SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS

COMMUNION WITH GOD 

Br. Reginald Zamora, OP

Have you surrendered yourself to God?

Every time I attend funerals there is always a question that lingers in my mind. Was this person able to have a communion with God when he was still alive? On one hand, if the person disregarded God in his lifetime, it is really a pity that such thing had happened. There is a possibility that his soul is bound for eternal damnation. On the other hand, if the person lived a full life of serving God then the pain of loss should be overcome by joy. Surely that person is at peace and is enjoying eternal happiness with our Creator. 

The same goes with people of terminal diseases who only have weeks or months to live. For me it is a question whether the person lived a full life with God or not. If not, then blessed he is for he is given one last opportunity to be united with God. The salvation of the soul is far more important than the body. Should we be in that situation, we have to use those remaining moments of our lives to say our apology and gratitude to God, and finally to surrender ourselves completely to God. 

Everybody dreams of a happy ending in their lives. A happy ending can only be attained through a genuine communion with God. By surrendering and uniting ourselves with God, everything in our lives will be in their proper perspective, in their proper place. And at the end of our lives, together with Simeon we can sing:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all peoples...”

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

It is HOW, not WHY! 

Br. Mark Philip Goroza, OP

"Why me Lord?" This is the common phrase we often ask to the Lord every time we find ourselves in a situation we did not expect. May it be positive or negative that question always echoes on our minds and our hearts. We always look and search for the reasons behind the things or experiences that happen to us. Asking the question "WHY" every time we encounter something is part of our being an intellectual being. We desire to know the reasons behind everything. We must remember, however, that aside from being a sign of curiosity or a sign of the desire to know, the question "WHY" would also suggest a kind of hesitancy or doubt on the part of the person asking the question. 

In the gospel, it is not "WHY" that Mary asked when the angel announced to her that she would give birth to a son. She asked "HOW." Her question shows her great desire to submit herself to the will of God. Her “HOW” also would suggest that whatever reason there may be for choosing her to be the mother of God, it is not any more important, for she trusted the wisdom of God. What is more important is how she can fulfill the will of God. 

Perhaps, "WHY" is also in the mind of Mary during the Annunciation. Her willingness and desire to do the will of God, however, surpassed that desire to know the reason why God chose her. She cannot but ask "HOW" and not "WHY". Her "HOW" made her understood the "WHY" of the plan of God.

Like Mary, let us first desire to do the will of God. Surely understanding His will shall follow. Try to ask God “HOW” instead of WHY.”

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Ang Kuwento ng Diyos sa Kuwento ng Buhay Mo
Br. Francis Borre, OP

Mahilig ka bang makinig sa kuwento ng pari?

Sa isang seminar na aking dinaluhan, may isang babaeng nagpahayag ng kanyang pagka-dismaya sa homiliya ng isang pari. Para sa babae, ang kuwento ng buhay ng Diyos at ang mga Salita lamang Niya na matatagpuan sa Banal na Kasulatan ang kanyang nais marinig. Hindi siya interisado sa kung anumang kuwento meron ang pari lalo na kung tungkol lang naman ito sa personal na buhay ng pari. 

Ang pagpapahayag ng buhay ng tao ay hindi lamang isang simpleng kuwento patungkol sa sarili. Ito ay pagpapahayag ng araw-araw na karanasan ng isang tao kasama ang Diyos; ang Diyos na nararanasan. Hindi ba’t tayo ay inaanyayahan ng Diyos na mamuhay kasama Siya sa tuwina? Hindi ba’t tayo ay inaanyayahan ng simbahan na bumuo at pagyamanin ang isang personal na relasyon sa Diyos? 

 

Ang totoo nito, hindi lang kuwento ng pari ang kanais-nais pakinggan. Maging sino ka man, ang kuwento mong kasama ang Diyos ay kaayaaya ding pakinggan. Ang pagkukuwento mo tungkol sa iyong buhay kasama ang Diyos; ang pagtawag mo sa Kanyang pangalan sa tuwing ikaw ay nahihirapan; ang mga nakakatuwa mong karanasan sa buhay, ay nagdudulot ng labis na tuwa sa Diyos sapagkat laman Siya ng kwento mo. Ang iyong kuwento kasama ang Diyos ay maari ding maging isang inspirasyon para sa iba sapagkat nakapaloob sa kuwento mo ang kuwento ng Diyos.

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

LESS IS THE NEW GREAT

Br. Cyr Stephen Magbanua, OP 

The Gospel presents to us the great John the Baptist. He is considered great because of his important role in God’s work of salvation. His greatness depends neither on his self-righteousness nor on grandiose lifestyle but on lesser things. He does not claim to be the Messiah when everybody does. He wears neither costly clothing nor feeds on sumptuous foods. His preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ is through a humble and simple way of life. 

In this season of preparation for the coming and birth of our Lord, we can have as our model the great John the Baptist. We can prepare ourselves and be great Catholics by having less. We can lessen our complaining and focus more on giving thanks. We can lessen our harsh criticisms and give more affirmations; less bickering, more forgiving; less pettiness, more maturity; less gossiping, more praying; less discouragement, more hopefulness; less anger, more patience; less hatred and more loving. It is by being less that we can be great!

1st Sunday of Advent

Love Story
Mk 13:33-37 

Br. Glen Mar T. Gamboa, OP 

May mga kaganapan sa atin na pang-MMK o Magpakailanman ang eksena. Drama o komedya sigurado may kwento ka, pero tingin ko mas makulay ang mga kaganapan kung love story. 

Sa pamilya ako unang natutong magmahal hindi lang dahil natanggap ko ito mula sa magulang at mga kapatid pero dahil dito ko unang naramdaman ang pag-ibig ng Diyos. Hindi namin kaya ang mga pagsubok na dumating kung wala ang Diyos. Binigyan nya kami ng lakas at gabay para lampasan ang mga ito. Mas lalong umigting ang nadama kong pag-ibig niya sa panahong parang wala ng pag-asa, ngunit nagpadala siya ng mga taong handang tumulong sa gitna ng pangangailagnan. Ang pamilya ko at mga taong ito ay aking pinahahalagahan, lubos na pinasasalamatan, at pinagdarasal dahil sa kanila makulay ang love story ko sa Diyos ngayon. Ang mga taong pinahahalagahan natin sa ating buhay ay ang mga taong naging instrumento ng Diyos upang madama natin ang kanyang pag-ibig sa atin.

Sa unang linggo ng Adbiento, hinihikayat tayo na maging alerto at mapagmasid, maging handa sa pagbabalik ni Hesus. Marahil ang pinaka-mainam na paghahanda ay ang pagtukoy kung ano ang dapat pahalagahan natin sa buhay bilang isang Kristyano sapagkat dito natin madarama ang pag-ibig ng Diyos. Ang pagkakaron ng love story sa kanya ay ang sanhi ng tuwa, pag-asa, pagbabago sa ating buhay. Ang hiwaga ng kanyang pag-ibig ay patuloy na kumikilos sa atin at walang sino man o anu man ang makapaghihiwalay sa atin mula dito.

Handa ba nating pahalagahan ang love story natin sa kanya? 

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

The Kingdom of Jesus 
Matthew 25:31-46 
Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP 

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. We must, however, refrain from comparing Jesus with other kings and queens of this world. The Gospels tell us that He had no crown except the crown of thorns; no throne except the dirty manger in the stable at Bethlehem; no soldiers except a handful of disciples who eventually left Him alone.

That is precisely the message Jesus wants to deliver. He is the King of the Kingdom of God, where mercy reigns over violence; justice over inequality; truth over lies. The Good News and challenge to us Christians is to bring this Kingdom into our daily lives. 

When we refuse to cheat in an exam; when we are faithful to our spouse and family; when we are not swayed by false doctrines; and when we deepen our faith through constant study; we bring the Kingdom into this world. The Kingdom of God comes when we answer to His call to be merciful, to be just and to be truthful.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Faithfulness
Matthew 25:14-30
Br. John Paul A. Sontillano, OP

Everyone has a calling. Not all are priests or religious men and women. Some are married while others decidedly remained single until death. Whatever our status in life is, everyone is called to faithfulness – to a life of holiness.

In today’s gospel, the parable of the talents reminds us that as we await the coming of the Lord, there is work to be done. Diverse as we are in terms of gifts or interests, all are held responsible in the discharge of our duties as citizens of the world and as members of the Church in a given context we are in.

As Christians, it is our special task to help build the Kingdom of God. Whenever we work for justice, do acts of charity and promote a peaceful environment, we are somehow making God’s reign already present among us. In our workplaces, we can preach grace by performing our job in a truly Christian way. If a parish is entrusted to us as priests or a school as administrators or a class as teachers or a family as parents or children, faithfulness is expected from us. Whether we are carrying out great or small responsibilities, it is always about faithful and loving service. Love is the greatest commandment; fidelity in this is the real measure of success – not the amount of wealth accumulated or the number of academic degrees gained for ourselves. This faithfulness is our sanctity.

May the Lord, when He returns in the least expected time, mercifully grant us eternal life. Amen.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

BEAUTY WITHOUT, BEAUTY WITHIN
John 2:13-22

Br. Reynor Munsayac, OP

St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians said “Do you not know that you are God’s temple, and that God’s spirit abides within you?” As Christians, do we acknowledge the presence and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Consumerism tends to highlight the superficial. People are more conscious on their external appearance. That is why the advertisements we see in the television are mostly of products or of clothing brands that promise to the consumers an external beauty. The effect of this to the viewers is the insatiable desire to acquire these things and the promised external beauty. There is nothing wrong with desiring to be beautiful externally. But what is dangerous is when we give too much emphasis on beautifying the outside to the detriment of the inside. What is the use of having beauty on the outside if the inside is rotten? We need to find the balance between the material and the spiritual.

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray to God that He bestows on us his Holy Spirit so that we may be able to merit these fruits and manifest them in our life, within and without.

31st Sunday in ordinary Time

The Judgment

Mt. 25: 31-46

Br. Junel C. Pedroso, OP

No one wants to be damned. We all hope for a better future and even a peaceful afterlife. We can endure inconveniences or can make sacrifices if these would entail achieving something better or more valuable. Thus, no one wants to be eternally punished in hell. We all aspire for perpetual bliss in heaven. 

In our Gospel, we are reminded of God’s calling to be with Him in His heavenly kingdom. He lays down the requirements for the admittance to His abode which is to do good deeds on earth in every instance of our lives. Thus, God calls us to a life of generosity and kindness, and challenges us to keep from selfish acts.  

Today we remember those people who had gone ahead of us. Let us pray that they may be purged from their sins and enter God’s home. May we also prepare ourselves to be worthy of entering God’s kingdom and partake from His heavenly banquet.

ANG PINAKAMAHALAGANG UTOS

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sa pag-ibig nakasalalay ang tanang kautusan ng Panginoon; pag-ibig sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Pagibig ang isinagot ni Hesukristo sa mga Pariseo na nagnais subukan ang Kanyang dunong, sa halip na matuto mula sa Kanya. Pag-ibig ang mensaheng ipinahayag Niya sa Kanyang pangangaral at gawi ng pamumuhay; pag-ibig na nakamit ang kasukdulan sa Kanyang pagaalay ng sariling buhay sa krus. Pag-ibig din ang inaasahan Niya mula sa atin na Kanyang iniibig nang lubos.

Ayon sa kahuwaran ni San Juan Crisostomo (Pseudo Chrysostom), pag-ibig sa Diyos ang isinagot ni Hesukristo, bilang pinakamahalagang utos ng Diyos at hindi takot, sapagkat sa alipin ang takot, sa mga anak ang pag-ibig; takot ang nasa sapilitan, pag-ibig ang nasa malaya. Hindi nais ng Diyos na paglingkuran Siya ng tao sa paraang pinaglilingkuran ng isang alipin ang kanyang amo. Pag-ibig ang nais ng Diyos, kapara ng pag-ibig ng isang anak sa kanyang ama, kung kaya nga ba kinupkop Niya tayo bilang Kanyang mga anak. Inibig tayo ng Ama. 

Lantad ang pag-ibig ng Ama para sa atin, sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo kasama ng Espiritu Santo. Marapat, kung ganoon, lantad din ang pag-ibig natin sa Kanya;pagibig ng isang anak sa kanyang Ama. Isabuhay natin ang pag-ibig natin sa Diyos sa pag-ibig natin sa kapwa, kung hindi wala tayong pinagkaiba sa mga Pariseyo; sinusubukan at hinihiya lamang ang Panginoon.

HIPOKRITO KA BA?

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ano ba ang mas mabuti; ang mamuna ka o ang mangutya ka? Ang pamumuna ay ang pagsasabi ng mga maling gawa ng kapwa na naglalayong maitama ang mga ito. Ang pangugutya naman ay pagsasabi ng mga maling gawa ng kapwa ngunit naglalayong idiin sila sa kanilang pagkakamali. Malaki ang pagkakaiba ng dalawa subalit maaari itong maging magkatulad kung ito ay gawa ng isang hipokrito

Ang salitang hipokrito ay mula sa salitang Griyeko na hupokritēs na ang ibig sabihin ay isang artista. Ang isang hupokritēs ay umaarte sa isang palabas; nagkukunwari bilang isang mabuti o masamang karakter. Ang isang hipokrito ay umaarte o nagkukunwari sa totoong buhay; nagkukunwari bilang magaling at walang kapintasan kumpara sa iba. Kaya madalas, siya ay namumuna o kaya nama’y nangungutya ng ibang tao sa paligid niya.

Sa ebangelyo, ang mga Pariseyo ay inilarawan bilang mga hipokrito o mapagkunwari; kunwaring matuwid, baluktot naman. Sa pagtatanong ng mga Pariseyo kay Hesus, sinusubukan nila ang dunong Niya. Bilang tapat at marangal na mamamayan, sumagot siya ng tama at tapat: “Ibigay kay Cesar ang nararapat kay Cesar, at ibigay sa Diyos ang nararapat sa Diyos”. Bilang Anak ng Diyos, namuhay si Hesus nang tapat at totoo-- di umaarte o nagkunwari kailan man.

Kung madalas man tayong mamuna ng kapwa, ito sana ay dahil nais nating maiwasto ang kanilang pagkakamali. Kung madalas tayong mangutya ng iba, iwasan na natin ito dahil wala itong maidudulot na mabuti. Sa halip, katotohan at katapatan ang pairalin natin upang mapabuti ang lagay ng ating kapwa. Iwasang maging hipokrito, mapagkunwari. Piliing maging tapat kapara ni Hesus!