Jesus' Authority of Love and Truth

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Feb. 1, 2009 (Mk 1:21-28)

They came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere through the whole region of Galilee.

Jesus taught the people as one having authority and not as the scribes do. Probably, the scribes always speak about what man should observe in order to please God - the law. And Jesus, as we all know, speaks about God and His great love for man. Jesus doesn't give burdensome laws but tells the people how much God desires their salvation. His mission is to draw mankind back to God's embrace and to be that same loving embrace to mankind. Jesus is not just God's speaker, He is God's love made flesh. He is God visiting His people (Lk 7:16). This is probably the authority that the Israelites felt in Jesus' way of teaching. Jesus' authority is from God.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus casting another evil spirit from a man. It is also noteworthy that this evil spirit acknowledges who Jesus is. The spirit calls Jesus the Holy One of God. He knows this very well. Nevertheless, this spirit is in no way of God, since he is unclean. He just knows God but he still goes against God.

Our parish priest gave us this to reflect on. We believe in God. The Gospel tells us that evil spirits believe in God too. Saint James says, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder (Jas 2:19)." So how do we differ from the demons who also believe in God? It has to be in the way we live our lives. It is useless to believe in God if we live like demons! Yet, if we live our lives of faith while letting Jesus cast away the evil spirits in us and thereby making room for good works, therein lies our salvation. Faith alone, as Saint James also said, without works, is dead (Jas 2:26).

We should submit ourselves to Jesus' authority which comes from Truth and Love, indeed from God Himself. If we allow ourselves to be His synagogue where He will teach us, He will drive away all the evil spirits in our hearts and lead us back to God. All we have to do is have faith in Him and surrender to His will.

Little Missionaries of the Gospel

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul Jan. 25, 2009 (Mk 16:15-18)

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul is celebrated on a Sunday this year. Usually, the Sunday liturgy takes precedence over the feasts and solemnities. Nevertheless, since we celebrate the bi-millennium of St. Paul's birth this year, we celebrate this feast even on a Sunday.

The Gospel today narrates to us how Jesus commissioned His remaining Eleven Apostles to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus spoke about the importance of faith and baptism in order to be saved. He even added that special "signs" will accompany those who will believe.

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, becomes a model for us Christians. Paul is someone who "believed and was baptized" and who proclaimed the Gospel to everyone. He was able to spread the Good News of the Kingdom to many nations and the "signs of those who believe" was with him. His zeal for the Gospel was very strong that it led him to face many obstacles and dangers.

Jesus' words were originally addressed to His Apostles. Nevertheless, all of us are called to become little missionaries of Christ. These words are passed on to us. In Baptism, we have received Jesus' mission to proclaim the Gospel. We can be missionaries of Christ even if we do not go house to house to hold Bible studies, even if we have not memorized all the important passages of the Bible nor studied Theology for how many years. Yes, even if we are not priests, we can proclaim the Word of God. As Christians, we must.

Our actions can be a means of spreading God's Word. Loving our neighbors and helping them in their time of need is the best way to tell them that there is a God who cares for them and who loves them. Inserting God in everyday conversations, even if it is not in theological terms, can remind people of the presence of God in their lives and of the importance of spiritual life.

The Gospel today gives us a list of the signs that will accompany the believers of Christ. These supernatural signs are still present in us. We cast out demons when we bring back to God those who have been living in sin, and when we ourselves turn away from sin. We speak different languages if we allow God's Word to inspire our very speech, even if we do not speak odd things. We can heal if we try our best to understand the problems of our neighbor. Our words also have the power to heal those who are ill in spirit.

We will not be harmed even if we drink poison or pick up serpents. This may not necessarily be literally true. What is certain is that God's protection is with us always. Even if we put our lives in danger, God is with us and will not let us be harmed because we are doing His work. He gives us everything we will ever need in order for us to fulfill the mission He gave us. He guides us and never leaves us.

Like Paul, may our zeal for the Gospel be renewed. And may this renewed zeal lead us to proclaim the Good News of salvation as much as our strength allows us. We may not be able to spread God's Word to the furthest ends of the world, but we are asked to proclaim it to the best of our abilities, to the furthest extent of our capacities.

Children of the Father

Feast of the Sto. Niño Jan. 18, 2009 (Mk 10:13-16)

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."

Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

The devotion to the Sto. Niño is very dear to us Filipinos. It is part of our history. The image of the Christ child is probably one of the most usual things we can find in homes, stores and business areas. But often, the only thing people think about this image is that it can bring them good fortune and protection. And so, the message of the Sto. Niño is missed.

In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us that we should be like children in order to enter the Kingdom of God. We cannot enter the Kingdom of God while proudly saying that we have all the right to enter it. We can only enter it if we humbly admit that the Father is the one who made us worthy to enter, that it is in His gracious love that we are given this inheritance.

By asking us to be like children, Jesus is inviting us to return to that time when we were dependent and trusting to the people around us, when we were innocent. These are the childlike values which Jesus wants us to have so we may enter the Kingdom of God.

Sadly, these attitudes begin to disappear as we grow older, because the world around us teaches us to shun these values. We have become exposed to treachery and deception; therefore, we lose our trust. We strive to be independent because we believe that the only one who will not betray us is our self. The world teaches us to that weakness should be done away with. And so we try to grow up as fast as we can. We also become exposed to sin. Soon we also become victims of sin, until such a time when we no longer have a sense of sin, when we can no longer identify what is sinful. Therefore, we lose our innocence.

Perhaps even more tragic is the fact that some children grow too fast. They never even had childlike values. They become exposed to evil so early in their lives. Children today no longer say "Hindi na tayo bati." if they become angry. What they do now is just raise their hands with the middle finger up (the bad sign) or just say nasty words they heard from their surroundings. They also no longer shudder at the thought of sin. They no longer recognize sins as evil. Mass media is one reason for this, also the lack of parental guidance.

Let us try to bring back the child in us. We can be responsible while still remaining like little children. We can be childlike without being childish. This is the message of the Sto. Niño. The Christ child tells us to be meek and humble, to admit our weaknesses before God and our need for Him as our Father.

Let us also help the children around us keep their childlike values. Let us allow them to be children. We must be careful not to let them grow too fast, not to expose them to the evils of this world. We should give time to teach them about God and the values that they need to develop. We must guide them so they won't go astray.

We all grow in years, in wisdom and in responsibility. Nevertheless, we must never grow from being little children of God. He is always there, extending His arms, waiting for us to receive His embrace. We must give Him the chance to be our Father and to guide us towards His Kingdom, our heavenly inheritance where only His "little children" can enter.

Our Christian Mission

Feast of the Lord's Baptism Jan. 11, 2009 (Mk 1:7-11)

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

The baptism proclaimed by John was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, the question we have to reflect on today is this: "Why did Jesus have to be baptized?" True, Jesus became man. But He did not commit sin. He was like us in all things but sin (Heb 4:15). So why did He have to be baptized by John?

The baptism of Jesus is also an Epiphany. It is a manifestation. It is when God the Father introduced Jesus as His beloved Son. If we compare this epiphany to the epiphany which occurred when the baby Jesus was revealed to the magi, there is one noteworthy similarity. Both epiphanies occurred in humble scenarios. Yes, Jesus manifests Himself in simple and humble ways. First, He was manifested to the magi, lying on the humble manger. Now, He is manifested to the peoples, while receiving a baptism that was meant for sinners. Jesus baptism is, therefore, an act of humility. It is a sign of His sharing with our humanity. He identifies Himself with sinful man, yet He Himself remained sinless.

Jesus' baptism is also the beginning of His public ministry. After His baptism, he went to fast in the wilderness where He was tempted. Then, He began His mission - three years of preaching, healing the sick, forgiving sinners and feeding the hungry - which culminated in His passion, death and resurrection.

Today's feast reminds us of our own baptism. We often think of baptism as a ritual that has been done to us before. But it is much more than that. Baptism makes us Christians - followers of Christ and children of the Father. Through it, we receive the Holy Spirit.

Baptism also gives us a mission - a common mission as part of the community and a unique mission which we must discern. Our baptism is something which we must live up to everyday. We must live in the way Christ showed us. Our parents and godparents should be our guide in doing this. Sadly, many ignore this mission.

As children of God, we share in the mission of Christ, We must continue building the Kingdom of God on earth. We must journey towards God and help each other be closer to Him.

Do we give value to our baptism? Do we live up to the mission given to us as baptized Christians? Are we helping to build the Kingdom on here earth? Or are we just living as children of this earth, with worldly values and desires?

Becoming Stars Which Point to Christ

Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jan. 4, 2009 (Mt 2:1-12)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage."

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord. We celebrate the day of Jesus' manifestation to the Gentiles, represented by the magi. It has been customary to call these magi the "three kings". Nevertheless, Scripture does not speak of kings or of them being three. The Bible tells us that magi from the east came looking for the newborn king of Israel.

The magi's audience with King Herod must have been a slap in the face for the Israelites and their religious leaders. How could it be that something as awesome as the birth of the Christ was unbeknown to them while these visiting magi who are not from Yahweh's people were, in one way or another, aware of it? This could be why, aside from King Herod who was troubled because of the political threat the news of Jesus' birth brings, Jerusalem was also troubled.

After they obtained information from the prophecies about the Christ, the pagan visitors went their way to continue searching for the child. And, as Yahweh once guided the Israelites through a cloud and a pillar of fire, the star which they saw at its rising guided them towards the house where the baby Jesus was. It is the will of God for these Gentiles to witness His works by seeing the salvation He has planned. Even as early as when Jesus was still a child, it has already been revealed through this epiphany that Jesus is the Savior of the entire human race.

Jesus is the gift of God for all peoples. Whoever you may be, Jesus was born to save you, as He was born to save the person you hate the most, your non-Catholic friend, or even your friendly neighborhood atheist. Yes, Jesus was born to save them too. His redemptive act is for all, because all are in need of redemption. Of course, this doesn't mean that all will be saved; salvation requires our participation. Nevertheless, salvation is offered to all.

We are often quick to judge and condemn people. We look with discrimination upon people whom the Church considers lost - the non-Catholics, the people whose sins are a scandal for the public, and those who are quite indifferent of the faith. But we have to remember that Jesus was born to save them too. Instead of avoiding them or even bringing them down, we should be the star to guide them in their journey towards Jesus. And, on finding Him, they will be converted, just like the magi. This conversion will be followed by an offering of their whole selves to Jesus. Wouldn't it be nice to know that we have brought these people closer to Jesus?

The Church in this modern world calls for dialogue and ecumenism. We, as Christians who have seen the Lord Jesus, ought to be the star above Jesus' house who will guide today's "magi" who are lost and might still be looking for Him. That is what being witnesses of Christ means. And with billions of Catholics and Christians witnessing to Him all over the world, there should be countless stars above Jesus' house by now. And what a lovely sight that is!

The "Emmanuel Family"

Feast of the Holy Family Dec. 28, 2008 (Lk 2:22-40)

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord", and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons", in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted - and you yourself a sword will pierce - so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

On the Sunday immediately after Christmas, the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family into which the baby Jesus was born. The image of the Holy Family is a model of family life for all. It depicts a family wherein God is present and is not cast out of the picture. After all, it is the family of the Emmanuel, "the God-with-us".

Many families in the world today are faced with so many problems and threats to family life. The Holy Family was not alien to these threats. True, God did protect the Holy Family. But He did not shield them with a force field, an all-weather umbrella or any other supernatural protection. The Holy Family had to endure their problems in the natural way. Often, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are depicted as fleeing from place to place to escape those who threatened the child's life.

Mary and Joseph are both excellent parents. They offered their child in the temple as was required by the law. They treated Jesus as a gift from God. They offered Him back to God and did not prevent Him from fulfilling His mission. This serves as a reminder for parents. Often, they forget that their child is a gift from God. Many infants today are found dead or abandoned. Others are more unfortunate, for they are killed while still inside the womb. Then there are those who are fortunate enough to be welcomed and loved by their parents. But so much so that their parents control wish to control their whole lives. Many parents dictate what they want their child to be in the future. They do not give their child the opportunity to be what God called them to be. They do not offer their child back to God, unlike Mary and Joseph. One can imagine how much more priests we would have right now if some parents didn't hold back their beloved children from their vocation. It's not just in the priesthood, it could be in other courses. Many parents would force their children to take up courses with the sole purpose of earning money or perpetuating the family business, thus preventing their children to be happy and to use their God-given abilities.

Mary and Joseph were never selfish. They shared Jesus to others and offered Him back to God. Imagine how painful it was for Mary to know that a "sword shall pierce her heart" (Lk 2:35). And how much more painful it was to see her son dying on the cross. It was the greatest act of sacrifice for a mother. Why couldn't the parents of those who wish to enter the seminary do this?

As Mary and Joseph are model parents, so their son Jesus is a model for children. Jesus was God and had authority as such. But He chose to be obedient to Mary and Joseph. He probably helped Joseph in carpentry. Jesus was also very obedient to His real Father which is God. In fact, His obedience is the very reason He was born. He obeyed His Father's plan of salvation.

Amidst the threats against family life in our modern times, let us look again to the Holy Family to be our model and source of strength. Let us remember that they too, as a normal human family, had many difficulties. But these were all overcome. The secret of this blessed family is very simple: God was present in them. They are the "Emmanuel Family". They were obedient to the Father's will.

Our family life should be patterned after the Holy Family. We must let God enter the family and reign in it. We should pray and attend Mass as a family. As the popular saying goes, "The family that prays together, stays together." And indeed, it shall not only stay together; it shall be blessed by God.

Welcoming Jesus: A Challenge to Bring Him to Our Neighbor

Fourth Sunday of Advent Dec. 21, 2008 (Lk 1:26-38)

The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

"And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

As we celebrate the last Sunday of Advent, the Gospel invites us to reflect on Mary and on her noble submission to the will of God. The Gospel narrates to us how the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary the news that she was to be the mother of the Son of God and how Mary responded to the announcement.

In the Old Testament, God made a promise to David through the prophet Nathan, saying, "The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm.... Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever." (2 Sm 7:11-12, 16). Angel Gabriel's announcement is the fulfillment of this promise: "He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Lk 1:32-33).

Mary was very much confused with this announcement and had no idea how she could bear a son when she was still a virgin. She also faced a big problem since being found pregnant without a husband could cost her her life. Nevertheless, knowing that the news given her was from God, she humbly accepted God's will. With this great act of saying yes to God, she welcomed Jesus in her womb and in her heart.

As we await Christmas, we are challenged by the Gospel to accept Jesus like Mary did. We should always be ready to accept God's will even if we cannot understand it completely. As a priest from the Ministers of the Infirm said in his homily, we are all called to "magdalang-Jesus" or to "bear Jesus". Indeed, we bear Jesus and bring them to others when we show our love to our neighbor, especially to those in great need.

Let us not be afraid to do God's will even if the consequences threaten our very lives. Let us trust in God for He does not leave us. He guides everyone who travels the path that He prepared for them. He equips us with everything we need to follow him.

Mary was privileged to bear Jesus in her womb. And she brought Jesus to humanity. As she allowed God to open her womb, let us open our hearts to welcome Jesus and bring him to others. Let us give joy, hope and love to our brethren. Everyone needs to feel Jesus' presence in their lives. Often, suffering and deprivation of the good things in life hinder our neighbors from feeling Jesus. It is, therefore, up to us to bring Jesus to them. Let us remind them that there is a God who is at work in their lives. Let us bring them the joy that only Jesus can cause this Christmas.