Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Ordinary Time

  • HEALING AND COMPLETENESS

    HEALING AND COMPLETENESS

    February 11, 2025 – Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Our Lady of Lourdes, Memorial

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021125.cfm)

    Illness or being ill is not only limited to the ailments that we feel in our physical bodies. In fact, there is also a so called spiritual illness or psychological/emotional illness. For this reason, our desire for healing, completeness and restoration should involve the whole aspect of our life.

    Yet, we also know that detecting our own illness can also be difficult at time especially when such illness is beyond the physical. Indeed, illness of the spiritual, psychological/emotional sickness can be challenging to identify and admit. When it is the mind, the heart or soul that becomes sick, we could easily hide our illness from the pretentions and facades that we develop.

    This is in particular what our readings bring to light today as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes in France and the World Day of the Sick. Certainly, there is a need for us to ask for that grace of healing in all aspects of life that begins in acknowledging our own illness. And so, to help us better understand and appreciate the wisdom of the today’s liturgy let us discern together the wisdom behind the Holy Scriptures.

    In Mark’s Gospel, it was understood that the Pharisees were known in the Jewish society at that time of Jesus to observe strictly the traditional and written law of Moses. They too were known to follow the law up to its most trivial practices like that of washing of hands before meal, washing the dishes and even the beds. With such strict observance of the laws, these people seemed to be filled with pretentions and feeling of superiority. These mindsets where already symptoms of their spiritual illness which they find difficult to admit.

    However, despite their strict observance, the integrity of their faith was in question. The sincerity of their action was doubtful. This was something that Jesus wanted them to realize so that they too will be healed from such wrong belief.

    Jesus wanted these people to see that our relationship with God is not tied up in following the minutest detail of the law and of human-made traditions and rituals. Having faith is not about making others look us up because of the many rituals that we do or the many prayers that we have memorized. To have faith is never about becoming self-righteous and superior from others.

    Hence, Jesus confronted the Pharisees and some of those scribes with them because Jesus knew their hearts. Citing Prophet Isaiah, Jesus said referring to them, “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.”

    This was how Jesus pointed out the illness, plunder and evil in the heart of these people. This means that what they were really after was not to please and worship God but to make people worship them. Again, Jesus said about them, “You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”

    Thus, what is more important, then, is not our good image before the public or the praise that we get by being righteous and upright in front of the people but our heart that expresses our goodness, generosity, concern and love. God is also not after how much titles and recognitions we have gathered and received but the sincerity of our words and actions, the capacity of ourselves to embrace others and to give ourselves for others. These capacities are expressions of a healthy and well-rounded heart and soul.

    In fact, this is what our first reading reminds us today. The Book of Genesis told us that as God created every creature on earth, God created us in his own image and likeness. We, certainly, possess the divine image of God in us. God’s nature of creating and giving life, of nurturing and developing life are in us as well. God’s nature of loving, of unity and creativity are with us as well. Hence, suppressing or hiding those qualities given to us would be a form of injustice to the Divine Giver.

    Moreover, when we lose these very natures in us which have been shared by God to us, this might mean that we are sick because our hearts have become away from the grace of God. What causes us to be that sick is when we distance ourselves from the grace of the Lord, when we fill more our heart with selfish desires, when we foster hatred and anger and indifference in our heart.

    Therefore, Jesus calls us today to rather express the Divine Image in us by participating in the on-going work of God in us and in the world. That means that God has actually never stopped creating and giving life. God continues to work in us, with us and through us so that the fullness of life may be fully manifested.

    This is manifested today in the two sacraments that we are celebrating, the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick that bring healing and restoration to our physical body and spirit. And we are more assured today, as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, because we are given extra confidence that Mary, our Mother is there with us, praying for us and desiring for our healing and completeness.

    Therefore, as we pray and ask for the grace of healing, let us also listen and respond to the call of Jesus today to express freely the divine image in us that gives life, that inspires life and that creates life.

    As we receive God’s grace of healing, let us allow the divine image in us to flow into our relationships, into our families and friends, into our commitments and endeavors, into our work and profession and into our organization and communities so that we too will become bearers of healing. Hinaut pa.

  • OUR IMPERFECTIONS ARE OPENINGS OF GOD’S GRACE

    OUR IMPERFECTIONS ARE OPENINGS OF GOD’S GRACE

    February 9, 2025 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm)

    There was this story of a cracked pot[1], which you may have already heard. There was once a woman who would fetch water from a nearby river every morning. She would carry a long pole of which two earthen pots hung. One pot was perfectly formed. Meanwhile, the other one has a crack on its side.

    Every day for several years, the one with a crack would only have a half full of water upon arrival at the house. Because of this, the cracked pot pitied itself for being imperfect and defective. The pot felt ashamed and depressed for it could not serve fully the woman. Then, one day at the usual spot at the river, the cracked pot found its voice and expressed to the woman,

    “I am so sorry. Every day for many years you filled me with water, yet, I was always half empty.  It must be tiring and frustrating for you to have me. In contrast, the other pot is perfect and would always deliver water without any single drop. This crack in me pained and shamed me daily. You must have wanted to get rid of me. I only give you difficulty. I would understand when you would replace me with a perfect one.”

    The woman listened to the cracked pot with care and affection. Then, she responded, “On our way home, I want you to look at the side of the path where your water drips off. You seemed to be overwhelmed by your imperfection, but recognize also how the defect in you bring beauty to the world.”

    The cracked pot wondered and was confused. And so, on their way home, the cracked pot looked intently at the side of the path where its water was dripping. There it saw the beautiful flowers on the side of the road.

    The woman, in her wisdom sprinkled seeds of flowers knowing of the crack of the pot. And so every time, after collecting water, the pot with its crack on its side would water those seeds that eventually produced flowers.

    This wonderful story tells us now how our imperfection or the defects in us could also be channels of life, of beauty, of hope and of grace. This is what I want to expound more on this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time as our readings call us now to recognize that indeed, our imperfections can be openings of God’s grace.

    In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah realized his sinfulness in front of the Lord God. He said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips.”

    Yet, the Lord purged the lips of Isaiah of which his wickedness was removed. Isaiah received mercy and from there heard the call, “Whom shall I send?” And so, Isaiah responded, “Here I am. Send me!”

    Similarly, Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians also recognized his past sins and failures. He said, “I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God.” But Paul met the Risen Jesus and through that encounter he realized how wrong he was. He was blinded by his own arrogance, hatred and anger. Yet, the Lord remained merciful to him. That became the way for Paul to respond to Jesus’ invitation to change and renewal.

    In the same manner, Peter had an earlier experience when he too realized his own sinfulness. The Gospel of Luke described to us, “Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and said, ‘Depart from me Lord, for I am sinful man.” It was after Peter realized the goodness of the Lord who was in front of him. The abundance of the fish after his failed attempt the night before, taught him that with the Lord there is life. It was in that way as well that Peter received the invitation to follow the Lord.

    All three became aware of their sinfulness, the imperfections in them in front of the Lord. Yet, it was through that awareness that the Lord worked wonders through them. In fact, the Lord called them and did wonderful things in their life not because of their worthiness or the great things they have done in their life.

    The very imperfections in them became openings for God’s grace to transform them and to flow through them. Wonderfully, Isaiah was gifted with prophecy. Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles and was able to build many Christian Communities. And Peter was called to share in the mission of Jesus.

    And again, all these happened not because of their worthiness but because the Lord chooses those who are willing to accept and embrace His grace. It is that grace of forgiveness and mercy that transformed them.

    What makes their stories richer were the common experiences they had. Each of them encountered the Lord. And that very encounter with God led them to transformation and to mission. This tells us that real encounter with God will strip us of our pretentions, insecurities, fears and shame. We become more aware of the cracks in us.

    Yet, in those moments of awareness of our cracks or imperfections that the Lord is more forgiving and merciful to us. The Lord knows our sins. The Lord sees our cracks. But God does not wish to destroy us or to get rid of us. God desires that from our own humanity, with all our imperfections, God shall work wonders for us and for our community just as he transformed men and women in our history.

    These are the two take-aways now that I want you to bring this Sunday.

    First, allow the Lord to change us. This begins in acknowledging our sinfulness and in taking responsibility of our failures. May we not cover our cracks and pretend as if there is nothing wrong with us. Let us not bury ourselves as well in shame and fear for having imperfections just like what happened to the cracked pot. So let us seek forgiveness and reconciliation with the people whom we have hurt and by embracing mercy in the Sacrament of Confession. Indeed, this requires us to be truly humble and honest.

    Second, allow the Lord to empower us. As we become aware that the imperfections in us are openings of God’s grace, then, let us cooperate with that grace so that change will be possible in us. God’s Divine Wisdom shall transform the cracks in us, the imperfections that we have into channels of grace. This is how we are called to become instruments of mercy, love, peace and reconciliation in our communities and homes. This means that we called to bring the grace in our very life as a parent, as a professional, as a leader, as a vendor or worker or simply as a friend, classmate or as a young person. Hinaut pa.

    [1] https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/blog/authentic-and-ethical-leadership/cracked-pot/ (This story is not in its original version. I have made some changes to fit the message I want to bring out)

  • INTO THE DEEP

    INTO THE DEEP

    February 9, 2025 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm)

    Although he was despised by his own people in his own hometown, Jesus continues on to proclaim God’s presence in us. Rejection did not deter and discourage him to move on with His mission of making God known and share Good News of God’s kingdom to all. Instead we hear him now going to other villages and inviting people, calling them to follow and join him in his mission.

    Particularly we hear today how he called Peter. He challenged Peter: “Put out into the deep, and lower your nets for a catch”. Now here is Jesus, an ordinary man – a carpenter himself, who knows God but nothing about fishing, telling Peter – a seasoned fisherman who is having a bad day, to go fishing again.

    Peter may have normally reply: “Naunsa ka? Ano ka, hilo? Been there, done that. Time to pack up and leave.” But still Jesus challenged him, “Go out into the deep”. Surely there is more to Jesus’ words than merely about fishing. It also means: “don’t give up/ sail on/ try anew/ please, give oneself, others and me anew chance/ go deeper”. These words also tell and teach Peter and us now about our life and faith as His followers & believers

    For why “go into the deep”? What is special about the deep? We don’t like deep waters because it is mysterious, dangerous, and risky. We rather go to shallow waters because we are safe, manageable and in our comfort zone. Shallow waters however are usually dirty and unclear, noisy, and loud, and above all, less possible catch, if none at all. Deep waters instead are usually clear and clean, calm, and soft, and above all, more possible catch. In other words, there is more life and faith in our deep than in our shallow fishing journey-expedition of life.

    Somehow Jesus challenges us here to explore three depths in our experience of life.

    First, we are invited to explore the depth of our poverty, hopelessness, and helplessness. Peter was in a crisis situation, “no catch”, and about to give up. But with Jesus’ challenge, he goes beyond his misery and dare to do the unusual and unknown: “go again and deeper”, because of this, he never missed but instead have witnessed another life-opportunity ahead and anew. In the same way, in our hopelessness, helplessness, misery and crisis-situation, we are called to go beyond our comfort zones, and dare to try the unusual and unknown, and see better opportunities and possibilities than before. Again the invitation is, “if and when given another chance, would you do it again or anew, as before or better than before?”

    Second, we are invited to go beyond the depth of our self-centeredness and explore the depth of our feeling and concern for others. Despite the possible threat of failure again and ridicule, Peter became self-less and still gave in to the somehow nonsense request and crazy challenge of Jesus. Along with that, he also selflessly shared his great catch with others as he called his partners to help him and Jesus. In the same way, whenever we consider ourselves less, we become aware of others.

    And third, we are called to go beyond our unworthiness, and discover the depth of our faith in God. After the miracle of great catch, Peter fell down at his knees and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man”.

    Although we know how blessed we are, at times we cannot help but feel unworthy and undeserving of God. Even St. Paul and prophets felt the same way – that with God’s grace, we feel that we are weak, wrong, bad, unworthy, not fit or qualified and worthless. We may have felt this way, but we should also realize that all these blessings are not about us, you and me, but all about Him with us and us with Him. It is all about having faith in Him – being in relationship with Him for direction, resource and meaning.

    Yes, we may say: “I am not fit, unworthy, undeserving, and unqualified, BUT STILL I am called, invited, blessed and sent to be His fishing and life partner – “By God’s grace With Us, We are blessed and graced, undeserving we may be,” as St. Paul would say.

    Thus, there is more to our helplessness, self-centeredness, and unworthiness, but better opportunities, more concern for others and deeper faith in God. So now, whenever we hear Jesus’ word “Put out into the deep and lower your nets”, His message, call and challenge to you and us, is to TRY ANEW: go deeper and give faith and life another new chance, for a great catch and better life ahead for you and to all.

    Consider moreso that Jesus meets us half-way. He takes & choose us as we are now in our limits & potentials (not what we were & should be). But he also sees the better & best in us for there is more to us than what it seems. He recognizes Ours Gems deep within us – hidden, sinister, mysterious & obvious it maybe. All He wants from us is to follow Him into our depths within as our mission & contribution for God’s abundance catch of graces to happen before all.

    As we are beginning another New Year: a new chance again to make Life Better for You, for others and Him, may we be trusting and daring enough to heed Jesus’ challenge for us to: “Put out into the deep and lower our nets” to the great catch of blessing offered ahead of us.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • Letting Go: Embracing Essential Blessings in Life

    Letting Go: Embracing Essential Blessings in Life

    February 6, 2025 – Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020625.cfm)

    Have you experienced of having the thought of “I might need this… I might need that”? And because this can grow into a form of anxiety, this could develop to be a kind of compulsion in us. We could experience it when we are about to travel to somewhere else. Just because there are many things that we thought might be useful for us, then, we realize that we are being burdened by many things that are not useful at all. We also experience it even just by staying at home or in our own rooms and personal space.

    Indeed, things would clutter from small things to big things. Perhaps from small old toys, papers, clothes, shoes, plastics, containers and many other things. And having the thought of “I might need this… I might need that” would make us accumulate more to the point that we find it difficult to let of things even when those are not essentials.

    I also had a similar experience like this. Years ago, during my theological studies, I was sent abroad for a mission exposure. Few nights before my flight, I had my 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.”

    So 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. Expectedly, my luggage was overweight and so I had to pay a few thousand pesos for the excess weight.

    However, when I was already in the mission area, there were many things that I brought but I was not able to use. I realized I had more than enough.

    And again, such a situation can also be true in other aspects of our life. One could be overburdened in his or her relationship because of the emotional baggage the person brings into that relationship. Trauma from the past, or guilt, shame, fear, anger, hatred or other insecurities could make our life more difficult and at times overwhelming and suffocating.

    Realizing this attitude which may be present in us, Jesus in the Gospel today offers us a different approach. As Jesus gathered his disciples he began to send out the Twelve, two by two.

    They were given power to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick. Though, in their journey, Jesus instructed them “to bring nothing except a walking stick.” They were “allowed to wear sandals but not a second tunic.” This means that there were no other things to be brought by them, only the most essentials in the journey.

    And looking at it at a very human perspective, the journey sounds a quite 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, healing and peace.

    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.

    The same spirit and attitude of the heart has been shown by St. Paul Miki and his many companions. This Japanese Jesuit Priest together with his friends continued to bring blessing even to their persecutors until their death. Paul Miki was from an affluent family but left influence and comfort to embrace Christianity and a missionary. In the midst of Christian persecution in his own land in Japan, Paul Miki and his companions remained steadfast and committed to bring blessing to people.

    This tells us now that true power does not rest in our capacity to destroy others but in our capacity to give life, to heal, to bless and make peace even in the midst of poverty, persecutions and insecurities.

    There are two essentials now that we are invited to bring.

    First, to trust God’s generosity and power. The Lord provides the needs of His friends and this is experienced by us through the generosity of people around us. The abiding presence of God is with us. And to fully trust in God’s Providence is an act of faith. This is the reason why the twelve were to bring nothing. It was to allow themselves to become companions and friends of the people whom they were to encounter. They may have the power given by God, 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.

    Second, to carry and give blessing, always. This makes the Kingdom of God to grow more in our hearts, homes and communities. As we carry and give blessing, the more we also receive blessing because we become more conscious of the essentials and able to let go what prevents us. Even in the midst of our poverty or persecution may we remain blessed. Hinaut pa.

  • Bitterness Deprives Us of God’s Grace

    Bitterness Deprives Us of God’s Grace

    February 5, 2025 – Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020525.cfm)

    When the brain is deprived of oxygen, medical science tells us that it can lead us to loss of consciousness. And longer deprivation of oxygen as in the case of drowning can lead to more damage to the brain and even death. When we too are being deprived of essentials in our relationships like love and acceptance, it also leads us to confusion, depression and even in losing ourselves.

    In matters of faith, depriving oneself of the grace of God will lead us to hopelessness and misery in this life. Yet the Holy Scriptures teach us that God always gives life, blesses life and renews our life. God never stops that.

    In fact, this is the reason why grace overflows so that no one will be deprived of the grace of God. The first reading from Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of this. We were reminded to strive for peace with everyone because without it, we shall have troubles and bitterness in our hearts. As the grace of God overflows, the Letter also invites all Christian believers to “see to it that no one is deprived of the grace of God.”

    This tells us that our participation has an effect in making God’s grace to truly overflow and be experienced by all. However, one can actually deprive oneself or others of the grace of God when the heart refuses God’s grace.

    Yet, why would a person refuse to welcome and accept something that is so wonderful like the grace of God? Is this even possible? Indeed, this is very possible that a person will refuse to accept God’s grace because of a heart hardened by jealousy, false judgment, bitterness and hatred. This is a heart seeks no peace.

    This is what we have heard in today’s Gospel. As Jesus went home, he was welcomed with bitterness and hatred by his own neighbors. Jesus did many miracles in other places but was questioned and judged by the people who knew him. Their thoughts were merely based on the familiar background of Jesus of being a carpenter, being a son of Mary, being a brother to his cousins.  Outside of these, they failed to see that there was more in the life of Jesus. The people failed to see the overflowing grace in the life of Jesus. As a result, the people took offence at him.

    They felt offended because they could not accept the opportunity of being graced by the life of Jesus who was only ordinary for them. This is how a bitter and hateful heart affects our relationship with others. All Jesus could do was to heal few sick people. And it was not that Jesus did not want to do any miracle because of their bitterness towards him. Jesus just couldn’t because the people did not cooperate with the grace of God. The bitterness in their hearts made them refuse and be deprived of God’s grace.

    Indeed, God can only work when we allow God to work miracles. The lack of faith of the people is a way of refusal of God’s grace. This tells us that God, though all-powerful, does not impose the Divine power on us. God would rather invite us to allow Him to work miracles for us.

    Besides, the people expressed their non-cooperation with the grace of God through their lack of faith. And Mark tells us that Jesus was amazed of their lack of faith. It was just amazing for the Lord because the people have witnessed how the grace of Jesus’ life could do for them yet they still refused. The lack of faith in them was even reinforced because their hearts were filled with jealousy, false judgment, bitterness and hatred.

    Yet, as the Letter to the Hebrews calls us, “see to it that no one is deprived of the grace of God.” This is the call for us today. Let us not deprive ourselves of the grace of God or deprive others. Let God’s grace overflow then, through us and through the gift of persons of one another, like St. Agatha whose feast we celebrate today.

    St. Agatha though was subjected to suffering because of a sexual desire of a Roman governor, grew more in her faith in God. In the midst of torture, even when her breast was torn off and later was burned alive, the grace of God flowed through her. Her commitment to Christ and through her martyrdom, she became a channel of miracles of healing.

    And so, with St. Agatha’s intercession, let not our hearts nurture bitterness, hatred, jealousy and false judgment on others in order not to deprive ourselves or others of the grace of God. Let us rather nurture an attitude that welcomes the grace of God through the gift of our persons. And we can do this by striving for peace. Hinaut pa.