6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 1.1-4.6
1Corinthians 15:12.16-20
Luke 6:17.20-26

THE WAY TO TRUE HAPPINESS

Everybody wants to be happy and prosperous. But the way you chose to get there may bring you blessedness and peace, or it may lead you to woe and curse. Curse and blessing, happiness and sadness, death and resurrection, blessedness and woes: behold the two ways laid before us in today’s readings. 

In effect, he who puts his trust in men and in created things avails himself to curse, sadness and woes. He is like a dried leaf tossed about by any kind of wind. On the other hand, the man who puts his trust in the Lord is blessed and joyful. He is like a tree planted near the river. He has no fear of anything. He bears fruits in season and out of season. Nothings can rob his inner peace and interior joy. If therefore we trust in the crucified and risen Christ, blessed are we.

As such, those who are materially poor, the sad, the hungry and persecuted because of Christ are blessed and therefore should rejoice, says Jesus in the Gospel. For God is their consolation, in contrast to those who put their trust and consolation in their material possessions.

Like Moses who set before the people of Israel life and prosperity, death and adversity, and exhorted them to choose life (Deut. 30:15-20), I challenge you to trust in the Lord. Walk in his ways. Obey his Word. And you will be blessed, happy and fruitful all the days of your life, no matter the storms, challenges, and problems you may face. May the Holy Spirit help us trust God at all times so that we may inherit eternal life. Amen

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Daniel 12:1-3
Ps 15:5.8-11
Hebrews 10:11-14.18
Mark 13:24-32

THE END OF TIME

Today is the last Sunday before the solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year. And today’s readings speak about the final consummation or end of time. That time will be marked by dramatic cosmic changes, the gathering of the nations for judgment and the manifestation of the glory and power of the Son of Man, our Lord Jesus Christ.

The first and gospel readings tell us that it will be a time of great distress. But the people of God, those who have remained faithful to the end, will be spared. The angels will gather the chosen ones, those whose names are written in the Book of Life, so that they may inherit eternal life and shine as bright as stars. However, the unrighteous, the unfaithful ones will go to shame and everlasting disgrace or eternal damnation.

Contrary to the many so-called prophets who claim to know or to have received a vision of the end of time, Jesus tells us: “But as for the day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.” Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to be fooled or deceived by anyone who claims to have a dream or a vision about the end of time as many are doing especially on social media.

What is of great importance is that we stay awake and stand firm in the Lord. Jesus has achieved eternal salvation for us through his self-offering on the cross, as the second reading reminds us. Therefore, we should not worry about what will happen in the future. Let each day be an opportunity for us to change, love and serve. Let us keep on doing what is good. Let us keep on walking with the Lord. He will preserve us from any shame. May he grant us the grace to stand ready and keep us safe for eternal life. Amen.

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

1Kings 17:10-6
Psalm 145:7-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

A DARING GENEROSITY

Do not be afraid to give, for generosity pays. This is the main message of today’s readings. The first reading recounts the daring act of generosity of the widow of Zarephath. She used the last provisions she had to feed the prophet Elijah at the time of the drought. And her jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied, in accordance with the word of the prophet (1Kgs 17:10-6). Thus, those who trust God are never disappointed.

According to the second reading, Jesus made a total offering of himself to God out of love for us as a sacrifice of expiation, taking on himself the faults of many (Heb. 9:24-28). In the gospel, after teaching, Jesus sat opposite the treasury and was observing the people contributing into the treasury. Then came a widow who put in all that she had to live on, two small coins. The inner attitude that accompanied her offerring was so great that Jesus commended her to his disciples (Mark 12:38-44).

What is common to the two widows of today’s readings is their discretion and daring generosity. They took a risk which translates their trust in God's providence. They were poor in material possessions, but rich in generosity. What we can learn from these two widows is that none of us is too poor that he has nothing to give; and that none of our “little offerring” is insignificant before God. Every act of generosity will not go unrewarded.

What matters is not so much what we give but how we give. If we wait to have much before giving, we will never give, for we will never have much. Though it is a terrifying and painful experience to give out of the little, it is in this risky act of giving out of the little that we experience God’s closeness to us. Let us learn to share the little we have with others and give generously.
May God bless you!

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 17
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34

                      SHEMA ISRAEL

The readings of today invite us to love. But what kind of love? It is not the love as the world understands it, whereby we learn how to make love and take advantage of the other for our own interest, but the love of God, whereby we seek the good of the other for the sake of the other. It is agape love. For love is the fundamental vocation of man: to love and to be loved. Man cannot live without love. Love is not therefore a word or an idea, but a way of life.

In the first reading, the “shema Israel”: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One” is the profession of Jewish faith and at the same time, a call to obedience. The consequence of this obedience of faith is to love God with a total and unconditional love (Deut. 6:2-6).

However, according to St John, he who says he loves God but hates his brother is a liar (1 John 4:20). Thus, the love of God and the love of the neighbor are like the two sides of a coin. And this is the message of the gospel reading. Replying to the scribe’s question about which is the first of all the commandments, Jesus says it is love: love of God and love of the neighbor (Mark 12:28-34).

Indeed, love surpasses everything and it conquers everything. Yes, love is the foundation and the fulfillment of the Law. This free, total and unconditional love finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In obedience to his Father and for love of mankind, he offered himself on the cross once for all as a perfect and pleasing sacrifice to God. Thus, he has become the High Priest par excellence; and his priesthood lasts forever (Heb. 7:23-28). May he teach us to love and serve him in our brothers and sisters.
Amen.

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

           THE CUP OF SUFFERING

We do not serve a heartless God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Today’s readings therefore celebrate Jesus Christ the son of God as the suffering servant who has paid the ransom for his sinful brothers.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who gives his life for others (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the compassionate High Priest, who by his own suffering is capable of sympathizing with us in our sufferings and weaknesses. Thus, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, having the assurance that he will show us mercy and help us in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

In the gospel, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, make a request to Jesus. They are eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus makes a reference to the cup he would drink and the baptism he would be baptized with. The images of cup and baptism refer to the humiliation, suffering and death he had to undergo for the salvation and redemption of mankind. By his Passion and death, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many and left us a perfect example of humble and selfless service to others as the way to greatness (Mark 10:35-45).

We should not therefore be afraid because we have someone who has suffered for us. We must trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Besides, we must learn to serve one another so as to alleviate each other’s sufferings. Let us remember that with Jesus power is service. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

The Word of God is something alive and active; it works like a double-edged sword. It penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts. Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches.

The first reading tells us that there is nothing that can be compared with wisdom. Thus, the author held everything, riches, social status and privilege as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). This passage reminds us of St Paul, for he lost everything because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and considered them as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:8).

The gospel throws a challenge to each one of us, and not only to the young rich man. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question the rich man put to Jesus? It reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life, a life of holiness. The man has contented himself with observing the commandments of God. Now Jesus asks him to go, sell all.... come and follow him. But the rich man went away very sad because he had great wealth. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to embrace the way of freedom, joy and eternal life.

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his possessions and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and the subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law.

It demands letting go something dear to us, leaving something behind, detaching oneself from what is holding him back. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; and their reward was great. May the Lord help us so that our material possessions may not become an obstacle on our way to eternal life. Amen

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 18:8.10.12-14
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43.47-48

"DON'T STOP THEM"

We usually call outsiders those who do not belong to us. Thus, we tend to exclude them, discriminate against them and try to monopolize everything. In a similar way, we try to cage God and set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. Hence, today’s readings warn us against exclusivism and elitism.

In the first reading, Joshua asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp because they were not in the Tent of Meeting with the elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God would give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had tried to stop a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name, because the man was not one of them. Jesus condemned such attitude and asked them not to stop the man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones (Mark 9:38-43.47-48).

The temptation of trying to cage God is great among Christians. We tend to look down on those who do not belong to our church; we criticize them; we condemn and reject them. This is also true with regard to the various associations and prayer groups within the church. We claim others are wrong and we are right. We monopolize everything.
We are like the rich men to whom St James addresses in the second reading. They claim to have immense wealth. They oppress and cheat the poor. They become obstacle to the growth and well-being of others. But God will not keep silent (James 5:1-6).

Let us not forget therefore that God is the Father of all. He is free; and his Spirit is like the wind that “blows where it chooses” (John 3:8). We cannot therefore monopolize his grace. Neither can we set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. May our belonging to Christ make us more open to others and distinguish ourselves through our charity towards all. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 2:12.17-20
Psalm 53
James 3:16—4:3
Mark 9:30-37

I WANT TO BE GREAT

Every human being aspires to achieve greatness. In our homes, churches, workplaces, in politics and public institutions, everyone wants to be promoted and be “the boss”, to be in the high position, to have power. But many have achieved greatness through the wrong way. Out of hatred, some have made a name for themselves through the killing of innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to their own malicious ambitions and evil living (Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fightings, quarrels and wars as well as some shameful actions lie in jealousy and our selfish ambitions (James 3:16—4:3)

When Jesus became aware of the argument among his disciples about who was the greatest among them, he told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last and slave of all”. For Jesus therefore, greatness is achieved through humble service to others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.  This is what the symbol of the little child placed in the midst of the disciples tells us (Mark 9:30-37). It is not so much about the innocence of the little child, but rather about the vulnerability of the child. Here the child represents those who have no social status, no say, no power, no influence; a person who can easily be controlled, abused or neglected.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, humble and serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, to mention but a few, who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the poor, sick, elderly people and vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones. As the Pope said in his homily at his inaugural Mass: “Let us not forget that authentic power is service." May God bless and keep all of us.
Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 50:5-9
Psalm 114
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

               SUFFERING TO GLORY

Today's readings give us many tracts for meditation. For St James in the second reading, a faith without deeds is dead. The first reading is one of the four songs of the prophet Isaiah that describe the astonishing figure of the suffering servant. What characterizes this suffering servant in today's passage is his trusting faith in God who can save him  in the midst of suffering, opposition and rejection (Is. 50:5-9).

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through his passion, death and resurrection, as he himself announced in today's gospel. When Simon Peter professed that Jesus is the Messiah, (that is, the Anointed One), he was probably thinking of a political leader who would free the Jews from Roman domination, and not of a suffering Saviour. Hence he began to rebuke Jesus when he predicted his suffering and death.

Peter's misconception about Jesus is still present in our own days. Many of us dream of following Jesus, but lose sight of the way of the cross. Some preach a prosperity gospel, that is a gospel without suffering and pain. However, we must know that a life without suffering is an illusion. And being a Christian without accepting the cross is to follow a caricature of Jesus.

What makes the difference is our patience and endurance amidst pain and suffering, opposition and apparent failures, crosses and trials.
May the Lord help us bear patiently our daily crosses and follow him. Amen.

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 35: 4-7
Psalm 146: 7.8-10
James 2: 1-5
Mark 7: 31-37

EPHPHATHA: BE OPENED

It is a terrible experience to have an impediment in one of the five senses. Thus, having a listening and speech impediment is as terrible as being unable to live and share the Word of God that one listens to everyday. Today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah is a word of hope and encouragement to the faint-hearted and the physically challenged. They should be strong and have no fear, for the Lord comes to heal, restore and liberate them (Isaiah 35:4-7).

In the gospel, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man in a pagan territory, the Decapolis. This made great his reputation among the people of the area: “He has done all things well,” the people said.  Thus, the more Jesus ordered them not to tell others about this healing miracle, the more they were excited to proclaim it and glorified God (Mark 7:31-37).

Though we may not be physically deaf and dumb, we may close our ears and hearts to the Word of God. When we do not concentrate when the Word of God is being proclaimed in Church, when we fail to listen to the cries of the poor and needy around us, or to the groaning of the sick and the suffering, we are spiritually deaf. As such, we need the “Ephphatha ritual.” We need the healing touch of Jesus so as to listen to the Word of God and put it into practice.

Besides, we may convince ourselves that we are not dumb. But once we cannot share our faith with others, we are spiritually dumb. If we cannot proclaim the truth that liberates men, we are dumb. If we cannot speak out against the injustices, corruption, inequalities and discriminations in our homes, churches, workplaces and communities, just as St James does in the second reading, we are dumb (James 2:1-5).

Therefore, we must change our attitudes, share our faith and speak out against the social evils of our time. This way, we will truly enjoy the freedom and liberation offered to us by Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8 
Psalm 14 
James 1:17…27 
Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

TRUE RELIGION

The readings of today invite us to mediate on what is true religion. In the first reading, Moses tells the people of Israel that God is ever close to his people. His immutable laws are not to oppress man but rather to guarantee his freedom and make God’s people great. What distinguishes therefore God’s people is the obedience to such life-giving and liberating laws. People thus will marvel at the wisdom and prudence that characterize the life of God’s people.

All good things come from God and are meant to help us on our way of salvation. Thus, our salvation does not simply depend on our being baptized, being a member of a church, going to church on Sunday, listening to the Word of God. It does depend heavily on how we put into practice the Word of God. In such a way, we should not be just listeners but doers of the Word. This is true religion (second reading).

True religion therefore consists in loving, forgiving, sharing, showing compassion and going to the aid of the needy. Such practices come from the heart and make man holy. In the same way, negative thinking and evil deeds come from the heart, and make man unholy. It is only when we allow the Word of God to transform our way of life that we can become true worshippers of God.  External observance of the ritual purity is good, but when it is divorced from the heart, it leads to hypocrisy (gospel reading).

It is evident that unless we build a personal relationship with the Lord and care for our fellow human beings with a genuine and sincere heart, all our “religion” is sterile end lip-service. May the Lord fill our hearts with genuine love for him and for our brothers and sisters. Amen

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 22
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

BE CONCERNED OF OTHERS

Last Sunday, Jesus sent his disciples into mission. Today, they come back and give account of what they had done. Jesus asks them to withdraw to a lonely place so that they could rest for a while. But before they could reach their place of rest, a large crowd was already waiting for them. The people were like without guide, exhausted, and lost. They were hungry for words of light and meaning in their lives. Thus, Jesus was moved with compassion for them. He let go his legitimate right to rest so as to satisfy the needs of the crowd. In this sense, Jesus is the good, loving, caring and tenderhearted shepherd (Mark 6:30-34).

These were the qualities that were lacking in the leaders of Israel at the time of prophet Jeremiah. Hence, in the first reading God warns them for their misdeeds. They did not take care of the flock; neither did they seek the lost nor gather them. Consequently, God promises to raise up new and faithful shepherds for his people (Jer. 23:1-6).

Another quality of a good shepherd is that he gathers the flock. He promotes togetherness, peace and unity. St Paul tells us in the second reading that Jesus, by his death on the cross, has reconciled all of us into one people. He broke the wall of division and brought both Jews and Gentiles into one family (Eph. 2:13-18).

Each one of us, whether we are the Pope, a bishop, a priest, a pastor, a parent, a leader, a doctor, a teacher, a seller, a worker, etc. must strive to be caring, sensitive to the needs and miseries of others. Sometimes, we may need to let go our rights and privileges, our cherished time of rest in order to bring relief and consolation to others. We are invited also to break the barriers of hostility, division and revenge that are tearing apart our relationships, families, churches and communities.
May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 84:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13

THE MISSIONARY PEOPLE

In today’s readings, we are reminded that we are sent to go and tell our story, the story of our relationship with God. Every baptized is a missionary, called to be holy and spotless before God. We are therefore called to holiness; and this holiness is achieved in the daily living of the Gospel of which we are bearers.

The Gospel reading narrates the first missionary experience of Jesus’ disciples. Having spent some time with him, Jesus sends them out to cast out demons, heal the sick and preach repentance. He also instructs them not to take anything for the journey, but to depend solely on the providence of God.

In the first reading, Amos defends the legitimacy of his prophetic mission before Amaziah, priest of Bethel. God called him to prophesy to the people of Israel in the northern kingdom and to call them to conversion.

It is God who calls and commissions. We are called to be God’s adopted children in Christ Jesus. Thus, the second reading celebrates this boundless grace of God in a form of a hymn of blessing. It also exalts Christ as the one whom God has established as the source of salvation of mankind. In him, and through his blood, we have gained freedom and forgiveness of our sins. In him, God has showered us with his spiritual blessings.

This is the good news we must receive, celebrate, live and share with others in our homes, workplaces, schools, communities and so forth. By so doing, we will become true ambassadors of Christ and become the true version of ourselves, that is, missionaries called to be holy. May the Lord bless and keep all of us.
Amen.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 2:2- 5

Psalm 122

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Mark 6:1-6

THE THORN IN MY FLESH

It can be observed that messages urging conversion, love, truth, justice, forgiveness, etc. are often met with hostility, hatred, rejection, and persecution. This reality is more evident in the life of prophets and men of God. What makes the work of a prophet more difficult and risky is that he is called to challenge and urge his own people to change their way of life and conform their lives to the will of God.

In the first reading, God sent Ezekiel as a prophet to speak his word to his people so obstinate and defiant that they would not even listen to him (Ez. 2:2-5).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus comes to his hometown. But his own people would not accept him, because they thought they knew him and his family background. While the other towns hailed him for his miracles and powerful preaching, his hometown despised him (Mark 6:1-6).

St Paul, in the second reading, expresses his joy in bearing with his weaknesses, hardships and persecution for the sake of his mission as a preacher. For God’s grace is sufficient for him to bear the thorn in his flesh (2Cor. 12:7-10).

Working for God is never easy. In our own time, priests and other men of God are often victims of persecution, poisoning, hatred, humiliation, hostility for the simple reason that they are bearers of the Good News. The church and its leaders are humiliated, criticized, and ridiculed for one reason or the other.

However, we must remember the words of Jesus in Mark 13:13 “And you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved”. May the Lord grant us the sufficient grace so that we may not despair but endure in face of our own shortcomings and amidst persecutions and hostilities. Amen.

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

The readings of today teach us that God made us for fullness of life. At first glance, the assertions of the first reading seem contrary to what we experience daily in this life. It tells us that God did not create death. He created all things to subsist for eternity. He made man imperishable. And yet, we experience suffering and death. Thus, the author tells us that these are the doing of the devil (Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24).

God being so good, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to restaure this distorted order. Thus, throughout his public ministry, Jesus performed many healing miracles; he raised the dead to life. In today’s gospel, Jairus implored Jesus to heal his daughter who was terminally ill; the woman who was suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years got healed when she touched the garment of Jesus, and Jesus raised the little girl 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 their faith in Jesus. Out of this faith, they dared to approach Jesus hoping they would get their needs met. Yes, when we approach Jesus in faith, he comes to us with blessing, healing, wholeness, joy, peace, and fullness of life. For he came that we may have life, life in abundance (John 10:10).

Jesus was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we may become rich, we are told in the second reading. Thus, in giving relief to us, Jesus invites us to do the same to others through sharing.

Therefore, faith in Jesus gives a new meaning to our lives. Therefore, we must strive daily to approach Jesus, touch him and have this transforming and life changing experience with him, especially in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

May he increase our faith so that we may not lose hope in our difficult and terrifying moments.
Amen.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 91:1-3.13-16
2Corinthians 5:6-10
Mark 4:26-34

FROM TINY BEGINNINGS...

The readings of today present us with various parables about the Kingdom of God. These parables apply to the Church, which from a tiny beginning amidst persecutions, has grown big and filled all the earth. The Church continues to provide shelter and hope to millions of people. However, these parables may also apply to each one of us. They challenge us to become insiders, that is disciples of Christ, so as to get the privileged explanation of these parables.

Two parables are given by Jesus in the gospel reading. In the first parable, the Kingdom of God expands and bears fruits whether we cooperate or not, for God himself is at work. God himself cares for the seed, from its sowing till harvest time. In the second one, from tiny beginnings, the mustard seed grows so big that it provides shelter to birds.

These are parables of hope and encouragement.  God is actively present in our lives, working for our growth. Like the branch of the cedar in the first reading, God cares for us (Ez. 17:22-24). If we allow him to take charge, we will grow like a Lebanon cedar, flourish and bear fruits even when we are old, because we are always in his presence.

We need therefore to be patient. The slowness of the germination of the seed of greatness planted in us must not discourage us. In this life, we are like exiled, far from home. We are in a journey. And in this journey, St. Paul tells us, we walk by faith and not by sight. We must have the confidence that we are not alone. God is leading us from our nothingness and smallness to greatness. He has great plan for each one of us.

May he open our eyes of faith to wait with patience for the realization of his plans for us.
Amen.

TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Genesis 3:9-15
Psalm 129
2Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35

SATAN IS DEFEATED

The gospel of today narrates the negative responses to Jesus in his ministry. For his own relatives, “he is out of his mind”. For the scribes, “he is possessed by Beelzebul”, and he is an agent of Satan because “he casts out demons through the prince of devils”. But Jesus’ response to the scribes makes it clear that his works and exorcisms are proofs that Satan is defeated. So, attributing Jesus’ works to Satan is an unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. For this attitude closes one’s heart to God’s grace and healing power.

Jesus has come to put an end to Satan’s reign. He has come to crush the serpent’s head as promised by God in the first reading. By deceiving our first parents, the serpent had put disorder in our lives: hiding from God, the blame game and separation from God. Despite this fall, God promised a final victory over the serpent. For with Him, there is forgiveness and fulness of redemption.

Here therefore belies our hope: Jesus had triumphed over the forces of evil and death which are consequences of the disobedience of our first parents. We can therefore hope for a future glory which surpasses the troubles of this present life, as St Paul tells us in the second reading. The victory is ours if we have faith in him and do the will of God.

May the healing love of God turn us from sin and keep us on the way that leads to glory and peace.
Amen.

SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI), YEAR B

Exodus. 24:3-8

Psalm 115:12-13.15-18

Hebrews 9:11-15

Mark 14:12-16.22-26

THE SIGN OF A NEW COVENANT

The solemnity of Corpus Christi is a celebration that invites us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ. In the first reading, Moses offered a sacrifice of communion to seal the covenant God made with the people of Israel on Mount Sinai after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. 

According to the second reading, God has made a new and better convenant with us. This covenant was not sealed with the blood of animals as in the days of Moses, but with the precious blood of Jesus. For Jesus offered himself once for all for us, making us a people ransommed for God.

The gospel reading tells us that on the first day of the Unleavened Bread, Jesus took his last meal with his disciples. As he took the bread, he said: “This is my body, given up for you”. 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.” By this Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his sacrificial death, by which he has become the Mediator of the new and eternal covenant.

This means that any time we celebrate the Eucharist, the fruits of redemption Jesus won for us on the cross are made available for us. As he gave his Body and Blood to his disciples on the evening of his betrayal, Jesus continues to offer us his Body and Blood for our nourishment so as to strengthen us to persevere amid the difficulties and troubles of this life. He is really present among us in the form of bread and wine. And his sacrifice on the cross is made present in the Mass.

May we find joy, peace, restoration, deliverance and abundant life in the Body and Blood of Christ.

 Amen.

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY SATURDAY

Genesis 1:1-2:2 ; Psalm 104

Exodus 14:15-15-1; Exodus 15

Ezekiel 36: 16-17a, 18-28; Psalm 42

Romans 6:3-11

Mark 16:1-7

THE EASTER VIGIL, THE NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS

This day is the third day of the Sacred Triduum. The focal point of today’s celebration is the empty tomb. The liturgy of the Easter Vigil is made up of four parts, namely, the service of night, the liturgy of the Word, the liturgy of baptism, and the liturgy of the Eucharist. It is the celebration of the passage from death to life, from darkness to light.

The liturgy of the Word invites us to meditate on the Salvation History, how God has been so close to mankind since creation. The great events that mark this history have been wrought in the night. The first act of creation was the victory of light over darkness: “let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). It was at night that God saved the Israelites from slavery through the Passover meal, liberating them from the power of Pharaoh. It was at night that he led them dry-shod through the red sea (Ex. 14). It was at night that Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the chains of death.

One thing that Holy Saturday teaches us is that no matter how deep and how long the night is the day will surely come. Jesus himself had to go through the terrible experience of being in the tomb for three days. Yes, he was crucified, died and was buried; but now he has risen.

This day therefore invites us to hope against all hope. There is no situation so desperate that God cannot change, for he always makes a way where there is no way. So, do not be afraid.

May the power of the  Resurrection roll away every stone or obstacle that stands on your way. And may the rising of our Lord Jesus Christ dispel every darkness in our life and give us the grace to be true witnesses of the resurrection.
Amen

PALM SUNDAY/ PASSION SUNDAY, YEAR B

Procession: Mark 11:1-10
Mass: Isaiah 50:4-7
           Philippians 2:6-11
           Mark 14:1—15:47

THE LAST DAYS OF JESUS ON EARTH

Today marks the beginning of the Holy Week. Thus, we are called upon to follow Jesus and live with him the last events of his earthly life.

In today’s liturgy, we celebrate first the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem amid the jubilation and chants of Hosanna of the crowd. Jesus enters the holy city to accomplish his mission, the mission of our redemption.

Then, the readings for the Mass narrate the Passion of Jesus: his sufferings, crucifixion and death as the humble Servant of God.  From the hosanna chants of the triumphant entry, we pass to the “crucify him” of the Passion. But the attitude of Jesus remains the same: humility and silence. He bears the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the abandonment of his close friends, the hatred of the Pharisees, chief priests and scribes, the unjust condemnation of Pilate, the scourging and beatings of the soldiers, the curses and insults of the crowd, and the shameful death of the cross in obedience to the Father for our sake.

After listening to these readings, we cannot but ask ourselves some questions. How many times have we not betrayed those who trusted us? How often have we not turned back to humiliate the same people we had appreciated? How many times have we not been accomplices to the atrocities against some people and to the condemnation of the innocents? How many times have we not exchanged justice and our integrity with the fear of losing our friends or our position? How often do we not sacrifice others on the altars of our pride and selfish desires?

In any case, whether we are agents or victims of such acts, we must always remember that God will surely save the just and the innocent. He will not put them to shame.

Amen