22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

September 1, 2019

Readings:

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm 68: “God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.”

Second Reading: Hebrew 12: 18-19, 22-24a

Gospel reading according to Luke 14: 1, 7-14

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Homily:

On a Sabbath day, meaning a day with the Lord, a rest day from daily works and manpower labor and be present in the presence of God the whole day through.  On this day, there is nothing to worry about; nothing to do, nothing to work.  After performing the religious obligation, it so happened that one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to take lunch or dinner in his house on the Sabbath day.  Jesus knew this Pharisee, so he granted his invitation.  “On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully” (Luke 14: 1). While he was at the home of that leading and well-known Pharisee, he did not sit at once but saw that there were some people also in that house, and he sensed that these people were observing him, his movement, action, “galaw,” mannerism; he was under the scrutiny of these people (sino ba itong bagong dating, bagong salta, sinisino siya); they observed him from head to toes (tinitingnan siya mula ulo hanggang paa).  Maybe they were also Pharisees, or relatives of the owner of the house, or rich neighbors invited also in that meal, for Jesus observed that they already occupied the presidential seats, or higher and chosen places of honor, where they can see those who are coming in and going out.

As a good teacher and keen observer, he took the opportunity to preach to the guests while waiting for the food to serve. He came to them closer so that they can hear him. “He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table “(Luke 14: 7).  He told them a parable or a story related to manners how these guests chosen the places of honor at the table.  Eating together at the table shows fellowship and companionship, a feast of thanksgiving received of grace.  Eating together at the table is like a Eucharist, a heavenly banquet.  So there is no special chair or place or position in any part of the table for it is a communion of equals. 

The parable or story went like this.  “’When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor.  A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.  Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’  Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table’.” (Luke 14: 8-10).  These people were reclining freely, with boastful hearts, having a habit of sitting the best and nearest part of the table to the owner of the house.  It seemed they wanted to show to the other guests that they are close to the owner, that they are the best of friends of the owner of the house, and that they thought and felt that they are the most important guests of the owner.  They did not realize that there are best guests than theirs, best known persons than they.  And when these special guests arrived, the owner of the house put them to the place where they were occupying. They were put to shame with other quests due to their arrogance and let them sit at the lowest part of the table, and they were humiliated.   On the contrary, when they arrived on that house, they may stand near the gate and/or sit at the lowest and least important part of the table, so when the owner of the house saw them standing and waiting patiently to be recognized, the owner will let them in and sit them in on most important part of the table, and the other guests will admire their humility.   

Jesus brings the lesson of humility to the guests already occupying the best part of the table.  “’For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted’.” (Luke 14: 11).  Anyone who brings himself up against the others will be put to shame and humility; but he who lowers himself will be put up by others.

He also reminded the Pharisee who invited him on who he is about to invite in his banquet. “Then he said to the host who invited him, ‘When you hold a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.  Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you’.” (Luke 14: 12-13).  Jesus said to him that instead of inviting those who have, i.e., his friends or his brothers or his relatives or his wealthy neighbors, because in any occasions they can invite him and he already received his repayment.  But instead he told him that he should invite those people who cannot offer him dinner to their houses, because they have nothing to eat themselves, i.e., the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the beggar, and those people living in the street; he will receive repayment beyond compare to the meal he himself served.   “’For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous’.” (Luke 14: 14). We can relate here what it said in the last judgment, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (cf. Matthew 25: 40).  These people, the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, the deprived, the beggars and people of the street, they cannot invite you to dine in return to their houses but the gratitude of them can bring you to heaven.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

August 25, 2019

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18-21

Psalm 117: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”

Second Reading: Hebrew 12: 5-7, 11-13

Gospel reading according to Luke 13: 22-30

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Homily:

Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem.  From where he was, he passed many towns and village, and while passing through those places he had an opportunity to preach and teach them the Reign-Kingdom of God.  “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem” (Luke 13: 22).  He never forgotten his mission, to do the will of God his Father that is to proclaim the Reign-Kingdom of God and to offer his self for the ransom of many, to save lives of many and bring them to his Kingdom – to the eternal life, prepared for them, sooner or later.  He never stopped explaining to people about the Reign-Kingdom of God.  He even brought to himself the significance of the Reign-Kingdom of God that is of justice, peace and love, and obedience to the will of the loving Father.  For in Jerusalem, Jesus will show the true purpose of his coming.

Although our life here on earth is temporary, and our true home is in the Kingdom of God sometimes we called it heaven, mostly or many people wanted to stay or remain here on earth that is why they were doing many things to live longer and to prolong their lives.  They did not realize that nothing is permanent; we are all transients, traveling and journeying in this planet called earth (or world) toward heaven (or if not, hell).  We cannot live forever here on earth; all die and go where they belong.  Even the people of Israel of old offended the true God by serving the Baals, gods of thunder for rain and good harvest, and of the earth where they were living (cf. Judges 2: 11-19); as well as the rich young man, who asked for gaining eternal life here on earth to enjoy his wealth and who cannot leave his possessions for they were many (cf. Matthew 19: 16-22).  It so transpired that one of his followers wanted to clarify about this thing. “Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few people be saved?’”(Luke 13: 23).  As if he was asking Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” (Mathew 19: 25).  Despite of teaching and preaching of Jesus, only few listened to him, only few were heeding, observing and following his pleading.  This is the reality and truth, not all of us will go to heaven, because of the stubbornness of our hearts and heads, of our earthy desires, for it is difficult to leave what we are used to be and do and have.  We cannot even leave our freedom and free will, our sins. Sometimes our minds are in heavenward, we think of heavenly bliss; but, most of the times our hearts are left here on earth, to our material things, to what we have.  That is why, there is a saying, and “We cannot bring to heaven what is earthly thing.”  Jesus said to his disciples, “It will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19: 23), rich in many earthly things but poor in heavenly things.  Only few people are saved.

To go to heaven is not easy; we have to pass through difficult and different tests of faith.  “He answered them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough” (Luke 13: 24).  We have to make sure that we can enter and pass through the narrow gate, that we have strength and energy to persevere until it last. We have to insert (isiksik, itagilid ang ating katawan para makapasok sa makipot na daan) ourselves into it.  But how can we pass through that narrow gate if we carry many things in our baggage, luggage, bags, boxes, cartons, plastic bags, and all sorts of containers where we can put our belongings in vans or trucks or cargoes?  We have also baggage on our hands, on our shoulders, on our legs, on our waist, on our head aside from baggage in our heart, mind, soul and body.  We cannot carry them all; we have to detach ourselves and leave behind from all these things, otherwise we cannot insert ourselves to that narrow gate or door straight, for that is one of the tests.

Another test we have to pass is to convince the master of the house that we belong to him, we are under his commands.  We have to convince him that we just go out (lumabas lang tayo dahil may dinaluhan lang tayo sa labas) to do something or to attend to someone outside the house.  “’After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’  He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’  And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets’.” (Luke 13: 25-26).  The master of the house has the key to close or open the door, to let his household members to go out or to come in, or not to accept the outsiders.  The master of the house knows his members.  He arises in the night to lock the door.  It means the whole day the door is open.  If we find ourselves late at night and still outside the master’s house, we cannot expect always that the master will open the door for us.  We cannot justify ourselves if he caught us still outside late at night and explained where did we go or where we came from.  “Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.  Depart from me, all you evildoers!’” (Luke 13: 27).  He knew what we have done.  We cannot deny from him all the evil deeds we did.  The only things we can do are to amend our lives, change our attitudes, do what is right and good, be sorry for all the sins we have done, and ask for forgiveness.

The other test is when you are being caste out in the company of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our fathers of faith, and all the prophets as well as those few people who suffered and made sacrifices for the sake of others, who renounced their treasure on earth – those who come from east to west and from the north and the south are now in the Kingdom of God in heaven, as their inheritance and reward.  They will recline in the table of the Lord God the almighty.  “’And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out.  And people will come from east to west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God’.” (Luke 13: 28-29).  As what Jesus said above, “strive,” go all out, make every effort, and be fervent that you should not be cast out in the company of saints.  “’For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last’.” (Luke 13: 30). And the reversal of event will happen, in God’s time.  Sometimes our lives or conditions in life are changed. Sometime we are on ups and sometimes we are on downs, we call it wheel of life (gulong ng palad) or upside down fate (nagbaliktad na kapalaran).  The rich or those who have plenty will become poor or nothing while those who are poor and nothing in life will become rich or plenty. We do not know our fate.  Only one thing we know, there is no impossible in God.  In God everything is possible.

Kailan kaya

Kailan kaya waala ng pagsikat ng araw
at paglubbog nito sa gabi?

Kailan kaya wala ng umaga, o tanghali,
o hapon o kaya'y gabi?

Wala ng pagtanda o pagkabata,
Wala ng pagdiriwang ng kaarawan?

Wala ring pagdiriwang ng kamaayan
o pagkalimot sa nakaraan.

At ang puro ngayon ay bukas
at bukang-liwayway.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

August 18, 2019

Readings:

First Reading: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10

Psalm 40: “Lord, come to my aid.”

Second Reading: Hebrew 12: 1-4

Gospel reading according to Luke 12: 49-53

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Homily:

If we want to have some changes in our selves, in our homes, in our communities, and in our society and country, we have to set them on fire and let them be eaten by consuming fire, as an easy way of change.  Fire here refers to passion, vigor, enthusiasm, intensity and spirit.  This fire will show the hearts and souls of the faithful.  “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12: 49).  Jesus comes to ignite this fire to the whole earth; and he loves to see it burning like blazing fire and consuming all it contains.  In our lives, if there is something we want to change in ourselves, for example our easy and fast in committing sin, we have to put it on fire (idarang at idaan sa apoy ng masunog ang kasalanan), to loose and be free from the grip of sin.  In our house or in our community, if there are some fighting, quarrels, disgust, manipulations – physical and verbal, worse scenario killing if not settled in court, due to problems, let say of land dwelling and disputes, (agawan sa lupa), or the renters (of house and the land) do not want to vacate the lot for the true owners will put a new houses for their children but they do not want to leave, inspite there was already sheriff’s eviction and demolition.  Then, it so happened that there was fire in that place, and the renters’ houses were eaten by fire. Though there was no bad intention on the part of the owners, the owners were relieved from constant reminder and eviction of the renters and renewal of life in that house or community (looban sa barangay) happens due to fire.  Or like what Mayor Francisco (Isko Moreno) Domagoso, the newly elected mayor of City of Manila is doing, he sets fire as needs to clean and make over and claiming the city roads and streets from the illegal vendors, drug dens, police posts, illegal parking of vehicles, and other obstructions in the street of Manila though some people became angry with him while many others were appreciating what he is doing in the city.  So also with Jesus, he needs to set fire on his disciples, that they might burn so that its true reality, true color might appear; who is the true disciple of Jesus, when he or she passed through the fire without any burns.        

In putting ourselves on fire, as a figurative speech, our natural selves, our brilliance, appear.  Like a diamond, unless you cut its roughness and edges, it will not come out its sparkling brightness, its true beauty, and its spreading light.  This burning of fire is another way of baptism, the indelible mark of encountering God and His presence in the world.  Fire cleanses all stain, rust or kalawang, and dirt (dumi), we called sin, that cling to something or someone.  “’There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!’” (Luke 12: 50).  Jesus Christ is the true and perfect signs and symbols of God’s presence and encounter of humanity.  But as true God and true man he shows how to become obedient to the will of God the Father.  He underwent to the baptismal cleansing of John the Baptist and there is another baptism Jesus wants to undergo, the baptism of fire, to which his anxious desire to accomplish be purified not of sin but the command of God in himself.

With this baptism of fire, our true intentions will appear, crystalize, and reveal in following Jesus, whether we are with him or against him.  “’Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.’” (Luke 12: 51).  With this fire, we will be divided, whether we like it or not, we will be separated and disjoined, one is with Jesus and the other is against Jesus.  Whether we will follow Jesus’ teachings or disobey his precepts and commands, either we are friends of Jesus or his enemies. Also, like in the final judgment, the shepherd will separate the sheep from goat; so also with Jesus the Christ, he will separate the good from the bad.  

Even in the family, inspite of the closed-knit, strong bond and tight relationship, division of interests, such as in faith and beliefs, happens.  Each one of them has their own opinion.  “’From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;’” (Luke 12: 52).  In a family of five which include father and mother, daughter, son and his wife, as cited by Jesus, there is also division, kampihan at hiwalayan, “’ . . . a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.’”  (Luke 12: 53).  Father will be in disagreement with his son, and his son will fight back against his father for now he is stronger than his father; daughter rebels against her mother for she is now grown up and liberated from the skirt of her mother while her mother is over-protective and strict towards her; mother-in-law is dismayed with the wife of her son for she cannot give the same care to her son of his wife.

How much more with religion?  The father and mother are traditionalists, or they are closed and practical Catholics while their son, daughter and daughter-in-law are progressive, they are free to choose religions they want, and it is easy for them to change religions, or sometimes they choose not to have religions.  What they believe is themselves.  Nowadays, young people do not believe or have faith in God while our parents remain steadfast in their faith. Or we may also say the other way around, that their parents become indifferent to their faith, in their beliefs.   But those who remain in Christ Jesus, whoever they may be, you and I, they believe and have faith in God who saves them and protects them from all sickness, and provides them their needs, there is fire in them that lights their lives and show the way and direction on life toward God, they continue to pray, love, and serve for they already belong to the separated ones, the sheep.  "May the fire of your word consume our sins and its brightness illumine our hearts" (Week III, Saturday Morning Prayer, Psalm Prayer).

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

August 11, 2019

Readings:

First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6-9

Psalm 33: “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”

Second Reading: Hebrew 11: 1-2, 8-12

Gospel reading according to Luke 12: 32-48

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Homily:

After Jesus admonishing the greedy rich man with regards to his brother’s inheritance to be shared with him which he did not need but just to satisfy his hunger, discontentment and unassisted desire for his barns were already full, Jesus encouraged His disciples not to be afraid for all their needs and wants but to have confidence to His Providential God and Father who gives all good gifts, even His Reign—Kingdom.  “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12: 32).  There is nothing to fear for or worry about with regards to our needs such as food, clothing, shelter, all everyday basic needs; God knows all our heart’s desire and He really wants us to give all our needs.

He also encouraged his disciples not to be dependent on their own wealth, on their own properties, in all the things they have.  Life and needs do not depend on what we have, especially in the material things.  He was saying to us to detach ourselves to earthly things which are not necessary in life, and in death especially when we are about to go to heaven.  Nothing here on earth can we carry to heaven.  That was why, he said: “’Sell your belongings and give alms. . . .’” (Luke 12: 33).  There were many people who heeded and obeyed and did to this command of our Lord Jesus Christ. For example, there were (Saints) Anthony of Egypt, Abbot, Francis and Clare of Assisi, Bernard of Quintavalle, and many other saints and people of goodwill; they sold their properties and the proceeds were given to the poor, to the beggars, as sign of their renunciation of the earthy and material things in exchange of heavenly things. 

Instead of keeping our money/earthly wealth in a bag/sack that wore out easily and sometimes eaten by termites, keep instead of heavenly bags that last forever.  “. . . ’Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no theft can reach or moth destroy’.” (Luke 12: 33).  If we put all what we have received, although nothing belongs to us except our sins, as what St. Francis said, all comes from the good Lord, in the hands of those who have nothing, the poor, then no thief can steal them or moth to eat them.   The money or alms that we have given to the poor/beggars are like money that we send and keeping money bag in heaven.  We fill our bags and sack with treasures in heaven every moment we give them away to the poor and the needy.

Jesus, as if saying to his followers, to us also, where our treasure is, that is, for example, our earthly treasure/wealth that we keep in our wooden coffers, there and then our heart is laying; our attentions and worries, and our time, and even our mind is focus in our treasure chest.   “’For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be’.” (Luke 12: 34).  But Jesus wanted us to put all our efforts, all our energies, all longings and desires, all our thoughts belong to our treasure chest in heaven.  A good example of this saying of Jesus about heart vis-à-vis treasure is found in the life of St. Anthony of Padua.   There was in the life of St. Anthony that this saying of our Lord Jesus Christ happened.  “Once Anthony was asked to preach at the funeral of the notorious usurer of Florence.  His sermon was on the Gospel text: "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Luke 12: 34).  Moved by divine grace, Anthony suddenly exclaimed: “This rich man is dead and behold, he is buried in hell!  Open his coffer, and amongst his coins you will find his heart, because it is no longer in his breast.” (Bede Clancy, A Brief Life of St. Anthony of Padua, “Scourge of Sinners,” St. Anthony Shrine, Sampaloc, Manila, 1985, p. 28).  Put our heart where it belongs.  Let our hearts be captive of heaven. The treasure of the Church is the poor, the infirm, and the beggars who lived by the alms of the faithful.

Jesus gave a symbolic gesture on how we can put our valuable treasure to our heart – by serving faithfully the poor.  Instead of becoming servants of worldly allurement and pleasure, be servants of the poor Christ crucified.  “’Gird your loin and light your lamp . . .’” (Luke 12: 35).  As what he did and showed us as an example in the upper room, where he tied a towel on his waist, washed the feet of his disciples, and served the Last Supper as preparation for his coming death until he comes again in his glory and of the Reign-Kingdom of God happens.

Jesus taught his disciples to be like servants waiting for the coming of their master from weeding feast.  “. . . ‘and be like servants who wait their master’s return from wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks’.”  (Luke 12: 36).  They must be always ready to open the door for their master immediately when he knocks at the door.  The good servants are always ready to serve their master. “’Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arriival.  Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them’.”  (Luke 12: 37).  They seldom sleep, if they had a nap or short sleep, it is only to prolong their waiting mode that they have enough strength to wait for the coming of their master.  The good servant is one who only thinks what is good or best for his master.  For their concern to their master, there is a probability that their master will reciprocate the goodness of his servants.  The master will become a servant and he waits the servants at the table.  Although the servants do not know the time of the arrival of their master, they make a vigil; they remain awake in the second or third watch of the night, up until dawn.  “’And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants’.” (Luke 12: 38).  They remain awake.  There is no sleep in their eyes.  When their master comes, they are ready and prepare to serve him.  Thus, their master will appreciate them. 

To bring to the fore his message, Jesus used this saying, “’Be sure of this: If the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into’.” (Luke 12: 39).  The master of the house always thinks the safety of his household.  He never allows that the thief will enter his house, he will guard it.  The more he will become careful for he knows that that thief is coming to his house on exact hour to rob him.  The more he prepares for he does not know if the thief is coming to his house or not, what time or hour of his coming.  “’You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come’.” (Luke 12: 40).  What we know, we do not know the mind of the thief, so it is we to be vigilant and always ready the moment the thief attacks, or Jesus comes into our lives.

In the group there was Peter, one of his first Apostles.  He wanted to clarify and own this saying of Jesus.  “Then Peter said, ‘Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?’” (Luke 12: 41).   He wanted to know if the saying is intended only to his circle of Apostles or for those who have ears to hear and do the saying.  “And the Lord replied, ‘Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?  Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so’.” (Luke 12: 42-43). Though he did not directly pointed out and said to whom he intended the saying, he was referring to all who heard his saying, ad extending even to us.  “’Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property’.” (Luke 12: 44). On the one hand, the servants who did the master’s will, who waited and prepared the coming of his master and protected the house of the master will be given bigger responsibility for he can trusted them.

On the other hand, the servants who did not do the master’s will, who did not wait and prepare the coming of their master and did not protect the house of the master will be given bigger punishment. “’But if this servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an  unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. ’That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly’.” (Luke 12: 45-47). If that servant believed that his master will be delayed in coming home, and abused his co-servants, and felt he is the master of the house so he took drunk and ate a lot, and lived like a king, when it so happened that his master arrived and witnessed such condition and violation of the master’s will, 100% guaranteed that he will receive severe punishment and will be thrown out of the house and place with other unfaithful servants.  

In concluding his saying to Peter and to the rest of his disciples, Jesus guaranteed and assured them of the required responsibility entrusted to them. “’Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more’.” (Luke 12: 48).  The more responsibility is given to the servants, the more expectations are required from them.  Anyone who has given responsibility is expected that he or she will do 100+% whatever task is given to him or her.