Best plan ever

Yes, Lord!

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,[a] and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”[b] 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived[c] a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.-Luke1:26-38

Mariologists believe that Mary is a consecrated virgin to God. Today, these women are called religious sisters or nuns. Mary was offered to God at such a young age, and grew up in the Temple as they say. But there comes a time that such consecrated virgins must perhaps go home after their service to the Temple has been fulfilled. While others enter into a marital union as what is the dominant tradition and custom, Mary vowed to remain a virgin for life. Here comes Joseph. According to Mariologists, Joseph's role is to protect that virginity. Meaning, despite being married, no union will ever happen. Such beautiful plans. But God has something else in mind for Mary. God disrupts Mary's plans by making her the mother of Jesus – Son of the Most High. Mary asked, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Meaning, she and Joseph will never ever consent to any marital union or act. Therefore, the pregnancy is really impossible at all, though Mary is still willing to cooperate. God, through the angel, calms her that the pregnancy will happen through the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we have the best plans, perfect plans in life. But God upsets these plans because He has a far better plan than ours. Mary is assuring us that God will always have the best in store for us always.

“This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans...” (1Cor1:25)

image courtesy: Andrew Atroshenko (Holy Family)

Best Plan

God knows how to upset the best of plans if it is not for our own good and/or it is not according to His plans.

16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.[a][b] 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,[c] but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,[d] yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord[e] appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23 [g]“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.-Matthew1:16-24

In Jewish tradition, betrothal is the first part of marriage. When a man takes his bride to his home, normal married life will then commence. If a woman commits infidelity during betrothal stage, it is considered adultery. Proved adultery (Intercourse with another man's wife from the first stage of marriage) is punishable by stoning. Joseph, as a righteous man - that is a devout observer of the Mosaic Law, is required to expose Mary's condition. However, Joseph gave a new meaning to righteousness by showing mercy and compassion. He does not want to expose Mary's shame and would divorce her quietly instead. A noble plan actually. But God intervenes and upsets Joseph's plan. God planned that Joseph will be the father figure of Jesus here on earth.

Like Joseph, we have created so many noble plans, so many good plans in our life. But not all noble and good plans are the best for us or God's will for us. Yes, God can upset the best of plans because He knows better and what is for own good.

Image courtesy: artist

Through the eyes of God

"God writes straight with crooked lines."

33 “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,[a] put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. 34 When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants[b] to the tenants to obtain his produce. 35 But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 36 Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 [c]But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ 39 [d]They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” 41 They answered[e] him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” 42 [f]Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes’?
43 [g]Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. 44 [[h] The one who falls on this stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.]” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees[i] heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.-Matthew21:33-46

The vineyard represents the house of Israel; the servants represent the prophets; the son represents Jesus; the produce represents the good works; the landowner represents God; and the tenants represent the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, Elders and other religious leaders during the time of Jesus and prior to that. As I reflected, I asked God, "What would have happened if Jesus was received accordingly? What if everybody repented like the people of Nineveh in Job's time? Will that make You happy? Is it then 'mission accomplished' for Jesus?" I believe God would have been happy to see the people respond to Jesus' invitation to repent and change. But since there are those who do not respond to Jesus, God still weaves His plan and will whatever our decisions may be until such time that we open ourselves to Him. "God writes straight with crooked lines." In today's first reading, Joseph was sold by his brothers to slavery. Later on, he was auctioned in the slave market in Egypt, accused by Potiphar's wife, sent to prison perhaps for a long time. A life of desolation, it was. Perhaps Joseph asked the many "Whys?" "What ifs..." and "How can this be?" while languishing the seeming misfortunes of his life. But a light came. An interpretation of one prisoner's dream (who happened to be Pharaoh's cupbearer) led to an audience with Pharaoh himself. Joseph successfully interpreted the dream of Pharaoh, and after that, was made governor of Egypt and second in command. Now that's a 360 degree reversal of fortune! Later on, the other nations suffered famine, but Egypt was able to survive because of Joseph's work through the message of the dream. And this abundance led his family to Egypt where they lived and survived the famine that could have perfectly killed them if Joseph was never in Egypt. Joseph would say later on, "Now don't grieve and reproach yourselves for selling me, because God has sent me before you to save your lives... God has sent me ahead of you to make our race survive there and to save many of you. So it was not you but God who sent me here..." It takes a great deal of faith and love to say that a misfortune is part of God's plan for a greater good. It is okay to cry. It is okay to weep and languish over life's misfortunes. But behind a misfortune is a multitude of blessing awaiting to happen at the right time and place. Jesus was - using our human language - a victim of a few men's jealousy, a victim of violence, an innocent man condemned to die. But if we have the eyes of God, faith and love, we will all see that this is part of the plan leading to a greater good - Resurrection and salvation for us all.

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)

A grace-filled New Year to us all!

... glorifying and praising God ...

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.-Luke2:16-21

A grace-filled New Year to us all! May God's blessing be on us!

Image by: artist

Everyday is Christ-mas

... gave thanks to God...

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

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

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

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

Image courtesy: pcseattle.org

The wait is over

A contradiction!

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

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

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

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

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

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

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

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

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

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The families today

Families today need help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image courtesy: WikiHow and artist

Loves righteously

Mercy and Love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Power Play of the Powerful and the Powerless

What will our response be when He asks?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God is Love!

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