CALLED TO BECOME A “BURNING BUSH”

Third Sunday of Lent

Ex 3:1-8a,13-15 / Ps 103 / 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 / Lk 13: 1-9

We are living today in a culture of accumulation. Since our desires are insatiable, then, every day we ask for more. We look for more. We want more! Since others want more food, then, they prefer a buffet than a value meal. Since others want more fun and excitement in their married life, then, they prefer to have an extra or more husbands and wives. Since others want to be more “confidently beautiful by the heart,” then, they accumulate more beauty products from facial cream to whitening soaps. Kung pwede lang sana gamitin ang muriatic acid sa mukha, matagal na itong ubos sa mga supermarkets. Since our wants never subside, every day we accumulate more and more.

In our first reading today, while Moses was tending the flock, he saw a bush though burning was not consumed. Upon closer look, it was God speaking to him through that burning bush about His plan of saving the Israelites out from the slavery in Egypt. In our Gospel, Jesus tells us of a parable about the fig tree that has been without fruit for three years already. Since the owner found nothing, the gardener requested to give him another year to cultivate the tree so that it may bear fruit in the future.

The two images presented in our two readings today remind us of two realities in life today. Some of us are like the burning bush. Despite the fire of pain and suffering we have to go through in life, we continue to give light to others. We continue to be of service to others. However, some of us are like the fig tree. Since every day we wake up with a lot of problems, then, we become unproductive. All that we do is to accumulate all for ourselves.

My dear friends, as Christians, we are called to become like the burning bush; that despite the fire, it continues to give light and is never consumed. Despite our pain and suffering, we continue to be active and  productive for others. Let us not be like the fig tree that has been barren for three years. Let us not believe on the saying, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Let us not succumb to the evils of the world and simply say, “what can we do?” Let us produce good works so that we can introduce the truth of God in our world today.

This is the purpose of the season of Lent – that we fix our gaze to the Crucified Lord. Yes, if we look at the cross, we see a body heavily bruised and wounded. However, do not also forget, that every time we look at the cross, we are reminded of that scene on Calvary. Despite the agonizing pain and suffering, Christ produced forgiveness by pardoning those who mocked at him. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Despite the agonizing pain and suffering, Christ produced heaven by assuring the repentant thief, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

My dear friends, the Galileans in our Gospel today died not because they were greater sinners than the rest but because of Pilate’s malice. The Jerusalemites at the fall of the tower of Siloam died not because they were greater sinners than the rest but simply because they were at the wrong place and at the wrong time. The parable of the barren fig tree, however, tells us that to be inactive and unproductive in our Christians lives is the “greater sin.”

GMA’s Pinoy Abroad once narrated to us the story of Emy who was a domestic helper. After sometime, she was diagnosed to have suffered from a very serious illness. Upon knowing about her wife’s sickly condition abroad, the husband, who was in the Philippines, left Emy for good. And so, her two children were left to the care of her mother. Despite her sickness and family condition, Emy until today continues to work abroad. Despite her sickness, she continues to send some of her income to her children. Despite her sickness, she continues to produce hope and love.

How about us? How about you? Are you a “burning bush” who produces life despite the fire? Or are you like a “fig tree” who remains unproductive and inactive? We are here on this world not in order to accumulate all for ourselves but to produce good works of faith, hope, and love. Amen. 

FAVORITE PLACES

Second Sunday of Lent

Gn 15: 5-12. 17-18 / Ps 27 / Phil 3: 17-4:1 / Lk 9: 28-36

We all have our own choice of favorite places. We go to these places more often because we encounter either something or someone that gives us joy. That is why for some, a buffet restaurant is a place to go because they encounter food which gives them joy. For others, a sari – sari store which is “debt – friendly” (okay lang ang utang) is a favorite place because they encounter a stress free and no worry store. Well, I wonder why the Mactan Bridge or the roof decks of buildings are the favorite places of the brokenhearted. We favor these places because they give us favorable experiences and meaningful encounters.

In our Gospel today, Jesus went up to his favorite place which is the mountain. He usually goes up to the mountain in order to pray and during moments of decision making. In the earlier chapter of Luke, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray before choosing his twelve collaborators, his disciples. Today, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray because he will now open another chapter in his ministry. From Galilee, he will now move to Jerusalem to fulfill the plan of God. And it was on the mountain, while he was at prayer, that his plan of moving to Jerusalem was confirmed and strengthened in his dialogue with the two great men of the Old Testament, Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet. It was on the mountain that he gained strength in pursuing with his Jerusalem ministry. It was on the mountain that he encountered divinity.

My dear friends, as Christians we too have our own favorite place. And what is our favorite place? It is the Church. Yes, the Church! And I am not only referring to the building but the Church as the People of God. We who are gathered here together in the Eucharist. And why the Church? Benedict XVI reminds us in Deus Caritas Est that our religion is not a lofty idea or a result of an ethical choice but an encounter with an event, a person who gives life meaning and a new direction. The Church is our favorite place because it is in the Church where we can truly encounter the Lord who gives meaning and direction to our lives.

This is therefore our challenge that we who are part of this favorite place called the Church must become Christians who allow others to encounter Christ through our life witness. Our Church today must be a reality that consoles and inspires others so that they too will make the Church as their favorite place. And this we can do by living out in daily life our encounter with the Lord. If in the Church, you encountered a God who is generous, then, be generous. If in the Church, you encountered a God who is forgiving, then, be forgiving. Only when you make concrete your encounter with God will others consider to make the Church their favorite place.

Who can forget the sharing of Ms. Sarindhorn from Thailand during the recently concluded 51st IEC. At 20 years old, she earned a degree in Businees Administration from the US. At 25, she co-founded a finance company in Thaiand. At 30, she was the biggest stockholder of the company. According to her, she was “on top of the world!”  Then lightning struck her life. Since the stock exchange crashed in Thailand, she has to sacrifice herself in exchange of the savings of the depositors who were mostly Catholic schools. Exhausted from work, she resigned. When the new bank director took over, she was grilled. She was falsely accused of stealing almost 7.8 million dollars. With all the problems in life, she reached the point of ending her life. She was empty handed! Then on December 25, 1989. She had her faith experience with God. She realized that God was touching her life. And so such experience with God led her to forgive her enemies. 

Ms. Sarindhorn’s favorite place was her occupation. However, such occupation gave her the worst experience in life. She almost lost her mind. But it was also through her worst experience that she encountered the Lord. How about us? How about you? What is your favorite place in life? Has such place given you the experience of encountering the Lord? If not, please leave such place right now. Amen.

Photo taken from stjoenbtc.org

EASY TO STAY OUT THAN GET OUT

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

National Migrants’ Sunday

Dt 26: 4 – 10 / Ps 91 / Rom 10: 8 – 13 / Lk 4: 1 – 13

The Irish novelist, Oscar Wilde, has this to say, “I can resist anything except temptation.” Indeed, all of us have our own share of temptations. For those on a diet, it is always a temptation to ask for more… for more food! For those who want to have a better future, it’s always a temptation to gain more money as easy as possible! And for those who are loveless this Valentine’s Day, it’s always a temptation to be bitter and have a pusong bato today!

Even Jesus in our Gospel was tempted not once but thrice in the wilderness. “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus was tempted to love pleasure than God. “I shall give to you all this power and glory… if you worship me.” Jesus was tempted to love possessions than God. “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here…for he will command his angels to guard you.” Jesus was tempted to love protection than God. Love for pleasure, power, and protection were the three temptations the devil offered to Jesus. However, Jesus did not give in to these “lower loves” because he has always chosen the highest love who is God.

The temptation for pleasure, possession, and protection is also our own temptation. Since we want to be always comfortable, then the devil offers his pleasure. Since we want to have a name in society, then the devil offers his possession. Since we want to be stable and secure, then the devil offers his protection. However, my dear friends, we are called to be like Jesus – that we resist these temptations by always CHOOSING GOD.

And our first two readings today give us the reason why we must choose God. We must choose God because Moses in our first reading reminds us that God hears our cries; he sees our affliction and oppression like what happened to the Israelites while they were in Egypt. We must choose God because St. Paul tells us in our second reading that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

My dear friends, the presence of temptations also reminds us of the presence of God in our lives. For what use is the temptation if there is no opposing force on the other side?  The devil tempts us because he is aware that there is also a God who constantly invites us to be with him. What matters in the end therefore is our decision either to give in to the devil’s offer or give way for God’s grace to enter into our lives. Jesus was able to resist the temptations of the devil because Luke tells us right at the start of the Gospel that Jesus was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” We during our Baptism received the Spirit and we were strengthened in Confirmation with His gifts. We too therefore can resist temptations no matter how strong they may be because the Spirit is also in us. Let us therefore call on the Spirit to inspire us every time we are to make a decision in choosing either the lower loves of pleasure, possession, and protection or the highest love who is God. Let our responsorial psalm be our prayer today and forever, “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.” Be with us Lord, now and forever.

The American novelist, Mark Twain has this to say, “it is easier to stay out than get out.” It is easier to stay out from sin by resisting temptation rather than getting out from the tight net of sin. Therefore, in our effort to resist temptation and choose God let us remember the words of the apostle James, “Resist the devil and he will take flight. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you!” Amen.

Photo taken from postbarthian.com

CONTRASTING REALITIES

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pro – Life Sunday

Is 6: 1 – 2. 3 – 8 / Ps 138 / 1 Cor 15: 1 – 11 / Lk 5: 1 – 11

We live in a world of contrasts. Some are illiterate but rich while some are literate but living in poverty. Some are growing upward while some are increasing sideward. Some are having problems on what to eat from the buffet while some are having problems on how to earn money in order to eat. Some are ugly from the outside yet beautiful from the inside while some are beautiful from outside yet ugly from the inside. We live in a world of contrasts.

This is also the common theme in our liturgy today. We see in the three readings the contrast between the lack of human capacity and divine generosity. In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah after seeing the vision of God’s glory, realized his unworthiness when he said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips.” In our second reading today, Paul reminded the Corinthians that the Gospel which he preached to them was handed on to him despite his unworthiness to be called as an apostle for he was “born abnormally” and “persecuted the Church of God.” In our Gospel reading, Peter after experiencing the miraculous catch of a great number of fish, felt his unworthiness even to the point of requesting Jesus, “Depart from the Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet despite their unworthiness and lack of human capacity, Isaiah, Paul, and Peter were chosen and sent by God to become “fishers of men.”

With this contrast between human lack and divine excess; between our limited nature and God’s unlimited nature, we realize that in our relationship with God it is not about our worthiness but about His tremendous mercy and compassion for you and me. Such reality must be enough for us to rejoice in life. Despite our human weakness God has chosen us to become his people, his children.

My dear friends, if we look around us, we see a lot of contrasts due to human greed and selfishness. Yes, there are many buffet restaurants in the city, yet many are dying everyday because of hunger. Yes, there are many rising condominium buildings in the metropolis, yet many continue to live under bridges and in shanties. Yes, there is a fast development of technology, yet green forests are becoming scarce. Yes, we praise human beauty, yet we neglect the right to life of the unborn. We rejoice because we have been chosen by God despite our weakness. Yet, we are chosen because we are on a mission to end these contrasting realities in our world today.

While we were travelling from the Calungsod chapel towards the back portion of the Template during the Closing Mass of the 51^st IEC, I saw towards my left, the many dirty and weak shanties of the poor. Towards my right, I saw a sea of Catholics waiting for the Mass to begin despite the heat of the sun. What a great contrast! But in between the shanties of the poor and the people was the altar where the Eucharist will be celebrated. Thus, I realize that in the Eucharist, Jesus calls us to gather around the altar despite our unworthiness. And from our gathering, he sends us to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. Amen.

Photo taken from frmarkdwhite.wordpress.com

“LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE”

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last Day of the 51^st International Eucharistic Congress

Jer 1: 4 – 5. 17 – 19 / Ps 71 / 1 Cor 12: 31 – 13:13 / Lk 4: 21 – 30

What is love? For St. Augustine, “love is the beauty of the soul.” For the great Martin Luther King, “love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.” Well, let’s be more recent… For Lola Nidora, “ ang love ay hindi minamadali. Ang pag- ibig ay marunong maghintay sa tamang panahon.” And finally, for Miram Santiago, “ ang love ay parang pamasahe sa jeep, minsan, hindi ito nasusuklian.” How about you? What is love?

In our second reading today, Paul tells the Corinthians a chapter – long definition on what love is. We have to bear in mind, that when Paul sent this letter to the Corinthians, he was not trying to make some “kilig moments” with them. Rather, his hymn on love was meant to restore peace and unity in the community that has become in conflict with one another. When Paul tells them what love is; he was teaching the people that only when they have love can they look at one another as brothers and sisters. Only when they have love can they forgive and be at peace with one another.

And our Gospel today is an example of a people who lacks this kind of love. When Jesus announced to them that he was the fulfillment of Scriptures, they rejected him. They cannot accept someone like them an ordinary man to be their savior! Since they do not have love, then they fail to accept the presence of Jesus the Savior in their midst.

My dear friends, this is also our challenge this Sunday – that if we want to have peace in our relationships especially in the family then we need to have that brand of love which Paul mentions in our second reading today. In the family, if there is love, then it’s possible for the wife to understand her husband. If there is love, then it’s possible for the husband to be more truthful to his wife. If there is love, then it’s possible for children to be more respectful to their parents. For the youth of today, if you have love, then it’s easy to believe that indeed may forever! If you have love, then it’s possible to respect each other. If you have love then it’s possible to help more and hate less. Only when we have God’s love can we truly accept one another as a brother or a sister in the one family of God.

Today, we shall finally close the weeklong celebration of the 51^st International Eucharistic Congress. We have heard a lot of inspiring lectures and testimonies from the speakers. We have met a lot of new friends from other nations. Our faith has been more strengthened after seeing the ocean of people participating in the many liturgical activities. However, all these will end in futility if we do not have love. We can only appreciate the ordinary celebration of the Eucharist extraordinarily if we have love!

A few months ago, I was asked by the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity to give a recollection to the members of their youth apostolate. When I arrived in the venue, the hall was filled with many youngsters like me. Assisting in the recollection were some youth volunteers from other schools. While I was giving the talk, I noticed the enthusiasm of these youth volunteers in serving their fellow youth. During the break, I asked one of these volunteers a question, “It’s Saturday! It’s a day for gimmick and barkada outings! Why are you here?” The youth volunteer humbly replied, “Father, I am here because at one point in my life, I realize how privileged am I as a youth of today. And so, I must share such blessing by serving my fellow youth. For what is life if it is not shared with others?” For me that youth volunteer is someone who has experienced God’s love more intimately in her life. Thus, how can she not share such experience of love with others?

How about us? Does our love compel us to see others as a fellow brother and sister? Does our love compel us to serve others especially the poor? Does our love compel us to see Jesus in the Eucharist? If not, then, we beg for such brand of love in our Mass today. Amen.

Photo taken from www.freepublic.com

A EUCHARISTIC INVITATION

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

National Bible Sunday

Neh 8: 2-4. 5-6. 8-10 / Ps 19 / 1 Cor 12: 12 – 30 / Lk 1: 1-4 – 4:14-21

We always find joy every time we receive an invitation. That is why we Filipinos like to be invited. Tampuhans usually happen when someone is forgotten in the list of those invited. Quarrels usually happen when he receives an invitation while you do not. We always find joy every time we receive an invitation because to be invited means to be chosen, to feel special, and honored.  

In our first reading today which took place after the Israelites were exiled in Babylon, Ezra, the priest, invites the people to renew their covenant with God now that they have settled once again in Jerusalem and Judah. Ezra invites the people to be grateful to the Lord for delivering them from the hands of the Babylonians.

In our second reading today, St. Paul invites the Corinthians to be appreciative and grateful to God for the diverse gifts He has given to the Church. He invites them to use these gifts for the Body of Christ and not for quarrel and competition.   

Our Gospel today which is the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, the evangelist invites Theophilus to read his “orderly account” since there were already many witnesses and testimonies about this Jesus of Nazareth. Through the Gospel, Luke invites Theophilus to know the truth of the many information which he has received.

This is also true in the episode of Jesus in the synagogue today. As he claims the fulfillment of Scriptures in his very self, he invites people to listen to him for he is the anointed of God to preach the good news. However, we know that the people’s reaction was indifference for they cannot accept someone like them to become the Anointed of God.

This afternoon we shall formally begin the 51^st International Eucharistic Congress here in Cebu. Everyone is invited to come to Cebu not just in order to experience the white sand beaches or taste the “crispy – licous” lechon and sweet mangoes. This International gathering invites everyone to have a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist. It is the hope of this congress that we look at the Eucharist not just a mere Catholic obligation every Sunday. Rather, we consider the Eucharist as God’s way of inviting us to partake, to savor his very precious gift – the gift of His Son’s life giving body and blood. Every Eucharistic celebration is an invitation for us to rejoice because despite our sinfulness, Jesus continually offers his very life. Every Eucharistic celebration is a concrete proof that indeed God continues to love us eis telos (to the end)!

We can find two Greek words in the term, “eucharist” – “eu” (good) and “charis” (gift). Thus, in every Eucharistic celebration, we are invited to receive a very good gift, a “eu charis” – the gift of Jesus’ abiding presence in our lives. I hope and pray that the reason we go to Mass is not because we are running out of money, of beauty, and of time to get a partner for life that is why we ask God to help us. Rather, I hope and pray that you are all gathered here today as a response to God’s invitation to enjoy the “eu charis,” the good gift who is Jesus Christ, our Lord. For every time we respond to God’s invitation in the Eucharist, we are not only chosen and made special. Rather, we are loved and redeemed. Amen.

Photo taken from http://www.naylandandwiston.net/

OUR “ENTHUSIASTIC FAITH” IN THE SANTO NIÑO

Feast of the Sto. Niño

(Proper Feast in the Philippines)

Holy Childhood Day and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Is 9: 1-6 / Ps 97 / Eph 1: 3-6. 15-18 / Lk 2: 41 – 52

Filipinos have a special love for the Santo Niño. This devotion to the Holy Child has been expressed in various ways. Aside from the usual kingly features of the Santo Niño, devotees dress their images according to their profession. Thus, we can see a Santo Niño dressed as a policeman, a fireman, a doctor, etc. Almost in every home of Filipinos, an image of the Santo Niño is always visible. Even in business, to be “surer” with their income, businessman place near their counters an image of both the Santo Niño and the golden cat that waves its hand for eternity. Indeed, Filipinos have a special love for the Santo Niño.

But let me ask you a question: Every time you look at the image of the Santo Niño what do you see? Take away his imperial crown, his majestic cape, his golden scepter, globe, and boots, and his clothes adorned with gold and precious stones. All that will be left is the image of a vulnerable and innocent child. However, my dear friends, this child is no ordinary one for in our first reading today, he is called the “Wonder Counselor, God Hero, Father Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.” Through the birth of this child, we, as our second reading puts it, enjoy “every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” For through his birth, we have been destined for God’s adoption as his sons and daughters.

In our Gospel today, despite being the Son of God and having all the rights and privileges to remain with His Father in the Temple, the Santo Niño remained obedient and went home with Mary and Joseph. And it was in that humble family at Nazareth, that Jesus grew up in wisdom, age, and grace.

My dear friends, Pope Francis during his homily on the Feast of the Santo Niño at the Quirino Grandstand last year, admired the country for having received a very special gift of God, a special blessing of being the “foremost Catholic nation in Asia.”  We cannot but be proud of our “enthusiastic faith” in the Santo Niño. However, our Gospel reminds us that this faith should be like that of the child Jesus who LISTENED and OBEYED his parents. Our faith should continue to listen not only to the voice of God but also to the voice of our suffering brothers and sisters.

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us listen to the voice of God who constantly calls us to DAILY REPENTANCE and CONVERSION. For what use is our “sayaw sayaw to the Santo Niño” if “sayaw-wa diay ang atong kinabuhi.” Let us also listen to the voice of our brothers and sisters who are suffering from the world’s greed and selfishness. For what use is our singing of the Gozos to the Santo Niño if we ourselves do not sing the song of our suffering brethren. My dear children of God, Pope Francis is very much delighted with us Filipinos because of our “enthusiastic faith.” May we truly show this enthusiasm not only in our colorful costumes and beautiful choreographies during the Sinulog. Rather, may we truly express this enthusiastic faith in our obedience to the voice of God and in our service to the rest of humanity.

A man once had a conversation of God. Before God, he enumerated to Him all his frustrations on earth. “O Lord, you once said, that we simply have to seek and we shall find; and to knock and the door will be opened for us. However, we have prayed a lot. Yet there are still many children who are dying every day because of hunger. There are still many women who are victims of human trafficking. Corruption in our country in unsolvable. Human life has become very cheap because of the many wars and acts of terrorism. I guess it’s time for you to end this world for there is no more hope for a better future.” After his long litany of complaints, God simply asked him a question, “I have given you your hands and feet. Have you already used them to save even a single street child on the street?”

As we celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño, may we use our hands not only in waving in front of his image. May we use our feet not only in joining the foot procession of his image. Rather, may we use our hands and feet in helping a suffering brother and sister in our world today. Amen.

Pit Senyor! Viva Senyor Santo Niño!