Gospel Reflection

July 16, 2012

Monday
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Optional Memorial)

by Rev.  Fr. Joed Buenaventura, Diocese of Balanga, Bataan

EDSA Shrine

First Reading:   Isaiah 1:10-17

Psalm:             Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23

Gospel:            Matthew 10:34 -- 11:1 

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

 

HOMILY

The key to today's Gospel is consistency. God does not look on our outward sacrifices and offerings, but on the true state and intentions of our heart. We may have all the best offerings given to the Church, we may have all the money to give, we may have all the talents to share, but if we only do this to show off, it is useless. We may be "holy" in public, but are we also holy inside the privacy of our rooms, when nobody can see us?
In the Gospel, Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace, but the sword. Jesus did not literally mean "sword". Jesus was pertaining to "division" among family, among kin, in terms of consistently upholding God's commands. For example, if your parents tell you to be dishonest, even if you know that it is not the way of God, and your heart knows it is bad, will you still do it? No matter what, we should be consistent in doing good deeds.

Gospel Reflection

July 14, 2012

Saturday
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin (Memorial)

Anticipated Sunday Mass (Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Greenbelt

First Reading:               Amos 7:12-15

Psalm:                         Psalm 85:9-14

Second Reading            Ephesians 1:3-14, or 1:3-10
Gospel:                        Mark 6:7-13

7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

HOMILY

Like the apostles, we are modern-day missionaries and should continue God’s loving presence to those around us. But before we do that, in Tagalog he said, “Tulad ng mga Apostoles, dapat  tayong maglaan ng panahon para kilalanin ang Diyos at maranasan ang kanyang pagmamahal bago tayo tumugon sa Kanyang paanyayang magpatuloy ng Kanyang misyon”.

There are three things by which we can respond to God’s call and to share His mission to others. First, like the apostles, we should help in expelling demons and evil spirits that prevent others from being close to God.

It does not mean that we need to be exorcists or authorities in expelling demons. In our own simple way, we can do that by being a GOOD influence and not a bad example to others. We should remind others to stop their bad habits at “huwag maging konsintidor”. We should remind others of their obligation to do good and to be constant witnesses of our faith. Hindi ‘yong tayo pa ang magyayayang mamasyal na lang o manood ng sine kaysa magsimba (Father's example).

Second, like the apostles, we should preach the good news BOTH in word and in deed. Hindi natatapos sa salita lang ang pagshare ng Good News. We should be living witnesses of Christ’s love by our good actions and willing sacrifice for others.

Third, like the apostles, we should bring healing and comfort to others. People have frailties, struggles, and problems. We should comfort our brothers/sisters to alleviate their pain, to give hope and encouragement, and to uplift the spirit. We should extend to them our prayer, care and concern by being present for them and making them feel loved and important.

We should pray for the grace to continue to be modern-day missionaries like the Apostles. We should listen to God’s call and give an affirmative response, by saying “Here I am Lord; I will extend your mission to others and respond to their needs all for Your glory”.

Gospel Refleionct

July 13, 2012

Friday
Votive Mass of the Precious Blood

by Rev. Fr. Chris Habal

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               Hosea 14:2-10

Psalm:                         Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9. 12-14, 17

Gospel:                        Matthew 10:16-23

16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of man comes.

HOMILY

God’s love is a forgiving love. Even if we repeatedly sin, He repeatedly forgive us especially through the sacrament of reconciliation. We should, therefore, also touch others with our forgiving love.

Gospel Reflection

July 12, 2012

Thursday
Weekday

by Rev. Fr. Matthieu Dauchez

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9

Psalm:                         Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16

Gospel:                        Matthew 10:7-15

7 And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9 Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, salute it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town.

HOMILY

Father Matthew said that we should learn to forgive and love without condition, without counting the cost. This is the essence of God’s love for us.

Gospel Reflection

July 11, 2012

Wednesday
St. Benedict, Abbot (Memorial)

by Rev. Fr. Nilo Mangussad

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12

Psalm:                         Psalm 105:2-7

Gospel:                        Matthew 10:1-7

1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zeb'edee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

HOMILY

Like St. Benedict and the apostles, we should follow the Lord and not give in to the materiality and allures of the world. Through the wounds of the flesh, we heal the wounds of the soul.

Gospel Reflection

July 10, 2012

Tuesday
St. Veronica Giuliani, Virgin (Feast)

by Rev.  Fr. Joel Jason (Dean, Graduate School of Theology San Carlos Seminary)

12:15pm mass, Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               2 Corinthians 4:6-11, 16, 17

Psalm:                         Psalm 59:2, 10, 17-18  

Gospel:                        Matthew 16:24-27

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.


HOMILY

Father Joel related that he was invited by his uncle one day to go with him at the seminary, because his uncle wanted to take the entrance exams for seminarians. Di pa nga alam ni Father kung ano ang seminary but he accompanied his uncle anyway.

Then his uncle told him, “Joel mag-exam ka na rin katuwaan lang.” In the end, his uncle did not pass the exams but Father Joel did, and he eventually became a priest.

Father Joel shared his story to show us that in life, God will pave the way for us to discover our mission. Sometimes, we pursue something, only because it is our ambition, and not our mission. For example, one would want to be a doctor, only to earn and be popular, but not to be able to help others, especially the poor.

God wants to tell us that we are made, not only for success, but more for significance. We continue to pursue our goals and ambitions, but live them in the spirit of mission. Let us pray that God may help us discover and do our mission for the greater good and for God’s greater glory, not our own.

Gospel Reflection

July 09, 2012

Monday
Weekday

Megamall

First Reading:               Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22  

Psalm:                         Psalm 145:2-9  

Gospel:                        Matthew 9:18-26

18 While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24 he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

HOMILY

In life, there are two events. One is called ‘intrusive events’. These are external events that come from without. Those that come unexpectedly like an illness, problem with a relationship, sudden death, etc. And there is what we call ‘internal upspring’ - those that come from within us, like disappointments, attacks of guilt, anger, etc. Sometimes, it is the intrusive events that bring about the internal upspring within us.

Minsan nga daw sobrang tagal na ng intrusive events, ng mga pagsubok sa buhay na di natin alam kung kailan ba matatapos, kung ano at kailan ang kasagutan.

But let us not lose hope and instead strengthen our faith more. Let us pray that God may guide us through these challenges. Who knows – these events may be God’s way of re-ordering things for us. God is always with us in trying times. And with God, we do not lose, but we become. 

Gospel Reflection

July 08, 2012

Sunday
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Rev. Fr. Chris Habal

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               Ezekiel 2:2-5   

Psalm:                         Psalm 123:1-4   

Second Reading:          2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Gospel:                        Mark 6:1-6

1 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

HOMILY

Father Chris said that knowing Jesus is not just knowing His story, but knowing Him deeper by following His good example and having a close relationship with Him. Only then can we truly proclaim and share God’s word and presence to others.

Gospel Reflection

July 07, 2012

Saturday

Anticipated Sunday Mass (Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

by Rev. Fr. Stephen Mifsud (MSSP – Quezon City)

MSSP House / Mass for the poor

First Reading:               Ezekiel 2:2-5  

Psalm:                         Psalm 123:1-4  

Second Reading:           2 Corinthians 12:7-10  

Gospel:                        Mark 6:1-6

1 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.


HOMILY

Most of us know the definition of an "expert": anyone who comes from more than fifty miles away or five hundred miles dressed in fine clothes.  We seem to have a problem with closeness, with the ordinary, with the everyday.  We percieve those around us as they have nothing to contribute to us.

Why?  Sometimes we say “Who does he think he is!”,  Sometimes we are jealous of the gifts God may have given to others and not to us? And so we reject their suggestions, their help and by rejecting them it is we who loose.

I have a personal experience of a 15 year old young man, Saviour, was attending our weekly prayer meeting and Sunday mass.  His parents at home were having hard time, they quarrelled frequently, had so much tension at work in their business.  Saviour used to invite his parents on Sunday for the mass but they never had time.  Once, they decided to come with him.  What happened ?? They did not say “who does he think he is?”  No ... although he was their son ... they listened and went to the mass and continued going.  They started going also going the prayer meetings on Mondays and are active members in the MSSP Lay Community.. and today they say... our son saved our lives... but the truth is not only their son saved their life and marriage but their openness, their humility to listen to someone less important than them.

 God does not speak only through experts and movie stars. God  is all around us, speaking to us through the most unlikely people.

• God speaks through your children, sometimes through a disabled person or someone you have low regard to him/her. 
• If you are still student, God speaks not only through the teachers but also through your classmates.   

Some days ago I was having a spiritual direction to one of the youths. And after I held the hands of this young person and prayed for him, he asked me whether he can pray for me... I didn’t say “who do you think you are to pray on a priest” but said “of course”... Believe me it was such a beautiful prayer coming from his heart that I could feel its coming from God... he is still young, still discovering his faith but God spoke through him.

The people we heard in the Gospel when Jesus spoke to them “They took offense at Him”. 

Why?

For them Jesus was a common man, son of a carpenter.  They couldn’t see beyond.  They couldn t believe that his words are powerful even if they saw some miracles they wouldn’t accept it.  Jesus was inviting them to go beyond what they knew about him and to enter into a relationship of faith.  To believe that God uses the weakness to show his strength.  As st. Paul says today: “Sapagkat kung kalian ako mahina, saka naman ako malakas.”

So let us be with our ears and hearts open to listen to everyone as everyone can be the voice of God to us. And not to reject the prophets that God sends us but be humble enough to listen and act on what God is telling us through them.

Gospel Reflection

July 07, 2012

First Saturday
Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Rev. Fr.  Matthieu Dauchez

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:               Amos 9:11-15  

Psalm:                         Psalm 85:9-14  

Gospel:                        Matthew 9:14-17  

14Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."

HOMILY

Father Matthew stressed the importance of consistency – if we say good things, we should translate these into good action. We have to be consistent both in word and in deed.