Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
• Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
• Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Today is the 4th Sunday of Lent, and I’m glad to be relieved from celebrating the Extraordinary Form, the Traditional Latin Mass, after over 6 years.  It was indeed a real sacrifice on my part ministering two communities, but I was also blessed to be given this opportunity which helped me change my attitude in celebrating mass with profound devotion and love for the Eucharist.  

The readings today speak about the tenderness of God. Focusing on the gospel, Jesus narrates the story of “a man with two sons,” which we know as the story of the Prodigal Son. Having heard this story many times, it never loses its power to inspire and to move us deeply.  I presume this will help us be able to understand and continue to be conscious that we are on a pilgrimage in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

In the 1st reading from the Book of Joshua, we are reminded about the Israelites’ journey from Egypt into the promised land, the land of Canaan.  There was a celebration of freedom and enjoyment of the produce of this new given land. As a chosen people, their new homeland is filled with abundant blessings in the midst of the fertility of its land and the offspring as signs of God’s care.  God had been faithful to the covenant by granting them freedom and feeding, not the manna, but from their sweat and toil in their new abundant land.

In the 2nd reading, taken from the second letter of St. Paul, the apostle taught repentance and reconciliation to the people of Corinth as related to the newness of life in Christ.  “All this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ.”  It means that God goes out by providing a bridge between heaven and earth in the person of Jesus Christ. (v.18)  St. Paul proposes this message of conversion.

The gospel, taken from St. Luke, is known as the story of the “Prodigal Son.”  This gospel parable has been captured by the great artwork of Caravaggio in which the repentant son is embraced and welcomed by his father.  The father waited patiently for this moment, not waiting for any words from his son, because the father deeply knows the sorrow of his young son’s heart.  Let us explore the very touching moments of this gospel:

First, I know that Jesus has the heart for sinners, scribes and Pharisees.  They want to listen to Him, but people criticized Jesus, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  However, I believe it was not going to a party with sinners, but instead it points us towards the very mission of Jesus to call them to the eternal kingdom.  Welcoming sinners back to God’s fold, there could be no better reason for a joyful celebration.  

Second, we heard about the younger son’s story who spent his entire inheritance on pleasure and misery by disobeying his father. He desperately realizes that his condition is far worse than the pigs he is caring for.  They have more to eat than he does. He was confronted by his conscience, shame and regret until he finally arrived at his breaking point.  He rises on his way back to his father, ready to disclaim his sonship and to work for his generous father. Instead his father robed him with fine linen, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet, symbolizing an immediate restoration of his dignity as son.

We come to the point in our lives when we too have sinfully squandered the many gifts in our lives as if there was no end of fleeting joy, sexual excess, pride and rejections of God.  However, when we open our heart to the patience of God, diligently opening His hands to reach out to us like the younger son, we return to the Father for forgiveness.  He embraces us with joy and without judgment, though undeservedly.  I pray that we all feel the abiding trust in God’s love and mercy. 

Third, the elder son was not in the mood for celebrating his younger brother’s return.  He does not want to have anything to do with the celebration, and instead he felt envious.  The father said to him, “You were never lost, but your brother was dead and gone, but now he has come to life again, he has been found.”  The father recalls to his elder son that they have always been together and in love have shared in everything.

God is patient and forgiving as represented by the father in the parable.  The teaching point of Jesus expresses that God never separates from even the worst sinner.  We must be receptive to God’s will to reconcile us back to Him.  Our own realization about who we are is already an encounter with God, especially when we go to confession, where the caress of the mercy of Jesus Christ is granted upon all the penitents. 

Everyone who returns to God is cause for rejoicing and celebrating.  “Let us celebrate with a feast, because this child of mine was dead, and has come to life again; they were lost, and they have been found.”  (vv. 23-24) During this Lent return to God, the source of life, and accept the truth that we have received the very lives with joy and gratitude. Though we have wandered, the Eucharist is our Home where we are all welcome. Prodigal children and sinners, though we may be, Jesus embraces us tightly and His love is undivided.   

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa 

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El Dictado del Corazón 

Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma, Año C

• Josué 5:9a, 10-12
• Salmo 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
• 2 Corintios 5:17-21
• Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32

Hoy, mientras nos reunimos en el Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma, reflexionamos sobre el tierno amor de Dios y el llamado a regresar a Él. Estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de haber celebrado la Forma Extraordinaria de la Misa por más de seis años. Fue un sacrificio ministrar a dos comunidades, pero al hacerlo, fui bendecido al crecer en mi devoción y amor por la Eucaristía.

Las lecturas de hoy hablan de la profunda misericordia de Dios, especialmente a través del Evangelio. En la Parábola del Hijo Pródigo, Jesús nos muestra el corazón del Padre—paciente, perdonador y siempre dispuesto a abrazar al pecador. Esta historia, aunque familiar, siempre nos conmueve profundamente y nos recuerda de que somos peregrinos en un viaje hacia el corazón de Dios en este Año Jubilar de la Esperanza.

En la primera lectura, escuchamos acerca de los israelitas, que fueron esclavos en Egipto, pero ahora entran en la tierra prometida de Canaán. La tierra fluye con abundancia, marcando un nuevo comienzo para el pueblo elegido de Dios. Ya no dependen del maná del cielo, sino de los frutos de su trabajo, una señal de la fidelidad de Dios. Así como Dios alimentó a su pueblo en el desierto, ahora los nutre en esta nueva tierra fértil.

San Pablo, en la segunda lectura, hace eco del llamado a la reconciliación, instando a los corintios a abrazar la nueva vida que viene a través de Cristo. “Todo esto proviene de Dios, quien nos ha reconciliado consigo mismo a través de Cristo”, escribe. Esta novedad de vida nos invita al abrazo de Dios, ofreciéndonos perdón y un nuevo comienzo.

Y luego, en el Evangelio, escuchamos la familiar pero siempre conmovedora historia del Hijo Pródigo. Hagamos una pausa y reflexionemos sobre los poderosos momentos dentro de esta parábola:

Primero, la misión de Jesús se revela en su relación con los pecadores. Los fariseos lo criticaban por asociarse con los pecadores, pero Jesús no solo estaba socializando con ellos; los estaba llamando al Reino de Dios. Su misión fue, y sigue siendo, acoger a los perdidos, traerlos de vuelta a casa y celebrar su regreso con gran alegría.

Segundo, el viaje del hijo menor es trágico pero transformador. Desperdicia su herencia en placeres y queda despojado, alimentando cerdos en una tierra extranjera. Su corazón se quiebra y su conciencia lo mueve a regresar a su padre, no como hijo, sino como siervo. Pero cuando regresa, su padre corre hacia él, lo abraza e inmediatamente lo restaura a su antigua dignidad—simbolizada por la túnica, el anillo y las sandalias. Este es un hermoso recordatorio de que, sin importar cuán lejos hayamos ido, cuando nos arrepentimos y regresamos a Dios, Él nos recibe con los brazos abiertos y nos restaura a nuestro lugar legítimo como sus hijos amados.

Nosotros también, muchas veces, hemos malgastado los dones que Dios nos ha dado—persiguiendo placeres pasajeros y apartándonos de su amor. Sin embargo, cuando abrimos nuestro corazón a la gracia de Dios, Él espera pacientemente nuestro regreso. Su misericordia es abundante e inquebrantable. Al hacer nuestro camino de regreso a Él, podemos estar seguros de su abrazo amoroso, pues Su amor no se basa en nuestra dignidad, sino en Su misericordia infinita.

Tercero, vemos la reacción del hijo mayor. Él resiente la celebración del regreso de su hermano. Sus celos y amargura le impiden comprender la profundidad de la alegría del padre. El padre le recuerda: “Tú siempre has estado conmigo, y todo lo que tengo es tuyo. Pero tu hermano estaba muerto y ha vuelto a la vida; estaba perdido y ha sido encontrado.” El amor de Dios es infinito, y Su corazón se regocija siempre que los que están perdidos son encontrados. Nosotros también debemos regocijarnos en el regreso de los pecadores, no guardar resentimientos, sino celebrar la misericordia de Dios.

A través de esta parábola, Jesús nos enseña que el amor y el perdón de Dios no tienen límites. No importa cuán lejos nos desviemos, no importa nuestros pecados, Dios siempre está listo para abrazarnos cuando volvemos a Él. La Cuaresma es el tiempo perfecto para regresar a Dios, la fuente de toda vida, con corazones llenos de gratitud. Y al hacerlo, se nos recuerda que la Eucaristía es nuestro hogar, donde siempre somos bienvenidos.

En el Sacramento de la Reconciliación, experimentamos el tierno abrazo de la misericordia de Dios. Así como el padre corre a encontrar a su hijo, así también Dios corre a encontrarnos en nuestra necesidad. Esta es la gran alegría del Evangelio—los perdidos son encontrados, los muertos vuelven a la vida.

Abramos, pues, nuestro corazón a la abundante misericordia de Dios durante esta temporada de Cuaresma. Regocijémonos de que, sin importar cuán perdidos nos sintamos, el Padre siempre nos está esperando, con los brazos abiertos, para recibirnos.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos.

Padre Arlon, OSA

 

• Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
• Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
• 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
• Luke 13:1-9

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Lent.  I don’t know how far ahead we make some changes in our lives.  At times, it is hard to admit but we hope that halfway through, by God’s grace, we won’t be discouraged but will continue to persevere.   

The first reading today, taken from the Book of Exodus, gives us an idea that God speaks to Jesus to Moses from a burning bush, and it is amazing that it does not consume the bush. The bush which was not consumed has a significant meaning; it tells us about God’s everlasting love for humanity. 

Moses was aware of what was happening to him, for he was deeply attentive to God’s presence and engaged in listening to His voice.  Moses was open to God to obey as he took off his shoes as he approaches the holiness of God. He heard God’s voice appointing him to do a mission, being chosen to release the Israelites from the slavery of the Egyptians.  This was one of the many conversations of Moses with God, who said to him, “I Am Who Am sent me,” and remembering the “Who Am” who will always be with them.

 In the 2nd reading from the 1st letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul says, “Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.”  We are reminded and animated to engage with others in our pursuit of the truths that we may carry around with us.  We need to work on the conversion of the mind and heart.  If we want to be physically and spiritually healthy and happy ministering to others, we need to fix our minds on the right things.  Thus, St. Paul writes that the Corinthians should be careful. Even when they think they know what they are doing, they may fall, like some of their ancestors did.  

Today’s gospel narrates another parable about a landowner who planted a fig tree that did not produce fruit for three years.  The landowner was very disappointed and willing to give up, instructing his gardener to cut it down.  This gospel has many things to reflect on: 

First, today’s gospel mentions a description of people’s concern about the existence of the suffering in the world.  Jesus’ response was to clarify that their suffering physically is not caused by sin, which was the common religious belief at that time.  Jesus never accepts their idea.  He said, “I tell you, if you do not repent, you will perish as they did.”  However, Jesus is warning them that they have enough to experience the compassion of God. 

Second, in this parable, an owner discovered a fig tree planted in his orchard for three years and he came in search of fruit, but he found nothing, so he requests to have the tree chopped down. The gardener asks for one more year of hard work and then judgment can be made.   Here, Jesus is the gardener who works hard to manifest love for salvation.  He promises to dig around it and fertilize it, and if that does not produce fruit then it can go into the fire. The tree has exhausted the soil and perhaps the patience of the owner.   Jesus reveals that He is the living God who is laboring to bring about the Kingdom of Justice with the fruits of compassion and mercy. 

Third, the parable ends with their being cut away because of their lack of personal response to Jesus’ mission, teaching, and His offering of His very life. This had been proven when Israel brought them out of slavery into a fruitful promise, which many people had forgotten.    

By Jesus’s coming to us, He labored much, not only repentance, but the fruits of repentance.  Through Him, God’s fidelity is reassuring and a blessing to manifest that love in His incarnate presence among us. 

During this third Sunday of Lent, we are invited to repentance and to re-evaluate our attitudes to conform with Jesus Christ’s mercy and love.  

Jesus is directing this parable to all His hearers, inviting us to turn our old ways into the new creation of His kingdom.  He applies God’s works of mercy so that we will be more fruitful.  Jesus is the gardener of our lives who is patiently waiting for us.

Jesus is indeed a wise gardener who suggests, “I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.” Jesus says that there is something deeper to which we should attend. Every day we should be preparing for a more fruitful life.  He understands our hearts and knows that our instinct is to give up on the tree that bears no fruit.  Please never give up on our Lent halfway through.  Today Jesus tells us not to give up hope that we can be better.  He offers us His love, care and His help.  May our growing relationship with God lead us to a conversation of heart. 

God bless you, 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictamen del Corazón

Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma, Año C

• Éxodo 3:1-8a, 13-15
• Salmo 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
• 1 Corintios 10:1-6, 10-12
• Lucas 13:1-9

Hoy es el Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma. Cuántos cambios estamos haciendo en nuestras vidas en esta cuaresma? A veces, es difícil admitirlo, pero esperamos que, a mitad del camino, por la gracia de Dios, no nos desanimemos, sino que sigamos perseverando.

La primera lectura de hoy, tomada del Libro del Éxodo, nos muestra que Dios habla a Moisés desde una zarza ardiente. Lo sorprendente es que la zarza no se consume con el fuego. La zarza, que no se consume, tiene un significado profundo; nos habla del amor eterno de Dios por la humanidad.

Moisés estaba consciente de lo que le sucedía, porque estaba profundamente atento a la presencia de Dios y dispuesto a escuchar Su voz. Moisés estaba abierto a Dios y dispuesto a obedecer, pues se quitó los zapatos al acercarse a la santidad de Dios. Escuchó la voz de Dios que lo designaba para una misión: liberar a los israelitas de la esclavitud de los egipcios. Esta fue una de muchas conversaciones entre Moisés y Dios, quien le dijo: “Yo Soy el que Soy me envía”, recordándoles al “Yo Soy” que siempre estará con ellos.

En la segunda lectura, de la Primera Carta a los Corintios, San Pablo dice: “El que crea estar firme, que tenga cuidado de no caer”. Se nos recuerda y anima a comprometernos con los demás en nuestra búsqueda de la verdad que llevamos con nosotros. Necesitamos trabajar en la conversión tanto de la mente como del corazón. Si queremos ser físicamente y espiritualmente sanados y felices mientras ministramos a los demás, necesitamos fijar nuestra mente en lo correcto. Así, San Pablo escribe que los corintios deben tener cuidado. Incluso cuando piensan que saben lo que están haciendo, pueden caer, como algunos de sus antepasados lo hicieron.

El Evangelio de hoy relata otra parábola sobre un dueño de una tierra que plantó una higuera la cual no dio fruto durante tres años. El dueño estaba muy decepcionado y dispuesto a rendirse, instruyendo a su jardinero que la cortara. Este Evangelio tiene varios puntos en los cuales podemos reflexionar:

Primero, el Evangelio de hoy menciona la preocupación de la gente sobre la existencia del sufrimiento en el mundo. La respuesta de Jesús fue aclarar que el sufrimiento que experimentaban no era causado por el pecado, que era la creencia religiosa común en ese momento. Jesús rechazó esa idea y les dijo: “Les digo que, si no se arrepienten, perecerán de la misma manera que ellos”. Sin embargo, Jesús les advierte que tienen suficiente para experimentar la compasión de Dios.

Segundo, en esta parábola, un dueño descubrió una higuera plantada en su huerto durante tres años. Buscó frutos, pero no encontró ninguno. Entonces, pidió que se cortara el árbol. El jardinero pide un año más de trabajo arduo antes de que se pueda hacer un juicio. Aquí, Jesús es el jardinero que trabaja arduamente para manifestar el amor por la salvación. Él promete cavar alrededor de ella y abonarla, y si eso no da frutos, entonces podrá cortarse. El árbol ha agotado la tierra y quizás también la paciencia del dueño. Jesús revela que Él es el Dios vivo que está trabajando para traer el Reino de la Justicia con los frutos de la compasión y la misericordia.

Tercero, la parábola termina con el árbol siendo cortado debido a su falta de respuesta a la misión de Jesús, a su enseñanza, y a ofrecer Su propia vida. Esto se probó cuando Dios condujo a Israel fuera de la esclavitud hacia la promesa fructífera, una promesa que muchas personas han olvidado.

La venida de Jesús a nosotros no fue solo acerca del arrepentimiento, sino de los frutos del arrepentimiento. A través de Él, la fidelidad de Dios es reconfortante, y Su bendición se manifiesta en Su presencia encarnada entre nosotros.

Durante este tercer domingo de Cuaresma, se nos invita al arrepentimiento y a reevaluar nuestras actitudes, conformándolas a la misericordia y al amor de Jesucristo.

Jesús está dirigiendo esta parábola a todos Sus oyentes, invitándonos a convertir nuestros viejos caminos en la nueva creación de Su reino. Él aplica las obras de misericordia de Dios para que podamos ser más fructíferos. Jesús es el jardinero de nuestra vida, que espera pacientemente para que demos fruto. Él es, de hecho, un sabio jardinero que sugiere: “Cavaré alrededor de él y lo fertilizaré; tal vez dé fruto en el futuro”. Jesús dice que hay algo más profundo a lo que debemos atender. Cada día, debemos prepararnos para una vida más fructífera. Él entiende nuestros corazones y sabe que nuestro instinto es rendirnos con el árbol que no da fruto. Por favor, nunca se rindan a mitad de su Cuaresma. Hoy, Jesús nos dice que no perdamos la esperanza de que podemos ser mejores. Él nos ofrece Su amor, cuidado y Su ayuda. Que nuestra relación creciente con Dios nos lleve a una conversión de corazón.

Que Dios los bendiga,

P. Arlon, OSA

• Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
• Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
• Philippians 3:17-4:1
• Luke 9:28b-36

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent, year C. I have some derailment in our journey towards renewal and conversion, yet God understands each of our limitations as we continuously envision God who walks with us. We desire to see God and live to love Him and know Him even as He knows us. We try reaching our Lenten goal to get rid of our faults and bad habits as we continue to usher in towards this Jubilee Year of Hope. We need to be comforted by the guidance of the Holy Church.

The first reading from the Book of Genesis reminds us of God’s covenant with Abraham. Though Abram wants to see God, instead God speaks to him. He heard His voice promising him more blessings like fertility of body and land, except the blessing of seeing God. Abram’s act of faith is an important condition for him to have a son and his descendants would be plentiful. That is why he put his trust in the promise of God. Abram believed profoundly that what he heard was indeed real. God has told him that he will possess great land and riches which were visible signs for the fulfillment of God’s voice.

In the 2nd reading, taken from the Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul encourages us not to focus on material blessings but to live worthy of God. St. Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.” This is a spiritual promise that when we live in all its glory, Jesus is truthful to give us a new and glorified body when we are intentionally conscious of loving Him, and by our faithfulness we shall see the face of God.

The gospel, taken from the gospel of St. Luke, narrates to us the beautiful story of Jesus’ transfiguration. This is how the three disciples were able to witness that Jesus allowed God, The Father, to touch His human nature and be transformed. The cloud enveloped Him, and the Divine voice said, “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him”. It is the Father’s command to encourage humanity to heed and abide by Him. The disciples see His face and clothes as dazzling white. This experience of dazzling brightness became the state of Peter, James and John’s hearts and minds being so differently. The three apostles understand that following Jesus will involve suffering, yet are transfigured to an intense attraction to their Master. They were tempted to remain there putting up three tents for their own selfishness.

Let us reflect on three important points in the story of Transfiguration:

First, Jesus’ invitation to His three apostles is a moment of comfort in order to prepare for what is ahead. In the liturgy of the Church, it says, that during Jesus’ transfiguration “He revealed his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses … that the scandal of the Cross might be removed from the hearts of his disciples and that he might show how in the Body of the whole Church is to be fulfilled what so wonderfully shone forth first in its Head.” That was a teaching point of Jesus to His apostles, who understood that His impending death on the Cross should not cause them fear but a manifestation that His glory with the testimony of Moses, representing the law, and Elijah, representing the Prophet, is to be listened to. This also would give us a clearer understanding that Christ’s passion will finally result in Jesus’ Resurrection and that glory is ours too.

Second, His disciples wanted to build three tents for their pleasure to remain there on top of the mountain. I would be a greater scene of seeking personal glory. The disciples have this sense of requesting selfish possession of Jesus’ glory and truth. Just like some of us, we have an increasing “entitlement” which flows from a sense that we deserve only the glorious intimate experiences of relationships because we have power and wealth. We believe that life is owed to us and not from God. We must accept that by Jesus’ coming down from that mountain and heading towards Jerusalem, we cannot escape His walk towards Calvary. Rather, we are encouraged to live more with Jesus faithfully.

Third, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus enlightened us that in the midst of our struggles to overcome criticism, slander and hate, we must listen to Jesus. Through Jesus, we have seen God’s presence, not anymore God who hides but God who came in the flesh, who has destroyed death and promises the power of the Resurrection. We are empowered to see Him thru our eyes of faith that truly see.

This is the Goodnews which is comforting. We should never stop giving thanks to God, who keeps us faithful ascending to the Mount of Transfiguration. He has shown us His majesty of His glory, in faith without wavering and being renewed in a sense of Jesus’ love for us.

With deep renewal, I am forgiven, and I am better being loved, and with the company of others together we climb the mountain of the altar of the Eucharist.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma, Año C

• Génesis 15:5-12, 17-18
• Salmo 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
• Filipenses 3:17-4:1
• Lucas 9:28b-36

Hoy es el segundo domingo de Cuaresma, Año C. Puede que experimentemos algo de desviación en nuestro camino hacia la renovación y la conversión, pero Dios entiende cada una de nuestras limitaciones mientras continuamos visualizando a un Dios que camina con nosotros. Deseamos ver a Dios y vivir, amarlo y conocerlo, así como Él nos conoce. Mientras nos esforzamos por alcanzar nuestra meta cuaresmal de despojarnos de nuestros defectos y malos hábitos, seguimos nuestro camino hacia este Año Jubilar de la Esperanza. Necesitamos consuelo por medio de la orientación de la Santa Iglesia.

La primera lectura del libro de Génesis nos recuerda la alianza de Dios con Abraham. Aunque Abram desea ver a Dios, en cambio, Dios le habla. Él escucha la voz de Dios, prometiéndole más bendiciones, como la fertilidad del cuerpo y de la tierra, aunque no la bendición de ver a Dios. El acto de fe de Abram es una condición importante para tener un hijo, y sus descendientes serán numerosos. Por eso confió en la promesa de Dios. Abram creyó profundamente porque lo que escuchó era realmente real. Dios le dijo que poseería grandes tierras y riquezas, que eran signos visibles del cumplimiento de la palabra de Dios.

La segunda lectura, tomada de la carta a los Filipenses, encuentra a San Pablo animándonos a no centrarnos en las bendiciones materiales, sino a vivir de manera digna de Dios. San Pablo dice: “Pero nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos, y de allí también esperamos un Salvador, el Señor Jesucristo. Él transformará nuestro cuerpo humilde para que sea semejante a su cuerpo glorioso, por el poder que le permite sujetar todas las cosas a sí mismo.” Esta es una promesa espiritual: cuando vivimos en Su gloria, Jesús nos dará cuerpos nuevos y glorificados. Cuando somos intencionalmente conscientes de amarlo, nuestra fidelidad nos permitirá ver el rostro de Dios.

El Evangelio, tomado del Evangelio de San Lucas, narra la hermosa historia de la transfiguración de Jesús. Aquí es cuando los tres discípulos son testigos de cómo Jesús permite que Dios Padre toque Su naturaleza humana y la transforme. La nube lo envuelve, y la voz divina dice: “Éste es mi Hijo, mi escogido; escúchenlo”. Es el mandato del Padre para alentar a la humanidad a seguirlo y obedecerlo. Los discípulos ven Su rostro y ropa deslumbrantemente blancos. Esta experiencia de un brillo deslumbrante se grabó profundamente en los corazones y mentes de Pedro, Santiago y Juan. Los tres apóstoles entendieron que seguir a Jesús implicaría sufrimiento, pero se vieron transfigurados por una intensa atracción hacia su Maestro. Estuvieron tentados a quedarse allí, queriendo construir tres tiendas para sus propios fines egoístas.

Reflexionemos sobre tres puntos importantes en la historia de la Transfiguración:

Primero, la invitación de Jesús a Sus tres apóstoles es un momento de consuelo para prepararlos para lo que les espera. En la liturgia de la Iglesia se dice que durante la transfiguración de Jesús, “Él reveló su gloria en presencia de testigos escogidos… para que el escándalo de la Cruz fuera eliminado del corazón de sus discípulos y para mostrar cómo en el Cuerpo de toda la Iglesia se debe cumplir lo que primero brilló tan maravillosamente en su Cabeza.” Este fue un momento de enseñanza para los apóstoles de Jesús, quienes comprendieron que Su inminente muerte en la Cruz no debía causarles miedo, sino ser vista como una manifestación de Su gloria. Con el testimonio de Moisés (que representa la ley) y Elías (que representa a los profetas), los discípulos son animados a escucharle. Esto también nos da una comprensión más clara de que la pasión de Cristo dará finalmente lugar a Su Resurrección, y esa gloria también será nuestra.

Segundo, los discípulos querían construir tres tiendas para permanecer allí en lo alto de la montaña. Esto habría sido un intento mayor de buscar gloria personal. Los discípulos tenían un sentido de “derecho”, deseando poseer la gloria y la verdad de Jesús para sí mismos. Al igual que algunos de nosotros, podemos sentir un creciente “derecho” que proviene de la creencia de que merecemos solo las gloriosas e íntimas experiencias de las relaciones debido a nuestro poder y riqueza. Creemos que la vida nos pertenece, en lugar de ser un regalo de Dios. Debemos aceptar que el hecho de que Jesús baje de la montaña y se dirija hacia Jerusalén significa que no podemos escapar de Su camino hacia el Calvario. Más bien, se nos anima a vivir más fielmente con Jesús.

Tercero, la historia de la Transfiguración de Jesús nos ilumina en el sentido de que, en medio de nuestras luchas para superar las críticas, la calumnia y el odio, debemos escuchar a Jesús. A través de Jesús, hemos visto la presencia de Dios: no un Dios oculto, sino un Dios que vino en carne, que destruyó la muerte y prometió el poder de la Resurrección. Estamos empoderados para verlo a través de los ojos de la fe, los cuales nos permiten ver la verdad.

Esta es la Buena Nueva, que es reconfortante. Nunca debemos dejar de dar gracias a Dios, que nos mantiene fieles mientras ascendemos al Monte de la Transfiguración. Él nos ha mostrado la majestuosidad de Su gloria, y a través de la fe, permanecemos firmes, renovados en el sentido del amor de Jesús por nosotros.

Con profunda renovación, soy perdonado. Soy mejor por ser amado, y en compañía de los demás, subimos juntos la montaña del altar de la Eucaristía.

Que Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlon, osa

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
• Matthew 17:1-9 

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. We are all invited to reflect on the readings today which speak of our journey together from July 1, 2019 until today…for over 6 years. Together we climb the mountain of the Altar of God as we celebrate the Traditional Latin or Extraordinary Form mass every Sunday.

Do you remember at the main altar next to the crucifix at the Holy Spirit Mission Church, what were the two words written on that altar mural? Those two inspiring words are the most significant reminder which make me able to walk with you and persevere as your priest. Those words impact me so much every time I offer mass for you. I stared with passion as I raised the host and the chalice during the consecration. No doubt that is just like Abraham who wants to see God, yet God instead revealed to him His spoken words of promise. Abraham received a son and numerous blessings from the land, except to see God in person, but only see through His words.

God has given me these two words: Grace and Mercy. It is sentimental to uncover the meaning of the words so that you may understand.

Coming here at Holy Spirit Mission, God has given me the Grace. No doubt that among the many priests, Bishop Randolph Calvo, DD appointed me to this special ministry. I have relied on God’s grace to celebrate the Latin Mass with such beauty and dignity worthy of the eyes of God. I have struggled to learn and to memorize all those Latin prayers which I never thought as a priest to start learning Latin words, the rubrics of the Extraordinary Form, which is the “Traditions Custodes.” I know I have made some mistakes, but I always find consolation in what my professors told me, “Ecclesia Supplet”, which means “The Church supplies.” Everything is grace from God who sustains me through all the years of my ministry and service.

Mercy is a magic word to remind me as I lead my flock, that I need to have mercy in my heart, like the Heart of our Merciful God. A call to mercy is “to be gracious and show favor.” It is God’s gracious gift and at the same time a favor that is shown to me. I believe I cannot be merciful unless God granted me some favor to change my personal way of looking at myself and others. This “mercy” which I always contemplate or reflect on gives me a sense of power, that is the power to be merciful.

These words erased from our sight create for me an image of Israel’s God, who I believe deserves more attention than myself and from whom I gain enormous help, love and support.

The gospel today, taken from the gospel of St. Matthew, narrates to us the beautiful story of Jesus’ transfiguration. This is how the three disciples are able to witness that Jesus allowed God, The Father, to touch His human nature being transformed. The cloud enveloped Him and the Divine voice said, “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him”. It is the Father’s command to encourage humanity to heed and abide by Him. The disciples see His face and clothes as dazzling white. This experience of dazzling brightness became the state of Peter, James and John’s hearts and minds so differently. The three apostles understand that following Jesus will involve suffering, yet transfigured to an intense attraction to their Master. They were tempted to remain there putting up three tents for their own selfishness.

Let us reflect on three important points in the story of Transfiguration:

First, Jesus’ invitation to His three apostles is a moment of comfort in order to prepare for what is ahead. In the liturgy of the Church, it says that during Jesus’ transfiguration, “He revealed his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses … that the scandal of the Cross might be removed from the hearts of his disciples and that he might show how in the Body of the whole Church is to be fulfilled what so wonderfully shone forth first in its Head.” That was a teaching point of Jesus to His apostles, who understood that His impending death on the Cross should not cause them fear but a manifestation that His glory with the testimony of Moses, representing the law, and Elijah, representing the Prophet, is to be listened to. This also would give us a clearer understanding that Christ’s passion will finally result in Jesus’ Resurrection, and that glory is ours too.

Second, His disciples wanted to build three tents for their pleasure to remain there on top of the mountain. I would be in a greater scene of seeking personal glory. The disciples have this sense of requesting selfish possession of Jesus’ glory and truth. Just like some of us, we have an increasing “entitlement” which flows from a sense that we deserve only the glorious intimate experiences of relationships because we have power and wealth. We believe that life is owed to us and not from God. We must accept that in Jesus’ coming down from that mountain and heading towards Jerusalem, we cannot escape His walk towards Calvary. Rather we are encouraged to live more with Jesus faithfully.

Third, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus enlightened us that in the midst of our struggles to overcome criticism, slander and hate, we must listen to Jesus. Through Jesus, we have seen God’s presence, not anymore God who hides but God who came in the flesh, who has destroyed death and promises the power of the Resurrection. We are empowered to see Him thru our eyes of faith that truly see.

This is the Goodnews which is comforting. We should never stop giving thanks to God, who keeps us faithful ascending to the Mount of Transfiguration. He has shown us His majesty of His glory in faith without wavering and renewed in a sense of Jesus’ love for us.

With deep joy and gratitude to God, I sincerely hand upon you those two eternal words in my heart, that wherever you are, always be reminded of God’s Grace and Mercy. May these two lasting words create reverberating sounds in everyone’s heart and mind. Until we meet again, let us keep one another in prayer, especially your new priest Canon Moreau.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Deuteronomy 26:4-10
• Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
• Romans 10:8-13
• Luke 4:1-13

Today, we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent, Year C.  This Lenten journey invites us to bring our hearts and lives before the Lord, who saves.  This loving God loves us unconditionally.  Thus, hearing these three scriptural readings, they provide us with guidance to plan out our Lenten season so that we can respond to that love every moment of our life.  Let us keep this Lenten season meaningful to reflect on God’s presence, love and His acts of redemption.   

The first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy reminds us of what our saving God had done for the Israelites throughout the history.  God brought them out through Moses from the oppressive Egyptians by His powerful hands “with signs and wonders and He gave them land flowing with milk and honey.” 

We must remember and reflect that God has shown many opportunities for us to be freed from struggles, difficulties and ultimately, triumph from all adversities in life.  God has journey with us, something that we cannot forget and to be grateful.  God’s manifestations to save us is worthy to ponder in our hearts. 

The second reading from the letter to the Romans, St. Paul teaches us about the Word.  He says that “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This first Sunday of Lent, we are invited to focus upon God’s Word, the written and spoken Words which inspire us to contemplate in mind and heart the amazing love of God.

The gospel today from St. Mark has always been about the event of Jesus’ being tempted by the devil during the first Sunday of Lent.  It shows to us that He is fully human.   There are three temptations with corresponding affirmations by Jesus that He knew well Himself.  

First, the devil tempted Jesus.  “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”  Jesus was hungry because He fasted and abstain food those days. Jesus resisted by saying, “As it is written, One does not live on bread alone.”  Jesus is exhorting us that we need to consider denying ourselves from our bodily desires during this Lent.  Not that we must continue to satisfy our appetite but depriving ourselves from food and inadvertent desires and pleasures, we become strong to resist all bodily gratification.  Furthermore, we have to spend a large amount of time meditating on God’s Word during Lent would definitely seem to be a worthy use of our time.

Second, the devil insisted and took Jesus up and showed Him all the kingdom of the world, the devil said to Him, “I shall give you all this power and glory for it was handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish.”  He was tempted to possess the power of domination.  This is how we too are tempted by offering ourselves to dominate and control others.  We oftentimes took that opportunity to let others kneel down before us to manifest our controlling and domineering impulse. It has been done between spouses to assert their power and even to some towards their children, whom they left them with too little choices. 

The true worship and service we can render to God alone is not through power, prestige and manipulation of others but rather genuine service resulting to the building up of that kingdom.

Third, the devil tempted Jesus for the last time, “If you are the Son of God throw yourself and let angels rescued you.  Jesus says, “you shall not tempt God.” This is the so called temptation of “showing glory and prestige.”  However, the Lord was so humble by living out who He is, being faithful and beloved Son of God.  It is a lesson for us to be humble like Him.  Whatever we attain in life, we cannot just tempted to be like little gods.  God alone is our God and no other.  No amount of material possessions, material abundance and achievement could make ourselves powerful than our loving God.   Thus, we surrender to Him and we should never test the Lord.  

As long as we live, temptations will be real, and ours today where it seems as if the devil is constantly seeking to overpower us.  We need continue to fight and to be strong in our spiritual battles.  Like Jesus, we have to process our self-acceptance that we are children of God, trusting in the One who has called us.  How do we focus our mind and heart during our 40 days of Lent.  Through our Lenten discipline, of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we let go of our egos, and let God to conquer us and make room for God inside our core being.  Let the Spirit of God lead us into the dessert of forty days of Lent and not to allow the devil to destroy our relationship with God.  

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

——————

El Dictado del Corazón

Primer Domingo de Cuaresma, Año C

• Deuteronomio 26:4-10
• Salmo 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
• Romanos 10:8-13
• Lucas 4:1-13

Hoy celebramos el primer Domingo de Cuaresma, Año C. Este camino cuaresmal nos invita a llevar nuestro corazón y nuestra vida ante el Señor, quien nos salva. Este Dios amoroso nos ama incondicionalmente. Así, al escuchar estas tres lecturas bíblicas, nos brindan una guía para planificar nuestra temporada de Cuaresma, para que podamos responder a ese amor en cada momento de nuestra vida. Mantengamos esta temporada de Cuaresma para que sea significativa y para reflexionar sobre la presencia de Dios, Su amor y Sus actos de redención.

La primera lectura, tomada del libro de Deuteronomio, nos recuerda lo que nuestro Dios salvador ha hecho por los israelitas a lo largo de la historia. Dios los sacó por medio de Moisés de los opresivos egipcios con Su mano poderosa “con señales y prodigios, y les dio una tierra que fluye leche y miel”.

Debemos recordar y reflexionar que Dios ha mostrado muchas oportunidades para que seamos liberados de luchas, dificultades y, en última instancia, para triunfar sobre todas las adversidades de la vida. Dios ha caminado con nosotros, algo que no podemos olvidar y por lo que debemos ser agradecidos. Las manifestaciones de Dios para salvarnos son dignas de ser meditadas en nuestro corazone.

La segunda lectura, de la carta a los Romanos, San Pablo nos enseña acerca de la Palabra. Él dice: “La palabra está cerca de ti, en tu boca y en tu corazón”. Este primer domingo de Cuaresma, se nos invita a centrarnos en la Palabra de Dios, las Palabras escritas y pronunciadas que nos inspiran a contemplar con mente y corazón el increíble amor de Dios.

El evangelio de hoy, tomado del evangelio de San Lucas, siempre ha tratado del evento de la tentación de Jesús por parte del diablo durante el primer domingo de Cuaresma. Nos muestra que Él es completamente humano. Hay tres tentaciones con las correspondientes afirmaciones de Jesús que Él conocía bien por sí mismo.

Primero, el diablo tentó a Jesús: “Si eres el Hijo de Dios, manda que esta piedra se convierta en pan”. Jesús tenía hambre porque había ayunado y se había abstenido de comer esos días. Jesús resistió diciendo: “Está escrito: No solo de pan vive el hombre”. Jesús nos exhorta a considerar negarnos a nuestros deseos corporales durante esta Cuaresma. No es que debamos seguir satisfaciendo nuestro apetito, sino que al privarnos de comida y de deseos y placeres inadvertidos, nos volvemos fuertes para resistir toda gratificación corporal. Además, debemos pasar un buen tiempo meditando sobre la Palabra de Dios durante la Cuaresma, lo cual sería un uso digno de nuestro tiempo.

Segundo, el diablo insistió y llevó a Jesús, mostrándole todos los reinos del mundo. El diablo le dijo: “Te daré todo este poder y gloria, porque me fue entregado a mí, y puedo dárselo a quien quiera”. Fue tentado a poseer el poder de la dominación. Así también nosotros somos tentados a ofrecernos para dominar y controlar a los demás. Muchas veces aprovechamos esa oportunidad para dejar que otros se arrodillen ante nosotros y manifestar nuestro impulso controlador y dominante. Esto ha ocurrido entre esposos para afirmar su poder, e incluso hacia los hijos, a quienes se les deja con muy pocas opciones.

El verdadero culto y servicio que podemos rendir a Dios solo es a través del servicio genuino que resulta en la edificación de Su reino, y no a través del poder, el prestigio y la manipulación de los demás.

Tercero, el diablo tentó a Jesús por última vez: “Todo esto será tuyo, si me adoras”. Esta es la tentación de la posesión. Sin embargo, Jesús le respondió: “Está escrito: Adorarás al Señor tu Dios, y a Él solo servirás”. Jesús vivió como quien es: fiel y amado Hijo de Dios. Es una lección para nosotros: no importa la cantidad de posesiones materiales y abundancia, no debemos sucumbir fácilmente a la tentación de adorar cualquier posesión que tengamos, porque solo a Dios debemos servir.

Mientras vivamos, las tentaciones serán reales, y las nuestras hoy en día parecen como si el diablo estuviera buscando constantemente dominarnos. Debemos seguir luchando y ser fuertes en nuestras batallas espirituales. Al igual que Jesús, debemos procesar nuestra aceptación de que somos hijos de Dios, confiando en Aquel que nos ha llamado. ¿Cómo enfocamos nuestra mente y corazón durante los 40 días de Cuaresma? A través de nuestra disciplina cuaresmal de oración, ayuno y limosna, dejamos ir nuestros egos, permitimos que Dios nos conquiste y haga espacio para Él en lo más profundo de nuestro ser. Que el Espíritu de Dios nos guíe hacia el desierto de los cuarenta días de Cuaresma y no permitamos que el diablo destruya nuestra relación con Dios.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlon

• 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
• Matthew 4:1-11

Today, we begin our journey through Lent.  It is the first Sunday of Lent where we take advantage of this opportunity to keep the discipline of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  This is a moment of grace inviting everyone to focus on God’s loving presence as we journey together along the path of personal soul searching, renewal of mind and heart and genuine conversion in this season of Lent.  We are being prepared to have this solemn event to attentively listen and ponder the Word of God in the Scriptures and unceasingly pray to heed the call of true repentance. 

In the first epistle, taken from the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul says, “Brethren, we exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.”  These inspiring words from St. Paul make us remember Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, which is extended to us as the greatest grace from our loving God. Paul quotes the Prophet Isaiah that he announced to them that God was bringing His people out of exile, and yet the people in Corinth were passive and not reacting to it.  Therefore, on our part, how can we receive God’s grace in a fruitful way?  This is the challenge that we need to know.  On our part we need to repent of our sins, turning away from sins, acknowledging our sins thru confession and entering into this new relationship with God.  Unfortunately, many people receive God’s grace in vain. They read the bible and think that what Jesus did was great, and yet it makes not much difference in their life.  They haven’t actually surrendered to God despite the freely given gift of transformation because our spiritual life is flat and lifeless.  It is obvious that we are not acting on what we have received.  

Is there something to rejoice in? To pray about? To believe? There is always a specific way to respond to God’s Word and invitation to eternal salvation.  We now enjoy a day of grace; then let’s all be careful not to neglect it.  St Paul, the apostle of the Gentile did so, by much patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper and behavior.  We need to diligently employ our time to useful purposes.  

The gospel, taken from St. Matthew, narrates to us about Jesus being tempted by the devil.   What do you think is Satan’s goal in coming to tempt Jesus?  How did Jesus respond? 

The Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness.  It was part of the sovereign plan to allow Satan to tempt Jesus.  This encounter happened in order to serve as an example for us of how to face temptation and which shows how victorious Jesus was over Satan as evidence of His faithfulness to His Father and to show as evidence of Jesus’ sinlessness.   

In moments of temptations, the Lord is our model that we should pray and ask God for greater strength in order not to fall into temptations and to rely on God more.  In the book of Job, God allows Satan to tempt Job severely. At the same time, He uses it as an opportunity to teach Job and his friends more things about God.  Temptations come and we should do our best to avoid them because it is possible that we can overcome them, not trusting ourselves, but trusting solely on God’s intervention.

The first temptation, Satan asked Jesus, “If you are the Son of God command that these stones be made bead.”   Jesus responded, “It is written, not in bread alone that man live but in every word that proceeded from the mouth of God.”  Satan wanted Jesus to use His power for selfish reasons, that is to go outside of God’s desire for man to focus on spiritual satisfaction rather than bodily satisfactions. Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights to prepare Himself for this rigorous mission to begin His three-year public ministry which would change the world.  He put aside worldly distractions and desires so that He can rely on the strength from God and His Word to defeat those temptations.  

The second temptation, Satan brought Him to the top of the temple saying, “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down.”  Jesus replied, “Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.”  I believe that through His own conviction, He would not ask His Father to send angels to catch Him because Jesus doesn’t want to test the power of His almighty Father.  Throwing Himself off the temple is actually demonstrating a lack of faith and the power of His Father’s promise as revealed in the Scriptures.  Now, we do understand that the real faith doesn’t need any proof or signs. 

The third temptation, Satan took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world.  Then Satan told Him, “All these will I give Thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me”.  Jesus said, “Begone Satan, for it is written, The Lord Thy God shalt thou adore, and Him only shalt thou serve”.  We see Satan’s true heart of pride for he wants to be worshipped.  However, at the end of the story Jesus showed His true power and authority.  He commands Satan to obey because Jesus is stronger, and Satan cannot stand up to Him. Jesus again is giving us an example that we should always respond to lies and temptation with truth. 

Today, we make the decision to meditate on the truth of God’s Word and use it to defend yourself against all temptations and evil attacks.  We should spend lots of time in prayer, meditation and focusing on God’s Word.  Not only to think how long we could fast and abstain from food or from other things such as internet, movies, alcohol, sexual excess, or social media, but instead, during this season, we intensify improving on building good and loving relationships with God and others.  Whatever help or any charitable contribution for those who are in dire need, we do them not only for our needy neighbors, but for God.  Whoever you do to the least of your brothers, you do it unto me. 

All those temptations that come along our way would surely be conquered when we focus on Jesus, who is victorious and walks with us along the path to holiness.  

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Sirach 27:4-7
• Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
• 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
• Luke 6:39-45 

Today is the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.  We are in the 1st Sunday of the month of March 2025. We never realize how time flies seemingly unnoticed.  We are sometimes in denial that we are growing old as time passes, and oftentimes we just don’t realize our own blindness on things like the fleeting moments.  On this Sunday, it is Ordinary Time, but this coming Wednesday is the beginning of the 40 days of the liturgical calendar called Lent.    

Today’s 1st reading, taken from the Book of Sirach, exhorts that we cannot judge a person until one speaks.  We praise a person only when one utters to disclose what is in his heart and mind.  Words are necessary to be heard to know if a person is truly reliable and can be trusted. The proverbs from the Book of Sirach always provide us with a thought provoking message. 

In the 2nd reading from the first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul’s words prepare us to enter into our Lenten journey in order to focus on our interior life.  St. Paul says, “Be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 

The gospel today, taken from the gospel of St. Luke, narrates the teachings of Jesus contained in this parable.

First, Jesus says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” This is a difficult and dangerous situation, and it would surely result nowhere if a blind man is leading another blind person.  Jesus is actually talking in a figurative manner, rather than a literal way. Jesus makes us understand that our attitude towards our spiritual life is consistent with the fact that we simply admit how far we can be able to sustain our pretentious attitude.  It is the biggest danger when we presume we can fix other’s faults but, honestly, we can’t even fix our own blindness.  

Second, Jesus says, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own.”  I guess this is the worst attitude, which is our being judgmental.  Judgmental people tend to see only other’s mistakes and flaws without being aware of and admittedly not trying to take their own wooden beam from one’s own eye.  It elevates all kinds of prejudices against others, when they themselves cannot see clearly.  Thus, people shouldn’t be criticizing others for faults they have themselves.

Third, Jesus says, “A good person, out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, while an evil person, out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fulness of the heart the mouth speaks.”  This is how Jesus teaches us that the quality of our heart determines the quality of our words and actions.   If we live according to the words of Jesus, our words and actions would be guided by His gospel message.  Consequently, it will affect others positively.  Therefore, we should avoid uttering words and doing actions that will scandalize and lead others to nothingness.  

Today, Jesus wants us to be careful speaking unkind words, judging others, and to show the goodness of your heart by being humble enough to look inwards before criticizing others.  Truly, our actions flow easily from the goodness within, for we believe that “From the fulness of the heart the mouth speaks.”  Our way of seeing, speaking, hearing and doing all flow from the heart.  Let us develop a sound heart which is important in our Christian life.  Jesus invites us to examine ourselves.  

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

—————–

El Dictado del Corazón 

Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año C

Sirácides 27:4-7 Salmo 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 1 Corintios 15:54-58 Lucas 6:39-45

Hoy es el Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año C. Estamos en el primer Domingo del mes de Marzo de 2025, y a veces no nos damos cuenta de cómo el tiempo pasa rápidamente, casi sin notarlo. A veces estamos en negación de que estamos envejeciendo, ya que el tiempo pasa, y a menudo ni siquiera nos damos cuenta de nuestra propia ceguera ante cosas como los momentos fugaces. Este Domingo, es Tiempo Ordinario, pero este próximo Miércoles comienza la Cuaresma de 40 días, el comienzo del calendario litúrgico conocido como Cuaresma.

La primera lectura de hoy, tomada del Libro de Sirácides, nos exhorta a no juzgar a una persona hasta que esta hable. Alabamos a una persona solo cuando expresa lo que tiene en su corazón y mente. Las palabras son necesarias para ser escuchadas si una persona es realmente confiable y se le puede confiar. Los proverbios del Libro de Sirácides siempre nos dejan un mensaje que nos hace reflexionar.

La segunda lectura, de la primera carta a los Corintios, las palabras de San Pablo nos preparan para entrar en nuestro camino cuaresmal, para enfocarnos en nuestra vida interior. San Pablo dice: “Manténganse firmes, inquebrantables, siempre abundantes en la obra del Señor, sabiendo que en el Señor vuestro trabajo no es en vano”.

El evangelio de hoy, tomado del evangelio de San Lucas, narra las enseñanzas de Jesús contenidas en esta parábola.

Primero, Jesús dice: “¿Puede un ciego guiar a otro ciego?” Esta es una situación difícil y peligrosa, y seguramente no llevaría a nada si un ciego guiara a otro ciego. Jesús, de hecho, está hablando de manera figurada, no literal. Jesús nos hace entender que nuestra actitud hacia nuestra vida espiritual está relacionada con el simple hecho de admitir hasta dónde podemos sostener nuestra actitud pretenciosa. Es el mayor peligro cuando presumimos que podemos corregir los defectos de los demás, pero honestamente, ni siquiera podemos corregir nuestra propia ceguera.

En segundo lugar, Jesús dice: “¿Por qué ves la paja en el ojo de tu hermano, y no te das cuenta de la viga en tu propio ojo?” Creo que esta es la peor actitud, el juzgar a los demás. Las personas que juzgan tienden a ver solo los errores y defectos de los demás, sin ser conscientes de que no intentan ni siquiera quitar la viga de su propio ojo. Esto eleva todo tipo de prejuicios contra los demás, cuando ellos mismos no pueden ver claramente. Por lo tanto, no deberíamos criticar a los demás por los errores que tenemos nosotros mismos.

En tercer lugar, Jesús dice: “El hombre bueno dice cosas buenas, porque el bien está en su corazón, y el hombre malo dice cosas malas, porque el mal está en su corazón, pues la boca habla de lo que está lleno el corazón”. Así es como Jesús nos enseña que la calidad de nuestro corazón determina la calidad de nuestras palabras y acciones. Si vivimos de acuerdo con las palabras de Jesús, nuestras palabras y acciones estarán guiadas por su mensaje evangélico. En consecuencia, afectarán positivamente a los demás. Por lo tanto, debemos evitar decir palabras y realizar acciones que escandalicen y conduzcan a los demás a la nada.

Hoy, Jesús quiere que tengamos cuidado al hablar palabras crueles, al juzgar a los demás y al mostrar la bondad de nuestro corazón, siendo lo suficientemente humildes para mirar hacia adentro antes de criticar a los demás. Verdaderamente, nuestras acciones fluyen fácilmente de la bondad que tenemos dentro, porque creemos que “de la abundancia del corazón, habla la boca”. Nuestro modo de ver, hablar, oír y hacer todo fluye del corazón. Desarrollemos un corazón sano, que es fundamental en nuestra vida cristiana. Jesús nos invita a examinarnos a nosotros mismos.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlon, osa

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
• Luke 18:31-43

Today is Quinquagesima Sunday, the last of the three consecutive Sundays for our pre-Lenten spiritual preparation.  This coming Wednesday, March 5th, will be Ash Wednesday.  I presume that everyone is now 80% ready to commence our journey through Lent.  There are essential Lenten programs that we can avail like looking into charitable institutions to offer monetary support, going into retreat, reading the scriptures and intensifying our prayer life and sacrifices. We do everything for the Love of God and neighbors. 

In today’s epistle, taken from the 1st letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, we always hear these words at weddings because this is commonly called the Hymn of Love, not only popular to Christians, but also to non-Christian culture.  This epistle was written when Corinth was in the period of crisis in terms of relationships. They need to follow the path of Spirit-driven desire in order to grow in maturity and to learn that as a community, they too may live out the vision of love in their lives.  As believers, it is our orientation also to persevere in faith, hope and love.  The end result to this is to experience an all-encompassing and all surpassing divine Love.  These words of St. Paul are inspiring words, not only applicable for wedding ceremonies, but for us who are open to receive the good news which comes to life today in our hearing.   

Our gospel today,  taken from the evangelist Luke, is about the healing of the blind man.  This story has been written by Matthew, Mark and Luke as part of their lessons revolving around the topic on Christ’s kingship and its fulfillment of the prophetic promise.  There are significant points for us to reflect on. 

First, the mentioning of the location is significant in the gospel of Luke. Jesus was entering into the place called Jericho.  It is a gateway towards the land of the promise which was an occupied land treating the people of God with hostility and force.  This is very symbolic to what the people are trying to regain, that is, its loss and its restoration as a people.  What is our Jericho in our life?  What is our experience of loss and how do we manage to ask the Lord to help us to be restored by His grace and mercy? 

Second, the blind man shouts out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”  The use of the title “Son of David,” given and addressed to Jesus, is a clear revelation about the identity of Jesus.  The crowd, inner close friends and apostles don’t call Him that title.  This title indicates Christ’s “Messianic” role He has to play.  It is in a way an occasion slowly unfolding about Jesus. Have we known Jesus’ true identity?  Are we calling on Jesus to seek healing? 

Third, the blind man is physically blind, but the word blindness in scripture points us towards some spiritual reality and reminds us that there are cases of spiritual blindness we do have, perhaps unconsciously touching ourselves to beg the Lord to allow us to see and to restore our impaired relationship with Jesus.  Our new spiritual vision will surely be the cause for great rejoicing, thanksgiving and for praising God unceasingly. 

Today, we realize that after experiencing healing from the Lord, we are called to establish a deeper understanding of becoming a true witness and bearing the fruit of being a recipient of God’s mercy and divine love.  This is the key theme in Luke’s writing; we receive a calling, a goal and a vision.  Like the blind man, we call Jesus.  We can hear His voice that we will regain our lost sight, and now our healing becomes the agent of God’s healing for others. 

Let us pause and think, what is our deeper blindness for which we need God’s mercy.  May we always ask God to open the eyes of our understanding and strong faith.  We all say, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
• Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
• 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
• Luke 6:27-38

Today is the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.  The very core of our Christian life is to constantly follow the Lord’s teaching of perseverance, forgiveness and love, which ultimately rests on every heart of mankind.  We learn many things as we relate ourselves to others, in particular, sharing with our family members, relatives and friends.  We mature when there are difficulties and trials, and we frequently find ways to overcome those struggles we are facing in life.  Our integrity is best exemplified in moments of testing, even death, but Jesus makes it bearable for us because He saves! 

The first reading, taken from the book of Samuel, narrates to us that David is in hiding due to the intention of Saul to kill him. However, when the opportunity comes, one of David’s close aides, Abishai, was about to kill Saul while he was sleeping. David intervened and saved Saul because he was anointed by God. The compassion prevails from the heart of David, not coming from his personal decision, but from God.  In reverence to God, David allowed Saul to be freed as the chosen king. David offered Saul a new chance to live showing his mercy and compassion.  

The 2nd reading, from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, gives Paul’s parallel and contrast between Adam and Christ.  It states that “the first man Adam became a living being” while Jesus Christ in the New Testament, the last Adam, became a life-giving spirit. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust coming from earth, in a special way, we are created in the image of Christ, who is the man of heaven. 

The gospel taken from St. Luke is kind of a continuation of the evangelist Luke in the sermon on the Beatitudes.  Jesus is looking into our eyes saying an important message for us being His newly called disciples.  We are warned to keep an eye on our challenging life, having enemies and yet being instructed to love them.  I mean challenging due to Jesus’ advice and guidance. This is an invitation to live a new law of Christ. 

First, Jesus says, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.”  To understand loving your enemies and others, doing good, praying and blessing those who hate you is certainly connected to the last verse of the gospel, which says, “be merciful just as your Father is merciful.” This is Jesus’ challenge to every follower that one needs to embrace a higher standard of action than his social context would normally require.   

Second, Jesus says, “Do to others as you have them do to you.  For if you love those who love you what credit is that for you?”  This is how we must comprehend these words of Jesus to love someone, in terms of action, rather than in terms of emotion.   Because to love someone means to “will good to others” as we expect others to do to us.   We never will evil upon them, and loving and doing good is the credit we deserve.  This is Christ’s positive approach to the golden rule.  This is the heart of the message of Christ that we must embrace which demands no expectation of repayment. 

Third, Jesus says, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.”  When we listen carefully to Jesus’ words, we are delighted to hear that “reward is great.”  The reward cannot be quantified but one can appreciate a good tree by its good and abundant fruits.  Our external and interior actions, such as loving, forgiving, blessings and enduring humiliations, would then be products of being children of the Most High, which comes from our transformed hearts.  To think of reward is good, but it is not quantifiable, but a result of God’s loving welcome to an eternal bliss.   

This is the Goodnews!  The Savior is the teacher here, and He instructs us on how to enjoy true happiness now and in that which is to come. We are positioning ourselves for a proper experience of that “joyful season of Lent” which begins this coming Wednesday. God is always laboring upon creation, our creation, to bring us more and more to life. 

May we hear these rules of conduct which we are obligated to fulfill for choosing to become disciples of the Lord.  This is the reason why many cannot accept Jesus.

Whatever the circumstances, St. Teresa of Avila heard Jesus say to her, “This is how I treat my friends,” to which she replied, “If this is how You treat your friends, it is no wonder You have so few!” Thus, I would say, for those who want to follow the Lord, the demand is great, but the reward is much greater!

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

——————

El Dictamen del Corazón

Séptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año C

• 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
• Salmos 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
• 1 Corintios 15:45-49
• Lucas 6:27-38

Hoy es el Séptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año C. El núcleo mismo de nuestra vida cristiana es seguir constantemente la enseñanza del Señor sobre la perseverancia, el perdón y el amor, los cuales descansan en el corazón de toda la humanidad. Aprendemos muchas cosas mientras nos relacionamos con los demás, en particular, compartiendo con nuestros familiares, parientes y amigos. Maduramos cuando enfrentamos dificultades, pruebas y encontramos maneras de superar las luchas que enfrentamos en la vida. Nuestra integridad se personificamejor en momentos de prueba, incluso en la muerte; Jesús lo hace soportable para nosotros porque ¡Él nos salva! 

En nuestra primera lectura tomada del libro de Samuel, nos narra que David está escondido debido a la intención de Saúl de matarlo. Sin embargo, cuando Saúl dormía, uno de sus cercanos, Abisai, quiso matarlo, pero a través de la intervención de David, quien cree que Saúl pertenece a Dios como Su ungido, lo perdonó. David permitió que viviera. La compasión prevalece en el corazón de David, no como una decisión personal, sino como una acción de Dios, quien ha elegido a Saúl como rey. En reverencia a Dios, David permitió que Saúl fuera liberado como rey. ¿Por qué creen que David quiso matar a Saúl? Porque Saúl había lanzado su lanza para matarlo. Saúl sabía que David mataba a sus enemigos y temía que David se convirtiera en rey. Así, Saúl huyó de David, pero Saúl fue acorralado por Abisai; sin embargo, David le dio a Saúl una nueva oportunidad de vivir, manifestando su misericordia y compasión. 

En la segunda lectura, de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios, Pablo establece un paralelo y contraste entre Adán y Cristo. Dice que “el primer hombre, Adán, se convirtió en ser viviente”, mientras que Jesús Cristo, en el Nuevo Testamento, el último Adán, se convirtió en un espíritu vivificador. Así como hemos llevado la imagen del hombre de polvo, que viene de la tierra, de una manera especial, hemos sido creados a imagen de Cristo, quien es el hombre del cielo. 

El evangelio tomado de San Lucas es una especie de continuación del sermón de las Bienaventuranzas. Jesús nos mira a los ojos y nos da un mensaje importante, sus recién llamados discípulos. Se nos advierte sobre cómo enfrentar la vida desafiante con enemigos y, aun así, se nos instruye a amarlos. Digo desafiante debido al consejo y la guía de Jesús. Esta es una invitación a vivir una nueva ley de Cristo. 

Primero, Jesús dice: “Amen a sus enemigos, hagan el bien a los que los odian, bendigan a los que los maldicen y oren por los que los maltratan.” Para entender el amor a nuestros enemigos y a los demás, hacer el bien, orar y bendecir a los que nos odian está ciertamente conectado con el último versículo del evangelio que dice: “Sean misericordiosos, así como su Padre es misericordioso.” Este es el desafío de Jesús para cada seguidor: se necesita abrazar un estándar de acción más alto que el que normalmente requeriría el contexto social. 

Segundo, Jesús dice: “Hagan a los demás lo que ustedes quieren que hagan con ustedes. Porque si aman a los que los aman, ¿qué mérito tienen?” Así debemos comprender estas palabras de Jesús: amar a alguien, en términos de acción, más que en términos de emoción. Porque amar a alguien significa “querer el bien para los demás” como esperamos que los demás lo hagan con nosotros. Nunca les haremos mal, amar y hacer el bien es el mérito que merecemos. Este es el enfoque positivo de Cristo hacia la regla de oro. Este es el corazón del mensaje de Cristo que debemos abrazar, que no exige la expectativa de ser retribuido. 

Tercero, Jesús dice: “Entonces, su recompensa será grande, y serán hijos del Altísimo.” Cuando escuchamos atentamente las palabras de Jesús, nos deleitamos al oír que “la recompensa será grande.” La recompensa que no puede ser calculada, pero uno puede apreciar un buen árbol por sus buenos y abundantes frutos. Nuestras acciones externas e internas, como el amar, perdonar, bendecir y soportar humillaciones, serán productos de ser hijos del Altísimo, que provienen de nuestros corazones transformados. Pensar en la recompensa es bueno, pero no es calculable; es el resultado de la bienvenida amorosa de Dios hacia una dicha eterna. 

¡Esta es la Buena Nueva! El Salvador es el maestro aquí y nos instruye sobre cómo disfrutar de la verdadera felicidad ahora y en el futuro que está por venir. Nos estamos posicionando para una experiencia adecuada de esa “alegría de la temporada de Cuaresma” que comienza este miércoles. Dios siempre está trabajando sobre la creación, nuestra creación, para traernos más y más a la vida. 

Que escuchemos estas reglas de conducta que estamos obligados a cumplir por elegir ser discípulos del Señor. Esta es la razón por la que muchos no pueden aceptar a Jesús. Sean cuales sean las circunstancias, Santa Teresa de Ávila escuchó a Jesús decirle: “Así trato a mis amigos,” a lo que ella respondió: “¡Si así tratas a tus amigos, no es de extrañar que tengas tan pocos!” Así que diría, para aquellos que quieren seguir al Señor, la demanda es grande, ¡pero la recompensa es mucho mayor! 

Dios los bendiga. 

P. Arlon, osa

• 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9
• Luke 8:4-15

Last Sunday, we started the pre-Lenten observance. The Gloria and Alleluia have been put to rest, and I am wearing violet vestments to cultivate a pre-Lenten attitude. The significance of the season of Sexagesima Sunday is to achieve our spiritual rightful aspirations. It is not only about following the “Traditiones Custodes,” but what matters most is to discipline our hearts to be in communion with the life of God. I believe we are encouraged to live a holy life, inspiring others, doing good deeds, caring for others, doing penance and forgiving.

The epistle today, taken from the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, reminds us of the example of St. Paul, who labored with much commitment for the salvation of our souls and to faithfully honor God who sustained him with His grace. This epistle is not about narration of Paul’s achievements and prestige in order to boast, but to endure and to perform in preaching the gospel. St. Paul, when he asked that his “sting of the flesh” be taken away, emphasized how God’s grace is sufficient to deal with the thorns that prevent the good works he had been doing.

I see myself in St. Paul’s attitude that despite so many trials and difficulties doing my missionary endeavors, God is in total control to shame these and to remove the obstacles they place in the way of spreading the holy gospel. Trials and sufferings are what make me humble. These false believers and pretenders, the hirelings as Christ calls them, only care for their own selves, for temporal advantages, not to care for the salvation of everyone. Our own responsibility is to exemplify Christ’s life and to remember St. Paul sharing how he marveled from his own missionary sufferings. Through his humility and modesty, he perseveres to overcome the concupiscence of the flesh which he claims is like a sting of his flesh. Tormented and yet remaining in the abode of happy spirits is what I believe is God’s loving response.

The gospel today, taken from St. Luke, is a parable of the Sower which does not require much explanation. The Lord’s explanation is sufficient and clear enough to understand it. In this pre-Lenten journey, we might ask ourselves how does the Word of God grow in our heart and soul?

First, following the example of the Blessed Mother Mary, she did not only hear the word of God, but she kept it in her heart. It is necessary that we should not only hear the Word of God but to seriously take it to heart.

Secondly, we must meditate upon it and put it into practice. We should not only be content with merely receiving God’s word because I have the impression that it only lasts during the mass, and after you leave the church everything has been forgotten. I would say, the Word of God must take root in our hearts by practical application of its teaching.

Thirdly, the seed, which is the Word of God, brings to us the fruit of tolerance and patience. When we have the patience, the seed of the divine Word germinates, which we don’t really expect to blossom, and gives life to our hearts slowly but surely. The seed quietly falls wherever the Sower throws it. There it lies patiently until it bursts, bending at last its head, refreshed by the dew, the rain and the sunshine, then it grows.

Therefore, if we wish to bear fruit for salvation, the more we humble ourselves, the more we gain strength to bring forth fruits for eternal life.

May God bless us with His grace to possess sufficient knowledge and desire of that inexpressible reward prepared for those who have served God faithfully in this world.

Fr. Arlon, osa