your will be done, on earth as in heaven.11 [f]Give us today our daily bread;12 and forgive us our debts,[g] as we forgive our debtors;13 and do not subject us to the final test,[h] but deliver us from the evil one.14 [i]If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.-Matthew6:7-15

This is the Gospel reading that always makes me smile because I am in some way guilty of babbling. Yes, when I pray, so many words come out from my thoughts. I have a story or two to share with God everyday. I communicate with Him as if we are two friends, and when I say communicate, it means He talks too. Jesus is teaching us how to really pray - to acknowledge and praise Our Father in Heaven, His kingdom and His will; supplication; contrition; and deliverance. Let us not grow weary in praying to God!

image courtesy: artist

There is Hope

Yes, there is such a thing as Judgment.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32 and all the nations[a] will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place 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. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous[b] will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ 40 And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 41 [c]Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ 44 [d]Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ 45 He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ 46 And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”-Matthew25:31-46

There are some people who believe that there is no judgment. They would say that if God would condemn some people to Hell, it would be against His nature. God is Love, and He cannot bear seeing His beloved children suffer in Hell. These people would claim that God would eventually free and save those who are in Hell. But today's gospel is clear, God would separate the good from the bad, period! Eternal fire doesn't mean 50 years or 100 years only, but for all eternity. But there is hope. There is always hope. On our own, we cannot save ourselves, we cannot make a reservation in Heaven, nor buy a seat There already. But with God, everything is possible and everything - including our salvation - is in His hands. What can we do then? To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome a stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. In short, to Love and to Give. For me, we can still add more to the list of Loving and Giving - to teach the unlearned; to be understanding, loving and caring to the elderly and to the orphans; to help migrants; to be non-judgmental to others; to care for nature; and so forth.

image courtesy: artist 

Teacher + Healer

Jesus is the Way.

27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything behind,[a] he got up and followed him. 29 Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”-Luke5:27-32

Looking back at my high school days, there is much emphasis on belonging to a groups. There's the brainy group, the group of beautiful people, the "bad lot" group, the talented ones, the leader types, the simple ones and the wallflowers. Should one dare to cross, the possibility of rejection or to be ignored is there. Perhaps, the Pharisees are wondering why a great Teacher would bother with a group of outcasts considering that these men and women ought to be ignored anyway. But Jesus is a different Teacher and Physician. As a true Physician, He did not and will never judge, nor even condemn, nor even say, "Serves you right." Jesus will simply heal both body and soul with His love, mercy, compassion and acceptance. As a true Teacher, He did not and will never judge, nor even condemn, nor even say, "You are hopeless." or "You will never learn." Jesus will continue teaching patiently until we learn, and He will never scold even if we deserve it.

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We can do it!

Repent and believe in the gospel.

12 At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, 13 and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.14 After John had been arrested,[a] Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

The Desert made Jesus very vulnerable. Even though He is God-made-man, He was every inch human like us during His active ministry. Since He was vulnerable after fasting for forty days, perhaps Jesus yearned and would have liked a little bread and water to quench His hunger and thirst. Hey, isn't it true that Esau exchanged his birthright when he was really hungry? But Jesus is different, He never lost His focus on His mission and His relationship with the Father. And through His experience, Jesus is saying to us that we can do it too. We can say No to the lures of the world and the flesh! We can do it! We can live happily with God alone. We can reject evil.

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Fasting, Joy and Thanksgiving

Time for joy.

14 Then the disciples of John approached him and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast [much], but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.[a]-Matthew9:14-15

Jesus said it right, why must His disciples fast when the much awaited Messiah has come? Why fast when the purpose and reason for fasting is with us? But Jesus ascended into Heaven and He continues to dwell here with us, among us and within us. Therefore, the focus is no longer in fasting but in joy and thanksgiving that God is with us. However, Jesus never said we must not fast, thus, we continue it still not only externally (one full meal), but also internally. Fasting's real purpose is a connection to the Lord, a detachment from the self, and true reconciliation with God.

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Living Life to the Fullest

How must we enjoy life to the fullest?

22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily[a] and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?-Luke9:22-25

So many people would say or greet another with this simple message, "Enjoy life." But what is the formula for enjoying life? I have read stories, encountered people who say that to enjoy life, one must travel, shop, party, be with friends, spend, beautifying oneself, eat and drink, and so forth. These are not bad or evil. However, these are not the real key or answer to enjoying life to the fullest. To live life to the fullest is simply by following Christ - a life of simplicity and poverty, of respect, of love, of generosity, of compassion, of mercy, of prayer, of humility, of doing the will of God. An expensive bag gives one happiness that lasts for a short time only. A bag, no matter how expensive it is, is still a bag at the end of the day. The happiness through generosity that we do to others lasts for a long time. Even if we forget, other people remember it. The goodness we do to others, contribute to the change of the world and teaches others to be good as well. We live in this world but it doesn't mean we have to be worldly. Everything is created good and Jesus is inviting us to complement it by doing good also. Seemingly our world is evil, but God and His goodness - through our goodness also - will always triumph.

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Heart like Jesus

Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting

1 “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites[b] do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you...16 “When you fast,[l] do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.-Matthew6:1-18

"Rend your hearts, not your garments." Almsgiving, prayer and fasting are very ideal. However, if we lose the real reason why we do it, what then is its purpose for? Just like the salt, if it losses its saltiness, with what can it still be used for? Jesus introduced a new way of almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Before, it was done centering and focusing on the self as indicated in today's gospel - trumpeting one's almsgiving, standing out while praying, looking gloomy during fasting. Jesus made almsgiving, fasting and praying focused and centered on God as indicated in the intimacy and privacy while doing it. "Rend your hearts, not your garments." Jesus is inviting us all that when we fast, pray and give, we include our hearts with it - a heart that truly gives, a heart that truly prays, a heart that truly fasts, a heart that knows its sinfulness, a heart that connects to the Lord, a heart that feels another, a heart that truly repents.

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The Leaven

Watch out!

14 They had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 [a]He enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. 17 When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered [him], “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”-Mark8:14-21

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? What is the leaven of Herod? The leaven of the Pharisees are the ways that one should not imitate. Herod represents the world, and so the leaven of Herod are the worldly ways that one should not imitate. The Pharisees are not bad individuals, perhaps, they lack a few virtues to put it mildly. Herod, despite his wickedness, perhaps has a little ounce of goodness in him. Some of the leaven or the ways of the Pharisees that we should watch out for are: hypocrisy, condemning or judging others, separating ourselves from those who are not our "equal," stubbornness of heart which powers narrow-mindedness. While some of the leaven or the ways of Herod that we should watch out for are: injustice, immorality, greed for temporal goods (wealth, power, ambition and fame), disregard for holiness. The leaven of the Pharisees and Herod can be summarized into a few words only - absence or lack of love. Jesus is constantly inviting us to return to Him by shedding away the old self, and putting on the cloak of His love.

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What is necessary to believe?

Are we stubborn?

11 [a]The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.-Mark8:11-13

As in the days of Jesus until now, the world still consists of people with stubborn and hardened hearts. Supposing signs are everywhere pointing to the existence of God, are we ready to accept it as truth and reality, or are we still going to challenge it? What is necessary to believe?

God the True Giver

God is the greatest Provider there is.

1 In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, he summoned the disciples and said, 2 “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” 4 His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” 5 Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied. 6 [b]He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. 7 They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. 8 They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over—seven baskets. 9 There were about four thousand people.He dismissed them 10 and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.-Mark8:1-10

This is the second miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. It is sad to note that the disciples' answer to Jesus, 'Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?' is still very humanistic. I cannot blame the disciples because, indeed, where will one go to buy food for a multitude in the middle of nowhere? But if this is the second multiplication of the loaves and fish already, then, they should have known what Jesus would most likely do.

We, too, are like the disciples. Sometimes, we believe in ourselves so much. We believe that we have all the right answers. We believe we know better how to ran our lives. We think we are the better captain and commander of our 'ship.' But the truth is, we do not know what is good for ourselves without God. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Although their eyes were opened, they were still far from being a god, far from truly knowing, far from wisdom, and far from truly knowing good and evil. Yes, we inherited the stain of sin, but we never inherited the benefits of what the fruit truly stands for. God continues to pour upon us His favors and graces. These gifts are overflowing. All we have to do is open ourselves to His invitation.

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A Sad Story

Jesus is The Light and Hope.

40 A leper[a] came to him [and kneeling down] begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 42 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 43 Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 44 Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 45 The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.-Mark1:40-45

Today, with the advancement of science, technology and medicine, leprosy is no longer dreaded because there is already a cure. But prior to the discovery of its cure, when a person is diagnosed with leprosy, it spells doom. It is death sentence. I was privileged to be in a pastoral exposure in a former leper colony. The colony is now a very typical sea-side community, very normal, gradually progressing. One interaction with an old lady tore my heart. I cannot remember her name, but let us call her Anna and this is her story.

"It was after the second world war, maybe in the 50s or 60s. I had a husband and a son. We lived happily, and very much contented with the little that we have. One day, I was ill. I went to the hospital and was unfortunately diagnosed with leprosy. My husband suddenly changed. He was no longer the loving husband I knew. He kept distance and showed no interest in me. He wouldn't come near me nor let my child come near me. The pains in the heart are more terrible than the wounds. I have become an outcast and a loathsome creature in my community and in my own home. I heard about the leper colony somewhere in a coastal island. They said the sea breeze, the waters and the medicines there truly help the patients. There I went on a boat loaded with lepers like myself. At the hospital, the stench is indescribable. The agony of the patients is indescribable. But I do not want to be like them. I do not want to smell and rot. I do not want to be loathed at. Despite my own extreme pain, I always crawl into the bathrooms, and bathe myself with laundry soap. It was painful to my perpetually fresh wounds, but I endured it. Nobody would take care of me or give me a bath because the doctors and nurses are never enough for all of us. There are religious men and women to help, but still they are not enough to care for all of us inflicted with leprosy. When I was so weak I can no longer help myself to eat, I thought that that will be the end of me since there's nobody to help me. But God gave me a helper and his name is Rod. Rod is a leper too. Despite his own wounds and pains, he took care of me. It's very funny because he would chew the food, then he would spit it out then spoon-fed me with it. All that I have to do is simply swallow it. Rod never left me since those days. Eventually I, along with the rest, got healed of this disease when cure is finally discovered. I tried to go back to my husband and child, but I no longer heard from them. Rod is now my family."

The leper in the Gospel reading is healed physically, emotionally and socially. His joy is definitely beyond words. Perhaps, everything is hopeless, dark, sad and bitter until Jesus came along, healed him and restored him to life. God's invitation for us all is to be compassionate to the sick and the needy. Let us all be "lights" and agents of hope and love to them.

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Unity

Jesus is for all.

31 Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. 32 And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; 34 then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) 35 And [immediately] the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 36 [a]He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. 37 They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak.”-Mark7:31-37

Today's gospel is a kind of continuation of yesterday's reading. Yesterday, Jesus has shown mercy to the Syrophoenician woman and her child. Today, Jesus actually went to the Decapolis area (or otherwise known as the Ten Cities where Gentiles are the majority in a Jewish nation). Here, Jesus is welcomed by people - crowd for that matter. Did He send them away? No. Did Jesus show partiality - that is, preferring the Jews only? No, in fact, He has cured a man with a speech impediment.

Today's gospel is a reminder to me and to all of us that Jesus does not show preference on a certain group of people only. He is a God that welcomes and reaches out to people, even to those who do not believe in Him. We too are invited to welcome, to be respectful and to be open to all peoples regardless of their religion or status in life. The fault of some, is not the fault of all. The sin of some, is not the sin of all. Rather than antagonize people, isn't it much better to live in peace with one another?

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What comes out?

What comes out from us, define who we are.

14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” [16 ][a]17 [b]When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. 18 He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19 [c]since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 “But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile.”-Mark7:14-23

The Gospel reading is indeed thought-provoking. There are many accounts in Leviticus where Yahweh Himself gave the "Do's and Don'ts" of the Jewish faith, including the foods to eat and not to eat. However, Jesus declared that all foods are clean. Jesus was clear when He said that food does not make a person unclean or defiled [according to Genesis, all are created good], rather, it is sin that comes from within ourselves that make one unclean or defiled. I was just wondering why Yahweh gave a prescription, only for Jesus to change later on. As I reflected, I do believe that the traditions and prescriptions are not bad at all. These serve as a guideline or parameter which is very ideal. However, it should have been coupled with love for God and love of neighbor, and an understanding that there is more to the Law, traditions and prescriptions. These are not supposed to isolate, judge or condemn others, but it is supposed to build and encourage growth. I do believe that Jesus made the Law, traditions and prescriptions perfect by living it out Himself in a way that speaks of love of God and neighbor.

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No partiality

Something good comes out from seemingly negative circumstances.

24 From that place he went off to the district of Tyre.[a] He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. 25 Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, “Let the children be fed first.[b] For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 28 She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” 29 Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.-Mark7:24-30

During the time of Jesus, the Jews have a very low regard for Gentiles, even calling them 'dogs.' This name-calling is known to the Gentiles, still, they continued with their lives. In the Gospel reading, Jesus in some way indirectly addressed the Syrophoenician woman [and possibly her child and all Gentiles] as 'dogs.' How can this be? Jesus' approach for each and every person is different regardless of one's status or affiliations in life. He was like a teacher to the Samaritan woman by the well. He was a healer to the Samaritan leper. Jesus knows how to weave Himself into our lives. Here, perhaps it is Jesus' intention to put the Syrophoenician woman's faith and love to the test. How far is she willing to go in the name of faith? in her faith in Jesus to cure her child? in her love for her child? Yes, there is a shadow of truth that perhaps a different person would have slapped His Majesty for saying, "Let the children be fed first.[b] For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." Dogs?! Women are considered weak at that time, and second class citizens. All the more worse if she happens to be a Gentile. But here, the woman has shown much courage,grace and faith while undergoing the test. Her faith is coupled with dauntless sincerity, hope, firm resolution that she will not return home with empty hands, and humility that truly touched Jesus' heart. Her story continues to live on to inspire and touch the hearts of many. But her story is not just about the miraculous healing of her child, but in some way, it is also a story of conversion and a testimony that Jesus does not show partiality at all. He comes to save and help us regardless of our religion, race, status, etc.

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Been Made Perfect

Love and tradition must go hand in hand.

1 Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands,[b] keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles [and beds].) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders[c] but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘This people honors me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me;

7 In vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines human precepts.’

8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 9 He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘Whoever curses father or mother shall die.’ 11 Yet you say, ‘If a person says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’[d] (meaning, dedicated to God), 12 you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. 13 You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”-Mark7:1-13

Traditions are not wrong. Jesus did not say explicitly that it is wrong. But perhaps the invitation of Jesus for us is to have a self-reflection of why exactly we are doing some of the traditions and practices we have now. "Why are we doing it? What is its purpose? What happens to us when we are doing it? Is it done as an act of love for God? Is it done as an act of love for our neighbors? Is it making us charitable and kind to others?" One example of tradition is Christmas. It was not written in the Bible that we should celebrate it, but we do, because it is the Savior's birthday and the day when Salvation story began. As time goes on, "Merry Christmas" was omitted in favor of "Happy Holiday." As time goes on, so many think that Christmas is a time for bonuses, fat paychecks, winter, snow, sales, bargains, food, drink, party, fashion, charity works. Well, where is Jesus in the list? It's His day, His season, His celebration and yet it seems He was not present on some people's list. Jesus is inviting us to make all our actions - may it be tradition, practice, habit, custom, work, etc. - paired with love of God and neighbor so that it will produce the perfect man and woman according to the will of God.

Image courtesy: artist

Jesus heals

We need God's healing.

53 After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. 54 As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. 55 They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.-Mark6:53-56

As I reflected, I remembered a scene in a movie where a religious icon was passing through some sick persons lying on mats. One man was suddenly cured. However, the local physician said that it was just a farce because it was impossible to be cured by a passing religious icon alone. We live in a world that demands proof. Science can give proof about its methods, therefore, is accepted. While miracles came to be, thanks to God's mercy. Since miracles cannot show its methods, not all are convinced about it. "How? Prove it! Prove it!" they say. I consider our lack of faith in God as a kind of ailment that needs healing. We think we can be captain and commander of our own life, but the truth is, we cannot. Though science has answered a lot of questions, still, an abyss of unanswered questions lie in wait.

Image courtesy: artist - abyss

Prayerful Life

Make time for prayer.

29 On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.-Mark1:29-39

I have written so many blogs and articles that encourage people to pray. I have taught several times both to children and adults to pray. Some would say they do not have time. Others. they are busy. Others, they don't know how to pray in the midst of work. Well, Jesus was busy in today's Gospel. In fact, He was very busy during His ministry. But Jesus always find time to pray even if it means waking up very early.

The other day, I cannot accomplish anything, I cannot concentrate. I cannot comprehend a little instruction. But when I stopped, prayed and surrendered everything to God, everything fell into place and was made clear to me by God as to what I must do and where I went wrong.

Jesus continues to invite us to be prayerful. It's not such a difficult thing to do. It isn't necessary to have lengthy prayers - although it is still acceptable - because what is more important is a heart that connects to God.

Image courtesy: artist

Self-sacrificing

Flexibility.

30 The apostles[a] gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 [b]He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.34 When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.-Mark6:30-34

One mentor once mentioned that I was a "Black and White" person. If it's time to work, then I'll work. If it's time to rest, then I'll rest. But when "gray areas" occur (like a sudden change of schedule), I'm easily disoriented and sometimes peeved. The Gospel reading spoke of the apostle's return from their missionary work. Since Jesus was aware of their journey and tiredness, He gave them rest. But because of the number of people, no rest happened nor a time to eat. Going to a deserted place, they found people still waiting for them. Will there be rest? No. But instead of getting irritated or disappointed, Jesus was touched and moved with pity. Instead of resting, He taught them many things. Jesus is inviting us all to grow in patience and understanding. Sometimes, our personal needs are nothing compared to the needs of others.

Image courtesy: Catholicmannight

It's Complicated

A holy perplexity!

14 King Herod[a] heard about it, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”

17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias[c] harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 Herodias’s own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore [many things] to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.-Mark6:14-29

There are three personages that seem to have experienced perplexity. Upon hearing John say, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife," Herod was perplexed by this and the other words of the Baptist. Perhaps a little more and Herod would have returned Herodias back to his brother. We can say Herod was capable of changing if he chose to. Meanwhile, Herodias heard John's words alright that her union with Herod is so wrong. Clearly the woman was embarassed! But instead of pondering on John's words that her relationship with Herod was wrong, she plotted evil things against a man who only exposed a wrong act. So much anger and so much hatred, leading her to participate in a murder of a holy man. Then, there was the daughter Salome. Didn't she cringe with fear that she will be asking the murder of a man? Perplexity indeed! When faced with perplexity, one could have changed for the better, one changed for the worse, and one lost the will to stand up for what is right. The gospel is inviting us to be open to God's guidance when faced with life's difficulties and perplexities. Some things appear to be good, but underneath is evil. Some things seem evil, but underneath is good. What to do? Let God show you the way!

Image courtesy: Krieg Barrie (Narrow Door)

Faith in our Hearts

Walk with Jesus!

7 He summoned the Twelve[a] and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 [b]He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 [c]He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 [d]They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.-Mark6:7-13

How does it take to be a missionary? What must one do to have a "staying" power? I realized that we, humans, cannot do anything on our own. Everything comes from God and through God. Some people say we should unlock our potentials so that the "superhuman" in us will come out. These people even justify it by quoting Jesus' Words, "... you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." But the truth is this, Jesus said, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." It is through faith that we can move mountains. But faith is something that did not originate in us but is still a call, an invitation a grace and gift from God for us to accept and respond.

Image courtesy: Makulot Mountain

Do not Judge

Do we live in a judgmental world?

1 He departed from there and came to his native place,[a] accompanied by his disciples. 2 [b]When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter,[c] the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 [d]Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,[e] apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.-Mark6:1-6

Last Christmas, my mother and sister accompanied me to my godmother. The visit is not only to bring her our gift and to greet her, but also to ask her a favor to give me an evaluation. Though I can choose my other friends for this task, I preferred my godmother because of her seniority and involvement with the Church. As we continued with the evaluation, my sister keeps on refuting, denying, disapproving and contradicting every good word given to me. She's always making a face, always grumbling whenever a good comment is uttered. I was fed up and mouthed to her to shut up because the one giving the evaluation is my godmother and not her. I gently told her that every person has a different way of seeing another person, if I am a bad person in the eyes of my sister then so shall it be, but what's wrong if my godmother thought that I am a good person? What's wrong if others think well of me? I asked her, "Do your friends all think the same way when they evaluate you?" I believe Jesus' invitation to us all is to be slow or to not judge hastily other people. There is such a thing as CHANGE and CONVERSION. Life can be better for some. God can bestow the best gift there is to anybody even if that person seems to be unfit to our judgment. Life is much better if we rejoice in our own blessings and to rejoice as well in other people's blessings.

Image courtesy: artist

Miracles do Happen

Miracles around us!

21 When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. 22 One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her[a] that she may get well and live.” 24 He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

25 There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 28 [b]She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” 29 Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” 31 But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

35 [c]While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” 36 Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” 37 He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 [d]So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. 41 [e]He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” 42 The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. 43 He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.-Mark5:21-43

Two beautiful stories of miracles. Two hopeless cases and yet have been given each a miracle by Jesus. It is strange why Jesus demanded to know who touched His clothes. Indeed every body is pressing upon Him, surely all are guilty of touching His clothes. But there is one - and He knows the woman - who touched Him quite unlike the rest. The woman was full of hope and faith much more than the rest. Is Jesus desiring to condemn or admonish the woman for touching Him considering that she is unclean at that? No. For me, Jesus perhaps would like the woman to bear witness that all things are possible with God. Perhaps the woman's story is intended for you and me and all those reading her miracle story to inspire us, refresh our hope, and energize our faith in Jesus as the God-made-man Who understands all our pains and sorrows.

Image courtesy: artist

Everyday with Jesus

Living out the beauty of life everyday.

22 [a]When the days were completed for their purification[b] according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,[c] and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce)[d] so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.-Luke2:22-40

Mary and Joseph's experience when they presented Jesus at the Temple is truly beautiful. Though they knew that Jesus is not just an ordinary child, albeit born in the manger, all the same, it is amazing and astonishing to hear two prophets giving praise and blessing on Jesus. Perhaps Mary and Joseph wondered how these two prophets learned the identity of Jesus. Despite this beautiful encounter, Mary and Joseph lived normally just like any other families - working, cooking, cleaning the house, and so forth. Never did they brag or demand special treatments from anybody, but lived simply and quietly. The Holy Family is inviting us all to live our normal lives anchored to God's love and blessings.

Image courtesy: Andrey Shishkin (Simeon and Jesus)

Storms of Life

Be still!

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”-Mark4:35-41

Once, I was in the middle of a storm in my life. Just like Jesus' disciples, I asked for God's help and mercy. In the Gospel reading, Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, then there was calm since the storm was silenced. But my own storm was not silenced. It proceeded in my life and left me with nothing. I felt, too, the highest abandonment from God. However, despite the fact that seemingly God abandoned me and the storm continued to wreck havoc in my life, I believe that in reality, God never left me because the storm never crushed my spirit and my faith. Rather than see the damage of the storm in my life or things that are lost, there is much to be thanked at, there is much accomplishment in me after the storm. Rather than look at what was gone, I looked at what is yet to be gained. Rather than see the "pounding and chiseling of the rock" (in my life) as punishment, I looked at it as a process that I need to undergo through so that the "diamond" in me will come out. The Whys and mysteries of life will be answered by God at the right time and place, but until that time comes, we are all invited to trust Him and His plan for us more than ever.

Painting by: Ludolf Backhuysen (Christ in Storm in the Sea)

Power of Speech

The power of speech!

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.-Mark1:21-28

Jesus taught with authority. He was a great speaker and teacher, thus, every body was always amazed and astonished at Him for He was not like the rest. How did He speak that made Him so effective? Jesus speaks of Words that build, and does not destroy. Jesus speaks of Words that uplift, and does not put down others. Jesus speaks of Words that heal, and does not pain. Jesus speaks of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and not hatred, war, stubbornness of heart, revenge and the like. It is true that Jesus used strong words - like hypocrites - to address the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, and so many others. But, it was given to the rightful recipient of it. It was not meant to demean but to build. What about us? In this age of freedom of expression and speech, are we using it well - to build, heal, uplift, love, be merciful, be compassionate and be forgiving to others? Or are we using it to demean, destroy, put down or pain others even if they are not doing anything wrong? Are we hasty in giving a rude and nasty comment even if the person does no wrong to us? If we need to make a point, must we always resort to rudeness? Let us all bear in mind that the power of speech must be regulated or toned down one way or another. For if not, chaos is inevitable. Should we provoke or be bold with our words, we can still opt to tone it down or minimize the damage. If we fail to put a boundary or parameters on our freedom to express, all of us will go in a downward traverse where freedom of expression can be shown also through inhuman ways. Lastly, before we do something, all writers, artists and publishers must also bear in mind the impact of their words on its intended audience as well as those who might possibly be offended by it.

Image courtesy: artist