Tuesday of Holy Week

April 7, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6

Psalm 71 “I will sing of your salvation.”

Gospel reading according to John 13: 21-33, 36-38

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Homily: Judas′s betrayal and Peter′s denial

During the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples were at the Upper Room (Cenacle) eating their last supper, for tonight Jesus will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot by handing him over to the chief priests and the elders.  “Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, ‵Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me′.” (John 13: 21).  Jesus was very much troubled and worried, for the hour has come for him to be delivered to his passion and suffering, crucifixion and death.  He knew well who will betray him.

Jesus wanted to know by his disciples that something will happen tonight.  One of them will betray him.  Everybody was confused and questioning each other by mere action and facial expression, without any verbal or oral questioning.  John, the beloved disciple of Jesus was reclining at Jesus′ side, when Simon Peter made a sign with him, as if he was saying to him to ask the Master who he was.  “One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus′ side.  So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.  He leaned back against Jesus′ chest and said to him, ‵Master, who is it?′ Jesus answered, ‵It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it′.  So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot” (John 13: 23-26).  John who leaned back at Jesus′ chest asked him who will betray him.  Without any further ado, he said that the one whom he has given a morsel bread dipped in wine was the one.  He dipped the morsel to wine and gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.

Judas accepted and received it for he knew that Jesus was referring to him who will betray him. “After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, ‵What you are going to do, do quickly′.  So he took the morsel and left at once.  And it was night” (John 13: 27, 30).  After receiving and eating it, Satan entered to him and he became courageous to perform his plan of selling Jesus to the Jewish leaders in the Temple. He has no remorse nor was afraid to do what he planned.  So, Jesus told him to proceed to what he should do and do it immediately.  And it was dark night, so morbid, so melancholic, so dangerous night for Jesus as well as for Judas.

But instead to be sad and lonely, gloomy and unhappy, Jesus experienced joy and happiness, success and glory, as if he already won the battle.  “When he had left, Jesus said, ‵Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once′.” (John 13: 31-32).  After Judas left, Jesus revealed to his disciples the glory he will receive when everything takes its place.  That he will give glory to God his Father if everything is fulfilled according to his plan, at the same time God will give glory to Jesus for being obedient to his will.

Jesus sincerely talked to his disciples.  He is leaving them.  He has few hours to be with them.  “‵My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.  You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‵Where I go you cannot come,′ so now I say to you‵.” (John 13: 33).  He repeated what he said to the Jews to them, that where he is going they cannot come.  Now, this time Simon Peter have couraged to ask Jesus where he is going.  “Simon Peter said to him, ‵Master, where are you going?′ Jesus answered him, ‵Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.′ Peter said to him, ‵Master, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.′ Jesus answered, ‵Will you lay down your life for me?  Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times′.” (John 13: 36-38). Jesus said to him that he cannot follow him wherever he goes, but he said also to him that later he will follow him.  But Simon Peter, with his constant initiative and so act first, (laging nangunguna at pinangungunahan), that he will offer his life and even lay down his life first before something happens to Jesus.  But Jesus knew the capacity of Simon Peter, he knew him through and through, so he said to him, that before the cock crows he will deny him three times.

Monday of Holy Week

April 6, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-7

Psalm 27 “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

Gospel reading according to John 12: 1-11

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Homily: Anointing of Jesus′ feet

Jesus once again went to Bethany, to the house of his beloved friends Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, to attend to the forthcoming feast of the Passover to be held soon within six days.  “Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  They gave a dinner for him, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him” (John 12: 1-2).  Jesus usually stayed at the house of the family of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, his family friends when he has something to do in Judea and in particular in attending feasts in the Temple in Jerusalem because its nearness to it.  He can rest there without any worries and disturbances.  Lazarus was also the one whom Jesus raised from the dead after four days he was in the tomb and buried in a cave.  The brother and sisters were happy to see Jesus again.  So they gave a banquet in honor of Jesus, their special guest and friend.  As usual, Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing food, while Mary was in her room looking for something.  When she found it, she immediately went out of her room and came to Jesus. 

Mary brought with her an expensive perfumed oil made from genuine nard.  “Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil” (John 12: 3). Mary poured some of it to Jesus′ feet.  Even in a small amount the whole house was filled with its fragrance.  Mary was not contended only n pouring perfume to Jesus′ feet, she exposed herself to the men surrounding the reception area by wiping the feet of Jesus using her black, long and straight hair like a towel.  

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus′ disciples, was lamenting and wishful (nanghihinayang) of the expensive perfume just wanted. “Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, ‵Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days′ wages and given to the poor?′ He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions” (John 12: 4-6).  Judas cannot believed that an expensive perfume be wasted just like that at the feet of Jesus.  He even suggested the remaining perfume be sold for three hundred days wages, that′s the equivalent amount of the perfumed oil, also equivalent to thirty pieces of silver with whom Jesus was betrayed, sold and handed over to the chief priests and elders. He suggested also that the proceed of the sale of the perfume oil be given to the poor, but in reality he wanted to take some amount for himself.  As procurator of the group, one who holds the money, he often steal some from the collections.

Then, Jesus scolded Judas for his bad intention and suggestion.   “So Jesus said, ‵Leave her alone.  Let her keep this for the day of my burial.  You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me′.” (John 12: 7-8).  He told Judas to leave Mary in her doing in preparation for his coming death and burial.  He also said to Judas that let Mary keep what remains in the perfumed oil for his embalmment of his burial when he dies.  He even revealed to Judas the reality of the poor.  There are always poor throughout the whole world and in every age as long as there are abusive, corrupt, thieves in the society and in the government.  The poor remain but Jesus will soon be leaving and going back to his and our God and Father to the place where he came from – Heaven.

When the people heard that Jesus came and he was in Bethany, in the house of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, they hurriedly came to see him as well as to see Lazarus who was raised by Jesus from the dead.  They would get the news or gossip (makikiiusyoso sila).  “The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead” (John 12: 9). Aside from Jesus they would like also to see and to know Lazarus for they received a news that he was dead and was brought back to life, they wanted to see the proof of this miracle that already happened before to a young boy of a son of a widow, and to the daughter of Jairus.

While the chief priests and the elders who were very jealous and envy with Jesus for many Jews were following him and leaving the temple and synagogues, their religion were planning on how to kill Jesus so that they can bring back many Jews in their fold.  “And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him” (John 12: 10-11).  Not only Jesus they were plotting to kill but even Lazarus they wanted to kill for he was the living witness of Jesus′ miracle and God′s works of mercy, love and compassion. 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A)

April 5, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7

Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11

Gospel reading according to Matthew 27: 11-54

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Homily: The Crucifixion

Jesus was brought by the chief priests and elders to Pontius Pilate, the governor during that year, to accuse Jesus.  “Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, ‵Are you the king of the Jews?′ Jesus said, ‵You say so′.” (Matthew 27: 11).  One of the accusations against Jesus was that he claimed to himself that he is King of the Jews.  While the chief priests and the elders had many accusations to pin down and or hold down Jesus.  “And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer” (Matthew 27: 12).  But in all these accusations, Jesus remained silent.  He did not say anything nor defend himself against these malicious accusations.  But Pilate wanted to hear his defense and his answers against these malice.  “Then Pilate said to him, ‵Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?′ But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed” (Matthew 27: 13-14).  He wanted to squeeze Jesus in questioning him to reveal the truth.  But instead of giving in to Pontius Plate caprice, he continued keeping quiet. 

Every Passover Feast in Jerusalem, it was became the habit of the governor and procurator, Pontus Pilate, to free one prisoner whom the crowd decided to release.  One of those prisoners was Barabbas, a notorious thief and outlaw. “Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished.  And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.  So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, ‵Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?‵  For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over” (Matthew 27: 15-18).  Pilate presented to the crowd two prisoners, one was Jesus the Christ and the other one was Barabbas.  Pilate learned the intention of the chief priests and elders, it was due to envy that was why they would like to eliminate and kill Jesus.

The wife of Pilate had a difficult sleep and terrible dream with regards to the righteous man, Jesus, whom Pilate is about the judge and give him verdict.   “While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, ‵Have nothing to do with that righteous man.  I suffered much in a dream today because of him′.”  (Matthew 27: 19). So she sent a message to Pilate while the hearing was still going on.  In her message (whether written or verbal) she said that, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man.  I suffered much in a dream today because of him,” which Pilate did not heed, because he was afraid with the chief priests and the elders as well as in the crowd.

To set Barabbas free instead of Jesus, the chief priests and elders persuaded and most probably gave some money to the crowds to choose Barabbas.  “The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus” (Matthew 27: 20).  Truly the chief priests and elders wanted to destroy Jesus by bribing the people.  They were able to persuade the people because of their influences and mostly of the crowds were afraid also with these powerful elite in the temple.

To make sure, Pilate repeated his request, whom among these two they would like to be released.  “The governor said to them in reply, ‵Which of the two do you want me to release to you?′  They answered, ‵Barabbas!′  Pilate said to them, ‵Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?′  They all said, ‵Let him be crucified!′  But he said, ‵Why?  What evil has he done?′  They only shouted the louder, ‵Let him be crucified!′  When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd saying, ‵I am innocent of this man’s blood.  Look to it yourselves.′ And the whole people said in reply, ‵His blood be upon us and upon our children′.”  (Matthew 27: 21-25).  They chose Barabbas, the outlaw, thief, criminal, and murderer instead of the teacher, the prophet, the miracle worker, healer, one who forgives sin, and one who feeds thousands, one who raises dead to life, and one who gives life. Pilate to excuse his self, washed his hands as a sign of indifference (walang pakialam) and cowardice despite he was the one who gave the verdict.  He can save the life of Jesus, if he wills.  But the crowd, they took to themselves and to their children the blood of the innocent.   “Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified” (Matthew 27: 26).  He released the evil, and put to death the good and giver of life.

The Roman soldiers or Pontius Pilate′s soldiers, made fun of Jesus.  “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him.  They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand.  And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‵Hail, King of the Jews′!  They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking on his head.  And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him” (Matthew 27: 27-31). After scourging him at the pillar, he was stripped naked and put a scarlet military cloak, made crown of thorns and put it on his head until it bled, a reed, like a scepter, was placed in his right hand, and mockingly they hailed him as a king while spitting and striking his head.  After all these pain, suffering, humiliation, abuses, and all kinds of punishment of which he did not deserve, they led him to crucifixion. 

A man from Cyrene named Simon was there watching the carrying of the cross of Jesus, with mixed emotions.  He did not expect that he was chosen to help in carrying the cross of Jesus. “As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross” (Matthew 27: 32).  The parade of Jesus Christ crucifixion was halted for Jesus was already tired and could not walked any further, so when a soldier saw a man, husky and strong, he was pressed into service to carry the cross which he accepted with his whole heart up until they reached the place of crucifixion.

The place of Calvary where Jesus to be crucified was in a mountain called during those days as Golgotha or the Place of Skull.  It is believed that Adam’s body was buried there.  “And when they came to a place called Golgotha – which means Place of the Skull – , they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall.  But when he tasted it, he refused to drink” (Matthew 27: 33-34).  When they reached the place and Jesus was exhausted, one of the soldiers felt (in his opinion) that Jesus needed something to sooth the pain of the wounds in his body, decided to give Jesus wine to drink with gall to ease the pains.  But when he tasted the wine with gall he refused to drink it.  He was ready to endure the pains of crucifixion for the salvation of many.

They crucified Jesus.  While he was nailed hanging on the wood of the Cross, they divided his garment and gambled it.  “After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there” (Matthew 27: 35-36).  The soldiers sat down, casting lots of his garment while keeping watch of him. 

To complete the game they played, the soldiers of the governor put the written charge against Jesus.  “And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (Matthew 27: 37).  They placed at the top of the cross a small piece of wood and in it was written in three languages, Latin, Hebrew and Greek, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews,” so that everybody can read the charge against Jesus.

Two men also were crucified with him, they were revolutionaries who fought against the Romans, while others said that, they were thieves.  “Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left” (Matthew 27: 38). The two men were traditionally known as Gestas and Dimas.

In this part, Jesus was tempted again by Satan in the form of passersby, the chief priests, scribes and elders, and the two thieves or revolutionaries who were also crucified with him.  “Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, ‵You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!′  Likewise the chief priests with the scribes  and elders mocked him and said, ‵He saved others; he cannot save himself.  So he is the king of Israel!  Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him.  For he said, I am the Son of God.′ The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way” (Matthew 27: 39-44).  The three temptations of Satan in the wilderness (desert) after his baptism by John and before his ministry, Jesus once again visited by Satan to tempt him, using again the words, “If you are the Son of God,.” but by this time Jesus was tempted to come down from the cross where he was nailed to show his self-satisfaction, pride and power.

He was hanging on the cross from noon until three in the afternoon.   And the whole place was covered with darkness.  “From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.  And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‵Eli, Eli, sabachthani?′ which means, ‵My God, my God, why have you forsaken me′?” (Matthew 27: 45-46).  At three o’clock, according to Matthew, Jesus prayed the Psalm to his Father, “Eli, Eli, sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  It is an opening words of Psalms 22:2.  Jesus in the face of death was singing a psalm of confidence, trust and of love to the One who sent him (God the Almighty).  Yet the bystanders, the chief priests, scribes and elders and even the Roman soldiers of the governor were perplexed and confused to what Jesus was saying.  They did not realize that he was praying or singing to God his Father in his native tongue or language, which is Aramaic.  Was he hallucinating, delirious, fantasizing and high?  But they were saying that he was calling for Elijah’s help.   “Some of the bystanders who heard it said, ‵This one is calling for Elijah.′ Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink.  But the rest said, ‵Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him′.” (Matthew 27: 47-49).  One of them hurriedly took a sponge and soaked it to wine to let Jesus drink it to regain his consciousness.  But he was stopped by others saying to wait and see if Elijah will come to save him.

Jesus breathed his last and he died. “But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit” (Matthew 27: 50).  He gave up his spirit to God who sent him to fulfill what the angel of the Lord foretold to his mother, Mary, “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” (Lk. 1: 31-33).  While Zechariah, John′s father, made a prophecy with regards of the coming of the Son of God and his ministry, ^“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he said through his holy prophets of long ago, salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days” (Lk. 1: 67-75).

(Here all kneel and pause for a short time)

The power of his death was manifested. “And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.  And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27: 51-53).  The veil of the sanctuary that covered the holy of holies was torn at the middle from top to bottom.  Even the earth was awaken by shaking it strongly, vigorously and forcefully, and the rocks were split.  The tombs of the dead were opened and bodies rose from deep sleep and resurrected after he was lifted up to heaven.  The risen bodies of the dead were seen by many, especially their relatives.

The centurion and the rest of the soldiers of the governor who were watching and keeping vigil felt the strong earthquakes, the splitting and rolling of rocks and stones, the movement of the earth, and every amazing phenomenon that were taking place.  “The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, ‵Truly, this was the Son of God!′” (Matthew 27: 54).  Fear overshadowed them greatly for what they saw and experience, and they made manifest their new found faith and believed that truly Jesus, the Christ, was the Son of God!

Fifth Sunday of Lent (A)

March 29, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 12-14

Psalm 130 “With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.”

Second Reading: Romans 8: 8-11

Gospel reading according to John 11: 1-45

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Homily: Raising Lazarus from the Dead

After Jesus brought sight to the born blind man in the temple in Jerusalem, he stayed outside Judea for few days.  Nobody knew where he was staying on that days.  Meanwhile, in Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem, the family of Lazarus was mourning for Lazarus was gravely ill and at the verge of death. “Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha” (John 11: 1). His sisters Mary and Martha were looking for Jesus to cure him but they did not find him.  They were worrying about the condition of Lazarus.  As we recall this family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, they were close friends of Jesus.  When Jesus was in Jerusalem he stayed in their house.  One time, when Jesus was with this family, Mary brought out a perfumed oil and poured lavishly at Jesus′ feet and dried them with her hair.  “Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill” (John 11: 2). Mary showed her love to Jesus by preparing his death through this anointing of alabaster oil.  This Mary was sister of Lazarus, Jesus′ friend, who was dying.

Both sisters, Martha and Mary, sent word to Jesus for the cause of Lazarus.  “So the sisters sent word to him saying, ‵Master, the one you love is ill′.” (John 11: 3).  They would like to convey to him the condition of Lazarus whom he loved.  The word of Martha and Mary came to the attention of Jesus.  But, he did not come at once to the place where Lazarus was.  “When Jesus heard this he said, ‵This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of Man may be glorified through it′.” (John 11: 4).  He stayed some few days more to the place where he was for he wanted to show and give glory to his Father due to Lazarus condition.  In spite that Jesus loved these sisters (Martha and Mary) and brother (Lazarus).  “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11: 5).  He remembered the pitiable condition of this family whom he loved.  But God has planned in this situation of Lazarus.  Still, he remained unseen or gave any indication of his whereabouts.   “So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was” (John 11: 6).  He did not show for two more days to Martha and Mary.  Lazarus was dead.

When the proper time had come, he told his disciples to go to Judea where the house of Lazarus, Martha and Mary was, to see and to console the sisters.  “Then after this he said to his disciples, ‵Let us go back to Judea.′  The disciples said to him, ‵Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there′.”  (John 11: 7-8).  Though the disciples did not know the plan of Jesus, and that they were afraid to the Jews who would stone them due to the violation of the Sabbath rest, complaint about his plan.  They did not realize that Jesus wanted to see the dead body of Lazarus and do something great in their sight  Jesus who was aware of what had happened a few weeks ago in the temple near the Pool of Siloam, he was not afraid to go back but rather he was eager to visit the house of Lazarus.  “Jesus answered, ‵Are there not twelve hours in a day?  If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.  But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him′.” (John 11: 9-10). He encouraged his disciples that nothing will happen during the day because they can see clearly the road they trod; as in the night, they might stumble and fall to the hands of their enemies for they do not see the road and the place clearly for they were not familiar.  To enlighten the minds of his disciples he told them the true purpose of going back to Judea.  “He said this, and then told them, ‵Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him′.” (John 11: 11).  He told them in figure of speech that Lazarus was sleeping, he will wake him up.  His disciples did not understand clearly what he meant.  “So the disciples said to him, ‵Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved′.  But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep” (John 11: 12-13).  So he talked plainly and clarified to them what was the meaning of asleep and his going to awaken him.  He was going to Judea to the place of his beloved friend Lazarus for was already dead and he was going to resurrect him from the dead.  “So then Jesus said to them clearly, ‵Lazarus has died.  And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe.  Let us go to him′.” (John 11: 14-15).  He told them also that surely they will see something great that will make their faith strong and lasting, and that they may believe in him.  One of his disciples, Thomas by name, with courage and confidence, encourage his fellow disciples to follow Jesus in Jerusalem whatever happens to them.  “So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, ‵Let us also go to die with him′.” (John 11: 16).  He even said to them that they accompany Jesus until the end and will die with him.  

Jesus ad his disciples came near Bethany, but they did not directly went to the house of Lazarus.  “When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days  Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away” (John 11: 17-18).  Jesus learned that Lazarus was dead and buried in the tomb four days already.  While many Jews came to support and console (makiramay) to the two sisters.  “And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother” (John 11: 19).  It is the nature of the Jewish people when somebody died, they come and be one with the relatives who left behind.  That is why Jesus did not come at once in the house of Lazarus so that he might not be seen by those Jews.

Jesus sent a message to Martha that he was coming and nearing to their house.   “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home” (John 11: 20).  So Martha learned that their best friend is coming she went out to their house to meet Jesus, but Mary remained sitting and weeping at home.  When Martha met Jesus, she poured out to him her loneliness and hopelessness to their lost.  “Martha said to Jesus, ‵Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you′.” (John 11: 21-22).  She said also to him that if he comes soon, her brother Lazarus might still be alive.  But she also showed her confidence in him, that whatever he asks in God it will be given to him, even the most impossible one – a resurrection from the dead.

The conversation between Jesus and Martha begun.  Jesus guaranteed Martha.  “Jesus said to her, ‵Your brother will rise′.” (John 11: 23).  Jesus said that Lazarus will rise, will be live again and they will see him again.  Martha showed her belief and faith in the resurrection someday.  “Martha said to him, ‵I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day′.” (John 11: 24).  She believed that his brother, and all who have died, will rise in the resurrection on the last day.  Jesus revealed to her that he is the resurrection and the life.  “Jesus told her, ‵I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this′?” (John 11: 25-26). Jesus affirmed that whoever believes in him will rise from the dead and resurrect and died no more.  Martha reaffirmed her faith and belief in Jesus.  “She said to him, ‵Yes, Lord, I come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world′.” (John 11: 27).  She never doubted Jesus, who he is and what he can do.

After conversing with Jesus, she went home and informed Mary about the coming of Jesus where nobody can hear her about Jesus’s coming.  “When she said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, ‵The teacher is here and is asking for you′.” (John 11: 28).  Jesus was also looking for Mary to give her his support and encouragement.

When Mary heard of the name of Jesus and that he was looking by him, she immediately rose up from her sitting and quickly went out to meet Jesus.  “As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.  For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him” (John 11: 29-30).  Jesus was not yet at the vicinity of Bethany when he was met by Martha, and also in that place where Mary met him.  The Jews too stopped crying out and followed Mary to the tomb thinking she will go to where Lazarus was laid.   “So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there” (John 11: 31).  When Mary rose from where she was sitting, the Jews also stood up and followed wherever Mary was going.

When Mary and some Jews arrived to where Jesus was they saw Jesus, while Mary prostrated herself, knelt down on her knees and repeated what Martha said to Jesus.  “When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, ‵Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died′.” (John 11: 32).  In her voice there was hopelessness and discouragement and discontent but without any blame or accusation.

Jesus saw in the eyes of Mary the hardship of a lost, her eyes were full of tears and at the same time tired of crying.  “When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, ‵Where have you laid him?′  They said to him, ‵Sir, come and see′.”  (John 11: 33-34).  With that condition, Jesus became worried and troubled.  There was immediacy when he asked the place where they laid the dead body of Lazarus.

Jesus cannot control his self, he cried and everybody saw him wept.  “And Jesus wept.  So the Jews said, ‵See how he loved him.′ But some of them said, ‵Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died′?” (John 11: 35-37). He showed his love to his friend Lazarus.  But the other Jews observed by saying what had happened in the Temple near the Pool of Siloam where he brought sight to the man born blind, but he was not able to cure the sickness of Lazarus.  In their voice there is lacking in Jesus part, he missed the opportunity to prove his love to his friend Lazarus and to the two sisters, at the same time there was condemnation.

Jesus was deeply troubled and worried. He also heard what the other Jews commented.  “So Jesus perturbed again, came to the tomb.  It was a cave, and a stone lay across it.” (John 11: 38).  He and the rest went to the tomb, a cave and a stone laid across it. 

Jesus without any further ado, commanded to open the tomb by removing the stone laid across it.  “Jesus said, ‵Take away the stone.′ Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, ‵Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days′.” (John 11: 39). But Martha said to Jesus that Lazarus was four days already dead and his corpse was decaying, it has bad odor also (naaagnas, mabaho at nabubulok na).  

But Jesus reminded her by what he had said to her.  “Jesus said to her, ‵Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God′?” (John 11: 40).  The people present there in the tomb, the two sisters Mary and Martha, his disciples and the Jews, will see the glory of God the Father. “So they took away the stone.  And Jesus raised his eyes and said, ‵Father, I thank you for hearing me.  I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.′ And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, ‵Lazarus, come out!′ The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth.  So Jesus said to them, ‵Untie him and let him go′.” (John 11: 41-44).  So some men took away the stone covering the cave tomb of Lazarus, then Jesus prayed to God the loving Father who listened always to pleading of his Son, Jesus Christ, and his glory was made known to all people, when Lazarus rose up from where he laid down, he came out of the tomb still covered with burial cloths all over his body, and Jesus to some of them to untie him and let him go free. “Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him” (John 11: 45). Those present, especially the Jews and some of his disciples who did not believe in him, started to believe in him, that truly he is the Son of God who resurrects the dead and gives life.

Fourth Sunday of Lent (A)

March 22, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16b, 6-7, 10-13a

Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 8-14

Gospel reading according to John 9: 1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 (or 9: 1-43)

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Homily: The Man Born Blind

Back to his ministry in Jerusalem and while roaming around he saw a man born blind begging in one of the corners of the temple.  “As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from his birth” (John 9: 1).  His heart was moved with pity when he saw the misfortune condition (kalunus-lunos na kalagayan) of that beggar.  He cannot leave behind nor avoiding his glance with that poor blind man, did he want to alleviate his poor condition, so he came to him.

Without saying anything, he just bent down, spat with his saliva on the ground, made clay from the earth, and put it on the blind man’s eyes.   “He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared thee clay on his eyes and said to him, Go wash in the Pool of Siloam – which means Sent –.  So he went and washed, and came back able to see” (John 9: 6-7).  Maybe the blind man was surprised, caught unaware and was not able to move because there was someone touching his eyes with mud. He just heard a voice that he was commanded to go and wash his eyes at the Pool of Siloam which means “sent.”  Maybe somebody or his apostle or a relative helped him to go to the pool to wash the clay in his eyes.  And suddenly, he can see now.  Since his birth he was not able to see his family members, his surroundings, and maybe the temple in which his source of income comes from.  This time he can see everything, even the people surround him.  And he saw also Jesus who gave him sight but he did not know him yet.  As usual, Jesus after doing what is right and good for his neighbors, he left and moved and continued his journey.

The blind man became happy and rejoicing, for he can see clearly as in the noon day sun.  Those who knew him saw him and became perplexed for they knew he was blind since birth, but now he can see and rejoicing and even jumping on his both feet out of his thanksgiving.  “His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, ‵Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?‵  Some said, ‵It is,‵ but others said, ‵No, he just looks like him.‵  He said, ‵I am′.” (John 9: 8-9).  His neighbors and those who knew him did not believe what they saw.  They were asking each other whether he was that blind man they knew or not.  Others said, it was he while others said that it was not he.  In the end, the former blind man confirmed that it was he.

To be sure that he was the blind man they knew and now he can use both of his eyes, his neighbors and those people who knew him brought him to the Pharisees to check whether he was telling the truth, for it was a miracle they were witnessing.  “They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees” (John 9: 13).  The Pharisees, the elders and the leaders of the temple have the right to declare whether a sinful man, like this man born blind is healed and forgiven, especially those with physical defects, those who are sick, lepers, and those who are possessed by demons, so they can go back to their homes and families, in their communities, and in worshipping in the temple, and to have a normal life.

It so happened that Jesus gave sight to the man born blind on a Sabbath.  Sabbath day for the Jews is rest and holy day.  No one, human or animal, is allowed to work on Sabbath.  “Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath” (John 9: 14).  Nevertheless, for Jesus what is important is the life of the poor, the needy, the marginalized and the deprived.  For him it is better to do good on rest day than doing nothing to the one who needs dire help and mercy.  For Jesus to do good on Sabbath day is doing the will of God, for God continues creating and renewal all things.

When the Pharisees saw the man cured from his blinded, they became excited.  They wanted to hear all the details of the event.  They were amazed of the miracle in front of them. “So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.  He said to them, ‵He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see‵.” (John 9: 15).  The man who now can see told them all the details and the evidence is now that he can see and nobody can deny or question the good things that happened to him for many knew he was born blind.

But some Pharisees who were strict to the Law of the Sabbath did not believe that it was made by God to give sight to the blind on the Sabbath day who God commanded himself to observe.  “So some of the Pharisees said, ‵This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.  But others said, ‵How can a sinful man do such signs‵. And there was a division among them” (John 9: 16).  Some Pharisees present believed that it was truly made by God for it was good and full of love, mercy and compassion He showed to this man born blind.  God did not do bad nor worse to His children, especially those who are in dire need.

To avoid quarreling between all the Pharisees they asked the man who received grace of sight.  “So they said to the blind man again, ‵What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?‵ He said, ‵He is a prophet‵ .” (John 9: 17).  Though it was not yet clear to him what was going on with the Pharisees for their lack of faith despite the evidence was already in their front.  So he declared to them and certified it that the man who healed him on a Sabbath is a prophet, the one sent by God.

The Pharisees felt insulted by the man.  So they called name names of him.  “They answered and said to him, ‵You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?‵ Then they threw him out” (John 9: 34).  The man, on his simplicity, humility and ordinariness, easily understood the working of God to all who need help and mercy, which the Pharisees because of their high education, training and learning did not reach the goodness and love of God.  It was hard to the Pharisees to understand why the sinners, such as those who are sick, ill, lepers, deformed, possessed by demons, are forgiven instantaneously by God.  That is how the feeling of the Pharisees when they heard what the man said regarding the person who cured him. They threw him out of the temple.  But the man full of thanksgiving, praising and worshipping God.  The Pharisees rejected God and not the man.

Jesus was still around in the temple area, watching and waiting of what will happen in the encounter between the man born blind and the Pharisees and the people in the temple.  He heard everything, even the throwing out of him from the temple.  “When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, ‵Do you believe in the Son of Man?′  He answered and said, ′Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?′” (John 9: 35-36).  He met the man born blind and talked to him with assurance.  He also asked the man if he believe to the one who cured him, in the Son of Man.  Because he was blind before so he did not know who this Son of Man is.  He asked Jesus to show to him who he is.  “Jesus said to him, ‵You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he‵.” (John 9: 37).  Jesus told him that he saw him already when he opened his eyes and see after washing in the Pool.  He said also that he is the one speaking to him – Jesus, the Son of Man and the Son of God.  “He said, ‵I do believe, Lord,‵ and he worshipped him” (John 9: 38).  Now that he can see clearly he knows to whom the belief and worship belong.

Third Sunday of Lent (A)

March 15, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7

Psalm 95 “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

Gospel reading according to John 4: 5-42

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Homily: The Samaritan Woman and the Life giving Water

Jesus was journeying long and wide in different places, towns and villages came to the town of Sychar in Samaria.  “Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.  Jacob′s well was there” (John 4: 5).  He came to the place where Jacob had a land given to Joseph in ancient times.  There was also a cistern there where water is drawn up for drinking of humans and animals.   Jesus was tired in his roaming around and in his journeying doing God′s will.  “Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well.  It was about noon” (John 4: 6).  When he saw the well, he sat down on its side to rest for a while.  It was a hot noon day and the sun was in its summit.  Nobody was there, and no one was fetching water because its noon time and its hot.  Women usually are the ones fetching water.  And in the well they have a chance to chat, talk and to get news in their community. 

When suddenly, out of the blues, a woman came, to fetch water alone and at noon time were no other women are drawing water.  This woman was different from the other women.   “A woman of Samaria came to draw water.  Jesus said to her, ‵Give me a drink′.” (John 4: 7).  Jesus initiated the dialogue with that woman by asking her water to drink. “His disciples had gone into the town to buy food” (John 4: 8).  Jesus was also left alone for his disciples went to the village to buy food for them to eat.  The woman was amazed and confused.  She did not expect a man will talk to her, for women are prohibited from being seen talking in public with another man except their husbands, brothers or fathers; and she recognized him as a Jew, for the Jewish people do not mingle with the Samaritan people.  Jews think that Samaritans were unclean and impure stock in the Israelite (Hebrew) society.  The present Samaritans are remnants of the foreigners and pagans inter-married with the remaining Jews when they were repopulated after the Israelites were in exile.  “The Samaritan woman said to him, ‵How can you, a Jew ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?′ – For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritan” (John 4: 9).  For her, it was a big scandal to talk to a strange man and at the same time to a Jew, their rival.

Jesus assured her and removed her doubt about his intention in asking water.  “Jesus answered and said to her, ‵If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would ask him and he would have given you living water′.” (John 4: 10).  He showed her the gift of God which is the life giving water, and introduced himself as the one who will give her this life giving water.  The woman challenged Jesus for he has no bucket to fetch water and the water is less and it is deep for it is dry in the hot noon.  “The woman said to him, ‵Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks′?” (John 4: 11-12). The woman knew and understood that the life living water was the stream of running water.  If her forefather Jacob found this stream of underground running water, and Jesus was offering her life giving water, therefore he was greater than Jacob as what this woman understood what Jesus was saying.  She did not understand what Jesus meant, for he was referring to himself, the source of the life living water.

He explained to her by comparing the Jacob′s well to himself.  “Jesus answered and said to her, ‵Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life′.” (John 4: 13-14).  With this water, that is in Jacob′s well, those who fetched in it will be thirsty again and continue fetching.  The life living water that Jesus will give is making one    always satisfied and quench their thirst.  There is no thirst any longer and no more fetching water in the deep well.  The life living water that Jesus will give is overflowing, never dry up, and always full to the brim. Everybody will be satisfied, content and full.  The woman became convinced.  “The woman said to him, ′Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water′ ...” (John 4: 15).  She wanted to have this life living water.  She asked him to give her this life living water so that she might no longer thirst and always coming back to the cistern to fetch water. 

She also recognized Jesus as a prophet.  “′I can see that you are a prophet.  Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem‵.” (John 4: 19-20).  She was reminded that in the ancient times her ancestors worship on this mountain, and still worshiping on that place near Jacob′s well, when they were not allowed to worship in Jerusalem.  All the Israelites believed God is in Jerusalem Temple and no other places.  But because the Samaritans were expelled in worshipping in Jerusalem they built their own temple. 

Jesus as a true prophet made a revelation to her. “Jesus said to her, ′Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem‵.” (John 4: 21).  He said to her that God the Father is no longer being worship on this mountain nor in Jerusalem but in any places where there are true believers.

In spite the Samaritans and many other peoples of different tribes, races, nationalities, etc., do not understand what they are worshiping for, only Jewish people, the chosen people of God, understood it, for in the past, present and in the future salvation comes through Jesus, the Christ.  “′You people worship what you do not understand, we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth‵.” (John 4: 22-24).  Nevertheless, because of his coming, Jesus will teach all peoples of the world in One, Holy Lord God the Father of all and Giver of all in the living Spirit and in truth – the life giving water.

Another realization that woman recognized about Jesus, that he is the Messiah, the Christ which Jesus confirmed. “The woman said to him, ′I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.′ Jesus said to her, ‵I am he, the one who is speaking with you′.” (John 4: 25-26).  She knew also the coming of the Messiah, but she did not know who he was.  What she knew, when the Messiah comes he will tell all the truth in Spirit and in truth.  Jesus told her that he is he, the Messiah, the Christ they are waiting for, who is to come and he comes to tell all in the Spirit and in truth.

After the woman returned to the town and told all the townspeople about her encountered with Jesus, the prophet, the Messiah, the Christ, they went out and met Jesus in the well.  They invited him to preach in their town and many of them believed in him.  “Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him.  When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days.  Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, ‵We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world′.” (John 4: 39-42).  They said to the woman that they believed because they heard Jesus speaking to them personally.

Second Sunday of Lent (A)

March 8, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Genesis 12: 1-4a

Psalm 33 “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 8b-10

Gospel reading according to Matthew 17: 1-9

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Homily: The Transfiguration of Jesus

By this time Jesus was very popular, though he had many callings (names) and many sayings about who he was.  Some said he was John the Baptist who raised from the dead, others Elijah, and still others said one of the prophets of old.  And there were still many other names that called or given to him.  When the time came to reveal himself who he really was, he brought with him some of his chosen disciples in the mountain top were no one can see them.   Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves (Matthew 17: 1).  He brought with him Peter, James and his brother John on the top of a high mountain, most probably Mount Tabor, according to the tradition.

When they reached the top of the mountain, suddenly and instantaneously Jesus changed in appearance.  And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light (Matthew 17: 2).  He transfigured in front of them.  As St. Matthew described his appearance – Jesus face was shining and glowing like the day light sun in its brilliant high noon.  It makes one blind by its to brilliance; and his clothes was so shining white as no other bleaches can whiten any clothes.    

At this moment of transfiguration immediately Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the great prophet of old appeared.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him (Matthew 17: 3).  They were talking to Jesus about the forthcoming passion, suffering, death in Jerusalem, and at the same time his resurrection.  They were confirming to Jesus the long plan of God for him since the foundation of the world and the salvation of all men and women from their sins due to his self-sacrifice and offering in the Cross in Calvary. 

Though Peter was witnessing everything that was happening but he did not understand what was going on.  He pretended that he knew what they were conversing, so he joined the dialogue with his human knowledge and capacity.  He used the human plan of escapism rather than doing the will of God.  Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, Lord, it is good that we are here.  If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah (Matthew 17: 4).  He did not know what he was talking about.  Peter wanted that they remained on the top of the mountain rather than to go down and mixed with the ordinary, simple, poor, and marginalized people. He proposed to pitch tents where Jesus, Moses and Elijah stay, for he did not know what he was saying.

Peter continued talking when suddenly a thick bright clouds covered the whole area where they were.  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‵This is my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased; listen to him′ (Matthew 17: 5).  And the voice of God the Father was heard.  As in the time of Moses when he was on the mountain of Sinai, and of Elijah when he was in the cave of Carmel, the God of Host appeared and spoke to them.  The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ reaffirmed in recognizing Jesus in what He said after his baptism, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased; listen to him.”  God proved his promised that he will send his Son for the salvation of human beings from their sins to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

The disciples bent down and worshipped Jesus after hearing what the Lord God said about him. When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid (Matthew 17: 6).  They also covered their heads by facing on the earth, to show their respect, reverence and of fear of the Lord (meaning their faith and belief in the power of God).  They were afraid in the sense the saw God and they thought that they might die for seeing Him face to face.

They remained in that position until they were touched by Jesus.   But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ′Rise, and do not be afraid‵ (Matthew 17: 7).  They realized that they were still alive.  And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone (Matthew 17: 8).  But, except Jesus, they did not see any longer Moses and Elijah in their presence.  They were gone when the thick bright light disappeared. 

After that incident on the top of Mount Tabor, Jesus told his disciples that the must go down to see and serve the anawim of God with strong instruction.  As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead (Matthew 17: 9).  Nobody should know or that they tell no one what really happened on the top of the mountain until everything is fulfilled to the last detail, that is when the Son of God and of Man was raised from the dead.