THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24

Psalm 29:2.4-6.11-13

2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15

Mark 5:21-43

MAKING THE STEP OF FAITH

According to today’s readings, God made us for fullness of life. They acknowledge that our life is not dependent on possessions, and one’s social or religious prestige cannot secure a life without pain. Thus, the categories of sickness and good health, poverty and riches are redefined by the “gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ who, though he was rich, became poor so that we may become rich” (2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15).

In fact, the author of the Book of Wisdom affirms that God did not create death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. He created all things to subsist for eternity, and made man to be imperishable. Suffering and death are the doing of the devil (Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24).

As such, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to restore this distorted order. Throughout his public ministry, he performed many healing miracles, and raised the dead to life. In today’s gospel, Jairus implored him to heal his twelve-year-old daughter who was terminally ill; and the woman who was suffering from hemorrhage for twelve years got healed when she touched the garment of Jesus. Finally, Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter to life by simply saying “Little girl, I tell you to get up” (Mark 5:21-43).

What is common in both Jairus and the suffering woman is not only the desperation of each one, but also their daring faith in Jesus. Out of their faith, they dared to approach Jesus hoping they would get their needs met. Indeed, when we approach Jesus in faith, he comes to us with blessing, healing, wholeness, joy, peace, and fullness of life.

It could therefore be said that faith in Jesus gives a new meaning to our lives. It convinces us that there is never a hopeless situation in life; for everything is possible for the one who believes. Thus, we are not just to be among the crowd; rather we are to always be moved by a daring and deep faith in order to approach Jesus, touch him and have a transforming experience with him, especially in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

May the Lord increase our faith so that we may never lose hope no matter how terrifying and seemingly hopeless our situation may be. Amen.

12TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Job 38:1,8-11

Psalm 107

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Mark 4:35-41

“QUIET! BE STILL!”

Today’s readings exhort us not to be afraid, no matter what storm threatens to overwhelm us, for God is able to rescue us from peril and distress. In this perspective, the significance of the authority Jesus demonstrates in Mark’s gospel account of the calming of the sea is echoed in the first reading. God speaks to Job “out of the storm” and reveals himself as the Creator and Lord of the sea and sky (Job 38:1,8-11). This is exactly the power displayed by Jesus in the gospel. With a word, he brought calm out of the chaos and calmed the storm: “Quiet! Be still!”. The disciples were filled with awe and fear: “Who then is whom even the wind and sea obey?” For they knew that it is only God who can control the wind and the sea.

Moreover, it is interesting to note the striking contrast between the relaxed demeanour of Jesus and the great agitation of the disciples. While the disciples were battling with the violent squall, Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him up saying: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Indeed, sometimes, we are confronted with storms over which we have little or no control: natural calamities, sickness, loss of a loved one, failure of our dreams and projects, and so forth. Perhaps even now, we may be experiencing some kind of fear or anxiety, because of the challenges and frightening situations we are going through, or because we see some threats looming on our horizon. We may even be tempted to believe that God is asleep, that he does not care.

But, no matter what we are experiencing, we can find the calming presence of Christ and the peace he can offer us. As Saint Paul reminds us, the love of Christ overwhelms us; it urges us on, even when we are battling against a headwind. It is this love of Christ that continues to urge each one of us and the Church on until we reach ‘the other side’. Therefore, let us not be afraid, for our God is able. All he wants is to see our faith and trust manifest in calm, trust and serenity even in the midst of the most adverse circumstances. May he bless and keep all of us under his care. Amen

Happy Father's Day 🎊

11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 17:22-24

Psalm 91:1-3.13-16

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Mark 4:26-34

TINY BEGINNING, BIG FUTURE 

The readings of today present us with various parables about the power of God and the dynamics of his Kingdom; and at the same time, they challenge us to be patient and hopeful in life. In fact, it takes a long time for a young cedar to take root on a mountain, grow and become a magnificent tree (Ez. 17:22-24)! It takes time for a seed sown in the ground to germinate, to yield the blade, then little by little the ear and finally fruits! It takes a long time for a tiny mustard seed to spring up, grow and to become the largest of plants providing shade to the birds (Mark 4:26-34). In any of these cases, the power of God is always at work in a mysterious way.

We need therefore to allow God to work in our lives and be patient while we wait for the harvest time. The germination and growth of the seed of greatness and excellence sown in us can be slow in our eyes. It may seem to take too long to reap the rewards of our efforts and toils.

But Saint Paul reminds us that in a time of waiting for the harvest, we are to work and walk “by faith and not by sight”. For we are like exiled in this life, like pilgrims far from home. As such, we are to be always courageous and move on even when the journey becomes wearing. Whether we are at home or away, we should aspire to please God.

Therefore, as disciples of Christ, let us concentrate on sowing the seed and cultivating our own little field; God will take care of the rest. Let us never give up and get weary as we await the harvest time, the hour of recompense. Let us always remember that great things often have tiny and insignificant beginnings; and that God is leading us from our nothingness and smallness to greatness. May he grant us faith and hope to be patient and wait for the realization of his plans for us. Amen.

SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, YEAR B

Exodus 24:3-8

Psalm 115:12-13.15-18

Hebrews 9:11-15

Mark 14:12-16.22-26

THE EUCHARIST: SIGN OF THE NEW COVENANT 

Today, we celebrate the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). As we know, the Eucharist was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ during the Last Supper; and any time we celebrate the Eucharist, we do so in memory of his death and resurrection until he comes again. Interestingly, the idea that pervades today’s readings is that of the covenant, understood as a solemn agreement between two parties, in our case, between God and his people. 

The first reading provides the background necessary to understand Jesus’ words in Mark’s account: “This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many”. Moses spoke similar words when, after the ritual of peace offering, he sprinkled the blood on the altar and on people of Israel so as to ratify God’s covenant with them on mount Sinai: “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

In the gospel, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the sign of the New and Everlasting Covenant. It was in the context of the annual commemoration of the Jewish Passover. As he took the bread, he said: “Take it; this is my body”. Over the cup of wine, he said: “This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be poured out for many.” The bread broken is the sign of a life given, and the wine shared is the sign of the blood to be poured out in sacrifice on the cross. In this perspective, the Letter to the Hebrews makes it clear that by sacrificing himself once for all on the cross, Jesus has become the Eternal High Priest, the Mediator of the new and eternal covenant. 

Therefore, today’s readings remind us of two things. First, we are a covenant people, ransomed by the Blood of Christ. Second, the Blood of Christ is the source of our life and salvation. As a covenant people, may we remain faithful to our promises and obedient to God’s will. 

May the Lord Jesus set us free from every bondage and grant us salvation. May we find joy, peace, liberation, healing, protection and breakthrough in adoring him who is really present in the Eucharist. Amen 

Happy Feast to you all!