6:30AM Mass at Shrine of Mary, Queen
of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA)
Reading 1 1 Jn 3:11-21
Beloved: This is the message you have heard from the
beginning: we should love one another, unlike Cain who belonged to the Evil One
and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works
were evil, and those of his brother righteous. Do not be amazed, then, brothers
and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to
life because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone
who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal
life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his
life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who
has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can
the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but
in deed and truth.
Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our
hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our
hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have
confidence in God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
R. (2a) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
The LORD is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Gospel Jn 1:43-51
Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of
Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one
about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph,
from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from
Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming
toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no
duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered
and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of
Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you
that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And
he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the
angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
HOMILY
My dear brothers and sisters,
"Come and see....come and see." These are the words of Philip to
Nathaniel in the Gospel. Deep words. Philip did not say, "See and
believe", but "Come and see."
The first move when you want to
become a disciple of Jesus is to come...to come. This is the incredible
love of God for us. He did not force our hearts, since this will not be love
anymore. But Jesus is waiting for us. He is here, waiting for us and saying,
"Come, come."
This is a call for
repentance. This is a call for confession. This is a call
of love. Love, in deed. "Come, my child, come to Me." This is
the call of Jesus to each one of us...today. Amen.
by Rev. Fr. Joseph“Joey” Faller (Spiritual Director of the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center, Lucban Quezon Province)
12:15PM Lunch Mass at Megamall, Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord
Reading 1 1 Jn 3:7-10
Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. Whoever sins belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the beginning. Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil. No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God. In this way, the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain; no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. The LORD comes; he comes to rule the earth; He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Jn 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said,“You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.
HOMILY
Happy, happy New Year to all of you. (The people greet Father Joey a 'Happy New Year'). Parang hindi kayo happy. (laughs)
So natapos na po ang year 2012, we are now in the year 2013, at ano nga pong year ngayon? Year of the....? (people reply 'water snake') Diyan kayo magaling sa kahayupan. (laughs) Ngayon po ay Year of Faith. (laughs) Year of Faith sa kalendaryo ng simbahan. Ang alam ninyo ay puro sa hayop. (laughs)
So Year of Faith po ngayon, Year of the Lord, kaya lahat ng taon, ay taon ng Panginoon. Amen? (people firmly say 'Amen')
Pero papatulan ko kayo doon sa water snake. So ano ho ba ang simbolismo ng snake? When you talk about snake, well, in the positive sense, ang sabi po kahit po sa medicine, ang simbolismo ng healing ay snake. Di po ba 'yong medicine, nakalagay doon snake pa rin? Secondly, the snake symbolizes good luck. Pag tayo po ay nakasalubong o nakapanaginip ng ahas, ano'ng ibig sabihin? Pera....swerte.....Pag nakagat ka ng ahas.....patay ! (laughs) 'Yon malas po 'yon.
Pero hindi lamang po 'yan at ang sabi nila, the snake symbolizes prosperity. Kaya naniniwala po ako 100% that this year will be a better year. Amen? (people say 'Amen') Dapat may kasamang palakpak 'yon para talagang naniniwala kayo. (loud clapping from the people)
When you are so down, the tendency is no more to go down, but to go up. Bagsak na bagsak na tayo, eh di wala na tayong pupuntahan kundi tumaas. Kaya I know that this will be a better year if we are with the Lord.
So sa atin pong pagninilay ngayon, in our Holy Gospel, we talk about John again. John the beloved Disciple. John was standing again. When you talk about 'stand' in the Bible....when you are sitting down, ano po ang inyong ginagawa? What is the activity that you can do when you're sitting down? You can listen, you can write, you can read. When you are in a kneeling position, what do you do? You pray. So when you stand, what do you do? It is an act of readiness. Pwede kang tumakbo, pwede kang sumayaw ng Gangnam style (laughs). Pwede kang ah.....(looking at an elderly lady) gusto yatang mag-Gangnam ni Nanay, magaling po siya ano. Sample. (laughs) So when you talk about standing, it means to say you are ready. So John was ready, and his eyes were focused on the Lord.
Noong Pasko po, saan po naka-focus ang ating mga mata? Aminin. Sa regalo. (laughs) Sa pagkain. Sa pamasko. Huwag na po ninyo akong regaluhan dahil mas maganda pong regalo ay panalangin. Pero kung gusto n'yo po akong regaluhan eh di...ang size po ng aking ah....(laughs) rubber shoes ay 11 1/2. 'Yong high-cut na Nike. (laughs) Pagka leather shoes po ay 11. Pag La Coste po ay size 7, ano po? (more laughs) Huwag na po n'yong alalahanin 'yon. Nagbibiro lang po ako.
Pero alam po ninyo, our eyes were focused on the material things last Christmas. Kaya parang itinatanong sa atin ng Panginoon ngayon in our Gospel - saan na po naka-focus ang inyong mga mata?
Well, noong Pasko hanggang noong nakaraan, maaring sa mga pelikula. "One More Try", ha? Ito nga po 'yong dialogue na ang sabi (Father says dramatically), "Ang pera natin, hindi basta basta mauubos, pero 'yong pasensiya ko, konting konti na lang." (laughs) Baligtad po sa amin 'yan. "Ang pasensiya ko, hindi basta basta mauubos, pero ang pera ko, ubos na ubos na. (more laughs) dahil sa pa-Pasko."
Pero ito po ang ating mababanggit. The Disciples were listening to the Lord. And I guess, hindi lamang po mga mata ang dapat naka-focus sa Panginoon. Our ears must also be attentive to the Word of God. Nito po bang holiday season, were our ears attentive to the voice of God, to the Word of God? The Disciples were listening to the Lord. Saan po tayo nakikinig? Sana po pakinggan natin ang Panginoon, in the Word of God that we read, in the Homily of the priest that is being delivered during our holy mass. Saan po tayo nakikinig? Listen to the dictates of the voice of God in your heart. Listen to your conscience, telling you what to do.
And then, sabi ng mga Disciples, "Lord, where do you live?" Before they asked, the Lord questioned them, "What are you looking for?" This question is now addressed to you. What are you looking for? Boyfriend po. Asawa po. Trabaho po. Kaligayahan po. What are you looking for in life? This question is now addressed to you, right at this very moment, and you can answer it with the Lord. Ano nga ba'ng hinahanap ko sa buhay? What are you looking for in your life?
(Father Joey asks an elderly man) "Tay, ano po ang hinahanap n'yo?" The man replies, "the healing of my son". Father Joey asks, 'Your son? The healing of your son." Ok, napakaganda po ng kanyang hinahanap at hinihingi sa Panginoon. In this mass today, we ask the Lord, what we need to possess or what we need to have. At napakaganda pong maitanong natin sa ating sarili, ano nga ba ang hinahanap ko sa buhay? Ultimately, what are you looking for? Peace, joy, happiness, unity, harmony, healing? Marami po tayo.
And then, ang sabi ng mga Disciples, "Lord, where do you live?" This is not a question of residence. This is a question of identity. Who are you Lord? Sino ka nga ba talaga? Di ho ba pag pumunta ka sa isang bahay, what is the absolute indication of the cleanliness of the house? Pag pumunta ka sa isang bahay at nakita mong madumi ang kanilang CR, ang kanilang toilet, this is the mirror na madumi rin ang buong kabahayan.
So, what the Disciples is asking the Lord, was not a question of "Saan po kayo nakatira? Sa Ayala Alabang? Saan po kayo nakatira - sa Greenhills? Sa Dasma? Saan po kayo nakatira?" The question is, "Who are you, Lord?" So in this New Year, we ask the Lord to manifest more of His presence. This must be our New Year's resolution - to know the Lord better, to love the Lord better and to serve the Lord better. The Lord said, "Come, and you will see." The Lord is inviting you once again, "Come and see Me in the Church. Come and see Me in the streetchildren. Come and see Me even in the darkest moment of your life. Come and see Me in the Eucharist. Come and see Me in the prayers. Come and see Me in the face of your loved ones."
"It was four o'clock in the afternoon." Looking around you, marami po sa atin ang edad ay mga parang nagbubukang-liwayway pa lang. 'Yong iba sa inyo'y katanghalian na nang tapat. Ang ilan po sa inyo'y malapit nang lubugan ng araw. At ang ilang po sa inyo'y ilang beses nang nilubugan ng araw. (laughs) Pero ang puso naman nati'y nagbubukang-liwayway. Bow....parang isang tula.
But the Lord is asking again this question - ano'ng oras na sa buhay n'yo? What time is it in your life? This must be a time to change. A time to renew our life. A time to count the blessings of the Lord. A time to embrace the Lord. A time to transform our life. A time to be with God. To be a real Disciple of the Lord is to search for Him in faith, to look for Him, to abide in Him, to abide in His presence. Because the Lord says, "He who remains in Me, and who remains in My Word, whatever you ask from My Father will be given unto you."
Ano'ng oras na sa buhay mo? Oras na po para tanggapin natin ang mga biyaya ng Panginoon. A time to change our lives. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
12;15PM Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel, Greenbelt, Makati
Reading 1 1 Jn 2:29–3:6
If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Jn 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
HOMILY
Happy New Year po sa inyong lahat.
In our Gospel today, we encounter a seeming irony or paradox. In the beginning, John immediately pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, immediately declaring that Jesus is the Lamb of God. But as he continues, John would say, "I did not know Him. I did not recognize Him." How come John is declaring one thing, yet he is also saying he actually did not know Jesus?
John is saying that Jesus is the fruit, not of his hindsight, not of his own vision, but the fruit of revelation. That if ever he was able to know Jesus, it was because God revealed it to him.
And how did John see the revelation of God? We go back to his declaration, "He is the Lamb of God." What do we mean when we say, "He is the Lamb of God?" Every time we attend the mass, as we celebrate the mass, just before receiving the Holy Communion, the priest says, "Behold the Lamb of God." What is that indication for? What are we supposed to do when we hear the Lamb of God?
Perhaps a better way to appreciate what do we mean by the Lamb of God, is also understanding its opposite. In the Bible, we also see the origin of 'scapegoat'. I am sure we all use that; we all know the meaning of scapegoat. In the Hebrew tradition, a goat is set free, seemingly to absorb all the sins of the people. And that goat is brought outside the city to be stoned to death, so that all the sins will also be removed. But what is the difference between the scapegoat and the Lamb of God?
Yes, the scapegoat absorbs all the sins but nobody admitted it was their sin. The goat truly became a scapegoat. It is the lame excuse of everyone. There is a difference because in the Lamb of God, the Lamb absorbs all the sins, even takes away the sins of the world, but we have to admit it is our fault. Mea culpa. My fault. My fault. My grievous fault.
No wonder John was always pointing to the Lamb of God. He is telling the people, yes, He did forgive our sins, but we have also to admit our sins.
Brothers and sisters, are we looking at scapegoats, or are we looking at the Lamb of God? Nowadays, everyone is at fault except me. That is the sickness, the tendency of today's society. It's the fault of my environment. It's the fault of my parents. It's the fault of my boss. It's the fault of this world. But never my fault. Never my offense.
Yes, we have just began a new year. And we pray that we may truly see the Lord. That like John the Baptist, we can only see the Lord, the Lamb of God, if we ask the Lord to purify ourselves. In the First Reading, we are told, "He who remains in sin will never see, will never know God". Because the revelation of God - remember the Beatitudes? "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."
And so as we are still relishing the start of the New Year, we ask the Lord to purify our hearts. Yes, there are things we have to admit. We don't have to make excuses before God. We don't have to look for scapegoats. Jesus is only wanting to hear the words, "I am sorry". You don't have to explain, you don't have to point at somebody else. 'I am sorry' is enough. And 'I am sorry' is also enough for us to see the goodness of God.
Every time you see the priest holding high the Host, saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God", it is an indication of contrition, that before we receive the Lord, we humbly say, "Lord, I am sorry. Purify my heart this year, so that I may see Your goodness, the wonderful plans You have in store for me. You are the Lamb of God. You take away the sins in my heart and in the world." Amen.
Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen,
Bishops and Doctors of the Church
by Rev. Father David "Dave" T. Concepcion
(Spiritual Director, Holy Apostles Senior Seminary, San Carlos Pastoral Formation Center, Guadalupe, Makati City) 12:15PM Mass, Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel, Greenbelt, Makati
Reading 1 1 Jn 2:22-28
Beloved: Who is the liar?Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write you these things about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you.But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him.
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Jn 1:19-28
This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him,“What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
HOMILY
I will share with you the story of a penitent who came to confession and the first word he said was, "I'm a liar. I'm a liar. Ako po ay sinungaling, Father." Bago siya makapagpatuloy, tinanong ko siya, "Ngayon ba, nagsasabi ka ba nang totoo?" (laughs) At sabi niya, "Opo naman Father. Nagsasabi naman ako nang totoo." Then I clarified the issue. When you are a liar, when you say you're a liar, you never say something that is truthful. But when you say 'I have lied', sometimes you say the truth, sometimes you don't. Magkaiba po 'yong ikaw ay sinungaling, at ikaw ay nakapagsinungaling. Magkaiba po 'yon. Dapat maliwanag sa atin ito. Kapag sinabi mong 'ako po ay tamad' at 'ako po ay tinatamad', magkaiba po 'yon. Di po ba?
My dear brothers and sisters, why do we lie? Why do we lie? An old woman came to confession, ang sabi ko sa kanya, "Nanay, ang tanda n'yo na, nagsisinungaling pa kayo. Malapit na kayong mamatay." (laughs) Ang sabi niya, "Eh Father, baka magalit eh. Baka magalit." Baka magalit po sino?
One of the reasons why we lie is that we are afraid that people might get angry. Parents lie to their children; children lie to their parents. Husbands and wives lie to each other. Officemates lie to each other. Even friends lie to each other. But the problem with lying is that, what? When you lie, you have to remember the words you have said, because you want to be consistent with your lie. Pag ikaw ay nagsinungaling, kailangan mong tandaan ang iyong pagsisinungaling, para pag ikaw ay nagkwento ulit, dapat consistent ang iyong pagsisinungaling, hindi po ba? The beauty of being truthful is that you don't have to remember what you have said. Why? Because you will remain consistent in the truth you have said.
Second, because we don't want to hurt the person, then we lie. Yes, for a moment, we have not hurt the person, but you have ruined your own credibility. Saying the truth might hurt the person for a moment, but it gives you freedom, to yourself, and even to the other person. Maganda pong pagtuunan ng pansin 'yon. Ano po ang mas maganda, malaya ka sa iyong mga pananalita, o parati kang natatakot na baka ikaw ay makulong?
My dear friends, my dear brothers and sisters, regardless of how good your attitude, you can never change your past, but a good attitude can always give us the power to change our future.As we begin this year, just like John in our Gospel, you can decide to live in the truth, to speak the truth, regardless how painful it is.
My dear brothers and sisters, sabi nga nila, hindi bale na, na makapagsinungaling ako. Pero ang problema nito ay, mas nakakatakot kung sa sarili ako nagsisinungaling.You have to understand that when we lie to other people, we are not simply lying to them; we are also lying to ourselves. What we say to ourselves is more powerful than what other people are saying about us. What prevents us from becoming, is not what people are saying about us, but what we say to ourselves. Ang nagiging hadlang para sa ating pag-unlad sa isang magandang bukas, ay hindi kung ano ang sinasabi ng ibang tao sa atin, kundi kung ano ang kasinungalingang sinasabi natin sa ating mga sarili.
Mga minamahal na mga kapatid, sino po ba talaga ang makakaalam kung kayo po ay nagsisinungaling o hindi, di po ba? Kasi may mga tao rin na pwede nang magsinungaling na hindi man lamang kumukurap ang mata. They are so stern that they can look at you eye to eye, but their words are full of lies. Sabi nga, and let us remember - when you lose your money, you lose nothing...when you lose your health, you lose something....but when you lose your character, when you lie, you lose everything.
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
byRev. Fr. Rufino Jun Sescon (Chaplain, Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel)
6:00PM Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel, Greenbelt, Makati
Reading 1 Nm 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses:“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,and I will bless them.”
Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy. May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. May God bless us in his mercy.
Reading 2 Gal 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,to ransom those under the law,so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons,God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son,and if a son then also an heir, through God.
Gospel Lk 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the messagethat had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen,just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
HOMILY
Once again, Happy New Year po sa inyong lahat.
Nararamdaman ko pa rin ang puyat n'yo. Siguro may mga pamilyang hindi nagse-celebrate ng Noche Buena, pero lahat pag Media Noche, talagang nagdiriwang at nag-aabang.
And as a Church, let us also be reminded that it is a Holy Day of Obligation today for us Catholics, not because it is the first day of the new year, but rather because today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In fact, in the Church, New Year took place already during Advent. It is not really New Year today in the calendar of the Church. It is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. That Jesus, born to Mary, is not only man, but true God and true Man. That would have a lot of repercussions in geology, but for us, tayo pong mga Katoliko ay naniniwalang si Hesus ay Diyos at Taong totoo, and Mary is the Mother of the God-Man, Jesus.
Today, Blessed John Paul II, also, when he was Pope, instituted the World Day of Prayer for Peace. We begin the New Year begging for peace. And what better way to begin the new year, what better way to pray for peace, than to be with Mary, Mother of God, and Queen of Peace.
Well of course we know that most of us would really focus on the New Year, and we have different traditions. I remember my parents would tell me, and even my grandparents, as we begin the countdown, my Lola will hold me and she will inspect me, because my Lola would make sure that my pockets are filled up, para daw buong taon may laman. Ganoon talaga ang mga tradisyon, ano, mga pamahiin.
Sasabihin, "buksan ang mga bintana para pumasok ang swerte". Eh 'yong magnanakaw ang pumasok, ano? (laughs) Lahat ng usok, ano, pumasok. (laughs) And of course, you have your fruits, ano, lahat bilog. May mga naka-polka dots ba ngayon? Ayan, para daw ho talagang swertehin. These are symbols. And of course, by midnight, meron pa bang tumatalon sa inyo sa midnight? Huwag ho kayong maniwala doon. (laughs) Lagi ho akong tumatalon, wala naman hong bisa, ano? (laughs) One inch na lang po 'yong hinihiling kong pandagdag, wala pa rin. (laughs)
Anyway, I was just reminded to tell you a story of these three guys who went to a New Year's Eve party. They got so drunk and when they were going back home - they were living in a condominium in the 31st floor - and when they arrived in the lobby, the receptionist told them, "Sir, we are sorry but the elevator is not working. You have to climb the stairs in going to your room." One of them said, "Well, that's fine. Anyway it's New Year." And he told his friends, "Ok, you, as we climb the first ten floors, you lead us in singing, para hindi tayo ma-bore, para hindi tayo mapagod, kakanta tayo. And then during the second set of flight of stairs, I will tell you jokes and funny stories. And then on the last set of stairs...", he pointed to his other friend and said, "you tell us sad stories."
So up they went. The first ten floors, they were singing. Lasing na, eh. On the second flight, they were exchanging jokes and funny stories. And now, for the final set of stairs, the first guy said, "Alright, you begin with the sad stories." And then the third guy said, "Alright, you want to me to tell you a sad story? Sad news? Well, you see, I left the key of our room there in the car." (shocked reaction and laughs) That is really very sad, ano? (laughs) They have to go down again, 'no?
You know, if you are about to go to a place, and you are about to leave a place, you try to check what you're bringing. I remember one summer exposure, there was this priest who really had a habit. Once he closes the door of his room, he is like a security guard engaged in body check. Mayroon ba kayong kilalang ganoong tao, ano? Kapag lalabas ng bahay, lalabas ng kuwarto, kakapain 'yong bulsa, titignan 'yong bag, if he was able to bring the key, if he was able to bring what he is supposed to bring. This priest would make sure that he brought his keys. For him, that was the most important thing that should be in his pocket.
I remember when we were students, for ten years, I already had imbibed that habit that once I go, I will touch my pocket and check if my rosary is there. Kasi ini-inspection lagi ang rosary. May points. Pag wala kang rosary, minus. And it became so part of my life that even after school, once I leave, I try to check my pocket if I have my rosary. May mga ganoong tao.
Kayo kaya, pag paalis kayo, paglabas ngayon, sasabihin ninyo, "Naku, huwag n'yong kalimutan 'yong senior citizens' ID, sayang 'yon. 20% din 'yon, kakain tayo ngayon." 'Yong iba sa inyo, of course, hindi pwedeng makalimutan, double check pa, ang cell phone. Napakahalaga ng cell phone na 'yan. Minsan pag nakatayo kayo rito, nakikita ko 'yong iba sa inyo habang nagmimisa, kinakapa ang cell phone. Nandito pa ba, baka nanakaw na, ano? (laughs) Chine-check n'yo 'yong cell phone ninyo, ano?
When you are about to leave, when you are about to go to a place, you try to check - ano kaya 'yong mga hindi pwedeng mawala? 'Yong mga iba talaga may mga 'kikay' kit. Mga 'kikay' kit ng mga nanay, mga Ate. Pero minsan, kahit mga lalaki mayroon na ring gano'n. (laughs) May mga 'kikay' kit na rin. Di pwedeng mawala ang make-up, kasi kahit ano'ng mangyari, magme-make-up. Pagkatapos magmisa, magme-make-up. Bago kumain, magme-make-up. Pagkatapos kumain, magme-make-up. (laughs) Palagi nilang dala at hindi pwedeng mawala sa bulsa nila 'yan.
But you know, my brothers and sisters, today, on the first day of 2013, we just left the old year. We are now venturing to the new year. Perhaps today, it would be good to ask ourselves - what are bringing? What did we leave behind? Did you bring what you're supposed to bring for the new year? Or perhaps you're still carrying with you, things that should have been left behind?
Naranasan na ho ba ninyo 'yon? Ang dami dami n'yong dinala. Pupunta kayo sa beach, nagdala ka ng pantalon, nagdala ka ng sapatos, pero hindi mo naman pala kailangan. Ang daming laman ng bulsa natin, pero hindi naman pala kailangan. Today, New Year, remember that we are also on a journey. A journey in life. And what are we bringing?
It is in this context that the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, makes sense. Because, Mary, we were told in the Gospel, pondered everything in her heart. Mary had the right things in her heart. And she is our example, our model, our intercessor, on how to journey this New Year. And so we pray to Mary, to our Mother, to help us carry what should be in our hearts.
(Father Jun pauses for a while in the reflection and showed the people a short, 2-minute video clip entitled "Stethoscope", showing what is in the hearts of people, what we carry in our hearts, and what we left behind, hopefully to challenge us and make us think, what is really in us.)
Kung sa atin kaya itatapat ang stethoscope na 'yon - anong kanta kaya, ano kaya ang maririnig natin? Pag-ibig o galit? Kapayapaan o awayan? As we begin the New Year, it may be good to ask ourselves - what is in our hearts? What are we carrying in our journey?
At this point, instead of pursuing a reflection, I will invite you to join me in prayer. The first day of the New Year is about to end. But perhaps because we are so busy, we are so tired, we have so many concerns, we have not really prayed from the heart, and really talked to the Lord. And so I invite you to take this opportunity with me, in this mass - in our first mass, in your first mass for this new year - that we may truly offer a sincere prayer for the Lord.
You may close your eyes - just don't fall asleep (laughs) - and silently join me in this prayer.
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"Good Lord, it is the first day of 2013. A few hours have already passed since midnight when we bid goodbye to 2012. Oh, that year was so fast. It was just like yesterday, when we had also the new year for 2012. Where has the old year gone, Lord? How did it go? And how did I go with you, Lord, during those past 12 months?
I remember the times we walked and talked together, You and I. And I remember the times when I forgot, somehow, that You were right there beside me. I remember the times when You took delight in my words and in my work. And I remember the times I ignored and forgot You. But still, You loved me and forgave me. Nothing I have done, Lord, merits all You have given me. Your love is grace and pure gift. In return, Lord, I offer so little. And I have so little to offer. Yes, Lord. I offer so little, and I have so little to offer.
But there comes a new year, Lord, and with it, my prayer to live a life more worthy of all that You so freely give me. In this new year, Lord, make strong my resolve to be faithful. Make deep my trust in Your presence. Make sure my hope in Your promise. For without Your help, I will fail.
Lord, You offer me only what is true and pure, good and just, strong in grace. In this new year, help me to recognize what is false, cheap and sham. Help me settle for nothing less than what comes from Your heart and light. Lord, I praise You. I thank You. I am sorry. Help me."
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At this point, brothers and sisters, we will pray a prayer of offering. If you don't mind, I invite you to place your right hand on top of your chest, near your heart, and feel the beat of your heart. Every beat of your heart, is a beat of God's love. A beat of grace. A beat of opportunity. A beat of hope.
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"Lord, I offer You my heart for this year ahead, and pray that You soften what is hard in it. That you smoothen its rough edges. That you heal its brokenness. Not so much for my sake, but for those who will come to my heart and its love, in the new year. I offer You my mind, and pray that You help me sort through some of my doubts and confusion. That You sharpen my mind with truth. That You expand the narrows of my mind, and open me to wonders I don't yet know.
Lord, I offer You my body. Help me respect and care for the flesh and bone that You formed to my soul. Take me out of bed, off the couch, up from the chair. Move me, shake me, walk me, strengthen me, and my moral frame, for the work You give me to do.
Lord, I offer You my time in 2013. Teach me not to waste the precious time You give me. Fill my days with energy and the will to live by Your Word, and work for Your glory. Fill my nights with deep and restful sleep. Show me what You will make of my life in the new year ahead.
Lord, in this new year, I offer You those who You've entrusted to my care. My family. My friends. The people I work and live with. Those who look to me and lean on me for support, care and hope. Make me faithful to them. But make me not so strong, Lord, that I fail to depend and lean on You.
I offer You my blessings in the year ahead. Help me know the difference between what I desire, and what I truly need. Teach me to share what I have, especially when I have more than I need. Teach me to see the needs of others, and to care for them, as I care for myself.
Lord, I offer You the challenges of the year ahead. Give me the wisdom and strength I need to confront and work through them. And I offer You the burdens and sorrows the new year will bring. Give me strength and the consolation to bear them.
I offer You the joys of the new year, Lord. Let me not miss one of them. Let me delight in them. And let me share them with others.
Lord, we are here, right now, before You. We are alive. You are giving us a brand new chapter, a blank chapter that we will still write on, and may we write it on with Your will forward.
Lord, we have just left 2012. May we leave behind the wounds, the bitterness, the anger, the divisions, the conflicts, the burdens, the obstacles. Lord, if right now we are still carrying them, grant me the strength to let go. And Lord, let me grab firmly what I truly need in this journey - love, forgiveness, peace, truth, Your goodness.
I offer you the new year, Lord, and pray that I will come to its end in Your peace and in the embrace of Your arms. With Mary, Your Mother and my Mother, Queen of Peace, I shall journey the new year with confidence, Lord, because as I feel now the beat of my heart, I can also feel Your love, Your presence, Your peace. You are in me, O Lord. Remind me always that I carry You in my heart. And with that, I am so confident for this new year.
I praise You, Lord. I thank You, Lord. I am sorry, Lord. Help me, Lord. Amen.
