CHANGING LIKE CHRIST

TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE A

Ez.18:25-28; Ps.25:4-5.6-7.8-9; Phil.2:1-11; Mt.21: 28-32

Change is the only constant in this world says the philosopher Heraclitus. Physically, we become very conscious if we gain even just a pound in our weight. Emotionally, our feelings take control of our lives. When we are very happy, then all will be well. But when sadness marks the beginning of our day, then the rest of it will surely be dull and dry. Spiritually, sometimes we act like angels yet sometimes we are even worse than the devil. Change is the only constant in this world. There is no turning back. We have to move forward!

This is also the theme in our readings today. In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel mentions the change of the virtuous and the wicked. “When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life.” In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us of the story of the two sons: the first who said “no” to his father’s request but later on changed his mind and the second who said “yes” but did not go to work on the vineyard. We see here two movements from the best to the worst and from the worst to the best. How about you? The choice is yours!

However, the apostle Paul in our second reading today reminds us of the greatest and most important change that took place in human history. “Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, he humbled himself becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” Paul tells us about the movement from God to man, from greatness to vulnerability, from power to humility. Jesus, who is God, out of his obedience to the Father, became one like us except sin.

This self-emptying of Jesus is the greatest and most important change in the history of salvation because it gives us the reason to hope! We can still change not just for the better but even for the best.  

And we only need two things for this change to happen in our lives. First, our genuine desire to be transformed. We have to will it if we want to change for the better! And such choice also means that we have set aside other possible choices in life. If one chooses to be more serious in his study, then it also means that he is no longer choosing other possibilities like frequent night outings or entering into special relationships.

Second, the grace of God in our lives. Our human frailness hinders us from persevering in our path towards transformation. Along the way, challenges and temptations increase as we become more serious with our decision. Thus, we have to allow God to intervene in our lives. His grace must penetrate into our hearts and minds so that we can truly reach our goal.

However, the final question is, “What should move us to change for the better?” Our responsorial psalm gives us the answer – the mercies of the Lord! We have to remember the “mercies of the Lord” in our lives. These are the moments when we are about to fall and fail yet the Lord saved us! These are the moments when we are at the brink of surrender but the Lord came to the rescue! When we remember these moments in life then these should be enough to move us to transformation, to a life closer with Him.

The first son probably remembered the goodness of his father to him and so he changed his decision while the second one simply forgot.

A husband and his wife who were both thieves became happy when they learned that they will soon have a son. They wished that their child will become the “prince of thieves” when he grows up. Immediately after giving birth, they were sad. The hands of their son were closed. Out of desperation, they asked the doctor to do everything so that his hands will open. He cannot steal with closed hands! After many attempts, the doctor finally decided to pour hot water on them. Finally, they were opened. Lo and behold, the baby was already holding the two gold rings of the doctor who assisted his mother during the delivery!

Well, the baby was probably destined to become a “prince of thieves.” However, Christian life is not like that! It always gives us second chances! Jesus Christ always wants us to renew our relationship with him every time we fall. Our challenge therefore is to choose Christ, to ask for God’s grace, and to remember the mercies of the Lord in our lives now and forever. Amen!

GOD'S GENEROSITY

TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Is.55:6-9; Ps.145; Phil.1:20-24, 27a; Mt.20:1 – 16a

Life is so overwhelmingly beautiful that we can never understand it completely! Why did that perfect relationship end? How could someone so healthy be in a coma? Why did that happy family get involved in a series unfortunate events? We simply cannot understand life, much less its complexities.

Such is the theme in our readings today. In the First
Reading, the prophet Isaiah humbly admits that “…my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways, my ways….” In the second reading, the apostle Paul was caught torn between “…to depart this life and be with Christ…” and to “…remain in the flesh….” which is “…more necessary for your benefit.” Finally, in our Gospel, the workers cannot accept the fair sharing of their day’s wage, expressing that “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat!”

Caught in the middle of this confusion and the incomprehensibility of events, today’s Psalm gives us a practical advice: we continue to call upon the Lord for He is near to us!

But why?

The same Psalm gives us reason to come close to God; because He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, good to all and compassionate toward all his works.”

At this point of my reflection, let me highlight one reality which we cannot fully understand: God’s generosity!

There seems to be an issue on injustice in the parable of our Gospel today. The landowner gave everyone the same day’s wage. However, when we dig deeper, we realize that it was not about injustice because the workers agreed to be paid with the usual daily wage and so they were given. The parable is all about God’s generosity—the tremendous outpouring of God’s gift for you and me!

Like Isaiah in our First Reading today, let us humbly accept the truth that God is like the sun which shines to everyone. His generosity is not limited to the good and lowly but to every creature He has created. This is not to promote evil ones and for good ones to do evil. After all, in the end the Lord is generous. Rather, this is a reminder not to become envious of others if they receive more than we do. We have also received much from Him, we just fail to appreciate it because we measure not by what our hearts truly desire.

If we cannot fully understand God’s generosity, then what are we to do?

St. Paul has also a very beautiful advice in our
Second Reading, “Only conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel.” If the Gospel reveals to us a very generous God, then let us be generous like Him! But what kind of generosity? God’s kindness is beautifully seen in the Exultet, “Father, how great is your love for us! To ransom a slave, you gave away your only begotten Son!” God’s generosity is therefore anchored on love! Out of his great love for us, he simply and irresistibly gave His Son! If you have love, then you can truly give and give up all for all!

After the fiesta Mass in the parish, I went for a house blessing. The house was located in a depressed area. When I arrived in the place, everyone was busy preparing the food and children were running around. After the blessing, the father handed me an envelope. While changing my clothes, I looked at the contents of the envelope and found many paper bills and some coins which amounted to Php515.00. Before I left, I returned the envelope because I know they would need it more. However, the father insisted that I should keep it and told me, “Rev, please accept it. It is our own way of thanking God that despite of our poverty, my family is still able to eat three times a day and my children are still going to school.” That was the best preaching on homily I ever heard in my life! The family received much from God that even poverty can’t stop them from being generous!

So we ask ourselves, what about us?

When was the last time that we truly have given not our 50, 70, or 80 but our 100% to God and others?

This life is already a great gift from God. Are we as generous as the father in the story? Or like God, our Father, who gave away His Son so that we can have life and live it to its abundance?

“WALKING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD”

1 Cor.15: 35 -37, 42-49; Ps.56; Lk. 8:4 4 – 15

At first glance, there seems to be zero connection between the first reading and our gospel today. In the first reading, Paul preaches to the Corinthians about the resurrection of the body while in our gospel, Jesus tells and explains the parable of the sower and the seed. However, if we take a closer look on these two readings, we can find a common denominator. Both Paul and Jesus use the analogy of the transformation from a seed to a plant. In the first reading, Paul says, “What you sow is not the body that is to be but a bare kernel of wheat.” In our gospel, Jesus uses the image of seeds falling into different kinds of ground, and only those which fall on good soil, bear much fruit.

From a seed to a plant! This tells us a very important reality that life is a journey. Life is never a stagnant reality. It moves forward in time and space. And St. Paul in our first reading today beautifully qualifies what kind of journey these lives of ours are undertaking. It is a journey from corruption to incorruption, from weakness to power, from something natural to something spiritual. And in our Gospel, it is from becoming a simple seed to a plant that produces fruit a hundredfold. Simply said, this life is a journey from good to better, better to best, a journey towards excellence.

And how can we make this life journey something that leads towards excellence? The Psalmist in today’s Responsorial Psalm gives us the answer, “I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.” Thus, we can only be excellent in any of our endeavors in the ministry if we are always “walking in the presence of the Lord.” Take away God in your endeavors, then any achievement can lead you to pride and any failure can lead you to desperation.

Hence, we ask ourselves, how can we “always walk in the presence of the Lord?” In the final letter to his family and friends, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native Korean priest, whose martyrdom we celebrate today, he begs them “not to fail in your love for another, but to support one another and to stand fast until the Lord mercifully delivers us from our trials.” Walking in the presence of the Lord, therefore, means persevering in love, perseverans in caritate! Only love can make us persevere despite the many worries and challenges this life has to offer to us. Because the person who has invited us in this journey is Love! And in heaven, which is the end of this journey, what remains is love!

Seminary formation is a journey. Priestly ministry is a journey. In these journeys, may we always walk in the presence of the Lord by persevering in love, by always staying in love, and by continuously falling in love with the God who has called us into to this journey and with others who are also journeying with us towards excellence, towards heaven! Amen!

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

Numbers 21: 4b – 9, Psalm 78, Philippians 2: 6 – 11, John 3: 13 – 17

How powerful is your memory? Can you still remember the things of the past? Can you still recall the exact date of your baptism? Can you still remember the first name of the first person who gave you a warm hug? Can you still remember the person who turned down your offer to love him/her forever? We must admit that we always fall short in remembering things, people, and events in our lives. That is why we are provided with signs so that we can remember! Traffic lights remind us that there’s a time for everything – a time to stop, to get ready, and to go. For lovers, you call each other with words of endearment – munch and kins; sweetie and pie; mhe and dhe. For couples, the purpose of your wedding rings is to remind you of your call to fidelity with one another. Signs remind us of valuable people and timeless moments in life.

In our first reading, God told Moses to erect a bronze serpent on a stand to remind them of the presence of God. Life shall be restored on someone who looks at the bronze serpent. And such sign, already prefigured the “lifting up” of Jesus on the cross.

In our Gospel, we heard Jesus telling Nicodemus that “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up!” What then do we mean by the words, “so must the Son of Man be lifted up?” In another passage from John, he explicitly relates the “lifting up” with the death of Jesus on the cross. “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. He said this indicating the kind of death he would die. (John 12: 32 -33)”

And so, as we celebrate today the exaltation of the Cross, the lifting up of Jesus on the cross, what are we reminded of every time we gaze upon his cross? We are reminded of two things. First, the cross makes us recall the story which led to the end of Jesus’ earthly life – his passion. It was a story of denial. Peter his closest trusted aid denied him three times. It was a story of loneliness. His friends left him for they were filled with fear. It was a story of suffering which led to his death. However, the cross also reminds us that it is only a prelude to his glorious resurrection – wherein death has no longer power over life!

As Christians, the cross has always been part of our lives. At Baptism, we were marked with the sign of the cross. I guess no day ends without us having made the sign of the cross. However, let us put to heart this reality that every time we see the cross or mark ourselves with it, we are reminded of three things:

First, the inevitability of suffering because of our decision to follow Christ. Why? Even Jesus, whom we adhere, suffered because of his decision to do the will of the Father. This suffering can come in small ways like being teased or bullied for having lived a holy life or it can come in big ways like being violently persecuted or even killed because of Christ. Yet Pope Francis has this powerful reminder to offer, “ to those who suffer, God does not provide reasonable arguments but an accompanying presence!” When we are suffering, just look at Christ Crucified on the Cross, and remember that you are not alone. You have a God who accompanies you in life’s darkest, driest, and dullest moments.

Second, the cross reminds us that it is not the end of life. God is not yet finished with us! Jesus’ life did not end in the cross! From the cross, we were led to the empty tomb – a reminder of God’s victory over death. Whatever you are going through right now especially if you are carrying so heavy a cross in the family, school, or work, do not lose hope! It is part and parcel of God’s grand design for your life! We have been saved by hope and so we move forward in life with hope!

Finally, the cross reminds us that the key to a glorious end is loving obedience to the will of the Father. St. Paul in our second reading today beautifully puts it, “because of his obedience to death, even death on a cross, God greatly exalted him!” If our following of Christ even in the midst of suffering is not rooted on loving obedience to the Father, then, any time, we can let go of Him. What makes us move on with life despite its difficulties is our conviction that what we are going through right now is a daily submission to the will of the Father, who has loved us with an everlasting love!

And so, as we celebrate the feast of the exaltation of the cross of Christ, may we be reminded that suffering due to our decision to follow Christ is inevitable. Yet, it also points us to a truth that God is not yet finished with us. And only when we are convinced that what we are going through right now is a fulfilling of the will of the Father, then, we can truly reach our own empty tombs, our glorious Resurrection. Amen!

THE INSISTENCE ON FORGIVENESS

TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Ezekiel 33: 7-9, Ps.95, Romans 13: 8 – 10, Matthew 18: 15 – 20

One of the most difficult things to do in our lifetime is to forgive those who have wronged us! It is difficult because we are focused on the hurt which others have inflicted upon us. It is difficult for a wife to forgive her husband who after 25 years of marriage left her forever. It is difficult for a mother to forgive the criminal who killed her only loving daughter. It is difficult to forgive friends who after opening ourselves to them decide to betray us. Humanly speaking, it is difficult to forgive. Yet in our Gospel today, Jesus provided us steps in forgiving and correcting our neighbors.

Let me not focus on the steps because they are clearly presented in our Gospel today. Let me however share with you on the “why” of forgiveness. Why did Jesus insist on forgiveness?

First, right at the start of the Gospel, we hear Jesus using the word, “brother.” “If your brother sins against you, go and tell his fault between you and him alone.” This signals to us that in every community where we belong we are all related. We are not like robots that function as programmed. We can talk, listen, and relate with one another. And in our interaction with one another comes an inevitable reality – conflicts! Thus, Jesus has to carefully lay down the steps to genuine forgiveness. If we do not forgive, then, as Pope Francis puts it, “seeds of jealousy and envy would start to grow.” And he added, “a person under the influence of envy and jealousy, kills!” From these emerge gossip! And for the Pope, “gossip destroys the community.”

Thus, this is first our challenge today – to hold on to whatever communities we are into – in the family, in the church, at work or at school. When conflicts arise, running away is not the solution but forgiveness. We do not easily let go of our communities because where we are now is God’s will for us. Let us therefore bloom where we are planted by fertilizing ourselves with the seed of forgiveness not jealousy and envy.

Second, Jesus insists on forgiveness because we are responsible to every member of the community. As the Little Prince puts it, “You are responsible forever for what you have tamed.” In our first reading today, the prophet Ezekiel was entrusted by God the house of Israel. Thus, he is forever responsible not only to some but to all. The prophet was asked by God to preach even to the wicked. “If they do not listen, then they will die for their own selves. But if you do not preach to them and they die, then I will hold you responsible for his death.”

This is our second challenge today – to be responsible to the community that God has entrusted to us. And this responsibility is best expressed in our willingness to correct and forgive in the most compassionate way those who have wronged us. If we have fallen out of love in our family because of broken trust, then, let us be responsible enough to slowly pick up those broken pieces and renew once again that commitment to love one another in and out of season!

Finally, Jesus insists on forgiveness because according to St. Paul in our second reading today, “you owe nothing to anyone except to love one another!” Why love? St. Paul adds, “love does no evil to the neighbor, hence, love is the fulfillment of the Law.” All the other virtues necessary in every community are anchored on love! Even in heaven, what remains is love!

This is our final challenge today – that we always fall in love, stay in love, and forever be in love into whatever relationship we have. This love is best expressed in our eagerness to forgive those who have given us reasons not to love them! The failures and pains we are suffering in our families are not ends but preparations to loving more today than yesterday!

Let us learn to correct and forgive our brothers and sisters because we are a community, a family. We are called to be responsible with one another. We are governed by one eternal rule – the law of loving.

Bishop Angelito Lampon of Jolo – Sulu was asked by one of the journalists after presiding over the funeral Mass of one of his priests who was brutally murdered right outside the parish church, “Bishop, now that the hatred of the members of the other faiths has increased, are you leaving the place?” The Bishop humbly replied, “No, we are not leaving. Rather, we will continue to extend the hands of forgiveness to those who do not like us even if it will cause the end of our lives.”

The Bishop forgave because he was responsible to his community and loved all. In this Mass, let us ask for the grace to always sense that urgency to be responsible with one another and be aware of our vocation to love all so that we can humbly correct and forgive those who have wronged us! Amen!