Love and Charity

Love is never costly.

1 [a]Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus[b] and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages[c] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.[d] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”9 [The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.-John12:1-11

Here, Mary showed the highest form of love - anointing the feet of Jesus and drying them with her hair. This humble act can truly touch any person. However, if Jesus and so many others are moved with this gesture, there is one who thought that such an act is a waste. Yes, we all have that tendency as well. I remember the "Ghost" movie. In the middle of the story, Oda came in possession of $4 million through the guidance of Sam, the ghost. Of course, she was very happy and planned the many things she would do with the money. However, since the money belonged to Sam, he told her to give it all to the nuns on the street. Perhaps Oda felt that giving $4 million to charity is a waste because she herself is in need of money too.

Love can be painful. Charity can be painful. Giving can be impractical. The little that we give is but nothing compared to the love, sacrifice and pain Jesus endured to save us all. Jesus is inviting us to love God and our neighbor more and more.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

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

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

A song of praise

A song of praise to God.

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

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

holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

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

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

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

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

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Yes or No?

My response to God's invitation is...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Mary our Mother

The blessed ones!

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”-Luke11:27-28

As I reflected on the reading, I did something in my thoughts and memory and I was reprimanded by Jesus

for interpreting and twisting the Gospel based on my experience rather than reading and savoring the Gospel and making it unearth experiences in me that needed surrendering to His love (the Gospel is supposed to heal me, and not me putting a different flavor on it). So many religious sects love empowering anybody in interpreting the Gospel and these interpretations are based on their human experiences. It's not wrong to interpret, but what makes it wrong is fully believing on it and proclaiming it as the true meaning of the Gospel simply based on a person's own experience. The Gospel readings have vast meanings depending on where a person is, what that person's state is, what is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and so forth. It is an ocean of infinite meanings so to speak, but it is also supposed to be a heart-to-heart talk with the Holy Spirit. Much better if it is shared with a spiritual director for proper guidance. Though I do not interpret the Gospel reading, I would like to share my experiences, reflections and some memories that the Gospel has unearthed in me, hoping that as it inspired me, it will inspire others too.

So many religions, sects and fellowship erased Mary from their "Bible" and teachings. They do not respect

her or honor her. Some would even go to such an extent as burning rosaries, Marian images and so forth. I find these acts of desecration and unholiness disgusting. If they keep pictures of their own self and family, put them in frames, share them in social media, dust them everyday, why can't they do it to the mother of Jesus - who cooperated with God's plan despite putting herself in danger, who gave birth to Him (God-made-man), and journeyed with Him during His agonizing Passion and Suffering? Mary not only gave birth and nursed Jesus, but she also heard the word of God and obeyed it in her Fiat, "Let it be done to me according to your word." (Luke1:38). Yes, she heard the plan and word of God for her. She can say "No" to God, but she said "Yes" despite the risk and despite not fully understanding at all.

Mary has a special place in the life of Jesus. We should also put, not only Jesus but Mary also, a special place in our lives. We respect her, love her and go to her, as we do our very own mothers, for Mary is our mother too.