Scripture Meditations For Daily Life

 SABBATH is a study guide for the Scripture readings of each day. Its purpose is to encourage Catholics to understand with greater depth the Word of God and thereby apply it in their personal lives. Reprinting or reproducing any part of this magazine must be done with permission from the publishers.

ISSN 0119-6561

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor in Chief Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

Managing Editors Tess Atienza Joy Sosoban

Editorial Assistant Angie Briones-Espuerta

Design & Layout Rey de Guzman

Cover Photo Raymund Sto. Domingo of the Risen Lord Catholic Community Dagupan City, Philippines

Writers Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL Fr. Sandy Enhaynes Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP Fr. Brian Steele, MGL Fr. O. Jason Fr. Benny Tuazon

Chairman of the Board Bo Sanchez

For more information, please contact: SHEPHERD’S VOICE #60 Chicago St., Cubao, Quezon City 1109 Philippines P.O. Box 1331 Quezon City Central Post Office 1153 Quezon City tel no: (632) 411-7874 to 77 fax: (632) 727-5615 or 726-9918 e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] www.shepherdsvoice.com.ph

 Life-Changing Words

I’m Jackie, 25 years old. I’m a call center hopper. I was of “the world” when I entered the world of call centers. I seldom attended Sunday Mass. I just focused on what I was earning. A lot of trials, however, came my way. Since I worked on night shift, I became very sickly. It was like, sickness was my part-time . I experienced bankruptcy not once but twice. To top it all, I felt so ALONE AND EMPTY. Last April 2, 2007, thanks to the Internet, I committed myself to be a part of the Kerygma Family. I am very happy to be a part of the Kerygma Family because I’m learning a lot of new things. I’m beginning to see things in a different perspective. I would like to thank you for your very inspiring and life- changing words…

This is an excerpt from the many letters I receive from members of the Kerygma Family. Kerygma Family is a borderless, non-physical, virtual community of members spanning the entire world. We provide our members a complete spiritual support system to keep them growing in their spiritual and personal life. And we are just elated every time we receive letters from our members telling us stories of how Kerygma Family has helped them in their spiritual journey. We are happy because each letter is a confirmation that God exists, that He is present in every human being’s life, that He cares, that He answers prayers. If you’re not yet a member, you don’t know what you are missing! Log onto www.kerygmafamily.com for details.

I remain your friend,

Bo Sanchez

 Numbers 6:22-27 January Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (2a) Thursday Galatians 4:4-7 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Luke 2:16-21

The Virtue of “Sinking” into Peace My mother is an only child; my father “Czardas,” “Pamulinawen” and has but one brother. But we belong other Iloco favorites. to a big extended family of cousins. After the commotion caused by Birthdays, weddings, graduations, visitors, among them the shepherds deaths and other transitions in life who brought exciting stories about are times for big reunions. Cousins angels singing and prophesying, and their families come and fill up the Gospel also speaks about the the occasion with their numbers and soothing picture of Mother Mary. In stories. Usually they come, hang the silence and privacy of her home around and may even stay for a day with Jesus and , Mother Mary and a night. “kept all these things, reflecting on My mother, the eldest of cousins them in her heart.” In that peaceful from my grandmother’s side, would silence, Mother Mary could have find herself busy with a lot of details. been glorifying and praising God in She enjoys it thoroughly but soon, her own way for all that happened after everything is over — after in the first , while the everyone has gone home, after the shepherds, as Luke narrated, glorified last dishes are kept — my mother and praised God in their loud and would sink into one of the chairs at excited style. the family living room. No, she’s not Perhaps this is the best way tired. She would be we can have our humming a tune, her Reflection Question: prayer today. After face a countenance of Relax. Reminisce your experi- all the noise of the ences as you cross over to the contentment and joy. New Year. Embrace everything celebration, let us At times, she would with joy and with a smile. Hum embrace the reality even move over to a praise song to the Lord! of the first day of the upright piano the year in peaceful — a family heirloom Father God, as the new year contemplation. Let us — and for about an begins, I thank You for all that allow the Spirit to lead has been and all that will be. hour, she would fill May I recognize the work of Your us in a prayerful sigh: the house with her hands in my life this year. “We have crossed over beautiful renditions to another year. Thank of such pieces as Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. You, Dear Jesus.” “Love and Devotion,” Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 1 John 2:22-28 January Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Friday John 1:19-28

Facing the Complete Me: “I am not… and I am…” “Czardas,” “Pamulinawen” and The beginning of the year is a time which we have to claim. To pretend other Iloco favorites. for making “projections.” We make that everything and everyone is After the commotion caused by resolutions for a better personal limitless is an illusion, a heresy even. visitors, among them the shepherds and moral life. Self-made sages Our optimism is good but for it to be who brought exciting stories about and soothsayers proclaim their a virtue, we have to couple it with angels singing and prophesying, fearless forecasts for events, places humility and tentativity. the Gospel also speaks about the and persons. Business persons and l Let us always affirm that we soothing picture of Mother Mary. In economists try to predict optimal live in God’s Presence, Providence the silence and privacy of her home trends in commerce and finance. and Mystery. said with Jesus and Joseph, Mother Mary Many even go through some rituals it well: “…there is one among you “kept all these things, reflecting on perceived to usher in good luck. whom you do not recognize.” Our them in her heart.” In that peaceful John the Baptizer appears in plans and projections rest on God’s silence, Mother Mary could have today’s liturgy as a good guide for compassion and mercy. There is no been glorifying and praising God in us. Amidst the tendency to overshoot such thing as pure science or pure her own way for all that happened our optimism at the onset of the rationality. We are thankful that as in the first Christmas, while the year — a false optimism that leads humans, we are the best of creation. shepherds, as Luke narrated, glorified many to place their Reflection Question: Our progress, our and praised God in their loud and faith in superstition Gather all your plans for the civilization, our excited style. and magic — John the new year — plans for your- h i s t o r y a n d o u r Perhaps this is the best way Baptist stands out as self, for your family and for technologies prove we can have our a true mouthpiece of your career. Bow your head in this. But we are not prayer and submit everything prayer today. After God’s truth: to “Abba, Father.” gods. We remain to all the noise of the l Earthly reality be humble creatures, celebration, let us has two sides: “I Pray this Prayer of Humility: subjects not of some embrace the reality a m … a n d I a m “Loving God and Father, You unknown elemental of the first day of see that my trust is not based not…” We live in a on human actions. I trust in Your powers, but loved the year in peaceful finite world and we are mercy and love. By myself I can images of a Loving contemplation. Let us creatures on a journey. do nothing, but with You, I can and Personal God. To allow the Spirit to lead Perfection is not a do everything. For the love of believe in something us in a prayerful sigh: state but a process. We You, I want to do my best in all less than this makes things. To You, my God, be the “We have crossed over are always moving: honor. For myself, I only desire to us not Christians, to another year. Thank there are limits that be with You in heaven. Amen.” but practitioners of You, Dear Jesus.” we have to accept; “New Age.” Fr. Domie Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP Sts. Basil and Gregory Naziazen, Guzman, SSP there are possibilities , pray for us.

 1 John 2:29-3:6 Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 January John 1:29-34 Saturday

Every Person’s Life IS A Great Mystery Today’s reading is enigmatic, a of the victorious Lamb of Sacrifice characteristic common to many of mentioned in Revelations 5-7. the Gospel passages from John. At Putting all these things together, we the high moment of the proclamation, are made to reflect: Jesus who came we hear John the Baptist testify of as man had a mission and a destiny Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, to fulfill — one that involved self- who takes away the sin of the sacrifice and victory. world…” And we ask: what did the As we meditate on today’s Baptist mean by the title “Lamb of Gospel, we are reminded that the God”? As we continue to ask this festivities of Christmas should question, the Gospel narrative goes not be divorced from the harsh on to tell us that the Baptist himself realities of ordinary living. The cute said twice: “I did not know him and huggable Jesus — the “little (verse 31)… I did not know him lamb” of Mary — is meant for the (verse 33)…” Sacrifice! This is human life: it has Later Bible scholars would a destiny, a purpose, a meaning. attempt to explain that The joys of Christmas Reflection Question: the background of the Face the mirror, and look at each year are meant to title “Lamb of God” yourself. In what way have you give us the inspiration may be a figure of the experienced your own life as to go on, like Jesus, Paschal Lamb whose the unfolding of a mystery? that we may live our If Jesus’ mystery is encap- blood saved Israel (cf. sulated in the title “Lamb of call and purpose. Like Exodus 12), and of the God,” can you think of an Jesus, we must grow Suffering Servant who expression/title that would in age and wisdom was led like a lamb to summarize the mystery of before God and before the slaughter so that your own life and person? men. Transcending it may become a sin Great and Loving Father, I the world of the child, offering (cf. thank You for myself and my we should be able to 53:7-10). Other Bible life — they are indeed Your see that each person’s teachers tell us that as greatest gifts to me! But there life is a mystery that are moments when I find it we think of these Old hard to understand who I am. must be allowed to Testament roots of the Teach me Your will. Amen. unfold through good “Lamb of God,” we times and through should not lose sight St. , , bad. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP pray for us.

 Isaiah 60:1-6 January Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Sunday Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12

JESUS: Our Power Beyond All Magic As I was switching through the local Lordship of Jesus to All.” The Gospel TV channels a few days before the tells us how the chief and the celebration of the Chinese New Year, scholars among the Jews studied the all the morning talk shows featured coming of the Messiah as the focal renowned “feng shui” masters. Each point of the prophetic utterances. one tried to to attract viewers and TV The Gospel likewise narrates how hosts with their fearless forecasts pagan astrologers and their study for the coming year and with their of the planets and stars in relation confident prescriptions about lucky to human affairs pointed them to charms that were supposed to Jesus in Bethlehem. Somebody be a “must” for the year. Then I gave me a classic picture of the remembered the quotation from “Adoration of the Magis.” It shows a the Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner procession of weird-looking, multi- printed in one of the Christmas racial sages prostrating and leaving greeting cards a Jesuit friend gave their gifts at the feet of Jesus who me. Its messages goes is held by the Blessed something like this: Reflection Question: Mother. This picture We have the “Name of Retrace your journey to reminds me that all Jesus” over our doors as Jesus. How did you come human studies and all we cross from one year to recognize Him as your wisdom on divinity to another. The “Name “Alpha and Omega?” What and spirituality should great learning and realiza- of Jesus” is enough for tion have you had with Jesus lead us to Jesus who us and should give us as “guru?” is Wisdom the Word confidence as we face Enthrone a meaningful Incarnate. another year. picture of Jesus in your pri- So many sages, so vate room as a manifestation T h i s S u n d a y, of your allegiance in Him. many wisdom books our last big feast for written, so many Christmas before we Lord Jesus, may we learn to philosophies, but one cross over to the grind recognize that You alone fact remains: After of the ordinary times, have the power to transform 2,000 years, the Bible our lives from here to there, underlines precisely from a life of mediocrity to a is still the best-selling the “Epiphany” or the full life in You. book of all times. “Manifestation of the Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.

 1 John 3:22-4:6 Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-11a January Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Monday

Words Light Us Up One of my good friends, a With these, persons are equipped contemporary in high school, once for their various tasks. fetched me for an appointment. l Words enliven and inspire. We Throughout our one-hour ride on share wisdom, realizations, wit, jokes her brand new car, her youngest son and light moments with words. With showed off his “newly-acquired” these, we evoke laughter, relaxation ability to recognize letters and read and fellowship among us. words. As the proud mother kept l Words encourage. We affirming her son’s struggling reading communicate our learning experiences ability with basic words that he saw and faith-experiences with our on signages and billboards along eloquence in words. With these, we EDSA, I observed how the boy’s face prop up the hope and the basic goodness would light up everytime he was able in people’s hearts and minds. to successfully make out what the l Words express. Feelings and letters and the words meant. sincere thoughts need words to A s J e s u s be shared and, once Reflection Question: c o m m e n c e d H i s What words of wisdom and shared, we lighten up Galilean ministry, He wit shared by other persons with the feeling of went around teaching ring loudly in your heart and release, reconciliation and proclaiming. The mind until now? and even healing. How have you positively l Gospel reading today, helped and molded another Words emancipate. quoting the prophet person with your words? We communicate Isaiah, comments that How does this make you d e m a n d s a n d Jesus’ words were “a feel? challenges; we voice great light” for people Resolve to persist in mak- out expectations and ing the Word of God a part of who sit in darkness. your daily experience. frustrations with How can words words. With gentleness light us up? Lord Jesus, we pray that and prudence, our l Words enlighten through our words, we may be words can become and explain. It is with able to build up one another. a bridge for the Guard our tongues so that we words that instructions may not utter any word that blossoming of mutual are made and with will put other people down. trust and goodwill. these, comprehension Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. John Neumann, , becomes possible. pray for us.

 1 John 4:7-10 January Psalm 72:1-2,3-4, 7-8 Tuesday Mark 6:34-44

A True Never Lets Others Go Empty-handed

Phobias come in different forms. feeding the people, Jesus said: “How Some persons have “claustrophobia” many loaves do you have? Go and (fear of being enclosed); others see.” Jesus seemed to say: do not be battle “acrophobia” (fear of heights). afraid to be involved. See, feel, act. In the Gospel, the disciples seemed Christian duty does not expect us to overwhelmed and even fearful of answer for all the needs, but we are the crowd that had gathered to hear asked to do what we can. Only, we Jesus speak. More fearful were they should never turn down people. At of the possibility that they had to the very least, anyone who approach be responsible for feeding such a us should feel listened to, loved and big crowd. So when it was getting respected. late, they approached Jesus and The Book of Revelation reminds advised Him to dismiss the crowd us that Jesus is “The Amen, the “so that they can go faithful and true Reflection Question: to the surrounding Think of your experiences w itn es s ” ( 3 :1 4 ) . farms and villages in life now… and try to see Jesus is the “Yes” and buy themselves which events/situations of of God. The story of something to eat.” The your present life challenge His coming as man business-minded and you to apply the Gospel message. in the Mystery of the mathematically gifted What personal and par- Incarnation was His among them calculated ticular struggles do you first unconditional that they would need have whenever you are “Yes” to us. Later, around two hundred challenged to help people St. Paul eloquently materially and financially? days’ wages worth Pray about this to the Lord. explains that “God of food to feed the proves His love for us crowd. Lord Jesus, grant us the cour- in that while we were The way Jesus age to be involved and not still sinners Christ died reacted was interesting. be afraid when our Christian for us” (Romans 5:8). He said: “Give them duty demands that we give and do more than what is The Cross, indeed, is some food yourselves.” comfortable for us. Jesus’ c o n t i n u i n g When the disciples “Yes” to us all. brought up to Him the Blessed Andre Bessette, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP possible expense for religious, pray for us.

 1 John 4:11-18 Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 January Mark 6:45-52 Wednesday

Our God-Experience Can Be Dangerous The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ act of of the disciples continue to puzzle walking towards them as they were us.The terror that the disciples tossed about in a storm at sea, merits experienced, I believe, was rooted our close examination. Biblicists say not in Jesus but in themselves. The that the fear of the disciples is one Gospel narration says they still that supports the classic theory of a lacked understanding and had not “theophany.” They say that Jesus, really internalized their discipleship. by walking over the waters, revealed Perhaps a good number of them Himself as someone who shares the followed Jesus because it made power and divinity of the Father, them feel good to be identified with since in the Old Testament the sole a fast-rising, young preacher. The powers over the waters was one of storm at sea exposed their limits, Yahweh-God. Yahweh alone walked their collective hang-up. over the primordial waters in Genesis What happened in the Gospel 1:1-2, and with this He c a n b e c o m e o u r Reflection Question: initiated the creation of In what ways have you ex- experience, too. When the universe. Yahweh perienced God’s presence as we initially touch alone made the waters “disturbing”? Why were you God’s presence and swell and subside particularly disturbed? God touches us with during the time of What issues/limits/per- His grace, we rejoice. sonal conflicts and realities . Yahweh alone of life did God allow you to But as our experience parted the Red Sea to experience, own and resolve of God deepens, enable the Israelites to through your prayer life? He allows us to see cross on dry land. In all Reflect on this: God does our limits, our inner not change our lives; He only these revelatory acts transforms us. conflicts and issues, of Yahweh, the Bible our favorite sins and recorded the standard Lord Jesus, grant us the cour- our immaturities. God reaction of fear and age to face ourselves, our allows us to enter trembling among the limits, our inner conflicts and the “Dark Night” of people. issues, our favorite sins. May storms so that we may we allow ourselves to be puri- B e y o n d t h e fied so that we may follow You get to know and allow biblical theory of a without fear. Him to purify us. “theophany,” the fear Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Raymond of Peñafort, Confessor, pray for us.

10 1 John 4:19–5:4 January Psalm 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17 Thursday Luke 4:14-22

God’s Word Is Always Interactive of the disciples continue to puzzle The wonders of multimedia have of an archaic, dilapidated, historical us.The terror that the disciples made it possible for us to be present document. Jesus amazed the crowd experienced, I believe, was rooted to people in various places, and in when He said: God’s Word is not not in Jesus but in themselves. The various time zones on “real time.” In just a historical manuscript… it Gospel narration says they still this new culture of communication continues to have life. He also lacked understanding and had not — through written texts, SMS or said: “Today this scripture (this really internalized their discipleship. short texts, MMS or hypertexts, written scroll) is fulfilled (is acted Perhaps a good number of them chatrooms, video conferences, VoIP upon)….” followed Jesus because it made — we become present at the same We should read Scriptures, them feel good to be identified with time to different places. In all of then, not only to know how God a fast-rising, young preacher. The these, our words (at least) carry our worked in the past with Israel storm at sea exposed their limits, presence. and with the early Christians. We their collective hang-up. In our Gospel today, Jesus should read Scriptures to let us What happened in the Gospel also tried to educate the people contemplate God’s face now. The c a n b e c o m e o u r that God’s Word is a “living word” foremost value of Scriptures is to experience, too. When that communicates His presence enable us to fix our gaze on God, on we initially touch to whomever it is proclaimed. The Jesus… and then, to lead us to enter God’s presence and people referred to God’s Word as into “real time” conversation with God touches us with “the scroll.” In fact, God who becomes His grace, we rejoice. thrice in the Gospel Reflection Question: present to us not in What is your purpose in read- But as our experience n a r r a t i o n , G o d ’s ing the Bible? abstract thought, but of God deepens, Word was called “the Try this out: Read a Gos- through a real story. He allows us to see scroll” — some kind pel story. Imagine the story. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP our limits, our inner Contemplate on Jesus as He conflicts and issues, is revealed in the story. Enter into the story by taking on our favorite sins and the role of one of the charac- our immaturities. God ters in it. Then dialogue with allows us to enter Jesus. the “Dark Night” of Lord Jesus, inspire me to read storms so that we may Your Word daily and allow it to get to know and allow take root in my soul. May Your Him to purify us. Word be my guide in life. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Severinus of Noricum, Hermit, pray for us.

11 1 John 5:5-13 Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 January Luke 5:12-16 Friday

We wish… God wills… I am drawn to reflect on the different Our view is rather restricted and ways of talking that the leper and limited. Therefore, when we speak, Jesus manifested in the Gospel we speak with consciousness about passage. The leper, feeling timid tenses – past, present, and future. and with a self-confidence that was God is eternal, all-knowing, and possibly eroded by his illness and is therefore firm and absolute. He his disfigurement, came to Jesus moves not with wishes, whims or and, with an air of tentativeness, caprices but with a will. said: “Lord, if you wish, you In our life, plans and decisions, we can make me clean.” In contrast, may have our wishes and wouldn’t… Jesus stretched out His hand with but it is always very important to deliberateness and He proclaimed: be guided by the Divine Will. The “I do will it. Be clean.” Divine Will may not always be Indeed, human nature is pleasant and agreeable for us. It may flippant, always changing, unsure, include certain things which we want tentative… because we are not only least to happen. This Divine Will, taken aback by our faults and sins. however, is rock. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Reflection Question: Reflect on instances in your life when your wishes were contrary to what finally hap- pened. How did you take the turn of these events? Were you able to transcend your negative feelings? What Divine Wisdom did you dis- cover behind each turn of events?

Make this your prayer-word today: “Your Will be done.”

St. Adrian of Canterbury, Ab- bot, pray for us.

12 1 John 5:14-21 January Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5, 6a, 9b Saturday John 3:22-30

Jesus Wants Us To be His Best Man My youngest sister decided to marry my brother-in-law, and preparing her workmate, an Indian Malaysian the flower petals, coconut milk whom she met in the course of her and water near the dais where the work as a trainer in a cruise ship wedding was to take place. I guided company. They decided to have my brother-in-law to his place at rites for mixed marriage because the dais. I sat by his side while the they thought that it would be best Hindu chanted the preliminary for both families. My sister comes rituals. When all was set, after from a devout Catholic family and I, about half an hour, my sister in her her brother, happens to be a religious beautiful bridal dress came in. Then priest. Her man’s family, on the I stood by the side of the couple other hand, belongs to a family of throughout the rites and later, led Brahmins. Her man’s grandfather, them to the shrine for offerings. in fact, was a Hindu priest. For the My role in the Hindu wedding peace of all, we had a Catholic rite makes me now appreciate what John celebrated at the Ermita Church, the Baptist says in the Gospel: that with me as presider and solemnizer. he is the best man of Jesus and that After a couple of weeks, our family he had now to decrease while Christ went to Malaysia to witness the increases. As best man, his job was to Hindu wedding. prepare the bride and the bridegroom My brother- for the wedding, and in-law, a silent and to ensure that the ever-smiling fellow, Reflection Question: wedding proceeds decided that I be his Are you doing your share well. “best man” in the so that others may come to As Christians, we know the beauty of a rela- Hindu rite. While the tionship with Jesus? Who all are best men for ceremony was going are the persons whom you Jesus the bride. We on, I realized that in have helped introduce and have to do our share the eastern wedding be “married to” Jesus? so that His union rite, the best man Make this your prayer-word with the Church, practically carried out today: “Jesus, may You increase and with humanity all the significant acts, while I decrease.” becomes more and such as putting on the more a reality. St. William of York, Bishop, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP rings on the toes of pray for us.

13 Isaiah 55:1-11(or Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 (3) January (or Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 9-10) Sunday 1 John 5:1-9 (or Acts 10:34-38) Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Mark 1:7-11 Security in the Father

I am the only son in a family of three part of His life and His teaching: siblings. I am also the eldest and my revealing to everyone that God is not father’s junior. just “Yahweh” but “Abba.” Before My father passed on to me a lot He embarked on His three-year of his practical skills. When I was public ministry of preaching and young, he encouraged me to learn healing, He sought baptism at the these and learn them fast. My father Jordan and there the Father affirmed taught me basic things, such as Him as the “beloved Son.” Later on, crossing busy streets. He taught me before Jesus made His final ascent to to first survey the street – left and Jerusalem, He went up the mountain right – then make a careful decision: where again the voice of the Father Can I cross the street faster than the is heard: “This is my Son on whom speed of the approaching vehicle? I am well pleased…” My father also taught me how to On the cross, Jesus would hang flag down a taxi. He advised me to sit on in unquestioned fidelity as He next to the driver so I could direct the again called on God as “Father…” driver where to turn. Later, my father Many people these days miss let me do carpentry work with him. their fathers which has become a Then, he also coached handicap. Some are me as I was learning Reflection Question: missed because they how to balance myself What fond memories do you have about your father? work abroad to make in a bicycle. My father What good things have these both ends meet. Others was the source of my memories done to you? Take are missed because great confidence while the time to thank God for the they have neglected growing up and I thank gift of your father. their role as fathers, God for giving me Slowly pray the “Our Father” preferring instead to be such a wonderful man (Lord’s Prayer). Then… just with friends and with to grow up with. sink into prayer with the some other women. As Jesus, in His whole phrase – “Our Father.” At this a result, many children earthly life, also got a point, lift up to God all your cares and anxieties, and al- of this age have very lot of His strength and low His peace and strength poor self-image and confidence from His to envelop you. very low tolerance for “Heavenly Father.” In challenges and pain. St. Victorian, Abbot, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP fact, this was a radical pray for us.

14 Hebrews 1:1-6 January Psalm 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9 Monday Mark 1:14-20

God’s Weird Sense of Time

Consider the details of the Gospel spend another 40 years on the run passages: John the Baptist is in the desert. Then at the age of 80, arrested and imprisoned… Jesus finally leads Israel out of disturbs Simon and Andrew while Egypt. After , God sent no the brothers cast their nets into prophets to Israel for around 400 the waters… Jesus walks and years, and when John the Baptist calls James and John away from came, his mission was cut short their father and the hired men. by Herod’s sword. Finally, Jesus All these, Mark says, signify came – as the awaited Messiah. He God’s best time — “the time of spends 30 years of hidden life, and fulfillment.” He dedicates just the last three years The Bible contains many other of His earthly mission for preaching references to God’s strange sense of about the Kingdom. time: and Sarah finally had I believe that this is one great their own son when challenge about Abraham was 100 f o l l o w i n g G o d : Reflection Question: years old and Sarah Go back to your adventures to synch with His was past the normal of time and timing with God. plans and timetable, child-bearing age. What are your unforgettable we need to have Moses was allowed experiences in this regard? In e i t h e r p a t i e n c e what ways have you experi- to waste 40 years of enced that God’s time — no (lots of patience) his life in the court of matter how it initially appeared or a never-ending Pharoah while Israel strange — always turns out to sense of humor. languished in forced be the “best time” for you, for Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP labor. He was later to your work, for your relation- ship?

Lord Jesus, make me sensitive to Your time, to be always aware that my time isn’t necessarily Your time. Grant me patience to wait for the perfect time for the unfolding of Your plans in my life.

St. Benedict of Biscop, Bishop, pray for us.

15 Hebrews 2:5-12 Psalm 8:2ab, 5, 6-7, 8-9 January Mark 1:21-28 Tuesday

True Authority comes from Authenticity

I believe that God’s great gift for from a bloodline of and were persons are also persons who inspire, ordained to be scribes and Pharisees. teach, correct and empower. One Jesus was self-made. Compared to person whom I consider as God’s many of them, Jesus was probably gift in my walk as a priest and as half their age. a religious was a Pauline nun, Sr. So where does authority come? Lucina Sarmiento. Before she died Some have authority because of their of cancer, she was one of those learning; others possess authority by considered an authority in the field virtue of their position and office. of Catholic mass media apostolate. Some have authority because of It was, however, noteworthy that her relationships or connections with being referred to as an “authority” those in power; others are perceived happened even if she claimed she to be an authority because of their never had any formal education on practical wisdom and experience. But media apostolate. In the strongest authority the course of one of our Reflection Question: flows from integrity light conversations, Reflect on persons whom a n d uprightness : you consider to be authori- she even said that there ties. Why do you see them one that flows from were other nuns in as authorities? t h e c o n v e r g e n c e her community who The Bible speaks of three of one’s words and had better training in authorities: priests (reli- actions. Others refer gious authorities), prophets television, in cinema (moral authorities), kings to this as credibility. a n d o t h e r m e d i a (political leaders). The re- This is marked by a technology. nowned Jesuit theologian combination of deep Jesus Himself Karl Rahner says, “Christians qualities — such as is referred to as a have to be, above all, proph- passion, authenticity ets.” In what way can you be “different authority” a moral leader in your own and dedication. This compared to the scribes circle of friends and sphere authority is earned, not and the Pharisees. of influence? bought; freely bestowed These people had and recognized by Lord Jesus, may my words formal and arduous and actions be rooted in You, others, not simply training, and many of the True Authority of my life. claimed for oneself. them even descended Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor, pray for us.

16 Hebrews 2:14-18 January Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 Wednesday Mark 1:29-39

Listening Cannot Be Unlimited from a bloodline of and were As Jesus entered the house of Peter, their complaints. However, we ordained to be scribes and Pharisees. He manifested His great sensitivity should also know how to discern Jesus was self-made. Compared to to the family of His disciple. He and discriminate: when to stop many of them, Jesus was probably emphatized with them, and this led and listen, and when to move half their age. Him to go and heal the mother-in- on; where to listen, and where So where does authority come? law of Peter. Jesus’ humanity made not to listen; whom to listen to, Some have authority because of their Him feel the pains and discomforts and whom not to listen to. The learning; others possess authority by of the sick people who came to Him disciples seek one approval: virtue of their position and office. and so He went on healing everyone God’s and not men’s. Some have authority because of who came with various diseases As we prepare to meet different relationships or connections with even when it was already evening. persons every day, let us make it those in power; others are perceived When He woke up the next day, a part of our morning prayers to to be an authority because of their though, He found His quiet place ask for God’s wisdom in all our practical wisdom and experience. But with “Abba” and when Peter came encounters. Yes, we should have the strongest authority to Him with the words “Everyone is a preferential love for the poor flows from integrity looking for you,” Jesus and the needy, but we a n d uprightness : responded by telling Reflection Question: should also know that one that flows from him that it was time to What practical measures the poor and the needy t h e c o n v e r g e n c e stop and move on to do you use to put limits can be manipulative, of one’s words and other places. to your involvement with d e m a n d i n g a n d people’s concern? Do you actions. Others refer Jesus teaches us maintain a healthy bal- unreasonable. Our to this as credibility. that it is good to listen, ance between your public charity should not This is marked by a to have a heart, to and private lives, between create in us and in combination of deep empathize. It is good your ministry and your them a culture of qualities — such as to be open to people’s need for solitude? dependency. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP passion, authenticity groans and to hear out Lord Jesus, help me to be and dedication. This sensitive to my own need for authority is earned, not solitude and self-care. Help bought; freely bestowed me to find my own nourish- ment in You because only and recognized by then will I be able to effec- others, not simply tively care for the people claimed for oneself. You send to me. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Felix of Nola, Confessor, pray for us.

17 Hebrews 3:7-14 Psalm 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11 January Mark 1:40-45 Thursday

The Works of the Spirit Are Subject to Us Personal choice and reason are two touched by God’s presence. The wonderful gifts that God never leper in the Gospel surely had his joy cancelled out in our human person, overflowing. He was not just restored even after the fall of the first man to a handsome human appearance. and woman. This shows how much The leper, long separated from God loves and respects our human society and from his family because individuality, even when the first of the skin disease (cf. Leviticus man and woman used their gifts 13:46), now goes back to normal of reason and choice to go against interaction with family and friends. Him. Authentic life in the Spirit of But Jesus wants the healed man to God sustains every man’s freedom contain his joy. Biblicists say Jesus and intellect. The Holy Spirit, even did not want to be known as just a as He possesses us, does not cripple wonder worker. His wonder works our being. In fact, true giftedness in were meant to authenticate His the Spirit of God enhances human greater mission: that He has come as freedom and understanding. The the Messiah. Further, Jesus wanted Apostle Paul wrote about this in to be able to move around freely his first letter to the Corinthians to preach and teach. Jesus did not (14:32.33.37): “Indeed, want to be recognized the spirits of prophets Reflection Question: simply on His own Have you experienced are under the prophets’ the over flowing and merit. He wanted to be control, since he is not overwhelming touch of known as the Yahweh’s the God of disorder but God’s Spirit? How did you ambassador. of peace… If anyone manage yourself and the G e n u i n e a n d thinks that he is a event? sound spiritual life is Are you one who easily prophet or a spiritual reacts to spectacles of cure not built on sporadic person, he should and ? and instantaneous recognize that what I healings, miracles or am writing to you is a Lord Jesus, may my eyes re- visions. We need to main focused on You rather commandment of the than the wonders that You nurture everything Lord…” do in my life. with constant prayer, Joy is a fruit of patient endurance and

the Holy Spirit and it Blessed Arnold Janssen, everyday faithfulness. blooms in persons truly pray for us. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

18 Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 January Psalm 78:3, 4bc, 6c-7, 8 Friday Mark 2:1-12

Home for the Disciple: No Permanent Address In the Gospel of Luke (9:58ff), Jesus to the Congregation of the the Master frankly tells a would-be Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) follower who was eager to follow whom I came to know when I was Him wherever He goes: “Foxes have studying and growing up in Paco, dens and birds of the air have nests, Manila. These tireless missionaries but the Son of Man has nowhere — many of them Belgian — to lay his head.” Today’s Gospel nurtured what are now the Parish narrates how, during the course of of San Fernando de Dilao and Paco His Galilean Ministry, Jesus left the Catholic School. They generously comforts of His nurturing home in gave of their time and treasures to Nazareth — the place of His hidden develop the parish and the school. life for around 30 years — and He Most known among them was Fr. now spends His days moving around Godo, the founder of the school. as an itinerant preacher and healer Many of the CICM missionaries whose known “home” is Peter’s considered the Philippines as their house in Capernaum. Later, when He country and the parishes that they goes to Jerusalem, He would lodge served as their home. They easily in Martha’s and Mary’s Reflection Question: learned Tagalog and house in Bethany How open are you to go the dialects of places whenever He goes to to new places, to assume they were assigned to. the south. Jesus lived a new assignments, to meet Fr. Godo, for instance, restless life as He went new people, to learn a new was well-loved by my language and to adjust to about fulfilling the work a new way of life? maternal grandmother of the Father. Do you have the ten- because he could hear The enthusiastic and dency to be attached her confession in committed follower of to persons, places and Ilocano. things? Jesus should be willing A good number of to have this experience, Lord Jesus, grant me a mis- these CICM fathers too. sionary heart so I may freely died and are buried I am particularly go to wherever You want to here. By the side of reminded about a send me. the old church in Pasig, number of foreign St. Marcellus I, , they have their graves. missionaries belonging pray for us. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

19 Hebrews 4:12-16 Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15 January Mark 2:13-17 Saturday

The Simple, the Sick, the Poor February 23-24, 2008 — a weekend descended to the parish church for I will never forget. I did not finish the Healing Mass, bringing their the Mass for the priestly old and sickly folks. They spent the of Fr. Lito Layug. Right after laying night in the cramped parish facilities, my hands on him as the Rite of bringing along their food provisions. Ordination prescribed, I left Makati As early as 5:00 a.m. of the next to catch my 12:00 p.m. flight for day, they flocked to the Church and Cotabato City. Upon arrival at the patiently awaited for the Healing Cotabato City airport, I was fetched Mass, the only Sunday Mass that by enthusiastic parish lay workers day. After the multilingual Mass, we of the started the individual pray-over and Parish and brought to their place in finished by noon. Most folks stayed Alamada, North Cotabato. For over on and joined the Rosary prayer and a month, the entire parish had been the 45-minute praise and worship preparing for the Healing Mass the that followed. Their faces lighted up. next day, February 24 (Sunday). Many came to kiss me and talk to me It was the first Healing Mass in in dialects I felt and sensed but never the place, an idyllic fully understood. I am town at the foot of the Reflection Question: sure they felt Jesus’ mountains. Fr. Ike, Who are the people you embrace for they came love to be with? Why? What the pastor, told me makes them attractive to as they were — simple, that his parish covers you? u n s o p h i s t i c a t e d , 18 villages with Do you also have a genu- transparent, genuine 82 chapels, mostly ine human and Christian love a n d s o e a s y t o accessible only by foot for the sick, the sinners and love. the poor? What do you feel — by hiking, crossing deep inside you when you I then realized why narrow footbridges are with them? Jesus loved to spend and climbing bamboo more time with the poles. Lord Jesus, grant me a genu- simple and sinful flock As early as 4:00 ine love for the poor, the sick — the tax collectors and the sinners in our midst. p.m. of February 23 Help me to be Your presence and those looked (Saturday), many to them. down upon by the parishioners from Jewish authorities. u p l a n d v i l l a g e s St. Anthony, Abbot, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP pray for us.

20 Isaiah 9:1-6 January Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 Sunday Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 Feast of the Sto. Niño Mark 10:13-16

The Sto. NIño: A Popular Devotion With a Social Challenge While on vacation in the United during the time of Jesus. They States, after attending the annual were considered as beings without Religious Booksellers’ Trade Exhibit any juridical rights. This bias in Chicago, I enjoyed my late conditioned even the manner with breakfast while viewing the Maury which the apostles responded to the Show. It has a segment that features presence of the children. children whose biological links The Feast of the Sto. Niño invites are put to question by the known us to reflect on the importance of the father or mother. This situation infancy of Jesus who, in becoming developed as the men or women Incarnate, chose to grow in wisdom — in relationships that are without and in age as normal children do. the blessings of a formal civil or As we celebrate with lavishness church marriage — accuse each and clothe with extravagance the other of infidelity. The show tries to various images of the Sto. Niño, help solve the issue by subjecting we should hear the echo of Jesus’ the suspected “adulterous partners” words: “Whoever receives one such to DNA tests that are later matched child in my name receives me…” with the DNA of the children in (cf. Mark 9:37). question. Under the guise of helping Let us reflect on our response regularize the situation, to the basic rights of the program, I believe, Reflection Question: children: has reduced the poor What personal value has 1. Children deserve children into helpless the devotion to the Sto. homes with a true Niño for you? What social pawns of quarrelsome, problems and issues about family spirit. self-centered and children are you aware of? 2 . T h e b e s t g i f t s irresponsible adults Take time to pray for chil- f o r c h i l d r e n a r e who are only after dren whose sad fate have fathers who truly their own pleasure and come to your experience. love and honor their comfort. Lord, grant me compassion mothers. The Gospel today so I may care for children the 3 . C h i l d r e n h a v e underlines the same way You do. a right to enjoy a thing: the children were St. Margaret of Hungary, wonderful world. regarded as “nothing” pray for us. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

21 Hebrews 5:1-10 Psalm 110: 1, 2, 3, 4 January Mark 2:18-22 Monday

Persons are Multi-media I think I have enough of so-called Roman Missal, the big red book spiritual renewal speakers and with ribbons that the priests and priests who, in an effort to make their bishops use to guide them in the audience laugh, paint caricatures of Eucharist prayers, has cues when simple people’s acts of religiosity. and how the ordained minister ought One priest makes fun of an old woman to make his gestures. These cues on bent with osteoporosis who would how the ordained minister must approach the image of St. Roque conduct himself are called rubrics. after her daily Mass. She would Now let me say this: God, for sure, reach out with her handkerchief, is more interested in what goes on but succeed only in devoutly wiping inside the human hearts than in the the feet of the and his dog. rubrics. Hence, fasting should not Then in a very audible tone she be a mere exercise of deprivation would ask the saint’s help for her from food. It should focus more on aching legs. I heard the heart’s longing for something more than the physical someone make fun of Reflection Question: how a person lights What are your usual food… and that is the a candle in Baclaran expressions of prayer and presence of the groom: and then prays with religiosity? What makes Jesus. moving lips and closed you do these “expressions?” It is not our business What rites and traditions to judge people’s eyes while tinkling her does your church have that rosary beads… while prove to be a challenge or expressions of faith all the time, Mass was an obstacle even to your and religiosity. For all going on. deeper understanding of we know, their acts, no God and true faith? Why? The point that matter how simplistic, Jesus raises in the Yes, Lord, I sometimes join the really express what is Gospel today is simple. so-called “pious” ones and deep within them. As Fasting, prayers, judge and condemn others. such, their rather naïve almsgiving and all That is not what You want ways of praying may me to do. Help me to become mean more than our forms of religious a more compassionate healer acts are not meant than be a harsh, hypocritical studied, theologized to be carried out in judge. and liturgically-sound precise, technical and rituals and ceremonies. St. Canute, King and Martyr, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP mechanical ways. The pray for us.

22 Hebrews 6:10-20 January Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c Tuesday Mark 2:23-28

The First Norm of Morality: Upholding the Dignity of Each Person

Pope John Paul II contributed greatly capitalist states the ideal. in the collapse of communist regimes In whatever system, the important in Poland, Russia, East Germany and thing is to safeguard and enhance the other parts of Eastern Europe. A dignity of the person, whatever may native of Poland, he came to know be the individual’s gender, creed, about the excesses of totalitarian culture or party affiliation. Jesus regimes through his own hometown underscores this in the Gospel today experiences. However, the 1997 — that the authenticity of various Catechism of the , religious traditions is measured in promulgated under his pontificate, this: no religion can be true if its teaches that “…the choice of the being truly God-centered is not political regime and the appointment coupled with a concern for the of rulers are left to the free choice good of every person. In the Judeo- of the citizens. The diversity of Christian religious movement, the political regimes is creation story of the morally acceptable Refection Question: Old Testament stresses provided they serve Do the prayerful traditions the creation of man the legitimate good of and religious disciplines and woman as the high of your group respect the point of the creation the communities that uniqueness of each per- adopt them…and… son’s capacities and needs, of heaven and earth. the fundamental rights even as these underline the The New Testament of persons…” (#1902). need for “oneness of mind underlines Jesus’ and heart?” How compas- choice to be born as In short, the Church sionate are you with per- espouses no specific sons who may differ with one among humanity. political system. The their ways and rites? Some religious evils of communism do associations (even not necessarily make Lord Jesus, guard my heart Catholic ones) may against being too judgmen- b e c o m e c r u e l i n democracy the best tal of other persons. May my form of governance. heart always see the value their teachings and The abuses of state- and dignity of each person. practices if they do controlled economies not keep this in mind. Sts. Fabian and Sebastian, Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP do not make free and Martyrs, pray for us.

23 Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 Psalm 110: 1, 2, 3, 4 January Mark 3:1-6 Wednesday

Silent Moments Are Sacred Times of Revelation

We live in a culture of communication. that it was after “they (the critics) No generation has ever experienced remained silent” that Jesus healed leaps and bounds in the development the man with the withered hand. The of communications technologies silence of the critics communicated than ours. Cellular phones evolved to Jesus that after they have said a lot from analog models to GSM and 3G of things against Him and His ways models, from dual band to triband on the Sabbath, these people were with wi-fi capabilities. Our computer mouthing words. But the essential processors have turned from word meaning of Sabbath they did not processor models to high-speed grasp. The mandatory cessation gadgets for global interconnection. from work decreed by Moses was In a way, the speed with which for people to recover their health and communication has overtaken strength for the morrow. our world — from Silence is pregnant communication as with meanings. It could essentially being Reflection Question: mean submission and t e c h n o l o g y , t o How do you react when tacit agreement, or a you encounter silence in state of deliberation and communication as groups or in persons? Do culture — has also you tend to respect the discernment leading to trained our senses silence? Or do you move to a final choice. It could to process words, break the silence soonest? be a moment of prayer, graphics, sounds What makes you do this? or an acknowledgment Are there moments in life and videos in an when you also turn silent? of guilt and surrender. It interactive rather than What personal feelings and could mean emptiness simply linear way of experience do you prefer to and loneliness. comprehension. communicate in silence? Let us respect the silence that persons The Gospel today, Lord Jesus, teach me to love however, makes us moments of silence so I can may opt to have in their focus on another aspect truly hear You. relationship with us. Let of communication: us learn to understand St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, the “space” called pray for us. persons in their words “ s i l e n c e . ” T h e and in their silence. narration points out Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

24 Hebrews 7:25–8:6 January Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17 Thursday Mark 3:7-12

Beware of the Faithful! When I celebrated my first year in priests, often comparing their old the priesthood, someone gave me favorite pastors with the newly an interesting gift: a white t-shirt installed well-intentioned ones. It printed with the figure of Jesus is they who watch every priest’s whose hands are shown stretching move — with the zeal of being out. Underneath the icon of Jesus “vigilantes against sin.” It is they are words of supplication which who are oftentimes unforgiving with read “Jesus, protect me from Your the priest’s human imperfections. It followers.” Whenever I wore that is among them that avid fans also t-shirt, people asked me what the arise: persons who demand a lot of message meant. I had trouble trying the priest’s time and affection, to the to rationalize what the interesting point of suffocation. words in the shirt M e d i t a t i n g o n meant. Reflection Question: the Gospel today, we This year, without Have you ever experienced find that Jesus — to a me being too aware “being crushed” by people certain extent — felt you minister to or people the same way about the of it, I realize I have you minister with? What been a priest for happened? How did you crowd around Him. The 21 years. And the manage to rise from the Gospel states that Jesus words printed on the experience? feared being crushed t-shirt has become How is your relationship by the crowd, so He with priests and pastors? clearer. Danger in What are oftentimes your asked His disciples to the priesthood does expectations of them? How provide Him the safety n o t c o m e f r o m do you show your support of a boat from where outsiders or people for them? He could preach. Jesus Let your priest/pastor appreciated the need to who have no interest share about his experiences in priests. Danger and try to empathize with keep a healthy distance in the priesthood is him. from the demanding normally occasioned horde. In fact, Jesus by people who are Lord Jesus, help me to under- would many times stand other people’s need to within the parishes keep distance some of the escape from the crowd and various Catholic time. and spend moments organizations. It is of solitude in prayer. St. Vincent, Deacon and Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP they who quarrel over Martyr, pray for us.

25 Hebrews 8: 6-13 Psalm 85: 8, 10, 11-12, 13-14 January Mark 3:13-19 Friday

Salvation: Not Simply An Individual And Personal Affair Pope Benedict XVI’s second Augustine, after his conversion, encyclical is entitled “Spe Salvi” wanted to be simply a prayerful (Saved in Hope). Ever reflective and repentant monk. Yet, he was of the experiences of humanity the prevailed upon to accept ordination world over, the Pope observed that which paved the way for him to hope and the ability to hope are now serve the Christian community as a challenge for us. In our time, we a bishop. St. Augustine, obviously realize how worldly things that made Pope Benedict’s favorite, could not us hope — science, technology, ignore the fact that many people medicine, socio-political structures around him needed to be touched — have their own limitations and by the Gospel through his humble bankruptcies. He teaches that more words and works. The hungry had than ever, we realize there is no to be fed, the ignorant needed to be better hope than salvation: our taught and instructed and the lost personal belief in Jesus Christ who needed to be guided. shows us God’s power over sin and In one instance in another death. Gospel, Jesus — while He is the true Strongly based light — says that we on Jesus, salvation Reflection Question: are to be the light of is not something that What needs of people the world. Discipleship makes us individually around you challenge your is not membership to a devoted to Jesus. way of Christian life? How fans club, but a mission do you respond to these Jesus’ Gospel reveals needs? partnership with Jesus to us that He lived and Make it a point to inter- who came to this preached a life that cede for your community’s world to bring us all is “being for others.” needs in your prayer time. back to the Father. Jesus then rebuked His aim was not to Lord Jesus, help me to live a the purely pietistic life that includes a concern save individuals but and deeply individual for other people and not just to call forth a people way of religiosity. The for my own and my family’s for the Father. The Holy Father, at one needs. seed of the Kingdom point of the encyclical, Blessed Henry Seuse, i s a c o m m u n i t y. explained how St. pray for us. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

26 Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14 January Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Saturday Mark 3:20-21

“Karma” is Un-Christian!

“Karma.” This is an expression that the Mount: “… For if you love those many of our people use to explain who love you, what recompense their motivation to do good and will you have? … And if you greet to be good to others. Unknown to your brothers only, what is unusual many, the concept of “Karma” is un- about that? Do not the pagans do the Christian (that is, not Gospel-based), same?” (cf. Matthew 5:46-48). and un-Filipino. The culture and the Healthy living, I believe, is philosophy behind “Karma” is Hindu more than “Karma” living. Our and Buddhist. Deeply considered, numerous human experiences tell what “Karma” espouses is a teaching us that although we are helpful, of “conditioned goodness.” That is, many more will be those who will I do the good things I criticize and malign do with a somewhat Reflection Question: us. Some will malign selfish personal motive Beginning today, resolve to us because we help — that others may delete “Karma” from your persons whom they usual way of explaining your return the goodness, or may perceive as that life may reward my goodness. A prayer by St. Ignatius of undeserving. Others goodness even more. Loyola: “Take and receive, O will criticize us Jesus in His Gospel, Lord, my liberty. Take all my because our goodness on the other hand, will, my mind, my memory. challenges their own stresses doing good All things I hold and all I own are thine. Thine was brand of goodness. even if others do not. the gift to thee I all resign. Healthy living then is In fact, Jesus gave His Do Thou direct, govern all a readiness to face life life for us while we and sway. Do what Thou wilt for what it really is — command and I obey. Only were yet sinners. Jesus that life is a harvest went about doing good Thy grace, Thy love on me bestow. This makes me rich, of ungratefulness. To even to the soldiers who all else will I forego.” this, we always add the came to arrest Him. He Christian prescription restored the severed Lord Jesus, make my heart o f f o r g i v e n e s s ear of one of them. pure so that I will do good deeds without expecting any a n d l e t t i n g g o . Emphatically, Jesus reward or goodness from Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP taught in the Sermon on others.

St. , Bishop and Doctor, pray for us.

27 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a) January 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Sunday Mark 1:14-20

Building the Kingdom: An Inter-Generational Concern I joined a father of a family in , and their children. celebrating another passage of a Then He sent the prophets who year in his life. While we were interacted with the kings in building celebrating with food and drinks up Israel as the Chosen People. John aplenty, he proudly told all the the Baptist came. The Gospel story guests that the year for him has been says that after John, Jesus began extra gracious. He claimed that he His most important ministry as the received the best gift Only Son sent by the he ever could dream Reflection Question: Father. The Gospel of: his only son, Reflecting on events and devel- goes on to tell us that whose birthday was opments in your family, what Jesus also selected also forthcoming, unique contribution does your the first disciples generation make in the family’s j u s t p a s s e d t h e history? whom He trained to engineering board In your community or in be the next “fishers exams, the same one your parish, try to appreciate of men.” he himself managed the previous generations of The rationale for volunteers who made valuable to pass years ago. contributions to advance the the generations is The proud father community and/or parish. not to simply have a said he now has Spend some time in your mere continuation of the confidence that prayer in lifting up to God the tasks. Rather, each his son will carry new and forthcoming gen- generation is to build erations in your family, in your on with what he company, in your community on — in a taller way, has courageously and in your Christian groups. a better way — what started in the family Pray for God’s protection and the forefathers have business. anointing for the persons con- established. Each cerned. The Almighty generation has a Father works out His Lord Jesus, help me to do my valuable contribution plan for the universe humble part in building Your in the grand plan. in the same way. Kingdom on earth. I thank You E a c h g e n e r a t i o n First, He raised up the for the work of the past gen- is this important. erations in strengthening the Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP : Abraham, Church as it is now.

St. Paul, Apostle, pray for us.

28 2 Timothy 1:1-8 (or Titus 1:1-5) January Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 10 Monday Mark 3:22-30 Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops (or Luke 10:1-9)

Will Power Last year, the Archdiocesan Office that can render us fearful. They try of Exorcism in Manila conducted a to shake our trust in God even more “first” seminar on deliverance and by way of obsession through which exorcism for priests and religious. they can make us suffer physical and The resource person, a priest from emotional illnesses. And they also the Diocese of , shared his try to overcome us with their threat experiences that highlight the of possession. relevance of spiritual warfare in We can gain strength from the truth our age. While demonstrating that that God is the One and Only Creator the power of the devil and his whose power is truly Absolute over all. minions is not simply superstition We must also draw our strength in this but reality, the Italian cleric however truth: no one can enter the house, as the strongly said that we should never be Gospel proclaims, unless he ties up the paralyzed by fear of master of the house first. The devil and the devil. The devil his minions cannot and his cohorts Reflection Question: do anything to us if How strong is your ability to control are fallen angels yourself? How good are you at say- we resist with all our w h o s e p o w e r s ing “no” to certain things — even God-given will. and abilities could good things — that come to you The Italian exorcist never be greater in life? a l s o s a i d t h a t than God’s. Which of these things have you sinning is worse found most helpful in sustaining T h e d e v i l your will power to do good: Prayer? than possession loves to harass Fasting? Being with others in com- because to commit men and women munity? sin is actually b e c a u s e t h e y Which of these have a strong opening the door influence in your thoughts and ac- envy our unique tions? Family expectations? Pressure of one’s life for dignity as the from friends? Demands of school or the devil to come image and likeness work? Dialogue with Jesus about with the person’s o f G o d . T h e y your realization. will and gusto. harass us through Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP Lord Jesus, help me to anchor my will temptations. They to Your Will so that I may not let the try to let our faith evil one enter my life. waiver by their St. Timothy and Titus, Bishops, pray infestation of places for us.

29 Hebrews 10:1-10 Psalm 40:2, 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11 January Mark 3:31-35 Tuesday

The Strong Bond of Faith We have many times heard the meet in renewal groups, such as saying that “blood is thicker than the charismatic movement, greet water.” These words of wisdom each other with sincere embraces of tell us that there is nothing that fraternal love and concern. Members could rival natural family affinity in of these Christian groups claim that binding persons. It is to the family their relationship with one another that we go back to so that we may have made them even closer to find our life’s bearing amidst life’s each other compared to their not-so- ups and downs. Our family is always casual relationships with their blood our haven, our refuge, our reference relations. point. Indeed, our spiritual ties of Going through life, though, we faith in Jesus do not only make learn that not all family members us come close to God in prayer. and close blood relatives are reliable Necessarily, true faith builds up allies. Many times we have also our friendships into deeper ties heard how siblings go against each conditioned not by any financial other in scandalous or material considerations. Faith makes us more open court cases. Serious Reflection Question: political differences Count the persons who have to sincerely share and ambitions brought become family to you, not our experiences, our bloodbath to persons by blood or marriage, but trials and triumphs. through faith in Jesus. Faith makes us more who are supposedly of Even with persons who the same ancestry and are related with you by generous to give and lineage. In contrast, we blood, how has the gift of receive, even beyond hear how non-related a common faith renewed in the guarantees of couples who just met Jesus helped deepen your material resources. relations? in Marriage Encounter Faith makes it more weekends refer to one Lord Jesus, may my faith be possible for us to another as “Tito,” strong enough to enable me forgive and to ask “Tita,” “Brother” or to embrace sincerely my fra- forgiveness in the face ternal relationship with the of human frailties. “Sister.” We witness rest of humanity. how Christians who Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP St. Angela Merici, Virgin, pray for us.

30 Hebrews 10: 11-18 January Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4 Wednesday Mark 4:1-20

Generation on the go A well-known Japanese filmmaker l After raining for 40 days and made a very emphatic cinema about 40 nights, the rains stopped for our culture by putting together 40 days and 40 nights… and dry without any commentary a collage of land appeared during the time of various daily scenes: people rushing Noah... through street crossings, trains l After the slavery of 400 years, churning with lightning speed, cars came the twilight Passover… speeding up on freeways, elevators l After 50 days of journey from shooting up and down the building, Egypt, the Israelites journeyed on a etc. In the rush, everything seems staggered basis to the Promised land reduced to being a component of a for 40 years… mechanical movement. Art, leisure, l Prophecy was silent in Israel meditation and mysticism seem all for 400 years until John the Baptist lost. appeared… Jesus is right. Seeds of wisdom l Jesus waited for 30 years in and divine inspiration can do hiddenness and silence, then He nothing in a “footpath” culture. embarked on His public ministry for The heart, under such three years. condition, is busy Reflection Question: l After the intensity Do you often hear your- pumping the needed self making a convenient o f G o o d F r i d a y, biological sustenance alibi out of your being busy? there was darkness for muscles and veins. What is the Lord telling you and the silence of the The heart has no time about this? tomb that led to the to ponder. Meditate on this truth: Resurrection. When we are sick, all ur- l Instead, note the gencies about work stop. After the Damascus divine rhythm that Money, work, deadlines and experience, Paul spent unfolds for us from people’s demands all take a three years of retreat Genesis: backseat. in the desert of Arabia l Evening came, and Lord Jesus, help me to take before he had his three morning followed… the time to pause and let Your mission journeys. l On the seventh Spirit fill me and invigorate Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP day God rested… me for a more fruitful life.

St. , Priest and Doctor, pray for us.

31 Hebrews 10:19-25 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 January Mark 4:21-25 Thursday

Truth is Timeless Working for truth and justice and charismatic leader, Hitler is for all other good causes can be now history’s ignominity while frustrating. Many times, it may seem ’s martyrdom is that luck and graces are on the side constantly recalled. of evil. Evil men tend to prosper; This world may seem to be the righteous ones suffer and are put the realm of the powerful and the to shame. Media men are silenced crooked. Here they wallow in their with bullets and facts are muzzled influence, in their wealth. Soon with money that comes from drug though, we remember that this world lords and gamblers. Church people is passing. Death comes; cancers are chided; corrupt people walk strike, proud hearts burst in their with unruffled brows arrogance. Eternity in the corridors of Reflection Question: and light are God’s power. These lead What are your own personal alone. Towards the many to ask: Is there pains and frustrations about conclusion of Pope a God? If God is issues of truth and justice in Benedict’s “Spe there, He seems too our own society? Re-read the Gospel text today and lift up to Salvi,” he wrote, silent. God your heart’s disappoint- “This is our final The Good News ments. school of hope — today reminds us Take the time to pray for the that in God there never to despair. following: innocent prisoners is judgment.” In who languish in prison, political Truth is eternal and detainees, groups experiencing that judgment, the it is never altered religious persecutions, persons Holy Father muses, although it is hidden. marginalized by their own com- “the victim and the In due time — that munities because of differences victimizer will not is, God’s time — the of ideas. For us all, pray for the renewal of hope. recline at the banquet truth will come out. table side by side, as Initially dubbed Lord Jesus, strengthen my hope if nothing happened.” a s G e r m a n y ’ s that in You there is judgment so Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP that I may continue to walk in the right path despite the lure of material blessings if I walk the other way.

Blessed Joseph Freinadimetz, pray for us.

32 Hebrews 10:32-39 January Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40 Friday Mark 4:26-34

Growing in God, Growing with God — Growing without Trying Hard As I write these verses, I am about to all — even the worst and the most celebrate 20 years of priesthood. I had grinding of days. no plans of celebrating, for I thought Our Gospel now invites us into it would be better to celebrate later, this graceful and grace-filled way when the silver anniversary comes of living. Plant. Do your share. around. Frankly, I also have not been However, let God also have His keen about counting the years that own space and time. Never be passed by since that Easter Sunday overwhelmed. The world existed morning that I received my priestly before us and it will move on without ordination. There was much to do us. in my assignments in the Society of Life is a gift to be savored, an Saint Paul and in my various priestly adventure to be discovered. The best ministries. Hence, I lived each day thing is to go with the rhythm. Way and was content to face each day as it back our school days, we often heard came. I dared not project myself too the teacher say: “Finished or not far into time; I dared not be bothered finished, stop and pass the papers.” by schedules that are yet two or three Yes, spirituality is also about learning months away. Each day to let go with God and was enough with its own Reflection Question: in God. Finished or concern and worries. I Evaluate the rhythm not finished, stop and am just surprised that of your life. Do you get let God take control. enough sleep and relax- Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP I have passed through ation? Do you find it easy to sleep and relax? Why? Or why not?

Let this be your prayer to- day: “Lord God, give me the peace of not always having to know what is going to happen next. Help me to trust in You at all times. Amen.”

St. Martina, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.

33 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 January Mark 4:35-41 Saturday

Storms in Life: Settings for Divine Action August 2007. I got bitten by a “This is taking too long.” mosquito. At first, I treated the bite The inconvenience I went as I often did — with indifference. through, though, also provided But this bite proved to be something me with moments of surprises and else. It was stubborn and resistant to realizations. First, I was forced to ointments and antibiotics. Swelling go and see a doctor and I began to and infection developed and soon take care of my health as truly a gift. there was a gaping wound on my Second, I marvel at how the Lord led right feet, just above the ankle. me to expert medical people for my The situation forced me to take wound. In what I considered a stroke my condition with seriousness. I of Divine action, a good friend of went to a doctor who told me that mine showed up one day in the my condition was aggravated by a office to talk with me about a project. high blood sugar level. Yes, what She noticed that I worked with my I had been fearing would happen feet propped on a chair. When I had finally happened: my elevated explained to her my predicament, sugar condition has now become a she arranged for me to see a doctor certified case of diabetes. I had to specializing in the management bear with the wound Reflection Question: of diabetic wounds for almost four months. What life experiences made through special gels I had to go through a you see more the greatness and dressings, sans the pilgrimage in Turkey of God’s actions? Was it usual painful operation easy to have this attitude of and Greece, retracing faith at the start? Why? which I was, by the the steps of the Apostle Have you also used these w a y, b e i n g a s k e d Paul, with my right leg words in your prayer mo- already to consider. in bandage. Finally, ments: “It is taking too long, Yes, there are no just before Christmas, Lord, too long.” accidents but all are I was just too glad Lord Jesus, help me to see the “settings” being put to see the fresh and work of Your hands amidst together by the Divine delicate skin that began the trials and sufferings that Architect for His acts to cover the wound. I have to endure in this life. to be appreciated. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP Many times, I found St. John Bosco, Priest, myself commenting: pray for us.

34 Deuteronomy 18:15-20 February Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9 (8) Sunday 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28

AMAZING GRACE At various times in the Gospels, too, will be asked to give advice or we hear of Jesus entering into a counsel to someone. Without the synagogue and preaching. It was help and guidance of the Spirit we customary for the Jewish Rabbi will be merely noises and sounds, to comment on the Scriptures, making no influence on those who exhorting the people in the ways of listen to us. Isn’t it strange that while God. Jesus, as it were, was the guest some misunderstood the ways of preacher who would often speak in Jesus and could not comprehend the synagogue. The Rabbi would His teaching, let alone accept it, quote from that source or another, the demons shout at the top of their and bring out the treasures, both voice, “I know who you are!”? new and old, by expounding on a We are told that His fame spread given topic. far and wide because of the way He Mark tells us that as Jesus taught — with authority. We have taught, people were astonished. He been given authority to live out didn’t quote from this one or another our Christian life in faith and love. but spoke as “one having authority.” Through the grace of our baptism People were amazed we have been anointed at this grace in which Reflection Question: by the Holy Spirit and He spoke. Of course In my life, where do I hold are able to speak and position/s of authority and we know, not like the responsibility? Do I pray to live in the authority people of old, that the Lord to help me and of Jesus Himself. This Jesus is the Son of guide me in using this au- is never something God and He spoke the thority given to me? Do I to boast about. This mind and will of God abuse the authority given authority is a service to me as a Christian? in all His preaching to the people whom and teaching. To have Lord, thank You for Your we associate with, an the mind and heart of mercy and grace. Help me to authority that is gentle God is what we should speak Your word, to counsel and lowly, yet powerful those in need, to offer advice always pray for. There when asked of me in the because it comes from will be times when we, power and authority of Your God. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL Spirit which is love. Amen.

St. , Virgin, pray for us.

35 Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 February Hebrews 2:14-18 Monday Luke 2:22-40 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

CONSECRATED TO THE LORD Every year, we celebrate this later, He will present Himself to God wonderful feast of the Presentation on the gibbet of the Cross, revealing of Jesus in the Temple. to all the love and glory of God. It was a Jewish custom whereby Along with this feast, we also after 40 days, the parents would offer celebrate the coming of the Son of their firstborn to God as commanded God into the Temple. and in the laws of the Lord. It was an Anna were very conscious of this, offering made to God, a thanksgiving in their prayers and prophecy. God for all gifts given to humanity by the had chosen to be a God-with-us, Lord. I often wonder what was in Emmanuel, which we celebrated in the mind of Mary and Joseph as they the season of Christmas. In this feast, heard these words spoken from the we remember and celebrate a God mouths of those holy people, Simeon who is always with us, who never and Anna, whom we hear about in abandons His people and a God of the Gospel today. faithfulness and without deceit. The Presentation of the Lord As we celebrate this feast, is also a special day for those who let us remember that we too have live a consecrated life. It celebrates been consecrated, set apart for the their lives given to God in service as glory of God. God has called us out priests and religious. It of darkness into His celebrates the light and Reflection Question: own glorious light and life they manifest in What offering can I make to we also must present the world today. Even the Lord? What areas of my life need to be presented to ourselves to God. At though the feast we Him for His light and glory each Mass the priest celebrate today is a to shine? offers the bread and Jewish custom, there wine to be consecrated is also something Lord, I offer my life to You. As as the Body and prophetic about it. Just Jesus was presented in the Temple, I also present myself Blood of Christ. Let as Mary and Joseph to You through the prayers of us offer our lives and offered their Child to Joseph and Mary. Use me as present them to the the Lord, the life of You will and let my life be an Lord in union with this Child will be an offering, a pleasing sacrifice the gifts of bread and for You. Amen offering to God. On wine offered at Mass. behalf of all humanity, St. Joan of Lestonnac, Widow, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL 30-something years pray for us.

36 Hebrews 12:1-4 February Psalm 22:26b-27, 28, 30, 31-32 Tuesday Mark 5:21-43

THE POWER TO HEAL There are many wonderful stories as Mark informs us, approaches in the Gospel about the healing Jesus in fear and trembling. Jesus power of Jesus that make beautiful does not condemn the woman but meditations for us. The reason that affirms her healing and sends her in there are so many stories on healing, peace. She stands straight, giving I believe, is to teach us that we are praise and glory to God. in need of the healing power of God. The little girl that we read about We have been trapped in the grasp of is dying. On arrival, she is found Satan, the prince of this world, but dead. However, Jesus doesn’t think the healing power of Jesus sets us so — she is only sleeping, which free from sin and death. To heal is in itself causes some to laugh and to save. In fact, the word for healing ridicule Jesus. And yet by the word is equivalent to the Greek word “to of Jesus, the little girl comes to life. save” (salous). Jesus is the Healing, For both these people, salvation had the Salvation/Savior of the world. come into their lives. Imagine yourself as a beneficiary In the first instance, it’s the touch of Jesus’ healing in today’s Gospel that brings healing and comfort. In — the woman healed from her the second incident, it is the word of condition or the little girl brought Jesus that brings life to the girl. The to life. We are told by healing power of Jesus, Reflection Question: the evangelist about Where do I need to experi- in word and action, is the woman who spent ence the healing touch of available to us if we everything she had Jesus? Where do I need to but reach out and touch on medical resources hear the word of Jesus to Him. yet found herself arise out of darkness into His light? Let us allow the becoming worse. In Lord to touch us today. faith, she trusted that if Lord, I come before You. Let us reach out and she could merely touch Stretch out Your hand and touch Him today. Let us the cloak of Jesus she touch me. Allow me to hear also listen to His word. Your word of life and set me would be cured. Jesus free from the power of sin. He tells us to rise out of felt that power had May I know Your healing our sleep, the sleep of gone out from Him, power in my life. Amen. sin and death. His words and seeks the one who bring life and healing to St. Blasé, Bishop and Martyr, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL is healed. The woman, pray for us. us.

37 Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a February Mark 6:1-6 Wednesday

FAITH: A GIFT OF GOD The Catechism teaches us that faith have Him all worked out. But is a gift of God, a supernatural God is bigger than that. Jesus was virtue infused by Him. Often we amazed at their lack of faith. They take this for granted. Faith needs weren’t willing to think otherwise to be developed, strengthened and — their minds were already made matured. There has to be cooperation up as to who He was. We also have on our part. God doesn’t just give us a tendency to think that way. We faith — the human will and intellect know who Jesus is and have already submit to divine grace and allows it made up our mind. Isaiah the prophet to be moved by interior grace of the says about God, “Your ways are high Holy Spirit. In the Gospel today, we above our ways; Your thoughts high hear that Jesus was amazed at the above our thoughts.” people’s lack of faith. They could What a shame it was that Jesus not bring themselves to submit their could not work many mighty deeds intellect and will to the truth there except to lay hands on a few. that Jesus wished to convey to The Lord wants to give us many them. blessings. He wants to perform many We are the same. At times, we mighty deeds in our days, yet like fail to submit to God’s ways. We the neighbors of Jesus, we have too analyze, rationalize and criticize the often closed our minds and hearts to truth of God, but God is bigger than Him. our minds. The people during Jesus’ Let us ask the Lord to increase time were certain they knew Him: our faith in Him. Perhaps we need the son of a carpenter, to let go of our old the son of Mary. They Reflection Question: mindset about Jesus Do I believe in Jesus? Do had analyzed, criticized I place my faith and trust and ask Him to reveal and rationalized all in Him? Himself to us anew. about Him. But Jesus Let us be among those was bigger than their Lord, I believe but help my whom the Lord will be minds. unbelief. Strengthen my faith in You. I thank You for this pleased with because We do the same. wonderful gift of faith You of our faith — like We think we know all have given to me. Amen. what we heard about in about God. We put Him the Gospel yesterday. St. Rhabanus Maurus, Abbot, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL in a box and say we pray for us.

38 Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 February Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11 Thursday Mark 6:7-13

SENT BY JESUS It was a common scene in Israel to to witness the action of God in their see a band of people following one midst. Many people were cured from master. The rabbis would gather their their sicknesses, heard the Word of disciples to learn the ways of God. God and submitted to faith in God’s The political groups were vibrant grace, repented from their old ways with people wanting to serve the of life and seek new life in the common cause. Religion, too, had Lord. set up their groups of people seeking In the same way today, many to witness to the better life. Jesus was have heard the call of God and one of many who gathered a group of dedicated themselves to preaching disciples to Himself. He would teach the Word. We must pray for the and send them out to continue the apostles of our modern era: bishops, work to be accomplished — that of priests and clergy, religious, those establishing the Reign of God. consecrated and all who give their The disciples moved from place lives in service to God. to place, preaching, teaching and We are all called to be apostles healing so the Kingdom of God (apostolos), to be sent. Some are would be advanced more effectively. sent to the workplaces, schools, This is where the structure of the offices and other places where the bishopric was adopted — the one who seed of the Gospel can be planted. would send his priests to be pastors We must be tireless in advancing of a given flock. They were to trust the Kingdom of God. It is our duty completely in God as baptized Christians for their provisions. Reflection Question: to preach and teach the Their work focused Where can I be an apostle Word of God. Francis on calling people for the Lord? What are my areas of work where I too of Assisi once said to to repentance and must sow the seed of the his brothers, “Preach belief in God. These Gospel? the Gospel and if you men were apostles must, use words.” Our (apostolos) to be sent, Lord Jesus, You sent the dis- actions speak volumes ciples to preach. Use me in messengers of God, as my daily life to witness to Your to people around us. We Jesus Himself was. love and grace. must seek to be genuine It must have been witnesses in our age. amazing for these men St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL pray for us.

39 Hebrews 13:1-8 Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc February Mark 6:14-29 Friday

THE POWER OF REVENGE I find it horrible to imagine the head hand, liked John. He liked to listen of John the Baptist on a platter. to him, even though it perplexed Herod is known for his blood- him. One day, the daughter of Herod thirsty acts. His wife, who happens delights her father through dancing. to be his brother’s wife, is no The king offers her anything, even different. We see in this story how up to half his Kingdom — generous far revenge and resentment can go King that he is! Reluctantly, he gave if we allow it to take its stronghold into her daughter’s wish, which was on our lives. in fact the wish of her mother, and King Herod has heard raving presents her with the head of John. reports about Jesus. He thinks This is outrageous! Horrendous! John the Baptist has been raised Disturbing! All this time the wife from the dead. The evangelist goes of Herod held on to this grudge and back in time to narrate in detail the finally got her way. Sin is always beheading of the Baptist — the crouching at our door ready to enter forerunner of Jesus’ mission. if we give way to it. Herodias, the wife of Philip and We must be rid of all revenge, then Herod, we are told, harbored resentment and all evil. It is like a a grudge against John the Baptist cancer that will eat us up and erode because he spoke the truth. John all sense of moral values if we informed Herod that give into it. How many it was wrong to take Reflection Question: years did Herodias another man’s wife, Am I holding onto grudges entertain this thought let alone his brother’s in my life? What are these of revenge? She must wife. And so Herodias resentments? have been restless for was outraged by this Lord, I choose to let go of sin years before and after and held onto the in my life. I ask You to forgive the beheading of John grudge. She wanted to me for my resentments and the Baptist. What a kill him but was unable revenge that I have held terrible way to live, onto, often hidden in my to fulfill her desire, until heart. Help me to be more waiting for revenge an opportunity came. like You, compassionate, lov- to raise its ugly head. Herod, on the other ing and forgiving. Amen Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

St. Paul Miki and Compan- ions, Martyrs, pray for us.

40 Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 February Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Saturday Mark 6:30-34

COME AND REST FOR A WHILE We all know how it is to live busy disciples. Those same words apply lives. Our lives are determined by to us: take a rest, come to Jesus and the clock. We race throughout the rest for awhile. This is the beauty day attending to this or that, meeting of our faith. We can take time out that person, running errands and and be with the Lord, to listen and attending to our duties. And then to receive counsel from Him. Often we ask ourselves at the end of a day, we make ourselves busy because we “Where did the time go?” Then we are afraid of what silence can reveal say, “Where did that week, month, to us. Some, sadly, are prone to be year go?” workaholics, which has dangerous Jesus knows what it’s like to be side effects. Perhaps Jesus is saying busy but He, too, knows the value to you today through the Gospel, of rest and recreation. Of all the “Hey, I know how busy you have Gospels, we see the humanity of been and now I call you to come and Jesus most evident in the writings rest for a while!” of Mark. Today’s Gospel is no Sometimes we can be our own exception. worst enemies and deprive ourselves The apostles return from their of the necessary things in life. So I say mission and are glad of what they to you, it’s OK to rest. The work that have achieved. They report to Jesus is put on hold for a while will still be everything. Jesus, aware there. And in fact, you of their fatigue and need Reflection Question: will be more energized for rest, tells them to Are you busy? Do you and strengthened if you come and “rest for a need to come and rest for rest for a while. Rest while.” They were to go a while? can mean anything to a deserted place and Lord, You know that my from a prayer period, take time out — for they day can often be filled with vacation, drive to the didn’t have time to eat. duties and activities. Help countryside, a relaxing There was no shortage me to find time to rest for meal or bonding with awhile. Strengthen me and to their work. Many refresh me, so that I can be friends and family. All people were coming in a good servant for Your these are means by great numbers. Kingdom. Amen. which we can come The words of Jesus to Jesus and rest for a St. Richard, King, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL brought comfort to the pray for us. while.

41 Job 7:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 February 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 Sunday Mark 1:29-39

ONE DAY Most of our favorite old-time stories morning and receives energy and begin with the phrase “one day.” In strength to do what is needed for the Gospel of Mark today, we read the day. He rests in the arms of the about one day in the life of Jesus. Father to commune with Him and be Mark is a great storyteller. He tells us reassured of His presence throughout in today’s Gospel a common scene in the day. There was no way that He the life of Jesus’ daily ministry. was going to survive the demands Jesus leaves the synagogue after on Him if He didn’t pray early in the He had taken part in the service, morning. listening and discussing the Word Usually, morning is the best time of God. He enters the house of of the day to pray. I go through my Simon’s mother-in-law for a meal agenda of activities with the Lord in and hears that she is sick with fever. prayer, asking Him to anoint, guide He says a prayer, lays hands on her and protect my plans. Of course, we and she recovers. Then she goes have our own agenda but unexpected about at once offering hospitality things crop up and so we ask the and service. Lord to bless all that may happen Next, the whole town gathers during the day. At night, we give at the door, waiting for the touch of thanks for His presence and the Jesus to heal their sicknesses. Then way He has revealed Himself in the we are told that Jesus rises early in activities of the day. the morning to start again. As Simon This was Jesus’ secret for being tells Jesus that everyone is looking tireless in His ministry: He gave for Him, Jesus heads off to other time for prayer. Perhaps you already villages, preaching and have set aside some healing. This seems to Reflection Question: time for daily prayer; be a common scene in Do I set aside time each if not, today is the day Jesus’ life — preaching, day to pray? Do I surrender to begin. Once you teaching and healing — to God all that is to come do, you will notice the which was the purpose throughout the day? difference — you will of Jesus being sent by Lord, teach me to pray. have more energy, joy the Father. Amen. and peace. We have to Jesus takes time pray to make it today. St. Emiliani, Doctor, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL to pray early in the pray for us.

42 Genesis 1:1-19 February Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10,12, Monday 24, 35c Mark 6:53-56

THEY RECOGNIZED HIM These people were smart. As Jesus bread and wine consecrated as His crossed the other side with His own Body and Blood? apostles, they were already on the The people in the Gospel other side watching and waiting. accounts recognize Jesus as wonder As soon as Jesus appeared, they worker, healer and prophet. But recognized Him. We read in the did they recognize Him as Lord Gospel many accounts where the and Savior? This is the test of our people recognized Jesus. In the faith. We, too, can be caught up in beginning of Jesus’ ministry, John the wonder of miracles, the power the Baptist recognizes Jesus as of healing and the faith-inspired the Lamb of God. The disciples teaching. All of this is good as recognize Him and follow Him. they help us to come to the Lord Zaccheus climbs the sycamore tree and experience Him, but it must and recognizes Jesus. The woman go deeper than this. We need to who wipes the feet of Jesus with her recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior tears recognizes Him at the house — the only one who can save us and of the Pharisee. lead us to His Kingdom. recognizes Him when He called her Too often, we look for other name. things to save us. We have our of Calcutta habitual sins, outbursts of violence recognized Jesus in the poor. Francis and anger, uncontrolled drinking and of Assisi recognized Him in the eating habits — using these to escape leper. Countless people from life’s burdens. down through the ages Reflection Question: Let us place our have recognized Jesus. Do I recognize Jesus in my lives and our needs life? In what ways does He In the Gospel of John, reveal Himself to me? on Jesus — our one to see or recognize and only true Lord Jesus is to believe in Lord, help me to recognize and Savior. When we Him. Many times, He You in my daily life. How do, we will recognize reveals Himself to wonderful are all Your works, Him more in our daily Lord. In every age You have us but our hearts are been our refuge and strength. life and we will be closed to recognize Amen. surprised at the way He Him. Do we recognize makes Himself known St. Apollonia, Virgin and Fr. Brian Steele, MGL Him every day in the Martyr, pray for us. to us.

43 Genesis 1:20–2:4a Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 February Mark 7:1-13 Tuesday

PURITY OF HEART Jesus calls “blessed” those who are deception. Jesus could see that their pure in heart for they shall see God. hearts were far from pure. They This is a grace that we must continue may do all the right things yet their to ask from the Lord. We know too hearts were not in right order. God well that our hearts are often far judges the heart, not the appearance from the Lord, as Jesus Himself of man. The prophet says says in today’s Gospel. “This people that the heart is most devious; who honor me with their lips but their can understand or comprehend the hearts are far from me.” Jesus is ways of the human heart? replying to the complaint of the We are hypocrites at times. The Pharisees who asked why is it that Pharisee resides in us also and this His own disciples do not follow the must be purified. We must always tradition of the elders, especially the check the motive of our heart. purification rites. What is the motivation behind my Jesus challenges their hypocrisy. thoughts, words and actions? The hypocrite is the one who hides Let us take St. Scholastica as an behind a mask. In ancient Greece, example, who the Church honors for example, the actors of the play today. Scholastica was the twin would hide behind masks, their sister of St. Benedict. She desired faces concealed and their character to live a life wholly surrendered to hidden from the audience. They were the Lord and was always keen in on show. The hypocrite is one who participating in spiritual matters. conceals his true character.What you The Lord had captured her heart see on the outside is for and Scholastica burned show and is not the true Reflection Question: Is my heart pure? What with a holy love for the identity of the person. areas in my life do I see Lord. When the Lord The Pharisees were impurity? sets us for Himself, we hypocritical. They were can be consumed with on show as religious, Lord, purify my heart. a longing for Him to Cleanse me from my sin. law-abiding and good- Make me holy and let me be purify our heart. Let us living people, yet their an instrument of Your grace invoke her intercession lives were masked and love. Amen. that we might be of pure b y f a l s e h o o d a n d heart. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL St. Scholastica, Virgin, pray for us.

44 Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17 February Psalm 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30 Wednesday Mark 7:14-23

OPEN-HEART SURGERY I hear many stories about people only to have our sins forgiven, but to undergoing open-heart surgery. One continue the work of conversion that can be diagnosed and treated properly is desperately needed in our lives. and experience a transformation of Sin is serious stuff. It may seem the heart! I am not a doctor so I won’t sweet and innocent but once it has get too technical but it’s amazing to a grasp on our life it can result in hear of success stories of people who habits that are hard to break. Jesus went through heart surgeries. knew only too well the dangers of The greatest sickness of the sin — evil thoughts, unchastity, heart today is more than what the theft, murder, adultery, greed, doctors tell us — and I call it sin. Sin malice, deceit, envy, licentiousness, is the greatest sickness of the heart blasphemy, arrogance and folly. because it has eternal consequences. Perhaps today we can examine We all need to go through an open- our conscience. This is a good heart surgery to remove the residues practice in our spiritual journey. of sin in our hearts. As we hear in the Take a moment to reflect on how Gospel, from within the heart of man you have been drawn to the Lord come evil thoughts, evil intentions — count your blessings. And then resulting in evil deeds. take time to reflect on when and how The late John Paul II said that you have withdrawn from the Lord, man has lost a sense of sin. We the times you failed to acknowledge are no longer aware of Him. Perhaps the what sin is or we have Reflection Question: vices that Jesus lists become immuned to What are the sins in my life in today’s Gospel can it. We have become that I need to confess? Am help you examine I willing to undergo open- comfortable with sin in heart surgery? your conscience. Of our lives. course, Jesus does not I believe that we Lord, I give You my heart. I condemn us when we need to be reminded open my heart to Your heal- sin. As St. Paul says, o f t h e b e a u t y o f ing love and forgiveness. we simply turn to the Give me a humble and con- the Sacrament of trite heart that I may always Lord and seek His Reconciliation. We follow You. Amen. forgiveness, love and need to avail of this mercy. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL St. Gregory II, Pope, sacrament often, not pray for us.

45 Genesis 2:18-25 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 February Mark 7:24-30 Thursday

HAVE FAITH IN GOD Jesus is traveling around the faith and heals her daughter. outskirts of Galilee. He is trying to This story beautifully conveys avoid opposition and to have some the heart of Jesus and the faith of a private time with His disciples to pagan. Jesus came to save the lost. teach. Since the feeding of the five The woman represents those who thousand, He had been on the run, have lost the way and are seeking avoiding the crowds. Moving away to find their way to God. She has from Galilee, He wanted to avoid heard about Jesus somewhere. The Herod Antipas who was in power faith of the woman touches Jesus. at the time. Many people in Galilee So many times in the Gospel, Jesus wanted to make Jesus king and this is impressed with the faith of those caused Herod to be hostile towards who come to Him. Many are healed Jesus. But Jesus could not escape because of their faith — they believe notice, even in the pagan territory, in Jesus. which was good news. In Jesus’ Interestingly, in this Gospel, the mind, He had been sent to the lost woman calls Jesus “Lord” — the sheep of the house of Israel. only time this title of Jesus appears Jesus is in Tyre, a developing and is mentioned by a pagan. She city in the district of ancient Greece. recognizes Him as the one who is Mark tells the story of a woman to save and bring healing to her from that district who comes to daughter. Jesus requesting His help for her Notice this woman’s audacity daughter. In Matthew’s Gospel, to seek Jesus, her persistence even where this story is repeated, Jesus when it seems that He won’t budge, seems sterner. He does her humility in her not say a word. Jesus Reflection Question: willingness to settle is sent only to the lost Do I persevere with the for second best. Jesus Lord? Do I place my trust in sheep of Israel, yet Him no matter what? rewards her faith and the woman is happy she leaves satisfied and to settle for second Lord, I believe. Help my un- strengthened in her faith best, for “crumbs belief and strengthen my in Jesus. Let us imitate that fall from the faith. Amen. her in faith, humility master’s table.” Jesus St. Eulalia, Virgin, pray for and trust in the Lord. is impressed with her us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

46 Genesis 3:1-8 February Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7 Friday Mark 7:31-37

BE OPENED Can you keep a secret? This is what the sound of people’s voices, the we see developing in the Gospel of chirping of the birds, the gentle Mark — the Messianic secret. Many breeze rustling through the leaves, times in the Gospel, we hear Jesus the rain falling on the rooftops. ordering someone whom He has Imagine how often he would try to healed not to tell anyone about it. talk and others could not understand. However, as Mark tells us, the more Everything changed when he met He orders them not to, the more they Jesus. Isn’t it exciting? proclaim it. We do that, too, right? The words Jesus spoke, When secrets are entrusted to us, “ephphatha,” were Aramaic for “be we can’t wait to tell someone about opened.” They are the same words it even if we made a promise not the priest or deacon prays over the to, right? baptized child — that they would One can read amazing stories of be open to the Word of God in their healing without getting too excited lives. We, too, need to have these about them. But I think we should. words addressed to us every now and Jesus comes to bring the Good News then. Often our hearts and minds are — the lame walk, the blind see, the closed to God’s voice of healing and deaf hear — this is exciting indeed. freedom. Perhaps we are afraid of The Jewish nation understood that hearing Him. We allow ourselves to the Messiah would come and bring be opened to the voices of others and liberation — physical and spiritual. forget that it is the Lord who brings Jesus is the Messiah life and freedom into who came to set the Reflection Question: our lives. As we open captives free. Where do I need to have our hearts to the Lord, Jesus say the words “be The deaf man in opened” in my life? What we receive the grace the Gospel today went areas of my life do I need to and help that we need away from Jesus a open before the Lord? to live a life worthy changed man. He could of His calling. As we Lord, open my heart to Your now hear and speak love. Let me hear Your voice open ourselves to this properly. Imagine his that brings freedom and grace, we are called to life up to this point. peace. Amen. share with others what He could see but not God has done to us. St. Amand, Bishop, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL hear. He could not hear pray for us.

47 Genesis 3:9-24 Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13 February Mark 8:1-10 Saturday

FILLED WITH COMPASSION Do not be mistaken if you are Galilee, in the Decapolis region or thinking you have read this story Gentile territory, the feeding of the before — in fact, it is twice recorded crowd teaches us that the love of in the Gospel of Mark and also found God knows no bounds. The seven in the other Gospels. You will notice, baskets were large enough to contain however, that in Mark 6.30-44, there all the left-overs. The number seven are some slight differences. is the complete number in Jewish In this Gospel story (Mark 8), mentality. Both Jews and Gentiles the disciples are outside the territory are fed here; such is the compassion of Galilee; in the other story (Mark of God. 6), they are within Galilee. In Mark Jesus is worried that they may 6, Jesus is filled with compassion collapse due to hunger. The disciples for the people because they are like are worried about how they were “sheep without a shepherd.” Here, going to feed the crowd. Jesus and Jesus’ compassion is felt because His disciples work together to feed “they have no food.” In the Gospel them. In the end “all are satisfied.” today, they have seven loaves; in Many of us hunger for love, the other, there were five. Here they healing, mercy, peace and so on. have a few small fish, while in Mark Here, Jesus ministers to the hungry 6, we are told there are two. Here in a physical and spiritual way. They also, seven basketful of leftover are satisfied; no one is left wanting. were collected, while back in Mark So, too, with us. Jesus provides for 6, 12 were collected. our nourishment in all areas of our It’s amazing when you read the life. stories and find slight differences. Let us ask Jesus to bless our Each writer has his lives out of the little own story and purpose Reflection Question: we can offer Him. As to convey. In Galilee, What do you hunger for? we turn to Him in our the feeding of the need and hunger, we crowd symbolizes the Lord, thank You for Your love shall find satisfaction. and compassion. Thank You feeding of the whole that You fill my hunger and He will never leave us children of Israel —12 satisfy my needs. Amen. unsatisfied — He is tribes, 12 baskets. Here, filled with compassion. Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL outside the region of Bishops, pray for us.

48 Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 February Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11 (7) Sunday 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1 Mark 1:40-45

BE MADE CLEAN A leper comes to Jesus. Leprosy was says, “If you want to, you can make a common affliction in the ancient me clean.” Yet Jesus overlooks times. It may not necessarily have the ceremonial and is moved with been leprosy; it may have been any compassion. He stretches out kind of skin disease — boils, white His hand, touches the leper and spots, rashes, open wounds and pronounces him clean. The leprosy burns. If these symptoms changed leaves immediately at the touch of rapidly, it was not leprosy. Leprosy Jesus. was considered a terrible curse on a Certain requirements had to be person. Lepers were pronounced as met as proof of healing from the unclean by the Levite priest and could infectious disease. Jesus tells the not participate in any ceremonial man to go and do these things. The service, had to stay away from the man can’t keep it a secret; in fact the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting area, report spreads abroad. and had to isolate himself away from Each of us has leprosy. It may not people and public places. be a skin disease but a sin disease. We Certain regulations had to be are afflicted with uncleanness through followed by the afflicted person. sin. Perhaps we, too, are desperate, “If He had to wear torn clothes, his you want to, Lord, you can make me hair had to be unkempt, and should clean.” For sure the Lord wants to, but cover the lower part of his face. In do we? We say we want to be clean, approaching people he was to shout to be rid of sin, but are we serious out, “Unclean, unclean.” Anyone in our commitment to follow Jesus? who made contact Jesus is moved by any with such a person was Reflection Question: person who approaches What are the diseases in regarded as unclean. my life that I must bring Him in humility. Jesus Imagine the attitude to the Lord for healing and is moved to cleanse and of the leper who comes cleansing? heal us from our sin to Jesus. He knows his disease. He is moved Lord, if You are willing, make desperate situation. He me clean and help me to live to reach out and touch knows as well that by in purity, faith and holiness. us with His grace and approaching, he can Amen. mercy. He is moved with make Jesus unclean. compassion and pity. St. Lucius, Bishop, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL That is why the leper, pray for us.

49 Genesis 4:1-15, 25 Psalm 50:1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 February Mark 8:11-13 Monday

GIVE US A SIGN Throughout the Bible, we read about In human life, signs and symbols people asking Jesus for a sign. The are important. They direct us towards Pharisees request a sign from Jesus God and help strengthen our faith. to give them proof that they should The sacraments are signs given to us believe Him as the Messiah. They of God moving among us, feeding, could not accept the miracles; they nourishing, healing, forgiving, wanted more compelling proof uniting and serving us. But people to believe in His divine authority. can get fixated on signs, just as the However, Jesus refuses to give in Pharisees were. to their demands because He knows I do not disagree with asking the motive is disbelief and failure for signs but I have seen many to recognize Him. In the Gospel of who get fixated on signs and stop Matthew, Jesus answers their request there. Signs, rather, should lead us by reminding them of Jonah. Just to God. Genuine signs will awaken as Jonah was inside the whale’s our belief in God who is with us. stomach for three days and nights, so Among Charismatic groups, this is too would Jesus die and be buried, common. A people of faith seeking but on the third day rise again. the Lord for healing and mercy There are people who seek are given miraculous signs. God signs for confirmation. I, for one, in His goodness and mercy has am reluctant to do so. I do not want given us signs and wonders in the to put the Lord to the test. Either Eucharist. The Virgin Mother at I believe or not. I need no other Fatima pointed to the sun as a sign sign than that of Jesus of God’s presence. The crucified and risen Reflection Question: sun danced and changed from the dead. That is What are the signs of God’s color. Communism presence in Your life? enough sign to believe was broken in Russia. that the Lord will act. Lord, I believe in Your pres- People have suffered However, I know many ence in my life. The great- the stigmata. who request for signs est sign of Your presence S i g n a n d You give me is Your body and they receive it. I and blood in the Eucharist. w o n d e r s a b o u n d . commend them for Amen. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL their faith. St. Gilbert, Religious, pray for us.

50 Genesis 6:5-8; 7: 1-5, 10 February Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10 Tuesday Mark 8:14-21

DO YOU UNDERSTAND? The Gospel of Mark seems Be aware of the yeast of the to place the disciples in a Pharisees — the teaching and false constant state of disbelief and interpretation they give to sway misunderstanding. They just others from the truth. If our faith is don’t seem to get what Jesus is not strong, we will also be swayed all about. In the Gospel today, we by every kind of strange doctrine. We catch a glimpse of the stupidity must seek to learn and understand of the disciples. Mark gives us our faith. At times we are called the opening clue — they forgot to give an answer for our belief as to bring bread. So when Jesus Catholics. Many are confused and tells them to be aware of the do not understand and will look to yeast of the Pharisees, they were us for counsel and advice. wondering about the amount of People will have opinions bread they brought with them. and interpretations of one kind Ye a s t w a s a c o m m o n or another. We should allow our metaphor for evil and corruption. conscience to be formed through A little yeast was mixed in with a the resources available to us — the batch of flour and water to assist Bible, teachings of the Church, the the dough. A little corruption Catechism and traditions of the on the part of the Pharisees Church. Our lives must be formed in could see the rising of anger and truth and not corrupted by the yeast dissension among the people of of false interpretation and misleading the nation to see Jesus put to doctrine. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL death. Reflection Question: What are the areas of my Catholic faith that I do not understand? What can I do to understand my faith better?

Lord, give me grace of wis- dom and understanding as I put my trust in You. Amen.

St. Alex Falconieri and co- founders, pray for us.

51 Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 February Mark 8:22-26 Wednesday

THE BLIND WILL SEE The people bring the blind man to is upon me…the blind will see…” Jesus. They beg that Jesus would (Luke 4.18-19/Isaiah 61.1-2). By touch the man. See the faith of placing our faith in Jesus, believing the people. The blind man meets that He is the Son of God, we begin Jesus, not able to see, and leaves to see again. the presence of Jesus seeing clearly. Blindness is a metaphor for sin. Interestingly, Jesus leads the blind Sin distorts our seeing Jesus. Often man away from the village. The we cannot see because we are blind healing is done privately so as not — not physically but spiritually, to make a commotion and reveal which is the worst blindness anyone the messianic secret, at least not yet. can have. What blinds us are our Another interesting point that Mark selfishness, our lack of love and tells us is that healing of blindness understanding, our unforgiveness, is gradual. It is a process. Jesus had anger and unhealthy attitude towards to place His hands on the man twice each other. This blindness is epidemic for the healing to happen. in our society. We need to have the When we come to meet Jesus, courage to admit this sin, to repent conversion does not usually happen and seek healing. Sometimes we need overnight. Of course, some have others to support us and lead us to the the “Damascus Road” experience One who alone can heal and set us like St. Paul. But for most of us, our free. The people who brought the man conversion develops gradually. Our to Jesus are to be commended for their faith needs to mature so we can “see” faith and love by bringing their friend Jesus. to Jesus. Sometimes we are the blind There are many stories in the who need healing; sometimes we Gospel of the blind are like the people who Reflection Question: being able to see. This What are the areas of must bring our brothers is a manifestation of the “blindness” in my life? and sisters to Jesus. In Messiah. Remember whatever circumstance when Jesus opened the Lord, heal me and touch me. we find ourselves, let Remove the blindness from scroll in the temple me that I might see again. us come to Jesus, for and read those inspired Amen. He will heal us indeed words of the prophet? and the blind will see. St. Flavian, Bishop, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL “The Spirit of the Lord pray for us.

52 Genesis 9:1-13 February Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29, 22-23 Thursday Mark 8:27-33

WHO AM I? For three years Jesus traveled around We need to place our minds and with men and women proclaiming think above where Christ is seated the Kingdom of God. He preached, at the right hand of the Father. taught and healed many. All this Who do you say I am? This foretold the coming of the Kingdom question must be answered by each of God in their midst. The question and every one of us. At different that Jesus asks His disciples is times in our lives, the answer may pivotal in the Gospel of Mark. From change but the question remains. here, Jesus sets His face towards To quote our late Holy Father, John Jerusalem: the destiny of His death Paul II, “Christ is the answer” but and ultimate sign of the coming of you may ask what the question is. the Kingdom of God. The question is whatever it is in your First, Jesus is interested in the life that needs the answer. We are consensus of the people, “Who do constantly assailed by doubts and they say I am?” Having received concerns, issues and experiences. a reply He turns to His disciples In all of these, Jesus remains the and asks them, “Who do you say I answer. He is the same yesterday, am?” It is very important that the today and forever. disciples grasp who Jesus is. Peter The Cross and Resurrection replies “You are the Christ.” Jesus of Jesus is the answer. Indeed in then speaks openly of His fate and every age it remains the answer. destiny — something that Peter, We are constantly reminded to gaze after all the years with Jesus, cannot upon Christ crucified and see there accept. Jesus’ reply is our deepest needs and the same given to us: longings fulfilled. Once Reflection Question: You are thinking as Who do you say I am? we can come to that human beings do and grace to accept this not as God thinks. True, Lord, You are my Savior, answer, it remains the in Isaiah, God speaks Redeemer and Friend. In foundation and goal of through His prophet. every age, O Lord, You are our refuge and strength. I all our lives. Come what “My ways are high love You, Lord, my hope and may, we find the strength above your ways and guide. Amen. necessary to go through my thoughts are far whatever life brings us. St. Conrad of Piacenza, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL above your thoughts.” Hermit, pray for us.

53 Genesis 11:1-9 Psalm 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15 February Mark 8:34–9:1 Friday

BE PREPARED FOR AN ORDEAL The wise man says if you want to the resurrection. We, too, must be serve the Lord be prepared for an prepared for dying so as to rise again. ordeal. It will involve sacrifice, Sounds like an ordeal, and it is. But suffering, discipline, persecution thanks be to God who has sent His and endurance. To follow the Lord Holy Spirit to strengthen us for the is not easy. Jesus Himself said the journey. gate is narrow and few choose to To deny oneself is the hardest follow the narrow way. Are you thing to do. Unfortunately, we have afraid? Jesus tells us not to, but to allowed our lives to become too place our complete trust in Him. He comfortable. We live in a consumerist will assist those who are prepared society, to buy happiness and to for the ordeal, who want to take up indulge, always seeking the biggest the cross and follow Him. and best. We seek to be indulgent I remember how that hit home to because life is too stressful, too busy, me once in prayer. I was meditating too time-consuming and so the body, on the Agony in the Garden and was mind and spirit say, “What about wondering whether there was an easier me?” It’s all about me — I, me and path to Christianity. Even Jesus was myself. Never mind about the rest known to say, “Let it pass.” It is difficult of humanity — let them take care of being a Christian — sometimes you themselves. Yet isn’t it amazing that just want to give it all up. It seemed when we reach out to others, when we easier not being Christian, but that is forget our self (not to the detriment a lie that the enemy loves to spread. of our health) that we feel so much Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the better? There are many people who Life. Christianity demands certain are absolutely selfless responsibilities — taking Reflection Question: t h a t y o u w o n d e r up the cross, denying What are your God-given how they do it. The one’s self and following ambitions? secret is the power of the Lord. Jesus endured the Spirit, a personal agony, blood, sweat and Lord, grant me the grace of Your Spirit to follow You. relationship with tears. It was only through Help me to be selfless today. Jesus and communion embracing and accepting Amen. with God every day. all these that Jesus was Fr. Brian Steele, MGL St. Sadoth, Bishop and able to experience Martyr, pray for us.

54 Hebrews 11:1-7 February Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Saturday Mark 9:2-13

SECRET! This is a famous Filipino expression — moments of consolation. We need — “secret!” It is not learned in these times to strengthen our faith language schools but is learned by and to aid us on the journey of life. way of relating to the Filipino. A On the mountain, the companions number of people I know say this to caught a glimpse of who Jesus is. He me and I am often frustrated. “Why is the Messiah, the one who was to can’t you tell me? Why is it a secret? free the people from slavery through Tell me!” the passing over from death to life. Jesus uses this form of expression However, as all good things in the Gospel. He tells them not to must come to an end, so, too, relate what they had seen to anyone this experience. But the disciples — secret! Throughout the Gospel remembered this. Peter wrote to of Mark, there is a tension building his community that he was there on up: the messianic secret, which the mountain with Jesus. We, too, is to be revealed at the death and must remember the goodness of the resurrection of Jesus. Until then it Lord in our own lives. The Lord is remains a secret. However, like all always with us. He reminds us of “good” secrets, some had the better His presence in many and various advantage of knowledge. ways. What an experience it must Let us listen to His voice in the have been for the companions events and circumstances of our of Jesus: Peter, James and John. daily lives, in the Word proclaimed There they were on at Mass. Let us listen to top of the mountain Reflection Question: His voice through wise with Jesus, and What is the Lord saying counsel, in confession, to me in my life at this in pastoral care, in Moses. No wonder time — through Mass, Peter wanted to capture wise counsel, the events the signs of the times. the experience — a of my life, the signs of the As we listen, let us Kodak moment. Let us times? respond and not allow His voice to fall on deaf make three tents. Let Lord, it is good to be here. us keep this moment, Help me to listen to Your ears. His voice is not Let us make it last. voice. Amen. a secret but there for And we have the same “anyone who has ears.” St. Peter Damiani, Bishop Fr. Brian Steele, MGL kinds of experiences and Doctor, pray for us.

55 Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 Psalm 41:2-3, 4-5, 13-14 (5b) February 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Sunday Mark 2:1-12

YES Moses, Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the “yes” to the Father and was obedient prophets, Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul unto His death on the Cross. At every and Jesus. What do these people moment, we are called to renew that have in common? They all said “yes” “yes.” The Spirit has been given to the Lord. God was doing a new as installment, as the guarantee, thing in their lives and they all said the “yes” of the Father who has “yes.” For some it took a while to welcomed us and accepted us into come to that point but, in the end, His Kingdom they were all obedient to the call of In today’s Gospel, the “yes” the Lord in their lives. of Jesus is expressed through the Yes! I like that word. It means healing and the pronouncement affirmation, surrender, permission, of forgiveness. The friends of the consent, agreement and obedience. paralytic express their “yes” by In some circumstances, this word bringing their friend to Jesus even has negative connotations – “yes” if it meant damaging the roof. The to sin, immorality, war, corruption paralytic himself expresses this and violence. “yes” by submitting to the command At baptism, we said “yes.” of Jesus by taking up his mat and As infants, we didn’t have the walking in front of the crowd. faculty of speech, but our parents However, there are some who say or whoever stood on our behalf ‘no.’ The Pharisees denounce the act stated an affirmation to the Lord. We of Jesus as not from God, they reject believe that Jesus died His forgiveness, and and rose again and in Reflection Question: they refuse to believe Him is the forgiveness What do you say — yes or in the power of God. no? Whatever your answer Fr. Brian Steele, MGL of our sins. Jesus said might be, there will always be repercussions — good and bad. But the decision is always yours.

Yes, Lord. Amen.

St. Peter, Apostle, pray for us.

56 Sirach 1:1-10 February Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 Monday Mark 9:14-29

HELP MY UNBELIEF There is a scene in the Gospel today our response. Lord, I do believe, that is quite dramatic. Jesus has just but help my unbelief. Faith is often returned from the mountain. Down tested. It is a gift from the Lord below, there is an argument and given to us and we must at times tension going on as the disciples ask for it to be strengthened. We struggle in bringing healing and should never take faith for granted. peace to a boy possessed by an evil How many of our friends do not spirit. The boy, upon being brought have faith, are struggling in their to Jesus, is thrown into convulsion. faith, have given into unbelief And again at the command of Jesus, and uncertainty? The evil one has the boy is thrown into convulsion, won the battle if that is the case. shouting and making a commotion. Therefore, we must never tire of Dramatic. asking the Lord for the gift of faith. The boy and his family The man seeks the Lord to have suffered immensely because of this compassion. The Lord is willing predicament. The boy is thrown into and brings restoration to the boy water and fire by the possession of and his family. Their faith is the evil spirit. The father has come strengthened through this event. to the end of his tether having found Do you struggle with unbelief? no resolution to his boy’s suffering. Do you sometimes doubt the Lord’s Jesus comes to set the prisoners free. compassion and love? Do you know This boy has been imprisoned and some people who are in need of bound through the mute and deaf healing and seemingly not receiving spirit. it? Let Jesus take you by the hand The faith of the man is tested and increase your faith. Let Him here. He is a believer. He has faith take away all the things that bind but like most of us he is you and possess you. often riddled with doubt Reflection Question: Let His Spirit come and uncertainty. The Where in my life do I lack and make you whole. response of the faith is trust, hope and belief? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL Lord, I believe in You. Help my unbelief. Amen.

St. , Bishop and Martyr, pray for us.

57 Sirach 2:1-11 Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 February Mark 9:30-37 Tuesday

DO YOU UNDERSTAND? Mark reveals to us a grim picture we need to beg the Lord for wisdom of the disciples of Jesus. They are and insight. often seen as dull, ignorant and just God is a mystery. Life is a mystery. plain stupid! Jesus’ patience often Is our lack of understanding perhaps seems tested — but He loves them a way in which we try to understand? nevertheless. Mark reveals to us in Perhaps we do understand the ways of his Gospel a “human” Jesus working the Lord but we don’t want to because with a broken and vulnerable people. we are afraid of what will be revealed Many times we hear Jesus telling the to us. I think this is something of the disciples about His fate and destiny tension of the disciples. They were — His arrest, death and rising up with Jesus for a number of years. again. Jesus had to put up with their They could see the tension rising misunderstanding and failure to — unless they were totally stupid. recognize the ultimate truth. They witnessed the persecution and We are like the disciples. We rejection of Jesus. They knew He fail to understand the ways of the would face suffering, cruelty, and Lord even when they seem most ultimately, death, but maybe their obvious. We fail to comprehend failure to understand was their way why God is doing whatever He of coping with the inevitable. Their is doing in our lives. lack of understanding We fail to recognize Reflection Question: was a sense of security. How do I seek to under- His truth and wisdom stand the ways of the Lord They wouldn’t get in the events of our in my life? Is my failure to hurt, they wouldn’t be lives. Admit it! “I don’t understand a means of responsible, they could understand You, Lord. security and hiding from hide in the popularity of I cannot see beyond. I the truth that might be the moment — if they revealed to me? fail to see You in my didn’t understand. Their life. I don’t get it!” The Lord, help me to know You, failure to understand, Lord is kind, unfailing to love You and to follow in a sense, was their in His tenderness You. Give me wisdom and own way of living the understanding to know You a n d c o m p a s s i o n . more and more in my life. dream of success and He understands our Amen. popularity. failure to understand Do you understand? completely. Sometimes St. Ethelbert of Kent, King, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL pray for us.

58 Joel 2:12-18 February Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14, 17 Ash Wednesday 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18

THE FATHER WHO SEES ALL It is that time of the year again: Ash and filled with the grace of the Wednesday. We reflect on what to Spirit. give up, what will be our penance Almsgiving is a way of growing this season, what will we do... Wait in selflessness. It helps us to focus a moment. The season of Lent is outward and not inward. It purifies not so much about what we are us from being ego-centered. What giving up but what we are gaining. can you share today that will be an There is so much to gain during this act of almsgiving? Sharing your season of Lent. Beginning today, time, ears, gifts, talents, finances? Ash Wednesday, we gain a new The list goes on. opportunity to grow in the love and Fasting is a way of growing goodness of God. Today is a day in self-denial. It helps us to focus when we begin again to receive on other things that satisfy, not a new sense of forgiveness in our necessarily food. Fasting purifies life, a new release of the mercy, us from the “fat-residue” of sin. tenderness and healing of God. It is What are the ways in which you not so much about what we do but can fast — from sin, sinful attitudes, who we are. We are loved by a God selfishness? Prayer helps us to grow whom we can call Father, the father in relationship with God. It helps who sees all. stoke the fire of love and devotion Jesus outlines three kinds of to God. It makes us more dependent ways of growing in our relationship on the One who knows who we are. with God — a relationship of mercy How can you grow in prayer, in a and love. They are traditional ways loving and faithful dialogue with that the Church sees as a way of your God? By growing in the ways growing in a life of of prayer, fasting and holiness: prayer, fasting Reflection Question: charity, we will see and charity. They are What can I gain from this this Lenten season as given to us with the season of Lent? a time of growth in intention of fostering holiness and being in Lord, open my lips and my the presence of God. new life that Jesus gives mouth shall declare Your Fr. Brian Steele, MGL to us: selfless, loving praise. Amen.

St. Walburga, Virgin, pray for us.

59 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 February Luke 9:22-25 Thursday

THE CHOICE IS YOURS The people led by Moses are entrusted knew the One God, the Lord of with the Law of God. The Law was Heaven and earth, yet as they moved God’s way of communicating life further into territory, a new world to His people. To obey the Law was waiting to tempt and entice was to obey God, the Deliverer them. Already some of them had and Savior, who had led them thus heard stories of their ancestors far. The people had experienced and experienced the idolatry of the blessing after blessing from God, people when Moses found them who provided for them throughout idolizing the gold calf. their journey and who would be In life, we have to make many with them as they entered into the decisions, from the moment we “promised land” of Canaan. wake up to the time we sleep. Moses reminds the people about Some of those decisions have good God who has always been with repercussions; others bad. We live them. He tells them very simply and learn by the choices we make that in order to live fully under the daily. We decide what path to take blessing of God, one must love the regarding career, study, vocation. We Lord, heed His voice and hold fast decide what food to eat, what clothes to Him. To do this, life was theirs. to wear, what to do today. And we But then there is always the “if.” If live with the consequences of our you turn away from God, if your decisions! hearts and minds refuse to listen and Whatever choice we make, obey, then death will be their fate. life should always be the motive, The choice is theirs. not death. The Lord Moses exhorts them to Reflection Question: wants us to live life to choose life. What decisions do I need to make today? Am I the full. He Himself The Israelites were choosing life? came to give life and moving into foreign abundantly. Choose life territory and their eyes Lord, I choose life today. so that you and your must have widened Help me to love with the descendants may live power of Your life and love when they saw the through the grace of Your — by loving the Lord, idolatry and pagan Holy Spirit. Amen. heeding His voice and worship before them. holding fast to Him. St. Porphyry of Gaza, Fr. Brian Steele, MGL At this time they only Bishop, pray for us.

60 Isaiah 58:1-9a February Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 Friday Matthew 9:14-15

FASTING Fasting is a spiritual discipline. The Fasting was associated with sorrow; Church gives us certain days and Jesus came to bring happiness and times of the year whereby we are life. Jesus is the Bridegroom who required to fast. Traditionally, Friday has come to wed His Bride, the is a day of abstinence and fasting in Church. honor of Jesus who died on Good What good would it be if you Friday, offering His life for us on are invited to a wedding feast and the Cross. did not eat? What a shame and Lent is a penitential season cause of embarrassment to the one whereby we are called to fast. who invited you as guest. Jesus Traditionally, fasting is seen as the understands His time of being denial of food but, in more recent present in the world as a time of times, fasting has taken upon a marriage, a celebration, an occasion broader practice. Fasting is associated of festivity and joy just like any with repentance and sorrow for sin. marriage. There will come a time The Day of Atonement was a day when the Bridegroom will not be of fasting for the Jews to atone here (referring to His death). Then for sins. It involved a day of ritual will the time come for fasting. observances. Even to this day the The best fast we can make is Muslims celebrate annually the ninth that of fasting from sin! In today’s month of the Muslim calendar as First Reading, God speaks through the Ramadan — a month of fasting. His prophet about the kind of fast The Pharisees fasted twice a week. acceptable to Him. Things such as: During Lent, the Church unites with releasing the prisoner, setting free Jesus and His fasting for 40 days in the oppressed, sharing bread with the desert. the hungry, sheltering the homeless, Jesus is approached by some clothing the naked and not turning of the Pharisees. They your back on your own. Reflection Question: As God says, what good question His lack of In what ways can I grow in ritual observance. Jesus fasting? is fasting when you suggests that it is hardly end up quarrelling and relevant to fast when My sacrifice, O God, is a fighting one another? the Bridegroom is here. humble and contrite heart. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL St. Veronica, pray for us.

61 Isaiah 58:9b-14 Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 February Luke 5:27-32 Saturday

CONVERSION OF HEART

The whole point of this Lenten booth, his money, his old way of season is to grow in holiness of life life, everything. And to prove this, by way of conversion. Conversion he invited a large crowd of people to is a turning around in the opposite celebrate with him his conversion. direction, a 180-degree turn. It There is a beautiful image of St. involves commitment, discipline Matthew in a parish I once visited in and trust. For us, conversion began Australia. It depicted Matthew with at Baptism, though most of us were a Bible on one hand and a money unaware of it. The second point purse beneath his feet. It shows the of conversion is reconciliation in powerful image of Matthew trampling areas where we have misused the his “old” life and looking forward to gift given us at Baptism. We turn his new life as a preacher of the Good to the Lord in the Sacrament of News. It is cast in magnificent bronze Reconciliation and are reunited and tells a story. again to God in mercy and love. We, too, must leave everything Throughout our life, there are many and follow Jesus. This will be moments of conversion. Conversion hard; it has its challenges. It is hard is a process that will end when we to separate from what you have are dead and buried. allowed yourself to be attached to. Jesus calls people to conversion. For Matthew, he was attached to his Throughout His life, He calls men wealth, corruption, and cheating. and women to abandon their ways of We, too, can fail to detach from those sin and to follow Him. attitudes of heart and Levi is no exception. Reflection Question: mind. But the reward Levi, turned Matthew What areas of my life need is great; conversion to be converted to the (gift of God), is called Lord? involves commitment, by Jesus to follow discipline and trust. It Him. Luke tells us in Lord, I pray for the gift won’t be easy but we a beautiful way that of conversion in my life. have one who walks Change my life that I might “leaving everything love You, serve You and fol- alongside us offering behind, he got up and low You all the days of my e m p o w e r m e n t , followed Him.” Now, life. Amen. strength and assistance. that is conversion. Levi Fr. Brian Steele, MGL St. Hilary of Ephesus, Pope, left everything. His pray for us.

62 Genesis 9: 8-15 March Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Sunday 1 Peter 3: 18-22 Mark 1: 12-15

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” One cold winter night, a priest With the cold of winter, mother was on his way home from an nature eventually “hardens” as it appointment. A mugger stopped him, is covered by snow. Winter is also demanding his wallet while pointing that time of the year when plants a knife to his side. The priest opened and vegetation “die” as they are his jacket and revealed in view his enveloped by snow. clerical collar. CNN recently re-ran a “Are you a priest?” the surprised documentary on “children soldiers” mugger asked. — boys who are lured to join private “Yes.” armies in exchange for money and “So sorry, please forgive me.” land for their families. A 15-year-old The priest saw this as an boy narrated that he has killed nine opportunity for evangelization so people so far, all political enemies he offered the man a cigarette hoping of a drug lord he was serving. “The for a short conversation. The man first time you’re nervous. But in plainly refused. time you get used to it, people dying “No thanks, Father. I give up right before your eyes.” The cold of cigarettes during Lent.” winter has descended in his heart. Be it coincidence or conscious No wonder then that the Church liturgical intent on the proclaims repeatedly part of the Church, Reflection Question: during Lent, “If today the season of Lent What is it in my heart that you hear his voice, usually falls on the I have buried to the point h a r d e n n o t y o u r of hardening? What is my winter season, or at attitude towards the sacra- hearts.” Lent is that the latest, when winter ment of Reconciliation? time of the year when is on the wane and we are called to a spring beckons. But Lord, I thank You for the collective “defrosting” this does not mean that grace of the Lenten season. o f o u r h a r d e n e d Open my heart and my Lent’s seasonal timing mind that I may hear with hearts — hardened with winter reduces its effectiveness the invitation by sin, unforgiveness significance to places of Your Word. Amen. and mediocrity in that experience it. Far the spiritual life. St. , Bishop, Fr. Joel O. Jason from it. pray for us.

63 Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18 Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 15 March March Matthew 25: 31-46 Monday Tuesday

Following with Love Obedience is part of our day-to-day Following these commandments living. As man lives, he cannot but means following the will of God. encounter situations that require God wills it because of His love for him to oblige. When we ride a His people. And as God loves His bus we observe that we follow people, He also wants His people direction. When you go to the to love one another. Thus, the supermarket, you follow directions. consequence of His love is for us to In simple things that we do, we love one another. In fulfillment of find that there is always structure this, we connect this commandment that is given to us. Do we think a to the Gospel for today. As Jesus structure is given just for the sake said: “Amen I say to you, whatever of having structure? Every structure you did for one of these least brothers provides an objective and with this of mine, you did for me.” objective, we are required to look Jesus is now inviting us to a into its meaning. How can we find higher level of obedience. He wants this meaning? This meaning can be that the things that we follow and do found in the sincerity of our heart. be deeply rooted in love. Maybe, in What I am trying to say our day-to-day living, here is that love should Reflection Question: we cannot see the be present in all that God gave us freedom to relevance of what we obey or reject Him. Only we do. This is looking a human person is ca- do or what we follow. at obedience in the pable of saying “No” to Oftentimes, we see the context of love. God. But with the same things that happen to us I n t o d a y ’ s freedom, only a human as ordinary. But with r e a d i n g s , w e s e e person can genuinely and these things that we do, sincerely say “Yes” to God. the commandments The choice is yours. Jesus is inviting us to being given by the see the importance of Lord to Moses. These Lord, teach me to love the what we are doing. Try commandments are way You love us. Let Your to do things, no matter love overwhelm my entire the standards that being so that through love how simple, with love. man should follow. I can understand deeply the Fr. Joel O. Jason meaning of the command- ment You have given to us.

St. Chad, Bishop, pray for us.

64 Isaiah 55: 10-11 March March Psalm 34: 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Monday Tuesday Matthew 6: 7-15

The Model of Prayer Perhaps the most popular prayer that give it to them not as the only prayer there is in the Christian world is the but rather as the model of prayer. It Lord’s Prayer. Almost everyone, is the model prayer since we will be from little children playing in the able to see in it the four elements of streets to old women selling in the prayer that we have been taught of, market, knows the Lord’s Prayer. which Catholic tradition remembers Jesus taught His disciples this prayer as the ACTS (Adoration, Contrition, when they saw Him praying and Thanksgiving and Supplication). In asked Him, “Master, teach us how it, we ask not only for the things we to pray.” can rightly desire, but also in the Jesus’ life was a life of prayer. sequence that they should be desired. Prayer should be brief because it Speaking with God is an intensely is for our good, not for the good personal event. of God since He already knows In this season of Lent, let us what we need. The Lord’s Prayer never forget to call on God our is a simple prayer and despite its Father as Jesus had taught us. We brevity, one of the Fathers of the have a right to call God our Father Church called the Lord’s Prayer if we treat other people as our “truly a summary of the brothers and sisters, whole Gospel” — the Reflection Question: especially those who expression of our chief Do I treat other people as are closest to us and my brothers and sisters? beliefs that serve as an Have I lived out the words those who are most “Identification Prayer,” that I always say whenever in need. Now is a like a distinctive badge I recite the Lord’s Prayer? good time to improve that bind believers our prayer life and Heavenly Father, teach me together. to pray. May You always be our relationship with When Jesus gave to with me and guide me as I God as we observe His disciples the Lord’s live out this journey of life. the season of Lent. Prayer, He intended to May I truly understand the Fr. Joel O. Jason words that Your son Jesus Christ had taught us and to live out the words that I utter as I recite the Lord’s Prayer.

Blessed Katherine Drexel, pray for us.

65 Jonah 3: 1-10 Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19 March March Luke 11: 29-32 Wednesday Thursday

Listen! The most common thing we do when But wouldn’t it be better if we we pray is talk, talk and talk. We tend let God do the talking? Besides, God to beg for the graces that we need. knows what is best for us. He clearly The most common prayer that we knows what would be helpful and do is a prayer of petition. Somehow, what would be harmful for us. If it has been the easiest way for us to only we would let God speak to our pray. hearts, then His will may not be that However, we usually forget that obscure for us. prayer is a two-way communication. Let us not be afraid, then, to turn It is a dialogue. We cannot call prayer our hearts to God. He is more than a dialogue if we do not give God the willing to listen to us but we must chance to speak in the silence of not forget that we must also let God our hearts. We fail to remember do the talking. Besides, His ways are the words of the boy in the better than us. temple: “Speak Lord, your servant In this season of Lent, we are is listening.” Oftentimes, we change being asked to listen more and talk it to: “Listen, Lord, your servant is less. In this age wherein people have speaking.” no time to listen, let us take the extra In these modern times, most step to give a listening ear. To give people would like time for people who Reflection Question: to do the talking. Am I a listening person? are asking for a little They would prefer to How generous am I with my attention. Who knows? be heard than to be time dedicated to prayer? Maybe God would the one who listens. Have I listened to God speak to us through a Besides, listening is not lately? friend in need. But if that easy. It demands we let that opportunity Loving Father, You have lis- a form of discipline tened to my groaning and pass, God may not to the one who is appeals. Help me open my have another time to listening. Somehow, heart so that I may listen to talk to us. And maybe, listening has now Your loving will. Open my we won’t have another ears that I, too, may listen become a commodity to my brothers and sisters in time to silence our — something that is need. Amen. hearts. Fr. Joel O. Jason difficult to find. St. Casimir, Confessor, pray for us.

66 Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 March March Psalm 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 Wednesday Thursday Matthew 7: 7-12

Wait

People nowadays would prefer to When we come to meet Jesus in accomplish many things within prayer and ask for something, He a short period of time. They treat does not readily give us the answer time as something very precious and to our prayer. Instead, He gives us valuable. Some of them would even certain situations in life that form prefer to shorten their meal times by part of the process in achieving what eating instant and ready-to-eat food we pray for. so that they can save time. Students Why does God want us to also have a quick, easy and instant undergo the long process? Perhaps access to information through the it is because He wants to teach us Internet. This would require them something that we might miss if He a smaller amount of time to spend would readily give us the answer to in research. These are just some our prayers. It is the waiting and going realities that make our lives more through the process that matter most. convenient. These realities spare We are not mere passive recipients. us from waiting for a long time to And this is what Jesus taught us. In accomplish things through the long the desire of God to save us from and traditional processes. our sins, He chose to undergo the But there are certain tasks in long process of becoming man life that require us to take the long like us. He chose to suffer and to process and wait. And I think this experience the excruciating pains as is what Jesus was referring to when He was nailed to the cross. God had He said, “Ask and it the option to save us will be given to you, Reflection Questions: by just a single stroke search and you will How willing am I to wait of His hand. But He find, knock and the and to choose the long process? did not choose that. door will be opened He chose to wait and to you.” When Jesus Lord, help me to learn Your to undergo the long said these words, He ways. May I be patient and hard process so does not mean that we enough to wait and to choose the long process so that I may that people may truly can easily get what learn more the lessons You learn and believe in we pray for, just like want to teach me. Amen. Him. Fr. Joel O. Jason eating instant noodles. St. John Joseph of the Cross, Confessor, pray for us.

67 18:21-28 Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 March Matthew 5:20-26 Friday

The Practice of Abstinence This Friday of Lent is offered as a The fasting of Lent differs in special day of abstinence. How does essence from just plain dieting. When the Christian tradition understand we diet, the aim is usually to look better. abstinence? It is not only a physical When we fast (although beautification sacrifice but a spiritual one, too. It is a may be its consequence), our aim spiritual sacrifice because it is a way is — to be beatified, to of showing our contrite heart to Jesus be better. We become better because who bore all the suffering of man — we are able to control our desires. sin. It is an expression of repentance Instead of being dominated by the for our sins and a manifestation senses, we regulate our senses because of our humble imploring of His we are ruled by the Spirit. Then we mercy and sincere regret of the become blessed, then we become transgression of His will. better disciples and witnesses of our Bishop Fulton Sheen told of his Lord. The discipline of Lent can experience one Lenten season while never be dissociated with discipleship. on a plane to a speaking engagement. Discipline without discipleship is like When the flight attendant offered practicing for a marathon without him his lunch, he excused himself running it. Discipleship without saying, “I’ll just have a sandwich, discipline is running a marathon it’s Lent.” The woman beside him without practicing. also settled for just a sandwich. “So In these 40 days of spiritual you’re also Catholic,” preparation, may we Bishop Sheen asked. Reflection Questions: all become disciplined What can I give up this sea- The woman with a son of Lent? What spiritual disciples of the Lord. Fr. Joel O. Jason surprised look said, sacrifice can I offer for the “No, I’m a model.” conversion of sinners?

Merciful and loving God, help us in our quest for repen- tance. May You be our light. Make our humble hearts sin- cere and clean. We ask this through the Divine Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

St. Coleyye, Virgin, pray for us.

68 Deuteronomy 26:16-19 March Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Saturday Matthew 5:43-48

The Challenge of Love The words of our Lord Jesus Christ,“I “yes,” because we are loved by God. love you. The Father loves you and We are loved so that we may be able God created you out of love,” are to know what love is all about. And indeed comforting. These very we may learn how to express that words please us simply because love. Therefore, we can be perfect they give us an assurance that God is as the Father when we put our love always there to love us. He is always into God’s love and love like Him. with us. The words serve as our way How does God love? God’s love is towards eternal life. However, these unlimited. He makes the sun shine words do not merely please us but on the good and the bad. He gives they also challenge us in our daily rain to those who do evil and good. lives as human persons loved by God’s love is for everybody. God. The assurance that we are The challenge now of love is to loved challenges us to love others love God above all and to love your in return. We are loved by God neighbor as Jesus loves you. Sisters and we are also called to love. We and brothers in Christ, we are asked are blessed, so we are also called to to share and express the love that be a blessing for others. It is a two- we feel from God not only to our way love story between God and us, friends but also to our enemies. We between me and God. are challenged to love Reflection Question: not only the people Our Gospel for Do I experience God’s love today speaks about in my life? When did I share who love us but also “love.” It presents us that love to my neighbor the people who hate two things, namely especially to the persons us. We are asked to be God’s love and the whom I hate? a lover like God who challenge of love. We Lord, I will give what You loves us and embraces are asked by Jesus to want me to give. I will do us wholeheartedly with become perfect like the what You want me to do. I our sins, weaknesses Father. Is it possible will go wherever You want and wounds. God did me to go. I will be what You not love only His Son for us, limited human want me to be and I will beings, to become love whom You want me to and His Holy Spirit but perfect as the Father? love. Amen. rather He also loves us. Perhaps the answer is Fr. Joel O. Jason Sts. , Martyrs, pray for us.

69 Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 March Romans 8:31b-34 Sunday Mark 9:2-10

Plugged in, tuned out “This is my beloved Son, listen to be listening to one another but we him” (Mark 9:7). Today I believe really aren’t. We seem to be present we have a crisis in listening. Let but really we are somewhere else. me share with you a not-so-recent And with the advent of handy music experience of mine. players, do-it-all cellphones, hand- It was at Mass and I was delivering held personal video players, global my homily. In the congregation, I communication gadgets, we have noticed a girl intently looking at the perfect excuse to be “occupied” me with what seemed like a half- and even look hip. Sadly, we are smile on her face. Every now and constantly plugged in but tuned out then she would nod (in agreement I from one another. suppose) after each point I raised. I Herein lies the challenge for felt affirmed and encouraged. I think the human family. This requires I spoke longer than usual that time. the prudent and critical use of our Back on my seat, I happened God-given gifts of intelligence and to look back at the girl. The half- dominion over nature. smile was still there. “I made a The God who is a “communion lasting impression,” I proudly said of Persons” endowed us with the to myself. But surprisingly, I noticed gifts to keep our families (both she was still nodding. personal and global) in communion The congregation stood up for with one another. It remains our the Credo. It was then task never to allow that she quickly but Reflection Question: the same technology, discreetly put away How “open” am I to the whose purpose is to her earphones. That many ways God speaks make us accessible to to me? explained the half- one another, make us smile. That explained Heavenly Father, help me “inaccessible” from the nodding. There to listen to others and thus one another. went my self esteem. listen to Your Beloved Son As for me, my task I b e l i e v e t h i s in my daily life, that I may right now is to rebuild thing happens often always follow Your will in everything I say and do. my self-esteem. I hope — in Church, in the Amen. you are nodding as you workplace, in our read this reflection. homes. We seem to St. John of God, Religious, Fr. Joel O. Jason pray for us.

70 Daniel 9:4b-10 March Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13 Monday Luke 6:36-38

Playing Safe Life is, first and foremost, life “with” We also seek out for forgiveness, someone, a life relation to the other, right? At some stage in our personal in relation to God, to those whom prayer, we beg for God’s forgiveness we love, and to those who love for the wrongs we have done, am us. In our day-to-day living, it is I right again? Yes, it is easy to inevitable that we find ourselves say sorry and beg for forgiveness judging others and even condemning every time we do something wrong them as if we’re perfect, incapable but we become stone-hearted to of committing any mistakes. Why accept another’s shortcomings. is it that people have the tendency With that conduct, we are like the to gawk at others’ imperfections, unforgiving servant in the parable. a transference wherein he exactly Now, I challenge you to take a acts as a faultfinder just to justify look at your life: do you have an and cover up his limitations? Over admirable relationship with others and over again, unconsciously, we — with your family, friends, co- fix our eyes on others’ face dirt. It workers, neighbors? You may come is really a sad commentary that we to realize that you’re miles apart indulge ourselves in doing things from them even though they’re just that we should not, such as gossiping around. Learn from the parable of and judging others, and the unforgiving servant Reflection Question: hastily get away when The practice of abstinence whom the Master has the things get rough. in Lent is far from mere forgiven and punished On the other hand, we dieting or refraining from later for he did not have a propensity to certain types of food. Why forgive his fellow not make this Lenten sea- get infuriated when son an occasion to practice servant. Let us be someone does the same spiritual abstinence from guided by the biblical thing to us. We tend to righteousness and harsh maxim, “The measure be self-righteous and judgment? you give will be the notice the other’s speck measure you receive Lord, incline my heart to and forget to look at back.” Fr. Joel O. Jason forgive. Teach me to love ourselves first. others rather than condemn them. Amen.

St. Frances of Rome, Reli- gious, pray for us.

71 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Psalm 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 March Matthew 23:1-12 Tuesday

False Identity The Gospel reading for today may must not “lord it over the flock,” but sound familiar for the unusual reason to be the first one to serve. that some fundamentalists would Confucius would talk about the use this as a basis for rejecting the rectification of names: If you’re a Catholic practice of addressing father, be a good father. If you’re priests as “Father.” But let me lead a servant, be a good servant. Yet you to a deeper reflection on that sometimes, what we have are false part of the Gospel, so you would see identities of who we are and the roles clearly what Jesus is trying to say. that we play. Jesus denounces the hypocrisy It is good for us to see our own of the faith of the Pharisees. false identities in life. You may be a They don’t practice what they father who works so hard because preach while assigning titles and you are the bread winner, but you fail honors to themselves. Some Bible to talk to your children and become commentators say that it is precisely a real father. You may be a politician for this reason that Matthew wrote who is so intoxicated by power and these prohibitions: don’t call honor, but you fail to even talk to yourselves rabbi, father or teacher. simple people. You may be a priest Jesus therefore showed them who is so awed by people’s attention, what being a true rabbi, father or but you fail to become a real pastor teacher is. It is not just by dictating to the people. what is to be done, leaving others In this time of repentance and to do the job, while conversion, all we need you just sit and watch, Reflection Question: to do is look at Christ’s saying that I am the What are my false identities suffering on the cross master and they are the in life, the masks that I wear and see how the Most laborers. to hide my insecurities? Do High King and Son It is this false I live up to who I am as a of God stooped down Christian? identity of being a to serve and offer His rabbi or master that Lord, make me faithful to my life for us, giving us Jesus was denouncing. identity as a true Christian, the model of being a Our Lord tells us that and follow You in Your loving true Master and Lord. to be a true leader, one service. Amen. Fr. Joel O. Jason St. Attalas, Abbot, pray for us.

72 Jeremiah 18:18-20 March Psalm 31:5-6, 14, 15-16 Wednesday Matthew 20:17-28

I AM YOUR SERVANT, LORD I remember a professor of mine who our fidelity to Jesus who was faithful said that one of the problems of our to the plan of His Father. Second, by country is the problem of power, giving ourselves totally to God and authority and position. If you are by showing our love and concern to powerful, then you can dominate our neighbors. Lastly, we are invited the powerless. Almost all dream to be stewards of all the things that to be powerful, to be authoritative, God has entrusted to us. Therefore, to own a position and especially to we are servant and slave to each be the greatest among all. Filipinos and everyone. Even those in higher will move things in order to get the positions are invited to become position even though it will cause servants because their function is them harm and this happens during to serve the people and not for the elections. I remember being so people to serve them. Jesus is the best disappointed reading example of this humility as He said, “The Son of Man did of corruption and Reflection Question: cheating even at the Our world values the max- not come to be served level of the Sagguniang im “first come, first served.” but to serve and to give Kabataan. Jesus inverts the process. His life as a ransom In our Gospel for For the Christian disciple, it for many”(Matthew is “first come, first to serve.” 20:28). today, Jesus invites Find ways and opportuni- us not to be the great ties today to live out this As we celebrate but to be a servant and Christian admonition. the season of Lent, slave. He wants us to be we should remind in service with others Heavenly Father, we praise ourselves that we are and thank You for the gift servants for others. and with the Church. of life You have given us. Jesus showed us an May this reflection help us “Lent” is the present attitude of humility and overcome all our anxieties, tense of the word simplicity. These can fears and reservations in “lend.” Meaning, our be expressed in three life. May You be the center of life was given and our life as we celebrate this lent by God to us things: commitment, season of Lent. May we grow s e l f - g i v i n g a n d deeper in Your wisdom and and He has the right stewardship. First, our love. Amen. to take this life from us. Fr. Joel O. Jason commitment is very St. Eulogius of Cordova, important in showing Spain, Martyr, pray for us.

73 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 March Luke 16:19-31 Thursday

Opportunities in life Poverty is one of life’s sad realities. his opportunity to help a poor man. Everywhere you go, you would see In the end, when they both died, poverty-stricken people. They are Lazarus was comforted in heaven the poor people — lying down on while the rich man was tormented the streets and sidewalks, selling in hell. different things to earn a living and The challenge for us is not to some asking for alms to buy food. waste the opportunities in life that In today’s Gospel, we hear the come our way. Are you in a position parable of the rich man and a poor of abundance? Then God is placing man, Lazarus. The rich man is very before you the opportunity to give. fortunate and privileged because More often, we pray to God to teach he has everything he needs. On the us to be generous, but God will other hand, Lazarus was a poor man; not make us an instant generous he was lying outside the door of the person. Generosity is something rich man. The heartbreaking fact was that develops through practice. God that the rich man was not bothered gives us opportunities to practice by the situation of Lazarus. He has being generous. God gives us all the opportunities to share what opportunities to practice sharing he has. He could have given some of and giving especially this Lenten his clothes or he could season. Almsgiving is Reflection Question: have shared some of Today, pray over that beau- a concrete expression his food to Lazarus, tiful phrase taken from of not ignoring the but he did not. The the Plenary Council of the opportunity to help the rich man did not utilize Philippines, “No one is so poor. Fr. Joel O. Jason rich that he has nothing to receive. No one is so poor as to have nothing to give.”

Lord, help us to realize the meaning of the many op- portunities in life. May we continue to love and serve You through these opportu- nities we have.

St. Aurelian, Bishop, pray for us.

74 Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a March Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 Friday Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Stewardship When I was young, I used to play I say to you, the Kingdom of God priest (pari-parian). I would cover a will be taken from you and given to table with curtains and then I would a people that will produce its fruit” call my friends and cousins. We (v. 43). would buy Coke and Fita biscuits God expects us to be fruitful and this would represent the bread with the gifts He has given us. When and wine. Everyone would wish it we come face to face with the Lord, was communion time already. He will ask us how much we have This got me thinking: why do used all that He has given us. What we call it bahay-bahayan, doktor- do we bring with us before the doktoran or pari-parian? Because Lord? after the play, there is no longer any There was a dying man who told house. After the play, one no longer his wife, “When I die, I want you is a doctor. After the play, I am no to put all my money in my coffin. longer a priest. It is only temporary, I want to bring all of them with not forever. Is this the reason why me.” The wife took all of the man’s we call our possessions ari-arian. money, deposited it in her bank Everything that we have is given account, issued the man a check and we cannot hold on and put it in the man’s to them forever. Even Reflection Question: coffin. When was the last time the very life we have you thanked God because When a man dies, is simply an ari-arian. of the blessings that you his palms remain Time will come when have received? When was open. No one dies with we have to turn it over the last time that you hum- palms closed. We bring bled yourself before God to the Lord of Life. and said, “My God, all of nothing with us when The Parable of the these gifts are from You. I we die. The only thing Tenants reminds us of offer them back for you”? we can bring with us are the Christian meaning the seeds of goodness of stewardship. God is Lord, teach me to be Your we have planted in our the source of everything humble servant and let me hearts and in the hearts offer the gifts that I received that we have and are. from You by sharing them to of others. What would In a telling line from other people. Amen. you bring with you the Gospel, we are when that time comes? St. Roderic, Martyr, Fr. Joel O. Jason reminded, “Therefore pray for us.

75 7:14-15, 18-20 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 March Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Saturday

Homecoming In one Catholic parochial school, two know where they are? Of course boys were brought to the principal’s He does. The question was not office. They were suspected of one seeking information; God was stealing items from the school looking for confession on the part bookstore. The guidance counselor, of the first man and woman. God who happens to be the religion wants them to own up to what they teacher of the boys, was also called had done. God wants them to return for. Disappointed, the teacher said to Him. to the principal, “I can’t believe it. Chapter 15 of Luke is known to They are very good in my religion be the Mercy parables. The parables class.” Then sounding defensive of the lost coin and the prodigal son and wishing to exonerate the boys, remind us of the God who constantly he added, “Just to prove to you, I’ll longs for the return of His wayward ask them a simple religion question.” children. In one poignant scene Then he turned to the boys and in the Gospel, the Father sees the asked, “Where is God?” One of prodigal from afar. It shows that all the boys turned to his mate and along, the Father has been waiting whispered, “We’re in big trouble. for the son’s return. In this season God is missing and they think we’re of Lent, we repeat that beautiful the ones who took Him.” prayer-antiphon, “As I live, says the I s G o d r e a l l y Lord, I do not wish the missing or is it us Reflection Question: sinner to die but to turn who are missing? How many times have back to me and live.” When and Eve yo u p o s t p o n e d yo u r Friend, nawawala ka homecoming? Look at the sinned against God in confessional and see in it ba? o nagwawala ka the book of Genesis, the Father’s embrace ready ba? The season of Lent He asked them the to warm your heart. calls for your return. question, “Where are Don’t take too long. you?” (Genesis 3:9) Lord, forgive the numbness Fr. Joel O. Jason Did God really not of my heart. Let Your grace flow into my heart and share it to others that I may forgive them and love them. Amen.

St. Mathilde, Widow, pray for us.

76 Exodus 20:1-17 March Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Sunday 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 John 2:13-25

The Cleansing Power of Lent The third Sunday of Lent speaks of worship to God. We are given a body the cleansing of the temple. Incensed that we may embody God’s love for by what He perceives as the people’s His people. desecration of the temple, Jesus There are forces within us made a whip of cords and drove that seem to pull us into different out the money-changers’ tables as directions. We know what is good well as their merchandise. And in but we seem to desire what is evil. reference to His impending passion, This is why we need the discipline of death and resurrection, Jesus told the Lent. Fasting and abstinence give us Jews to destroy the temple and in the opportunity to purify our desires three days He will raise it up again. and subject them to the jurisdiction In this episode in John’s Gospel, of our wills. Purification is the end- Jesus made an association between product of the discipline of Lent. the temple and the temple of His A man went to a monk to consult own body. him over his struggle to control his As St. Paul said in his first passions. Offering an imagery, he letter to the Corinthians, our body said, “I feel like there are two wolves is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 within me constantly fighting. One is Corinthians 6:19). Here the temple good, the other bad. They are pulling He refers to is our own body. Jesus me into different directions. Which is inviting us to purify our body for one of them will prevail?” The monk it is pleasing to Him. said, “Simple. The one He wants us to offer our Reflection Question: that you feed constantly entire body to God for Does vanity rule the way will prevail.” it is not our own. In the I look at my body? How V a n i t y a n d has charity purified the letter of St. Paul to the way I look at my body? indulgence are the Romans, he said that we food of the senses. must offer our bodies as Lord, grant me the grace to Fasting and abstinence, living sacrifice, holy perfectly serve You. Purify coupled with prayer, and pleasing to God, my body as a perfect offer- are the food of the ing that I can give to You and our spiritual worship may Your Spirit dwell in me soul. Which one do (Romans 12). Our body forever. Amen. you feed constantly? therefore should be Fr. Joel O. Jason St. Klemens Maria Hofbauer, used for our spiritual Hermit, pray for us.

77 2 Kings 5:1-15b Psalm 42:2, 3; 43: 3, 4 March Luke 4:24-30 Monday

THE IRONY OF THE CROSS In our readings for today, we see to deliverance and salvation. We similarities and differences. Let us could be like Naaman or the Jews in first look into the similarities. In the our response to this invitation. We first reading, we hear of the story can shun the cross to avoid suffering of Naaman, a great commander of and pain. Or we can willingly and the Syrian army. Great and famous with faith carry the cross of our lives. though he was, Naaman was a leper. We can bear our individual crosses He seeks total healing from leprosy. with patience and perseverance, In Luke’s Gospel, the Jews are believing that in the end God will seeking salvation and deliverance alleviate our suffering and pain. from Roman occupation. Now, we The choice is ours. We can take look into their differences. When the wide road but it will lead us to Naaman was told by the prophet damnation, or the narrow road which Elisha to wash seven times in the can bring us to eternal life. Jesus Jordan River, he first rejected the presents the idea of the cross as a way idea, thinking that there are better to our salvation. Jesus could have rivers than the Jordan. chosen another option But after a while, Reflection Question: but He did not. Jesus Naaman submitted How do you view the trials willingly submitted that come your way? Do himself to the idea and you see them as obstacles Himself to the Father’s he gets healed. On the or as means to increase will to gain for man other hand, when Jesus your faith? How do you the salvation He seeks. told the Jews that He carry your cross? Is it with Our Lenten observance was the fulfillment complaint or grumbling, or reminds us that there is with patience and perse- of the Old Testament verance? no other way we can prophecies, they totally reach heaven except and stubbornly rejected Heavenly Father, teach me to through the cross. As Him because they claim carry my cross with patience, faithful disciples of that nothing good can perseverance, humility and our Lord, we should love. Help me to have the come from Nazareth. faith to see the trials that be always willing The Lenten season come my way as Your means to follow Him, even presents to us the idea to strengthen me. Amen. if it takes the cross. of the cross as the way Fr. Joel O. Jason St. Heribert of , Bishop, pray for us.

78 Daniel 3:25, 34-43 March Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8, 9 Tuesday Matthew 18:21-35

Loving and Forgiving without Measure The Lenten season gives us the sinfulness is also a proud person. opportunity to reflect, to give alms, Lent gives us the time to grow to pray and to practice penance in love by forgiving. The more we by fasting and abstinence. Lent feel the loving forgiveness of God, is also the season to examine our the more we should forgive. We do conscience. Try to write down the not forgive only during Lent but sins you have committed before the every time somebody offends us. We Lord. Perhaps you will be surprised also practice asking for forgiveness with what you will see in your list. whenever we offend someone. Recall the number of times you Yes, it is very hard to forgive, have committed those sins; that is but this is how we express true love also the number of times God has to our neighbors. When our Lord forgiven you. Our God is merciful said to Peter to forgive seventy- and He immediately dispenses His seven times (cf. Matthew18:22), forgiveness whenever we approach this does not mean that forgiveness Him with a contrite heart. is something quantifiable. Jesus is For us humans, it is very difficult simply saying that to forgive and to forgive others because of our own to love should be without measure, pride. But we should be thankful to because the love of God is without God because He had measure. This is the shown us humility as an Reflection Question: consequence of being example by forgiving 1. Whenever someone of- a Christian. When it others. God always fends me, do I show love comes to loving and extends His mercy by by forgiving? forgiving, there are stooping down to us. 2. Do I ask pardon imme- supposed to be no diately whenever I offend And He wants us to do someone? limits. It is contrary the same. He expects to being a Christian us to forgive our Dear Lord, help me to grow not to forgive and not fellow human beings. in love by forgiving those to love. Let us ask The unforgiving heart who have offended me. the Lord for the grace Make my heart be like Yours, is a proud person. a heart that is merciful and that we may really In the same way, a forgiving. internalize and live out p e r s o n w h o d o e s the value of forgiving. St. Patrick, Bishop, Fr. Joel O. Jason not acknowledge his pray for us.

79 Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 March Matthew 5:17-19 Wednesday

The Spirit of the Law Before it was revenge, but now smallest and insignificant demand it is forgiveness. Before it was of the Law is lived and fulfilled in punishment, but now it is love. Him. Jesus is the true and perfect Before it was the Letter, but now it example of obedience to the Law, for is the Spirit. Before it was Moses, He lived not in accordance with what but now it is Jesus. Jesus came not the Law requires, but according to to abolish the Mosaic Law, but to the love that He professes. He lived fulfill it. His advent is not a period obediently, not because it is what of destruction, but a moment of the Law commands; but because fulfillment and perfection. it is how it is to be. Jesus is not In the Gospel, to fulfill the Law concerned with what He should do, is not the same as simply doing or but we see that He lived according to obeying it. Fulfillment happens in His nature — to love. Being is more the realization of the Spirit of the important than doing and this is what Law — wherein there is no pressure, we should aim for: to be the person force or even a desire to violate we really should be. it. Moreover, “to fulfill” refers Jesus wills us to be fulfillers of to the realization and His commandments perfection of the Law Reflection Question: — to obey and to teach and of the prophecy. The Christian life is not them. Moreover, it is about, “How far can I go Jesus Himself is the before I break the law?” This Jesus whom we truly fulfillment of the Law is minimalism. It is about, obey and teach. He and of the Prophecy. “How far can I love in every is the fulfillment and He is the center of situation?” That is Christian Light of the Law. He is our faith. Everything perfection. How do I live the reason, the central and fulfill the command- is seen in relation to ments of Jesus? and core element of Him. our faith and life. Thus, Jesus assures us Lord, grant me a humble and we live not of the past that not the slightest obedient heart to fulfill Your as it was in the Law, commandment of the commandments. May I fulfill but at present as it is them with deep joy, firm trust Law will be abolished. and great love in harmony in the heart of Jesus. We see in Him and in with my neighbors. Amen. Fr. Joel O. Jason His life how even the St. , Bishop and Doctor, pray for us.

80 2 Samuel 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16 March Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Thursday Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of Mary (or Luke 2:41-51a) The Generous Giver In today’s Gospel, we read about the to divorce her. While he was in this infancy narrative of Jesus, the plan thought, the angel appeared to him of Joseph to divorce Mary silently so in a dream and told him that he need as to spare her from humiliation and not be afraid to take Mary as his wife death, and the acceptance of Joseph for she was carrying in her womb the of the divine Will of God. In the Son of God, the Savior of the world, acceptance of Joseph as his son, the conceived by the Holy Spirit. He did prophecy of old was fulfilled. Jesus as the angel told him and accepted became part of the house of David. Mary and her son, Jesus the Savior. Jesus is the son of David. Joseph was described by the In the Gospel, the Virgin Mary evangelist as a just man. Joseph was betrothed to Joseph. She was is just not only because he spared to marry Joseph, who belonged Mary from humiliation and death but to the house of David. But when most especially because he followed Joseph learned that the will of God. He Reflection Question: Mary was pregnant By Jewish law, it was Jo- accepted his vocation before they came seph’s “right” to have Mary as the foster father of together, he decided persecuted because she the Son of God and he to silently divorce her. broke the law. Joseph did did it with his whole During those times, not claim that right. Christi- heart. He gave away anity is not just a matter of when a woman gets claiming what is my right. It his very self to the will pregnant and has no is more importantly claim- of the Father. He was a known father, it was a ing what is right. Joseph humble , great humiliation to her did claim his right — He a man of great faith and did what is right. and her family and she a very righteous man. may be stoned to death. Holy and Almighty Father, Even when he knew She might be accused teach us how to give and to about the situation of of infidelity which, give without asking some- Mary, he did not will during those times, was thing in return. Teach us to her misery but, on have that strong faith and considered adultery and obedience to Your will even the contrary, how he punishable by death. when we don’t understand could help her to avoid Joseph wanted to spare everything. Amen. humiliation and death. her from humiliation Fr. Joel O. Jason St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, and death so he decided pray for us.

81 14:2-10 Psalm 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, March 10-11ab, 14, 17 Friday Mark 12:28-34

Well said…well done!? Which one? In Bits and Pieces, it says, “To look that we are loved, loving and lovable is one thing. To see what you look at children of God. It is definitely good is another. To understand what you to hear, very well said. But is it well see is a third. To learn from what you done? understand is still something else. Love is and should never be But to act on what you learn is all floating in the air. Christian love that matters.” should be concretized and lived out. Jesus said a commendable Words will only remain as words remark to the scribe, “You are not if we just keep them in our minds. far from the Kingdom of God.” The But words concretized in day-to-day scribe is neither “far” nor “near” actions are life-giving words, words from the Kingdom of God. He is that heal and words that bring us near rather “not far” from the Kingdom to the Kingdom of God. of God. A father had three men put on a Loving requires no minimum contest as to who will win the heart requirement. It is always two of his daughter. One man recited a dimensional — love of God and haunting poem to which the father said, love of neighbor. The scribe in the “Well said.” The other quoted a portion Gospel has excellently expounded his of the Song of Songs in the Bible and understanding on the commandment. adapted it as a poem for the woman. However, the commendation of The father said, “Very clever, well Jesus seemingly suggests that said.” The third man was nowhere to be verbalization is not enough. It rather found. Looking out of the window, the involves concretization father saw him watering of what we learn. We Reflection Question: the garden and chopping Christianity is not a matter should act on what we of saying but doing. Which wood for his daughter. learn. brand of Christianity do you The father said, “Well Our Gospel for practice? done!” today reminds us of our What is better than attitude towards our Lord, teach me to love You well said? Well done! more fully and to love my Fr. Joel O. Jason identity as Christians, neighbor wholeheartedly as You love me.

St. Cuthbert, Bishop, pray for us.

82 Hosea 6:1-6 March Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab Saturday Luke 18:9-14

The Attitude of True Prayer Today’s Gospel speaks about prayer. collector as he prayed in the Temple. Oftentimes, we pray because of God is telling us through the prophet petitions, favors and requests we ask Hosea that He doesn’t need our burnt from God. Most of the time we rush offerings and sacrifices. What He to the church whenever calamities desires is our steadfast love and that strike, such as the 9/11 bombing and we grow in the knowledge of Him. the tsunami phenomenon that killed Yes, we have different intentions, a huge number of people in the South manners and styles of praying but Asian countries. The Princess of prayer should bring us to a deeper the Stars sea tragedy that happened knowledge and relationship with last year also drove the people to God. Prayer helps us to know clasp their hands and pray. We have God, to love Him and humble many reasons for praying, some are ourselves before Him and learn more personal and some are communal. from Him. If our prayer is “full of But in today’s Gospel, Jesus presents ourselves,” God cannot fill us in any two attitudes and contents of prayer. way. One kind of attitude and content Prayer brings us closer to God. is that of the Pharisee who in his The closer we are to God, the better prayer uplifted himself we come to know who and considered himself Reflection Question: we are. In prayer, as 1. What is the usual con- better than the public tent of my prayers? How do God reveals Himself sinners. Another kind I pray? Do I recognize God to us privately, we also of attitude is depicted in my prayer moments? recognize our sinfulness by the tax collector 2. Do I see my own unwor- and unworthiness. who humbled himself, thiness and sinfulness as I A humble prayer is pray? Do I spend quality admitted his sinfulness time talking with God in a school wherein and recognized the spite of my busy sched- we know God and goodness of God. ule? hence by knowing The prophet Hosea Him we come to love in the first reading Lord, teach me how to pray Him. We cannot of for I really don’t know how calls for repentance. to pray. Allow me to know course love somebody In a way, he affirms You more and more so that I without knowing Him. the attitude of the tax may love You even more. Fr. Joel O. Jason

St. Enda, Abbot, pray for us.

83 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 (6ab) March Ephesians 2:4-10 Sunday John 3:14-21

YOUR PRESENT IS MY FUTURE Jesus Christ became our present her father, “What is that big plus so that we may become His future. sign doing in front of the altar?” The Simply put, Jesus became man, father answered the little girl, “My that man may have the opportunity dear daughter, that is not a plus sign, to become like God. This is the that is the cross; it is where our Lord mystery of the Incarnation. God’s Jesus Christ was nailed for us to be Incarnation is the passageway to saved!” Looking back at the story, man’s divinization. In the Gospel, the little girl was in a way correct we hear from John, “God so loved in saying that the cross is a plus the world that He gave his only Son, sign. The image of the cross as the so that everyone who believes in plus sign pictured our redemption him might not perish but might have because, through the cross, a big eternal life.” plus had been added into our life, There was once a story about something that we could not have a little girl who likes spending accomplished by our own power. her time in her studies. One day, Had it not been through the cross this girl was introduced to some of Christ, man would have remained arithmetic symbols. One sunny day, alienated to God. Had it not been she accompanied her through the wood of father to the nearby Reflection Question: the cross, men would The next time you bless church in their village. yourself with the sign of have been alienated Upon their arrival at the cross, try to do it with from fullness of life. the church’s door, the conscious reverence and Fr. Joel O. Jason little girl quickly asked gratitude. We adore You, O Christ and we bless You, for by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world!

Lord, You have shared the life that we have for us to be able to share Yours. Help us always to mirror and share to others the love that You have given us. Amen.

St. Deogratias, Bishop, pray for us.

84 Isaiah 65:17-21 March Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6. 11-12a, 13b Monday John 4:43-54

CERTAINTY IN JESUS The highlight of today’s Gospel is official to go on his way because his the interaction and conversation son will live. between Jesus and the royal official. With this instruction from Jesus, The royal official who heard that the royal official’s faith was put to Jesus had arrived in Galilee from the test. Would he accept Jesus’ word Judea went to see Him and ask Him without proof? The hope expressed to come down and heal His dying in Jesus’ words is the desire of son. In that interaction of Jesus all who are coming from sin to and the official, we notice that forgiveness, from death to new life the royal official’s faith was not in the sacraments of Baptism and perfect. Why? Because as stated Reconciliation. Trusting the words in the Gospel reading, he begged of Jesus seems so natural in this the good Lord to come down, not story. We rarely find it so clear and thinking that Jesus could work simple. Usually, we are either unsure or perform a even from about what to do or we discount a distance. Our Lord Jesus also what might happen. We always want noticed the imperfect faith of the certainty. Yet the direction for our official that’s why he immediately lives is usually not that precise or retorted to the man by saying apparent. We need to trust that God “unless you people see signs and is with us. We are often not sure of wonders, you will not believe.” what we “hear” initially, so we need After hearing the words of Jesus, to ponder it a while. We also have the official once again begged the to trust our prayer, our intuition and Lord to come down the promises in the before his child dies. Reflection Question: Scripture which assure But instead of coming Do I really trust the words us of God’s guidance. down, our Lord gave of God? Or do I only come Fr. Joel O. Jason direction to the royal to Him and trust Him when I am facing problems and difficulties in life?

Lord, help me to always trust and believe in Your words.

St. Turubius De Mongrovejo, Bishop, pray for us.

85 Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 March John 5:1-16 Tuesday

Do Good Jesus cured on a Sabbath. But some We have placed persons below our people around Him had problems material and financial concerns. We with this. They cannot understand have made the state an institution to that Jesus, who is the Son of God, enslave its citizens. would do everything to show Jesus in the Gospel is now His love and care for every man, showing us an example of how it is especially those who are in need. to put love and care as first priorities. This is a way of showing that there Even if it means going beyond what really should be no hindrance if the law dictates, He did not hesitate we are to truly love and care for for it is the will of the Father. People others. But more often than not, matter more than laws. Love and we find excuses that would hinder care for man matter more than any us from showing our love and care other concern. Everyone who comes to the people around us, especially from the Father must be able to show those close to our hearts. “I am so and express his or her love and care busy in the office.” “I am so sorry, I for other men as it is the will of God forgot about our schedule.” “Traffic for all. is so bad!” We have many excuses We are now being challenged from showing our love and care to live a particular reality in our for the people around us. We have life that we seem to have forgotten placed love and care as secondary already: We are born to love and to priorities in our lives. care. Fr. Joel O. Jason Reflection Question: Have I made a fine art of making excuses for doing good? When the opportu- nity to do good presents itself to me, do I grab it with excitement?

Heavenly Father, teach me to love and care above all just as what Christ has shown us. Amen.

St. Catherine of Sweden, Virgin, pray for us.

86 Isaiah 7:10-14; 8: 10 March Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11 Wednesday Hebrews 10:4-10 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord Luke 1:26-38 “Fiat” Have you ever met an eccentric me according to your word.” Thus, person? Have you ever tried to be a our Blessed Mother is the model of kind of person who is out of place? faith. She obediently accepted the It is fitting to know that during plan of God, though it seemed so the time of Mary, to conceive without eccentric or strange or even weird a husband is to commit a grave sin in the eyes of the people during which is punishable by death. A her time. She trusted the plan of woman is stoned until she dies. Our God though it seemed so unclear to Blessed Virgin Mary could have her. She still gave her “yes” to the sensed the fear of being peculiar in Lord. her time. Mary always says “Yes” to “How can this be since I have God. no relations with a man?” This Sunday we celebrate the But then, with her trust and faith Annunciation of our Lord and in in the Lord, our Blessed Mother said this celebration, may we imitate her “fiat” (yes) to the call of God the “fiat” of our Blessed Mother. to be the bearer of our Lord Jesus Let us stand under the mystery of Christ, . In so doing, she God’s plan for us, so that we may became the world’s first tabernacle. understand the saving power of Our Blessed Mother God. We may become did not allow herself to Reflection Question: eccentric, strange or be intimidated by the Think about this: God ex- even weird in the eyes pressures of her time. pects us to do the natural. of others. But if we She said her “yes” with Then He will supply the give our “yes” to God courage and with a firm supernatural. In extreme with firm faith, we can cases, God may demand trust in God, “Behold, I that we do the ridiculous, never be out of place. Fr. Joel O. Jason am the handmaid of the then He will supply the Lord. May it be done to miraculous.

Lord, with the Blessed Moth- er, grant me the grace to be courageous in living out Your will.

St. Lucy Filippini, Virgin, pray for us.

87 Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 March John 5:31-47 Thursday

The Power of Testimony One Monday, I was having lunch going to play golf, the other goes to with a group of priest-friends after Sunday Mass. Every time, the man playing some rounds of bowling. It would invite the other to join him was our day off and all of us were for a round of golf. The other would dressed rather casually. When we politely decline. After a series of asked for the bill, we were surprised tries, the golfer said, “You know, I to be informed that somebody already always ask you to join me for golf paid for it. When we inquired who it every Sunday. How come you never was, the manager told us a woman invited me to join you in Church?” was intrigued by the sight of us At times, we “believers” tend to young men collectively making the keep our faith to ourselves. We tend sign of the cross before taking our to be timid in inviting others to the meals. Knowing from the manager faith. Today in the Gospel, Jesus that we were priests, she offered to challenges the Christian to be a pay our bill without our knowledge. powerful testimony for all the world The moral of the story? If you want to see. Unless we are willing to do free lunch, you know what to do. this, a great aspect of our Christianity That is the power of testimony. is missing. Christianity began when Sometimes we give our testimony a small group of impassioned men u n k n o w i n g l y. A t shared to the world Reflection Question: times we need to do it Does your practice of the the Christ event. consciously. faith manifest excitement Evangelization is Every Sunday, a and enthusiasm? What ar- not about numbers. man and his neighbor eas of your faith is suffering It is about passion, lukewarmness and dry- would usually come ness? Today, pray for the it is about being out of the door at about renewed outpouring of the excited in the faith. the same time. One is Spirit in your life. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Lord, help me to become true witnesses of Your Word so that I may proclaim Your glory through the depths of my faith in You. Amen.

St. Liudger, Bishop, pray for us.

88 Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 March Psalm 3417-18, 19-20, 21, 23 Friday John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

PUTTING GOD IN A BOX You wake up everyday, perform your Often, we fall into the same morning rituals, work with the same mistake. For most of us, God should bunch of people, do things at their be this and that; he must not be appointed time in the same manner. otherwise. Even God has become This is what you go through every part of our comfort zones. Our single day. Everything seems so easy relationship with Him has become to do, so convenient, so comfortable. one of convenience so much so You develop your comfort zones — that when He disturbs our “smooth- in your work, in the people you relate sailing” journey in life, our faith is with and sometimes even in what you easily shattered. believe. You have put yourself in a Yes, it is important to know God. box and when that happens, you tend It is important that as Catholics, to put others in a box, too. we learn what the Church teaches In today’s Gospel, the inhabitants about our faith. But God leaves a of Jerusalem were confused about the mystery to Himself. We can never identity of Jesus. They were confused contain all there is to God. Let us not because they had a pre- Reflection Question: allow our knowledge of determined notion of Has my prayer life become Him to lead us to pre- who the Messiah would routinary that I take my determined notions that be: a political liberator, relationship with the Lord reduce Him to a mere for granted? Have I be- a strong one who would come so comfortable with function in our life. deliver them from being my beliefs that I no longer I n s t e a d , o u r subject to the Roman cherish the mystery that is knowledge of God must empire. They knew in God? lead us to discover how where Jesus came from, greatly He encompasses Lord, I want to take You so how could He be the out of the box of my pre- us. There are not enough Messiah? How could conceived notions about words to describe the this itinerant preacher be You. This Lent, help me to immense love He has the liberator they have renew my relationship with for us. In the end, when long been waiting for? You that I may give You my human reasoning falls genuine love — outside my Apparently, with their biases, without my masks, short, we realize that we idea of the Messiah, outside my comfort zones. can never put God in a they have put God in a box. Fr. Joel O. Jason St. John of Egypt, Hermit, box. pray for us.

89 Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 March John 7:40-53 Saturday

Jesus, the Christ In the Gospel of John, we can see the the origin of the Messiah. Where different judgment of the characters. did He come from? What is His Based on what they have heard, seen origin? and known about Jesus, they come People in the Bible are often up with their various judgments of named after their place of origin: Him. Some would judge Jesus as Simon of Cyrene, Mary of Magdala, a prophet, others would say that Simon of Arimathea. Jesus, too, for a He is the Messiah. But on the part time was designated by the place of of those who know that Jesus is His origin, thus, Jesus of Nazareth. from Galilee and knowing that He But you will notice that later in His is an uneducated outsider, they did life and ministry, Jesus will come not believe that He is the Messiah to be known as the Christ, from the because they said that the Messiah Greek word , meaning the Annointed, will come from Bethlehem and not the Messiah, the one sent by the from Galilee. But through Jesus’ Father. Jesus came to be known words and deeds they were amazed. not only by His physical origin but So, their further questions would be: more so by His spiritual and divine “Why can Jesus be amazing in His lineage. We, too, have a spiritual words and deeds? Where does He get lineage. That is why even though we His wisdom?” We can clearly see in have different names, we all share the life of Jesus that He is sent to us a common name — Christian. We by the Father in order are to be known not for us to be redeemed. Reflection Question: only by our physical It is really God’s plan How have you lived up to places of origin. We for our salvation. your name as Christian? are to be known by Have you given a good ac- The Gospel for counting of your spiritual our truthfulness to today speaks of the lineage? our spiritual lineage. controversy regarding Fr. Joel O. Jason Lord, teach me to judge my life and the life of others as You do so that we can be worthy of the love and salva- tion that You have for us.

St. Guntramnus, King, pray for us.

90 Jeremiah 31:31-34 March Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 (12a) Sunday Hebrews 5:7-9 John 12:20-33

Fear Factor One time I was having this animated loss of beauty and opportunity. conversation with some of my friends But, in today’s Gospel, Jesus regarding a hit reality TV series that was very much aware of the coming deals with defying one’s greatest of His death. “The hour has come,” fears. In that show, the contestants began Jesus, “when the Son of are shown to swim with alligators, man should be glorified.” It was to eat exotic and unfamiliar food, clear to Him that He was getting to walk through broken glasses nearer and nearer to His death. But and other death-defying stunts that what was His attitude? He took it would truly challenge and confront with calmness and He even gave one’s fears. Then, one of my friends symbolisms and imageries of death asked each of us what our greatest and what it brings forth. “Unless a fear was. And majority of my friends grain of wheat falls to the ground and responded death. dies, it remains just a grain but if it Why are we afraid of death? Why dies, it produces much fruit.” He was is it so difficult for us to talk about saying here that it is only by death death? I think it is because death that new life is attained and made is often associated possible. with darkness and Reflection Question: Yes, death can be a decay, with sadness Why do I fear death? When painful experience but I wake up in the morn- and hopelessness, with ing, what dominates my if we only look at it pain and weakness and thoughts? How can I pre- on a deeper level and mortality. More than pare myself to accept the transcend our fears, anything, I think it is reality of death? anxieties and biases, difficult because death then we would see the Lord Jesus Christ, help me has to do with losing to view death not as a pain- beauty of it. For death something or someone. ful reality but in the light of leads us to new life. It It is about the loss of the promise of life eternal. is never an end. It is the people we love, Inspire me to live this life just a phase. It is just the loss of familiar with love and kindness that a step towards eternal would lead to the attain- things that we have ment of a life in union with life, a life without fear gotten so used to, You. Amen. for it would be a life in the loss of life and union with the Father. St. Rupert, Bishop, Fr. Joel O. Jason energy and vigor, the pray for us.

91 Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (or Daniel 13:41c-62) March Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Monday John 8:1-11

Tolerance, Intolerance “Let the one among you who is legitimate occasions of fraternal without sin be the first to throw stone correction. This is far from the spirit on her.” of the Gospel. We are to be tolerant Jesus manifested great of the person but never of the sin. compassion towards the woman Sometimes we become tolerant both caught in adultery in the Gospel. In the of the person and the sin. The other classic Christian writings, this scene word for this attitude is indifference. has often been described as Mercy The opposite is just as wrong. We meeting Misery. It is comforting can become intolerant of both the to know that Jesus only has mercy sin and the sinner. The other word towards us sinners. Condemnation is for this is extremism. alien to the heart of Jesus. But let us In showing mercy to the woman note that in dispensing mercy, Jesus caught in adultery, Jesus was far from highlighted a crucial distinction. He being indifferent to any wrongdoing. does not condemn the sinner, but Never in the Gospel do we find He condemns the sin. Verse 11 of Jesus also going to the side of the Gospel has Jesus reminding the extremism. Today, let us examine woman, “Go and sin no more.” ourselves. In what situations do I Today we notice a modern attitude find myself uninvolved to the point which is actually a misinterpretation of indifference? In what situations of this Gospel episode. We see today do I find myself too aggressive as to our unwillingness to correct evil be extreme? Let us allow the virtue and wrongdoing. Not wanting to of Christ to guide us into integration. be labeled judgmental, Fr. Joel O. Jason we shy away from Reflection Question: Have there been times that I cower into indifference? In what situations do I find myself too aggressive as to be self-righteous?

Lord, make me an ardent but gentle proclaimer of Your Gospel. Amen.

St. Osburga, Virgin, pray for us.

92 Numbers 21:4-9 March Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21 Tuesday John 8:21-30

I know who I am One thing very hard for us to do is Himself and there is no doubt about to speak about ourselves or to say it. Jesus did not describe Himself who we are. Every time we introduce by saying His name or His favorite ourselves to a group of people, we food but by saying who He really is grope for a word or words that would and His relationship to the Father. describe us. And we often end up He was speaking about the Father saying only our name and surname because He did what the Father told or just describing our body such as Him. our height and weight, or saying our As we continue our reflection in favorite food, hobbies, interests in this season of Lent, we are reminded life, likes and dislikes or giving an once more of who we are in relation adjective that will portray who we to the Father. Our real identity are. Introducing one’s self is not easy was restored by Jesus Christ as perhaps because we don’t know who He gave Himself on the cross for we really are and our goal in life. the forgiveness of our sins. And In today’s Gospel, Jesus twice because of this we become once said to the people “I AM” and by again children of God and this is saying those words He was confident our identity. Just like Jesus doing because He knew who He is. He what the Father’s will, we are being knew where He came from and challenged to do also the will of the He knew His purpose in life. He Father. Fr. Joel O. Jason knew everything about Reflection Question: Can I say confidently that I am a Christian? What is the purpose of my life?

O God, many times I forget to know my real self be- cause many times I do not follow Your will. Help me to know You more so that I may know myself like Jesus. Amen.

St. Balbina, Virgin, pray for us.

93 Prevent Soul Malnourishment. Receive a Mountain Load of Blessings for Your Spiritual Life by Joining KerygmaFamily.com FREE! Here’s what will happen to you when you join the Kerygma Family… 1.You shall receive Kerygma Magazine each month to inspire you to grow closer to God…FREE! 2.You shall receive Bo Sanchez’s Novena to God’s Love…FREE! 3.You shall receive daily emails of God’s Word — Didache, Gabay, Companion…FREE! 4.You shall receive the KFAM Insider Notes to let you know what’s happening in the ministry that you are part of…FREE! 5.You shall receive surprise gifts from Bo Sanchez at different times during the year — his way of saying Thank You to your support… FREE! 6.You shall belong to a borderless, global, non-physical community spread all over the world connected through prayer and the desire for personal growth…FREE! 7.You shall have the special privilege of supporting this expansive work of the Lord, which includes Anawim, a ministry for the poorest of the poor, and Shepherd’s Voice, a media ministry that uses TV, Radio, print, and the Internet to broadcast God’s love to spiritually hungry people worldwide. 8.You and your intentions shall be included in our intercession team’s prayer.

To join the Kerygma Family, log onto www.kerygmafamily.com or call up Tel. (632) 7259999. Don’t delay God’s blessings for your life.

94