Gospel Reflection

January 28, 2014

Tuesday – Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

by Rev. Fr. Juancho "Choy" Ramos (Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Parish of Sta. Cruz, Manila)
5:30PM Mass, Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)

 

Reading 1 2 sm 6:12b-15, 17-19

David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom  into the City of David amid festivities. As soon as the bearers of the ark of the LORD had advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the LORD with abandon, as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn. The ark of the LORD was brought in and set in its place within the tent David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When he finished making these offerings,  he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. He then distributed among all the people,  to each man and each woman in the entire multitude of Israel,  a loaf of bread, a cut of roast meat, and a raisin cake. With this, all the people left for their homes.

 

Responsorial Psalm ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10

R. (8) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

 

Gospel mk 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

HOMILY

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our Gospel this evening relates to us the meaning of spiritual relationship. Jesus's reply to the crowd, which we just heard - "Who are my mother, brother and sisters?' - seemingly is a remark of disrespect or rejection of his close kin. But Jesus's use of the word 'brother or sister' is a dramatic way of stressing a point, which, in this case, is that spiritual relationship is more than that of blood-relationship.

Jesus wants to tell us that true kinship is not always a matter of flesh and blood. You may have relatives, but they may hate you or even want to harm you. Or maybe you belong to a family, but you are not in good terms, always in conflict and finding it hard to forgive or accept each other. Jesus goes on to say that spiritual relationship is achieved when we do the will of God. As Jesus said, 'whoever does the will of God is my mother, my brother and sister'.

So how do we know God's will? One way is through Scriptures. The Word of God. Another way is through the Church, which teaches matters of faith and morals, with the authority of God Himself. The will of God is further manifested to us in the duties and responsibilities of our state of life, and is seen in the particular circumstances of our life. God's will can be also discerned in the events of our day-to-day life - the unexpected death of our loved ones, an incurable illness or sickness, unjust sufferings or events that are beyond our control.

Knowing God's will can't be easy. But we are called to put it into practice. For instance, Jesus says in the Scriptures, "Forgive your enemies, not 70 times, but 70 times 70 times". That is one way of doing God's will. Or "if anyone must be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all". These are all difficult to implement, isn't it? It's not easy to do God's will. But as one author said, "Knowing the will of God is the greatest knowledge. Finding the will of God is the greatest discovery. And doing the will of God is the greatest achievement."

That is why we have the saint whose feast we are celebrating today - St. Thomas Aquinas. He is a Doctor of the Church. He dedicated all his life doing the will of God, although it was not easy for him. But because he entrusted everything to God, doing God's will became his own food and his own life.

Let us pray that in this Eucharist, we may find ourselves doing God's will, and that as we go home tonight, we may find ourselves connected deeply to our own brothers and sisters, especially in our own family. Amen.

Gospel Reflection

January 27, 2014

Monday – Ordinary Time

by Rev. Fr. by Rev. Fr. Prudencio 'Jun' T. Solomon, Jr., Parochial Vicar, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto Parish, Sampaloc, Manila
12:15PM Mass, Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)

 

Reading 1 2 sm 5:1-7, 10

All the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: “Here we are, your bone and your flesh. In days past, when Saul was our king,  it was you who led the children of Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel  and shall be commander of Israel.’” When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,  and they anointed him king of Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king,  and he reigned for forty years: seven years and six months in Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah.

Then the king and his men set out for Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the region. David was told, “You cannot enter here:  the blind and the lame will drive you away!” which was their way of saying, “David cannot enter here.” But David did take the stronghold of Zion, which is the City of David.

David grew steadily more powerful, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

 

Responsorial Psalm ps 89:20, 21-22, 25-26

R. (25a) My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.
Once you spoke in a vision,
and to your faithful ones you said:
“On a champion I have placed a crown;
over the people I have set a youth.”
R. My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.
“I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong.”
R. My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.
“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his hand upon the sea,
his right hand upon the rivers.”
R. My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.

 

Gospel mk 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself,  that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

HOMILY

"Sa pamamagitan ng prinsipe ng mga demonyo, siya'y nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo."

Mga kapatid, ito ang paratang ng mga Eskriba na mula sa Herusalem, na ating narinig sa ating Ebanghelyo. Pinaratangan nila na si Hesus, sa Kanyang pagpapalayas ng mga masasamang espiritu, ay nasa impluwensiya ng prinsipe ng mga demonyo. Hindi nila matanggap na ang isang taong katulad ni Hesus ay nakapagpapalayas ng mga masasamang espiritu. Bakit? Sapagkat para sa kanila, hindi karaniwang ginagawa ito ng isang tao. Ito ay maaari lamang gawin ng isang taong banal, ng isang taong ang kapangyarihan ay mula sa Diyos.

At iyon ang hindi nila matanggap. Na si Hesus ay banal. Na si Hesus at ang Kanyang kapangyarihan ay mula sa Ama. Sapagkat ang akala nila, sila lamang ang laging tama. Ang akala nila'y sila lamang ang laging banal. Sila lamang ang laging kinasisiyahan ng Diyos. Kaya't gumawa sila ng isang maling paratang, isang paninirang-puri, upang maisalba ang kanilang pangalan, ang kanilang reputasyon, ang kanilang pride. Hindi nila kayang lunukin na sila'y manliit at mapahiya sa harapan ng mga tao.

Mga kapatid, ang maling pagpaparatang, paninirang puri - lalong-lalo na kung ito ay ginagawa para maisalba ang sarili sa kahihiyan sa mukha ng ibang tao - ay nakapandaraya at nakapangloloko ng iba. Madaling gawin ngunit naiisahan din natin ang ating sarili, sapagkat tinatanggal natin sa ating sarili ang biyayang hatid ng buhay na walang hanggan. Maling pagpaparatang, paninirang puri...ito'y isang pamamaraan ng panloloko sa ibang tao, ngunit tayo ang tinatamaan. Tayo din ang humahakot sa ibinibigay nitong kaparusahan, habang tinatanggal natin sa atin ang biyaya ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Gospel Reflection

January 24, 2014

Friday – Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

by Rev. Fr. Benjo Fajota, Vice Rector, Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)
12:15 PM Mass at the EDSA Shrine

 

Reading 1 1 sm 24:3-21

Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave.

David’s servants said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.’” So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the LORD’s anointed.” With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way. David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul: “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’? You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed and a father to me.’ Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you.
The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you. Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea! The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!” When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, “Is that your voice, my son David?” And Saul wept aloud. Saul then said to David: “You are in the right rather than I;  you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. Great is the generosity you showed me today,  when the LORD delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me. For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed? May the LORD reward you generously for what you have done this day. And now, I know that you shall surely be king  and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession.”

 

Responsorial Psalm ps 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11

R. (2a) Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.
Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
In the shadow of your wings I take refuge,
till harm pass by.
R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.
I call to God the Most High,
to God, my benefactor.
May he send from heaven and save me;
may he make those a reproach who trample upon me;
may God send his mercy and his faithfulness.
R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
above all the earth be your glory!
For your mercy towers to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the skies.
R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.

 

Gospel mk 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach  and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter;  James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,  that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;  Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

HOMILY

Yesterday, we defined 'jealousy', and we saw how King Saul was so jealous of David, because David was becoming more popular than he was. Also, the Pharisees and elders of the church were so jealous of Jesus Christ for people were flocking to Him more than they were going to the temples or synagogues. 

Today, we have one word to define, and that is 'magnanimity'. Magnanimity is the general feeling of goodness, devoid of any retaliation or revenge. It comes from two Greek words, 'magna' and 'anima', which means 'great soul'. That is why a magnanimous person is one who has a great soul. 

Now we can see opposites - the jealousy of King Saul and the magnanimity of David, who pardoned and did not do revenge upon King Saul, even if he wanted to kill him. This is one of the great events recorded in the Old Testament. Probably David knew that a thousand years after him, Jesus will teach about love of enemies. 

Although so great is the magnanimous act of David, the magnanimity of God cannot be measured. God called 12 disciples to be with Him, but we see who these disciples were. They were tax collectors, cheats, they were ordinary fishermen, a group with a lot more questionable character. 

God's magnanimity is also prevalent in us today. We are all sinners, but God calls us to be with Him. That is why He is also teaching us not to judge people. Let us not look at other people's mistakes, at their wrongdoings, their weaknesses, their faults. A person who is judgmental or is a fault-finder has a low esteem of himself, that is why he passes on his negativity to other people. God is telling us that no matter how sinful we are, we belong to His flock. We are all loved, we are all gathered, because of the mercy of God. Amen. 

Gospel Reflection

January 23, 2014

Thursday – Ordinary Time

by Rev. Fr. Benjo Fajota, Vice Rector, Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)
5:30 PM Mass at the EDSA Shrine

 

Reading 1 1 sm 18:6-9;19:1-7

When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”

Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David.

Saul discussed his intention of killing David  with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning;  get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father  in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.”

Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you,  but has helped you very much by his deeds. When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine,  and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel through him,  you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood  by killing David without cause?” Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.” So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.

 

Responsorial Psalm ps 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13

R. (5b) In God I trust; I shall not fear.
Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me;
all the day they press their attack against me.
My adversaries trample upon me all the day;
yes, many fight against me.
R. In God I trust; I shall not fear.
My wanderings you have counted;
my tears are stored in your flask;
are they not recorded in your book?
Then do my enemies turn back,
when I call upon you.
R. In God I trust; I shall not fear.
Now I know that God is with me.
In God, in whose promise I glory,
in God I trust without fear;
what can flesh do against me?
R. In God I trust; I shall not fear.
I am bound, O God, by vows to you;
your thank offerings I will fulfill.
For you have rescued me from death,
my feet, too, from stumbling;
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
R. In God I trust; I shall not fear.

 

Gospel mk 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

HOMILY

The Catholic Encyclopedia Dictionary defines 'jealousy' as an "intolerance often accompanied by emotional disturbance of wanting to have someone or something owned by another person to be exclusively for his own". Kung ano ang meron ang isa, ang gusto niya, siya lamang ang meron noon. That is why when King Saul saw that David has become popular, he became jealous of David.

Similarly, in our Gospel. we heard that people from all places would go and search for Jesus. He became more and more popular each day. The Word of God is no longer temple-based, but already Kingdom-based, as it is preached by Jesus Christ. Even from the Catholic city of Jerusalem, people were flocking to Jesus, trying to know who He was. This turned the ire of the church elders and leaders, and so they wanted to plot against Him and get rid of Him.

In our lives, people will get angry at us, will be suspicious of us, or will be jealous of us, because of our popularity, or something that we have, that others would also want to have exclusively for their own. And this is the cause of disunity. Jesus Christ came into this world to form us as one family, not only treating others with respect and dignity, but rather with joyous acceptance of who they are.

There is this story of a woman from Trinidad who would always have her daily ritual with her daughter. At night, before she would retire, she would prepare lunch for her daughter for the following day. Then they will have simple breakfast together. Before the mother goes, she would hug her daughter and whisper to her ear, "I will miss you, I love you." And when her daughter is already by the door, the mother will call her and say, "Wait, I still have to look how beautiful you are. You are such a beauty to behold." This would carry on every day. And the daughter will go to school, very happy and confident.

This is what Jesus Christ wants to tell us. "Come to Me...Come to Me in prayer. Come to Me, present yourselves, not only when there are serious things happening in your life. Come to Me in your light moments. Talk to Me in a friendly way....in a light-hearted way." Prayer need not be serious and profound every time. It could be just a silent time with a friend, or just an easy conversation with someone. Jesus would always like to have that conversation with us. Come to Him today. Come to Him and present yourself, and let Jesus behold the beauty that you have inside and outside of you. Let Him be taken by your beauty, which He has created in us all.

Kung tayo ay may pagmamahal sa ating kapwa, hindi tayo maiinggit kung ano ang meron sila. Dahil ang bawat isa sa atin ay binigyan ng Diyos ng katangian na para lamang sa atin. Amen.