October Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 Friday Psalm 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab 1 Luke 10:13-16 Simplicity is Perfection We celebrate today the feast of St. accept the full importance of His Therese of the Child Jesus whose ministry. Their expectation for following was considered one of the spectacular made them miss the most impressive and significant the simple and true. This attitude religious phenomena of contemporary is prevalent in most of us. But St. times. She was known for her “little Therese gave us a very good example way” (i.e. disposing her duties with of the beauty and effectiveness of perfection no matter how small they simplicity. She discovered the “little were). In our present times, she would way.” By doing little good deeds, we be a perfect advocate for Pondo Ng are perfecting ourselves, whether it Pinoy, which promotes that no matter is mopping the floor, washing the how small an action may be, as long dishes, cooking, sewing, cleaning as it is good and made a habit, it will etc. The Lord Jesus said, “Whatever lead to salvation and perfection. you do to the least of your brothers, That was not the case with the you do unto Me!” For the world, Galilean towns of Chorazin and small things may be small, but for Bethsaida. Jesus lamented their God, everything you do is big! blindness to and rejection of the The Good News is that salvation words He spoke before them and is attained by doing simple good the miracles He worked. Those deeds; that perfection is attained words and deeds were by having small, holy more than enough Reflection Question: successes; that eternal for them to recognize What were the small, good life is reached through His power, authority things that you had done in a series of obedience your life? What were the small, to God. and person. And yet, good things that had been their appreciation done to you by others? Do F o r g e t a b o u t of Him was limited you value them as God values perfection, if you to marveling on the them? will. But always do newness and radicality good things as best as Lord, may we always take joy of His Word, and in doing little good deeds that you can. Before you the spectacle of His glorify You. May we never forget know it, perfection miracles. They failed to value the good deeds done to is attained. Fr. Benny to understand and us by our neighbors. Tuazon St. Ralph Crockett, pray for us.

281 Exodus 23:20-23 (or Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17) October Psalm 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10-11 Saturday (or Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130) Memorial of the Guardian Angels Matthew 18:1-5, 10 2 (or Luke 10:17-24) Guardian Angels One late night, when I was still angel. They are spirits serving as a seminarian doing my summer messengers of God. They are God’s apostolate in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, presence to us. By presence we mean I accompanied the parish priest to a that God communicates Himself to us remote place in the parish. While we and makes His presence felt. Because were navigating the highway, we saw of angels, we are never alone. They some broken pieces of glass. A car save children from accidents, guide accident had just happened but there adults in determining what is right were no cars in sight. We decided to and wrong, help us discern where the stop and look around. Spirit leads, allay our fears in the face Suddenly, we heard children of danger, give us courage against a crying and people moaning in pain. spiritual challenge, etcetera. The jeep they were riding turned At every moment in our lives, we turtle from the main road to the rice must remember that we have angels field on the side of the road. We ready to guide us. They have been went to them and saw that the adult working for us since we were born. passengers were either unconscious They will continue to work for us or crying in pain. The children, about until we die. three of them, were lying on the On this feast day of the Guardian ground near the jeep crying but were Angels, let us not only remember miraculously unhurt. We called for their presence but renew our belief help and they were all brought to a and commitment to them. nearby hospital. It was Our Catholic prayer startling to see that the Reflection Question: is very appropriate on children were all right. When was the last time you this occasion: felt God’s care through the No one, much more presence of your guardian a child, could have angel? How do you express Angel of God, escaped that accident your recognition of God’s mes- My guardian dear, unhurt. We could not senger to you? Do you receive To whom God’s love believe it. In the end, their guidance as direct guid- Commits me here, we both attributed it to ance from God? Ever this day, the children’s guardian Be at my side Guardian Angel, thank you for angels. guiding and protecting me as I To light and guard, By faith we believe journey through this life. To rule and guide. that God assigned to Amen! Fr. Benny Tuazon each of us a guardian St. Theophilus, pray for us.

282 October Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 Sunday Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8) 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 3 Luke 17:5-10 Call of Duty Today’s Gospel gives us a deeper can’t do more than what is expected understanding of God and our service of us. Remember that the very life to Him. Commonly, when we do that we have, which is the source something for somebody, we expect of everything we possess, came something in return. That somebody from Him. Therefore, when we owes us. We call it “utang na loob.” have fulfilled our duties, all we can It is a very powerful position against say to God is that we have been somebody. Unless what we did was unprofitable. We simply did what we part of our responsibility and duty to were expected to do. the other. In that case, the other does This is very relevant to those not owe us anything at all. who think that God owes them After asking the servant to serve because they prayed, sacrificed, him, the master did not owe the fasted, did acts of charity, forgave, servant anything because the servant understood, exercised patience and just did his job. At most, that servant even offered their lives for Him. God should just tell himself that he was an is perfect and complete. He does not unprofitable servant because he only need anything from us. It is we who did what was expected of him. need Him. We should see public servants Humility is about knowing our in the same way; they should see true place before God: We are His themselves in the same way. When creatures and He is our Creator. He they were elected into office, they were calls and we respond. Everything we expected to fulfill the are had been formed responsibilities and Reflection Question: by Him for a purpose. duties to the people. With the immense gifts God It is our life to hear Unfortunately, many has given you, do you still ask the call, live the call, for favors after you have done and realize the call. of them make it seem what He asks you to do? Do that the people owe you see those good deeds as In the end, we may them for the services services that need reward, or not be profitable, they have rendered. ways of thanking God for what but we would have There is nothing He has already given? d o n e w h a t G o d we can do that God expects of us. If we God, teach me to serve You will owe us for. No wholeheartedly, without ex- had satisfied God’s matter how great the pecting anything in return. expectations, who deeds are, intended needs profit? Fr. Benny even for God, we St. Widradus, pray for us. Tuazon 283 Galatians 1:6-12 October Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9, 10c 4 Monday Luke 10:25-37 Love Thy Neighbor

The parable of the Good Samaritan Christian to extend any form of was Jesus’ response to the question, assistance to alleviate the poverty and “Who is my neighbor?” As usual, predicament of his neighbor. But if you Jesus responded convincingly and to noticed, in the parable, Jesus pointed the heart. us to the other equally important It will be good to put the story neighbor, the Good Samaritan. He into context. The Jews believed in was the one who aided the victim. being the chosen people. By virtue He saw to it that the victim was fully of that privilege, they expected to taken care of. He even left something receive the Good News of salvation for him for his further sustenance after first. In fact, that was the plan of God. bringing him to a home and entrusting Jesus, the Good News, was to be born him to a caregiver. a Jew and there fulfill His ministry. For Jesus, the neighbor is not Samaria was not a Jewish town but a only the one in need, but the one who Gentile town. They were not expected can help those in need. For Jesus, to receive the Good News before the we must be neighbors to each other. Jews. Going back to the parable, you We must take care of each other. We can just imagine the reaction of His have the responsibility to see to it Jewish audience when He made the that we share and use the charisms, Gentile — a Samaritan — the do- the gifts that God gave us. St. Paul gooder and the Jews, the villains. called it ministering to each other. So, who is the neighbor? It When we use God’s gifts for the good is easy to say that in of the community, we that parable, it was the become a minister. victim, or any victim Reflection Question: In this sense, to be of circumstance for Are you being a neighbor to a neighbor is to be a that matter. You may anyone in need? Or do you minister. choose whom you would The parable reminds say he was the one in help? Up to what point do need, the person lying you extend your help? Do you us that we must always on the ground needing always expect something in be on the lookout, not assistance. He is the one return when you help? blind, mute, deaf or who is hungry, thirsty, numb, to the needs of imprisoned, oppressed, Lord, teach me to recognize others. Here and now confused, etc. You every soul as my neighbor and is the time to help. are right. Anyone in fill me with the compassion to Neighbor, love need is our neighbor. help the ones in need. thy neighbor. Fr. Benny It is imperative for a Tuazon St. Domnina, pray for us.

284 October Galatians 1:13-24 Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 5 Tuesday Luke 10:38-42 Contemplative in Action, The Best Part Which is better, prayer or active into battle without reporting to his service? To spend time with God commandant, a Christian should or do acts of charity? These are the never go on doing services without questions which the Gospel today meeting with the Lord. No matter clarifies to us. When Jesus visited their how certain we are of the good, it house, Martha, the busy body, went is always best to seek God’s will about preparing the Lord’s needs at in prayer before we do them. This once. Mary, the listener, sat beside way, service has more meaning and the Lord and attentively received His direction. words. Martha complained that Mary Jesus, though, did not mean that was not helping her. Jesus responded Martha did the unnecessary. If we by telling her that Mary’s calm in are to avoid service without prayer, spending time beside Him was better we must also avoid prayer without than her anxiety in serving the Lord. service. These are two extremes Many of us can easily identify that have no place in the Christian with Martha. We think we are worthy faith. Service is good. Prayer is persons if we are work-oriented, better. But contemplative action is measured by our output. Some work the best. It consists of spending time even on Sundays and holidays to earn first with God to know His Will and more and find more meaning in their being guided by Him. Work draws lives. Doing is seen as better than its meaning from prayer and prayer being. finds completion in work. Work and It is for this reason that the Lord’s prayer go together. God must always response to Martha be a part of any work. is shocking, if not Reflection Question: Work should be the discouraging. Mary Are you so absorbed in doing consequence of any chose the better part. things that you compromise prayer. For one who is Did Jesus mean that your time to confer with God? contemplative in action, Would you rather spend all every day at work is a we all stop working your time praying and let oth- and spend most of our ers do things? Or do you make new day and another time in the chapel to prayer as the foundation of opportunity to help. It pray? No. He meant your every action? is always interesting that we must first listen and exciting, because to God before doing Lord, may I remember to seek the very reason for the any kind of work. In Your will and guidance in prayer work is anchored in His the same way that a before I act. relationship with God. soldier would not go Fr. Benny Tuazon St. Flavia, pray for us.

285 October Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 Wednesday Psalm 117:1bc, 2 6 Luke 11:1-4 THE PERFECT PRAYER Communication is a necessity in not enough. The one praying must life. Life is unimaginable without mean what he says and say what he it. Our mere existence is already a means. Sincerity must accompany communication. It is much more prayer. Thus, the Lord’s Prayer is important in faith. In the Gospel really a guide to praying perfectly. It today, the disciples beg the Lord tells us how we should communicate to teach them how to pray. This is with God and what we must say. also everyone’s need. How must we At the beginning of the prayer we pray? The Lord Jesus responded by are reminded to follow God’s Will — teaching them. And so, we have the “Thy Will be done.” This, I believe, Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. is the essence of a perfect prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is a perfect Coming before God’s presence, we prayer, not only because it came from must set ourselves to follow His the Lord who perfectly knows His Will and not ours or another’s. We Father, but because it contains the must be aware that God is God and four necessary elements of prayer: We we are His creatures. Fr. Jerry Orbos come before God to give Him praise said that there are only two truths in (Adoration), to seek forgiveness and life: There is God, and we are not reconciliation (Contrition), to express Him. Many of us think that when we our gratitude (Thanksgiving) and to ask, it would be given. Better to ask beg for needed graces (Supplication). God what He thinks is best for us. Usually, we pray to ask from God. Then, leave it to Him how, where But when was the last time we and when He would give it. When we thanked God and asked pray this way, we will for forgiveness? When realize how powerful did we last praise Him Reflection Question: this communication for the good things How do you regard the Lord’s with God is. The Lord He has given us? Our Prayer (Our Father)? Do you Jesus gave us a way strive to live every word in God is not an idea. He this prayer taught by the Lord to the heart of His is a Person whom we Jesus? Do you realize that the Father. He led us to can relate to. We must prayer is perfect as to lead us the truths about the always be conscious to salvation when lived fully? Father’s Will. And of having a personal the Lord had shown relationship with Lord Jesus, may we take to heart us how life must be Him. daily the prayer that You taught lived according to His But mouthing the us. Father, Thy Will be done. Father. Amen! Fr. Benny words of His prayer is Tuazon St. Faith, pray for us.

286 October Acts 1:12-14 (or Galatians 3:1-5) Thursday Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54- Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary 55 (or Luke 1:69, 70-71, 72, 73-75) 7 Luke 1:26-38 (or Luke 11:5-13) GOD IS NOT A SNOB This is a further teaching of the Lord praying. We stop going to Mass. Jesus on prayer. He began with a We go our own way as if it was His parable of a persistent man who loss. Later, we realize that it is not prevailed upon a friend to give him the right response. Rather, the more what he needed. Then He told His we must cling to Him and seek Him disciples that God will give them while we await His answer, the more what they ask for, find what they we must knock. For without God, seek, and open the door to those who we are nothing. Our only way out knock. The clincher was the last part of darkness is to seek the light. Our when He said that the Father could only course to reach our true destiny never deprive us of His Holy Spirit if is to find the way. Our only resort to we ask for Its presence. For no father be free from all lies is to embrace the will give his child anything that will truth. And our only way to find the harm him. Compared to us who are essence of our existence is to belong able to give good gifts despite our to life Himself. Not to insist on what wickedness, God, who is all good, we want, but to open ourselves to His will surely give us the best. very first response. Only when we In His time and in His way, He exercise that humility can we fully answers prayers. He says “no” if it benefit from His goodness. will not be good for us. He says “yes” In my prayer life, I have realized if it will be and if it is in accordance that His responses that were initially with His Will. He also says “wait” unacceptable to me were the right if it is not yet due to us. He knows ones. I am just too happy that God what is best for us. In prayer, we must did not give me what I asked for. trust in Him. Hence, The next time you we must never think Reflection Question: pray, express fully to that He does not care Do you believe that God will God your feelings and if and when we do not always give to you the best pleadings. Tell Him of at the right time? Were there receive yet what we your full dependence times when you disagreed on His graces. Commit prayed for. with Him? In the end, do you Let us admit submit to His will? that His answer, that there are times whether it is “no,” when we doubt His Teach me, Father, to always trust “yes” or “wait,” would presence and wisdom. in Your ways for I know You will make you closer and Fr. Benny As a result, we stop give me what is best for me in faithful to Him. Your chosen time. Tuazon

St. Sergius, pray for us.

287 October Galatians 3:7-14 Friday Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 8 Luke 11:15-26 Discernment versus Deception

Jesus met almost every kind of what are deceptions. Externalities resistance during His ministry cannot be the sole criteria for because He was a threat to the Jewish judgment. Before, anyone who wore community’s belief and leadership. a barong was regarded as respectable. The incident in the Gospel today Now, even criminals wear it while was one of the worst attacks against committing crimes. Bald men used Him. Instead of being praised for to be seen as bad people, like the driving out a demon from a man, they convicted criminals. But now, it is accused Him of having done it by the cool to be bald. Advertisements use very power of Beelzebul, the prince a lot of deceptions, too. If you are of demons. They were desperate in not careful, you may be had by their discrediting Him. In response, He come-ons. turned the table against them by There is a need to discern. We asking them, “By whom do your own must take time to reflect about the people drive them out?” things laid before us. St. Paul advises Jesus was simply not welcome. us to look at the fruits. If they are But He took advantage of the situation good, then they must have come from to proclaim the Good News to them. the good Spirit. Even in gauging who He challenged them to think what to believe, we must not only consider they wanted, but He would hold their looks and reputation, but more them responsible if it was true that importantly, their lives (family, work, He drove out demons by the “finger friends) and achievements. of God”! Jesus used this metaphor Let us avoid the mistakes of to send the message the people in Jesus’ that He was acting by Reflection Question: time. Because of the whole power of Are you easily carried away their strong biases God. He gave them a by your emotions, thoughts against Him and their choice to stick to their and guts? Do you take time inability to discern to discern things that are hap- accusation, which they pening around you? Do you who He really was, knew was a lie, or to have the courage to change they lost the chance accept Him because your decisions when you real- to welcome Him and He came by God’s ize that you are wrong? be the chosen people power and authority. that they were. The Things happening Grant me the gift of discern- salvation that would around us may confuse ment, Lord. I want to remain in have been theirs us. It is no longer easy Your truth. slipped through their to tell what are real and hands. Fr. Benny Tuazon St. Martin Cid, pray for us.

288 October Galatians 3:22-29 Saturday Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 9 Luke 11:27-28 God’s Good Hands

Jesus always has a surprise coming for Therefore, we cannot simply those who follow Him. In the Gospel be comfortable with the sacraments today, they thought they had already we receive. Together with those grasped fully the person of Jesus by sacraments are the graces that will praising the womb that carried Him. help us become sanctified — the tasks But Jesus would always raise it to the to live them. One who receives the highest level. Not that He disregarded forgiveness of God in the sacrament the praise given to His mother, but of reconciliation must try hard not He wanted His disciples to realize to sin anymore and prove to God that blessedness is not determined by that he is worthy of forgiveness. A biological relations. participant in the Eucharist must be “Blessed are those who hear aware of the presence of Christ in the Word of God and live it.” In the his life when he receives the Lord Beatitudes, Jesus enumerated who are in communion. The sacrament of blessed. The common idea of being marriage makes the couple a witness blessed is to possess riches, power, to the love of Jesus for the Church authority and other things that are and vice versa. Depending on the treasured in this world. Unfortunate graces of the sacraments, the baptized is one who is wanting of those things. Christian is expected to live them and But the Lord Jesus corrects that idea. not just be contented with having To be blessed is to be a listener received them, and await them to and follower of the Word of God. magically transform him. The blessedness is not in one’s status Let us live up to being called but in how it is lived. If you are Christians (followers of Christ). poor because of your faithfulness Following Him can only happen to God (not wanting when we have heard, to acquire riches by Reflection Question: understood and lived stealing, deceiving, How much do you trust His Word. No matter or killing), you are God especially in difficult how difficult it can blessed. Just the same, situations? Do you rely on His b e a t t i m e s , o u r Word? Do you see yourself in best move is still if you are rich, happy, His good hands? free and popular, you to follow it. And in can be blessed if you I thank You, Lord, for keeping doing so, we will be attained your status as me in the palm of Your hands. in the best of hands a result of living your Guide me thay I may be worthy — the hands of God. faith well. to be called Your follower. Fr. Benny Tuazon

St. Louis Bertrand, pray for us.

289 2 Kings 5:14-17 October Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 Sunday 2 Timothy 2:8-13 10 Luke 17:11-19 Gratitude Saves “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Jesus told him, “Stand up and go; Where are the other nine?” This was your faith has saved you!” This the reaction of the Lord Jesus when means that while the other nine were only one, a Samaritan leper at that, given the benefit of healing, we can returned to thank Him for healing not really determine the extent of them of leprosy. If a Jew heard this their healing. Nothing was heard story, he’d be embarrassed. A Jew is about them after that. This is similar expected to do good acts or to be in to the rich young man who came to the limelight. They are not the chosen Jesus to seek eternal life. Jesus told people for nothing! The Gentiles, like Him to sell everything and follow the Samaritan, are to benefit later. Him. Because he was very rich, he Jesus had performed so many went away sad. He was so attached miracles to many people yet no one to his riches that following the Lord was recorded to have gone back or without them was not enough. But we been required by Him to give Him know what happened to the grateful thanks. Why, in this case, did He ask Samaritan leper. From the very words about the other nine? What kind of of Jesus, he was saved — by his faith healing was done? In the minds of and his gratitude. the Jews, healing the body is also This also tells us that gratitude healing the soul. The Jews believed is more for the grateful than for that sicknesses were caused by the God. God does not need our sins of the sick person. Lepers were thanks. He is complete and can be cast out from society because they without our gratitude. When we are were considered dirty, thankful, we enter the not only physically, realm of salvation. but also spiritually. Reflection Question: In recognizing the And so, the question Do you always appreciate the things that you enjoy today? goodness of God, we is: Were they healed Do you attribute these to get its full benefit. only physically, or God’s graciousness? Are you In expressing our spiritually, too? The aware that gratitude makes appreciation of what answer is yes. When you more open to God’s grace He has done for us, He the Lord Jesus heals, and therefore, salvation? makes us more worthy He heals in both levels. of more graces. But gratitude is also Thank You, Lord, for all the Thank you, Lord, important as shown answered prayers, and for the for all the graces You by this incident. In unanswered ones, too! have given. Fr. Benny response to the gratitude Tuazon of the Samaritan leper, St. Tanca, pray for us.

290 October Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Monday Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a, 6-7 11 Luke 11:29-32 Jesus, the Medium and the Message Why was Jesus angry at the people to the people of Nineveh who only who were only asking for a sign? had Jonah, and the Queen of the What is wrong with asking for a South who only had Solomon, the sign? Was that not a sign of more people in Jesus’ time had the best sign interest in understanding the message in Him. With the perfect sign before given? Was Jesus being so strict and them, why were they still asking for irritable? If He was so concerned another sign? Jesus’ point was that about the people understanding His other signs are inferior to Him. If they message, why not just give a sign? could not get the message in Him, Life is full of signs. Every day we then there was no way they could get make use of them. In fact, we cannot the message from another. live without them. Letters are signs. The Lord saw in them their Letters e, s, a, e, s, g and m, have no rejection of Him. They closed their definite meaning for us, but when we eyes and hearts to Him that He could rearrange and combine them to form not anymore do anything to make a word, they will give us (a) message. them believe Him. That is evil! The Our mind was able to formulate greatest sin is the rejection of Wisdom. mere letters into an idea equal to the The greatest sin is the resistance to meaning of the word message. Our open oneself to the inspiration of the actions, our words, our clothes — all Holy Spirit. Only when you allow of them are signs. Colors, shapes, the Spirit to inspire you can you let textures, etc. function as signs and God’s graces enter and lead you to can give a message. understand a sign. The words and We a r e m o r e deeds of the Lord are Reflection Question: fortunate than the signs of the power and What sign do you need in people of Nineveh authority of God. He order to believe and follow Je- and the Queen of the used them to reveal sus? Are His words and deeds South for having the Himself and His Father as written in the Scriptures not Lord Jesus as our sign. to them. At this point, enough? Do you prefer the With Him, we have grace rather than the source both the medium and He had already spoken of grace? so many words and the message. We do not have any reason performed so many Holy Spirit, grant me the wis- miracles that were dom to understand the Word to ask for any more more than enough for of the Lord Jesus that I may live signs. Jesus must be them to recognize Him according to His will. enough because He and understand His is God’s Son and His message. Compared St. Canice, pray for us. person. Fr. Benny Tuazon

291 October Galatians 5:1-6 Tuesday Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48 12 Luke 11:37-41 The Power Of Giving Alms Time and again, the Gospel authors good, no matter how little, if done mentioned Jesus as having access to habitually, leads to eternal life!) It the minds and hearts of the people is based on the parable of Lazarus around Him. He criticized the and the rich man who, while on Pharisees for being externally clean earth, never gave Lazarus alms in yet internally impure, for external spite of the latter always waiting for acts should be connected with the a little mercy at his gate. So, when internal disposition. Words are not both died, Lazarus went to heaven enough. Actions are better. But and the rich man went to hell. Jesus’ intentions make actions perfect and parable points out that Lazarus went effective. to heaven because he endured and Jesus told the Pharisees to give accepted his situation. He did not do alms and they would be cleaned. any evil to free himself from poverty. What about giving alms? The Gospel His faithfulness brought him to the gives us an idea on how important bosom of Abraham. The rich man, it is. It not only invites generosity however, met his fate because he but also encourages sacrifice on the lacked in generosity. Had he, out of giver’s part. More importantly, it his goodness, given Lazarus a piece is a response to God’s call to be a of bread even the size of a crumb, he neighbor to your neighbor. The act would have merited heaven. Jesus benefits the receiver physically, and showed here that giving alms, no hopefully leads him to appreciate his matter how small, if done sincerely, neighbor’s goodness, and ultimately may lead one to heaven. leads him to God’s everlasting love. The beauty of Jesus’ teaching The giver benefits not is the fact that all are only in the satisfaction Reflection Question: capable of generosity. of having helped one in Is charity a part of your daily The Plenary Council need but in being given life? Are you always willing to of the Philippines share your time, talent or your the grace of salvation. treasure to others in need? Do says, “Nobody is so Cardinal Rosales’s you realize the power of giving poor that he can not P o n d o n g P i n o y alms in helping people know give. Nobody is so stresses this: “Ano God more? rich that he will not mang magaling, kahit be in need!” If giving maliit, basta’t malimit, Lead me to bless others, Father, alms leads to salvation, patungong langit!” with the blessings You have then all can be saved. (Anything that is showered upon me. Fr. Benny Tuazon

St. Fiace, pray for us.

292 October Galatians 5:18-25 Wednesday Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 13 Luke 11:42-46 All Because of God

In fulfilling His ministry, Jesus was is to be with God in His Kingdom. not afraid of denouncing the leaders Therefore, any ritual or law must of His time. His priority was the improve one’s life and relationship fulfillment of His mission. He saw with God. Otherwise, they would just how the Pharisees and supposed be activities devoid of meaning and teachers of the law overlooked or worthy fruits. took for granted the more essential Prayer is a very important act things in life and faith. The Pharisees of worship. Even Jesus prayed and thought that fulfillment of the instructed us to pray. But prayer obligation on tithes was enough; must find fulfillment in our daily much worse, they regarded it as a life. When we pray for forgiveness, replacement for loving God. They we must be willing to ask for it. neglected the love of God through And, having received forgiveness, love of neighbor. Further, they gave we must be ready to forgive others, preference to having seats of honor too. We also profess to love God and and public recognition over service neighbor. But that is not enough. We and fulfillment of the responsibilities must be attentive to someone in need attached to their titles. Jesus did not and be available to share what we can spare even the scholars when He so as to extend to them our love. In pointed out that they were willing to all of these, we bear in mind and fill make laws that were burdensome to our hearts with the thought that we the people but were unwilling to lift are doing this to God. one finger to touch them. Christian life is not limited Jesus was not against rituals that to pious acts of worship. It must help people experience God’s love go with charitable works of all and presence more, and laws that kinds. God created us to live as a make life orderly. But community, dependent He hated them if they on one another. We were made just for Reflection Question: cannot attain our end show and for the sake Do you do things for the sake with mere thoughts of doing them? Acts of faith of having them. Life require sincerity; do you do a n d w o r d s . G o d and faith are about them from the heart, aware of Himself accompanied being and becoming. God’s presence and regard? His Word with deeds. We are not only to The same with us. Our exist but to attain May everything I do be out of salvation is achieved the purpose God has sincerity to bring people closer in sincere words made for us. Our destiny to You, Lord. flesh.Fr. Benny Tuazon

St. Romulus, pray for us.

293 Ephesians 1:1-10 October Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 14 Thursday Luke 11:47-54 God Is In The Heart Jesus continues His denunciation and praises that we will give others of the Pharisees and the scholars of will come from the heart. They will the law. He added two more issues not be empty words and deeds, but against them: first, they honor dead meaningful and fruitful gestures prophets by building them a memorial valuable not because of their material yet persecuted them while they were and visual content, but of their spiritual alive; second, the scholars, who were and essential origin. supposed to educate and enlighten the Jesus showed this in the story of people about the law, were guilty of the widow’s mite in the Gospels. After taking away the key to knowledge. the rich put in their gifts, the widow They became responsible for the put in her two mites. The Lord saw ignorance of their people. that and said, “Truly, I tell you, this The Lord consistently points out poor widow has put in more than all the ironies committed by the leaders others. All these people gave their of His time. Their irresponsibility gifts out of their wealth; but she, out led to their rejection of Him that of her poverty, put in all she had to resulted to the mounting hostility live on”(Luke 21:3-4). He praised towards Him and, later, to His arrest. her because she gave from the heart. Inconsistencies, bad examples and The rich gave gifts out of surplus that other forms of show-offs misled and did not really merit much before Him. confused people. The Lord gives the very important The journey towards holiness message that what counts is the heart begins inside of us. If we are to find we put into what we do. The beauty God in all creation, we must first look of this is that we are capable of it. God inside our hearts. “Our gave all of us a heart. heart is restless until it Reflection Question: All we need to do is rests in You!” said St. Do you do things based on ensure that our actions Augustine. Once we what others will say or what must come from it. acknowledge God’s God will say? God is in our And because God is presence and reign hearts; let us do things from in our hearts, we will the heart! in our hearts, all our act according to His thoughts and actions Will. By this, we are Lord Jesus, teach me to put my should be inspired heart into everything that I do. assured that we will do and powered by that And may it be according to Your not only what is right condition. The honor, Holy Will. but what will save. Fr. respect, appreciation Benny Tuazon Sts. Saturninus & Lupus, pray for us.

294 October Ephesians 1:11-14 Friday Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13 15 Luke 12:1-7 Honesty Is The Best Policy Accountability is one trait that is “I tell you, my friends, do not be lacking in the present generation. A afraid of those who kill the body but lot of people seem to be getting away after that can do no more.” Satan with anything — corruption, traffic cunningly makes use of “spiritual” violations, fraud, crimes, deceptions things in the guise of material things. I and many more. Name it and most know of a doctor who had a good life. likely someone has gotten away with Suddenly, he became a very popular it. Honesty, the best policy, has come and sought-after doctor. Nothing to mean “not being caught!” wrong with being successful, but his Today’s Gospel strongly reminds money and prestige opened a lot of us that nothing can be hidden. The all- “temptation gates.” His family time knowing God knows everything that was greatly affected. He became we do and have done. He knows our choosy with his patients. He became intentions. This fact is very relevant lax in his commitments. Worst of all, because we tend to live as if we could he acquired a mistress. After realizing hide and get away with anything. what happened in his life, he told me “There is nothing concealed that that his life was better without the will not be revealed, nor secret that money and the prestige. I told him will not be known.” The best way to that it was not the money and prestige approach life, according to the Lord, but his attitude towards these that is to strive to live a holy life always. ruined him. Satan succeeded in luring To live a secret life is very tiring and him to sin. troubling. The satisfaction one gets The Lord Jesus assures us that in things wrongly acquired is always He loves us and cares for us. But fleeting. The lingering He needs us to be suffering and anxiety Reflection Question: honest with Him. A are not worth it. This How much are you willing to relationship based on is further complicated sacrifice for your salvation? Is honesty and trust will and made difficult being with God more impor- allow Him to mold us when one aches for tant to you than anything this into what He wants world can give? Are you will- us to be. If we are not repentance. Human ing to do what it takes? effort will not suffice. honest, we shall answer God, in His Spirit, is to God when we come In honesty and trust, I open face-to-face with Him the needed presence myself up to You, O Lord. Use in His Kingdom. Fr. to make it happen. me as You please. Benny Tuazon Jesus further said, Blessed Victoria Strata, pray for us.

295 October Ephesians 1:15-23 Saturday Psalm 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7 16 Luke 12:8-12 The Spirit To Turn To The beginning of this Gospel talks a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit about acknowledging God. Surely, is unforgivable. There was a time Jesus is not saying that God needs when the act of suicide was believed recognition from us. God is perfect to be what the Gospel is referring and full in Himself. Further, what to. There is some truth to that in the will the recognition and praise of sense that killing oneself is a clear mere creatures like us do to God? sign of desperation. This state is Nothing. He asks for it for our own against the very inspiration of the good. Truth is, as in thanksgiving, Holy Spirit. In such a situation, our our acknowledgment of God is for only hope is the Holy Spirit. When our salvation. When we acknowledge one rejects even the very inspiration God, we become more aware of who of the Spirit, change, repentance and we are. It humbles us and makes us hope can no longer penetrate a person see our limitations. We accept our and therefore renders him separated dependence on God, that we need from God. The rejection of the Spirit His guiding presence in facing the is considered blasphemy in the sense challenges of Christian life. that it is a rejection of God Himself. Foremost of these needs is the This is further elaborated when need for discernment and wisdom. we are being persecuted. God does The worst thing that can happen to not abandon us during trying times. any human being is to dissociate He promised us the guidance of himself from God. When one comes His Spirit, and this is the Lord’s to believe that he can live life by ultimate point. God will always himself without God’s assistance, remain with us. Jesus, Emmanuel he commits the greatest blunder. (God with us!), gave us His Spirit Guidance by the Spirit is necessary. to make His presence always felt. It We cannot do without is our responsibility it. We have sealed our Reflection Question: to always seek the When you are in need of en- fate when we decide guidance of the Spirit, lightenment, whom do you to heed its promptings to sever our ties with turn to? Do you appreciate the the Spirit. This is and go where it blows. wisdom of the Holy Spirit to To do otherwise, much the essence of Jesus’ direct us to goodness? warning that a denial less to completely of the Son of Man shut it out, would be Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart blasphemous! Fr. Benny may be forgiven but and enkindle in me the fire of Tuazon Your love.

St. Maxima, pray for us.

296 October Exodus 17:8-13 Sunday Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 2 Timothy 3:14- 4:2 17 Luke 18:1-8 God Gives What Is Best Always and Freely The parable today seems to give the His message. He depicted the judge message that we need to be persistent as having no fear of God nor respect with God. Just as the wicked judge for humans; a judge from whom gave in to the persistent widow, God one could not expect anything. The will also give in to our persistence. widow, who was considered the Some spiritual writers have stressed least and the last in society at that the same. Bombard heaven with time, was desperately asking a favor prayers, they said; pray even to from the judge. She didn’t have the point of flooding God with the money, power and influence to our petitions until He, after much obtain her request. In other words, pressure from and compassion for she was the last person who could us, finally gives in. There might be ask for a favor. The picture is now a grain of truth there but we have complete. A wicked judge being to realize that our relationship with sought by a powerless widow. Those God is, in fact, rarely that way. listening to Jesus thought they knew We have to take into consideration what would happen to the case of the grace we ask from God. If what the widow. But to their surprise, the we ask for is not good or is against widow prevailed upon the dishonest the very nature of God, then it cannot and wicked judge. be given no matter how persistent we After telling them the parable, are. What happens if it is good? It is Jesus shifted to the goodness of still dependent on God. God knows His Father. He reminded them best. Even if we believe that what about what God will do for us. The we ask for is the best, message is: if that it may not be so for Reflection Question: wicked judge gave God. So why persist? How do you see our God? Like in to the persistent Actually, the point the judge? Do you forget His widow, how much of the parable is not immense and divine good- more God who is about persistence. It ness? Can you accept the fact good? The widow is about the judge that God gives even without needed to be persistent your persistence? who was wicked to obtain grace from and yet he gave in to You are the Great Provider of the judge. But, with the pleading of the all good things, Father. May I God, we do not need to widow. Jesus gave a be at peace knowing that You be persistent because desperate and extreme have already taken care of my He knows what we situation to highlight needs. need. Fr. Benny Tuazon

St. John the Dwarf, pray for us.

297 2 Timothy 4:10-17b October Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 Monday Luke 10:1-9 18 Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist Saints Are Us Today we honor St. Luke, the prophets, the Gospel writers and the Evangelist. He wrote one of the four priests are not the only ones sent. Every known Gospels of Jesus Christ and is Christian, by virtue of their Baptism, also known as the author of the Acts has the responsibility to proclaim of the Apostles. He is considered an the Gospel. The apostles gave us an excellent writer because of his good example that we must imitate. This command of the Hebraic and Greek is mainly why we remember them languages and his adeptness at those and celebrate their feasts. The Mass two cultures. Preface for Holy Men and Women His Gospel is very similar to states, “You are glorified in your Matthew’s in that they both focus on saints, for their glory is the crowning the anawims of society — the less of your gifts. In their lives on earth fortunate widows, beggars, prisoners, You give us an example.” The lives and the sick. They, who captured of saints are given emphasis because God’s attention, inspired him to write they did not really leave us; they the Good News. The sending of the continually guide us from heaven. apostles in today’s Gospel reading “Through the apostles You watch over reminds us of our task as Christians. We us and protect us always. You made are being sent to bring the Good News them shepherds of the flock... and from of salvation to the needy. This task is their place in heaven they guide us also characterized by urgency. Jesus still,” says the priest in the Preface for stressed that those He sends should the Apostles. What they achieved, we act with willingness and concern. If are also expected to achieve, and we there are people who do not readily can achieve them in our own way. God accept the Good News, made man holy from they should not waste Reflection Question: the beginning, but we time with them. They Do you also see yourself as allowed sin to consume should go to the next a saint whom God relies on us. But He gives us the for the salvation of many? Do grace to recover our person or community you see the strength you will to give more people original blessing — have from your redeemed by defeating sin and the opportunity to weakness? hear, understand and recovering holiness. Thanks for saints live the Good News of By Your grace, O God, may we like Luke. We can be salvation. live saintly lives by, first and like them, too. Fr. Benny The apostles, the foremost, spreading Your Good Tuazon News.

St. Kevoca, pray for us.

298 October Ephesians 2:12-22 Tuesday Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14 19 Luke 12:35-38 No Substitute For Vigilance

Vigilance! Vigilance! Vigilance! help us actively anticipate His coming. This is what the Lord Jesus is We are encouraged to pray, do acts of stressing in the Gospel today. He was charity and make sacrifices during reminding His disciples of His First our time of waiting. So that when the Lord comes, He will recognize us and Coming (Christmas) and preparing invite us to join Him in His Father’s them for His Second Coming (Day Kingdom. St. Paul, in his letter to of Judgment). The prophets told the the early Christians, admonished Jews about it — to prepare for that them to go on with their lives and not First Coming. But opposed to their abandon everything for prayer and belief, God came in an unexpected passive waiting in temples. For him, manner, on a silent and holy night. waiting is living your daily life in the Thus, they did not recognize Jesus as Spirit of the Lord. To stress his point, the Savior. That is why there are still he went as far as decreeing that those Jews today who await the Messiah. who will not work will not eat. As Jesus said in the Gospels, the We must live our lives according Second Coming will be so swift that to God’s purpose here and now. There one would not have time to go down is urgency in fulfilling this. This is from the roof or go home from the what Christian vigilance is about. field. It will be unexpected, like a We are good servants who patiently thief in the night. The Lord Jesus and enthusiastically await our Master. would not want us to act only when When He comes, we should be able to the time is near. As human beings, we humbly tell Him that we fulfilled what tend to procrastinate He commanded us to do; that we are some of the things we ready to do whatever Reflection Question: H e w i l l f u r t h e r want and need to do Are there times when you live and wait for the last command. The vigilant your life apart from the Lord? Christian always has opportunity to come. Do you take every opportunity We cannot cram our to do your best? Can you look the satisfaction of his relationship with back on your life and say with Master in mind. God, or deepen it in conviction that you did every- Jesus expects that an instant. To ask for thing in God’s way? when He comes again, salvation is not a last- we will be prepared and minute decision. Not Lord Jesus, teach me to follow worthy of His coming. knowing when the Your ways all my life. I want to There is no substitute be worthy of You. Fr. Benny Lord will come will for vigilance. Tuazon St. Charles Garnier, pray for us.

299 October Ephesians 3:2-12 Wednesday Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 20 Luke 12:39-48 With God, We Have Everything

After stressing the need to be vigilant, not work because of the reward. the Lord continued to speak about the Instead, he sees his service to His price of vigilance or non-vigilance. master as its own reward. We must Here we find that we cannot take not be content with receiving graces for granted the Lord’s command to from God because God Himself is anticipate His coming actively. We Grace. When we have God, we have have so much to do, and our acts everything. Being vigilant for the — what we have or have not done — sake of avoiding punishment does not have a corresponding consequence. merit us fullness of life; it is merited This is very clear in the Gospel by an honest and pure love of God today. Those who knew God’s Will regardless of the consequences. but did not act on it will suffer This is very tangible in everyday severely. Those who did not know life. Children relate to their parents yet still did things worthy of severe on a reward and punishment basis punishment will be given lighter — they obey their parents to get a punishments. And those who prepared reward or to avoid punishment. But and responsibly acted on His Will will parents hope that their children would be fully rewarded. These are good see their reminders and commands as incentives and just arrangements that expressions of their love for them. reflect and prove God’s everlasting Jesus saw that if the fear of love. He does not want us to be left consequences of being lax and non- outside the Kingdom. If threatening vigilant will make us aware of what we us would make us vigilant, then so be will lose, then it is good enough. He it. also saw that receiving good rewards But vigilance must can inspire us to go not be based on reward back on the right track. and punishment. Our Reflection Question: But He also hopes Do you follow God because that our acts would relationship with God you are afraid of His punish- must rise to the level be based on having ment? Or is it because you a good relationship of a loving relationship await His reward? Is following — a love of God and Him not enough a reward with God. When we obedience to His will for you? are one with Him, our every act is inspired that is not based on by the experience of the graces we will be Make me see, Lord, that You are God’s presence. Fr. worthy of receiving. all I need. I want to serve You Benny Tuazon The best servant does with gladness always.

St. Martha, pray for us.

300 October Ephesians 3:14-21 Thursday Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 21 Luke 12:49-53 Jesus, The Rock That Makes Me Roll

Two statements here are un-Jesus- commit themselves was to challenge like: “I have come to bring fire on them with His Word and deed. And earth and how I wish it were already the best way was to test them, i.e., to kindled,” and, “Do you think that I see themselves in the light of what He have come to bring peace on earth? preached and bore witness to. No. I tell you, rather, division.” Was It is in this context that He He not a peacemaker and an advocate spoke of division. Following Him of forgiveness and kindness? Why did puts relationships to the test. His He say these? teachings of forgiveness, repentance, Jesus’ messages were strong. morality, detachment etc. create If we reflect closely on these, we tension in all relationships. It is His will see that He really meant well. hope that everyone will embrace Him. He said them to stress a point. Fire Otherwise, division will prevail. For may be a devastating element but it Him, living in civility, lukewarmness has good uses (e.g. for cooking, for and toleration meant merely allowing disinfecting). And fire is also used to a peaceful co-existence among men. purify, to separate the impurities from Jesus would rather encourage people valuable elements like gold. Thus, to willingly abandon everything and the saying, “A test of fire is a test of everyone for Him. And Christian gold.” And that is the point Jesus was peace is attained only in unity with stressing in the Gospel. He challenged God. Again, it is not the Lord’s His followers to make a stand. intention to rock the boat for the Christian life calls for sake of rocking it. He rocks it to put absolute faithfulness everyone where they Reflection Question: should be. and commitment to Do you get going even when God. No compromises. the going gets rough? Do His ultimate purpose Lukewarm faith you find company in the Lord is to recover all of us to is unacceptable. during these times? Do you His fold. He will do Either you are fully accept challenges as oppor- everything to fulfill c o m m i t t e d a n d tunities to prove your faith this. That is how much He cares for us. He passionately faithful in God? will not settle for or not. There is only By Your grace, Lord, let me not one, ten, hundreds or one Kingdom — that thousands of us. He of God’s; and only compromise my faith when life gets tough. You are my strength wants everyone. That one king — Christ the and my shield. was His promise to His King. The only way Father: “No one was He could make them St. Viator, pray for us. lost!” Fr. Benny Tuazon

301 October Ephesians 4:1-6 Friday Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 22 Luke 12:54-59 Hard Life Made Easier It should not happen, but it does. It because in the first place, God created should have been avoided but it was an orderly universe. The world was not. We have a lot to help us cope meant to be peaceful. But we humans with the challenges of life, but we seem to prefer conflicts. St. Paul choose to ignore them. So, “history pointed this out to the early Christians repeats itself,” as the saying goes. when, because of their selfishness, This was the concern of Jesus in they destroyed one another, and in the the Gospel today. He was speaking process, destroyed the community. before people who were very much Everybody wants peace yet the experienced in foretelling the weather efforts being made to attain it are even without the modern tools that not enough. It seems that people we have now. They knew how to lack the sincerity to achieve peace. read signs. Their lives depended on Also, it is possible that the sacrifice it. But they failed to apply it in other it requires is not enough. The Lord aspects of their lives. Jesus appeared admonishes us to avoid unwanted to them and gave them many signs consequences. He prefers that we but they ignored them. Jesus called brace ourselves for the meaningful them hypocrites as a result. For how challenges. What we can settle, could they read weather signs and fail let us settle peacefully. What we to read the clear and concrete signs can do, let us do them now. Let us like His miracles, prophesies and the make use of our God-given talents teachings? These signs were bursting for this purpose. Let us make use of with truths and critical messages for every opportunity to attain peace. them. Let us do what we can for we may This prompted never pass this way Jesus to ask them why again. Life is short. they were stubborn Reflection Question: Let us not spend our about doing what What have you done about lives on unnecessary making life easier without is right. Why settle compromising the essence of s u ff e r i n g s . T h a t disputes in court when things? Do you contribute to would be hypocritical they could agree on a the difficulties of others? Or of us. And as the solution? This happens do you help others become oldies like me would even today. Jesus closer to God? say, “I am too old for had reasons to react this!” Fr. Benny Tuazon Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

St. Mary Salome, pray for us.

302 October Ephesians 4:7-16 Saturday Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 23 Luke 13:1-9 The First Right Step

Sometimes we tend to cover our faults not be the Messiah. And yet, He by pointing out others’ mistakes. We made sense; He penetrated their souls. think we can evade judgment that They could not deny the truth of His way and that, by blaming others, our words. mistakes will disappear. But sooner They thought that way the whole or later we will have to answer for time they interacted with Jesus. them. He was an enigma to them. But The Gospel today exposes the Jesus knew this. That is why He people’s effort to put the blame on tried to enlighten them, giving them the Galileans. To expose the exposers, opportunities to accept Him. He cited Jesus made mention of the 18 who situations that were familiar to them died when the tower of Siloam fell like the parable of the fig tree that on them. He told the people that the expresses the hope of Jesus for the manner of death was not necessarily people. He did not believe that Israel a measure of those people’s guilt. would totally reject Him. He was Jesus was leading them to the essence right. They may have succeeded in of repentance as the key to change crucifying Him and putting Him to and holiness, and to not dwell on the death, but through His apostles, the sorry fate that befell those who died. Christian faith was born. Focusing on such a manner of death The grace of salvation has already can temper one’s guilt and make him been merited to us by Jesus. But we repent. But an unrepentant person need to accept that grace by being who does not acknowledge his sin worthy of it. We can start by accepting has it worse than those who suffered our weaknesses and by walking the a harsh death. road of repentance. We must first Jesus was still dealing here with decide to change. the hard-headedness The Prodigal Son, and hard-heartedness Reflection Question: Zacchaeus, Matthew, of the people. How Do you wait for others to Peter and others who could the son of a change before you do? Do recognized their sins carpenter speak such you set others as your stan- and their need to be words that threatened dard or do you go by God’s one again with God them? He came from standards? all made the first right Nazareth where step to conversion — Give me a contrite heart, O repentance. Fr. Benny nothing good was Tuazon expected. He could God. St. Verus, pray for us.

303 Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 October Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 (7a) Sunday 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 24 Luke 18:9-14 The Heart Of the Matter Is The Matter Of The Heart

This scene is a good example of the Pharisee did not. understanding God’s justice. The Does this mean that all of the incident reveals the true essence of good things the Pharisee had done serving the Lord. Actions are good, were for naught? No. His actions but the best intentions should be its were good per se. Unfortunately, for source. Repentance is the sacrifice him, the Lord did not only consider (offering) most pleasing to God, the act but also the heart that went while humility brings us to our true with it. place with Him. God’s justice was fulfilled in the The sharp contrast of the attitudes tax collector. He may have not done of the Pharisee and the tax collector in much good but he gave more heart. the temple provides us a clearer idea By being humble and very contrite, of our responsibility and how we can he gained the respect and mercy of attain God’s justice (the Kingdom). God. By opening his heart to God, The Pharisee took a good position he made it possible for God’s grace in the temple, praised himself and of forgiveness to enter. The beauty of even measured himself against the this is that God’s justice is available tax collector. Lastly, he reminded to all of us at all times. God may have God about his accomplishments by made each one of us unique, but He mentioning his acts of fasting and created all of us with a heart — one tithing. He gives us the idea that God where His words have been inscribed, owed him a reward for what he had where He dwells and constantly prods done. Meanwhile, the tax collector us to follow His Will, where we situated himself as far can always find His away from God as he Reflection Question: wonderful presence. could. He would not How sincere are you in doing It does not matter to even raise his eyes to acts of charity? Do you give to God whether we are heaven, and he beat help, or do you do it out of re- rich or poor, powerful his chest and prayed. sponsibility and for show? Are or powerless, white there times when you believe He showed an attitude that God does not see what is or black, woman or of utmost humility. in your heart? man, priest or lay, He felt unworthy educated or not. Our and in dire need of Dearest Lord, teach me to be heart’s desires and forgiveness. For Jesus, generous and to serve You as actions determine our the tax collector went I should. worthiness of God’s home justified while justice. Fr. Benny Tuazon St. Joseph Thi, pray for us.

304 October Ephesians 4:32-5:8 Monday Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 25 Luke 13:10-17 Law Must Lead To Love

When I was a seminarian, our rector neighbor, but for an ox or an ass. For would post a note one week before them, caring for their animals was the final exams week advising us more important than the curing of a to study hard and to take care of woman bound by Satan for 18 years. our health. At the end of the note Laws are important. Even God he would write, “During final exam gave us the Ten Commandments week, nobody is allowed to get sick!” as guide to our journey to His Of course we knew it was written Kingdom. Laws help us obtain tongue-in-cheek. But getting sick is discipline, and constant adherence to hard to control. All we can do is avoid the law imbibes in us the spirit of the it as best as we can. law. Once we obtain the discipline, In the Gospel today, it seems our lives become free of the law. The that the leader of the synagogue, in law now becomes our way of life. his desire to implement the Sabbath, It is similar to using a map to find was serious in legislating when to our way in an unfamiliar place. The heal the sick. Because Jesus cured more we frequent a place, the more on a Sabbath, he said to the crowd, it gets familiar to us. Eventually, we “There are six days when work will no longer need a map. should be done. Come on those days Christian life includes following to be cured, not on Sabbath Day.” some laws. Going to Sunday Mass But Jesus would have nothing of it. regularly should hopefully lead us to For Him, the sick should be attended appreciating its value in our life. Every to immediately. For Him, Sabbath part of the Mass should slowly lead us to was made for man and a deeper understanding not man for Sabbath. of it. Every Sunday He showed the leader Reflection Question: that we encounter Jesus Do you see laws as absolute in His Word, in His the real spirit behind standards in life? Do you fol- Body, in His priest, the law on Sabbath. low laws, especially the laws and in our neighbors, Yes, there must of God, blindly? Can you tran- we gain a closer and be a day dedicated scend the law out of love? meaningful relationship to worshiping God, with God. When we but the law of love Your laws of love are above no longer see Sunday prevails. Jesus called every law that man has ever Masses as a burden the synagogue leaders made. Fill my heart with Your but a celebration, then hypocrites because love, Lord, that I may be always the law has now been they, too, broke the a good abider. replaced with love. Fr. Sabbath — not for a Benny Tuazon St. Daria, pray for us.

305 October Ephesians 5:21-33 Tuesday Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 26 Luke 13:18-21 YESTERDAYS MAKE OUR TOMORROWS! The parable of the mustard seed is impossible to climb with one big may refer to anything, anyone or step. It is easiest to climb it if you take any situation that credits successes one step at a time. The impossible or achievements to simple and tiny and the difficult may be conquered beginnings. Here, Jesus was referring by small steps, small victories, small to the Church He was building that deeds or small actions. Life works in would journey towards the Kingdom the same way. We are able to hurdle of God. Beginning with the Apostles, difficult moments in our lives because He planned to proclaim the Good we were triumphant in the small ones. News to all the world. He likened That is why we must welcome little the Christian community that He was challenges. And when we are able to establishing to the tiny mustard seed hurdle small challenges, the big ones that has all the potential to grow at an look smaller! unimaginable size. The Lord Jesus saw that His Saints are not saints because of Church will encounter a lot of one act of martyrdom or charity. No challenges from the enemy. The one becomes a martyr overnight. parable is a reminder to the early The martyrs, before that critical Christian community that there is moment of decision, first lived a nothing they could not defeat. Not good life and developed a faith and only because the Spirit will be with love for God. So much so that when them, but that they had been gradually the time came, they were led to that fortified by their daily triumphs of decision to offer their lives in faith. faith. The long history of the Catholic Even Mary, the Mother Church will show that. of Jesus, did not say, Reflection Question: For the Church, it was “Thy will be done!” How do you see the difficult not always laurels and out of the blue. She challenges that come your roses. There were also way? Do you see them as ob- thorns, failures and was graced by God, stacles or as stepping stones but she also disposed to the Kingdom of God? Do dark times. There were herself for that grace. you prepare yourself to face lots of small and big God prepared her for them victoriously in Christ? challenges to a life of the big moment, but faith. But every time, she prepared herself by I can never overcome without She would rise up in living her faith. Your guiding grace, Lord. Help faith. Her destiny is The stair analogy me keep growing in my faith the Kingdom. Jesus is very appropriate in You. made sure it would be Fr. Benny Tuazon here. A high staircase so. St. Lucian, pray for us.

306 October Ephesians 6:1-9 Wednesday Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14 27 Luke 13:22-30 God Recognizes The Repentant The one who asked the Lord regarding people who join religious activities but how many people will be saved do not extend them to their families, was on the right track. Salvation is friends and clients; people who know anyone’s foremost concern. But he the Bible well but fail to put it into missed the point when he became action with the right intention. The more concerned about the number Pharisees were the perfect examples. of people who would be saved. Jesus Jesus called them hypocrites, which did not answer the question. Rather, means “to act out” or “to play a part.” He dwelt on the more important Particularly, it means “to preach a question: How can one be saved? certain belief but, in fact, not holding For indeed, what can the knowledge those beliefs by oneself.” of our chances of being saved do if The surprise will come when we do not know the way to be saved? they meet the Lord for judgment. He This will not effect what we want to will not recognize them. He will deny achieve. even their origin. To be recognized by The Lord said that the gate is Him, we must have a repentant heart. narrow. The way to salvation is not Repentance is the “how” of salvation. easy. But if we do right, we can inch When all that we do comes from a our way in no matter how hard it is. sincere and repentant heart, then we Jesus corrected the thinking of some have gained the key to the door of the who believed that by being associated Kingdom. Responding to the grace with Him, salvation is guaranteed. In of humility and repentance is the our present context, apple of God’s merciful He refers to those who Reflection Question: eyes. worship on Sundays, Do you complement your Zacchaeus, Matthew do acts of charity, prayers with corresponding and Peter were all make sacrifices, but actions? Are you sincere in sinners who repented. are unrepentant. It is doing good deeds to others Judas Iscariot, had he incongruent but it is or you just do them out of repented instead of true. There are people recognition of God’s goodness hanging himself, could who can do pious acts to you? have gained salvation, but are internally not too. Jesus might have in union with God. We Bless me with a contrite heart, said that the last will be O God. I long to be with You in first and the first will be have heard of people Your Kingdom. May my deeds of who gave donations goodness come from the sincer- last, but the bottom line to charities but you ity of my heart. is, all who repent will wonder where the make it. Fr. Benny Tuazon money came from; St. Namatius, pray for us.

307 Ephesians 2:19-22 October Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 Thursday Luke 6:12-16 28 Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles It’s The Message, Not The Name Or The Linkage

We remember the apostles for the faithful to the message that Christ had lives they lived. We recognize their given during His ministry. This is the witnessing for Jesus. Because of essence of the True Church. Its more them, He has become more present important element is the presence of in His words and deed. His message of salvation. St. Paul The call of the apostles revealed experienced this in the community part of God’s plan. Salvation would where the original apostles lived. begin in Israel (Chosen People) and, He claimed to be an apostle, and the from there, would extend all over other apostles challenged it. Paul told the world. God meant to include them that the risen Lord appeared to man in the work of salvation. Jesus him on his way to Damascus, that first chose 12 men to follow Him He revealed to him the message of wherever He went. Later, He sent salvation. He claimed to be an apostle them to minister to those who were not by the risen Christ’s apparition, in need of salvation. What they had but by the very message he preaches heard, seen and touched with their (read Galatians 1:6-9). own hands would be handed down Therefore, what matters is our to succeeding generations for the faithfulness to His message that, salvation of all. Jesus was founding we believe, has been preserved by an organization that would continue the apostles. When Jesus ascended to propagate the Christian faith. into heaven, He commanded them Today, we call it the Church. to proclaim the Good News to all. Many groups claim This mission and by their own reasons Reflection Question: message (deposit of that theirs is the True Do you believe that our faith faith) were passed on. Church of Jesus Christ. is the True Church not only be- From the apostles, Some claim it because cause we can trace our roots to the task now lies with they can trace their Jesus Christ but because the the ordained ministry roots to Jesus Christ. Church had preserved the de- (Pope, bishops, priests Unlike the former, the posit of faith that the apostles and deacons) and the Catholic Church does received? How have you lived baptized. What we not give reasons. We our faith as contained in the have received from have a proof of the Apostle’s Creed? the apostles is what latter but even that is Like a true apostle, with my life we now profess. If not why we claim to I shall proclaim that You, Jesus, it comes from the be the True Church. are Lord and Savior. apostles, it must be We are because we are true. Thanks to the St. Godwin, pray for us. apostles. Fr. Benny Tuazon

308 October Philippians 1:1-11 Friday Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 29 Luke 14:1-6 WITH LOVE, YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG

This was another healing of the Lord given in order for us to have a way to Jesus on the Sabbath. Jesus, a Jew, express our love for one another. They could not stop Himself from curing were supposed to be the norms for the man with dropsy. He was moved loving, which is its Spirit. Salvation, by the suffering of the man. Also, He though, is not restricted to following took the opportunity to show to the those laws. Is fulfilling the laws the people, especially the scholars of the ultimate goal? Laws are limited. They law and the Pharisees, the Spirit of do not totally capture the Spirit. To the law as received by Moses. It is believe that salvation is achieved by interesting to note that since Moses merely following the commandments received the laws from God, the is a mistake. Through these laws, may elders created so many additional we learn to love. Through these laws, related laws in order to fulfill the may we see the Truth. Through these commandments. However, in the laws, may we find the Way! In other process, too much stress was made words, the ultimate goal is God! on the letter of the law than on its The question of Jesus to the essence. Jesus was aware of that scholars and the Pharisees was very development that is why He was very revealing. His message to them was courageous even to earn the ire of the clear. That was why “they were leaders in order to show the real intent unable to answer.” Surely, they would of the laws given by God. seek the care of their endangered There is only one law and that is loved ones even on Sabbath. the law of love. With love, one can Its relevance in our lives is clear. never go wrong. We refer to love The Commandments are guides. here as a decision to What is important is intend the goodness our attitude towards of the other, that is, Reflection Question: others and God. Let How do you live your life? Do to lead the other to you live a life of love? Do you us use the laws, not salvation. That is the extend kindness and compas- the other way around. ultimate goal of our sion to people in need even if Always seek to love. relationship with one it would inconvenience you? Love is greater than another and with God. the laws. Love will Anything we do or say To be kind, to be compassion- see us through. Love must lead to a union ate, to be loving to every per- will get us to heaven. with God. The Ten son I encounter is my prayer, Fr. Benny Tuazon Commandments were O Lord.

St. Bond, pray for us.

309 October Philippians 1:18b-26 Saturday Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef 30 Luke 14:1, 7-11 Humbly Saved

The Gospel today happened on a done merely externally and from an Sabbath day and Jesus gave a lesson arrogant and righteous heart, they will on humility. He was criticizing the not gain the favor of God. Pharisees for their misguided values. Jesus gives us a warning in the Because of their fanatic adherence parable of the wedding banquet. to the laws, they had become Be careful in determining yourself unconcerned about the conditions as already worthy of the Kingdom. of their fellow human beings. They You might be surprised. The parable believed that fulfilling the law, no of Jesus about the sheep and the matter who was concerned, was the goats reminds us that on the day ultimate purpose. of judgment, we will be judged Jesus told the parable to send according to how we treated our the message that salvation is not neighbors. Jesus clarified there that determined by individuals, is not our service to God is done through guaranteed in the fulfillment of the our neighbors. Charity counts big in laws and is not received first by our discipleship. However small our those who are righteous. In the same services to our neighbors are, those way that the humble is exalted and are rendered to God. Any service the exalted is humbled, those who rendered to God is always big. had gone astray and repented would The Lord’s stress on humility go ahead of those who had been now becomes clear. Humility entails righteous but were not repentant. service. Service is always making This is stressed so many times in oneself available for the needy other. the Gospels this month. This was Whether it is time, talent or treasure Jesus’ main Gospel — in whatever measure, repentance. As soon Reflection Question: when done out of as He embarked on What is humility for you? Are love, it is always very His ministry after His you humble in accepting the truth about yourself and oth- precious to God. Bear baptism at the River ers? Does your humility lead in mind and keep in Jordan, He went about to more service and love for our hearts that we preaching repentance. others? are creatures who are He was not devaluing always dependent nor ignoring the Awaken me from my com- on God. That alone importance of the law placency, Lord. Humble my should remind us to be and pious activities. heart and let me see the way to humble always. Fr. Benny But if these were salvation. Tuazon

St. Herbert, pray for us.

310 Wisdom 11:22-12:2 October Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14 Sunday 2 Thessalonians 1:11 – 2:2 31 Luke 19:1-10 Reparation Is Constitutive of Repentance

The story of Zacchaeus gives us a very of a repentant sinner. good picture of how a truly repentant Unknowingly maybe, the elements sinner should reparate. Zacchaeus, of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a tax collector, was considered an present in this story: Examination enemy by his fellow Jews because of Conscience, Confession of of the excessive taxes he collected Sins, Penance and Absolution. The from them. For this reason, a tax Examination of Conscience is found collector during Jesus’ time was also in Zacchaeus’ condition before and considered a great sinner. That is when he met Jesus. Confession was why the Pharisees and the Scribes when he mentioned what he had were scandalized when Jesus partied at done to others in terms of fraud and Matthew’s house. But that is another story. extortion. Penance happened when Going back to Zacchaeus, Jesus he promised to repay what he had must have felt Zaccahaeus’ desire to taken and offered to give to the poor. see Him. So, when He saw Zaccaheus Absolution happened when Jesus on the sycamore tree, He approached declared that salvation has come to him and told him the good news his house. that He would visit his house. Jesus’ Zacchaeus helped us understand gesture was enough for Zacchaeus to the true essence of the Sacrament of realize His care and his own need for Reconciliation. The reparation part is repentance. Then, everybody heard often taken for granted. Justice requires the pronouncements of a reformed that we at least do something to atone man, “Behold, half of for our mistakes. It is my possessions, Lord, Reflection Question: the true and effective I shall give to the poor, How do you approach the Sac- sign of repentance. and if I have extorted rament of Reconciliation? Do Anything short of it anything from anyone, I you prepare well by making an makes our repentance shall repay it four times examination of conscience? questionable. God over.” How we wish Are you fully honest in repent- forgives uncon- all repentant sinners ing for all the sins you have ditionally but He would do the same. committed? Do you promise expects full contrition not to do them again? We should not only if we are to benefit H i s c o m p l e t e say sorry, but reparate Lord, grant me a contrite heart if we have done any and the courage to make full forgiveness. damage and repay if we reparation for my wrongdo- Let us pray for have stolen something. ings. more Zacchaeuses. Fr. Benny Tuazon There lies the true sign St. Bega, pray for us.

311 Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 November Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Monday 1 John 3:1-3 Solemnity of All Saints’ Day 1 Matthew 5:1-12a The Defects of the Saints Many pious souls may find shocking sinned, they went to Confession, the above title of a book by Fr. Jesus seriously determined not to commit Urteaga (Sinag-Tala Publishers, the same sin again. When they fell, Inc. Manila). Defects of the saints? they stood up without giving up. Are saints not all-holy and without Like those known saints, we defects, you may ask. With all cannot avoid to struggle and like our weaknesses, failures, sins and them conquer our weaknesses in shortcomings, becoming saints seem the end. “For every fall, God leaves impossible for us. us a basketful of hope,” Fr. Urteaga Fr. Urteaga writes in the writes. That’s good news for us. introduction to his book, “Those St. Paul wrote, “God wants saints on the altars are not made of everybody to become holy.” When wax and plaster, but are mortals like God wants something we have us.” no right to say, “Impossible.” He Saints were not born with a halo. provides the means to reach this goal: St. Peter was a coward when he denied Confession, the Eucharist, reading the the Lord, St. Paul persecuted the Bible, praying regularly, and avoiding Church. St. Augustine Reflection Question: persons, places and was a playboy who Am I easily discouraged by things that cause us seemingly mocked my weaknesses and sins? easily to sin. heaven when he called Do I trust the Lord enough Today, we honor to get up and go on like the his illegitimate son saints did? all those unknown Adeodatus (Given by saints who were God). St. Therese of Lord, in my weaknesses I feel never canonized but the Child Jesus was often discouraged. When I fall, reached the joys of I lack the courage to stand up a very stubborn kid. and go on struggling. Lord, heaven because they Blessed Mother Teresa when You fell under the weight never gave up in their lived for decades of the Cross, You got up and struggle but tried without feeling God went on. Help me to follow to live out Christ’s near her…. And so we Your example when I fall under values in daily life. the weight of my weaknesses could go on. and sins and so reach the goal: May November 1 also What then made heaven. become your feastday them saints? Their and mine! Fr. Rudy Horst, Blessed Paul Navarro, SVD struggle! When they pray for us.

312 November 2 Maccabees 12:43-46(or Wisdom 3:1-6, 9) Tuesday Psalm 42:2, 3, 5; 43:3, 4, 5 (or Psalm 27:1, 4, 7-9, 13-14) Solemnity of All Souls’ Day Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (or Romans 5:5-11) 2 John 11:21-27 (or Matthew 25:31-46 or Matthew 5:1-12) Purgatory: a Cosmic Concentration Camp? Today, we pray for our brothers and can be found worthy to be compared sisters still undergoing purification and with that of a soul in Purgatory… spiritual maturation in Purgatory. and day by day this happiness grows In 2 Maccabees 12:38-46, Judas as God flows into these souls more Maccabee discovered that the soldiers and more, as the hindrance to His killed in the battle were hiding pagan entrance is consumed. Sin’s rust is amulets and so had violated the Law the hindrance, and the fire burns the of Moses by trusting more in amulets rust away, so that more and more of than in God. Judas then ordered that the soul opens itself up to the divine prayers and sacrifices be offered for inflowing… As the rust lessens and their souls that “they might be freed the soul is opened up to the divine ray, from this sin.” In other words, Judas happiness grows…” and his people strongly believed that And the fire? Here St. Augustine prayers and sacrifices can help those gives us consoling information when who died in sin. And neither Jesus nor he writes, “Many faithful have to the apostles contradicted or corrected undergo a purifying suffering by this belief. being subjected to a symbolic or Due to popular belief and fantasy, metaphorical fire, probably at the nourished by Dante’s Purgatorio and moment of death.” paintings of some medieval artists, a The Feast of All Souls, therefore, horrible picture of purgatory sticks to should not cause us worry and the mind of many Catholics. Therefore, anxiety but encourage us to assist our it is necessary to first of all “purge” brothers and sisters in their process the image. “Holy souls of purification and Reflection Question: in Purgatory” actually Do I pray for the souls of the maturation so that they refer to the souls assured departed, not only on All Souls may soon join the saints of heaven but are in Day but regularly? in their eternal joy. And a temporary state of we also should not be Lord, thank You for taking away purification, a kind of those frightful, man-made ideas afraid of Purgatory “remedial class” for about Purgatory. Listen to my because it will help heaven-bound souls. prayers for my loved ones who us one day to be made St. Catherine of have left this world that they ready to join the Lord Genoa once wrote, “I will soon be with You forever. in heaven. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD believe no happiness St. Maura, pray for us.

313 November Philippians 2:12-18 Wednesday Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 3 Luke 14:25-33 REAL STARS

The world is full of stars. You read could mention the unfortunately not- correctly; I did not write “the sky so-well-known St. Damien de Veuster is full of stars,” but the “world.” whom Pope Benedict XVI canonized Strange? Yes, but turn on the TV or a year ago. He spent his life with and read the tabloids and what do you find for lepers on the island of Molokai there? Stories and pictures of movie until he himself caught leprosy and stars, basketball stars, fashion stars. died of it. As in the sky above, here below, too, But not all saints are officially are different kinds of stars: starlets, recognized and canonized by the superstars and even megastars. They Church, as the feast of All Saints are admired, some even adored and two days ago made us aware. Look imitated in what they wear, say or around your neighborhood and try think. These stars somehow fashion to discover the many simple people the lives of countless young people, who live without “complaining and often with negative effects. arguing” according to St. Paul’s These stars are stars with a definition. Look out for good people small “s.” But there are also Stars who are ready to smile despite their with a capital “S” — unfortunately pain and ready to help out when one is seldom found on TV and newspapers. in need. Look out for the good people They are people who who make life for follow the words of Reflection Question: others bearable. They St. Paul in today’s first Do I complain a lot? Do I are St. Paul’s Stars, reading: “Do all that argue a lot to defend myself worthy of imitation even though I should admit has to be done without being wrong? Am I available more than the stars and complaining or arguing for others? starlets and megastars and then you will… many emulate. And shine in the world like Lord, I am not yet a Star; I am still when you discover bright stars.” too worldly, too self-centered to yourself “complaining be what St. Paul envisioned for Who then are these his community. Help me to live or arguing,” remember Stars? We usually call more for others than for myself what St. Paul said: them saints. and help me stop my constant there is still something Mother Teresa was complaining. Thank you, Lord. to be done to be a Star definitely a Star shining St. Winifred, pray for us. shining brightly in your brightly in this world. I world. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

314 November Philippians 3:3-8a Thursday Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 4 Luke 15:1-10 Who Seeks Whom?

When I ask my students what sin is, I its “hiding place”? No, the woman usually receive standard answers: Sin searches tirelessly until she finds the offends God. We make God angry. coin. In both stories, the shepherd and We make God turn away from us woman stand for God who goes out to because He is offended (or angry or search for what was lost. It is not God disappointed). who turns His back on the offender; So I ask them, what do you do it is the sinners who turn their back when you sin? Their answers: We on God. But He does not rest until have to turn back to God and confess He finds them and gently turns them our sins. We have to repent and make around so the sinners again face God up for our sins. We have to please God and see Him loving them in such an that He may accept us again. incredible way that the sinner cannot Let me shock you: All of these but break down and whisper, “Lord, I answers are WRONG! Unfortunately, am really sorry. Please forgive me.” this is still taught in religion or Now you may ask: Are we not catechism classes. God is not like a offending God with our sins? Again, parent or teacher or king or president the answer is: No. The great St. who turns His back on those who Thomas Aquinas wrote, “We offend offend Him and waits until the offender God only inasmuch as we act against comes crawling before Him, begging our own good.” This means that we do for forgiveness. not offend God with our Look at today’s Reflection Question: sins; we offend God only Gospel! Did the lost What is my image of God? when we harm ourselves sheep return and beg An angry or punishing God? or another human being, A God whom I have to ap- the shepherd to take it pease with my penance? who are both created in back into his flock? No, His “image and likeness.” it was the shepherd who Lord, I am a sinner and often I His love for us never searched for the lost am ashamed to return to You changes, whatever sin we sheep “till he found it.” to ask for forgiveness. How may commit. wrong I have been! All the In the story of while You were searching for If that’s not the woman who loses me, loving me, urging me to Good News, I don’t a coin, does the coin turn towards You. Thank You, know what could be miraculously materialize Lord, for this Good News. better news. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD or lead the woman to St. Clarus, pray for us.

315 November Philippians 3:17-4:1 Friday Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 5 Luke 16:1-8 Does Jesus Encourage Cheating? Are you puzzled after reading today’s What does he do? He does not sit parable? You have all the right to be down and lament. He acts decisively because whoever reads or hears this to secure the few remaining years story told by Jesus cannot help but of his life. Indirectly, Jesus asks you exclaim, “Whaaaat?! How can Jesus and me, “And you, what action do have the master praise that cheating you take to secure your eternal life?” steward?” Unfortunately, there are not a few How could Jesus tell such a story? followers of Christ today who think We have always held Jesus as the only about today and tomorrow; about embodiment of all goodness, honesty how to earn more money, what to buy and integrity. Our holy pictures have and what to eat. It pains me very much always presented a handsome Jesus, when I celebrate holy Mass and begin well-groomed and dignified that it the Mass before a half-empty church shocks us when we meet the REAL which begins to fill up only after the Jesus who does not shy away from Gospel, or after the Offertory or even telling stories where rascals are as late as the Consecration. heroes. Jesus does not encourage us to We should never forget that cheat. He urges us with his story to the parables of Jesus are not sweet be more concerned about the ultimate bedtime stories but crisis we all have to thought provoking, Reflection Question: face: our eternal future. often shocking wake- Do I think about my eternal He makes available to up calls. The Bible future? Do I take my life as a us all we need for that scholar William Herzog follower of Christ seriously and critical moment: the act responsibly? captured this when he sacraments, especially entitled his book about Lord, too often I think life will the Eucharist. The parables, “Parables as go on for a long time and I take shrewd steward gives Subversive Speech.” my eternal future for granted. us an example of what Thank You for the shocking What then is Jesus’ parable that wakes me up and to do: Make use of message in the story? makes me more conscious of what the Lord made Let’s have a closer look what I should do to ensure available and act at the end. The steward eternal happiness with You in decisively now while faces a crisis; his whole heaven. there is still time. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD future is threatened. St. Elizabeth, pray for us.

316 November Philippians 4:10-19 Saturday Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9 6 Luke 16:9-15 The “Worry” VIRUS What does he do? He does not sit Worry is one of the worst illnesses any way, say, ‘I don’t care.’ If you go down and lament. He acts decisively today. Everyone worries — the rich on long enough, and if you try hard to secure the few remaining years and poor, young and old, healthy and enough, you will come to a point of his life. Indirectly, Jesus asks you sick people. Why so much worry? when you can watch your nearest and me, “And you, what action do One reason might be the modern and dearest suffer and die, and say, you take to secure your eternal life?” communication means. Our TV ‘I don’t care.’” Unfortunately, there are not a few brings frightening news of wars, Can this be the cure for the worry followers of Christ today who think calamities and economic crises virus? For the Stoics it maybe was a only about today and tomorrow; about right into our living rooms. Other cure, but we shrink away from killing how to earn more money, what to buy programs, especially advertisements, the emotions of the human heart. St. and what to eat. It pains me very much try to tell us that without this or that Paul mentions in today’s first reading when I celebrate holy Mass and begin product we cannot live happily. And a far better cure when he writes, the Mass before a half-empty church we begin to worry because we cannot “There is nothing I cannot master which begins to fill up only after the afford to buy it right now. with the help of the One who gives Gospel, or after the Offertory or even Worry is like virus that infects me strength.” “The One,” of course, as late as the Consecration. most of us. A virus has to be identified is the Lord. Jesus does not encourage us to and attacked by the right medicine. St. Paul entrusted himself totally cheat. He urges us with his story to We have just tried to identify the to God who became his strength be more concerned about the ultimate virus — the causes for our worries. — a divine gift. And so he could crisis we all have to Now what is the medicine? easily endure poverty, hunger and face: our eternal future. Actually, this virus is old and persecution, prison and flogging; but He makes available to Greek Stoic philosophers already he could also enjoy success, friends us all we need for that tried to find a cure. and “a full stomach,” critical moment: the One of them, Epictetus not because, like the Reflection Question: sacraments, especially wrote, “Begin with What are the areas I worry Stoics, he had killed the Eucharist. The a cup or a household about most? Do I lack trust in all feelings of the heart shrewd steward gives tool; if it breaks, say, God’s Providence? and became indifferent, us an example of what ‘I don’t care.’ Next but because he knew to do: Make use of Lord, the fact that I worry a lot go to a horse or a shows me that I don’t trust You and was convinced what the Lord made pet dog; if anything enough. Increase my loving that in every situation available and act happens to them, say, trust in Your care and concern the Lord was close to decisively now while ‘I don’t care.’ Go on for me and take away from my him and would remain there is still time. Fr. Rudy to yourself, and if you life those many worries. with him. What about Horst, SVD Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD are hurt or injured in St. Barlaam, pray for us. us?

317 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 November Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 (15b) Sunday 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 7 Luke 20:27-38 The Black Camel

November is the month we remember and girls; we would talk about and pray in a special way for our whether we should paint the bedroom departed loved ones. This is a good pink or blue. It is the most normal custom because it makes us aware thing in the world. If we can talk of two important facts: first, that our about death the same way, then I think loved ones are not totally separated we would live differently.” from us and we still can help them; The caterpillar is, for most of secondly, that we cannot help but us, an ugly creature. Then it spins think also about the inevitable end its cocoon and disappears from our of our earthly life. A Turkish proverb sight, but emerges later as a beautiful says, “Death is a black camel that butterfly fluttering in the air. kneels at every man’s door.” Death The caterpillar symbolizes our is a fact of life; it is tragic, but it does body now; the cocoon is our tomb; not have the last word for a believer. the beautiful butterfly represents Death is a dark door beyond which what we will be as “children of the lies the eternal light and life in the resurrection.” Then our salvation, presence of God. There we will be, as which begins in the here and now, Jesus tells in today’s Gospel passage, will reach its final climax. Some “children of the resurrection.” Christians dance and shout, “I am Don’t stop reading, please. I saved” as if this is a once-and-for-all know that nobody wants to think event. No, we will find full salvation and read about death. This is natural only after the “black camel” has because we all want to live but know carried us through the dark door we only too well how fragile life is. call death. Elizabeth Kübler- Reflection Question: We should enjoy life R o s s , w h o w r o t e Am I scared of death? Why? to the fullest, of course, several books about her but let us also think about interviews with people Lord, thank You for opening what lies beyond this life. my eyes towards the future who had near-death You have prepared for me. Isn’t there something experiences, said, “I Help me to live in a way that waiting for us that is would tell my children one day I will be worthy to more beautiful than all there is a baby on the join the “children of the resur- the beautiful things we way. We would talk rection.” have experienced in this about names for boys St. Hieron, pray for us. life? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

318 November Titus 1:1-9 Monday Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 8 Luke 17:1-6 Qualifications for being a good Christian Paul’s letters are written mostly to threats in this society. communities, but there are also the I have been working for years in a so-called “Pastoral Letters” addressed seminary and I am quite curious about to his closest disciples, Timothy and the qualifications Paul demanded Titus. We do not know much about from Titus and the elders. Today, Titus but he was a well-trusted young when somebody wants to enter the man whom Paul sometimes sent on seminary, he has to take an I.Q test, difficult missions, a young man who an English proficiency test, a test that never disappointed his master. checks on his knowledge of basic Today’s first reading is taken from Christian doctrine and, lastly, a battery the beginning of a letter addressed to of psychological tests to be continued Titus who was left on the Greek island over his formation years. Interestingly, of Crete to correct abuses and build up not even one of these qualifications the still small Christian community were required from Titus or from the and “appoint elders in every town in elders. The only requirements were the way that I told you.” to have a good character and to be a Even though Crete looked back good person. The rest was left to the to a great history and was proud of powerful work of the Holy Spirit. its culture, Paul calls the Cretans Times have changed, but the “undisciplined” and “talkers of qualifications Paul mentions in his nonsense and deceivers.” No wonder letter apply even today — not only Paul is concerned with the probable for future priests and religious but negative effects of such for every Christian. Are a society on Christians Reflection Question: we not all called to be who are not yet deeply Reflecting on today’s first models? Are we not all reading, do I come up to the rooted in Christ’s standards of St. Paul for a called to make Christ teachings. While Paul Christian? visible? often encourages his It would be good to communities to imitate Lord, I am afraid I would not read St. Paul’s words pass the test of St. Paul. But him, in this letters with your help and the help of slowly and reflect on he wants Titus to be the Holy Spirit I know that I can them, asking ourselves a model whom the improve and, hopefully, soon whether we meet these Christians could imitate become a model for others. qualifications or not. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD and so survive the many St. Cybi, pray for us.

319 Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 November Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Tuesday 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17 Feast of the Dedication of the John 2:13-22 9 Lateran Basilica in Rome Being Church Why do we here in the Philippines to communities. They did not speak celebrate the dedication of a church of “going to church” but of “being in faraway Rome? What is so special church.” about the Lateran Basilica? Author Josef Krempa wrote, “The Many do not know that popes Church of Christ is basically made, started to reside in the Vatican only not of buildings, but of people.... The in the year 1308. Before that time, connecting links over the centuries popes lived in the Lateran Palace, are not buildings but the people and the bishop of Rome celebrated who transmit a life and a tradition.... Mass at the Lateran Basilica. Emperor Church buildings help to focus the Constantine donated the place to the presence of the mysterious and divine Pope to make it the headquarters of that surrounds us and in which we the Catholic Church. Even now, the live.... Our church building is special Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the not because of its size or artistic archdiocese of Rome. decoration, but because people gather After a new Pope is installed, he here to celebrate the Passion, Death goes to the Lateran Basilica where he and Resurrection of the Lord. Here is is installed as bishop of Rome. In a where the Lord is present with power way, the Lateran Basilica is of greater among his people.” importance than St. Peter’s Basilica in Sometimes we also speak of the the Vatican. Four ecumenical Councils Church and mean the Pope or bishops. have been held in the Lateran Basilica, We seem to distance ourselves from and 28 popes are buried the Church of which we Reflection Question: there. Do I criticize the Church at are a part. The dedication of the times when I see negative Our real vocation Basilica and our going to things, forgetting that I am as Christians is “being Church to attend Mass part of it? Church.” Once we can lead easily to the become more aware Lord, thank You for remind- misconception that the ing me that I am part of Your of this, we will surely “Church” is a building. Church, and that I must uphold feel more responsible St. Paul and other early the image of Your beloved for the growth and Christian writers used Church by living an exemplary wellbeing of our life. the word “church” to Mother Church. Fr. Rudy refer not to buildings but St. Orestes, pray for us. Horst, SVD

320 November Titus 3:1-7 Wednesday Psalm 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6 10 Luke 17:11-19 Giving thanks for being Robbed to communities. They did not speak Efren C. Reyes quotes in Think and by not getting sick. The list is endless. of “going to church” but of “being Thank the diary entry of the 18th Unfortunately, we focus more on the church.” century Bible scholar Matthew Henry negative things that come our way, Author Josef Krempa wrote, “The who one day was robbed. Opening and so we complain, grumble and feel Church of Christ is basically made, his diary in the evening, Mr. Henry miserable. not of buildings, but of people.... The wrote, “Let me be thankful first, Of course, most people today connecting links over the centuries because I was never robbed before; are too busy. But it would be good are not buildings but the people second, because although they took practice to stop once in a while during who transmit a life and a tradition.... my purse, they did not take my life; the day and ask ourselves the question, Church buildings help to focus the third, because although they took “What good have I experienced in the presence of the mysterious and divine my all, it was not much; and fourth, past few hours?” And then turn to God that surrounds us and in which we because it was I who was robbed, not and thank Him immediately before live.... Our church building is special I who robbed.” we forget His blessings. The climax not because of its size or artistic Would any of us offer thanks of thanksgiving, of course, is the decoration, but because people gather to God should a robber take all we Eucharist, a Greek word that means here to celebrate the Passion, Death have? “thanksgiving.” and Resurrection of the Lord. Here is The words “thank you” are such Every Preface of the Mass begins where the Lord is present with power beautiful words that one wonders why with, “Father, it is our duty and our among his people.” they are not said more often. Jesus salvation, always and everywhere, Sometimes we also speak of the Himself was disappointed when of the to give you thanks.” It is so sad that Church and mean the Pope or bishops. 10 healed lepers, only one returned to so many faithful don’t even find We seem to distance ourselves from say thank you. “Where the time to be present the Church of which we are the other nine?” Reflection Question: in Church from the are a part. Jesus asks. Have I developed the habit of beginning of the G o d s h o w e r s thanking God and people or Holy Mass, the great Our real vocation do I tend to take His blessings as Christians is “being us with graces and for granted? thanksgiving, where Church.” Once we blessings every day, we thank the Lord for become more aware but too often we take Lord, I take for granted the all His goodness and of this, we will surely them for granted. We multitude of good things com- blessings. ing from Your loving heart. After feel more responsible do not even realize that contemplating Your sadness in Ah, the sadness for the growth and we have been blessed today’s Gospel, I can only beg on the Lord’s face wellbeing of our by a kind word or a You to increase in me a much- e v e r y t i m e t h i s Mother Church. Fr. Rudy smile from a friend, by needed sense of gratitude. happens! Fr. R u d y Horst, SVD Horst, SVD having enough to eat, St. Monitor, pray for us.

321 November Philemon 7-20 Thursday Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10 11 Luke 17:20-25 Equality in Christ

Today is the only day in the whole year If you read Paul’s letter slowly, that a passage from St. Paul’s letter to you will realize that Paul insinuates Philemon is read. Let us have a brief to Philemon to accept back Onesimus, look at those 25 verses. It is Paul’s not anymore as a slave but as a shortest letter and not addressed to a brother. “Welcome him as you would community but to an individual. welcome me,” he writes and even asks Philemon was the leader of Philemon to prepare a room for him a Christian community. His slave when he comes to visit. How could Onesimus had escaped and gone to Philemon refuse such a request? Paul whom he helped a lot while the What the apostle stresses very latter was in prison. Onesimus was strongly is that in Christ, all baptized subsequently converted and baptized faithful are equal and should be treated by Paul. as brothers and sisters. Social status Although Roman law required and position in society should play that runaway slaves be returned no role among baptized Christians. to their masters, it is puzzling that Unfortunately, we call each other Paul should send the now-baptized brothers and sisters in Christ but Onesimus back to Philemon. It was a often do not treat each other as such. risky move because Philemon could While I know many good Christians kill Onesimus, brand him with a hot who practice this teaching, I also iron on his forehead with a big “F” know several regular church goers (for fugitivus) or sell him in the slave who, unfortunately, do not treat their market to another owner. Slavery at that household helpers or employees as time was part of society, sisters or brothers in Reflection Question: and abolishing it would How do I treat people around Christ. have meant a collapse me, especially those who are How our society of the Roman Empire. marginalized in our society? would change for the Paul, it appears, did not better if Paul’s teaching advocate the abolition Lord, St. Paul’s teaching is beau- tiful and based on Your exam- of equality in Christ of slavery but he urged ple. You treat saint and sinner would spread, penetrate owners of slaves to treat alike. Help me to learn from the minds and lives of them well, especially You and put Paul’s teaching all Christians and be those who had become into practice. practiced by all! Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD Christians. St. Aba Mina, pray for us.

322 November 2 John 4-9 Friday Psalm 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18 12 Luke 17:26-37 About Love and the Antichrist

If you read Paul’s letter slowly, The first reading today speaks A real disciple of Christ involves you will realize that Paul insinuates about several important points. himself in the affairs of the world to Philemon to accept back Onesimus, First, the writer stresses love as in order to change it for the better not anymore as a slave but as a the basic attitude of Christians. He through love of truth and justice. brother. “Welcome him as you would reminds us of Jesus’ words, “A new A second point in these few verses welcome me,” he writes and even asks commandment I give to you: love one is a warning against deceivers who, Philemon to prepare a room for him another even as I have loved you. By through their preaching, contradict the when he comes to visit. How could this all people will know that you are teachings of Christ and the Church. Philemon refuse such a request? my disciples — if you have love for During this time, the heresy that Jesus What the apostle stresses very one another.” was not the Son of God — meaning strongly is that in Christ, all baptized A Christian ought to manifest the denial of Christ’s divinity — was faithful are equal and should be treated love in his daily life. By love we spreading, a false doctrine being as brothers and sisters. Social status mean not the romantic or sentimental taught by some “churches” even and position in society should play kind. Rather, it is a kind of sacrificial today. The author of the letter calls no role among baptized Christians. love that Jesus showed with His self- these “believers” Antichrist. John, Unfortunately, we call each other sacrifice on the Cross. in his second letter, declares that brothers and sisters in Christ but In the Constitution on the Church whoever denies the divinity of Christ often do not treat each other as such. in the World, the second Vatican is the Antichrist. While I know many good Christians Council stresses that Christians We may believe strongly in who practice this teaching, I also cannot yearn for anything more the divinity of Christ, but there are know several regular church goers ardently than to serve the men and Catholics who ignore or even reject who, unfortunately, do not treat their women of the modern certain teachings of the household helpers or employees as world with mounting Reflection Question: Church that are based sisters or brothers in generosity and success. Am I aware that love makes on the words of the Therefore, by holding me a real disciple of Christ? Do Lord. May they not slip Christ. I readily accept the teachings How our society faithfully to the Gospel of the Church? unknowingly into the would change for the and benefiting from its camp of the Antichrist! better if Paul’s teaching resources, by joining Lord, increase and strengthen May all of us humbly of equality in Christ with every person who my love for You, for my fellow- accept what the Holy men and for the Church. Help would spread, penetrate loves and practices me to work actively for a better Spirit teaches through the minds and lives of justice, Christians have world, a world of love and jus- the Church — even all Christians and be shouldered a gigantic tice, as You did when You were when it goes against practiced by all! Fr. Rudy task for fulfillment in here on earth. modern trends! Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD Horst, SVD this world” (no. 93). St. Machar, pray for us.

323 November 3 John 5-8 Saturday Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 13 Luke 18:1-8 Our “Instant” Age and Prayer While writing the November 12 few prayers and God’s answer comes reflection, a chat message from out. the Shepherd’s Voice Publications In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus flashes on my monitor asking tells a funny parable about a corrupt whether I got their message to judge who finally gave in to the pleas write these reflections. My instant of a poor widow because of her answer is yes. Could I already send persistence. Is God like that judge? what I have finished for the layout? Does He grant our request only Two minutes later my reflections when He cannot stand our begging for November 1 to 11 are already anymore? with the Sabbath publisher. We can Of course, God isn’t like that. only marvel at the modern means of He does not have to be moved by our communication which make many tears, promises or even threats. God things much easier. loves us and answers our prayers The problem is when we expect — but in His time. Sometimes He instant results in all areas of life. does not give in to our pleas for Friendship still takes time to develop. what we think is good for us might Happiness in marriage is the fruit not be good in the eyes of God who of years and years of struggle and sees further than we do. We expect perseverance. Deepening of faith an instant positive answer to our and holiness remains a life-long prayers, forgetting that “no” is also exercise. Living in a time of so an answer. It might cause us pain many instant things, we can easily when God refuses us, but we have become impatient and to learn that in such even give up in our Reflection Question: a case His answer is struggle for the really Do I give up easily when God for our best. We have valuable things in life. seemingly does not respond to learn from Jesus Prayer often demands to my prayers immediately? to be persistent, yes, a lot of patience; it is but we also have to Lord, teach me to be persistent an exercise in trust and in my prayers but also submit to learn that short and hope against all hope. Your divine will and admit that difficult prayer, “Not God is not a vending You know better than I do what my will be done but machine — it doesn’t is good for me. yours!” Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD work like this: put in a St. Didacus, pray for us.

324 November Malachi 3:19-20a Sunday Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 14 Luke 21:5-19 Doomsday Prophets and Jesus — Whom do you Believe? People never get tired of predicting imminent end. He admonishes us not the end of the world. For my classes to be frightened and not to listen to in Apocalyptic Literature, I have those who predict the end. a 50-page list of such predictions. We don’t have to wait for a The earliest one dates from circa cosmic, spectacular end of the world, 2800 B.C., while the last on the because each one of us will face our list mentions 2040 as the year of end of life sooner or later — but we final doom. Founders of various don’t know when. But this can easily “Christian” churches have foretold the lead us to live as if there’s no end and end of the world, missed their mark, we would never have to appear before predicted it for other days and missed our Lord. What Jesus wants to tell us, again. These constant failures do not therefore, is not to forget that an end surprise me since Jesus Himself had is coming, that we be prepared for confessed that He knew neither the that moment by living responsibly. day nor the hour (Mark 13:32). Jesus also speaks about difficult Whenever we hear news about times that His disciples will have wars, earthquakes, tidal waves and to go through, which is true for us other calamities, “prophets” have as well. We see around us rampant a great time predicting the end of corruption and criminality; morals time. But all these and family life are calamities happened Reflection Question: threatened; personal in every century since Am I easily tempted to probe problems, especially into the future by reading Christ, worse ones horoscopes and predictions financial, weigh us even before Christ and about the future? down. But Jesus gives even before human us today the assurance beings lived on earth. Lord, thank You for your very re- that God knows and is alistic and encouraging words. In today’s Gospel, Make me avoid and ignore all close to us. He ends Jesus tells us to remain sensationalism that accom- with the beautiful sober. He tells us that pany doomsday predictions words that encourage these calamities are but rather, let me put all my us and give us hope, bound to happen; they trust in You and Your loving “Your endurance will providence. are natural occurrences win you your lives.” but not signs of the St. Modanic, pray for us. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

325 November Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Monday Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 15 Luke 18:35-43 Remember! Repent! Do!

For the next two weeks, the Church That’s very common. Think offers as first reading passages from of marriage or religious life. In the the last book in the New Testament, beginning everything seems so easy the Book of Revelation — probably and enjoyable but when the routine the most misunderstood and misused of daily life takes over, enthusiasm, book in the whole Bible. Many are fervor and love begin to fade. John scared of its horrible images and scary tries to help his friends in Ephesus symbols and avoid reading it. Written with three commands: Remember, during a time of Christian persecution, repent, do (the way you used to)! John aims to strengthen the faith of his When everything becomes routine fellow Christians by telling them to and boring, it is good to remember remain faithful to the Lord and resist our enthusiasm at the beginning. all attempts of the pagan government How happy we were in our faith to lure them away from their faith in when we had our first communion, Christ. The reward for such endurance our happiness after getting married, is beyond imagination. our enthusiasm when we started a Today’s first reading is mainly new job! Remembering this initial taken from the message to the happiness, we ask: What happened to community at Ephesus. It was where us? What went wrong? How and why St. Paul had established a community did our enthusiasm begin to fade? decades ago, where the Blessed Having identified the cause of Mother appears to our present situation have spent the last Reflection Question: — perhaps during a years of her life. John Has my life become boring? retreat, or during a Have I lost enthusiasm in one was very familiar with or more areas of my life? Am I marriage counseling the situation there. He ready to take John’s advice? session, or a quiet time has the Lord praise the of reflection — we community at first but Lord, I have to admit, much of repent and decide to later on expresses regret my life’s activities have become routine, even going to Church on start anew. But this is that the community Sundays. The lesson You gave me not enough. John urges has lost the love and today through Your servant John a third recourse: “Do enthusiasm it used to will surely help me to improve my as you used to at first.” have. life. Thank You, Lord. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD St. Leopold, pray for us.

326 November Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 Tuesday Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5 16 Luke 19:1-10 Three Messages

Today’s first reading contains passages Hierapolis’ hot springs while its cold from John’s message to Sardis and water comes from the cold springs at Laodicea, the fifth and seventh Colossae. Lukewarm water comes churches, respectively, in Asia. From out from where the pipes meet and the many points covered let us take a this is what the Laodiceans get. This look at three: is the background of the admonition 1. In Sardis, John again discovers that those who are lukewarm in their the lack of enthusiasm initially present faith will be spit out by the Lord. in the community and urges a return to God can convert a cold-blooded the love it manifested in the beginning. sinner and can induce a hot rebel to He also urges the community to wake repent, but lukewarmness, a symbol up from their deadly lethargy and of indifference, even the Lord cannot remain awake. penetrate. It is a disease that affects In Sardis, the call to stay awake many Christians. also has a historical background. 3. John brings out a beautiful At least twice, this rich city was image of the Lord: He stands at the door captured and destroyed because in one knocking, waiting for it to be opened. instance, the watchmen were asleep, A well-known painting by Holtman and in another, the watchmen were Hunt shows Jesus knocking at a door not watching at all. that has no handle on the outside. It 2. The strongest and can be opened only from most shocking message Reflection Question: inside. It symbolizes is directed at Laodicea. Am I alert and watchful in our heart. God gently The Lord cannot find spiritual matters? Do I detect knocks and waits for us indifference in my attitude? anything good in the Do I invite the Lord into my to invite Him into our community of this life when He approaches me lives. Such an image great commercial and through a fellow human be- of God is not found financial center where ing? in any other religion. material wealth had Lord, the image of You knocking Ours is a God who does impoverished the spirit. at my door touches me. May I not impose on anyone Rich as Laodicea was, recognize You in people who, but seeks to be invited. it lacked one important in Your name, knock at my door Surely, love cannot go thing: a well. Hot water asking for help. further than that. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD is piped into it from St. Gratia, pray for us.

327 November Revelation 4:1-11 Wednesday Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 17 Luke 19:11-28 Our Image of God In his controversial 2007 book which reveals that he was a just man who did topped the New York Times Bestseller not exploit his servants but gave them list, author Christopher Hitchens more than what they had expected. claims that man is not made in The third servant’s distorted image the image of God, but that God is of the master brought about his made in the image of man. A look at downfall. various religions seems to support his What is your image of God? Our statement. For example, the Greeks image of God was probably shaped and Romans described their gods as during our childhood days. Parents, quarrelsome, promiscuous, envious teachers, catechists, as well as holy and in love with good food and wine pictures have contributed to how we — an image that reflects their own see God. A cruel father can cause life- character and way of life. long damage in his child’s relationship Many readers are shocked when with God. An overly strict priest who they open the Old Testament and always scolds people can cause the read about God as a fierce warrior, a same harm. If, on the other hand, we punishing God and a revengeful God. see God as one of our barkadas, we It was only Jesus, the Son of God, would not take Him that seriously that who taught us what God is really like: we are tempted to just pat His shoulder a loving Father, just, merciful and when we have done something wrong forgiving. and say, “Hey, you understand.” In spite of what Jesus has revealed It is crucial that we develop the about His Father, however, many proper image of God, based on the still have a distorted teaching of the Church which mirror the words image of God. The Reflection Question: third servant in today’s What image do I have of God? of Jesus about Himself Gospel passage had Do I fear Him? and about His Father. such a distorted image The more we read the of his master that he was Lord, thank You for helping us New Testament and find our way to God. You became afraid of him, thinking one of us to show us through reflect on the words of he was a strict and cruel Your life and teaching who God Jesus about God, the man. But the master’s really is. Lord, You are the best closer we will get to generous treatment of image of God! God’s real image. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD the two other servants St. Hilda, pray for us.

328 November Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 Thursday Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 18 Matthew 14:22-33 Conservative or Liberal? reveals that he was a just man who did Even those who have never been to With their opposing views, Peter not exploit his servants but gave them Rome are familiar with the Basilica of and Paul clashed in public at least more than what they had expected. St. Peter in the Vatican. The majestic once over their missionary approach. The third servant’s distorted image dome above St. Peter’s grave has But both have always been united in of the master brought about his become the symbolic center of the the fact that they always looked to the downfall. Catholic Church. The original basilica center: to Christ. What is your image of God? Our was built by Emperor Constantine in As we celebrate the dedication image of God was probably shaped the fourth century above the tomb of of the two churches built above the during our childhood days. Parents, St. Peter. The same emperor ordered tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, we are teachers, catechists, as well as holy another basilica erected above the made more aware that our faith goes pictures have contributed to how we tomb of St. Paul. And so both great back to the time of the apostles. No see God. A cruel father can cause life- apostles of the early Church were other church can claim this. Going long damage in his child’s relationship honored in the same city. Although back to that time means that our with God. An overly strict priest who their characters were very different, Church goes back to Christ, who always scolds people can cause the both gave their lives for the Lord in chose His apostles. The succession same harm. If, on the other hand, we the city of Rome. of popes and bishops can be traced see God as one of our barkadas, we In democratic nations we always back to the apostles and so links us would not take Him that seriously that find different political parties, some with Christ who lived, suffered, died we are tempted to just pat His shoulder conservative, others liberal and and rose more than 2,000 years ago. when we have done something wrong still others at the center of the two Another thought is triggered and say, “Hey, you understand.” extremes. In the early church, Peter by today’s feast. Too often, we It is crucial that we develop the would be found on the position conservatives proper image of God, based on the right, Paul on the left. Reflection Question: against liberals, even teaching of the Church Peter, the Rock, stood Am I “proud” and grateful in the Church. Peter which mirror the words to belong to the Catholic and Paul show that for stability and for Church? of Jesus about Himself preserving tradition God needs both and and about His Father. while Paul moved Lord, thank You for giving us Sts. that together they can The more we read the around the world and Peter and Paul as models. Thank and will work for the New Testament and risked much to adapt You for calling us into the only greater glory of God Church that can be traced back reflect on the words of Christ’s teaching through the apostles to You. — as long as they Jesus about God, the to people living in Make us imitate their love for remain focused on the closer we will get to different nations with You and their tireless work for center — on Christ God’s real image. Fr. Rudy varying traditions and Your Kingdom. and His teachings. Horst, SVD Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD cultures. St. Odo, pray for us.

329 November Revelation 10:8-11 Friday Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131 19 Luke 19:45-48 Eating a Scroll After reading today’s passage in the John, who was actually in exile, Book of Revelation, your reaction took and ate the scroll. He realized will surely be, “Weird!” It is a strange that being chosen by God would passage indeed. John is told to eat a bring hardships but he also knew scroll that tastes sweet in his mouth that God would never abandon His but bitter in the stomach. What does messenger. it mean? All of us are chosen by God for a The scroll stands for the Word task. Parents are chosen to be the first of God which the prophet has to catechists of their children. Employees proclaim. Eating it means that it is are asked to make Christ visible in not enough to read the Word of God their workplace and stand up for but one has to “digest” it. The Church Christian values. This is great indeed. has always invited us to reflect and May we not shy away from this great meditate on what we read in the Bible, task when difficulties arise, specially otherwise it does not become part of when we face rejection and ridicule! us but remains a lifeless verse. In these few verses in today’s What is meant by sweet-tasting reading, there is a small detail that is scroll that turns bitter after it is often overlooked. Neither God nor swallowed? Sweetness signifies the the angel gives the scroll to John, honor bestowed on the one chosen by rather he is asked to “take” it on God to be His messenger, and bitterness two occasions. There is a profound describes his frustration when people meaning behind this. God does not do not like to listen to what he has to force anybody to be His messenger. proclaim. He offers the difficult task Reflection Question: Anyone who has Do I shy away from the task but respects the freedom witnessed a priest’s of being a messenger of God of the person to accept ordination will testify in my environment? or refuse the offer. God’s to the celebrant’s joy respect for our freedom is at having been chosen Lord, thank You for inviting me to be Your instrument in amazing. If only we had by God. It is truly a this world. But I ask You for similar respect for all our “sweet” moment. But strength and the help of the fellowmen and would as the months and years Holy Spirit, especially when never impose our will, go by, bitter experiences this task becomes difficult. our ideas and our tastes Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD cloud the initial joy. St. Crispin, pray for us. on others!

330 November Revelation 11:4-12 Saturday Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10 20 Luke 20:27-40 It’s getting weirder and weirder… If yesterday’s reading from the Book together during Christ’s transfiguration! of Revelation was strange and odd, Even though God’s messengers would today’s passage is utterly confusing. be killed, they would come back to life. Reading such bizarre scenes, we Whatever Satan’s followers would do, cannot help but ask: Why does John they cannot and will not defeat those write such weird scenes? who follow God. As Jesus rose on The whole book has one main the third day, so all His friends will topic: the struggle between good and eventually rise and join the Lord and evil, between God and Satan. All the angels in heaven. humankind is involved in this struggle: The struggle between good and the followers of Christ are attacked evil continues. “Prophets” of atheism and persecuted by the followers of use their writing skills, the Internet, TV Satan, the pagans. For John this meant and advertisements on buses in London concretely that the Church is attacked to undermine the faith of Christ’s by the satanic power of the Roman followers. Rampant materialism, Empire, symbolized by the beast. He liberalism, hedonism and relativism dreams of the destruction of Rome threaten our faith more than the Roman and assures his Christian readers of emperors were able to do. Values and the grand victory of God and of all absolutes are little by little undermined those who remain faithful in spite of and even destroyed. People have asked persecution. Reflection Question: me, “What is happening? The two witnesses Am I easily discouraged Is the devil defeating the we meet in today’s when I see evil around me? Church?” Am I tempted to give in to Today’s passage from passage seem to be the many trends that oppose Moses and Elijah. Christian values? the Book of Revelation According to a Jewish gives us an encouraging belief based on the Book Lord, often I am frightened answer: Don’t worry. of Malachi, God would when I see or hear how evil The devil may do a lot spreads and contaminates send a special messenger what is good. Even in my heart of harm and even seem before the end of the I feel the power of evil trying to to win temporarily, but world. Now, not one but alienate me from You. I ask You God will have the last two messengers have today for strength to remain word. To Him belongs faithful to You. come. Remember Moses the final victory. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD and Elijah appearing St. Edmund Rich, pray for us.

331 2 Samuel 5:1-3 November Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 Sunday Colossians 1:12-20 Solemnity of Christ the King 21 Luke 23:35-43 The King on the Throne of the Cross Why do we still celebrate the feast of He remains the King of kings and Christ the King? We know kings from Lord of lords. fairy tales and from history, many The Church puts Christ before of whom were not good rulers. The our eyes — as King. But He is a Bible is also not in favor of kings. king very different from the kings The prophet Samuel warned his of fairy tales and history. He is a people that having a king might not king, mocked and ridiculed, a king be beneficial to them for the kings executed as a rebel between rebels, would demand heavy burdens. The a king offering Himself as sacrifice Old Testament shows most kings as for others. Down through our history, rivals of Yahweh, more concerned thousands and millions of subjects about their own glory than about have died for their kings. But we being God-fearing leaders of Israel. Christians are serving a king who Today, there are still kings here died for us. and there. But in democratic states His kingdom is not built on they have lost their powers to the worldly power. A look at the cross, prime ministers. Why, then, do we the throne of our king; a look at the still celebrate Christ as King? thorns, the crown on his head; a The feast was instituted in 1926, look at Christ, humiliated and dying at a time when emperors and kings in agony — should help us learn had been dethroned, when the political from Him to be humble in spirit and instability after World War I again attitude, to be compassionate and threatened world peace. Pope Pius XI forgiving to those who have done us wanted all to realize that wrong, and to faithfully Reflection Question: genuine peace and unity Do I tend to be domineering serve those who are could be achieved only or do I try to imitate Christ’s entrusted to us. under the benign rule humble service? This feast, therefore, of Christ. World events is a challenge to us: to Lord, Your cruel death on the and circumstances may Cross preaches louder than look into our lives and cause many kings to Your sermons. May I learn attitudes and to mold lose their thrones, but from You and be there for oth- ourselves into genuine there is one ruler who ers as You were there for me followers of our King will never be affected and for all humankind. hanging on His throne… Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD by any change: Christ! St. Digain, pray for us. the cross.

332 November Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5 Monday Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 22 Luke 21:1-4 The Most Precious Gift “Jesus looked up.” This means He was admonished His listeners. sitting in the Temple area and resting. Here we ask the question: What He was sitting in the Court of the do I give as my gift to God? Let us Women, because it was there where not speak about money. We have 13 collection boxes were waiting for other things to offer as gifts: our time, the donations of the faithful pilgrims. our talents. Do we give Him just the The huge Temple needed money. surplus of our talents, of our abilities, The many priests on duty must be of our own selves? sustained, wood for sacrifices was We have to understand that we needed, and the vast area had to be are created in such a way that the maintained. Jesus was observing those self is simply the most precious gift who threw money in the collection that we have and we protect it with boxes. From their clothes, He could everything that we have got. So quite see who were rich and who were poor. naturally when it comes to giving the Jesus’ attention was suddenly drawn gift of self to God, we tend to give Him to a widow who offered the smallest what is second best and keep the best amount.And Jesus praised her! for ourselves. The little widow, on the We give gifts on various occasions other hand, basically gave to God her but not all gifts are given in the same whole being, everything that she had. way. A present can be given with Not just what she figured she could live a grudge and it loses Reflection Question: without, but she gave it its value. A donation Am I simply giving of my all: her heart, soul, mind, can be made in public surplus, or am I giving to God body, all of her works, before TV cameras to everything that I am and ev- actions and thoughts. erything that I have?” earn the praise of the Every single thing that viewers and it loses Lord, since the day I was born was God-given, she now much of its value. You have showered me with returned to the Giver. The The most valuable so many gifts that I will never Lord asks us to give our gift is the one that is be able to thank You enough. entire being to Him. Yes, But how stingy I can be when given out of love and it comes to offering You my gift He wants us to give it all in secret. “Let your of self! Take away this self-love and He is going to give it left hand not know and make me able to offer You all to us in return. That is what your right is my whole being. what is being offered to Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD doing,” Jesus once Sts. Mark & Stephen, pray for us. us.

333 November Revelation 14:14-19 Tuesday Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13 23 Luke 21:5-11 One or Two Judgments? Jesus paints a great scene of the Last could this verdict be reversed during Judgment. The King appears in the the Last Judgment? Surely not. clouds and all humankind assembles The Church explains that in the before Him to be divided — the sheep particular judgment we will be judged separated from the goats. for what we have done or failed to In today’s passage from the Book do. In the universal judgment we of Revelation, John on Patmos also will realize how our good deeds or describes the final judgment. He uses our failings have affected the course images from Old Testament writings of history. The Catechism of the such as the image of “one like a son Catholic Church affirms that: “The of man” appearing on a cloud. Last Judgment will reveal even to its What will really happen during furthest consequences the good each God’s judgment? person has done or failed to do during Unfortunately, the Bible is not his earthly life” (CCC 1039). very clear about it. The sacred writers One fact is very clear: the moment use metaphors and images common to will come when we will have to render their culture. Some authors, like John an account of all we have done in our of Patmos and St. Paul, speak only lives, our good deeds and our misdeeds. about a final judgment at the end of And the time will come when we will time. Luke, however, seems to know be made to realize the consequence of only about a judgment at our acts on the lives of the moment of death. Reflection Question: others — for better or Our catechism Am I scared of the Last Judg- for worse. speaks about two ment? Why? Is it because I When we think of our don’t live a life that merits judgments: the particular God’s approval? judgment day, therefore, judgment linked with the let us not focus solely on moment of death, and Lord, the thought of our judg- the distant future, but the universal judgment ment tends to frighten me. also take heed of the handed down at the end But now I realize it is like an here and now and make examination: the more I have of history. Are we then prepared, the less I have to fear. the best out of every judged twice? If we are And I also believe that You are a moment and opportunity admitted to heaven in merciful judge. Help me prepare the Lord gives us. Fr. Rudy the individual judgment, well for that moment. Horst, SVD St. Columban, pray for us.

334 November Revelation 15:1-4 Wednesday Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9 24 Luke 21:12-19 After the Tempest could this verdict be reversed during In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus vision of God and his works.” the Last Judgment? Surely not. speaks about the persecution His John uses the same heavenly The Church explains that in the disciples will have to endure. In the scene to encourage those who suffer particular judgment we will be judged end He tells them, “You will be hated for the sake of their faith in Christ not for what we have done or failed to by all on account of my name, but not to give up but remain strong until the do. In the universal judgment we a hair of your head will be lost. Your end. will realize how our good deeds or endurance will win you your lives.” Today, we might not have to our failings have affected the course The martyrs had endured many undergo persecution as the early of history. The Catechism of the sufferings and cruel deaths but their Christians did, but our faith was, Catholic Church affirms that: “The endurance had won them the joys of is and will always be challenged, Last Judgment will reveal even to its heaven. By dying at the hand of the one way or the other. Temptations furthest consequences the good each evil forces they actually had won to ignore God’s commandments person has done or failed to do during victory. Now they could not but sing and do what we think is right are his earthly life” (CCC 1039). songs of praise to God for His mighty dangerous threats. The “dictatorship One fact is very clear: the moment deeds. of relativism,” as then Cardinal will come when we will have to render This scene was beautifully Ratzinger named it, spreads even in an account of all we have done in our interpreted by Cambridge professor our so-called Christian country. As lives, our good deeds and our misdeeds. Henry Barclay Swete, an English long as we live in this world, our faith And the time will come when we will biblical and patristic scholar. He will always be tested. be made to realize the consequence of wrote, “In the presence of God the It is good to read John’s our acts on the lives of martyrs forget themselves; their encouraging visions. He reminds us others — for better or thoughts are absorbed by the new that in the dark hours of our lives, God for worse. wonders that surround them; the remains at our side. Instead of focusing When we think of our glory of God and the on the sufferings we judgment day, therefore, mighty scheme of Reflection Question: might endure, it would Do I lament and complain let us not focus solely on things in which their more than I praise God? be good to focus on the the distant future, but own sufferings form a mighty deeds God does also take heed of the tiny part are opening Lord, help me to focus more on in our lives. In doing here and now and make before them; they begin Your mighty deeds in my life so, we would not be the best out of every than on the sufferings I encoun- complaining; instead, to see the great issue of ter. May I never forget to praise moment and opportunity the world-drama, and and thank You for being at my we would be joining the Lord gives us. Fr. Rudy we hear the doxology side in my darkest hours. the saints in heaven in Horst, SVD with which they greet praising God. Fr. Rudy Horst, St. Colman of Cloyne, SVD their first unclouded pray for us.

335 November Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a Thursday Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 25 Luke 21:20-28 St. Catherine of Alexandria It was a great moment for our pilgrimage know that Catherine had converted his group when we finally arrived at our wife, the jailer and most of the imperial hotel near the traditional Mount Sinai. guards. He was so enraged that he had After depositing our luggage in our Catherine tortured and decapitated. rooms, the bus brought us to the foot of Although not a fairy tale, this legend the mountain. We walked through the had a happy ending. Legend tells us moonscape-like area until we reached that angels came and carried her body a huge complex of buildings — the to Mount Sinai where her relics are Greek-Orthodox Monastery of St. venerated until now. Catherine that houses her relics. We see here a very intelligent Who was she? We don’t have woman who would not compromise historical facts about her life but only her faith, despite the tempting offer to legends. Legends are not fairy tales spend her life in the emperor’s court, but stories that contain certain truths. and despite imprisonment and torture Instead of questioning the accuracy which ultimately led to her death. of the facts, let us ask: What does her Looking at the history of early story teach us? Christianity may lead to the impression Sometime in the Roman era, that most Christians came from the Catherine was born into a patrician lower levels of society, so that cynics family in Alexandria, Egypt. Her called Christianity a religion for the study of philosophy led her to convert poor and the dumb. But Catherine to Christianity. When she tried to was one of the countless followers of convert the emperor, Christ who was highly he had her examined Reflection Question: intelligent and who used When I am offered money or by 50 philosophers, all a higher social status, am I her God-given reason of whom she converted tempted to accept either one to love the Giver of all to Christianity. The at the expense of abandoning wisdom. emperor attempted to my Christian values? May St. Catherine’s make her his consort, example inspire us to Lord, it is not always easy to fol- but because she refused low You. Remind us more often use our intelligence and she was imprisoned and of saints like St. Catherine so God-given talents to tortured. The rage of that we may remain faithful to spread His Kingdom the emperor knew no You until the end. and proclaim His greater Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD bounds when he came to St. Jucunda, pray for us. glory.

336 November Revelation 20:1-4, 11 – 21:2 Friday Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a, 8a 26 Luke 21:29-33 Again, When will the World End? These past days, the Church has led uses numbers symbolically. Jewish us towards the end of the liturgical apocalyptic writers are fond of playing year tomorrow, through the Gospel with numbers and letting the reader passages and readings that speak about guess what the numbers stand for. the end of the world and the Second The Bible is not a book meant to Coming of Christ. Today, John’s vision frighten us. The Bible is Good News. again presents to us a grand picture of Through human authors, God speaks God’s triumph over evil. words of guidance and hope to help Shortly before the year 1000, us find our way through the jungle there was unrest in the Western world. of life. God’s Word wants us to focus European economy nearly collapsed on our day-to-day affairs and make because many people had stopped the best out of every moment given working and had gone to the mountains to us by God. Jesus taught us to pray, to wait for the Second Coming of the “Give us today our daily bread…” Lord. And shortly before the year 2000, We don’t pray for tomorrow’s a wave of end-of-the-world-prophecies bread. Tomorrow will take care of frightened humanity. Pope John Paul itself. Too often we plan too much II countered this by declaring the year for the future and get caught up 2000 as a special Jubilee Year. with its accompanying anxieties, The fear towards the end of a forgetting that today has enough millennium goes back to the Book of challenges and problems for us to Revelation. As we read today, John solve. Christianity is not a futuristic speaks clearly about a religion that makes us thousand year period Reflection Question: gaze into an uncertain Does the future cause me future. It is a realistic towards the end of the anxieties? Could it be that I world, during which don’t trust the Lord enough? religion that helps us to time Satan will be do what is right today. chained. Lord, thank You for taking away And doing the right Our problem is my fear of the future, for re- thing today and every directing my thoughts and that we take numbers actions to the here and now. succeeding day will literally, but the Book Help me to please You day after prepare us for the grand of Revelation was day and let the future take care moment when we will developed from ancient of itself. finally see Christ face Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD Jewish literature which St. Conrad, pray for us. to face.

337 November Revelation 22:1-7 Saturday Psalm 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab 27 Luke 21:34-36 Year-end Our liturgical year ends today. The and success, but also had to go Church celebrates the New Year through loneliness, misunderstanding, tomorrow. Every December 31, we ridicule and rejection. tend to reflect on the events of the Several times this month, we past year. I suggest that we do the reflected on the end of life. When same at the end of this liturgical year fear of death grips us, a look at and ask: What has this year with the Jesus and the liturgical celebration Lord done for us? of the Holy Week and Easter can Surely there were ups and downs, and will encourage us to see death instances when we felt that God was in a different light. Our Lord, too, distant and we were left alone in our could not escape death but rode it struggle. On the other hand, surely courageously through its dark gate there were moments when we felt into the glory and joy of heaven. This the Lord very close to us. We will gives us hope to move on until we experience all these again in the reach that dark door and the splendor coming liturgical year. beyond. Liturgy helps us cope with We thank the Lord today for these experiences, especially the the graces and blessings He has negative ones, because bestowed on us this through readings and Reflection Question: year, especially through liturgical actions we Is the liturgy just a ritual or our faithful attendance an obligation for me? Or do remember and celebrate I consider it as a life-giving of the liturgical the mystery of Christ’s encounter with the Lord? celebrations. The birth, life, death and highlight and climax resurrection. When At the end of another litur- of these celebrations is gical year, I thank You, Lord, we look at the Lord’s for the many blessings and that moment when the experiences here on graces I have received from Lord unites Himself earth, we discover that You. I thank You for all that You with us in the Eucharist. we can identify with went through here on earth to There He assures us of Him in our brightest comfort me with the knowledge His constant presence that You know what I am going and darkest moments. through. Continue to be with and His promise that He became one of us me always. we will never be alone “in all things but sin.” in our journey through He experienced joys Blessed Michael Takeshita, Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD pray for us. life.

338 November Isaiah 2:1-5 Sunday Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Romans 13:11-14 28 Matthew 24:37-44 Advent: A Time of Active Preparation There’s a story about Colonel Davenport, tell us about the end of the world and Speaker of the Connecticut House of how to prepare for it? Representatives way back in 1789. One The Gospel uses two images to day, while the House was in session, the make the point. One is the flood which sky suddenly grew dark and gloomy. overtook the unprepared people of Some representatives looked out the Noah’s time. The other is the analogy window and thought it was the end of of a thief in the night, who always the world. An uproar erupted with the comes unannounced. So Jesus urges representatives calling for immediate us to be watchful and ready. adjournment. But Davenport rose and To be watchful and ready does not said, “Gentlemen, the Day of Judgment mean getting overwhelmed by end-of- is either approaching or it is not. If it is the-world prophecies or by multiplying not, there is no cause for adjournment. visions of the world’s end. Rather it If it is, I choose to be found doing my means, as Colonel Davenport rightly duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be put it, to be more faithful to our duties brought.” Candles were brought out as children of God and the world. To and the session continued. be awake, therefore, is to live a life of On this first Sunday of Advent, faithful service to the Lord, following the Church does not yet focus on the the Lord’s commands and abiding in birth of Jesus more than His grace. 2,000 years ago. Instead Reflection Question: To d a y, a s w e it makes us reflect on Lord, You give us once more begin the new liturgical the final coming of this time of Advent to reflect year, let us resolve to Christ at the end of time not only on Your coming into reject the doomsday the world, but also on Your final and how to prepare for coming into my life at the hour paranoia on the one it. People make two big of death. Help me to live my life hand and irresponsible mistakes with regard to in active service to You so that I complacency on the the coming of the Lord. will be prepared to meet You. other. Let us resolve to One is to prepare for it live a life of faith and with paranoid anxiety. Despite the busy days before Christmas, how can I make Ad- love in service to the The other is to dismiss vent a time of reflection and Lord so that we shall be it with indifference and inner spiritual preparation? ready to follow Him into do nothing about it. the glory of eternity. Fr. What does the Gospel St. James Thompson, pray for us. Rudy Horst, SVD

339 November Isaiah 4:2-6 Monday Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9 29 Matthew 8:5-11 A Shocking Lesson The encounter of Jesus with the incident, namely, that whoever has Gentile Roman centurion in today’s faith and trust in Christ will be saved, Gospel reminds us that Jesus came whether he belongs to the so-called into this world not only for some Chosen People or to the despised selected people, but for all who would Gentiles. To illustrate this shocking open their hearts to Him and be ready lesson, let us imagine Jesus in Rizal to put His teachings into practice. Park preaching that not all Catholics There are some amazing details will go to heaven but that many in this well-known story: Buddhists and Muslims who trust in l While many Jews rejected God and live an honest life according Jesus, this Roman soldier had full faith to their conscience will enter His in Him. kingdom. Would you accept such a l While a Jew was not allowed statement? to enter a pagan’s house so as not to We can never be sure of going to become ritually unclean, Jesus was heaven just because we are baptized ready to go to the centurion’s house, or because we go to church regularly. taking a risk to be called unclean by If we don’t live an honest and upright life and practice Christ’s basic His fellow countrymen. commandment of love of God and l And there is the remarkable neighbor, we cannot be sure about our sensitivity of the centurion and his eternal happiness. profound trust in Jesus. May this thought He knew that Jews were Reflection Question: accompany us through not allowed to enter the Do I think I will be saved just because I am a Catholic? Do I Advent and help us house of a pagan and realize that my eternal future to make this season wanted to spare Jesus depends on my daily practice spiritually fruitful. of what Christ teaches? from this dilemma. But Instead of getting too he put his total trust and Lord, You have a way of shock- busy with shopping faith in Jesus for whom, ing us. But at times it is neces- and parties, why don’t he knew, nothing was sary for You to wake us up to we get busy listening impossible. the reality of our being Your to Christ’s words and The Jews, on disciples. Help us during this time of Advent to increase our trying to live our daily the other hand, were trust and faith in You. lives in accordance with offended by the lesson His teachings? Fr. Rudy Jesus drew from this St. Sadwen, pray for us. Horst, SVD

340 Romans 10:9-18 November Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Tuesday Matthew 4:18-22 30 Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle Andrew, my Idol incident, namely, that whoever has Andrew was a fisherman from Church of Constantinople (Istanbul) faith and trust in Christ will be saved, Bethsaida, the brother of Peter, and venerates Andrew as its founder. whether he belongs to the so-called a disciple of John the Baptist. He The Patriarch of Constantinople (or Chosen People or to the despised had left his job even before he came a delegate) visits Rome on the feast Gentiles. To illustrate this shocking to know Jesus. He must have been of St. Peter, and today the Pope is lesson, let us imagine Jesus in Rizal very eager to learn more about God sending a delegation to Istanbul to Park preaching that not all Catholics and the expected Messiah. celebrate the feast of Andrew, Peter’s will go to heaven but that many According to the Gospel of John, brother. Today, the two brothers meet Buddhists and Muslims who trust in Andrew, with the beloved disciple, and embrace in a culmination of God and live an honest life according was the first who followed Jesus. He efforts to create unity between the to their conscience will enter His was the one who brought his brother two Churches. Let us pray today in a kingdom. Would you accept such a to Jesus but strangely Jesus preferred special way for Church unity. statement? Peter to him. He was not prominent But back to Andrew. What I We can never be sure of going to and not included in the Peter-John- admire in him is that he was not heaven just because we are baptized James inner circle. And yet he never offended when Jesus favored his or because we go to church regularly. complained or carried a grudge. brother Peter. Normally, we would If we don’t live an honest and upright In the famous incident where the feel offended, develop a feeling of life and practice Christ’s basic disciples were helpless about feeding resentment, and ignore the person commandment of love of God and a big crowd, it was Andrew who who snubbed us. But not Andrew. neighbor, we cannot be sure about our spotted the boy with five loaves and From his life, we draw the good eternal happiness. brought him to Jesus, thus paving the news that God can use anybody May this thought way for the multiplication — strong as well as accompany us through of the loaves. When some Reflection Question: average — for the spread Advent and help us Greeks asked to have an How do I feel when others of His kingdom. We to make this season are favored over me? Do I audience with Jesus, it might be just average spiritually fruitful. remain dedicated to God was again Andrew who despite His seeming pref- people who never make Instead of getting too introduced them to his erence for others? the headlines. What is busy with shopping Master. Bringing people important to remember and parties, why don’t Lord, thank You for giving us to Jesus must be his joy. is that dedication to Jesus we get busy listening St. Andrew as a model. May Legends tell us about and working out of love to Christ’s words and his dedication to You and his his mission in Russia eagerness to bring others to for Him merits a score trying to live our daily and his death on a You inspire us to live as Your that is not average but a lives in accordance with disciples. Fr. Rudy Fr. Rudy diagonal cross in Greece. hundred percent. His teachings? Horst, SVD Horst, SVD The Greek Orthodox St. Zosimus, pray for us.

341 Isaiah 25:6-10a December Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 1 Wednesday Matthew 15:29-37 ADVENT JOY AND GLADNESS

We open this new month in this preparing. In the case of our Gospel Advent season with a “bang.” In episode today, probably the centurion all of the variable elements of the didn’t quite expect the magnanimous Eucharistic Celebration designated gesture of Jesus’ offering to come to for this day (i.e., the Opening Prayer, his house. It wasn’t an imposition First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, on the Roman military officer, of and Gospel), we have various course. Jesus shows that His healing references to one and the same thing: grace is for everyone, regardless the joy of the heavenly banquet of race or ideology. Just like the offered by God. heavenly banquet, in fact: “Many Joy and gladness, indeed, are will come from the east and the west valuable elements in this journey and will find a place at the banquet in that we have just begun. Liturgically the kingdom of God with Abraham, speaking, the Advent season bears Isaac and Jacob.” some resemblance to Lent. But Ready or not, the Lord is coming. Advent is marked by a certain No such thing for Him as ideological eagerness (and even excitement), barriers and false excuses such as by a joy that what one is waiting and unworthiness. As the centurion preparing for is sure to come. exemplified (and as was “endorsed” In other words, it is not a useless by Jesus, too), all that is needed is waiting. Our fervent anticipation of faith. And this faith in turn generates the Messiah’s coming the joy and gladness that we have (adventus in Latin, during this Advent Reflection Question: hence “Advent”) season. Fr. Martin Macasaet, How are you preparing for SDB colors our waiting and the Lord’s coming? Have you opened yourself up to His invitation? Do you take to heart the essence of Advent?

May I always live my life righ- teously, Lord, that I may be worthy to join Your banquet in heaven.

St. Natalia, pray for us.

342 December Isaiah 26:1-6 Thursday Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a 2 Matthew 7:21, 24-27 LIVES CENTERED AND FOUNDED ON THE LORD One characteristic of our liturgies how our writings (if we have any during this Advent season is the in the first place) are actualized or intentional connection between the fulfilled at all. Rather, the deeper First Reading and the Gospel, as far question is how or whether our lives as their themes are concerned. This are centered on our Lord and Savior surely makes for a coherent and Jesus Christ. Our Responsorial meaningful taking root of God’s Psalm points out the futility of Word in us. foundations and motivations other But aside from this characteristic than God. Instead, “it is better to thematic link between our readings, take refuge in the Lord than to trust we also have the prophet Isaiah in man . . . than to trust in princes.” as our Advent guide. Just as he Truly, “a strong city have we” describes God as the Rock in our in the Lord God; “he sets up walls First Reading today, it is clear that and ramparts to protect us.” And if it he himself was a prophet who was is peace that we long for in today’s solidly founded on rock (using the often violent and war-torn world, metaphor of our Gospel passage). let us be clear and convinced that According to the comment given we want peace indeed as our “firm in The Vatican II Weekday Missal, purpose.” For if it is so, then God Isaiah is considered the greatest Old Himself will be the one to reward Testament prophet by us Christians us with peace. “A nation of firm because so many of his writings were purpose you keep in peace; in peace, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. for its trust in you.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, It makes us think not so much SDB

Reflection Question: Who is the center of your life? When all else fails, who do you turn to? Do you put your trust and hope in man or in God?

Teach me to put my trust in You, O God, for You are the true strength that keeps me going.

St. Pontian, pray for us.

343 December Isaiah 29:17-24 Friday Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 3 Matthew 9:27-31 GOD HEALS THE BLINDNESS OF OUR PRIDE

Today’s Gospel passage can be The saint we are honoring today, considered the fulfillment of the St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552), prophet Isaiah’s ancient dream also had similar shortcomings in as given in the First Reading. He his lifetime. He was most known to wrote, “Out of gloom and darkness, have been an intrepid missionary, the eyes of the blind shall see.” And true enough, but very often he had to true enough, the two blind men who learn things the hard way. And it also pursued Jesus had the determination took Ignatius of Loyola three years and confidence to obtain their cure of gentle coaxing to win Francis from him. over, to join the first group of men But perhaps in their enthusiasm who would eventually be known as and eagerness, they overdid things. the Jesuits. “I have heard our great While the Lord Jesus warned them molder of men say that the toughest sternly to keep things hush-hush, the clay he had ever worked on was two blind men nevertheless went off that of young Francis Xavier in the and spread the word about Jesus. early days,” such was the report of Harkening back to Isaiah, we Ignatius’ secretary, Polanco. find his concluding verses very We admit that we, too, can surely instructive for such a situation: be “blinded” by stubbornness and “Those who err in spirit shall acquire pride. But we also take consolation understanding, and those who find in the Lord’s promises of healing, fault shall receive instruction.” as articulated by Isaiah the prophet: In other words, we “Now Jacob shall have can’t blame the two Reflection Question: nothing to be ashamed ex-blind men for Are you proud? Would you of, nor shall his face having disobeyed rather have your own way grow pale.” And once J e s u s . I t w a s n ’t than follow what God instructs again, “Those who err any ill-intentioned you to do, as written in the in spirit shall acquire Scriptures? transgression on their understanding, and part to simply share Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my t h o s e w h o f i n d the good news of their heart and humble me. Teach fault shall receive miraculous cure by me to follow You with utmost instruction.” Fr. Martin Jesus. obedience. Macasaet, SDB

St. Eloque, pray for us.

344 December Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Saturday Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 4 Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 PRIVILEGED YET RESPONSIBLE

If we study carefully and understand God’s chosen people meant that they well the circumstances behind ought to be also God’s witnesses to our Lord Jesus’ First Coming (in the world. Thus, Jesus (in today’s history), then we will hopefully Gospel) admonished His disciples prepare better for His future Second to go first to the lost sheep of the Coming (in majesty). The two house of Israel. The question indeed comings, after all, are very much is, why were there such lost sheep in connected: the first is like a prelude the first place? Israel didn’t listen to to the second. We, for our part, will God. As we read in John 1:11, “He hopefully learn from what happened came to his own, but his own people regarding the first (in the past), and did not welcome him.” then look forward to the second with Sometimes we blow our chances optimism (in the future). and we miss great opportunities It was like this: Israel, of in life — hopefully, not the ones course, was the chosen people. which come from God, most of all! God continuously intervened in For it is in those special privileges their history and made them the that we might come to know our object of His preferential love. The God-given mission in life. And Redeemer himself was to come from thanks to such a love of God for them. Such a rare privilege was us, we have been chosen by Him. a total gratuity: the Israelites did Perhaps we are unworthy, but we nothing to deserve it. have been selected nevertheless by (Their unfaithfulness God. And thus chosen Reflection Question: as we are, we do not and lack of gratitude How do you receive God’s was the sore point, love for you? Do you keep it to allow ourselves to be however.) yourself, or do you responsibly complacent. Rather, P r i v i l e g e share it with others by being we are responsible necessarily entails His witnesses? indeed. Fr. Martin Macasaet, responsibility. To be SDB May my heart recognize the opportunities You send my way, Lord, to proclaim Your Good News. I want to be Your witness.

St. Osmund, pray for us.

345 Isaiah 11:1-10 December Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Sunday Romans 15:4-9 5 Matthew 3:1-12 SANTA CLAUS OR JOHN THE BAPTIST? During these days before Christmas, Contrast these with the First there are two figures dominating the Reading, where we have a tender scene. One is from the commercial description of the root of Jesse, the and popular perspective: the figure glorious future King that is, and the of Santa Claus. The other is from the era he would inaugurate. Containing biblical and liturgical viewpoint: the a very affectionate depiction of figure of John the Baptist. animals at peace with one another, It should be quite interesting to it is an image perhaps more akin to put these two side by side for a tale- Santa Claus. of-the-tape comparison. Incidentally, Whichever, whatever of the both of them are saints of the Catholic two aspects: both are in fact valid Church (only that most people seem and pertinent for us. They need not to know Santa Claus more than the even conflict with or contradict one real St. Nicholas.) another. In any case, both are also Nevertheless, as far as our essential. We thus conclude this liturgy today is concerned, John reflection with a verse from the the Baptist is certainly the more Second Reading, from the letter of important of the two. He has a Paul to the Romans. It confirms our special role and message for us at constant pursuit for harmony and this time. As we read it in today’s consistency especially during this Gospel in fact, our consciences are Advent season: “May God, the source stirred and provoked. of all patience and encouragement, There seems to be a enable you to live in Reflection Question: perfect harmony with fiery and forceful tone What is the Christmas season both in the external to you? Do you look forward to one another according description of John the tinsels and lights, or do you to the spirit of Christ the Baptist, as well as take to heart John the Baptist’s Jesus.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, in his preaching. message about the One for SDB whom he has prepared the way?

Lord, make me remember every year the true meaning of the Christmas season.

St. Nicolas Tavigli, pray for us.

346 December Isaiah 35:1-10 Monday Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14 6 Luke 5:17-26 “WE HAVE SEEN INCREDIBLE THINGS TODAY!”

We begin this Second Week of St. Nicholas is a bishop who brought our Advent journey on a note of gladness and consolation to those exultation and amazement (taking in need. In the same vein, Isaiah’s our cue from today’s readings). As visionary description of the journey we read in today’s Gospel, “We have back from captivity is also aligned seen incredible things today!” That with all this: he speaks of healing, was the crowd’s exclamation upon renovation, and even greenery and witnessing Jesus’ miraculous cure foliage. Imagine these last two in the of the paralytic. arid Israelite landscape! More than the cure itself, the Once again: joy, mirth, gladness, main point of the whole thing is consolation, healing, renovation, Jesus’ masterful resolution of that greenery and foliage. All these awkward situation triggered by the positive and life-filled qualities mark scribes and the Pharisees. They in our days in this Advent season. Of fact questioned Jesus’ authority course we don’t close an eye on to forgive sins. Our Lord, for His the evil and filth surrounding us at part, used the physical cure itself the same time. But even these are as proof of a spiritual healing and a “absorbed” into the perspectives of restoration to health and happiness. our faith and God’s love. And so we Today’s saint, St. Nicholas, see all things as falling in place and reflects such joy and mirth flowing working for the good. from a heart that is healed and True enough, in the midst forgiven. Far from his bearded, red- of it all, we still exclaim, clad image (the ever- “We have seen popular Santa Claus Reflection Question: incredible things as perpetuated by a What incredible things have today!” F r. M a r t i n soft drink company), you seen today? Do you ac- Macasaet, SDB knowledge them as God’s blessings in your life?

Lord, may our eyes and hearts be always open to Your good- ness , not only during Advent but every day.

St. Asella, pray for us.

347 December Isaiah 40:1-11 Tuesday Psalm 96:1-2, 3, 10ac, 11-12, 13 7 Matthew 18:12-14 GOD’S MERCY WILL FIND US

Today’s “connecting point” between way on their own, they prefer to sit the First Reading and the Gospel still and just wait instead until they hinges on the image of the shepherd. are found by the shepherd. Fittingly, it comes towards the end of This was the case in the life the passage today from Isaiah, and of St. Ambrose (whose liturgical then in the entire Gospel parable. memorial falls today): he was the It obviously connects, but at saintly archbishop of Milan, through the same time the Gospel engages whose preaching the conversion of in a slight shift of focus: from the Augustine was obtained. A genuine shepherd onto the sheep. Specifically, shepherd of his flock, Ambrose in fact, to a lost sheep. was an excellent administrator Perhaps we can ask a question: and a zealous pastor. Thanks to is it to the discredit of the shepherd his preaching, Augustine (who, in that one of the 99 sheep he has in his fact, heard Ambrose in one of his fold disappears? Is it, in other words, homilies) was converted from his his fault? sinful ways. There is an interesting detail If ever, for some reason, we provided by biblical archaeologists stray into the “enemy territory” of and historians regarding the sin and wrongdoing, we need not instinctual behavior of oriental-breed panic. God will find us, for sure. sheep typically whenever they get We have only ourselves to blame lost. Upon sensing such a misfortune, for our sins, anyway. But we have they stop their frantic only God to thank wandering and just Reflection Question: for His mercy and stay still. Instead of Do you feel like a sheep lost love. Fr. Martin Macasaet, searching the right from the Shepherd’s fold? SDB What keeps you from trusting in His mercy and love?

Thank You, Lord, for Your undy- ing love and mercy that You shower on me when I get lost in my way.

St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello, pray for us.

348 December Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Wednesday Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 8 of the Blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1:26-38 MARY, GOD’S MASTERPIECE

Today is the only other holiday of and balance. In her, what we might obligation for us Catholics in the deem confusion and contradiction is Philippines, aside from Christmas really the blend of mystery. Suffused and the Solemnity of Mary, the with grace and wisdom, a crucial Mother of God. This is just rightly part of the history of our salvation is so, for we Filipinos are indeed “un in fact the interplay between God’s pueblo amante de Maria” (a Mary- grace and Mary’s free acceptance. loving people.) St. Anselm brilliantly captures this In any case — as it is often in this passage from a sermon of his: said when it comes to Mary — it “God... is the Father of the created is never enough. Meaning to say, world and Mary the mother of the our devotion to her should certainly re-created world. God is the Father go beyond obligation or duty; it by whom all things were given life, is a devotion born out of sincere and Mary the mother through whom love and gratitude. For if we honor all things were given new life. For Jesus Christ, what is to keep us God begot the Son, through whom from honoring, too, the very mother all things were made, and Mary gave herself who gave birth to Him? birth to him as the Savior of the Anything we offer to the Blessed world. Without God’s Son, nothing Virgin Mary by way of praise, honor, could exist; without Mary’s Son, veneration and supplication does in nothing could be redeemed.” no way detract from our relationship Holiday of obligation or not, with Jesus Christ, our Lord. At the therefore, we never let a single same time, if we let Mary fulfill her day in our lives pass without primary purpose of thinking of and bringing us to her Son, honoring our Blessed Reflection Question: that would be ideal As a Catholic, how do you Mother. And from the and in keeping with regard the Blessed Mother? fullness of mystery a balanced Catholic How often do you seek her and the balance of perspective. intercession in prayer? perspective, we A s G o d ’ s honor her and sing masterpiece, Mary in O Blessed Mother of God, watch her praises. Fr. Martin fact epitomizes grace over me every day and lead me Macasaet, SDB to the love of your Son, my Lord, Jesus Christ.

St. Romaric, pray for us.

349 December Isaiah 41:13-20 Thursday Psalm 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13ab 9 Matthew 11:11-15 “FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU” This year we are not celebrating the of a woman greater than John the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Baptizer. Yet the least born into (since it falls on a Sunday, December the kingdom of God is greater than 12). Nevertheless we are still blessed, he.” because today is the feast of St. Juan This apparently contradictory Diego. He is, of course, no other statement is true, because Jesus was than the man to whom the Blessed making not so much a comparison of Mother appeared on December 9, persons, as one of eras in Salvation 1531, on the Tepeyac Hill. And History. Still, Jesus also put it more as if that wasn’t yet enough, a clearly and categorically for his miraculous image of Mary was listeners: “[John the Baptizer] is imprinted on a mantle brought by Elijah, the one who was certain to Juan Diego — Mary’s image now come.” known throughout the world as Our We need not end up confused. Lady of Guadalupe. Even poor Juan Diego received There is indeed something an assurance from Mary when his miraculous, something baffling in bishop doubted and asked him for the whole thing. So it is somehow proof of the apparition. Isaiah in with the person of John the Baptizer, our First Reading serves for us as our designated Advent guide. In fact, God’s mouthpiece, “I am the Lord, the statement of Jesus about him in your God, who grasp[s] your right the Gospel today is paradoxical: hand; It is I who say to you, ‘Fear “History has not not, I will help you.’” known a man born Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB Reflection Question: In times of trouble and confu- sion, do you rely on God? Or do you proudly try to figure things out by yourself?

You have made perfect plans for my life, O God. May I be brave enough to face trials, knowing that You are constantly there to help me.

St. Balda, pray for us.

350 December Isaiah 48:17-19 Friday Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 10 Matthew 11:16-19 CARRYING ON JOHN THE BAPTIST’S MISSION

From our readings today, we should continue the prophetic observe a couple of helpful points: mission of John and point out first, we end our one-after-the- Christ’s presence in the world. other “serialized” readings from For sure we will also meet the prophet Isaiah. Later, when rejection and disapproval — who Christmas draws closer, we shall are we, anyway, compared to John meet him again. In the meantime, the Baptist? Yet, God’s standards John the Baptist takes over Isaiah for judgment will be the one to as our main Advent guide. vindicate us in the end (just as it Our Responsorial Psalm seems happened to John the Baptist). to be almost a verse-by-verse “Time will prove where tribute to John himself. “Whatever wisdom lies,” as our Lord Jesus he does, prospers” — just to cite said. With the words of today’s one line. Opening Prayer in the Holy But on the contrary, we Mass, we therefore implore see that in today’s Gospel, the God to make us look forward contemporaries of John the Baptist in hope. We might be uncertain criticized and received him very of what the future holds, but we unfavorably. Perhaps it is up to us can always be sure of God’s love now to reverse such a tide. And and mercy for us. Fr. Martin Macasaet, even more, we, too, nowadays SDB

Reflection Question: It is every Christian’s mission to spread the Good News. In what way are you fulfilling the mission that John the Baptist started thousands of years ago?

Holy Spirit, grant me the zeal to proclaim Christ’s undying pres- ence in the world with my words and deeds.

Blessed Julia Merida, pray for us.

351 December Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Saturday Psalm 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19 11 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13 THE PLIGHT OF THE GREAT PROPHETS

Both the First Reading and the and Jesus Himself. Rejection and Gospel today contain allusions or humiliation seem to be it. references to Elijah, the remarkable There is no reason to be prophet who lived in the ninth discouraged at all on our part century B.C. He was widely believed now. Not that we have illusions of to return before the Messiah came. being prophets ourselves. Perhaps And with the appearance of John the that is only for those few chosen Baptist, the expectation of Elijah’s ones, as it were. But if God indeed return became even more intense. commissions us to be prophets, let us Jesus, in fact, seemed to add not hesitate to heed the call. Let us more fuel to the fire by stating, not be discouraged by the rejection “I assure you, though, that Elijah we might receive. Both Church and has already come, but they did not society need courageous men and recognize him and they did as they women who will speak in God’s pleased with him.” He was hinting name. at John the Baptist, of course. But Our prayers are with them still there was an even more ominous and for them (using words from addition to that statement: “The Son today’s Responsorial Psalm): of Man will suffer at their hands in “May your help be with the man the same way.” of your right hand, with the One and the same, indeed son of man whom you yourself it seems, is the lot of the great made strong.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, prophets: Elijah, John the Baptist, SDB

Reflection Question: Do the fear of rejection and humiliation stop you from be- coming modern-day prophets? Why?

I am proud to be called Your dis- ciple, Lord. Let nothing get in my way of proclaiming Your glory.

Pope Saint Damsus I, pray for us.

352 December Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Sunday Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 James 5:7-10 12 Matthew 11:2-11 PATIENCE IN WAITING FOR THE LORD With the Third Sunday of Advent the Baptizer in our Gospel reading already at hand (and with the today. We read that he was in Misa de Gallo already set to start prison. And perhaps even the great this week), the mode is surely forerunner of our Lord also gave in one of excitement, shifting to to a certain impatience and doubt. higher gear, and moving into a Who can ever blame him? Having faster pace. Counteracting this, heard about the works Jesus Christ however, is still the effort and carried out (not according perhaps reminder to step on the brakes and to his expectations), John (through to take it easy. messengers) asked whether Jesus All this comes from our was indeed the long-awaited readings today. The passage from Messiah. the Letter of James is particularly When we are in trying straightforward: “Be patient, my situations, perhaps our defenses brothers, until the coming of the can crumble. We are compelled to Lord.” pick up the pieces and renew our Perhaps the virtue of patience trust in the Lord. He is the One who is tested very much in jail, when will show us our shortcomings, and the prisoner is behind bars serving also convince us to carry on more his sentence, simply waiting for the than ever and continue the efforts passage of time. Which was exactly — with lots of patience, of course. the situation of John Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question: Do you get downhearted easily when things go wrong in your life? Does your faith in God waver during these times?

“Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:6)

St. Corentin, pray for us.

353 December Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Monday Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8-9 13 Matthew 21:23-27 ACKNOWLEDGING JESUS’ AUTHORITY IN OUR LIVES

As we are now in Advent’s third the response to the question of week, we get a hearty serving of the basis for Jesus’ authority is the Messianic prophecies in our effectively answered (in retrospect, readings. We can ask the intercession that is) through the Old Testament of today’s saint, St. Lucy (virgin and prophecy of Balaam. Jesus fulfills martyr, as well as patron saint of the prediction and He possesses the those suffering from eye diseases), authority of the promised ruler, the that we, too, may truly see Jesus Messiah. Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Indeed, if we were to go back to Testament predictions. the Gospel incident, we can’t help We have, on one hand, in today’s but observe the competent command First Reading those from Balaam (a of Jesus over the situation, one that famous Old Testament wise man). could have been embarrassing to The Gospel reading, on the other Him to say the least. His “counter- hand, is the episode about Jesus in question” and reversal of the situation a discussion with the chief priests was a masterful stroke of genius. and elders on the basis for his Truly, our Lord was in control of the authority. situation; never would His authority They posed a question to Jesus, and power be questioned. which He countered with a question Let it be so in our lives as Jesus’ of His own to them. Not until they disciples, therefore. We dare not answered it first would He answer question His authority. He and He theirs. In effect, Jesus alone is our Lord, the turned the tables on Messiah, the One to Reflection Question: them, putting them on Do you let the Lord Jesus whom we owe our the hot seat. guide you from day to day? gratitude and loyalty. But in a sense, What other areas of your life Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB have you not surrendered to Him? Do you question Him in times of difficulty?

You are the Lord of my life, Jesus. I put my trust in You.

Sts. Einhildis & Roswinda, pray for us.

354 December Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Tuesday Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23 14 Matthew 21:28-32 HUMILITY IN BEING THE “REMNANT”

Our First Reading today is from rug from under them by stating, “Let a seldom-read book of the Bible, me make it clear that tax collectors that of the prophet Zephaniah. The and prostitutes are entering the passage is somehow representative kingdom of God before you.” of the tone of the entire book itself. That was terrible for the chief If you notice, there are actually two priests and elders to hear, and yet parts in the First Reading given today that was precisely Jesus’ point. Our (verses 1-2, and then, 9-13). First, we Lord is certainly not one who minces have a terrible denunciation; then the His words. We might as well apply mood somewhat suddenly changes them to ourselves, too. The rest to a consoling and encouraging of the verse is: “When John came one. As one who lived during the preaching a way of holiness, you put degenerate times of the seventh no faith in him; but the tax collectors century B.C., Zephaniah prophesied and prostitutes did believe in him. about the terrible “Day of the Lord.” Yet even when you saw that, you did But he also spoke of a holy remnant not repent and believe in him.” that would remain and would enjoy Yes, we can all fall victim peace. to taking God’s interventions Today’s Gospel mirrors such for granted. Or we often tend to a combination. It opens with Jesus identify ourselves with the better proposing for the consideration or higher class of Christians. of the chief priests and elders the Let us simply recall Zephaniah’s Parable of the Two “remnant”: “For then Reflection Question: will I remove from Sons. After presenting Were there times in your life these “two sides of when you proudly let your your midst the proud the coin” (together head get the better of you? braggarts, and you with His strategy How open are you to the signs shall no longer exalt of blindsiding His of the times? yourself on my holy listeners), our Lord mountain. But I will Lord, open my mind to Your denounces them for mysterious ways. Let me not rely leave as a remnant in their lack of faith in on my own judgment, but on your midst a people John the Baptizer. the leadings of the Holy Spirit. humble and lowly....” Jesus even pulls the Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB Sts. Justus & Abundius, pray for us.

355 December Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25 Wednesday Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14 15 Luke 7:18b-23 AFFIRMATION AND ASSURANCE FROM GOD As we realize from the halfway mark mission of Jesus. And so John sent of this month of December, we are two of his disciples as emissaries to drawing nearer to Christmas. Our Jesus, to verify with the Lord whether twin Advent guides in the persons of He was indeed the Messiah. In a way, Isaiah (once again today) and John it was understandable. And also, we the Baptizer continue to help us in see that it is simply in consistency our preparation. with John’s characteristic candor Through the mouth of His and frankness that he asked for some prophet, the almighty God is assuring kind of reassurance. us with much conviction: “I am the Affirmation and assurance: these Lord, there is no other . . . . Turn are two things which all of us need in to me and be safe, all you ends of life. No one among us is so callous the earth, for I am God; there is as to no longer have any need for no other!” (The double affirmation a friendly tap on the shoulder, or a serves to get the message across even congratulatory word to know that we more forcefully.) have done well. Or even a fraternal The Gospel, in the meantime, correction or a sincere rebuke, for is a rather unusual glimpse into that matter. the person of John the Baptizer. From the Lord God, we can Perhaps because of disillusionment obtain both, in fact. Perhaps we and suffering (as he was already should think about that for our imprisoned by Herod at this time), he Christmas wish lists these days. Fr. also fell to doubting Martin Macasaet, SDB the identity and Reflection Question: God constantly gives us assur- ance and affirmation through the written Word that He is present in our lives. Do you believe this by heart? How do you assure and affirm others?

Teach me, Lord, to be generous to my neighbors with words and gestures of assurance and affirmation.

St. Nino, pray for us.

356 December Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 (or Isaiah 54:1-10) Thursday Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8 (or Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12a, 13b) 16 John 5:33-36 (or Luke 7:24-30 ) FILIPINO CATHOLIC YOUTH AND THE CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES All throughout the Catholic Church Gospel reinforces for us the figure in the Philippines begins today of John the Baptizer as a strong the series of Dawn Masses (or and spartan prophet. And then for Anticipated Masses the night the First Reading, we open a new before), traditionally known as the chapter from the book of the prophet Misa de Gallo and preparatory to Isaiah. In here is an evocative and Christmas. However, if we were encouraging message for the exile- to follow strictly the liturgy, the weary nation of Israel. Her days as “shift to higher gear” in our Advent a “childless widow” are now over. journey should more properly begin God Himself will marry her and tomorrow still, as we begin the make her fruitful in an irrevocable second part of the Advent season. covenant of peace. In any case, also calling our This is our hope as well for attention is the National Youth Day the Catholic Church. She may be today for the Catholic Church in embattled from every side in our the Philippines. After all, just as present-day society. She nevertheless the Misa de Gallo is intended for continues in her God-given mission the perseverance of our beloved of renewal and rejuvenation. Like nation in the Catholic Faith, we John the Baptist and Isaiah, the do recognize also the role of our Filipino Catholic youth in particular Filipino Catholic youth in renewing have a role to play and a contribution and vivifying the Catholic Church in to make. They go forth boldly to our country. give witness to both Church and Our scriptural state, to civil society readings continue to Reflection Question: and government. enlighten us as they, How do you, as a Catholic, help the Church in witnessing M a y G o d b l e s s , too, blend with our about God? strengthen and guide above-mentioned them. Fr. Martin Macasaet, circumstances. The Fill me with the Holy Spirit, SDB Lord, that I may be constantly inspired to bear witness to You.

Blessed Raynald de Bar, pray for us.

357 December Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Friday Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 17 Matthew 1:1-17 COME, O WISDOM FROM ON HIGH On this day begins our final efforts today’s Gospel reading of the in preparing for Christmas. With genealogy of Jesus Christ, we can special solemnity, the so-called say that God indeed “ordered all seven “O Antiphons” are sung at things mightily and sweetly.” It is no Vespers, and they are included as secret, in fact, that such a genealogy well in the Holy Masses as the of Jesus contains “out-of-place” and Gospel Acclamation. They date back even shocking names such as those from the sixth or seventh century, of women, foreigners and — worse and they always contain one or more still — sinners. And yet, in the divine Old Testament allusions or figures. wisdom and order, everything falls Originally in Latin, there are many in place. English translations nowadays. And that is also why we implore (For our purposes, we utilize here God to teach us the way of prudence. the version by the great liturgical This oft-neglected virtue can mean historian Pius Parsch.) In this run- several things, including “sagacity up therefore before Christmas, we or shrewdness in the management shall reflect on them, aside from the of affairs, skill and good judgment liturgical readings. in the use of resources” (Merriam- The one for today is as follows: Webster’s 11th Collegiate “O Wisdom, You came forth from Dictionary). We all do have our own the mouth of the Most High, and “genealogies,” as it were: that is to reaching from beginning to end, say, our baggage and burdens from You ordered all things mightily and the past, our unfinished businesses sweetly. Come, and a n d r e s u r f a c i n g teach us the way of Reflection Question: issues. prudence!” Do you live prudently, real- I n t h i s h o l y I n v o k i n g t h e izing that life is a gift that we season of Advent, must live to the full? What are Lord as the Wisdom the unnecessary baggages let us pray that from on high makes that you carry? God may enlighten us realize indeed His us and help us greatness. It is one that God, grant me the serenity “manage” them, is all-encompassing to accept the things I cannot and also come to ( “ r e a c h i n g f r o m change; courage to change the terms with them. Fr. beginning to end”). things I can; and wisdom to Martin Macasaet, SDB Applying this to know the difference. St. John of Martha, pray for us.

358 December Jeremiah 23:5-8 Saturday Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 18 Matthew 1:18-25 COME, O GOD AND RULER

Next, we implore the Lord: “O Gospel passage today, about Joseph. Adonai (God of the Covenant) and Thanks to his trusting obedience to Ruler of the house of Israel, You God, things were put back on course. appeared to Moses in the fire of the Certainly it was more than just a burning bush, and on Mount Sinai case of salvaging a woeful situation, gave him Your Law: Come, and with stemming from a “maling akala” (a an outstretched arm redeem us!” mistaken presumption) on the part of The Old Testament references Joseph’s engagement and impending are, of course, clear and familiar. Of marriage to Mary. The whole thing old Yahweh appeared in the burning was a manifestation of the almighty bush, and in the fullness of time He power of God, holding fort in the appeared on earth in human flesh. midst of human travails. Even now we are at the point of Many of us will in one way or celebrating that appearance with joy. another identify with the story of On Sinai He gave the Old Law amid Joseph, but not too many of us will lightning and thunder; we now are perhaps realize in our own lives about to stand in silent awe before the same divine intervention that the crib of Bethlehem. happened to him. It need not be We beseech the Lord to come limited only to a privileged few like and save us with His outstretched Joseph. The possibility is always arm. But He can only do so on the there for each and every one of us — condition that we unite our will to thanks to Yahweh Adonai. He indeed His. All our entreaties are in vain is Lord and Ruler of our lives. If we without this crucial are but open to God’s workings, if prerequisite. we but obey His will, A p e r f e c t Reflection Question: surely He will act with How many times have you example of this is His outstretched arm. called on God to help you, yet Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB what we read in our have refused to obey His com- mandments?

Humble me, Lord, and lead me to obey Your will for You know what is best for me.

St. Moses, pray for us.

359 Isaiah 7:10-14 December Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (7c, 10b) Sunday Romans 1:1-7 19 Matthew 1:18-24 COME, O ROOT OF JESSE

Today’s “O Antiphon” brings to us the Nevertheless, the Kingdom that figure of the Root of Jesse: “O Root Christ came to inaugurate powerfully of Jesse, You stand for an ensign of embraces the whole world, drawing all mankind; before You kings shall keep nations to it, and placing high and low silence, and to You all nations shall under its rule. Church history provides have recourse. Come, save us, and do many instances of the fulfillment of not delay.” this, from the Acts of the Apostles The text is taken from the book down to our own day. To note such of the prophet Isaiah (see chapter 11, cases is very gratifying and strengthens verses 1 and 10). Jesse, of course, our faith. is the father of King David. From Sensational projects, politically their lineage would come Joseph, correct strategies, triumphalist plans the husband of Mary. (Today’s and schemes — the Catholic Church Gospel passage is actually a repeat of has admittedly also had her share of yesterday’s, focusing on Joseph’s role these. Perhaps they only show how in the birth of Jesus.) she has, in fact, betrayed her God- In reality, David’s royal line was given task of witnessing instead to a dethroned with the exile and thereafter power-in-weakness. Rather, her might remained shrouded in oblivion — is precisely for those who humbly hence Jesse’s stump. But with Christ receive the grace she brings from God. a new branch buds out of the old root; For this, no obstacle is too great, no the throne of David is once again persecution too bloody. The Cross of occupied. Christ is the root of Jesse, Christ is truly the “ensign” of nations, both as a descendant of David and as the banner around which those who occupant of the royal throne. seek salvation gather. T h e o r i g i n s David feebly faltered, of the Messiah are but nonetheless he truly humble and Reflection Question: Do you despair when your repented. Joseph unimpressive. Joseph, days don’t turn out as well as wrongly planned, but being the last man in you had planned them? Why in the end he humbly this lineage, was “a not trust in the greater plans obeyed. During this righteous man” — of God? Advent season, let’s but also lowly and allow them to challenge unassuming, subject Like David and Joseph, humble us with their examples. to nearly mistaken our hearts, O God, that we may Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB plans and intentions. be better followers of You.

St. Bernard Valeara, pray for us.

360 December Isaiah 7:10-14 Monday Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 20 Luke 1:26-38 COME, O KEY THAT SETS US FREE We have again a picturesque image today. And the First Reading is the in our “O Antiphon” today: “O Key prophecy by Isaiah, accommodated of David and Sceptre of the house of by the Church to allude to the Virgin Israel: You open and no man closes; Birth. You close and no man opens. Come, In between the two readings is and deliver him from the chains of of course the Responsorial Psalm prison who sits in darkness and in which pleads, “Let the Lord enter; the shadow of death.” he is the king of glory.” Yes, the It should be perfectly obvious Lord indeed might be the very Key that Jesus Christ is the “Key of himself, with all his power and David,” the One who opens all the authority. But if we actually don’t secrets and mysteries of the Old allow Him to enter into our hearts, Testament. The sceptre implies a there is little that He can do. He is true fullness of power over God’s strong and powerful, but we still kingdom. decide whether we let Him enter or But we may add that perhaps all not. this would somehow not be possible We therefore plead with Christ without another “key”: the Virgin the Redeemer to unlock the prison Mary’s fiat, her crucial consent to doors of our hearts. May He loosen the Divine proposal for her to be the the bonds of sin, and show sinners Mother of God’s Son, Jesus. This is like us the freedom of a heart precisely what we have in our Gospel forgiven. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question: Do you think you can exhibit the obedience to God exem- plified by the Blessed Virgin? How many times have you turned God down?

Lord Jesus, I swallow my pride and open my heart to You now. Come fill me with Your love.

St. Julius, pray for us.

361 Song of Songs 2:8-14 December (or Zephaniah 3:14-18a) Tuesday Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 21 Luke 1:39-45 COME, O DAYSPRING Nature (not so much sacred to say. The sun gives life, light, history) seems to inspire today’s warmth, joy, health. Let’s imagine “O Antiphon”: “O Rising Dawn, a place where the sun’s rays do not Radiance of the Light eternal and penetrate, a dark cellar, for example, Sun of Justice; come, and enlighten wet with rottenness, darkness, death. those who sit in darkness and in the Let’s apply the proper deductions, shadow of death.” spiritually — we get it by now, of Indeed, why is it that the sunset course. seems to have more appeal to Our Gospel episode today of us than the sunrise? In Manila, Mary’s Visitation to her cousin there are lengthy rows of several Elizabeth was perhaps like a “sunrise food, beverage and entertainment moment” for the latter. Just like establishments capitalizing on a Elizabeth, we ourselves might not view of the famous Manila Bay really commit anything terrible to sunset. Today we are asked to make our lives so dark and dead. consider instead the imagery of the But surely we can use a visit from dayspring, the dawn, the sunrise. our Blessed Mother, a call and a The sun as a symbol of Christ is stay by her to brighten up our bare one of the finest and most powerful lives. After all, she brings with her figures in Sacred Scripture and in the Sun of Justice, the Radiance of the liturgy. Its commonplaceness the Light eternal: Jesus Christ, the and simplicity as a symbol makes Dayspring from on high. Fr. Martin it speak volumes, so Macasaet, SDB Reflection Question: When clouds of anxiety dark- en your days, what and who do you hold on to? Do you seek the eternal Light’s pres- ence in your life?

O Blessed Mother, watch over us and shine on us the Light of your Son, our Lord, when our days are not so bright.

Blessed Andrew Dung Lac, pray for us.

362 December 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Wednesday 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd 22 Luke 1:46-56 COME, O DESIRE OF NATIONS AND KING OF THE GENTILES

“O King of the Gentiles and the belief, or ideology. Desire of all, You are the cornerstone In the greater context of that binds two (the Jews and Gentiles) Salvation History, Jew and Gentile into one: Come, and save poor man meet in Jesus Christ. We Christians whom You fashioned out of clay.” in fact acknowledge ourselves to be The previous “O Antiphons” the spiritual heirs of the Jews. And stemmed from a clearly Jewish as the keystone or cornerstone, Jesus context. The Messiah would be Christ serves as the foundation, the the fulfillment of the Israelite spiritual support and mainstay of expectations. Rightly did Mary the Church. In Him the walls fall proclaim in today’s Gospel: “[God] and crumble: “There does not exist has come to the help of his servant among you Jew or Greek, slave or Israel for he remembered his promise freeman, male or female. All are one of mercy, the promise he made to our in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). fathers, to Abraham and his children Aside from considering the for ever.” numerous men and women who up But now there is a shift of focus to now still haven’t heard the Good to the Gentiles as well, an expansion News of Salvation in Jesus Christ, of God’s all-inclusive love. Come we also acknowledge those “dark to think of it, on our part we are all corners” within our hearts that still fundamentally one: “fashioned out need to be penetrated by Christ’s of clay.” And with our human frailty, Lordship. For all these, we beseech ours is the essential the Lord to indeed need for salvation — Fr. Martin Reflection Question: “Come!” regardless of race, What areas of your life have Macasaet, SDB you not surrendered to Christ’s Lordship? What keeps you from letting Him take over?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not. (Proverbs 3:5)

St. Hunger, pray for us.

363 December Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Thursday Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14 23 Luke 1:57-66 COME, O EMMANUEL Finally, in this last of the “O of John the Baptizer. For the friends Antiphons,” we call on the Lord and relatives of Elizabeth and Jesus: “O Emmanuel (God with us), Zechariah, drama quickly turned our King and Lawgiver, the Expected to gladness and rejoicing. At the of nations and their Savior: Come, same time there was a sense of awe, and save us, O Lord our God!” foreboding and mystery. “What, Reading this final antiphon gives then, will this child be?” people a feeling that a climax has indeed asked of John. come. These past days we have been We who have the benefit of invoking God with various terms and seeing things in retrospect know the titles, but now we are using nothing answer, of course. Through it all, we less than His very name: Emmanuel, know that God keeps His promises, God with us. It reveals to us the kind that God is always in action. He is heart of God — how He longs to be definitely the Lord of History, the with us, to be one like us, to be one of Lord of our lives. us. There are, in fact, four other titles May our hearts be always in this last antiphon, but somehow disposed to pray these “O Antiphons” the name Emmanuel surpasses them sincerely and confidently — not only all. during these designated days before Our Gospel reading today has Christmas, but in whatever instances some discussion about the giving of of our lives when we wish to implore names. This is of course during the the God who comes, the God who is episode of the birth and circumcision with us. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question: How much importance do you give our Lord Jesus on ordinary days? Every day should be Christmas day!

Every day I shall call on You, Lord, and bless Your Holy name.

St. Dagobert II, pray for us.

364 December 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Friday Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 24 Luke 1:67-79 CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS ON THE RIGHT NOTE For all the Christmas anticipation sobering thought with which to enter and excitement these days, it is into the Christmas festivities: not worth reminding ourselves that a wet blanket certainly to dampen today, December 24, is still the last our merriment, but rather, a simple day of Advent. and helpful reminder of the true True enough, a spirit of joyful, meaning of Christmas — if only to excited anticipation fills this day. set our perspectives aright, and to For tonight comes the “Holy Night.” curb or tone down our misplaced The Opening Prayer of today’s Mass enthusiasm. doesn’t hesitate to implore, “Come, So it is as if the stage is now Lord Jesus, do not delay.” set for the big feast, commencing But once again our Mass readings tonight. Let it not consist only of serve to temper the eagerness and indulgence in mere external festivity. the thrill. The Gospel is no other There are deeper and more valid than the “Benedictus,” Zechariah’s grounds for a meaningful Christmas counterpart to Mary’s “Magnificat.” celebration. And let it be not just a It is the canticle of praise to God, a once-a-year, flash-in-the-pan fête. hymn filled with the Old Testament As with the psalmist, we proclaim, spirit and acknowledging God’s “For ever I will sing the goodness of enduring goodness across salvation the Lord.” history. Zechariah sees John’s birth With Christmas just a few as part of the fulfillment of the hours away, therefore, we wait promises to Israel. with bated breath until... Fr. Martin It is a good, Macasaet, SDB Reflection Question: How do you experience the birth of our Lord and Savior in your heart? Do you rejoice in Him only at Christmas time?

You were born to save me, Lord Jesus. All praise and thanksgiv- ing to You! I will glorify Your name forever!

St. Tarsilla, pray for us.

365 Isaiah 52:7-10 December Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (3c) Saturday Hebrews 1:1-6 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord 25 John 1:1-18 ONE DEFINITIVE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE We finally arrive at this great feast, expected has been fulfilled (as in and we rejoice and greet each other, when we say, for example, “Whew! “Merry Christmas!” Finally...”). The “definitiveness” is But have you noticed the big in a much deeper sense as well: that variety of liturgical possibilities for with Jesus Christ, God has attained our Christmas celebration today? to both the fullness and climax of his There are several different Masses self-revelation. He no longer speaks for this great feast, whether you wish to us “in partial or various ways.” to celebrate a vigil Mass, or the Mass He has completely revealed Himself at midnight, or at dawn, or during the to us in His Son Jesus, “whom he day. It’s as if one single celebration made heir of all things and through will not suffice or do justice. And whom he created the universe.” And so, we have four possibilities or all this, moreover, takes place in choices, each with its own readings a concrete historical context. God and prayer-formularies: all these, in has entered into the very center of celebration of the great mystery. history to become Man. Mystery is indeed like that: Jesus Christ is clearly God’s it just can’t be scrutinized and Last Word, the Word made flesh, the analyzed exhaustively. Perhaps it Son who “bears the very stamp” of just needs to be simply accepted or the divine nature. With and in Jesus, embraced. God has nothing more or greater to At the same time (and say to us. His self-communication paradoxically, too), there is an air of has reached its complete, highest “definitiveness” about Christmas — and definitive climax in history. in the sense that Christ And so once again: has finally come, that so many liturgical Reflection Question: possibilities, it’s true. the God-Made-Man is The Savior is born! Do you now born in our midst, do your part as a Christian in But one single and that the long-awaited spreading the Good News of definite message rings Messiah has arrived. His coming? How do you lead across: “For a child is Not only is this others to salvation? born to us...” Merry so in the sense that Christmas! Fr. Martin something long- Happy birthday, Jesus. My Lord Macasaet, SDB and my Savior! Teach me to share You with my neighbors.

St. Eugenia, pray for us.

366 December Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Sunday Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Feast of the Holy Family Colossians 3:12-21 26 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 THE HOLY FAMILY, INSPIRATION AND STRENGTH We can readily say that the Holy families to give up and lose hope. Family is the model and inspiration The Holy Family is no superhero for all families in today’s world. But group (à la The Incredibles of that this is not merely in a sentimental notable animated movie) who will sense, as in how we find the Holy come to the rescue of struggling Family depicted in paintings, for human families out of nowhere. Yes, example. We realize that the Holy the Holy Family is an inspiration Family’s being a model is in a and model, but it is also a strength deeper and more serious sense: of a deeper significance. All three — Joseph, Mary, and their child, Jesus, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ­— certainly underwent hardships that we can know what trial and hardship are. only imagine nowadays. The closing verse of today’s Gospel As we read from our Gospel reading — “He shall be called a reading today, the Holy Family Nazorean” — is more than just a became refugees in a foreign country. statement of Jesus’ nationality or Ironically, such a poor, vulnerable provenance. It is somehow indicative family was taken to be a threat to the of God’s utmost solidarity with powerful throne of Herod. And yet it mankind, the Divine self-emptying was Jesus and His parents who had born out of utter love and generosity. to flee for their lives. God, in choosing to enter our world Families today are somehow and our history through the normal threatened, for instance, by means of a family, deigned to accept a migration being forced upon the full implication of what it is to them by economic be in a human family. circumstances. Or Reflection Question: Jesus, therefore, is they get a severe Do you look to the Holy Fam- no stranger to the beating from many ily as a model for your own woes and travails and prevalently false family? Do you crumble when of any family. All values and incorrect tough times come or do you bond together to surpass the more will He, teachings. Quarrels, trials? together with Joseph misunderstandings and Mary, journey and struggles seem Jesus, Mary and Joseph, watch w i t h u s i n o u r to be their daily fare. over my family and guide us families to help us Yet, even all these that we may grow together in our struggles. Fr. are not reasons for in the Father’s love like Your Martin Macasaet, SDB family did.

St. Neol Chabanel, pray for us.

367 1 John 1:1-4 December Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Monday John 20:1a, 2-8 27 Feast of St. John, Apostle THE GREATNESS OF ST. JOHN Joining us as we gather around the (John 15:11). It is understandable, belen today is no other than St. John for indeed, which disciple (in the the Apostle and Evangelist. Most case of St. John, “the Beloved appropriately, of course, both our Disciple”) would ever contradict his readings today come from his pen. Master? Wouldn’t he simply echo his The first, the beginning of his Master’s original message? first letter, is an impressive sharing Similarly in our Gospel passage from the man. It is as if St. John is today, we find again St. John’s assuring us very dearly that what humble deferment to someone higher, he is proclaiming to us is definitely his self-sacrificing and humble neither invention nor imagination. disposition vis-à-vis seniority. He “This is what we proclaim to you: outran Peter in the rush to the tomb ...what we have heard, what we where Jesus was buried, but he have seen with our eyes, what we let the more superior leader of the have looked upon and our hands Twelve enter the tomb first. have touched...” And he very clearly Such is the greatness of the states his purpose in his writing: saint we are honoring today, “that our joy may be complete.” St. John the Apostle and the It’s simply an echo of what our Evangelist. He has made our joy Lord Himself stated: “I have told complete, and he is a reliable you this so that my joy might be in witness who “saw and believed.” you and your joy might be complete” Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question: Do you exhibit the meekness of St. John when it comes to following the Lord? What are the instances when you ignored the Master’s teach- ings?

St. John, the Beloved Disciple, pray for us.

St. Fabiola, pray for us.

368 December 1 John 1:5 – 2:2 Tuesday Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 Matthew 2:13-18 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents A DIFFERENT KIND OF DEATH, THANKS TO THE HOLY INNOCENTS Today we commemorate the sacrifice agony for us, like Death, our death.”) of the Holy Innocents in shedding The entire “Christ-Event” upsets our their blood for the sake of Jesus. But whole outlook on birth and death, our it is also worth shifting the focus to entire worldview on life, in fact. This another death — more precisely, exactly is what Christ eventually another kind of death. British poet preached in His lifetime: “Unless a T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) is the one grain of wheat falls to the ground and who speaks of this: a kind of death, dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; in fact, on the part of the Magi. In but if it dies, it produces much fruit,” his poem, “Journey of the Magi,” culminating, of course, in his own we read: death on Calvary. This was the death “Were we all led that way that gave rise to eternal life. for / Birth or Death? There was a That is now the other kind of Birth, certainly, / We had evidence death that we “should be glad of,” and no doubt. I had seen birth and the other kind of death that the Holy death, / But had thought they were Innocents enjoyed, the death that different; this Birth was / Hard and gives way to heavenly bliss and bitter agony for us, like Death, our eternal joy. It was surely a gruesome death. / We returned to our places, death; but we see now that it was also these Kingdoms, / But no longer at a glorious death. ease here, in the old dispensation, / We, therefore, are no longer at With an alien people clutching their ease in our own earthly kingdoms, gods. / I should be glad of another with all our worldly values and death.” alien gods. “We should be glad of Jesus’ birth at the stable in another death.” Thanks to the Holy Bethlehem was that different kind of Innocents for leading the way for birth — one that fuses us, and for helping with or “crosses over” Reflection Question: us realize this more unto death (“this Birth Holiness need not be achieved deeply. Fr. Martin Macasaet, was / Hard and bitter after one dies. While living, are SDB you willing to die to yourself for Jesus, that He may be glorified?

Holy Innocents, pray for us.

St. Troadius, pray for us.

369 December 1 John 2:3-11 Wednesday Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 29 Luke 2:22-35 THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. THOMAS BECKET Today is the memorial of St. Thomas life, could confidently meet death Becket, a 12th-century English boldly (“Now, Master, you can bishop and martyr. How fitting dismiss your servant in peace...”). for this occasion are Simeon’s St. John (in the First Reading) words to Mary (a prophecy, in fact) states, “The way we can be sure from today’s Gospel. Foretelling we are in union with [God] is if the thousands and thousands of one who claims to abide in him Christians who across the centuries conducts himself just as he did.” will eventually choose to risk If that is indeed the case, then we their lives in “make-or-break” can be sure that Thomas Becket circumstances for the Lord (indeed abided in the Lord simply because to the point of martyrdom or death), he conducted himself just as God the old prophet declared, “This child did — that is to say, he lived and is destined to be the downfall and the died in the manner of Jesus Christ. rise of many in Israel, a sign that will Elsewhere in the Gospel our Lord be opposed . . . so that the thoughts of warned His disciples, “If the world many hearts may be laid bare.” hates you, realize that it hated me Thomas Becket was one of first... If they persecuted me, they such martyrs. His thoughts of self- will also persecute you” (John 15: sacrifice and fidelity to Christ were 18, 20). “laid bare” by the knights who The martyrdom of St. Thomas accused him of treason, in the Becket is a timely reminder of backdrop of the struggle between the futility of alliances for the Church and State. And also, in sake of worldly power, and of the a way Thomas was powerlessness from like Simeon who, after Reflection Question: which genuine power having encountered Do you remain steadfast in ensues. Fr. Martin Macasaet, the Lord Jesus in his your faith when people mock SDB you for your love of God?

Never leave my side, Lord. My strength to triumph over trials is in You.

St. Trophimus of Arles, pray for us.

370 December 1 John 2:12-17 Thursday Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 30 Luke 2:36-40 FINDING JESUS CHRIST IN OUR DAILY LIVES As we are still in the week following “spot” or identify Jesus Christ that Christmas, we extend our meditation decisive day. Perhaps this wouldn’t on the birth of Jesus Christ and its have been possible if it were not meaning in our lives. for her prayerful and discerning To assist us in our efforts, we attitude. have the prophetess Anna from our How often do we, too, search for Gospel reading this time. We are Jesus in near despair? The lack of a told that “she was constantly in the discerning spirit weighs us down. temple, worshiping day and night Surely the quiet example of Anna in fasting and prayer.” Then follows can teach us a thing or two. the curious phrase: “Coming on And so hopefully, we too will the scene at this moment, she gave “find” Jesus Christ — let us add: thanks to God. . . .” find Him most especially in the Anna has no recorded words of midst of the humdrum, day-to-day her own in the Gospel; our Gospel occurrences in our life. He’s certainly episode is just about the only one also there! Let’s not forget that after which mentions and discusses her. all, our Lord isn’t only found in And yet her example shines with the dramatic, the extraordinary, the clarity and conviction. Her patience, special. If we discover Him in the persistence and Spirit-led wisdom midst of everyday circumstances as paid off. Out of perhaps thousands of well, then even our ordinary lives babies which were being presented will still have their special meaning day in and day out in the Temple, she — thanks to the newborn Babe. Fr. was alert and discerning enough to Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question: God’s ways are mysterious yet simple. Why do you look for Him in complicated situ- ations?

Open my eyes, Lord, to Your loving presence in my every- day life.

St. Sabinus, pray for us.

371 December 1 John 2:18-21 Friday Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 31 John 1:1-18 COMPLETENESS AND ABUNDANCE ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR Today is the last day of the year. from our Gospel, “Of his [Christ’s] Coincidentally, our First Reading fullness we have all had a share — from St. John reminds us, “Children, love following upon love.” Note it is the final hour . . .” And as if to that there is also here, in this last add further to the “scary effect,” phrase, the idea of replacement: it is there is a mention of the Antichrist. more like one love (that of God in It doesn’t necessarily mean the the New Covenant) taking the place Antichrist as we know it nowadays of a previous love (that of the Old (no thanks to Hollywood depictions). Covenant). This is precisely because In the original context of St. John’s the apex (in the person of God’s writing, it is a reference to false only begotten Son, Jesus Christ) has teachers who were proliferating at already arrived. that time. The reassuring fact is that It is “the final hour” indeed, the in Jesus Christ, we have “the glory last day of the civil year. But we need as of the Father’s only Son, full of not fear. With Christ’s guidance and grace and truth.” This means that in leadership, we can look ahead to our Lord Jesus, we have a fullness further days in the new year starting which leaves no room for any doubt tonight, days of an abundance of or fear. “love following upon love.” Happy Resonating with New Year to all you this sense of fulfillment, Sabbath readers! Reflection Question: Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB completeness and How did you live your life at the same time this year? Did you generously profusion, we read spread to your neighbors the love that Jesus filled you with? What changes are you going to make to become a better person?

Light the fire of Your love within me, Lord, that I may draw more people closer to You in the year to come.

St. Melania, pray for us.

372 Meet Your SABBATH Writers

FR. STEVE TYNAN, MGL Fr. Steve Tynan is a founding member of the Missionaries of God’s Love, a congregation founded in 1986 in Canberra, Australia. He was ordained a priest in December 1992 and was sent to the Philippines in July 25, 1996. He is currently the parish priest of the Parish of St. Benedict in the Diocese of Novaliches. He also serves as a spiritual director to the Light of Jesus and Elim Communities, among other groups, here in the Philippines. He has written for the publications of Shepherd’s Voice — Companion, Sabbath, Didache and Kerygma — for the last 11 years and continues to do so.

FR. CHITO DIMARANAN, SDB Fr. Chito is a Salesian priest who is celebrating his 28th anniversary of ordination on December 8. Fr. Chito isn’t just a priest who preaches — he is also a teacher, a writer, a counselor, a formator and an administrator. He teaches moral theology and pastoral psychology. When not teaching, he does some writing. He maintains several blog sites, two of which contain his Sunday homilies and reflections, namely, http://pandelasemana.blogspot. com and http://frchito.wordpress.com. When not preaching, teaching and writing, he does counseling on the side. Fr. Chito’s current assignment is as principal of Fr. Duenas Memorial School in Agana, Guam.

373 Meet Your SABBATH Writers

FR. MARTIN MACASAET, SDB Fr. Martin Macasaet (Fr. Marty for short) is the Rector of Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. He keeps a blog in the school’s website, www.dbtc.edu. ph. As a Salesian of Don Bosco, he ministers with and for the youth. For this, anything that is of the world of the young is his interest and concern, too. He also lectures at the Don Bosco Center of Studies on various youth ministry subjects.

Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD Fr. Rudy was born in Cologne, Germany, where he entered the SVD. He studied theology in Japan where he was also ordained in 1974. After 10 years of work at the SVD Nanzan University and in two parishes, Fr. Rudy came to the Philippines in 1984. Now, he teaches Sacred Scriptures at Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay, at Maryhill School of Theology and in Christ the King Seminary, where he also serves as one of the spiritual directors.

374 Meet Your SABBATH Writers

Fr. Brian Steele, MGL Fr. Brian is a priest of the Missionaries of God’s Love (MGL). He was ordained last December 2002 in Canberra, Australia and came to the Philippines in January 2005. He is currently serving at St. Benedict’s Parish, Don Antonio, Quezon City, as its Youth Chaplain. He has worked in Papua New Guinea (1997) and before coming to the Philippines was involved in the formation of the Novices of the MGL.

FR. JOEL O. JASON Fr. Joel is a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Manila. He was born on July 9, 1969 and finished his studies at San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1991 and his Masters in Theology in 1996. On July 31, 1996, he was ordained by the late Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin D.D. In 1999, Fr. Joel took further studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned his Licentiate Degree on Moral Theology. Upon returning to Manila in 2001, he was assigned professor and formator at the San Carlos Seminary. Currently he is the Dean of Studies of the Theology Department and teaches Fundamental Moral Theology and Sexuality and Integrity. He also heads the Ministry for Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila and is a member of the Bioethics Committee of the Makati Medical Center.

375 Meet Your SABBATH Writers

FR. BENITO B. TUAZON Fr. Benny currently serves as the parish priest of St. Alphonsus Mary De Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati City. He finished his theological studies at San Jose Seminary. He later earned a master’s degree at the Loyola School of Theology. He was ordained on March 14, 1992 by His Eminence, the late Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, D.D. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion (Manila Cathedral). He was appointed Dean of Discipline at the San Carlos Major Seminary in 1992, and at the Holy Apostles Senior Seminary in 1994. He later served as parish priest at the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Malibay, Pasay City in 1997, and had a short stint at the San Miguel Parish in Malacañang in July of the same year before moving to his current assignment. Fr. Benny is also the Priest Coordinator at the Archdiocese of Manila Ecology Desk, and co-anchors the radio program “Barangay Simbayanan” on Radio Veritas 846 AM every Thursday.

FR. ROBERTO R. TITCO Fr. Bobby is presently assigned as parish priest of San Jose Manggagawa Parish in Tondo, Manila. He was ordained on June 17, 1995. In his blog, he writes that he is but a crumb. “But if I may satify any hunger, please share this little crumb with others.” Visit his site at www.fatherbob-crumbs.blogspot.com.

376 Meet Your SABBATH Writers

Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP Fr. Domie Guzman has put his Mass Communication degree to good use in fulfilling his role as Founding Editor of St. Paul Publication’s Sambuhay Sunday Missalette and 365 Days with the Lord Bible Diary. He is also the Archdiocesan Spiritual Director of the office of Prayer Communities and serves as spiritual adviser of several prayer groups.

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