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Category: Ordinary Time

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

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

    November 29, 2019 – 34th Week in Ordinary Time

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

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

    Homily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • To believe in Jesus is a risk

    To believe in Jesus is a risk

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

    #REDWEDNESDAY

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

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

    Homily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jom Baring, CSsR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What I truly offer to God is wonderfully blessed by God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • Is there life before death?

    Is there life before death?

    November 17, 2019 – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Reading: Mal 3:19-20a; 2 Thes 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19

    Homily shared by Fr. Mar Masangcay, CSsR ( a Filipino Redemptorist Missionary in South Korea)

    Whenever death & disasters happen in our lives, we cannot help but raise the question about the end-time or the end of the world. Ever-present war, famine, pestilence, super typhoons, tsunamis, hunger, earthquakes, flooding, landslides, and countless death-crimes in life render us anxious and helpless towards our coming future. Our worries about the coming end-times are not only felt around us but also within us. We are not ignorant as to how it felt when our world seems have broken and ended whenever we experience heartache as to the death and loss of our loved ones, or failed in our studies, business endeavors, plans and dreams, or diagnose with serious illness and others. Even worse, the Scripture and Jesus himself warns us of these coming end-times as inevitable and surely to happen to our human life.  

    Related with our uncertainty about end-time are the questions: 

    “What’s the point? What’s the meaning of all these life-endeavors? Is there hope in life?”

    And above all, at the very heart it raises the question:

    “What now and then? Is there Life AFTER Death?”

    A wise man once said: 

    “The question should not be: ‘Is there life after death’ but rather ‘Is there life BEFORE death’? 

    True enough, while life-disasters and death surely to happen in life, we should concern ourselves less about what happen to us after life, but rather to be more concerned about how we live our life before our inevitable death. Regardless whether there is life after death or not, we should never forget the fact that there is life before death that we are in now. If we come to think of it, we are now here alive for a reason and purpose to be in this world. It is for us now, as we live this life, to discover and fulfill in life our real reason and purpose to be and live. Our task and concern in life is to live our life now before death to the fullness of our very life-purpose. 

    Life Before Death would also mean that the greatest loss in life is not death, but what dies inside us while we live. Sadly there are people nowadays who have reasons to die than to live, and people who are still alive but dying and already died inside. Though painful, confusing and disheartening, our experiences of disasters and loss should move us still alive to deeply discover and enable the very reason and meaning of our life-existence. For Jesus, life-death and disasters are not only about end-times or world’s end, but more so about the opportunity for us to testify, that is, to rise to the occasion, and stand up and witness in life our faith in God through Him, and to live-up to our very life-purpose and reason in life.  In other words, Jesus is saying to us, that these things will surely happen to us, but with a reason and for a purpose. So, we should consider more our life now before death, rather than our life after death. 

    Practical advice to ponder, whenever disaster strikes and happens in life is thus ask not, “Why is this happening TO me?” but rather, “why is this happening FOR me?” Asking, “why is this happening TO me?” leads to unhealthy self-doubt, blame, guilt, anger, and inner death. Asking “why is this happening FOR me?” leads to meaning, purpose, challenge, responsibility, and resolution. 

    As we grapple then with the concern about our experience of death & disasters in life, ask not: “Is there life after death?” “Why is this happening to me?” but rather ask, “Is there life before death?” “Why is this happening for me?”. So that, we may be more grounded to live our lives by its very reason, meaning and purpose, as well as to be a living testimony and witness of our Christian faith, and God’s grace to the world.

    May the Lord lead us to fullness of life. Amen.