Gospel Reflection

October 29, 2013

Tuesday – Year of Faith – 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 Rom 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.  For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

Gospel Lk 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

HOMILY

'No one who has encountered Christ will ever be the same again.' This is a quote from Archbishop Soc Villegas. No one who has encountered the Word of God and His very presence in the Eucharist will be the same person.

This is what is expected of us. We know that evil and good exist in this world. Evil operates on the principle of contamination. A single rotten apple would rotten the whole basket of apples. Good, on the other hand, works on the principle of contagion. Smile begets smile, peace begets peace, and love begets love.

Ang sinasabi sa atin sa Ebanghelyo ay maitanim sa mga puso natin ang Salita ng Diyos. At dapat, ito ay lumalago, para magkaroon ng bunga sa Kaharian ng Diyos.

We have been hearing the Word of God since we were small. The question is - has the Word of God influenced us in our daily lives? Let's take for example the worldly tradition or practice of Halloween. A lot of parents will tell me, 'Father, this is just innocent entertainment or enjoyment for the children. Wala namang ibig sabihin ito.' Wala nga sigurong ibig sabihin, but what value do we teach our children? Pagsusuotin natin sila ng mga maskara ng mga bungo, mga bampira, mga zombies. What values do we give to them? We are sort of uplifting the culture of death.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of Resurrection, and that is what we are looking forward to. At the end of our lives here on earth, we will also be resurrected, the same way as Jesus Christ.

My dear brothers and sisters, the Word of God must not only be spread in the world. It must change our hearts, change our attitude, change the very person we are. Remember - no one who has encountered Christ will ever be the same again. Amen.