Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Fr. Jom Baring, CSsR

  • HASTEN THAT DAY    

    HASTEN THAT DAY    

    December 4, 2024 – Wednesday First Week of Advent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120424.cfm)

    Fr. Bonn Barretto, CSsR sang a song entitled Hasten that day[1] in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. And the lyrics of the song remains relevant until today. Personally, I am touched as the lyrics of the song tell us, “So hasten that day, a day without fear. When the world will rejoice, salvation is near, gone are the tears, the hurt and the pain.”

    This is a day that we continue to hope. Individually, we may be going through some kinds of struggles within. We may be carrying emotional baggage that affect so much our relationships, work, or study. Our physical illness and limitations may have bothered so much that make us desperate to long for healing and recovery. Others, because of poverty, have to endure the hardships just to survive for a day.

    And so we long for that day of comfort and consolation, joy and fullness of life. Indeed, our longing now was also prophesied by Isaiah in the first reading. The prophet tells us of a day of feast and celebration. Everyone, regardless of our status and differences, is invited to dine together with the Lord. This celebration is an image of the fullness of life to be shared with God.

    This is meant to comfort us all and to give us hope that indeed the Lord will come and bring contentment, joy and fullness of life for us. What Isaiah prophesied also became a reality in the ministry of Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, this fulfillment presents to us two important points.

    First was the arrival of many people who have come to be near the presence of Jesus. The people had realized that the presence of Jesus brings healing and recovery to the sick. The physical illness and limitations of many were healed. This is a testament that the Lord indeed heals our body.

    Second was Jesus compassion for the crowd. Upon seeing the great number of people who had been following him for three days, Jesus also realized the hunger of the people. Jesus mas moved with compassion for them. This is where we can find the invitation of Jesus for his disciples to participate in the mission to bring the fullness of life.

    The seven loaves and few fish reserved for the group were shared for the many. The miracle happened here and it started when the disciples learned to share the little things they had for the benefit of many. Despite the insecurity of not having enough and the thought of “what will be for us?” – the disciples trusted more the Lord.

    Indeed, everyone ate and was satisfied. And so, people from all walks of life dined together with the Lord, the very image of the Kingdom of God.

    For today, as we pray and long to hasten that day of comfort and peace, joy and fullness of life, we too are called to participate in realizing the ministry of Jesus to bring healing, comfort, peace and fullness of life. There are three take aways that I want you to bring today.

    First, like Jesus, be moved with compassion. This is the antidote when we become numbed and indifferent to what is happening around us. Ask the Lord to make our hearts be moved as we encounter the realities we face. Being moved with compassion is making hope more alive in us that indeed, the day of salvation and freedom shall be realized.

    Second, like Jesus, be an instrument of healing and comfort. Remember, our very presence can bring healing and comfort to others. Hence, never be stingy to give even words of encouragement and affirmation to people, to give appreciation and gratitude to others, to give an understanding heart free of judgments and biases, to offer a listening ear to a friend who felt afraid and anxious. Though small, but these are ways of being able to bring healing and comfort.

    Third is to give in the spirit of joy and gratitude. Like the disciples who despite the insecurity of not having enough, the very presence of Jesus gave them the assurance of being satisfied. Hence, as we give our material resources or talents and self to others, make sure that we do it out of joy and gratitude to God and not as a way of making ourselves be praised. Hinaut pa.

    [1] Composed by Nathaniel Cabanero and lyrics by Buddy Sutton.

  • THE MIRACLE OF HOPE

    THE MIRACLE OF HOPE

    December 2, 2024 – Monday First Week of Advent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120224.cfm)

    We make prayer requests every now and then for our personal and communal intentions. We believe in the power of prayer because we also believe that the Lord is merciful and good to us. Such ways are already expressions of faith filled with hope which this Season of Advent is all about.

    In fact our readings express such faith filled with hope. This is what I would like emphasize today. The first reading from the Book of Isaiah envisions a future where there will be peace and harmony. Wars and violence shall end, hatred and anger in the hearts of many shall vanish. This is captured by Isaiah in his words where swords and spears that were meant to kill one another will be transformed into agricultural tools. People will begin to come together despite the differences to support and help each other, to nurture and cherish one another. This is how peace and harmony will dwell in our hearts, homes and communities.

    In those times of war and violence, this was proclaimed that expressed faith filled with hope and this is because we all belong to God. This calls us now this Season of Advent to examine our hearts, are we also ready to put down our biases and prejudices against each other?

    This is what the disciples of Jesus were invited to do the same. The Roman centurion (meaning a commander of a hundred soldiers) approached and beg Jesus to heal his servant. This Roman soldier represented the foreign power which dominated Israel at that time. He was an image of an oppressor, an enemy who brought pain and suffering to the people.

    Yet, this very encounter challenged the disciples to recognize the faith of another person different from them. Hence, the humility and faith of this Roman soldier was praised by Jesus because of the concern he showed not for himself but for his sick servant, for another person.

    This is where we find the familiar words of the Roman soldier which we also pronounce almost word for word as we receive the Body of Christ, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

    This is where the miracle of hope was unfolded, the sick servant was healed, biases and prejudices as well as hatred and anger towards one another vanished. This means that when our faith is filled with hope, it heals not just our physically illness but as well as our fearful hearts, bruised hearts, traumatized hearts, hearts filled with anger and hatred. This is how the miracle of hope transforms us into a people invited to live in peace and harmony. Hinaut pa.

  • Our Everyday Waiting

    Our Everyday Waiting

    October 22, 2024 – Tuesday 29th Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102224.cfm)

    What kind of attitude do we show when we wait for something or someone? It might depend on the situation, the urgency and of our inner desire and need. A friend told me that as he waited for his wife to labor and give birth to their first child, he was anxious but also excited. When the baby came and his wife was also safe, he was filled with joy. A patient who has been waiting for the biopsy result may be overwhelmed with anxiety and fear when the result may not be favorable. Once, when I was in an airport for a domestic flight and waiting for the boarding, the airline announce that the flight was delayed by 4 hours. I was mad and demanded that I will be rebooked to the next earliest flight to catch up for my connecting flight. A parent waiting late in the evening for the return of his/her child to come home may feel worried.

    There are also other small waiting that we experience daily like waiting for our parcel to arrive and be delivered by the rider. We delight when we like what we have ordered or feel deceived when it is not what we expect. We also wait on the road when there is a heavy traffic and even feel exhausted. We wait for the long queue at the supermarket and has to extend our patience when the counter seems to be so slow.

    These are indeed, just some experiences of waiting. There are those that are simple and routinary for us. There are also those waiting that can be long, exhausting and tiring. There are even those kinds of waiting that takes for a lifetime.

    However, let us also warn ourselves of “waiting in vain” especially of some other things in our life. Waiting in vain is waiting for nothing. This kind of waiting leads us to misery and hopelessness. This actually happens when we immersed ourselves in those waiting that are purely with selfish intentions, waiting based on our impulses, compulsions and whims.

    True enough, waiting is part of our life and it is even very important to us as Christians. The parable that Jesus told us in today’s Gospel basically reminds us of the value and the grace in and while waiting. Jesus said, “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” Jesus teaches us that in “waiting patiently” we are already blessed. No matter how long or tiring that waiting can be, we are called to patiently wait and exercise vigilance. Meaning, to become passive or indifferent will make lose the opportunity of welcoming fully what the Lord has prepared for us.

    Jesus expressed this promised clearly in the parable. It is the master himself who finds his servant waiting for him who will prepare the table and serve the servants who becomes his friends. The servants receives the presence of their master who brings peace and friendship with them.

    This is also revealed to us in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Jesus who came and gave his life to us “broke down the dividing wall of enmity,” “for he is our peace.” This is again reechoed in Psalm, “The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”

    This brings us now that God’s coming, and we who waits for it will surely be graced by this peace. This peace shall fade our fear and anxieties, our worries and tears, forgives our sins and failures and unites those that have been divided and broken because of hatred, violence and indifference.

    Certainly, the Lord calls us today to be more patient and pro-active in our waiting especially in our waiting of God’s coming and visits. Jesus comes and visits us in simple and ordinary ways even through familiar people or events and places around us. The very presence of God that brings us peace will surely give us as well a dose of surprise and joy. Thus, let us also be more attentive, more sensitive and discerning of the Lord’s countless manifestations and revelations in our life. Hinaut pa.

  • IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD

    IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD

    October 21, 2024 – Monday 29th Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102124.cfm)

    Reaching a higher status or position in life could make us demanding and entitled to what we have achieved. A child who has been better than his siblings may demand more love, praises and attention from his/her parents for doing more and better. An authority figure or a colleague promoted to a higher position may also demand that he/she should be addressed according to the position he/she has gained, to be treated extra-special than others. A priest or nun may also demand from people or parishioners that he/she must be given this and that for his/her personal use and ministry because of his/her role in the church.

    A heart that has grown to be (self)-entitled demands from others because of the belief that “I have become this! I have become that! – and so I deserve and must be treated and pampered this way and that!”

    When we ourselves become this kind of person, this can be very irritating and tiring to people around us. Consequently, we become demanding in our relationships. Our work or ministry is merely grounded on what we can gain and benefit from others. Our good works and performances are always counted as our way of gaining favors. Yet, the heart is in danger of being corrupted by greed. Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

    The tension and the conflict between those two brothers in the Gospel tell us how greed divides and destroys our relationships. The one who inherited the wealth from his father was the eldest who demanded that everything should only be for him because he was the eldest son. This was the culture before that reinforced the eldest son to be more self-entitled and indifferent.

    Jesus pointed this out also as he presented the parable of the rich man who after being contented only with that he possessed in this world had also become intoxicated by his own wealth and success. The rich man without any concern for others only saved for himself alone. His heart that has also grown entitled has become indifferent and unconcerned of the suffering of the people around him.

    However, Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians reminds us of this tendency in us. This comes from the “desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and impulses.” Yet, God who is rich in mercy, brought us to life with Christ – because of God’s great love for us.

    Paul continued to remind us that this freedom is not caused by us or by any good works we have done. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.”

    This means that we are actually not entitled to this gift. Such gift of life and freedom, forgiveness and peace, even our talents, achievements and success, power and wealth we enjoy are God’s gifts! These gifts are God’s initiative because God loves us and kind to us.

    Our Psalm for today even reechoes of who we truly are before God, “The Lord made us, we belong to him.”

    It is only right then, that we are actually called to give thanks to the Lord. The Psalm reminds us too, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Give thanks to him; bless his name, for he is good: the Lord, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.”

    From here, the Lord reminds us that the antidote to our self-entitled and demanding hearts is gratitude! No one is deserving and entitled to the graces and blessings from God. What the Lord grants to us, the life, healing and freedom that we received through faith in Jesus, is not caused by our merits or good works. Everything is God’s grace, because God is good, loving and faithful to us.

    We ask for this grace today, that we become more grateful to the Lord and to the many people around us. Let our gratitude be our ground as we do good things for others. Let our grateful hearts express concretely our faith in Jesus. Let us come near Jesus through the Sacraments of the Church, not because we are obliged, but because we are grateful. Hinaut pa.

  • OUR DESIRE TO BE SECURED

    OUR DESIRE TO BE SECURED

    October 20, 2024 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102024.cfm)

    What motivates me most these days? What drives me to do my best? What is it that I desire for myself? What is it really that I am looking for? – these few questions bring us into more awareness of where we are at the moment and how our actions and decisions are molded by what we nurture in our heart and mind.

    It is basic and natural to each of us to seek what would give us security and assurance in life. In every stage of our life, since our infancy until towards our older adulthood, having a sense of security and assurance is a must. This is the very reason why we do things and aspire to make our life comfortable, easier, and independent. We want and we need security in terms of material things in life and also security in our relationships. We seek security in our studies and jobs as well as in our friendship, family and marriage. We want a secured future for ourselves and for people whom we love.

    People, because of this nature in us, would also risk to invest their time, talent, treasure and whole person in order to achieve and gain a return of investment. In fact, just this month, political aspirants have just filed their certificate of candidacy. And as early as the first quarter of this year, there were already hundreds or even thousands of big tarpaulins with the over-sized photos of politicians along the streets and highways, in every corner and post. Such move is a way of securing themselves a seat in the political arena. And what drives and motivates our political aspirants? Public service? Political manipulation? Self-giving to the people? Or selfish political agenda?

    These are just few examples of our need and reality of wanting security in life. This reality is what this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time has also reminded us. And so, allow me to reflect with you how the Lord calls and challenges us to become better Christians.

    James and John, who were close relative of Jesus, cousins actually, dared to ask favor from Jesus. They said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” What they actually wanted was to have a secured seat when Jesus reigns in his kingdom. Each of them asked that each one will be able to sit one at his left and one at his right.

    The two actually imagined that Jesus’ kingship is like of this world filled with political power and manipulation, wealth and influence. Having a seat at his side will make them superior above other disciples. Why not? They were close relatives of Jesus. These two used this closeness with Jesus to secure their future and to advance such a selfish desire of being comfortable and staying in power.

    In our culture today, we call this “Padrino System.” This is value system in our Filipino Culture that gains favor, promotion, or political appointment because of family affiliation (called as nepotism) or through friendship (called us cronyism).[1] And this happens even if the person has no qualifications or not deserving at all.

    Nevertheless, this is motivated by selfishness. That is why, Jesus confronted the two that such selfish desire cannot be possible in the kingdom of God. To be entitled to it is futile because only God knows and only God grants.

    This irked the other disciples of Jesus because of the selfish intentions of the two. They wanted security in their life by securing a seat of power, thus, leaving the others behind. Indeed, it was expected that they must have compared each other as to who was better, brighter and closer to Jesus because each one also wanted security and assurance of what was to come.

    However, this became an opportunity for Jesus to teach the disciples of the value of the kingdom of God. What matters most is not what one can gain, or what we will be able to achieve, not even the influence, power or wealth that we gather and possess. In the Kingdom of God, to be great is to be able to give oneself for others. Greatness then is not measured as to how much people adore or praise us, but with our capacity to serve and to love. It is by being able to give oneself for the sake of others.

    Our security then is found not with the comforts and riches we have in this world, but with our relationship with the Son of Man, with Jesus. The Lord himself is our true security and assurance that above all else, the Lord gives us true comfort and contentment in life who first gave himself to brings to the fullness of life.

    This is what Prophet Isaiah told us in the first reading that through the life of the Suffering Servant (Jesus), we shall see the fullness of light and life. The letter to the Hebrews also reminds us of such security with Jesus as our High Priest for with him and in him we are given “confidence to approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace.”

    Hence, as we celebrate World Mission Sunday today, let Jesus himself be our true security and assurance and our contentment  through our capacity to serve and love others without any selfish intentions to seek praises and favor.

    Let our Christian faith then be a true expression of that capacity in us to serve and love others even when we called to make a sacrifice, for giving and in loving that we are already secured and assured in the kingdom of God. Hinaut pa.

    [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padrino_system#:~:text=The%20padrino%20system%2C%20or%20patronage,as%20opposed%20to%20one’s%20merit.