Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Author: A Dose of God Today

  • My words will not pass away, and so is My Presence

    My words will not pass away, and so is My Presence

    November 29, 2019 – 34th Week in Ordinary Time

    A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (21:29-33)

    Jesus told his disciples a parable.
    “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
    When their buds burst open,
    you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
    in the same way, when you see these things happening,
    know that the Kingdom of God is near.
    Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
    until all these things have taken place.
    Heaven and earth will pass away, 
    but my words will not pass away.”

    Homily

    What kind of future do you imagine for your life? Is it to be materially secured and contended with everything? To have gained awards and be recognized by many? To have a stable relationship and work?

    Each of us, hopes for a life that is secured. That is why, we do our best to invest in our studies, professions, business and even relationships. Indeed, we want security. We want to be secured in one way or another.

    However, we are also aware that everything here on earth is in constant flux, according to Heraclitus, an ancient philosopher. It means that everything and everyone else is subject to constant change. This change may mean towards development, progress and transformation or to destruction and ruin. These include not just the material things that we possess or our life but even our relationships with one another. 

    That is why, one of the common causes of anxiety, depression, pain and stress is our relationship with one another. There is an innate desire in each of us to relate and be with others because that is how we are made. However, because of our human limitations and failures we cause troubles in our relationships. We hurt one another and sometimes cause unrepairable damage towards others. 

    Let us accept that we are in search also of a secured and constant relationship. People who committed their life into marriage or into religious life or by being single and remaining fruitful and happy, is an action that hopes and commits to a relationship that is secured. However, such commitment is an everyday battle because even our commitment can change.

    Nevertheless, persons who refuse to settle in a committed relationship have greater insecurity for a secured and faithful relationship. Consequently, such insecurity make these people promiscuous or to have many partners without any commitment. But then, such attitude also denies the hope for a healthy and faithful commitment in a relationship. As a result, when we become a person like this then we also become a person who only causes pain and damage to others and to ourselves. But then, despite these, there is still a hope for a constant and secured relationship.

    With all of these also, these remind me of the readings we have heard today. Jesus in the Gospel of Luke tells us of the passing of heaven and earth. Hence, everything will pass. This will surely give us pain and confusion. What will change will really be great. What will be destroyed will be many.

    However, though many things will change and pass away like for example your marriage that is about to fail because of unfaithfulness, or your family is in trouble because of quarrels over finance and properties, or our dreams and hopes for a better future have become blurred, or our health is weakening due to an aggressive illness, or our studies have become difficult due to financial problems, or our workplace has become horrible due to a toxic relationship with our colleagues… all of these will surely create tensions and anxieties in our hearts and minds. We will certainly feel insecure and confused. We might start believing that everything has become hopeless because of an overwhelming problem.

    But then, Jesus tells us in the Gospel, even though everything will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Even if everything will fade and fail, my words and my presence with you will never fade and will never fail. Jesus’ commitment to us, his love and affection will never fade. 

    Jesus actually tells us of God’s faithfulness in us that despite our failures and unfaithfulness, God remains for us and with us.

    God’s love for you and for me, God’s favor upon us and His affection towards us, remains, because God is faithful.

    Being secured with God’s faithfulness, allow God also to fill you and to satisfy your every longing for constancy and security may it be in your relationships, studies, work or business. Despite the uncertainties in life, be secured with God by constantly being with Jesus. 

    We who have realized this, make this realization be carried out into our life in building friendships and being faithful to your relationships. Hopefully, with this consciousness in us, we will become instruments of God’s faithfulness. Sana all.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • To believe in Jesus is a risk

    To believe in Jesus is a risk

    November 27, 2019 – Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

    #REDWEDNESDAY

    A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (21:12-19)

    Jesus said to the crowd:
    “They will seize and persecute you,
    they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
    and they will have you led before kings and governors
    because of my name.
    It will lead to your giving testimony.
    Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
    for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
    that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
    You will even be handed over by parents,
    brothers, relatives, and friends,
    and they will put some of you to death.
    You will be hated by all because of my name,
    but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
    By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

    Homily

    Our Gospel today may sound disturbing and discouraging for us especially if we only tend to seek comfort and security in life. In many ways, we usually choose the easiest, the fastest and relaxing ways. Parents would hope and do their best to provide the best security and comfort for their children. I would also rather take what is easy rather than choosing a difficult one. However, Jesus tells us differently.

    Jesus tells us, “if you decide to come and follow me, then, you will experience difficulties, conflicts, contradictions and even persecutions from those who deny me and do not believe in me. Friends and family members will hate you, will not understand you and even insult you for choosing me.”

    To believe in Jesus is a risk. This was the experience of the first disciples who endured persecutions not just from the Roman soldiers or fellow Jews but even from their own families and close friends.

    This reminds us of the many Christians who suffered from persecutions. Obviously, many of them had become confused and afraid because of the difficulties of being a Christian.

    Remember, to believe in Jesus is a contradiction; to believe in Him was against the prevailing belief and culture of the people. Because we are supposed to take revenge and hate our enemies but Jesus tells us to love and forgive our enemies. Because we are supposed to aspire wealth and power, to be famous and successful but Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor, the sorrowful and the persecuted for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

    This reminds us of what we celebrate today. Today is called as Red Wednesday as our way of remembering and recognizing the martyrdom of many Christians today. Indeed, Christians are being discriminated, violated, oppressed, tortured and murdered in many countries of which we are not aware.

    Thus, this calls us too to become true Christians, no matter what. But remember, a real Christian is always a contradiction to what the world wants us to be.

    We are called to be true and honest Christians in our daily and common affairs. That is – to be honest in our dealings with others, to be just to the people we work with, to have the integrity in serving others even in the midst of corrupt practices in our institution, to be dedicated and self-sacrificing despite the indifferent and self-serving environment we are in.

    We may have the faith that truly believes and trusts in God as we live our life according to our state of life now. Let us ask then the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to pray for us and to learn from her in trusting fully her son, Jesus. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • The Powerless King on the Cross

    The Powerless King on the Cross

    Solemnity of Christ the King – November 24, 2019

    A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (23:35-43)

    The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
    “He saved others, let him save himself
    if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” 
    Even the soldiers jeered at him. 
    As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
    “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” 
    Above him there was an inscription that read,
    “This is the King of the Jews.”

    Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
    “Are you not the Christ?
    Save yourself and us.” 
    The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
    “Have you no fear of God,
    for you are subject to the same condemnation?
    And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
    for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
    but this man has done nothing criminal.”
    Then he said,
    “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
    He replied to him,
    “Amen, I say to you,
    today you will be with me in Paradise.”

    Homily

    How would you imagine a king?

    Being influenced by cartoons, anime and movies, I would imagine a king who wears a golden crown, covered in a golden robe, sitting on a golden throne and living in a golden palace. A king is a powerful man who has thousands of armies, who conquered many nations and defeated countless enemies through bloody wars. He is untouchable – and commoners, slaves and servants cannot talk to him directly. His throne is too far from the ordinary people.

    This is not far from how we imagine Jesus Christ our King. Influenced by the western culture we also imagine Christ the king who wears a golden crown, wrapped in a golden robe and sits on a golden throne. This image, for me, seems to be a distant king who does not know the daily affairs of his people. A king who merely shows greatness, triumph and wealth.

    However, the Gospel that we have heard today speaks nothing of this kind of king. What we have is a vulnerable king, powerless and crucified on the cross. This is Jesus’ statement that he is not an earthly king who only shows grandeur, control and domination over his subjects. He is a king who became like us, who lived with us and journeyed with us in every story of our life especially in those difficult and dark moments.

    He is not an unreachable king sitting there on the high throne but he is a God-with-us (Emmanuel). He is a king who knows us and our deepest secrets and desires. But he is a king who does not control and imposes himself on us. He only calls and invites us to come to him.

    Jesus’ determination to call us and to gather us brought him into that situation. Despite the danger and of the suffering he would endure, as king, he is always ready to take the risk to offer his life for our sake, that we may experience freedom and healing. We find his invitation through the three different people in the Gospel and their individual response to Jesus. So, let us look at them.

    First, the people like the Jewish authorities and the soldiers. They refused to recognize Jesus as King and Messiah because he was a threat to them, a threat to their comfort, and threat to their earthly power. It was a decision they have made despite the invitations of Jesus for them to believe in Him.

    Second, one of the criminals who insulted Jesus. He was actually confused and did not make any stand. He was lukewarm. He neither condemned Jesus nor accepted him as Lord, King and Redeemer. Despite the closeness of God in him on the cross, he did not recognize God in Jesus because he was still full of himself. He was unrepentant.

    Third was the other man on the cross. He was the one who recognized God in Jesus and decided to accept Jesus as his Lord. This made him say, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Being powerless on that cross, he was able to recognize the face of the Lord, his king. This person felt a God who has accompanied him in his suffering and even towards death. Through his very suffering, he found God to be so close to him.

    This tells us now of a king who is close to us. Jesus is not a king who is distant from our sufferings and fears but a king who patiently and lovingly walks with us. God, indeed, meets us where we are and he is ready to bend down in order to encounter us there in the saddest and darkest part of our life.

    Yet, let us also remember that Jesus requires our participation. To every person Jesus met, he gave them the chance to recognize him but the hardness of their hearts and because of their arrogance, they refused to see Jesus. But with this other man on the cross, owning his sins and failures in life brought him into that realization that he was in need of God. Meaning, when we humbly recognize our weaknesses and sins we also recognize God’s love for us. This becomes, then, an opportunity for God to transform our life.

    Thus, on this great feast of Christ our King, let us also own and recognize our failures and sins. This calls us not to be afraid because Christ will never condemn us to death. He already took it upon himself for us. What he wants is that we will enjoy his presence in paradise. 

    And as Jesus identified himself with the suffering, with the dying, with the condemned, let us also expand our image of Christ the King. Let us encounter and recognize Jesus through the sick old person abandoned by his family, or those who have been affected by calamities, or a rejected and broken daughter or son who succumbed to drug and alcohol addiction, or to an abused spouse, or to a street family who are displaced or to a friend who suffers depression, or a classmate who is being bullied. Take time to meet those who might need our help in ways that we can do. And hopefully, that encounter will bring us into the experience of meeting Christ the King through others. Hinuat pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • Are you Jesus? – Reflection on the Solemnity of Christ, the King

    Are you Jesus? – Reflection on the Solemnity of Christ, the King

    Reflection shared by Fr. Mar Masangcay, CSsR (Filipino Missionary in South Korea)

    In a rather busy and crowded bus terminal in Manila, a PWD (person with disability) foreigner was found trying to find his way, hoping to catch his bus. While sitting and waiting for his bus, a young OFW (overseas Filipino worker) saw and sensed the PWD foreigner’s confusion, came and approached the foreigner, and said, “May I have of some assistance, Sir?” “O, Thanks. I’ve been trying to find my way, hoping I would not miss my 9am bus to Baguio”. The OFW replied, “No worry, Sir. I’m on the same trip. We could come together.” Gladly the foreigner sat with him, waiting for their bus. As the bus arrived, the OFW helped the PWD to his seat, and then bids farewell to find his own seat. Suddenly the PWD said to the OFW, “Many thanks, Man. Are you Jesus?”

    Christmas proclaims in the gospel of St. John: “The word became flesh and live with us. He was in the world and the world came to be through Him…But the world did not know Him … and his people did not accept Him.” Although Christianity is universal, world-wide, international and multicultural, we cannot deny that our Lord Jesus Christ, we believe in, is still unknown and unaccepted in the world. Others may have heard and seen about Jesus from others, but most of us have not meet and experienced Jesus personally. And most of us are, even in faith still longing and searching for Jesus intimately. In others words, in our disabilities and being foreigner/migrant to discover God’s life, we are still finding our ways to wander “Are you Jesus? Is this Jesus?” – hoping to catch a glimpse of God through Jesus, God’s word who lives with us in our daily lives.

    On this last Sunday of liturgical year, today we honor Christ the King. We celebrate the Kingship of Jesus Christ, confirming of His reign, presence and rule in our lives today. However, His Kingship is best portrayed to us, not Him in some precious throne and with pearly crown, but Him hanging on a cross wearing a crown of thorns and among criminals.

    As our gospel today shows us, while even on the hour of his death, Our Lord and King Jesus still speaking and sharing words of hope and compassion to all those who come near Him. His reign, presence and rule in our life is thus best revealed to us by His continuing sharing and spreading of God’s good News of love, mercy, hope, compassion & faith to our world in the story of His life, mission, suffering, death, resurrection and glory.

    Meaning, whenever and everytime we experience in our life love, kindness, mercy, compassion, kindness hope and faith, shown by us both as receiver – like the PWD, and as giver – like the OFW, God’s grace – along with the kingship of Jesus, is with us and in our midst. As a church song proclaims, “they will know we are Christians by our love”. By our experience of love and of loving in life, we and others may come to know that “we are of Christ”, “we are of Jesus”. Thus, God’s word and kingdom is with us; and our Lord and King Jesus life, mission, and reign live with us, as we still always experience in life love, hope, compassion and faith.

    Now, to always discover the Emmanuel, God amongst us, and also to be “of Jesus, of Christ” personally in our life and world today, as PCP II suggests, the challenge for us Catholics, especially Filipino Catholics, is to retell (tell again & again) the Jesus story to ourselves so that we can tell him to others. In other words, Kilalalin natin muli at lagi si Jesus sa ating sarili, upang atin siyang maipakilala sa mundo. 

    Preach and proclaim Jesus to yourself so that you can share Him to others. Be personal with Jesus so that in you and through you, He can and will also be personal to others.  In other words, Represent Jesus (present him again) to oneself, so that He will be also present to others who are longing for Him in life.

    Lord, even in our faith, we also are wandering “are you or is this Jesus?” – still longing and searching to discover you in our lives. As you have revealed to us, may our experience of love and loving you and others in life,  allow us to retell your story, and let others tell your story to ourselves, so that we can tell and share You, as well as to “be Jesus” to others who also searching and wanting to be near and personal with you.  Amen.

  • What I truly offer to God is wonderfully blessed by God

    What I truly offer to God is wonderfully blessed by God

    November 21, 2019 – Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    Today, we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Mary to the Temple. This feast is not found in the bible but in a scripture called the Protoevangelium of James. So, it means that this feast actually, has no historical basis. However, why do we celebrate it? Why is it important for the Church?

    Even though this is not an historical event, but this feast itself is spiritually and theologically important for the Church. In that scripture, the Protoevangelium of James, it was described that the parents of Mary, who were Saints Joachim and Anne offered their daughter, Mary, to God in the Temple at the age of 3 years old.

    The action of Joachim and Anne was an expression of their gratefulness to the Lord. This old couple offered back to God the very gift that they have received from God.

    It was in this way that Mary had been consecrated to God for the purpose that God transforms the life of Mary. Hence, this feast of Mary tells us how God consecrates a life that is fully offered to Him. This tells us too, how God can make a simple offering to become so wonderful and beautiful.

    This feast prepares us for the Immaculate Conception of Mary and of the great mystery that we will celebrate on Christmas day, the birth of Jesus. Thus, through the act of sacrifice of the Joachim and Anne and the act of faith of Mary’s “yes” to the Lord; God in return blessed not just Joachim and Anne and Mary, but, each of us, through the birth of Jesus.

    This is the message for us today. We are called to offer back to God all that we have.

    As husband and wife, offer back to God your marriage life, making God the very center of your marriage.

    As a family, offer to God your very relationships including your joys even your sacrifices and pains.

    As a professional, offer to God your work, your passion, your talents and even your insecurities and failures.

    As a young person, offer to God your dreams and hopes and even your fears and anxieties of the future.

    As an old person, offer to God your good old days, the days that you have spent on this earth with your loved ones including the good and bad experiences and even your illness and  uncertainties in life.

    In offering to God what we have, it also calls us to be confident in God, to trust him fully. God promises us that when we are able to offer what we have to Him; He will surely bless them and transform them beyond our expectation. God will certainly bring forth life, healing, reconciliation and wonderful and beautiful things through us and among us. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR