22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

 

August 30, 2020

 

Readings:

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9

Psalm 63 “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, my God.”

Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2

Gospel reading according to Matthew 16: 21-27

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Homily:

At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples who he was, and Peter gave his confession that he was the Son of the living God.  Maybe Peter did not know the meaning of and its function as a Son of the living God.  He was just inspired by the Spirit of God, the Father of Jesus. “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised” (Matthew 16: 21).  So, Jesus began to instruct his disciples about the Son of God, its meaning and function.  He must obey God′s command and will, to save humankind, by giving up his life as a ransom for many sinful souls who fought and disregarded God, the sinful world, the evil of the world (money, power, prestige, corruption, injustices, human degradation, etc. that kill life instead of giving life and dignity to the human persons).  And this life-giving of Jesus will happen in Jerusalem through the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes – those leaders and authorities in the Temple in Jerusalem, those who lead astray the flock/sheep (people) of God. Jesus also wanted to teach his disciples about suffering, pain, and persecution, even death at the hands of their enemies, opponents and adversaries for the sake of faith in God.  Jesus cannot escape his destiny.

Peter, who had been chosen as the first leader of the Apostles, reacted harshly on what Jesus told and revealed to them.  “Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, ‵God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you′.” (Matthew 16: 22).  Jesus must go to Jerusalem to face his fate.  But when Peter heard that his Teacher and Master will suffer and kill, he took Jesus in a corner and rebuked him, and told him that should not happen, nothing could harm him for he will protect him from his adversaries.  As usual, Peter aggressively acted first without thinking or reflecting on what he should say or do. He just followed his predisposition.

But Jesus sensed and thought that Peter was acting according to the wimps of men and not of God, whom he was inspired a while ago.  “He turned and said to Peter, ‵Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do′.” (Matthew 16: 23).  Jesus knew that the evil one was behind the mind of Peter, he was dictated by Satan, the enemy of God, who disobeyed God′s will, who fought back against God. That was why he turned back and called Peter Satan by Jesus because he became an obstacle to God′s plan for the salvation of all. He (Peter) was thinking of saving first himself; also he was tempting Jesus not to obey his Father′s will.

Then Jesus faced his disciples and talked to them in front of Peter, so that Peter will use it in his ministry in the future.  “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‵Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it′.” (Matthew 16: 24-25).  Jesus explained to them, those who wish to follow him, the importance of giving and sacrificing oneself to the others.  For in giving his life for the others he will regain his life.  He continued, “. . . ‵What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?  Or what can one give in exchange for his life′.”   (Matthew 16: 26).  Even though he gained the whole world in his hand, when he loses his life, when he dies, this world as his ransom to buy his life cannot use it to save him (his soul).  Only by following Jesus in Jerusalem, offering one’s life for the many, we can find life.  “. . . ‵For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father′s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct′.” (Matthew 16: 27).  Surely, when everything is done, and in the end, Jesus will return again with his angels to judge those who sacrifice themselves in following his example (suffer, die and resurrect) and he himself will give each one his/her reward, which is heaven, eternal life.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

August 23, 2020

 

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19-23

Psalm 138 “Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.”

Second Reading: Romans 11: 32-36

Gospel reading according to Matthew 16: 13-20

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Homily:                

Jesus was called Son of David or Son of Man of a Canaanite woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon, which made an impression nn Jesus.  After Jesus went out from the region of Tyre and Sidon, he and his disciples proceeded to Caesarea Philippi, another pagan territory, where different religions are free to express, practice, exercise and perform their different rites.  No Jews will disturb or accuse of blasphemy there.  “When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, ‵Who do people say that the Son of Man is′?” (Matthew 16: 13).  Here Jesus asked his disciples an important question. He wanted to know how deep the knowledge of his disciples as they were acquainted with him; so that when the time of his departure comes, he can be assured that he can leave his disciples with full knowledge about who he was.  First, he wanted to know how people saw and identified him.  To know this, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  This also is a test of faith and involvement of his disciples when they mixed and accompanied the crowd.

Jesus asked first what the people think about him, about the Son of Man, as what the Canaanite woman called him.  The disciples told Jesus what they heard from the people.  “They replied, ‵Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets′.” (Matthew 16: 14).  People thought that he was John the Baptist who was raised from the dead.  We cannot blame the people if they thought that Jesus was John because they were cousins, they have some similar features: the same physic, maybe the same face.  They both have long hair, and long beard, except John lived in the wilderness.  They also presumed Jesus to be Elijah for he proclaimed the good news to the poor; some said that Jesus was Jeremiah who was not afraid to the authority, to those with power on the truth, about the evil they were doing, and the abuses done to the people Israel. Jesus also compared to other prophets of old.  That’s the way they saw Jesus as a Son of Man.  Almost all the prophets were called Sons of Man but none of them were called Son of God.

Then Jesus reverted the question to his disciples.  “He said to them, ‵But who do you say that I am′?” (Matthew 16: 15).  Jesus asked the same question to his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”  There was momentary silence among the disciples.  They were unaware and did not predict that they were also questioned by their Master and Teacher about who he was.  Peter broke the silence.  “Simon Peter said in reply, ‵You are the Christ, the Son of the living God′.” (Matthew 16: 16).  Peter confessed that Jesus is the Son of the living God and not only the Son of Man.  He is the Christ, the Anointed One.

Jesus affirmed what Peter professed, for it was revealed to him by God who Jesus was, and not by personal contention or forewarning, or feeling nor of his flesh and blood.  “Jesus said to him in reply, ‵Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.  And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven′.” (Matthew 16: 17-19).  Afterward he was made the leader of his Church.  More than ever, it is important to recognize and accept the primacy of the chair of Peter as the leader of the Universal Church in this time of ecumenical movement, a movement for the unity of all separated brethren into One Church, One Lord in Jesus Christ. For Peter the Church was built, “. . . and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it,” and also it was given to Peter the Keys of heaven, “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  So, there is no reason to separate from the true Church founded to the Apostle Peter and the rest of the Apostles.

Afterwards he warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he really was. “Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ” (Matthew 16: 20).  He let the people  believe what they perceived, knew about the Son of Man, but he strictly ordered his disciples his secret as the Son of God.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

 

August 16, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7

Psalm 67 “O God, let all the nations praise you.”

Second Reading: Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32

Gospel reading according to Matthew 15: 21-28

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Homily:

Jesus, because of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves of bread and fish, became popular to the people.  Wherever he went, people were following him.  So he cannot show himself publicly and cannot go anywhere freely.  People were following him and looking after him.  To avoid the crowd but not to hide from the crowd, he decided to go to the place where only few knew him, so that he can be with his disciples privately. It is natural and normal to a leader to have private meetings with his disciples.  “At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon” (Matthew 15: 21).  So, this time, he and his disciples went to the region between Tyre and Sidon, near the Mediterranean Sea, to be away from the crowds.

Though it was secret to the knowledge of the people, still goodness cannot be hidden for long a time.  A Canaanite woman and mother can easily discover what she needed, and she found Jesus, whom she called Son of David. “And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, ‵Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is tormented by a demon′.” (Matthew 15: 22).  What does she mean when she calls Jesus, Son of David?  Matthew begins by calling Jesus the Son of David, indicating his royal origin, and also Son of Abraham, indicating that he was an Israelite; both are stock phrases, in which son means descendant, calling to mind the promises God made to David and to Abraham.  She knew the historical background of the term Son of David, and she recognized the holiness, royalty and the cultural world of Jesus as an Israelite.  But in spite of this, she came to Jesus and begged him.  When we need something badly, we forget many obstacles that bar or block our way, we lose our fear, and we disregard all barriers that block our way.  The woman had a daughter who was possessed by a demon, and because she loved her daughter very much she will do anything to dispel the demon in her daughter. And she knew that Jesus can heal her daughter, so she begged him like a beggar asking alms.

Jesus did not say anything, he kept silent, as if he did not hear the plea of that woman.  “But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.  His disciples came and asked him, ‵Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us′.” (Matthew 15: 23).  But his disciples, like what they suggested to Jesus sent away the crowd when they were in the deserted place and the people were hungry and tired.  They again suggested to Jesus to send away the woman because she was making noise and calling attention.  Jesus reminded his disciples the purpose of his coming.  “He said in reply, ‵I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel′.” (Matthew 15: 24).  Jesus knew very well his mission, to bring to the fold those Jews separated from God, like strayed sheep lost on their way.  He explained his mission to the disciples so that they may understand his silence with the Canaanite woman′s pleading

I suppose the Canaanite woman did not hear what Jesus said to his disciples, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  Instead, she came closer to Jesus, recognizing who Jesus was, prostrated and gave him homage.  “But the woman came and did him homage, saying, ‵Lord, help me′.” (Matthew 15: 25).  She pleaded for help.  Maybe she was exhausted with her daughter′s sickness (possessed by a demon), and she pitied her daughter very much.  So, she will do anything, whatever, to alleviate the sufferings of her daughter. 

For a mother who is suffering because of her daughter’s sickness, anything she can accept, even calling her a dog, meaning a pagan with lots of gods and goddesses.    “He said in reply, ‵It is not right to take the food to the children and throw it to the dogs′.” (Matthew 15: 26).  Jesus talked to her straightforwardly.  I think and I feel, Jesus did not want to hurt the feelings of a mother in need, but he should tell the truth and the reality of the situation between the Jews and the pagans of whom the Jews called the pagan nations as dogs.  “It is not right to take the food to the children and throw it to the dogs.”  The children here are the Israelite Jews and the dogs are the pagans

But this Canaanite woman has wisdom and great faith.  She knows how to respond to Jesus′s words, let us say, as honestly, “an insult to the person of a mother.”  “She said, ‵Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters′.” (Matthew 15: 27).  She rebutted and disproved that saying of the Jews, “. . . for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”  “Then Jesus said in reply, ‵O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.′ And the woman′s daughter was healed from that hour” (Matthew 15: 28). Jesus saw her faith, her great faith and he was amazed of the sincerity of her answer and wisdom.  Nothing is impossible with faith, with great faith for the faith is the measure and standard for our salvation.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

August 9, 2020

 

Readings:

First Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a

Psalm 85 “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”

Second Reading: Romans 9: 1-5

Gospel reading according to Matthew 14: 22-33

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Homily:

Despite of his loneliness and sadness of what had happened to his cousin, John the Baptist death, he was able to serve the crowds by healing their sickness and feeding them with five loaves of bread and two fish brought by his disciples.  “After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds” (Matthew 14: 22).  After feeding the crowds, he told his disciples to get into the boat and precede to the other side of the shore and they will meet him there, while he dismissed the crowds and sent them home.  There is no more problem in sending him for they were all satisfied with the bread and fish.

Then, he continued his plan, to pray and meditate to his Father on behalf of John′s death and what is happening in his society. “After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself and pray. When it was evening he was there alone” (Matthew 14: 23). He looked for a mountain in that deserted place and went up on it by himself and pray.  It was evening and he was alone in that place.  As if the darkness (evil) is winning against the light (God, Jesus Christ), and no one can support him or help him in this struggle between good and evil for he is alone.

On the other side of the mountain, in another side of the shore, the disciples were struggling also against the strong wind, against nature.  “Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it” (Matthew 14: 24). The disciples, most of them, were fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James and John, so they knew very well the movement of the sea, when it is calm or when it have deluge and when it has strong wind.  They are also familiar with the depth, width, breath of the sea for they grew up in the sea and their life were the sea.  So that they have no fear of the sea.  But this time, they were confused and afraid of the strong wind they are encountering, for the wind was against them.  They cannot control the boat′ ups and down, and sideways, going forward and backward.  It was really terrible experience. Then, suddenly, in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came, walking on the sea, and coming toward them. “During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea” (Matthew 14: 25).  After meeting with his Father and receiving confirmation of what he was doing was right and proper he came back to his disciples to encourage them and to believe in him as Son of the Living God.

The disciples saw someone or something walking on the sea, but they did not recognize that it was Jesus.  What they saw was a vision, something like apparition, a phantom. “When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‵It is a ghost′, they said, and they cried out in fear” (Matthew 14: 26).  Again, they were terrified of what they were seeing in their sight.  They thought it was a ghost, a spirit of the sea, so the more they were afraid. But Jesus, aware of what the disciples were thinking and were shielded with fear ad trembling, at once called their attention and guaranteeing them that it was he and not a ghost or spirit they thought.  “At once Jesus spoke to them, ‵Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid′.” (Matthew 14: 27).  Jesus spoke to them and gave them courage not to fear, it is he, Jesus.

Peter, the leader of the group, wanted to be sure that it was Jesus, asked him to come to him.  And Jesus permitted him to come and to walk on the water.  “Peter said to him in reply, ‵Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on water′.” (Matthew 14: 28).  He allowed Peter to come to him and meet him on the sea.  “He said, ‵Come.′ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus” (Matthew 14: 29).  Peter, first got out of the boat and was able to walk on the water, he was almost closer to Jesus.  “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‵Lord, save me′!” (Matthew 14: 30).  But, instead to focus his attention to Jesus alone, he looked at the coming strong wind and waves, so he became frightened that he might be drown and taken away by the waves away from Jesus and his companions.  He called Jesus to save him from sinking and drowning.  Sometimes, when strong winds in our lives come, like problems, struggles, disappointment, kasawian, sorrows, kaapihan, and all kamalasan sa buhay, we give up easily. We do not see that all of these are trials and tests how strong is our faith in God, in Jesus Christ.

Jesus who is always ready to save those who call for help, stretched out his hand and caught Peter sinking.  “Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‵O, you of little faith, why did you doubt′?” (Matthew 14: 31). Both of them standing on the sea, first, privately, he scolded Peter for having little faith on him, he questioned his doubt.  After Peter saw what this Jesus can do, he became strong in his resolved that Jesus is not only Lord who gave what the people needed but also has power even nature, of water, of sea, of sky and all living and non-living things, especially of life.  He is also the Savior of the world.

Both of them, Jesus and Peter, got into the boat.  “After they got into the boat, the wind died down” (Matthew 14: 32).  Immediately, the strong wind and waves died down, and the sea became calm.

The other disciples, who were frightened and afraid before became strong also in their resolved as they witnessed a while ago that their Master and Teacher was walking on the sea, as well as Peter.  “Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, ‵Truly, you are the Son of God′!” (Matthew 14: 33).  They believed with conviction that Jesus was truly the Son of the Living God.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Feast of Our Lady of the Angels

August 2, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 55: 1-3

Psalm 145 “The hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs.”

Second Reading: Romans 8: 35, 37-39

Gospel reading according to Matthew 14: 13-21

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Homily:

Jesus went mourning when he heard of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist, by King Herod Antipas.  Now, there is no more voice to be heard in the wilderness that will shout injustices and human rights violations. No one who will defend the rights of the people in Israel for they killed the prophet.  John was silenced by his enemies.   “When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.  The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns” (Matthew 14: 13).  But Jesus is still around.  Nevertheless, Jesus remained sad for the news he heard about John’s death.  He needed to be alone, to reflect to what are going on in his society.  Why these killings, rampant hunger, diseases, different sicknesses and illnesses, possessions of the evil spirits and many problems experiences by his countrymen. So he went alone by boat to a deserted place to pray, to enlighten his heart and mind, to understand what are going on, and what to do with the help of his heavenly Father. But the crowd saw him leaving, so they followed him and reached the place first where Jesus was going.  The crowds who are in need, hungry, sick, problematic can easily detect what is going on.  They can easily find solution.  They are very sensitive.

When Jesus reached the place he was intended to go and be alone and to pray, and when he disembarked, he saw at once the crowd waiting for him.  “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick” (Matthew 14: 14).  As human as he is and who has compassionate and merciful heart like God his Father, instead of going to mourn about the death of John and to pray for his eternal repose, he was not able to do so but instead he cured the sick with them. He prioritizes and concerns the needs of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized and the excluded of the society.  He does not go away, or hide himself from the people who are in need of his help.

When the disciples came late in the afternoon and saw also the vast crowds of people, they became worried on how to feed these thousands of individuals.  So they came to Jesus and suggested to send them away and find food for themselves.  They cannot share the little food they brought for themselves.   “When it was evening, he disciples approached him and said, ‵This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves′.”  (Matthew 14: 15).  Jesus knew that some in the crowds have their food.  He knew also that they can share whatever food they have.  So, he was not worried about food, what he worried more was when he sends them away, they may collapse and fall because of the long journey in returning back home and it is almost late at night.  And Jesus knew the intention of the disciples to preserve for themselves the little food they have.

Jesus sensed all this and he knew what to do, he did not listen to the suggestion of his disciples.  He said to his disciples not to send away the crowd but instead he commanded his disciples to bring out the food they brought.  “Jesus said to them, ‵There is no need for them to go away, give them some food yourselves.′ But they said to him, ‵Five loaves and two fish are all we have′.”  (Matthew 14: 16-17). But the disciple’s complained that they had only five loaves of bread and two fish.  They are not enough to feed thousands of people with these loaves and fish.

But still, he said to bring them to him, just trust and have confidence on him.  “Then he said, ‵Bring them here to me,′ and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.  Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14: 18-19).  After asking his disciples to let the crowds sit on the grass, he performed the Eucharistic rite by “taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.”  And the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish happened. All of this was witnessed not only of his disciples but even the crowds saw had happened, because he performed it in front of them.

The disciples also were asked to collect all the food left so that nothing will go waste.  And to their surprise, they collected twelve wicker baskets full of loaves; excluding fish, maybe they consumed the fish, for it was not mentioned whether or not they were able to collect fish.  “They all ate and were satisfied, they picked up the fragments left over – twelve wicker baskets full.  Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children” (Matthew 14: 20-21).  The disciples also were able to count the number of people present in the site, five thousand men, not counted the women and children, so it was truly a vast crowds.

Jesus, as a good servant leader and master, does not decide on his own.  He usually consults his Father who art in heaven whenever there are problems or issues he is facing. That is why he needed to be alone, to reflect and to pray to what are going on in his society.  Why are these killings, rampant hunger, diseases, different sicknesses and illnesses, possessions of the evil spirits and many problems experiences by his countrymen?  So he goes alone to a deserted place to pray, to enlighten his heart and mind, to understand what are going on, As human as he is and who has compassionate and merciful heart like God his Father, when needs arise, instead of going to mourn about the death of John and to pray for his eternal repose, for example, he was not able to do so but instead he cures the sick. Jesus also knows that some in the crowds who follow him have brought their food.  He knows also that they can share whatever food they have.  So, he is not worried about food, what he worries more is when if he sends them away, they may collapse and fall because of the long journey in returning back home and it is almost late at night. He also commands his disciples to bring out the food they brought and share them.  What the disciples need is just trust and have confidence on him.  We too have the capacity to share whatever we have, especially in times of need, nowadays that we are experiencing the pandemic covid-19 virus, the abuse of government leaders of their power and authority when creating an anti-terrorist bill, rampant killings of alleged drug pushers and users, and small drug lords but the big time drug lords and Chinese syndicates can escape the law, the oligarchy and dynasty in all areas of government positions without any concerns with millions of Filipino people who lost their jobs, unsolicited hunger due to lock down and in the guise of quarantine, people are asking also the ameliorations of which the local barangay and municipal officials follow and imitate, for what their leaders in higher positions are doing, so they were putting them (money) in their pockets.  Jesus also concerns about these, he cannot tolerate these, and he does not escape or hide himself in these moment of trials, where some government leaders are enjoying life while thousands or millions are suffering from hunger and sickness.  We have God who is compassion and merciful.