The pigs, the demons and mankind today

They what??

28 When he came to the other side, to the territory of the Gadarenes,[a] two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. 29 They cried out, “What have you to do with us,[b] Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.[c] 31 The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32 And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. 33 The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.-Matthew8:28-34

Strange isn't it? If the world needs God more than ever, the townsfolk in the Gospel actually begged Jesus to leave. What propelled them to ask His Majesty to leave? Were they afraid of His power? Were they unhappy that the two persons were finally freed of the demons? Were they unhappy for the loss of the pigs? Could be yes, could be no. Grace is poured upon us to accept Jesus as our Savior. It is up to us to recognize and acknowledge Him. There is something much more than profit or possessions. When somebody is freed from his/her evils or illness, we should rejoice because mercy has been given to that person, freedom has been given to that person, another chance has been given to that person.

It is saddening that we have forgotten or lost the knowledge of who we truly are, or what we are supposed to be. We look to the stars and aliens (sic) for answers to our existence. The truth is, it is here; it is obvious. Unfortunately, we look the other way. Some would rather dance their way to hell and sacrifice eternity in Heaven, in exchange for a little bliss on earth. Are we heading to ruin? Is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah not enough for us to learn? Is the Babylon exile not enough for us to learn?

Image courtesy: artist

 

Tempests

...even the winds and the sea obey

23 [a]He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a violent storm[b] came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us![c] We are perishing!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”[d] Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. 27 The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”-Matthew8:23-27

Jesus is inviting us to be unafraid when we are confronted by life's sufferings. He is asking us to have faith and believe that all will be well. Besides, we are not alone because God never leaves our side. God may be silent and seems to have gone away, but it is in silence that He works all the more for us. Miracles do happen. Sometimes a little faith is all that is needed.

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Our Call

For flesh and blood[d] has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi[a] he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist,[b] others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 [c]Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood[d] has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,[e] and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.[f] Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”-Matthew16:13-19

Today is the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. They have sacrificed much for the propagation of the Christian faith. As Jesus called these two men for the ministry, Jesus calls us too to continue the ministry in anyway we can - as priests, religious men and women, and as lay members. What can we do? What does God want us to do for others? How can we spread and share Christ?

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The Real Doctor

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.

5 When he entered Capernaum,[a] a centurion approached him and appealed to him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” 7 He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” 8 The centurion said in reply,[b] “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel[c] have I found such faith. 11 I say to you,[d] many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, 12 but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour [his] servant was healed.
[e] 14 Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him.
16 When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word[f] and cured all the sick, 17 to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:[g]
“He took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”-Matthew8:5-17

The stories are a demonstration of Jesus as The Doctor and Divine Healer. When my father was hospitalized a few days ago, I had a good opportunity to observe the doctors and nurses. I am saddened that some doctors use their profession to get rich by actually charging expensively their patients for their medical and professional services. Jesus is reminding those in the medical field to be true to their profession - primarily to heal the patients first and foremost. It is never about the profit, the fee, the luxury, the prestige of being a doctor. It is all about the welfare, wellness and health of those who suffer from sickness.

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What's your miracle story?

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

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

It is never God's intention for us to suffer and die. However, some things do happen for a reason, for a purpose. Once, I held on to these stories; and like Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman, hoped for a miracle, for a happy ending. I spent and exhausted what faith, hope and trust in me as I await for a miracle. But nothing came. But looking back at my experience, my sorrow, pain and suffering actually helped me be a better person. It made me see my wrongs. One thing is certain, whether we got what we asked for or not, whether we have a happy ending or not, God will always be there for us and will always make things right.

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Sure Foundation

Lord! Lord!

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,[a] but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.[b] Depart from me, you evildoers.’
24 [c]“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
28 [d]When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 [e]for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.-Matthew7:21-29

As I reflected, I wondered how is it possible that somebody who has done great things for Jesus is unknown to Jesus? Then I realize that Jesus is in some way warning us about a 'yeast' that is present in the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees, scribes, priests, and other religious leaders of His time where learned men, experts of the Law and Torah. However, one thing is missing, it seems they do not know the core of the Law which is Love, and Love is God. Like them, Jesus warns us that it is also possible to know Him, that is, we can say, “Jesus is Lord” and at the same time, do not “know” Him. We all can testify that Jesus is the Messiah and yet not do the will of the Father, hence, we commit sin. Classic example is a daily Church goer or an active Christian or a daily Bible reader, yet agrees to corrupt practices, agrees to capital punishment and abortion, judges/condemns others, agrees to torture and other inhuman acts, extra marital affairs, etc. We commit sin because there is no solid foundation on Love of God and Love of neighbor, that is, there is no concrete knowledge of God and His love. If we are founded and set solidly on God and His Love, we will have the grace to say no to sin, to be firm in times of trials and difficulties, and have a grace-filled life. We can do this through daily meditation of the Scriptures, Eucharist, prayer, above all, constant practice of Love like charity. On the other hand, if we are not founded and set solidly on God and His Love, we easily fall prey to sin, dissipation, despair, and “darkness.” What is your life's foundation?

Image courtesy: BlackLButterfly

Bravery today

Braveheart.

1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And then a leper[b] approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 3 He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. 4 [c]Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”-Matthew8:1-4

And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Wow! Lepers are not supposed to approach anybody during the time of Jesus. They must make noise when they are around or yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" to keep the people away. Here, the leper approached, did homage to Jesus and asked to be healed; perhaps he no longer thought of the consequences of approaching a crowd with his condition. For the leper, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be near Jesus whom he knows is the only One who can heal him. Perhaps an inner voice is telling him, "Grab it! Grab the opportunity to be healed! Ask Jesus! Be brave! " Bravery is what we need now. Courage to make things right. Courage to change for our betterment. Courage to love again. Courage to start all over again. Courage to ask help. Courage to forgive. Courage to let go. Courage to be healed. Courage to return to God. Courage to testify that there is God. The list continues endlessly. What do you have to be brave today?

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

A Beautiful Blessing

What, then, will this child be?

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 [a]When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
... 80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.-Luke1:57-80

“What, then, will this child be?” Every child has a promising future. S/He can be the next president, an astronaut, a company founder, a well-meaning medical doctor, a brilliant scientist, a beloved child that will be there for his/her parents, etc. A baby is never a mistake because primarily it did not choose to be conceived, it did not choose his/her parents, it did not choose the time, place and circumstances of its birth. A baby is always a blessing even though the circumstances surrounding his/her conception might be a little wrong. Why condemn an innocent and pure baby for the wrongs made his/her parents? St. John the Baptist's birth is a reminder to us all that a baby is a blessing from the Lord, a beautiful creation of God fashioned after His image and likeness.

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Jesus' Strong Teaching

Food for Life.

6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs,[a] or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
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,[b] 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 [c]“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.
13 [d]“Enter through the narrow gate;[e] for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.-Matthew7:6-14

Jesus says it all. Everything is as clear as water. What do you say? 

Words said in Love

Stop judging.

1 [a]“Stop judging,[b] that you may not be judged. 2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. 3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? 5 You hypocrite,[c] remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.-Matthew7:1-5

Is it really difficult to be quiet and just refrain oneself from passing judgment? Nowadays, people demand the freedom to express. However, freedom to express does not necessarily mean being harsh, rude and ruthless in speech. I do not agree that harsh, rude and ruthless speech (or bashing to some) is freedom of speech because real freedom is knowing what to say, how to say it, and saying it with love and respect. It is not an impediment or a hindrance but as a way of exercising responsibly that freedom. I do not agree that freedom of speech is all about what we say only, rather, it has something to do also with the effect it will cause others.

One day I was dining with some friends, and one of us happened to be the cook. One friend said out loud that the food is bland. I shushed her and said that we are only eating, we did not cook, we ought to be thankful for the effort of our other friend to cook, and that the food is still a blessing. But my friend said, "Why? Can't I express an opinion?" I said, "Of course, you can. But you do it while considering the feelings of the other person who exerted effort for us." Yes, there is, I think, a thin line between expressing an opinion and judging others. For me, whether it is sharing an opinion, voicing out one's self, fraternal correction, etc., it should be done with love, respect and concern.

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Quiet! Be still!

Powerful!

35 [a]On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, “Let us cross to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”[b] The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 41 [c]They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”-Mark4:35-41

"Let us cross to the other side." Jesus is aware of His mission. He knows if something is accomplished. If He can stay for days in a town, He can leave when it is time to do so. Certain things end. Certain episodes in our life end. We have to acknowledge if something has come to an end. And if we are aware of endings in our life, we should also be aware and open for the brand new beginnings and new chapters in our life.

'Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion... “Quiet! Be still!”' Sometimes this is what we are supposed to do in times of crisis - to sleep and relax in faith that God will help us, to be quiet and be still during rough times, and to say in our difficulties, 'Quiet! Be still!'

Image courtesy: The Bible (History Channel)

Seeking something?

You cannot serve two masters.

24 [a]“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
[b] 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?[c] 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 [d]If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,[e] and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.-Matthew6:24-34

It is very true - we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve God and mammon; we cannot give 100% to two jobs; we cannot give our heart - our complete love - to two persons. There has to be one only. Jesus today is not saying we must not work or we do not need money. Remember, we need money to pay our bills, to pay our taxes, to buy some things at the house. Jesus is teaching and helping us remember that He is the Great Provider; He knows and provides speedily for our needs. We need not worry because He will help us, but we have to give our best and we have to help ourselves too. Our focus must be God only. As Jesus said, "...seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,[e] and all these things [material needs] will be given you besides."

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

What's your treasure?

Real treasures.

19 [a]“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
[b] 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.-Matthew6:19-23

Jesus is not saying we should get rid of material things in our life. We need to pay our bills, we need to buy things for our daily living, we need communication, we need things to accomplish work. Jesus is teaching us to be responsible stewards. And as responsible stewards, we have to be aware that material things are temporary and passing only, and that it is supposed to be used responsibly. We cannot bring them when we die anyway. The purpose of these earthly and material things is to help us be a better version of our self so that we can truly store real treasures in Heaven.

Jesus is inviting us to be very mature in mind and heart, and discerning in the many things we see each day.

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead (movie)

Expression of Love

How do lovers act?

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

How do pagans pray? Perhaps a recitation of prayers hoping that a petition will be answered. Or perhaps a kind of monologue. Jesus is not saying lengthy prayers is wrong, just that we ought not to babble. Jesus is not saying our prayer should be short. What good will it be if it doesn't come from the heart? Will God turn His ear away from somebody who prays with all sincerity and pure intentions even if it is lengthy or wordy? Jesus is teaching us that we should pray with sincere heart, mind and soul, and to pray with simplicity. Jesus captured this in the Prayer He Himself taught us - the Our Father.

How do lovers act? There are many ways especially if love is sincere: finishing work quickly to make it in time for a dinner date, beaming with happiness upon seeing the loved one, braving the forces of nature to keep a date, never a dull moment, wishes that the date will last forever, contented with the presence of the loved one, listens attentively, speaks freely, expresses love, silently satisfied, etc. I think this is how we should be in prayer. For me, prayer is a date and a moment with God. For me, it is not an obligation or a burden, but a moment of love, a moment where we can express love, a moment where we are supposed to be excited and beaming or at least looking forward to it. Jesus captured this in the Prayer He Himself taught us - the Our Father.

Image courtesy: S. Dewey (Praying Jesus)

Silent Action

Purity of intentions.

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. 7 [c]In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.[d] 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.-Matthew6:1-8

Now that election season is brewing, one politician would like to make his plans indirectly (sic) known. He did this by showcasing his 'service, generosity and kindness' (sic) on TV and radio ads. All acts of charity must have radio and TV coverage to convey the message that he is the one. It is so sad that charity - a noble virtue - can be twisted by some for personal and selfish interests. Today, Jesus is teaching us about purity of intentions and silent actions. Prayer, almsgiving and fasting should be done with the most sincere and noble intentions. If we can do well when people are looking, we should equally do well when people are not looking. But most especially, we should do prayer, almsgiving and fasting silently and discreetly.

Image courtesy: Brooklyn Museum

Beyond Boundaries

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors[a] do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?[b] 48 So be perfect,[c] just as your heavenly Father is perfect.-Matthew5:43-48

We, humans, love only those we want to love. And when we hate, well, we sure would like to make it known one way or another, directly or indirectly. Jesus pushed the boundaries of love. Actually, Jesus has put a brand new name to love. It is easy to say love your enemies, but it is difficult to do especially if the hurt, pain and anger run deep. But all is possible in the name of love and in the name of God. Remember, Jesus still prayed for those who sent Him on the cross. Jesus forgave Peter and His other disciples for leaving Him. Jesus loved those who are unlovable. He did it when He was very much human. We can do it too through His grace.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Go the extra mile for Love

Love your enemy.

38 [a]“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile,[b] go with him for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.-Matthew5:38-42

Jesus is not saying we allow ourselves to be abused or be victimized by violence. Remember, we are born out of love, through love and in love. We are born to love and be loved. Violence is not love. For me, Jesus is inviting us to endure for love. Endurance can be an expression of love too. There are certain things that are not worth fighting for. But there are certain things that are worth fighting for, worth keeping and worth protecting. Some marriages have a happily-ever-after ending. Some marriages have a happily-ever-after ending after surpassing some 'tests' in life. And there are some marriages that are, unfortunately, not a happy one. Come to think of it, most fairy tale endings pass through some difficulties like fighting a dragon, fighting a witch, fighting a strong enemy, etc. If the hero or the heroine surrenders immediately, will there be a good ending at all?

Image courtesy: Frozen

 

From Your Bounty

Mystery.

26 He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God;[a] it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 [b]But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.-Mark4:26-34

Life is indeed mysterious. Some efforts are too big already, and yet yielded no result. Some efforts are too small, yet yielded much result. We are created to be stewards and caretakers. We can plant, we can build, we can do something. But success and growth will never be attributed to our efforts no matter how much it is. Rather, success and growth are gifts of God to us. As the prayer said, "... which we are about to receive from Your bounty." By ourselves, we can do nothing. Everything is grace from God.

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Yes and No options

Vows, promises and oaths.

33 [a]“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all;[b] not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 [c]Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.-Matthew5:33-37

For me, Jesus is not saying that promises, vows or oaths are wrong. Vows, promises or oaths are in itself good. It is how we humans - with our imperfections - handle the vows, promises or oaths that make a difference. Jesus said, "Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one." Before we even make a vow, promise or oath, it is much better for us to ask ourselves if we are really serious into committing to something. Is it really a true Yes? Or is it a No? I remember a famous band singer who decided to marry his girlfriend. Within 24 hours, they filed for divorce. Can you believe that?? This is a true example of, "Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one." If one is never sure or cannot commit at all, then better not to enter into something binding.

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Sacred Heart

Blood and Water flowed out.

31 Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, 34 [a]but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows[b] that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe. 36 For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled:
“Not a bone of it will be broken.”
37 And again another passage says:
“They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”-John19:31-37

Today is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are all invited to reflect on the depth of the love of God for us by sending His Son as an ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Many miracles happen everyday. Some are small. Some are too trivial. While others are too awesome and magnificent. All the same, these miracles are God's way of making His Presence and Love known.

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Attachment and Detachment

Attachment and Detachment.

7 As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 [a]Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 9 Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10 no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter a house, wish it peace. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.[b]-Matthew10:7-13

When my friends and I would meet before, we have to wait and wait for the late person to arrive. Now, with phones readily available, we can proceed with other things and the late person will just catch up. With this, we can accomplish much rather than sitting and waiting for the late comers to arrive. I remember this experience when I read the Gospel reading because so many would say, 'I cannot live without a phone. I would die.' But the truth is, we can. I lived at a time when mobile phones are for the ultra elite only. No one can afford it. No one even wants to use it because it seems so expensive before. But now, everybody has one and is very affordable. It is true that it has many uses. But it is also true that we can live without it. Jesus today is teaching us about attachment and detachment. Too much detachment is not good. Too much attachment is not good too. What we all need is a balance of attachment and detachment. What we all must learn is the capacity to recognize and meet our needs (i.e. basic and daily needs), and letting go of the things that we want but not needed at all (i.e. a new phone when we already have one or a new bag when we still have one or two that can still be used). 

The Law

The Law.

17 [a]“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.[b]-Matthew5:17-19

It is very clear that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. However, there is a big difference between fulfilling the law and merely observing it because it is what is taught. Jesus' way of fulfilling the law is by living out the very heart of the law - Love and Peace. Why is it that everything and everywhere we go, there is a law? Without the law there is chaos, even the universe has a law of its own. But laws do not impede or block our happiness. Rather, it directs us to the right path to happiness and holiness. The heart of the law is Love and Peace. If one has love and peace, then the law is in his/her heart. If love, peace and law is in one's heart, then God resides in the person.

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Saltiness

Daily discipleship.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.[a] 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.-Matthew5:13-16

We are called to live out our discipleship everyday. Yes, it is more for the clergy and religious, but it is also an invitation for all. A police officer must live out his/her discipleship everyday especially on duty. A doctor must live out his/her discipleship everyday especially when administering to patients. A teacher must live our his/her discipleship everyday especially when teaching students. If we forget the essence of why we are doing our job or what the job is all about, we lose our saltiness. And when we lose our saltiness, chances of committing sin are high. And when we sin, we lose our identity as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus' invitation for us is to show Him to the world through our everyday existence even through our work. We do not have to be showy about it. All it takes is a little kindness, respect, love, service and concern for others.

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Rooted in Love

Blessedness rooted in Love.

1 [a]When he saw the crowds,[b] he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:
[c]
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,[d]
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 [e]Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 [f]Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,[g]
for they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 [h]Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,[i]
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. 12 [j]Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.-Matthew5:1-12

Who are the blessed? Those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, who are clean of heart, who are peacemakers, who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness and those who are insulted and persecuted because of Jesus. The Beatitudes is a teaching of Jesus, and Jesus is Love. Therefore, the Beatitudes are all about Love or rooted in Love. It is a love that makes one selfless and sacrificing for others.

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Love to Give and Give to Love

Generously Loving. Lovingly Generous.

38 In the course of his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”[a] 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”-Mark12:38-44

Is it wrong, then, to be greeted by people, to be given seats of honor, and places of honor at banquets? No, not at all. Remember, Jesus Himself was like a rockstar during His ministry. For me, Jesus is inviting us all to keep in mind why we are greeted by people, given seats of honor and places of honor. Why do they think highly of us? Because of the power and position that we have. And what is power and position inviting us to do? To serve the people. Yes, we complement the honor and respect given to us by serving the people with love. Elected government officials must serve the people who put them in office. Celebrities must serve the fans who 'follow' them by being a good example to their fans and constantly remembering that their stardom is nothing without a strong fan base. Teachers who are loved by students and parents must complement this love by teaching the students well. From the lowliest to the highest in authority, all of us must bear in mind to be thankful to God and to return always the honor given us through service.

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Corpus Christi

The Body and Blood of Christ.

12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb,[a] his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water.[b] Follow him. 14 Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 15 Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” 16 The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
17 When it was evening, he came with the Twelve. 18 [c]And as they reclined at table and were eating, Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be distressed and to say to him, one by one, “Surely it is not I?” 20 He said to them, “One of the Twelve, the one who dips with me into the dish. 21 For the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,[d] but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
22 [e]While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed[f] for many. 25 Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 Then, after singing a hymn,[g] they went out to the Mount of Olives.-Mark14:12-26

Here is the story of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Bread is indeed Jesus' Body and the Wine is indeed Jesus' Blood through Transubstantiation. It is difficult - especially for non-Catholics - to understand how it came to be. One has to believe in order to understand. But what is more important is the fact that Jesus Himself instituted the Holy Eucharist. Through partaking of this Divine Meal, we become one with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Such a loss when some do not partake of this Meal even though they are a stone's throw away from It.

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Two Poles

Two poles.

35 As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, inspired by the holy Spirit, said:‘The Lord said to my lord,“Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.”’37 David himself calls him ‘lord’; so how is he his son?” [The] great crowd heard this with delight.-Mark12:35-37

Jesus was probably an enigma during His time. Even the most learned cannot predict or box Him. Indeed God's ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. I remember a religious priest who once said that he really dislike one community member. The latter was so kill joy - wouldn't join in the recreation, disliked outing, kept to himself all the time. A mysterious man despite being a priest too. All the same, the community endured him though some are thinking of transferring him to another community. One day, the mysterious member just suddenly opened up and cried before them. He admitted that he was suffering from depression, he was in crisis. He never dared join the community activities for fear that what he was undergoing through will be made known. He kept it secret for a long time. In fact, the other communities always would want him to leave because they cannot put up with his kill joy antics. He was truly thankful that the community where he was in was an understanding one. Well, so many of the community members were most humbled by the situation. It is easy to judge somebody based on his/her actions, words and other external manifestations. But the truth is, we do not always know what's going on. So who are we to judge if we barely know what's going on?

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Blamed on Love?

Love.

28 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.-Mark12:28-34

Love. The secret to a fulfilling life is Love. The secret to a happy life is Love. The secret to peace is Love. The greatest weapon there is is Love. Love has always been pure and good. But some Love is twisted, even perverted by others. Is it the fault of Love? No, it is the fault of our sinfulness and twisted ways. A married man abandoned his family for his mistress. They justify their actions by saying, "Our only sin is to Love." Fools! Sin is the opposite of Love! Love cannot be blamed. Our sinfulness corrupted Love. What to do? How must one combat sin? As Jesus said, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ We must love God first and foremost. It is through His love that we can truly love our neighbor purely and sincerely.

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Life after Death

Life after Death.

18 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and put this question to him, 19 saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.’ 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. 21 So the second married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no descendants. Last of all the woman also died. 23 At the resurrection [when they arise] whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God? 25 When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. 26 As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”-Mark12:18-27

The multi-million dollar question: What happens after death? What indeed. Some believe in Resurrection. Others believe in Reincarnation. Others believe that our life will just continue. Others believe in an abode of the dead. Today, Jesus speaks clearly that when a person dies, s/he is like the angels in heaven. Yes, we achieve a glorified self and in Heaven too. However, there is also such a thing as Hell (where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth) and a place for purification for those who are 'there but has still some pending things to do.' Though Jesus said that 'they are like the angels in heaven,' we can only imagine how it is like to be an angel and how it is like to be in heaven. For now, the challenge is finding heaven here on earth and being an angel to others by doing the will of God through Love.

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It's Complicated

Conflict of interests.

13 [a]They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to ensnare him in his speech.[b] 14 They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” 15 Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.-Mark12:13-17

The other day, my sister challenged me about same-sex issues. She asked why can't the Church accept same-sex marriages, and so on and so forth. To say that you are not in favor of same-sex marriages will incur the wrath of the LGBT community. To say that you are in favor of same-sex marriages will incur the wrath of many groups, institutions and religions. So what will one say? I felt how Jesus felt when He was being trapped by both the Pharisees and the Herodians. If Jesus says, 'No, don't pay taxes to Caesar,' is a passport to His arrest. If He says, 'Yes, pay taxes to Caesar,' will incur the wrath of the Pharisees. Jesus dealt with the situation by separating one's obligations to God and to political leaders. The challenge to political leaders is to make laws for the betterment of the country and that includes the moral side of it. The challenge to religious leaders is to make the love of God and His Kingdom felt by all but not in a way that is suffocating, judging and condemning. How should one deal with LGBT issues? It's complicated, but the best way to start is to Love them. I do believe that the LGBT community deserves to be treated with respect and love. And I do believe that they can be happier, they can have a fulfilling life, they can have a beautiful life while at the same time attuned to God, to holiness and goodness. We do not have to be people of this 'world' just to achieve happiness.

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Disguised Grace

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

1 He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. 2 At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent them another servant. And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully. 5 He sent yet another whom they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed. 6 He had one other to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What [then] will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture passage:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
11 by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes’?”
12 They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away.-Mark12:1-12

Rejection. Nobody wants it. Given a chance, we would always wanted to be accepted, welcomed and received in the best way. But in today's Gospel, I cannot help but realize that sometimes rejection is a blessing in disguise, a hidden and strange grace. A few years ago, my job contract ended at the time allotted for it right from the start. Although I knew it was coming because right from the start it was clear to me, I did not really take it seriously. When the day came that I have to go, I was much pained. However, a much better job offer came to me with better pay, better work and more chances of growth. As I look back, I would always marvel and say to God that if my previous job did not end at the right time, the better job will never be given to me. So let's look back on the many rejections we had and see how God weaved His plan through it so that we become better individuals or a much blessed individual.

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