Gospel Reflection

October 16, 2013

Wednesday – Year of Faith – Ordinary Time

Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

by Rev. Fr. Leo Nilo C. Mangussad, - Rector, Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)
12:15PM Mass at the EDSA Shrine

Reading 1 Rom 2:1-11

You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works, eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 62:2-3, 6-7, 9

R. (13b) Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
R. Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R. Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him;
God is our refuge!
R. Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

Gospel Lk 11:42-46

The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.  Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

HOMILY

There was a father who was accosting his child, because his child was fighting with his playmate, and he was calling him names. The father said, 'You should not be calling names, because that is bad practice'. So, they went on walking, and while doing so, somebody accidentally bumped into the father. And the father said, 'You stupid, dumb person, why did you bump me?!' And the child looked at him.

Another story is that of a mother who was telling her children how to eat healthy, because it is good that we should take care of our bodies. Later on, they went to a restaurant and the mother ordered lechon and lots of ice cream.

What am I trying to say with these stories? We cannot teach what we don't have. Woe to us who keep teaching things that are right, but do not practice them, just like the Pharisees and the Scribes. Woe to us because we judge other people on what they are doing wrongly, but we, ourselves, also do it.

It is good to reflect on the quality of life that we have. If we do not act justly, or with humility, and in accordance with the call of our discipleship to Christ, then we are no better than the others.

We should reflect. When I open my mouth, are the things that come from my mouth coming deep from my heart because I obey the Lord, or is it just for show-off purposes?

Gospel Reflection

October 15, 2013

Tuesday – Year of Faith – Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (St. Teresa of Avila)

by Rev. Fr. Paul Marquez (St. Paul Church and Seminary, Bagtikan Street, Makati)
12:15PM Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel, (Greenbelt Chapel), Makati

Reading 1 Rom 1:16-25

Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.”

The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes.

Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:2-3, 4-5

R. (2a) The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Gospel Lk 11:37-41

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

HOMILY

Today, we are blessed with a holiday, but sad news just came to us that there was a major earthquake that hit Bohol, Cebu and nearby provinces like Iloilo. Let us pray today for the families of those who were victims, and also for the souls of those who departed because of the earthquake. If you look at it in a positive way, it is good that today is a holiday. At least, there were no children in the school buildings, they were all with their families.

We heard at today's Gospel that Jesus was invited to the home of a Pharisee, and He was invited to sit down and share a meal with the family of the Pharisee. We know very well that a good meal not only provides good nourishment, but it also brings great delight or joy because of our companions during the meal. They say that a good meal has good food and good company. And if you eat in a restaurant, it must also be of good price, good ambience and with good service.

But in the Gospel, rather than giving Jesus an authentic and warm welcome, the Pharisee was actually trying to watch Jesus closely. And the issue against Him was that Jesus did not follow the ritual washing of the hands. In doing so, charity went out of the window. Jesus was more interested in us becoming holy, rather than just being good. The Pharisee, at the moment, was just being good, giving the minimum requirement to God, by following the rules. But God is not calling us to be mediocre, to be 'just good'. He is calling us to be holy in an excellent way.

We heard in the introduction in the life of St. Teresa of Avila, how, in the beginning of her life as a Carmelite nun, she lived a very mediocre life. She was just like the other nuns who were enjoying siesta or afternoon nap for a prolonged period of time. She was just chattering around, about the lives of other people. But at the age of 41, the grace of God struck her, and that marker turned her life around. She decided that this evil should stop. And with the help of St. John of the Cross, they planned together the reform of the Carmelites.

This is a very good reassurance to you and me that even late in life, conversion can still happen. Do not give up on yourself because God is not giving up on us. He will always reach out to us, and try to catch us with His grace of conversion and renewal. Remember that each day is a new day of opportunity, to become, not just good people, but to fulfill our destiny to become a holy people. May the Lord continue to bless us.  

Gospel Reflection

October 14, 2013

Monday – Year of Faith – Ordinary Time

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 Rom 1:1-7

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power  according to the Spirit of holiness  through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father  and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.
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. The Lord has made known his salvation.

Gospel Lk 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment  the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation  and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

HOMILY

"This generation is an evil generation." Napakasama ng lahing ito.

Mga ginigiliw kong mga kapatid, matalim at masakit ang mga pananalita ni Hesus sa ating Ebanghelyo, sapagkat napansin Niya na ang mga tao ay naghahanap ng palatandaan.

Ano ang palatandaan? Ang palatandaan ay isang pagpapatunay. Sa madaling salita, ito ay isang pruweba, isang ebidensiya na nagsasabi na ang isang bagay ay totoo at tunay.

Palatandaan. Maaaring nakakapagbigay si Hesus ng palatandaan sa mga tao. Pero bakit Niya sinabing 'napakasama ng lahing ito'? Napakasama sapagkat mga kapatid, ang lahing ito ay hindi marunong maniwala. Matigas ang kanilang puso, matigas ang kanilang kalooban, at kahit na anong palatandaan ang ibigay ay hindi makasasapat sa isang taong hindi marunong magbago, hindi marunong maniwala, hindi marunong magbalik-loob.

Uulitin ko mga ginigiliw kong mga kapatid, walang palatandaan ang makasasapat sa isang taong sarado. Walang palatandaan ang makahuhusto sa isang taong sarado ang isipan, sarado ang kalooban, sarado ang puso. Walang palatandaan ang makasasapat sa mga taong ayaw magbago, maniwala at magbalik-loob.

Mga kapatid, mga kaibigan, naghahanap pa ba tayo ng palatandaan? Sa ating panahon ngayon, maraming palatandaan. Ang ating munting pagsasama-sama't pagsasalu-salo sa Banal na Eukaristiya ay isa nang palatandaan. Ang Eukaristiyang mismong ating natatanggap ay isang palatandaan din. Ang lahat sa ating paligid ay mga palatandaan ng Diyos.

Inuulit ko, sa isang taong sarado, sa isang taong hindi marunong magbago, maniwala at magbalik-loob, walang palatandaan ang makasasapat.

Gospel Reflection

October 13, 2013

Sunday – Year of Faith – Ordinary Time

by Rev. Fr. Caloy Reyes (Executive Secretary, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue)
12:15PM Mass, Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (Our Lady of Peace Quasi Parish/EDSA Shrine)

Reading 1 2 Kgs 5:14-17

Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God.  His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy.

Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God.  On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant."

Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;" and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused.  Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Reading 2 2 Tm 2:8-13

Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,  together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

Gospel Lk 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed.  And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"  Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

HOMILY

Today's Gospel has two lessons for us. The first lesson is about marginalization. Marginalization is a situation wherein we set persons in the margins of society. Ang mga tao ay nilalagay natin sa margin. Diyan kayo, dito kami. And there are reasons why people are marginalized. 'Yon ay maaaring kasalanan ng tao, o kasalanan ng iba sa tao. May mga tao kasing sadya nang makasalanan. May mga taong talamak na sa kasalanan - mga killers, criminals. We put them in prison, para hindi natin sila makasama sa lipunan. Minsan, may mga kasamahan tayo na masama ang ugali. Kunyari 'yong asawa mo masama ang ugali (laughs), so mina-marginalize mo siya. Ngayon kung napapansin mo na ang lahat ng taong kasama mo ay sinusuka ka na, o pag nakikita ka na ay naduduwal (laughs), siguro huwag mo silang sisihin. Kasi kung minsan, pag marami ka nang hindi makasundo o tinatakwil ka na ng pamilya mo, siguro ikaw na ang may kasalanan. Kaya ikaw naman ang nama-marginalize. Minsan naman ay ang ibang tao na ang may kasalanan. Katulad ng bullying sa school. Pag hindi ka natipuhan ng classmate mo, ibu-bully ka nila. 'Yong mga lesbians and homosexuals, we also tend to marginalize them. Kung sasabihin mo agad sa homosexual or sa lesbian na pupunta siya sa impyerno, papa'no pa sila magsisimba? Others want to be richer than the others, so kukunin nila ang yaman na para sa iba. That is also putting others in margins.

Marginalization is a sin - when we discriminate persons because they are different. And this is exemplified in the Gospel in the image of the leper. During the time of Jesus, if you have leprosy, you are considered an outcast. Tinatakwil ka sa labas ng komunidad. Suot mo ang sira-sirang damit, tapos tatakpan mo ang mukha mo, at pag may lumapit sa iyong tao, sasabihin mong may ketong ka, para di ka niya lapitan. It is an image of marginalization. And Jesus Christ healed ten lepers in the Gospel. He brought them back to society.

The second lesson in the Gospel is about gratitude. Of the ten lepers who Jesus healed, only one came back, praising God and giving thanks to Jesus. One out of ten. Ten percent lang ang tumanaw ng utang na loob kay Hesus. Marami tayong hinihiling sa Diyos. Kaya lang minsan, kapag nakuha na natin ang ating hinihiling, ok ka na, nakalimutan mo nang magpasalamat. Hanggang ngayon, ganyan pa rin ang nangyayari. Sa buong karanasan ko bilang pari, maraming humihiling sa akin ng dasal at tulong, pero kakaunti lang ang nagpapasalamat, at isa lang ang bumalik sa akin para magpasalamat. May mag-asawang hindi magka-anak at humingi sa akin ng blessing. Noong binigyan ko sila ng blessing, naramdaman ko na ibibigay sa kanila ng Diyos ang kanilang hinihiling. After two months, bumalik sa akin ang mag-asawa, buntis na ang babae. Isa lang ang bumalik sa akin para magpasalamat.

Ganoon din po tayo. Why should we be grateful? It is because being grateful will help, not the one who helped you, but yourself. Being grateful means we recognize that we are not self-sufficient, and that we need God. Being grateful also reminds us of God's goodness and love. Hindi 'yong lalapit ka lang, magsisimba ka lang pag may kailangan ka. Pag nakakuha ka na, ok ka na. Ngayon pa lang, umpisahan na natin na matutong magbigay ng pasasalamat sa Panginoon, para lalo tayong mabigyan ng biyaya.