Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Liturgical Year A

  • John is his name, because God is Gracious

    John is his name, because God is Gracious

    December 23, 2019 – Monday of the 4th Week of Advent

    Click here for the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122319.cfm

    Homily

    The Lord promised to send a Messiah who will come to us in order to save us. But before the Messiah will come, a person shall be sent first to serve as a herald who will prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah. This herald will not only announce the coming of the Messiah but he too will lead the people to recognize who the Messiah is.

    In the prophecy from the Book of Malachi, this person shall lead and gather the people to see God. He will be like a refiner’s fire who will teach and correct the wrong of the people. In this way, this person will lead the people to repentance to fully welcome the Lord. The birth of this person is not by accident but planned well by God.

    We have heard in the first reading how Malachi described God sending the messenger who is also the message himself of God. This means that the life of this person is the message of God to make the people prepare themselves for God’s coming. This is God’s promise that is  to be first fulfilled through the participation of humanity, through us.

    The Gospel reveals further to us how God planned everything so that we will be able to recognize Him. The birth of John was announced to an old couple, to Zachariah and Elizabeth. For the Jews, if a couple has no child, it means that they are not favored by God and worst they too believed that the couple are cursed. 

    However, to the surprise of this old couple an angel announced that they will have a son.  Elizabeth welcomed the message from God, but her husband, because it was too much to believe could not accept God’s gift. That is why, Zechariah was silenced by God. He only recovered his voice when his son was born. It was when he gave the name John to his son that the Lord opened his mouth again because the Lord is gracious. Yes, the name John or Johannes means the Lord is gracious. Zechariah realized that his son is God’s message to him.

    The birth of John is a divine manifestation that God is indeed gracious and faithful despite our unbelief and doubts. God continues to reveal himself to us even though we refuse to believe.

    This was the role of John and that was to bring people again to believe that God has never abandoned us. God remembers and He is here with us. This made John a great and important prophet because he reminded the people about God, made people recognize God and brought them close to God. He was indeed a refiner’s fire because he challenged the people’s way of life and called them to get out from their comfort zones of power, influence, abuse, sin and corruption.  Yet, because of this role of John, it caused John’s life. He was martyred, beheaded actually, because of this cause to make people recognize that God is gracious

    For all of us, we may ask ourselves, “What is God’s plan for me now? What does God want me to be now? Is there also a divine purpose of my life?” 

    We are called today to be the modern John the Baptist of God. Yes, you and me who have been baptized in the name of God have been called to proclaim God’s graciousness. We are called to lead people back to God and to discover a life filled with peace and love with God and with each other.

    How do we do it then?

    You as parents, you are in the best position to lead your children to God. You are there to prepare the way of the Lord in the hearts of your children. Teachers, educators and persons who are in authority, you too are in the position to influence your students, mentees and subjects to discover God in your authority. As friends, co-workers, and classmates we too are in the position to let those people around us to realize that God is in us. Through us, people around us may discover and be led closer to God.

    Let us include in our prayers today to make John alive in each of us. It also means that we make ever present God’s graciousness in us because we will become a witness to God’s grace. Hopefully, through this vocation of bringing people close to God, we as a community, will also journey closer to God as we struggle to recognize God daily in our life despite our unbelief and refusal to believe in God’s graciousness to us. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • Looking for a sign from God? You are actually the sign.

    Looking for a sign from God? You are actually the sign.

    December 22, 2019 – 4th Sunday of Advent

    Click here for the readingshttp://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122219.cfm

    Homily

    Are you also looking for a sign from God?

    We usually ask a sign from God to confirm our decisions or to make us confident. We seek God’s sign especially in times of trials and when we begin to doubt Him. I have particularly asked God’s sign if I should be a Redemptorist priest. Many of my friends shared also to me that they too have also tried asking a sign from God when they have to make an important decision in life.

    However, what we have heard in the first reading is a different story because it was the Lord who asked a man, Ahaz, the King of Judah to ask a sign so that Ahaz may believe. Ahaz’s story seemed to be very good because he did not ask a sign from God. However, his refusal to ask a sign from God was actually a refusal to believe in God.

    Ahaz sold himself to another god, which was to the King of Assyria. He sold himself because he thought that Assyria will only be the one who can grant immediate protection and salvation for him and his kingdom. The kingdom of Judah was under the threat of two other kingdoms. Instead of trusting the Lord to protect and save him, he went to another god. 

    That is why, it was the Lord himself who offered Ahaz to ask Him a sign so that Ahaz may believe that God will bring salvation. Yet, even though Ahaz refused, God still promised a sign of salvation. This sign is through a virgin who will conceive a son. This son will be called Emmanuel, meaning, God is with us.

    This is the sign, that even in the midst of our own disbelief, doubts and even refusal to believe, God remains with us. Yes, God remains our God and continues to be for us and with us. God’s faithfulness in us despite our unfaithfulness, and God’s generosity despite our ingratitude is what our Gospel is conveying to us today on this 4th Sunday of Advent. 

    We have lighted the 4th candle that symbolizes love. The greatest sign that we have received is the sign of the Emmanuel, the Lord who is with us. This is the very sign that Joseph received in the midst of his confusion, doubts and intrigues surrounding the pregnancy of Mary.

    That is why the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help captures beautifully this great sign from God. The Virgin Mary who is carrying the son, the Emmanuel in her arms, is the great sign that God showed to us.

    Thus, in this image also, Jesus is in fact the true perpetual help, whom the Father sent to be the greatest sign of his love and compassion to us. Mary is instrumental because through her, God’s sign has been brought to us. She allowed herself to be God’s instrument of help and compassion, to be the mother of the Perpetual Help.

    What is it to you and to me now, to us who are about to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the greatest sign we have received? 

    You and I are called now to become God’s sign of help and compassion. It means that this Christmas should not only remain a mere devotional practice or a commercial event that encourages consumers to buy more things.  However, the spirit of Christmas must flow into our actions and words and into our decisions and choices towards becoming God’s sign of love and compassion for others.

    Thus, I would like to invite you to extend your help to someone who is most in need, perhaps your friend, co-worker, relative or even a stranger. Console and give comfort to those who are in pain. Support and promote life and oppose those who destroy it because these are the ways that we will truly become God’s sign. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • God’s gift requires big responsibility

    God’s gift requires big responsibility

    December 22, 2019 – 4th Sunday of Advent

    Click here for the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122219.cfm

    Homily by Fr. Mar Masangcay, CSsR, a Filipino Redemptorist based in South Korea.

    Aside from the sin of disobedience, what is other sin committed by Adam and Eve? Many of us would think that by eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve have just committed the sin of disobedience to God. However, our first parents were also guilty of the sin of irresponsibility – for not taking responsibility for their action. When God asked about eating the fruit, Adam blamed Eve; and then, Eve blamed the serpent. Instead of claiming responsibility for their own actions, they blame each other and others, other than themselves; and because of this, sinfulness bound and begins to exist in their lives and our lives as well.

    This is very true with our experiences in life. Whenever we start not to take responsibility for our actions, try to run away from our responsibilities and start to blame others than ourselves, trouble, chaos and suffering is always present. But when we become responsible for ourselves and take full responsibility for one’s action, blessings, chances and mercies prevail.

    Today, we hear the annunciation of Jesus as experienced by Joseph. After Mary has taken the responsibility to be the mother of the son of God, Jesus, here now Joseph was invited to be the father of the child. Our gospel tells us how difficult it must be for Joseph to decide to accept the task of becoming a father to the child. Joseph was in a situation where Mary, his girlfriend is pregnant – “before they lived together, she was found with child.” But he knew that the child was not his. Why should he father a child whom is not of his blood? Would he let the child carry his name? Surely a dilemma for Joseph. It would be reasonable for him to deny and leave Mary and the child. But having heard God’s challenge and assurance, like Mary, Joseph accepted the responsibility, and as father to Jesus, he did his task in taking care and bringing up the word of God incarnated – becoming flesh – in our lives.

    The story of our Christian life started when God offers us a Present, a Gift of His only begotten son, Jesus. God’s priceless and most important gift to us is Jesus, the word of God made flesh. But Jesus is also our Responsibility. Accepting Him, as God’s gift requires big responsibility. Since God’s gift came as a child, Jesus needs human parents. Jesus needs a mother and father. Mary consented to be his mother and Joseph agreed to be his father. By taking responsibility for the child Jesus, they become parents to God’s gift, which eventually brings change and difference in their lives and our lives as well.

    Like, Joseph and Mary, we are also invited to take responsibility for Jesus in our lives. It is only by our acceptance of both the gift and responsibility of God’s gift to us; God’s redemption flourishes and continues to renew our lives. It is only by our being sponsors, benefactors, or poster parent to life and mission of Jesus in our lives, that God’s salvation continue to be present in our life today. Taking this responsibility entails us not only our sacrifice but moreso our total commitment.

    Which reminds me of about the hen and the pig. A hen and pig wish to please their caretaker. When the hen suggested that they will treat their caretaker a breakfast of “bacon and egg”, the pig argued: “Bacon and Egg” for you, might be a great sacrifice but for me, it’s a total commitment.

    We, Christian should then be committed to our responsibility and mission of making Jesus present and alive in our lives today.

    As Christmas draws near, may we become more responsible parent, sponsor, benefactor of Jesus, God’s son, in our lives now and forever. Amen.

  • To believe like Mary

    To believe like Mary

    December 20, 2019 – Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent

    Click here for the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122019.cfm

    Homily

    What does it really mean to believe? 

    Our Gospel today reveals something to us as we are approaching the Birth of Jesus. Today’s Gospel brings into that memory where Mary believed despite the unbelievable circumstances in her life. 

    The Angel Gabriel greeted Mary, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!” Reflecting upon it, we find that the greeting is so deep. It is a statement from God that Mary is certainly favored and that God is delighted with Mary. Mary is, indeed, filled with GOD!

    In her simplicity and being an ordinary woman, she accepted God’s invitation extra-ordinarily because ‘she believed’. In her simplicity, Mary felt the trouble of being honored as favored by God. I am sure that Mary with her human emotions felt confused and afraid when the angel appeared before her. The revelation of the angel was difficult to understand, thus, she pondered in her heart the meaning of those.

    These troubles, confusion and fear led her to ask in all honesty, “how can it be?” It was neither a question of defiance nor of doubts but of concern on how she would go about it. The answer she got was God’s promise, that God is with her. 

    This promise from God inspired Mary and motivated her to give her consent, her big YES to God. Mary was called by God to be the Mother of Jesus, and Mary responded with joy and confidence. Her response is out of gratitude to God for being good to her and out of love and kindness for that was her experience with God. 

    Indeed, Mary’s whole life knew only love. There is no bitterness in the heart of Mary; no scars of fear or hate, only love. That is why, Mary would always choose to love which she always does. This love of Mary makes her affectionately close to us. Thus, we should neither fear nor hesitate to be close to her.

    The mission of Mary now was to be part of our story of salvation. Mary has a big role here, and that is, to be the Mother of the Redeemer of the World, who will bring peace and mercy. With Mary’s open heart, pure conscience, deep faith and love in God, she accepted the call from God and prompted her to declare, “Behold, I am God’s servant. Let it be done to me according to your word!” She owned this statement and kept it in her heart despite her confusions and anxieties. However, it was Mary’s leap of faith that made her confident before the Lord.

    Everything became possible with God because Mary believed. Remember, God cannot and will not work wonders with us unless we give our consent and believe.

    This is the invitation today for us, TO BELIEVE, because God reveals His presence in the events of our ordinary life. That day for Mary seemed to be just an ordinary day, but the revelation from the Angel just made the day anew.

    TO BELIEVE, then, is to be constantly aware of God’s many revelations in every single moment of our life. 

    TO BELIEVE is to trust in the Lord’s Words despite our troubles and questions, worries and anxieties. Mary pondered in her heart what had been revealed to her.

    TO BELIEVE in the Lord also means to be aware of the needs of others. Mary responded to God because her participation is vital for our salvation.

    TO BELIEVE is to listen to God’s invitation that through our life, God can make wonders, that through Mary’s simplicity, God brings forth creation.

    TO BELIEVE also means being pregnant with God’s presence. Yes, God invites us today that our life, our words and actions, and our relationships with one another will become pregnant with His loving and compassionate presence. 

    With those, let us also welcome Mary and journey with her in our life because it also means to receive Jesus in our lives for she will bring us closer to Jesus. Let us express then our deep gratitude to God because of this wonderful gift given to us through the person of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • Do you like surprises? Because God has a surprise for each of us

    Do you like surprises? Because God has a surprise for each of us

    December 19, 2019 – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent

    Click here for the readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121919.cfm

    Homily

    Do you like surprises? Or do you like to be surprised?

    When I was very young I really liked to be surprised because as a child, a surprise is a stimulus that creates excitement and happiness. Yet, as I was growing up I also gradually realized that I did not want any surprise anymore. I began to become calculating in what I say and in what I do. This has become the way I was brought up at home and at school. But more than this, I also grew up in an environment where a particular mistake or failure has a particular punishment.

    As a child, a punishment whether verbal or physical can be painful and shameful. Because of such experiences, I learned many lessons not to commit the same mistakes over and over again. As a result, I became very careful in what I say and with the things that I do. In fact, this helped me to become an organized person. Because of this too, I have become an obedient boy. I carefully followed orders as well as rules and regulations at school. Nevertheless, I became indignant to something that may come as a surprise or spontaneous. Thus, I refused to be surprised because I feel insecure and not prepared. I settled to what was only familiar to me, to what was routine and mechanical . Yet, I also tend to be complacent and rejecting to what was spontaneous and surprising.

    However, the readings that we have today shed light to my own experience and rather called me to what God desires for me and for all of us. So, let us go through once again the scriptures and discover how God is surprising us today.

    The Book of Judges tells us the story of the birth of Samson. Manoah and his wife, who was not named, were surprised by God. His wife was barren, therefore, she cannot conceived a child. However, in a surprising way, God blessed her with the visit of an angel. That angel announced to her the good news from the Lord. Being intuitive and receptive to God’s presence, she welcomed this surprise despite the physical limitations she had of being barren. 

    This tells us that there is something really good with the mother of Samson. Despite the pain of being shamed by people around her, just being barren, she never lost the attitude of being receptive and welcoming to God’s presence. She might have prayed a lot before this but for many years, her prayers remained unanswered. Heavens seemed to be too far from her and God’s ears seemed to be unavailable. Yet, she has never lost hope and thus, never lost her heart that longed for God’s surprise.

    However, in the announcement of the Birth of John to Zechariah, we have heard a different attitude from him. With the news proclaimed by Angel Gabriel, God’s surprise was just so damn good… that Zechariah couldn’t believe that in his old age with his old wife Elizabeth, they would be having a son. It was just so damn good that he refused to believe the great news from God.

    But we may wonder, how could Zechariah a priest of God become so numb and disbelieving of God’s surprise for him? 

    In the Biblical tradition, the revelation of God to Zechariah was the first since the last revelation in the Old Testament that ended in the Book of Malachi.  There was about 400 years of silence from heaven. There were no prophets and no revelations from Yahweh.

    From this, we could just presume that Zechariah had also become too apathetic to anything new and any surprise from God. He was just so used to his routine and to the many days that had become too ordinary for him. Yet, he had become indifferent to God’s surprise because his prayers to have a child seemed not been heard. 

    We too are not far from Zechariah. We might be tempted also to settle for what is routine, mechanical and ordinary because our prayers remained unanswered and our dreams remained unfulfilled. We might become lifeless in our prayers and relationship with one another because everything seemed to be just so ordinary. This may lead us to relate with God and with others in a lazy, complacent, automatic and uninterested way. 

    These attitudes, therefore, will prevent us from being more sensitive to God’s way of surprising us. Thus, in today’s Gospel, we are invited to encounter the Lord with an attitude of sensitivity and receptivity.

    God calls us to be sensitive to his surprises, which also means to be more aware of His presence in our life and in the life of others even in the midst of the ordinary, of the routine and of the usual. God comes to surprise us out of the blue because he loves to surprise us.

    God calls us also to be open and welcoming of His presence and of his surprise. God’s surprise will be worthless if we are not open to Him and refuse to be surprised by Him. An attitude that is receptive of God, makes us become childlike where in, we free ourselves from fear and anxieties, including judgments and biases. Thus, allow God to surprise us because, certainly, he has a surprise for each of us.

    Indeed, may God surprise us all the more in this joyful season that like that woman, the mother of Samson and Zechariah too, we shall praise the Lord with our lips and hearts because God is good and faithful to us. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR