Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Fr. Jom Baring, CSsR

  • A GOD WHO HEALS

    A GOD WHO HEALS

    February 4, 2024 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm)

    Broken-hearted ka ba? Umasa pero pinaasa? Umibig pero sinaktan? – These questions seemed to be filled with pain in the heart. But, how are you really? How is life going on for you now? Perhaps many would respond, “Ok lang.” Others may say, “life is favorable for me at the moment, or God is good for the graces I received”. Others are indeed happy and contented with life. Indeed, we are blessed having such kind of life.

    Yet, how about those who are overburdened with problems in life? Those who are suffering from broken relationships and broken homes? Those who are terminally ill and desperate to live a bit longer? Those who find life dark, bitter and hopeless trapped in guilt, shame, loneliness, fear and anxiety? Then, we might find life filled with misery.

    This was the life of Job. In the first reading, Job found his life miserable. He lost his family, his wealth as well as his health. Because of so much suffering, he could not find any meaning and significance in all those pain and loneliness he endured.

    Why? Because Job was a good and pious man. He did no wrong to anybody. He was faithful to God. Thus, he felt that he did not deserve such kind of life. This is how he described his life to be “miserable,” “hopeless,” and “devoid of happiness.”

    We could also act like Job. We might also say, “I do not deserve such kind of misery in life, Lord. What have I done? Why do you give me such trial and suffering?” – We could actually say these especially when we are confronted with unspeakable human suffering.

    That is why, in misery, Job concluded, “I shall not see happiness anymore.” Job felt hopeless. He believed that God completely abandoned him. Yet, Job was wrong.  Job failed to realize two important points.

    First, he justified himself for being good. He seemed to demand God and became entitled that he should not be treated in such a way because he was good. For him, he did not deserve such misery but only prosperity and blessing.

    Second, Job misunderstood that God’s grace and favor are not about how good we are, but about God’s goodness and generosity. This means that to be blessed is a sheer grace.

    However, despite this attitude of Job, the Lord remained faithful to him. Later on, the Lord confronted Job and let him realize his failures. The Lord restored Job not because he was justified but because the Lord is good and close to the brokenhearted.

    This is what the Responsorial Psalm proclaimed today, “Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted!” The Lord binds up our wounds because the Lord is good and gracious! This is God’s true character. This tells us that indeed, God actually desires our healing, freedom, our joy and that we may have the fullness of life.

    That is why, Paul would never stop preaching the gospel of Christ. His First Letter to the Corinthians reminds us of Paul’s conviction to share the gospel because the very message brings the presence of Jesus who gives us joy, freedom and life. Paul even said, “to the weak I became weak, to win over the weak.” This means that Paul became a true companion and a friend to people especially the weak. By being able to enter into the life of those who are suffering, Paul understood them better and saw that Christ was as well with the weak and the suffering.

    A God who heals

    A God who desires joy and fullness of life for us is best described in today’s Gospel of Mark. Jesus went inside the house of Simon and Andrew. By being welcomed into that household, Jesus was made aware of the sick mother-in-law of Simon. And Jesus had three wonderful movements in this scenario.

    First, Jesus approached. Jesus did not wait for the sick to come to him. It was God who came near the sick. This manifests an intention to bring God’s presence closer to the sick.

    Second, he grasped her hand. Jesus brought God’s touch to the sick woman. God touching her meant God’s compassion towards her. The touch of Jesus was God’s most abiding presence giving her the strength.

    Third, he helped her up. The strength from God was the gift of healing granted to the sick mother-in-law. Because she was lying down and her fever overpowers her, she needed help from another. This very action of Jesus helping her up tells us that God supplements and journeys with us towards our freedom and healing.

    From these three movement, Jesus showed us how our presence, our touch and our concrete action in helping another will manifest the presence of God that brings comfort, compassion, healing and even life.

    This is the very reason why after the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, people with various diseases and those who are ill or possessed by demons flocked towards Jesus. Because the power of presence of Jesus is not of force and violence. People, rather, begin to recognize God’s compassion. In Jesus what we see and realize is God’s power who wills our joy and desires our healing to experience the fullness of life.

    For us today, let these three movements of Jesus be our invitations in our relationships. But first, let us welcome the Lord to come to us, to welcome him in our hearts. Not that we become entitled or demanding to God because we are good and pious.

    Then, let us allow the Lord through his instruments to approach us, to hold us, and to help us. They could be our friends or family members, professionals or even strangers who have the intention to love us.

    With that, we may also become God’s instruments who will manifest God’s powerful presence in our homes, workplaces and communities by approaching, holding and helping those who are sick, weak, vulnerable and the brokenhearted. Hinaut pa.

  • Bringing Nothing but Blessing

    Bringing Nothing but Blessing

    February 1, 2024 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020124.cfm)

    Ten years ago I was sent abroad for a mission exposure, I was told that I got 30 kilos of baggage allowance for my flight. Few nights before my flight, I had my own inventory on what I should bring for the one year mission experience in Indonesia. I kept looking at my things worried that I might forget something important and something that “I might need.”

    Aside from clothes, I prepared small things, vitamins and preventive medicines against malaria, books, camping and survival kit, treats and sweets for my sweet tooth and many other small things. Unsurprisingly, my luggage was overweight and I had to pay a few thousand pesos for that.

    Indeed, the worries and anxiety that I might need this and that made my luggage heavy and overweight. I was also overburdened as I carried my luggage. After all, when I was in the mission area, there were many things that I brought but I was not able to use them. I realized I had more than enough.

    Such a situation may also be true in other aspects of our life. One may be overburdened in his or her relationship because of the emotional baggage the person brings. An emotional baggage such as trauma from the past, guilt, shame, fear, anger, hatred or other insecurities could make our life more difficult and at times overwhelming and suffocating.

    This is how I find today’s Gospel passage to be so meaningful and significant. Jesus sent out the Twelve, two by two. They were given power to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick. However, in their journey, Jesus told them “to bring nothing except a walking stick.” They were “allowed to wear sandals but not a second tunic.”

    This journey sounds a bit harsh and difficult. A disciple could feel so vulnerable and insecure for not having other things in the journey. Yet, Jesus “gave them authority.” That authority is power. And that power is to bring blessing.

    Despite the poverty they had, the small things they possessed, the very presence of God among them and the power given to them suffice what they need. Moreover, such attitude to bring nothing but a walking stick was a invitation. There are two invitations here.

    1. First, to trust the generosity of God. The Lord shall provide the needs of His friends. The ever abiding presence of God is with them and to fully trust in God’s Providence is truly an act of faith. This is the realization of David at the end of his life. He learned to let go and entrust everything to God who is good and merciful. He is going the way of all flesh, as he said. God
    2. Second, to trust the generosity of the people. The reason why they were to bring nothing was to allow themselves become companions and friends of the people whom they were to encounter. They may have the power given by God to them, yet, they were not above the people or apart from the people. They were equal in status as companions and friends. They were to live among the people and be immersed in the life of the people. This is where the generosity of the people is welcomed and received with gratitude.

    Indeed, may we also learn and trust more the generosity of God and the generosity of people around us. That generosity may not be always material but also as an expression of support and understanding, warmth and affection, friendship and intimacy, care and compassion, mercy and forgiveness.

    Hence, as we move forward in whatever phase, track, or path we are in this journey of life, may we bring blessing to others. Hinaut pa.

  • Trusting God’s Strength vs Trusting a Man’s Strength

    Trusting God’s Strength vs Trusting a Man’s Strength

    January 31, 2024 – Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013124.cfm)

    To rely solely in our human strength, knowledge and wisdom can be so tempting especially when we want immediate results of what we desire. Becoming too proud of what we have achieved, gained and accumulated could make our heart arrogant making us adamant towards the grace and presence of God. This is the concern when we have less trust in God’s strength and put more trust and confidence to our human strength. This is the case in today’s readings.

    David was doubtful of God’s promise to aid him in a hundredfold of people. This was the reason why he ordered the census in order to be certain of his military power. However, doing so means not trusting the strength of God given to the people of Israel. Hence, David’s decision was an insult and a sin against God.

    Such action of David resulted to punishment of which he chose the third, and that was the pestilence over the city. This cost the lives of 70,000 people who died in the plague. However, David chose this because he realized the mercy of God. Though, his actions and wrong intentions directed only for his power and authority, but cost the lives of many. It was the people who suffered because of the failure of a leader.

    This doubt of David in God’s strength somehow reiterated among the neighbors of Jesus. The Lord who went home, preached and taught in his native place was received with offence and indifference.

    His own people, those whom he probability played with, worked with and his relatives doubted his capacity. They doubted his wisdom. They doubted his authority. They doubted his power. They took offense at him, as the Gospel said, because his own people, they who were very familiar with Jesus, only saw him as a son’s carpenter. He was too ordinary for them. Indeed, familiarity breeds contempt.

    As a consequence, the people did not believe despite what they have heard and seen. This was also the reason why Jesus can only cure few sick people by laying his hands on them, because of the lack of faith of many. That lack of faith prevented them to recognize God’s strength in Jesus. It prevented them too to acknowledge God’s wisdom and grace in Jesus.

    This is the invitation for us today and that is to grow more in our faith and trust in God’s strength to work in us. Though God gifted us with human wisdom, knowledge and strength may we not become too proud of what we have achieved. Rather, may we become more open and receptive of God’s power and strength even when that grace appears to be so ordinary and simple in our eyes and understanding. Hinaut pa.

  • A Touch may kill, A Touch may heal

    A Touch may kill, A Touch may heal

    January 30, 2024 – Tuesday 4th Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here foe the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013024.cfm)

    Human touch depending on our intention may bring death or may bring life. When our human touch is filled with malice, hatred and violence, then, it will surely bring destruction and pain to others around us. However, when touch is filled with grace, with love, affection, concern, and compassion, then, our touch may bring healing, peace, freedom and life.

    This is the case that we have heard in today’s readings. In the Second Book of Samuel, we were told of the tragic event of the death of Absalom, the son of David. Absalom led a rebellion against his father, King David. He wanted the throne for himself. Yet, his rebellion did not come out of the blue. There was already a steaming tension of hatred and violence within the house of David. His first-born son, Amnon, raped his half-sister, Tamar. Indeed, the touch of Amnon towards the beautiful Tamar, was filled with malice and lust.

    Though, the full brother of Tamar, Absalom did not also speak out, but kept quiet, leaving Tamar to suffer in silence. Yet, this became a venue for Absalom to foster hatred towards his half-brother Amnon, and also towards his father King David who turned a blind eye on this. This was the beginning of more violent actions within the house of David.

    Later, Absalom plotted to kill his half-brother and rebelled against his father. Even though, Absalom was able to get some army and territories of his father, yet, at the end, he was killed as told to us in today’s reading. With his death, David mourned over the loss of his son. Nevertheless, David’s grasped and insecurity over his throne and power led to the death of his sons and destruction of his own family.

    However, in the Gospel of Mark, we have heard different forms of touch. This time, the touch brings healing, freedom and life. There were two forms that I would like to emphasize.

    First, humanity’s touch to the Divine. This was the experience of the woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. In hope and faith she  reached out in order to touch even the cloak of Jesus. And indeed, her touch of the Divine brought her healing. Jesus affirmed her “courageous and daring faith.” She did not give in to desperation and hopelessness but to faith. This made her to touch the Divine and became a recipient of grace.

    Second, God’s touch to humanity. This was witnessed by Jairus, his wife as well as Peter, James and John. Jesus “took the child by the hand” and said to her, “Talitha koum!” At that, life was given back to the dead girl. The touch of Jesus was more powerful than death and grief transforming them into life and joy.

    This reveals to us now how our touch can actually become a channel of grace and blessing. We too are reminded that the Lord would always allow us to touch him. Let us not be ashamed or fearful in reaching out to God. The way we touch sacred and holy objects in our church is even our way of expressing it already. The sacraments we have in the church are God’s way of making us aware that we are welcome to touch the Divine and be touched by His grace.

    Let us also see and evaluate the way we touch others if this is filled with malice, insecurity, selfishness or hatred. Such intentions will only bring violence and death. Rather, let our touch be more of faith, love, concern, mercy and compassion so that we too may become channels of grace, blessing, healing and life. Hinaut pa.

  • THE CHILD IN US

    THE CHILD IN US

    January 21, 2024 – Feast of the Sto. Niño

    Is. 9:1-6; Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6,15-18; Mk 10:13-16

    What kind of a child do we have in our heart? We may not be a child physically, but we may still ack like a child. To act like a child does not necessarily connote negative sides. Recognizing the child in us will surely make us more aware of who we are, the intentions of our heart, the kind of dream and hopes we have as well as the pain, the sadness or the trauma that we have endured.

    Hence, on this feast of the Sto. Niño, I would like to focus on the qualities of the child that may be in us, and to see how the Lord Jesus, born as a child to Mary and Joseph, invites us today.

    Psychologists and Psychiatrists have coined the term “adult children” or adults with unresolved childhood issues. This term tells us that though we may be already an adult or even in advanced age, yet, we still carry issues and problems in us that originated in our childhood. Not being able to reconcile or not able to find resolutions to the issues before may affect us greatly in the way we relate with others and with God, being shown in our patterned behaviors and attitudes.

    Dr. Charles Whitfield an American physician and psychotherapist refers to the inner child in us as the “real self.” This inner child in us may have suffered or wounded by armed conflicts which is common here in our region in Lanao, or caused by natural disasters, family problems, deprivation of basic needs like food and clothing, parental neglect and lack of affection and affirmation or by abuse (physical, verbal, emotional or sexual).

    As adult children or adults with unresolved issues we manifest childish behaviors. Being “childish” reveals our negative and selfish attitudes. A child can throw up tantrums when displeased and does not get what he/she wanted. This attitude of a child is an unconscious form of control and manipulation to get what he/she desired.

    Being childish is being selfish to get what we want no matter how unfair that would be to others. Being childish focuses on what “satisfies me” and on what “I can gain.”  To be childish prevents us to “listen” to what is more important. It also prevents us to believe and to accept other ideas because we are already convinced of our own judgments and beliefs. Thus, being childish is also characterized by being indifferent.

    Thus, because of the unresolved and unreconciled issues we have in the past, we become childish. Our inner child is trapped in that painful past, in that trauma or deprivation, hence, making us in the present to be insecure, fearful, and selfish.

    That is why, there is a need for us to find healing and reconciliation so that our inner child will be free. Only then that we become “childlike,” a quality of a child that expresses confidence, innocence, trust, faith and affection. Being childlike, we see the world through the eyes of a child, non-judgmental and free of prejudices. Being childlike, we express our hopes and dreams without being terrified of what lies ahead of us. Being childlike, we embrace and enjoy the present moment and become more contented of what we have. Being childlike, our heart is always filled with gratitude and faith.

    This is the call and reminded of Jesus to his disciples as proclaimed by the Gospel of Mark. The disciples of Jesus who at first did not like people bringing children to Jesus, as being scolded by the Lord. Jesus made a point and taught a very important lesson and that is in finding the kingdom of God among the presence of the children.

    Children, who at that time, had no legal identity. They less important in the society because they are not adults yet, thus, not fully developed persons. However, the Kingdom of God belongs to the children. This is true because of the very qualities of children, and that is of being trusting, open and dependent.

    Yet, to our hearts that have become cold, indifferent, judgmental, corrupt and selfish, the Kingdom of God becomes too far from us, not because God does not want us, but because we do not want to be with God. That is why, Jesus reminded all of us, “whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child, will not enter it.” Only by having the heart of child that expresses true confidence and faith in the Father, that we shall also be able to embrace Kingdom of God already in us.

    This is the message and the call for us today as we celebrate the feast of the Sto. Niño, Jesus’ image as a child who have shown us what it is to be childlike, how it is to be childlike. Hence, there are three invitations for us today.

    BE RECONCILED WITH THE PAST. Let us not burden ourselves today with our issues when we were children. Let not what happened in the past, control or manipulate us at present. Seek resolution, reconciliation and healing so what we may be able to live in freedom and peace.

    PROTECT THE CHILDREN. Let us nurture a home, a community and a church that protects the rights of children, that nurtures the potentials of our children and encourages growth and maturity of our children. To us adults, be mindful not to cause harm, danger or abuse to children. Rather, express love and affection, affirm and recognize the worth and value of our children.

    LET US ALL BE CHILDLIKE. Let not selfishness limit our heart. Let not insecurities and negativities ruin our relationships. Let us rather re-claim and re-affirm our inner child and become trusting, dependent to God, open and embracing. Hinaut pa.