Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Year 1

  • Encountering the Lord among the Weak and Vulnerable

    Encountering the Lord among the Weak and Vulnerable

    March 10, 2025 – Monday of the First Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031025.cfm)

    At that time when our Lord Jesus was walking with us on earth, many were not able to recognize that the Lord God was in Jesus. In fact, his disciples at the beginning thought he was just a great teacher. They believed he was a wise man. Some saw him as a healer or one of the prophets. Many even took offense when Jesus taught them and explained to them the sacred scriptures.

    Jesus was too ordinary for many that they could not believe the divinity in him. Those who were familiar with him grew bitter and insecure. The learned, those who possessed influence and authority at the time even felt threatened. Yet, as the apostles later on told us through their personal accounts of the Gospels and letters, in and with Jesus, God-is-with-us.

    This is what Jesus revealed in his words and teachings, in his actions and encounters with countless people. Yet, indeed, it would be difficulty to recognize the Lord and spot his presence when we are only after with spectacular and out-of-this-world revelations. God’s Divine-Self or Divine Presence is manifested in the ordinary and the simple especially among the weak and the vulnerable.

    This is what Jesus taught us today in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus said, “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Using a parable, Jesus tells us that his presence resides to those who are hungry and thirsty, the stranger and the naked, the sick and the imprisoned. By being able to do good for them and to help uplift their quality of life, then, we do it as well for the Lord.

    Clearly, Jesus identified himself with the weak and the vulnerable. What the Lord calls us is to recognize him and his presence among the least of our brothers and sisters. Recognizing the Lord then, has also a call for moral responsibility from us.

    This is what the decrees all about revealed in the Book of Leviticus. Those laws are meant for us to take of each other and protect one another. By being able to show our true concern, sincerity, honesty and love for each other then we fulfill the law of God.

    And so, as we continue the journey in this Season of Lent, let this be an opportune time for us to express in concrete ways works of mercy. Let our good deeds bring life to others. In this way, we shall encounter the Lord Jesus through the faces of one another especially among the weak and vulnerable. Hinaut pa.

  • GIVE WITH A CHEERFUL FACE

    GIVE WITH A CHEERFUL FACE

    March 4, 2025 – Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030425.cfm)

    Peter, after realizing the many sacrifices and risks entailed in following Jesus, said, “We have left everything and followed you.” When I too will face such concern, I would also ask, “What will there be for me?” and “Where will I be then?”

    The disciples of Jesus, as they were called to follow the Lord, left the comfort of their homes, families and livelihood. Like Jesus, they became itinerant, traveling from one place to another. They were dependent on God’s providence manifested in the generosity of people whom they encounter.

    With this concern, Jesus assured his disciples of the wonder of giving up oneself for the sake of Gospel and of Jesus himself. The reward is in gaining more friends, families and communities along the way in their ministry. The relationships and friendships being developed will truly ease and comfort a troubled heart.

    This is how we also find that when we are able to generously give ourselves or our talents and resources for the sake of others and for the sake of the Church that we are being enriched all the more. Although, the material reward may not be that great, but the spiritual graces abound all the more.

    To generously give something from us is not just a simple invitation for us. In fact, this is also a moral responsibility for us especially when we know that there is someone more in need.

    The Book of Sirach reminds us of this. Our expression of charity is also an expression of worship and praise to the Lord. By giving in order to respond what others need the most is an act of doing justice.

    Sirach says, “To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement.” This means that it is also not enough to not just do evil against others. We might think that as long as I won’t do anything bad to others, that’s enough. However, not doing anything for the sake for others even though we have the capacity to help, can also be a form of doing injustice.

    Thus, “appear not before the Lord empty-handed.” Realize then, what we can offer and give to the Lord and for the sake of others. It does not matter if that something is small or insignificant in the eyes of others, because as Sirach says, “for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.”

    What is more important then, is to give with a cheerful face and not with a grumbling heart. “With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,  and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.”

    Giving with a cheerful face and in a spirit of joy makes us truly joyful and generous givers.  In this way, God finds more delight in our heart. In God’s wisdom and providence, the Lord shall bless with wonders and fill us with surprises. Hinaut pa.

  • LET THE CHILDREN COME

    LET THE CHILDREN COME

    March 1, 2025 – Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030125.cfm)

    In our liturgical celebrations, we find the children most noisy. Some would be running around making their parents or guardians running around as well. There would be some of who feel annoyed at this, some are more tolerant. Yet, despite the children’s seemingly annoying behavior to us adults, it is our call as a church that our children find a welcoming and embracing church for them.

    Children are very special to Jesus because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Although at that time, people believed that children had no social status. Children did not have anything to play in the Jewish society. This was the reason why the disciples tried to stop those who brought the children near Jesus. The disciples believed that there was no reason for Jesus to waste his time with these insignificant children.

    Yet, what we have heard from the Gospel was the other way around. Jesus became “indignant” at the treatment his disciples showed to the children. Jesus despised that kind of treatment towards children because in his heart, the children takes a very special place.

     Thus, Jesus made that event to teach something very important to the people at large. The Lord said, “Let the children come to me, do not prevent them!” This expressed the affection of Jesus towards the children. It also showed His affection towards all those who had been despised and mistreated by others. Jesus knew that the very innocence of the children desires nearness with God. Children who are most dependent to adults also manifest our dependence to God.

    This is how Jesus teaches that children are more open and trusting, hence, “the Kingdom of God belongs to them.” Children are open to the surprises of God. Their humility, simplicity and innocence make them sensitive to God’s presence.

    This is the invitation and call for us today, as Jesus reminds us, “whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”

    Let us make our hearts be free from hatred and indifference. Let us remove discontentment and condemning attitude towards others. Let us also allow ourselves be surprised by God because we become open and welcoming of God’s presence. Our sensitivity to God’s presence shall move us too to become welcoming and aware of the needs of others. These childlike attitudes make us self-giving and life-giving to others where the Kingdom of God grows in us.  Hinaut pa.

  • Finding a Faithful Friend is Finding a Treasure

    Finding a Faithful Friend is Finding a Treasure

    February 28, 2025 – Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022825.cfm)

    Do you have friends? Do you have a true friend? We have many friends. Yet, among them, there would only be a few we find most comfortable with. These friends sometimes know our deepest secrets. They understand our hurts and pains. These friends also know our true dreams and aspirations in life.

    The very presence of our friends, especially those who are closest to us make so much difference in life. In times of our joys and success in life, we have our friends celebrating with us. It warms our hearts knowing that there are people who are also happy of our own happiness. In times of pain, loneliness, sickness and failures, we find friends who are faithful and supportive to us. It gives us comfort and assurance that we are not alone.

    The Book of Sirach today speaks so well of beauty. It captures the warmth of having true and faithful friends.

    Sirach says, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy…”

    Friendship is a gift. Having a true and faithful friend even when we only have one, is a treasure. This calls us to cherish and nurture that friendship. Remember, we need to invest in our friendships with our presence. Emotional investment is also crucial to develop healthy relationships with our friends.

    Emotional investment is fundamental to relationships and to friendship. Being open and honest with the people around us allows us to build TRUST, CONFIDENCE, AND LOVE. Without emotional investment in our relationship, we focus only on how the person is useful for us. This benefits only our ego. Yet, such relationship brings out toxicity, an unhealthy relationship with others.

    This is what the Book of Sirach warns us about. We should be on guard against those who pretend to be friends. These individuals are not with us in times of distress. Beware of those who tell others about us only to bring shame on us. Be cautious of those who abandon us during sorrowful times. They approach us solely when they stand to gain something.

    This toxicity in friendship can also be found in marriage life. Because of the selfishness in one or both spouses, marriage will fail. When one is being used only for personal gain and gratification, then, the relationship is corrupted. The question of divorce became an opportunity for Jesus to confront the hardness of the hearts of men. The discontentment and abuses in a relationship were the reasons of breaking up marriage. Yet, at the very beginning God joined the wife and husband to be together for better or for worse. They were to be together for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. They were to be together in joy or in sorrow. God intended them to live a life committed in love and faithfulness.

    And so, as we are reminded today of the treasure of friendship, there are two invitations for us.

    First, be a true friend. We recognize and thank our true friends. Let us, in turn, be true friends. Remember, friendship involves give-and-take. Sometimes, we are the one giving support, and other times we are on the receiving end. Being a true friend is to let our friends know that we care about them and appreciate them. This can help strengthen our bond and develop a healthy and life-giving friendship.

    Second, have the courage to confront. Another way to develop a healthy friendship is to confront a friend when needed. It is important to challenge them constructively. We do this constructively. This is a sign of maturity in our friendship.

    And so, we pray that the God of Friendship bless our friends and our friendship with one another. Hinaut pa.

  • As Instruments of Goodness not Evil

    As Instruments of Goodness not Evil

    February 27, 2025 – Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022725.cfm)

    Human as we are, we fail and sin. However, this is not an excuse not to desire perfection and holiness before God. In fact, the Gospel of Mark today reminds us to be more aware of our selfish tendencies and evil desires so that we will be able to respond to the temptations that may come to us.

    What Jesus told us in the Gospel is not meant to be understood literally. “if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off… if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off…  If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out,” – if this is to be understood literally, then, each of us here will have no hands or feet or eyes or even more than that.

    Jesus actually wants us to cut off sin from our system that only separates us from Him and from others.

    The Book of Sirach also reminds us of the danger to solely rely on human strength, power and wealth that feed our selfishness. Having such desires to only cloud our mind and heart will make us indifferent to the needs of others.

    Thus, when our thoughts are filled with lust and evil thoughts, then, Jesus wants us to stop that, and instead fill our thoughts with God’s Living Word that will inspire, challenge and confront our hearts. Read the bible, then.

    When our heart is filled with anger, hatred and bitterness, fill it with God’s forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

    When our hands remained close to those who need our help, then, open them and express your gratitude to God by extending help and kindness to people around us.

    When our feet remained paralyzed with fear in taking risks, then, be embraced and be confident in God’s love for you so that your feet will be free from fear and take the risk of building close and intimate relationship with others. Go and come nearer to your loved ones, spend more quality time with them.

    When our eyes will only tend to see what is ugly, negative and imperfect, then, open our eyes wider to see and realize the beauty of others, the wonders of the world and the goodness of our neighbors.

    In this way, we lessen our tendency to nurture our insatiable desire for self-gratification. We begin to see others rather than ourselves alone. We become more self-giving rather than self-serving.

    This will hopefully allow us to deepen our relationships, whether in marriage, or in the context of a family with children, or among our friends and colleagues.

    Indeed, Jesus calls us to become persons not driven by selfish desires, but to become persons driven by the desire to love and to give oneself for the sake others. In this way “we keep the salt in ourselves and have peace with one another” because Spirit of God dwells in us and among us. Hinaut pa.