19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

August 13, 2017

Readings:

First Reading – 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a

Psalm 85

Second Reading – Romans 9:1-5

Gospel reading according to Matthew (14:22-33)

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Homily

“After he had fed the people,” Jesus showed his compassion to five thousand plus men, women and children who followed him and his disciples in the desert.  He cured their sickness and taught them many things about the Kingdom of heaven.  When evening came, he let his disciples to share the food they brought, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves” – five loaves of bread and two fish, to the crowd.  The same with us, Jesus wants us to share whatever we have to the needy – to the hungry, thirsty, poor naked, for they are also our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Taking the five loaves of bread and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples who in turn gave them to the crowd.  They all ate and satisfied (see Mt.14:13-21), then “he dismissed the crowds” (Mt. 14:22).

He also dismissed his disciples.  “Jesus made the disciples get into boat and precede him to the other side” (Mt. 14:22), so that he may be left alone.  Nobody will disturb him for that moment of grief due to the death of his cousin John.  He was not able to grieve of the death of John the Baptist, his cousin, because of the crowd.  So now, he has the time to mourn and to pray.  “After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.  When it was evening he was there alone” (Mt.14:23).  Darkness covers him.  He was full of sorrow and regret, not only for the loss of John but even of the hungry crowds.  They are like sheep without a shepherd, as the saying goes.  Nobody takes care of them, not the priests in the Temple, not the scribes and Pharisees, and Sadducees, not even the elders and leaders of their communities, the Sanhedrin – they are all busy with the mundane affairs, they left behind the people of God – the Anawim of Yahweh!  Now, Jesus is decided to shepherd the flock of God with his disciples.  That’s why he is going to test them, how strong their faith in him is.  “Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it” (Mt 14: 24). The boat where the disciples were was being tossed, stirred and shaken up and down, left and right, front and back by the big waves.  They were being tested to become established and experienced disciples in the ministry of Jesus.  They were all fishermen; they knew the depth, width, length and height of the Sea of Galilee, in Capernaum, etc.  But they were all afraid but without fear of the waves.

As in the old, during the time of Elijah, he was also tested by God after killing hundreds of false prophets of Jezebel; he was hiding in a cave, at the mountain of God – Horeb, because he was afraid for his life, and God said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by” (1 Kgs 19:9a).  God was calling him to go out from where he was hiding and to show himself with courage, strength, and confidence.  “A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord – but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake – but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire – but the Lord was not in the fire” (1 Kgs 9:11-12).  The forces of nature, which men of old were afraid of because they could not explain what or who caused them to stir up, became their gods and goddesses.  They made gods out of natures, like thunder, rain, sun, moon and stars, water, fire, wind, stones, trees, oceans and rivers, earthquakes, etc.  They worshipped them and offered them things even humans as sacrifices.  But the almighty and ever living God was not in the strong wind, or earthquake, or fire.  “After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.  When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his clock and went and stood at the entrance of the cave” (1 Kgs. 9:12-13).  God is like gentle wind.  There God is, coming in a tiny whispering sound, as He is passing by in front of Elijah. 

“During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea” (Mt 14:25).  Jesus has powers even on the sea.  He can walk on it, tame and calm it.  “When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.  ‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and they cried out in fear” (Mt. 14:26).  They saw Jesus walking on the sea, meaning they recognized him, but why they cried out, “It is a ghost?” and in fear.  As if Jesus is something supernatural, something beyond normal.  They could not believe that he can walk on the water, how much more when they see him walking in the clouds?  Water, in the Hebrew mind, symbolizes chaos, disorder, confusion, turmoil, etc.  It is also a force, energy, dynamism, vitality, something to be feared of for its unknown unfathomable depth, what are in there at the bottom of the sea – monsters?  They also believed that in it is house of the evil ones.  Jesus, as a true leader who understands the situations and knows the characters of his disciples, “at once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid’.” (Mt. 14:27). He guaranteed his disciples that he was not a ghost, or “lamang dagat,” or sea creature or sea monster.  It is he, their Lord, Master and Teacher.  And, he encouraged them not to be afraid, because he is already with them.

Sometimes, when our lives are in trouble, in a stormy sea, we become afraid and we do not know what to do, for we are confused and mixed up.  We cannot think properly; and if we decide, sometimes we made wrong decisions for we cannot control the situations.  But, when God is in our lives, even we are in turbulence of our lives, everything becomes easy and light, for God supports us and guarantees us that He is with us and He’s there to help us.  Without God we are in trouble.

“Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord if it is you; command me to come to you on the water.’  He said, ‘Come’.” (Mt. 14:28-29).  Peter, the leader of the disciples and pope of the church challenged himself to new venture in the life of the community and of the church.  He went down from the boat in the middle of the stormy sea after asking Jesus to let him come to him.  And he was able to walk on the water and going towards Jesus.  He was first convinced that he can also walk on the water, only when Jesus allowed him.  When Peter was at the sight of His Master and he was with him, he can walk in the wavering sea.  There was no problem, everything is alright “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and beginning to sink” (Mt 14:30). .  When he looked away from Jesus, he lost contact with the Lord and he became worried about the strong wind – the many problems encountered within and outside the Church (the boat).  He forgot that Jesus was there, who was powerful than the strong wind, and that’s why he sink. Without God, the church leaders are also in trouble. “. . . he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Mt. 14:30-31).

Jesus knew very well that his chosen disciples were not yet ready in leading the people of God that time, for they luck courage, strength, and perseverance in times of strong wind in stormy sea.  They needed further instructions.  They needed also more practices and tests so that when he left them behind, they can continue the ministry he started.  Jesus never lost faith to his disciples, he continued believing on them.  The same with us, despite of our many failures, and falls, he never abandoned us but rather he continues accompanying us in this life and even lifting us up to stand again and continue believing and hoping.

“After they got into the boat, the wind died down.  Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’” (Mt 14:33).  With Jesus, everything is possible; every unforeseen and foreseen event can be solved without difficulty or fear.  The forces of natures obey him.  There is no stormy weather that he cannot pacify.  Therefore, let us say, “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation” (Ps. 85).  Amen.

Transfiguration of the Lord (18th) Sunday (A)

August 6, 2017

Readings:

First Reading – Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 97

Second Reading – 2 Peter 1:16-19

Gospel reading according to Matthew (17:1-9)

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Homily

The transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ up a high mountain, “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state,” is similar to what was seen in a vision by the prophet Daniel, after seeing the thrones being set up and God (the Ancient One) took His seat upon the flames of fire and smoke, and thousands upon thousands were ministering to Him and myriads upon myriads stood before him, (Dan 7:9-10), when suddenly, “One like the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven” (Dan. 7:13), with his glory. 

The same occurred when Jesus Christ, after six days, “took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up a mountain by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them” (Mt. 17:1-2). This event was very unusual and significant for his disciples.  They knew Jesus only as a man, but not as a divine.  But to prove to Peter, James and John who he really was, especially to Peter who responded him that “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” when he was asked by Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13-16), they were brought to a high mountain and showed to them who he really was, and his glorification by transforming himself.  The proofs of his transfiguration were, “. . .  his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light” (Mt. 17:2).  According to other sources, it says that his clothes turned into dazzling white and no bleaches can whiten it.  It was so brilliant that no ordinary eyes can stare the face of Jesus, and his clothes were shining brightly.  The bright light is emitting from within, inside of him coming out to his face and to his clothes.  This is significant in the resurrection event.

And more amazing in that high mountain is the appearances of Moses and Elijah on the same day, on the same time, and on the same place. Was it accidental or was it planned by Jesus that meeting? These two great biblical men were the greatest prophets of old: one, Moses is the Lawgiver and the other, Elijah representing all the prophets, as what other people think about Jesus, “Who do men say the Son of man is?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, and others Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets” (Mt. 16:13-14).  This makes prove that Jesus is not one of the prophets of old but more than that.  “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him” (Mt. 17:3).  What they were discussing?  Could it be the vision of Daniel?  That he will receive dominion, splendor and kingship; “When he reached God (the Ancient One) and was presented before him, the one like the Son of man received dominion, splendor and kingship;” and that, “all peoples, nations, and languages serve him” (Dan. 7:14).  Or something more important than these.  Jesus, Moses and Elijah were discussing about the approaching and imminent death of Jesus on the Cross in Jerusalem, in fulfilling his mission proclaimed by Moses and prophesied by Elijah at the very beginning of the journey’s faith of the people of God.

Then, Peter who was listening to the conversation but did not understand what was going on, or who would like to hold Moses and Elijah to remain there in the mountain top forever, or did not want Jesus to go and suffer death on the hands of the elders and leaders in Jerusalem, or he wanted to dominate the three in their discussion, replied and said, “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” (Mt. 17:4).  The fisherman becomes a carpenter.  This is normal for Peter, for he was the chosen leader of the group of Jesus and he was always initiating and very aggressive to be first in many things yet he did not think first what he would say or do, but he was an honest person and loyal to Jesus.  “While he (Peter) was still speaking,” to convince Jesus to his plan of building tents for them to stay on the top of the mountain – it’s hayahay up there and there is no trouble there, no problems to face, etc., “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 well pleased; listen to him’.” (Mt. 17:5). Peter’s speaking was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a bright cloud, symbolizing the presence of God the almighty, the Ancient One.  Once again we have heard the voice of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who said during the Baptism of John in the River Jordan, the same words God has spoken on this mountain of Transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  God wants us to listen to his Son, not to Moses or to Elijah or to Peter, but to Jesus, the beloved Son, because Jesus does the will of his Father, as compare to Moses who rebelled against God in Meriba and Massa when he hit the stone three times as he was told only once; or as to Elijah who thought God was in the earthquake or strong wind in Mount Carmel.  The Transfiguration is a critical moment for Jesus also for his life and death depend on it, and it happened on the mountain in the presence of God, giving witness by Moses and Elijah - Christ's redemptive sacrifice.

“Listen to him,” is an invitation of God the Father for all of us followers of Jesus Christ.  By listening to him, we become obedient.  When we obey him, we do not go wrong but rather have eternal life with him.  After that experienced on the top of the mountain, St. Peter realized in his life the importance of the Transfiguration event.  He was able to listen to Jesus attentively, thus he proclaimed: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pt 1:16).  He was able to recall what had happened when Jesus showed his majesty and splendor and glory.  As he continued, “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, ‘This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased’.” (2 Pt. 1:17).   He confessed that he was telling the truth that, “We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain” (2 Pt. 1:18).  He challenged his listeners by concluding, “Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.  You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Pt. 1:19).  When the Transfiguration is considered an anticipation of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the presentation of a shining Jesus on the mountain as the Son of God who should be listened to can be understood in the context of the statement by Jesus in the resurrection appearance in Matthew 28:16–20: "all authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth." As prophet Daniel concluded in his vision, “The one like a Son of man received dominion, splendor and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, his kingship, one that shall not be destroyed” (Dan. 7:14). We can also proclaim, “The Lord is King, the Most High over all the earth” (Ps. 97).

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 30, 2017

Readings:

First Reading – 1 Kings 3:5,7-2

Psalm 119

Second Reading – Romans 8:28-30

Gospel reading according to Matthew (13:44-52)

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Homily

Jesus continued his teaching on the Reign-Kingdom of heaven using a parable.  As what we have learned about this method of teaching his disciples and the crowds using parables to fulfill what the prophet said about him last week, he used parable or storytelling “to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 13:34-35).  Also, it is because the parable or using a storytelling is the easiest method in teaching what is hidden to the ordinary people like us. 

He said, “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in the field” (Mt. 13:44).  The Kingdom of heaven is a treasure we have to long for in our lives.  We have to give values and importance to it, as our precious jewel.  But this treasure is still hidden and buried in the wide and vast field.  Nobody knows where it hidden or lay is.  You are lucky enough when you find it, “which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sell all that he has and buys the field” (Mt. 13:44). This man or woman is lucky to find in the wide and vast field the treasure hidden for a long period of time and nobody remembers it, except accidentally dug it up by this person.  Since he/she knows where it is located, so he/she covered it once more so that nobody can see it even the owner of the field.  He went home, sold all his properties and bought the field and so he has the valuable treasure and the field.  And he became rich.

This parable can be applied in our faith as Catholic Christians to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.  Since we found the only God in our lives, we don’t need any other gods or goddesses.  Jesus is the treasure we cannot replace, for he is truly God and truly man.  Jesus saves us from our fallen nature.  He died for us on the cross.  No other gods/goddesses can become like us except Jesus.  No other gods/goddesses can laid down his/her life for his/her creatures.  No other gods/goddesses can teach his/her followers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and to lay down one’s life for his/her friends except Jesus Christ.  This treasure, this Jesus Christ humbles himself and becomes servant of all, who washed the feet of his disciples.  We sometimes do not recognize the importance of Jesus Christ as treasure in our lives, as if he is hidden or buried in the field of our life. There is no other god except Jesus who is patience enough to us sinners and forgetful listeners and slow in doing what he has commanded us.  This treasure, this God is full of mercy and compassion toward us.  He is truly a treasure we cannot afford to lose.   We have to keep this treasure in our hearts so that nobody can steal it, nobody can buy it and own it for him/herself.

The same with the second parable of the fine pearls.  Jesus said, “Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.  When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it” (Mt. 13: 45-46).  This fine and precious pearl is our faith we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have to do something, even to sell all that we have just to acquire and possess this fine and priceless pearl of our life.  

Jesus compared this time the Kingdom of heaven to a net, as he said: “Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.  When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets.  What is bad they throw away” (Mt. 13:47-48).  Like a fisherman, he catches fish using his net.  In his net, he finds good and bad fishes.  He puts the good fish to the buckets and takes it home, while the bad fish he throws it away in the seashore and let it dies.  In heaven, when the judgment day comes, God will call all the children of the Kingdom, the good seed, the good fish, those who obeyed and did his commands into his Kingdom where they belonged.  While the children of the devil, the weeds, the bad fish will be thrown out into everlasting fire of Hell, for not obeying and doing God’s commands.  “Thus it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth” (Mt. 13: 49-50).

At the end of his storytelling or parable, he asked his disciples, “Do you understand all these things” (Mt 13:51), the parables of the Kingdom of heaven from the treasure buried in the field, the fine pearl with great price to the net thrown into the sea?  These things help us to accept, deepen, and put into action the values and importance of the Reign-Kingdom of heaven into our lives as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Like King Solomon in the first reading, whom the Lord God asked him to “ask something of me and I will give it to you” (1Kgs 3:5).  Instead of asking God long life, good health, wealth, power and authority, supremacy, and all earthly needs, King Solomon asked God “. . .  Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.  For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” (1Kgs. 3:7-9).  He asked for an understanding heart so that he can lead the people of God with humility, simplicity, wisdom, courage and as truly a servant-leader, a leader who serves, and he can give right judgment against the wrong done.  God has delighted to King Solomon, for he did not ask “long life for himself, nor for riches, nor for life of his enemies, but for understanding so that he may know what is right . . .” (1Kgs. 3:10-11).  God gave him “a heart so wise and understanding that there never been anyone like you up to now; and after you there will come no one equal you” (1Kgs. 3:12).  This is the Reign-Kingdom of heaven and it will be taken away from us but rather this is our reward if we do what God wants us to do and to be.

As St. Paul said to the Roman, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.  For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified” (Rom 8:28).  For the love of God, let us treasure all good things so that they will bring good results for our brothers and sisters who are in need, for the sake of Reign-Kingdom of heaven.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 23, 2017

Readings:

First Reading – Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

Psalm 86

Second Reading – Romans 8:26-27

Gospel reading according to Matthew (13:24-43)

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Homily

Jesus taught the crowds about the Reign-Kingdom of heaven in parable, a story, so that they can easily understood what he wanted to say to them, especially to the ordinary people like us.  He used parable “to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 13:34-35).  

He said: “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field” (Mt.13:24).  This man is none other than Jesus himself (the Son of God) who prepared the soil by cultivating it, fertilized it and then sowed the best and good seed.  The soil or field is the world we live in and the good seed is we, the children of the Kingdom.  Everything is ready.  The best and good seed is already planted in the soil.  The good seed is already in each one of us, imbedded in us, and the Reign-kingdom of heaven started to grow.  Jesus said: “While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off” (Mt.13:25).  The enemy of God who is Satan, the devil, also came and sowed weeds (the children of the evil one) in the field and left.  He has no responsibility to the destruction of the wheat, what is important to him is to sow Bad Deeds of his children to do devastation and annihilation to the children of the Kingdom.  Jesus continued saying: “When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.  The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this’.” (Mt. 13:26-28).  The seed grew in us and bore fruit in our life, but at the same time, the weeds planted by the devil, grew as well.  That’s why we have the tendency to do something against the will of God.  We sometimes committed sin even though it is also against our resolve, despite the good seed we have due to the influence of the children of the devil.  God knew who did the planting of weeds along with the seed.  “His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.  Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn’.” (Mt. 13:28-30).  The angels of God which refer to the “slaves of the householder” and “the harvesters” wanted to clear the ground to remove the weeds, but the Master let both the seed and weeds grow together until harvest time, meaning the end-time or the judgment day or else when the harvesters pull up the weeds, it might pull up also the seed and the seed died.  And when the time comes, during harvesting, the Master instructed the harvesters to gather and collect first the weeds, tie and bundle them for burning and then gather the wheat into barn.   Sometimes, God allowed something to happen to us, even doing evil deeds due to other influences to test the quality of seed we have received and how we managed this gift coming from the Lord God to grow and multiply.  But when the fullness of time has come, He will gather us (children of the Kingdom) into His barn (heaven) to keep us and save us from the snare of the enemy, the devil and its weeds (the children of the devil).

We can refer this attitude of God in the first reading, in the Book of Wisdom were God takes care of all and have shown not unjustly condemned (Wis. 12:13).  When the weeds (children of the devil) grow with the good seed (children of the Kingdom), he did not let the weeds pull up or else the seed also might be pulled up and destroyed in the process.  God is the source of justice and lenient to all (Wis. 12:16).  God also shows his might when perfection of his power is disbelieved; God rebukes temerity (boldness, audacity=courage) (Wis. 12:17), God also judges with clemency and with much lenience in governing us (Wis. 12:18).  Our God taught us, his children by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and God still gives his sons and daughters good ground for hope and permit repentance for our sins (Wis. 12:19).

Again Jesus taught the crowd another parable.  He wanted to teach them about the Reign-Kingdom of heaven and to understand it clearly by the ordinary people.  Using agricultural setting, he used again the field and the mustard seed so that people may easily relate, although seldom we planted mustard seed.  “He proposed another parable to them. ‘The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.  It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.  It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches’.” (Mt. 13:31-32).  He likened the Kingdom of heaven to a small mustard seed, the smallest of all the seeds, but when it grows it is as large as a bush tree.  Like the Kingdom, it started to a small insignificant reality but when it is realized, it became significant thing in the life of the people.  Like for example, the Basic Christian Community (Gagmay Kristianong Katilingban-GKK), at the beginning of its existence, only few people in the community believed in GKK, that it cannot work for change in the community life – economically, socially, spiritually and even politically.  But when they tried it and applied it in their lives, something happened; progress and self-determination were felt and experienced.  Everything starts at the smallest and insignificant thing before it becomes big and strong.

Another parable or story was given by Jesus to the crowds about the Kingdom of heaven.  This time, he used something ordinary people, especially women do in their houses.  “He spoke to them another parable, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened” (Mt. 13:33), and cooked.  Women, especially mothers know who to please their husbands and children, through delicious food.  At table, we experience the happiness and the joy eating together brings, especially when everyone is present. Everybody is satisfied by the food prepared and served

In summary, the Kingdom of heaven is where the Son of God who is source of justice, equality, peace and above all love is present and takes care us all seed (children of the Kingdom) from the entanglement of the weeds (children of the devil).  He gives us happiness and perfect joy even in our smallness and nothingness to greatness. The Kingdom of heaven is open to all, without distinction, and like the “birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches,” it remains compassionate and merciful to all.