Month: February 2023

• Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
• Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
• Romans 5:12-19
• Matthew 4:1-11

Last Wednesday, we received the imposition of ashes on our forehead, a sign that we are consenting to go through the process of repentance and conversion as we believe and proclaim the gospel through words, actions and way of life as Catholics.

This first Sunday of Lent is not to think about sacrifices but about how the love for God and others is effectively working with us. This is a call to not be easily tempted by Satan, but to allow the grace of God to transform us.

The three readings today speak about our journey as we begin this season of Lent. We open our hearts to make some decisions that are not short-sighted, but a long term planning to make life healthier and successful in so many ways because we have chosen to be with God, as God continues to reach out to us for Him.

In our First Reading from the book of Genesis, we hear of an eternal garden created for the purpose of understanding the mighty deeds of God on creation. It is a place where everything is peaceful and perfectly created to make Adam and Eve live in abundance, in harmony, peace, and joy. However, they allowed themselves to be distracted by Satan.

St. Augustine teaches that this book of Genesis points us to the truth about God that He created everything, including the first man and woman, which is the sign of humanity’s dependence on God in relation to being created in His image and likeness. Thus, this concept of St. Augustine, regarding His power of creating Adam/Eve had been generated by our relationship with God. Despite the disruption because of their pride, we are reminded of God’s intention that there is the possibility of renewal, restoration and discovering the best way for change and new life. In his book “De Trinitate Book 12.10,” he is trying to look at the possibility of how we could restore the broken relationship and find our way back to God through our external and inner actions for the restoration of the true identity and creative image.

The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans speaks that, “by transgression of the one, death came to reign.” Through one man’s sin, death entered the world. St. Paul explains about the “New Adam, Jesus,” who is obedient and righteous accepting humbly living a life on the “Tree of the Cross.”

Hearing the gospel today, Jesus proves his own identity as He was “led by the Spirit into the dessert to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus’ action in this story confronting Satan proves His closeness with the Father and fidelity to His mission. There are spiritual points that we shall reflect on together for better understanding:

First, Jesus fasted for forty days; therefore, He was hungry and vulnerable. Satan said to Him,” If you are the Son of God, command these stones become loaves of bread.” Jesus replied, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” This is a very powerful statement to reflect on during this season. It is by fasting that we become weak and yet, our spiritual power is great. The Church encourages us to give way to our ancient tradition of fasting, a powerful spiritual discipline which brings about change and the clarity of mind, body and spirit. That is the reason why medical experts give advice to fast from time to time. Fasting allows us to reveal the clearer picture of both our health and true spiritual conditions.

Second, Jesus was standing at the parapet of the temple. Satan told Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” And “He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus made this reply, “You shall not put the Lord, your God to the test.”

Oftentimes, when we are at the lowest point, desperate and frustrated that we can’t find God’s response to our prayers, we turn to other gods. Because of not finding personal gratification, our faith wavers. We want to manipulate God according to our human terms. This is a wrong and detrimental kind of spirituality. Our life is not about what we want, but how we fulfill His holy will, be pleasing and glorify His name. Sure enough, we should not ever tempt God because we personify Satan by how we act.

Third, Jesus was taken to the highest point of the mountain, then Satan said to Him, “All these I shall give you if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” Jesus, cried out, “Get away Satan, the Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Nowadays, many people are selling their souls to Satan because of greed, selfishness, and power. They appear happy and satisfied but interiorly there is that boiling anger and discontentment of everything. That is why when there in no peace within, we can’t sleep and live comfortably. We are always haunted by fear and anxiety, troubled by how we worship this false-god. That kingdom promised by Satan is empty, without acknowledging the real creator, our loving God, and I could imagine how difficult life would be.

Today, we are invited to make sound decisions for ourselves. Lent is the time to assess and rediscover our genuine identity. Let us bring the broken and “disjointed” relationship of our first parents by reconstructing with openness to the Spirit of God.

Let us accept Jesus, the New Adam, to be listened to and patiently carry our own cross, not choosing to have an easy and quick way of living our Christian life.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

— — — — —

El Dictado del Corazón
Primer Domingo de Cuaresma, año A

• Génesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
• Salmos 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
• Romanos 5:12-19
• Mateo 4:1-11

El miércoles pasado recibimos la imposición de ceniza en nuestra frente, señal de que estamos consintiendo en pasar por el proceso de arrepentimiento, conversión mientras creemos y proclamamos el evangelio a través de palabras, acciones y forma de vida como católicos.

Este Primer Domingo de Cuaresma no es para pensar en sacrificios sino en que, si amamos a Dios y al prójimo estamos obrando efectivamente. Un llamado a no dejarse tentar fácilmente por Satanás sino dejar que la gracia de Dios nos transforme.

Las tres lecturas de hoy hablan de nuestra jornada al comenzar esta temporada de Cuaresma. Abrimos nuestro corazón para tomar algunas decisiones que no son miopes sino una planificación a largo plazo para hacer que la vida sea más saludable y exitosa de muchas maneras porque hemos elegido estar con Dios, ya que Dios continúa buscándonos para Él.

En nuestra Primera Lectura del libro de Génesis, escuchamos de un jardín eterno creado con el propósito de comprender las obras poderosas de Dios en la creación. Un lugar donde todo es pacífico y perfectamente creado para que Adán y Eva vivan en abundancia, en armonía, paz y alegría. Sin embargo, se dejaron envolver por Satanás.

San Agustín enseña que este libro del Génesis nos señala la verdad acerca de Dios que Él creó al primer hombre y mujer, lo cual es el signo de la dependencia de la humanidad en Dios en relación con ser creado a Su imagen y semejanza. Así, este concepto de San Agustín, respecto a Su poder de crear a Adán y a Eva, había sido generado por nuestra relación con Dios. A pesar de la interrupción debido a su orgullo, se nos recuerda la intención de Dios de que existe la posibilidad de renovación, restauración y descubrimiento de la mejor manera para el cambio y la nueva vida. En su libro “De Trinitate libro 12.10”, está tratando de buscar la posibilidad de cómo podemos restaurar la relación rota y encontrar nuestro camino de regreso a Dios a través de nuestras acciones internas y externas para la restauración de la verdadera identidad e imagen creativa.

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos habla de “por la transgresión de uno, vino a reinar la muerte”. Por un hombre pecó y la muerte entró en el mundo. San Pablo explica que el “Nuevo Adán, Jesús”, quien es obediente y justo, acepta humildemente vivir una vida en el “Árbol de la Cruz”.

Al escuchar el evangelio hoy, Jesús prueba su propia identidad cuando fue “llevado por el Espíritu al desierto para ser tentado por el diablo”. La acción de Jesús en esta historia frente a Satanás demuestra su cercanía con el Padre y la fidelidad a su misión. Hay puntos espirituales que reflexionaremos juntos para una mejor comprensión:

Primero, Jesús ayunó durante cuarenta días, por lo tanto, estaba hambriento y vulnerable. Satanás le dijo: Si eres Hijo de Dios, manda que estas piedras se conviertan en panes. Jesús respondió: “Está escrito: No sólo de pan vive el hombre, sino también de toda palabra que sale de la boca de Dios”. Esta es una declaración muy poderosa para reflexionar durante esta temporada. Es ayunando que nos debilitamos y, sin embargo, nuestro poder espiritual es grande. La Iglesia nos anima a dejar paso a nuestra antigua tradición del ayuno, un poderoso discípulo espiritual que produce cambios y claridad de mente, cuerpo y espíritu. Esa es la razón por la cual los expertos médicos aconsejan ayunar de vez en cuando. El ayuno nos permite revelar una imagen más clara tanto de nuestra salud como de nuestras verdaderas condiciones espirituales.

Segundo, el diablo lo llevó a la ciudad santa, lo puso en la parte más alta del templo y le dijo: “Si eres el Hijo de Dios, échate para abajo, porque está escrito: Mandará a sus ángeles que te cuiden y ellos te tomarán en sus manos, para que no tropiece tu pie en piedra alguna”. Jesús le contestó: “También está escrito: No tentarás al Señor, tu Dios”.

A menudo, cuando estamos en el punto más bajo, desesperados y frustrados por no poder encontrar la respuesta de Dios a nuestras oraciones, recurrimos a otros dioses. ¡Por no encontrar gratificación personal, nuestra fe tejedora! Queremos manipular a Dios según nuestros términos humanos. Esta es una clase de espiritualidad equivocada y perjudicial. Nuestra vida no se trata de lo que queremos sino de cómo cumplimos la santa voluntad de Dios, seamos agradables y glorifiquemos su nombre. Efectivamente, nunca debemos tentar a Dios porque personificamos a Satanás por la forma en que actuamos.

Tercero, Jesús fue llevado al punto más alto de la montaña, entonces Satanás le dijo: “Todo esto te daré si te postras y me adoras”. Jesús, clamó: “Aléjate Satanás, el Señor, tu Dios, adorarás y solo a él servirás”. Hoy en día, muchas personas están vendiendo sus almas a Satanás debido a la codicia, el egoísmo y el poder. Parecen felices y satisfechos pero interiormente hay esa ira hirviente y descontento de todo. Es por eso que cuando no hay paz interior, no podemos dormir y vivir cómodamente. Siempre estamos obsesionados por el miedo y la ansiedad, preocupados por la forma en que adoramos a este dios falso. Ese reino prometido por Satanás está vacío, sin reconocer al verdadero creador, nuestro Dios amoroso, entonces podría imaginar lo difícil que puede ser la vida.

Hoy, estamos invitados a tomar decisiones acertadas por nosotros mismos. La Cuaresma es el tiempo para evaluar y redescubrir nuestra genuina identidad. Traigamos la relación rota y “desarticulada” de nuestros primeros padres reconstruyéndonos con apertura al Espíritu de Dios. Aceptemos a Jesús, el Nuevo Adán para ser escuchados y llevar con paciencia nuestra propia cruz, no optando por tener una forma fácil y rápida de vivir nuestra vida cristiana.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

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

In today’s opening prayer or Collect, we pray, “O God, who does purify Thy church by the yearly observance of forty days; grant to Thy household that what we strive to obtain from Thee by self-denial, we may secure by good works.” (Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam annua quadragesimali observatione purificas; praesta familiae tuae, ut quod a te obtinere abstinendo nititur, hoc bonis operibus exsequator.) It means that our self-denial is not about making ourselves suffer and be deprived of something, but rather about being less focused on ourselves. We need to think about others as we glorify and worship God.

Last Wednesday, we received the imposition of ashes on our forehead, a sign that we are consenting to go through the process of repentance, self-denial and conversion as we believe and proclaim the gospel through words and action, our way of life as Catholics.

This first Sunday of Lent is not to think about sacrifices but about how the love for God and others is effectively working with us. This is a call to not be easily tempted by Satan, but allowing the grace of God to transform us.

The two readings today speak about our journey as we begin this season of Lent. We open our hearts to make some decisions that are not short-sighted, but a long term planning to make life healthier and successful in so many ways because we have chosen to be with God, as God continues to reach out to us for Him.

Hearing the gospel today, Jesus proves his own identity as He was “led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus’ action in this story confronting Satan proves His closeness with the Father and fidelity to His mission. There are spiritual points that we shall reflect together for better understanding.

First, Jesus fasted for forty days; therefore, He was hungry and vulnerable. Satan said to Him,” If you are the Son of God, command these stones become loaves of bread.” Jesus replied, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” This is a very powerful statement to reflect on during this season. It is by fasting that we become weak, and yet, our spiritual power is great. The Church encourages us to give way to our ancient tradition of fasting, a powerful spiritual discipline which brings about change and the clarity of mind, body and spirit. That is the reason why medical experts give advice to fast from time to time. Fasting allows us to reveal the clearer picture of both our health and true spiritual conditions.

Second, Jesus was standing at the parapet of the temple. Satan told Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” And “He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus made this reply, “You shall not put the Lord, your God to the test.”

Oftentimes, when we are at the lowest point, desperate and frustrated that we can’t find God’s response to our prayers, we turn to other gods. Because of not finding personal gratification, our faith wavers! We want to manipulate God according to our human terms. This is a wrong and detrimental kind of spirituality. Our life is not about what we want, but how we fulfill His holy will, be pleasing, and glorify His name. Sure enough, we should not ever tempt God because we personify Satan by how we act.

Third, Jesus was taken to the highest point of the mountain, then Satan said to Him, “All these I shall give you if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” Jesus cried out, “Get away Satan, the Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Nowadays, many people are selling their souls to Satan because of greed, selfishness, and power. They appear happy and satisfied, but interiorly there is that boiling anger and discontentment of everything. That is why when there in no peace within, we can’t sleep and live comfortably. We are always haunted by fear and anxiety, troubled by how we worship this false-god. That kingdom promised by Satan is empty, and without acknowledging the real creator, our loving God, then I could imagine how difficult life can be.

Today, we are invited to make sound decisions for ourselves. Lent is the time to assess and rediscover our genuine identity. St. Augustine reminds us to seek the truth about God that He created everything, including the first man and woman which is the sign of humanity’s dependence on God in relation to being created in His image and likeness. St. Augustine has this idea that God’s power of creating Adam/Eve had been generated by our relationship with God. Despite the falling into temptation because of pride, we are redeemed by Jesus. God’s intention is to bring us back to Him; therefore, I conform to St. Augustine’s thought that there is the possibility of renewal, restoration and discovering the best way for change and new life. According to his book “De Trinitate book 12.10,” there is the possibility of how we could restore the broken relationship and find our way back to God through our external and inner actions for the restoration of the true identity and creative image. This is the reason why we have this season of Lent.

Let us bring the broken and “disjointed” relationship made by our first parents by reconstructing our openness to the Spirit of God. Let us accept Jesus, the New Adam, to be listened to and be patiently carrying our own cross, and not choosing to have an easy and quick way of living our Christian life. Please do good works of Charity.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Joel 2:12-18
• Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14, 17
• 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2
• Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Today is the beginning of the season of Lent. The good thing about Catholics is that we have been exposed to different seasons of the year, which is connected to our faith-life cycles. There is the season of Advent, which is the time to prepare for the coming of the Lord, then entering into the feast of Christmas and other feasts like the New Year, the Epiphany, then back to ordinary time of the year, which indicates the growing and maturing in our faith. Then there is Lent which provides us the opportunity to prepare for the most important feasts, the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. This liturgical season creates a habit of getting to know what we must do to appreciate the gift of salvation.

We are here today to rejoin in the practice of Ash Wednesday. We will receive the imposition of ashes on our foreheads because we want to adhere to the scripture readings today.

For the past years during the height of the pandemic, we distributed the ashes by sprinkling them on the crown of our heads rather than a cross on the forehead. Both of the rituals are accepted. However, what is important is that our Catholic practice must not be the cause of shame and to hide what we believe. This season of Lent is a time of repentance and believing in the Gospel. Ashes on our foreheads is just an outward sign. We need to get to the bottom and interiority to practice what is being demanded from us. Loving actions and true repentance for our sins must show our faith even more obviously. The letter of St. Paul taken from our first reading reminds us that, “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). By our own righteousness, they will know us.

Brothers and Sisters, how would you like to begin this Lent? How would you like to practice turning towards God in your daily life and relationships? Today we are invited again to listen to Jesus’ suggestions:

First, this season is a call for intense prayer. The Church is encouraging everyone to indulge seriously on how we connect with God. Though we pray daily, we must double our prayer so that we allow ourselves to be united with Him.

Our Father, St. Augustine, had so many things to say about various forms of prayer, and he divulged the importance of prayer in our relationship with God and in the Church. He knows that we are on a journey towards God. Thus, prayer is necessary to intensify our desire to reach our goal of eternal happiness with our hearts yearning for God. Our prayers could be through daily readings, meditation of the scriptures, contemplation, recitation of novenas and rosaries and our attendance at any Spiritual retreats.

Second, we are called to fasting and abstinence by the Church for those who can. Our deprivation of our desires of food, inordinate pleasures, etc, become possible if we agree that we want to become a “new creation” and are willing to be covenanted by the Holy Spirit. Many saints struggled to resist temptations, but they allowed themselves to be controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit to succeed in their offering of fasting and abstinence. We need to feed ourselves with the presence of God, rather than excessive material intake which slows down our ascent to God. Our excessive consumption, like eating and drinking, in a way obscures Christ’s presence.

Third, we need to practice almsgiving. We need to be generous to others. Our self-centeredness deprives ourselves from being able to serve God and others. Our attitude to help is not deprivation of oneself’s needs but to be open to charity and love. If there is an absence of charity, we are not worthy of God’s call. Being a Christian is not only enhancing material well-being, but rather, we must be conscious of our duty to share, not from our surplus but from the little we have. Even the poorest of the poor knows how to give.

Our parish, the Little Flower, reminds us of our Christian duty to share in the Catholic Service Appeal. Our CSA 2023 approved goal is $117,283.00. We are not asking for participation from a few generous people only. We can achieve this goal if every parishioner participates, contributes and pledges to share. Please get the form and sign-up. We can do this; we can achieve our goal. It is not difficult if we are open to the fruits of the Spirit to change us.

St. Paul reminds us that the Spirit includes joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self-control. Our responsorial Psalm today reminds us, “Cast me not out from your presence and your Holy Spirit take not from me” (Psalms 51:12-13).

God bless everyone.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: Miércoles de Ceniza

• Joel 2:12-18
• Salmo 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 y 17
• 2 Corintios 5:20—6:2
• Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Hoy es el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma. Lo bueno de los católicos es que hemos estado expuestos a las diferentes estaciones del calendario de la iglesia Católica, lo cual está conectado a los ciclos de nuestra vida de fe, como la temporada de adviento que es el tiempo para preparar la venida del Señor, entrando la fiesta de Navidad y diferentes fiestas como Año Nuevo, Epifanía, luego de vuelta al tiempo ordinario, que indica el crecimiento y maduración de nuestra fe, luego la cuaresma que nos provee para prepararnos para las fiestas más importantes, la celebración de la pasión, muerte y resurrección del Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Este tiempo litúrgico crea el hábito de conocer lo que debemos hacer para apreciar el don de la salvación.

Estamos reunirnos aquí hoy para recibir la imposición de cenizas en nuestra frente porque queremos aceptar y vivir las lecturas bíblicas de hoy.

En los últimos años, durante el apogeo de la pandemia, distribuimos las cenizas rociándolas en la cabeza en lugar de poner una cruz en la frente. Es aceptado de ambos modos. Lo importante es que esta temporada de cuaresma, lo tomemos como un tiempo de aprendizaje, arrepentimiento y fe en el Evangelio. Las cenizas en nuestra frente no es más que una señal externa. Necesitamos entrar en el fondo y en la interioridad para practicar lo que se nos exige. Las acciones de amor y el verdadero arrepentimiento de nuestros pecados, deben mostrar nuestra fe de manera aún más evidente. La carta de San Pablo tomada de nuestra primera lectura nos recuerda que “Somos embajadores de Cristo” (2 Cor 5, 20). Por nuestra propia justicia, nos conocerán.

Hermanos y hermanas, ¿cómo van a empezar esta Cuaresma? ¿Que planes tienen de practicar volverse hacia Dios en su vida diaria y en sus relaciones con los demás? Hoy estamos nuevamente invitados a escuchar las sugerencias de Jesús:

Primero, esta temporada es un llamado a profundizar en la oración. La Iglesia está alentando a todos a dedicarse seriamente a cómo nos conectamos con Dios. Aunque oremos diariamente, debemos redoblar nuestra oración para permitirnos unirnos a Él.

San Agustín tenía tantas cosas que decir sobre las diversas formas de oración, pero divulga la importancia de la oración en nuestra relación con Dios y en la Iglesia. Él sabe que estamos en un camino hacia Dios. Por lo tanto, la oración es necesaria para intensificar nuestro deseo de alcanzar nuestra meta de felicidad eterna y nuestros corazones anhelando a Dios. Nuestras oraciones pueden ser a través de lecturas diarias, meditación de las escrituras, contemplación al Santísimo, rezar novenas, rosarios, asistir a retiros espirituales y por supuesto, asistir los Domingos a misa.

Segundo, estamos llamados al ayuno y abstinencia. Al menos que no puedan por problemas de salud. Nuestra privación de nuestros deseos de comida, placeres excesivos, etc., solo es posible con la oración y dejando que el Espíritu Santo nos ayude e ilumine. Así seremos una “nueva creación”. Los santos lucharon para resistir las tentaciones y con el poder del Espíritu Santo tuvieron éxito en su ofrenda de ayuno y abstinencia. Necesitamos alimentarnos de la presencia de Dios en lugar de una ingesta material excesiva que ralentiza nuestro ascenso hacia Dios. Nuestro consumo excesivo, como comer y beber, de alguna manera oscurece la presencia de Cristo.

Tercero, necesitamos practicar la limosna. Tenemos que ser generosos con los demás. Nuestro egocentrismo nos priva del poder servir a Dios y a los demás. Nuestra actitud de ayuda no es de privación de las propias necesidades sino de apertura a la caridad y al amor. Si falta la caridad, no somos dignos de la llamada de Dios. Ser cristiano no es sólo potenciar el bienestar material, sino que debemos ser conscientes de nuestro deber de compartir. No de lo que nos sobra sino de lo poco que tenemos. Hasta el más pobre de los pobres sabe dar.

Nuestra parroquia, Little Flower, nos recuerda nuestro deber cristiano de compartir con la Campaña del Servicio Católico. Nuestra meta aprobada por CSA 2023 es de 117,283.00 (ciento-diecisiete mil, doscientos ochenta y tres) dólares. No estamos pidiendo pocas personas generosas, pero podemos lograr este objetivo cuando todos los feligreses participan, contribuyen y se comprometen a compartir. Por favor, obtengan el formulario y regístrense. Podemos lograrlo. Se los agradecemos infinitamente.

Podemos hacer esto. No es difícil, si estamos abiertos a los frutos del Espíritu para cambiarnos. San Pablo nos recuerda que el Espíritu incluye alegría, amor, paz, paciencia, bondad, generosidad, fidelidad y dominio propio. Nuestros salmos responsoriales de hoy nos recuerdan: “No me eches de tu presencia, y tu Espíritu Santo no me quites” (Sal 51, 12-13).

Dios los bendiga a todos.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
• Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
• Matthew 5:38-48

Today we are in the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A. It is obvious that for the past consecutive Sundays we have had scriptural readings about the Beatitudes, and the related topics give us the very solid foundation of becoming good Christians. It is a teaching coming from the Lord Himself to further mold us into a better person. Jesus calls us to pursue greater righteousness and not settle for conforming to the world around us.

We are influenced much to being attentive to the proliferation of modern gadgets to disturb our minds and hearts and be less focused on the spiritual side of us. Some are preoccupied with tremendous workload, consequently affecting our dedication to God. Work-overtime becomes a common excuse to simply live and make short-sighted decisions, all motivated by greed or fear to discover who we are. We forget who God is and about our knowledge of how God is present and active in our own lives.

Our readings speak to us right now. The first reading taken from the book of Leviticus says, “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am Holy.” This is how we should be attracted to Him and live in communion with Him because God is Holy. We are called to be in a close relationship with God by keeping and fulfilling all His commandments. Our liturgical practices remind us that how we worship is the way we live in ordinary life.

The second reading from the 1st Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians states, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” St. Paul exhorts the Christian community at Corinth to live in holiness because they are individually and collectively the “temple of God” because God the Holy Spirit dwells within the holy soul of every faithful believer in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, Paul then gives a teaching about true wisdom where he says, “for the wisdom of the world is foolishness in the eyes of God” because he reminds them that when they think one of us wise according to human standards is only a foolishness to God. Thus, St. Paul convinces them to desire life according to God’s plan which he thinks is wiser. We must be looking into the supernatural level where Jesus manifests His care and love to alleviate us from every evil in order to reveal His divine glory.

The gospel always teaches us the ways of Jesus according to the evangelist Matthew: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of God….be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. His is the salient points of the gospel.

First, love your enemies. This is the fraction of God’s commandment which is important so that God shines through us. We mirror God’s goodness and love in the way we treat our fellowmen.

Second, pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of God. I believe that when we are conscious of our dignity being children of God, then it is easy to do this. Our hurts will continue to haunt us so it is better to pray for those who offend and persecute us because the more we pray for them, the more our wounds will be healed completely.

Third, be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. It is Jesus’ will to live our life according to the way we are originally formed, “We are formed in the likeness of God.” In human standards becoming perfect is difficult, but we transcend our understanding to the concept of God that He shared His gift of divinity with us. It is His gift that we are oriented towards perfection.
I do believe that Jesus’ way of perfection is something that we can do. We must live our “True-Self.” Many spiritual writers call us to live the very core of who we are, deeply rooted in God’s gift of wholeness and holiness.

Jesus teaches us that we can place our confidence in Him, especially when it comes to learning about the will of God for our lives. We must understand that God is always present to dispense His grace as long as we are willing to submit and cooperate with Him.

Finally, our commitment to Jesus means more than just confession of faith. It involves a change of heart that affects our actions. When someone seeks understanding of their faith in the context of a living personal relationship with God, then their encounter with Him becomes the ultimate motivation to transform and become motivated disciples of the Lord. There is that deep understanding about the heart of Jesus which corresponds to His Heart as our own.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El dictado del corazón: Séptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A
Levítico 19:1-2, 17-18 Salmos 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Corintios 3:16-23 Mateo 5:38-48

Hoy estamos en el Séptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A. Si se han dado cuenta, estos últimos Domingos, el evangelio ha sido sobre las Bienaventuranzas y sus temas nos dan una base muy sólida para convertirnos en buenos cristianos. Es una enseñanza que viene del Señor mismo, para moldearnos aún más en una mejor persona. Jesús nos llama a buscar una mayor justicia y no conformarnos con el mundo que nos rodea.

Estamos influenciados por estar atentos a la propagación de aparatos modernos para perturbar nuestra mente y corazón, y nos alejan de lo que realmente necesitamos que es nuestro lado espiritual. Algunos vivimos preocupados por la tremenda carga de trabajo, consecuentemente afecta nuestra dedicación a Dios. El exceso de tiempo se convierte en una excusa común, simplemente vivir para tomar decisiones torpes. Todos menos motivados por la codicia o el miedo de descubrir quiénes somos. Olvidamos quién es Dios y nuestro conocimiento de cómo Dios está presente y activo en nuestra propia vida.

¿De qué nos están hablando las lecturas en este momento? La primera lectura tomada del libro de Levítico dice: “Sed santos, porque yo, el Señor, vuestro Dios, soy santo”. Así debemos vivir en comunión con Él, porque Dios es Santo. Estamos llamados a estar en una relación cercana con Dios, y a guardar y cumplir todos Sus mandamientos. Nuestras prácticas litúrgicas nos recuerdan que la forma en que adoramos es la forma en que vivimos en la vida ordinaria.

La segunda lectura de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios dice: ¿No saben ustedes que son el templo de Dios y que el Espíritu de Dios habita en ustedes?” San Pablo exhorta a la comunidad cristiana de Corinto a vivir en santidad porque son individual y colectivamente el “templo de Dios” porque Dios Espíritu Santo habita dentro del alma santa de cada fiel creyente en Cristo Jesús. Además, Pablo luego da una enseñanza sobre la verdadera sabiduría, dice, “porque la sabiduría del mundo es locura a los ojos de Dios” porque les recuerda que cuando piensan que uno de nosotros es sabio según los estándares humanos, lo cual es solo una locura a Dios. Así, san Pablo los convence de desear la vida según el plan de Dios. Debemos mirar hacia el nivel sobrenatural en el que Jesús manifiesta su cuidado y amor para aliviarnos de todo mal para revelar su gloria divina.

El evangelio siempre nos enseña los caminos de Jesús según el evangelista Mateo: ama a tus enemigos y ora por los que te persiguen, para que seas hijo de Dios… Se perfecto, como tu Padre celestial es perfecto. Suyos son los puntos sobresalientes del evangelio.
Primero, ama a tus enemigos. Esta es la fracción del mandamiento de Dios que es importante para que Dios brille a través de nosotros. Reflejamos la bondad y el amor de Dios en la forma en que tratamos a nuestros semejantes.

Segundo, orar por los que te persiguen, para que seas hijo de Dios. Creo que cuando somos conscientes de nuestra dignidad de hijos de Dios, entonces es fácil hacer esto. Nuestras heridas seguirán acechándonos, así que es mejor orar por los que nos ofendieron y persiguieron, porque cuanto más oremos por ellos, nuestras heridas sanarán por completo.

Tercero, sean perfectos, así como su Padre celestial es perfecto. Es la voluntad de Jesús que vivamos nuestra vida de acuerdo con la forma en que fuimos formados originalmente, “somos formados a semejanza de Dios”. En los estándares humanos, llegar a ser perfecto es difícil, pero trascendemos nuestra comprensión al concepto de Dios que compartió Su don de la divinidad con nosotros. Es Su regalo que estemos orientados hacia la perfección.

Sí creo que el camino de perfección de Jesús es algo que podemos hacer. Debemos vivir nuestro “Verdadero Yo”. Muchos escritores espirituales nos llaman a vivir la esencia misma de lo que somos, profundamente arraigados en el don de Dios de la integridad y la santidad. Jesús nos enseña que podemos depositar nuestra confianza en Él, especialmente cuando se trata de conocer la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas. Debemos entender que Dios siempre está presente para dispensar Su gracia siempre que estemos dispuestos a someternos y cooperar con Él.

Finalmente, nuestro compromiso con Jesús significa más que una simple confesión de fe, sino que implica un cambio de corazón que afecta nuestras acciones. Cuando alguien busca la comprensión de su fe en el contexto de una relación personal viva con Dios, entonces su conocimiento se convierte en la máxima motivación para transformarse y convertirse en un discípulo motivado del Señor. Existe esa comprensión profunda sobre el corazón de Jesús que corresponde a Su Corazón como el nuestro.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

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

We are now in the Quinquagesima Sunday, which is the last week before we enter the season of Lent. We cry out, “In Thee, O lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in Thy justice and save me. (In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in aeternum: in Justitia tua libera me et eripe me.)

This epistle, from 1st Corinthians 13:1-13, has very famous biblical quotations written by St. Paul. This is a beautiful reminder for everyone as we prepare for Lent. St. Paul describes the very nature and effects of love or charity. He reminded the people of Corinth that their conduct had been a contrast to what they believed in. Their selfishness is total opposite from charity; it does desire its own praise, honor, or pleasure. Many times, we have the same tendency as those Christians in Corinth. We may think about serving the community and our family, doing works of charity toward others, when in fact there is an ulterior self serving motive on our part in order to preserve power, honor, and glory. In so many ways, we are guilty of this sin of selfishness. I do believe that a charitable person should neglect himself and all his interests and prefer the welfare of others to its private advantage. We do charity ultimately for Christ. We commit ourselves under the Divine principle. Let us make ourselves be pleasing dwellings of this Divine Love.

This coming season of Lent, are we willing to lay aside selfish objects and aims? We need to be watchful and diligent in our prayer life. There is room to examine our Faith in God, Hope to focus on our future with God in heaven, but most importantly we have Charity to perfectly love God and others. For God is love as He is according to 1 John 4:8-16, and we must strive to reach that height of God’s love.

Today’s gospel about the healing of the blind man points to the three important ways to process ourselves as we are about to enter the season of Lent:

First, let us try to pay attention to people around us and be curious. Curiosity is not about knowing private information. The gospel points out “that the blind man sat by that wayside begging,” probably as his daily routine. Then, Luke wrote, “He heard the multitude passing by, and he asked what this meant?” He inquired about what was happening which signifies his curiosity. He wants to know what is going on, and his being inquisitive changed his life.

This is what we need to do when we meet and see new people around us, especially first timers coming and worshiping with us. This is an encouraging attempt to be open and show our interest with our fellow believers. We don’t know whether they may need assistance in trying to follow the Traditional Latin Mass. If we are snobbish and unmindful, I believe that we truly miss the point of being God’s children.

Second, let us use our instinct to listen attentively to know what is right and advantageous. Listen also to the inner voice that comes from the heart. The gospel narrates to us that when the blind man was told that Jesus was passing by, he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” When we believe that God is present, then we must be persistent. When others are trying to silence us, please don’t be discouraged. Don’t lose the opportunity to pursue God’s blessings by being constant and relentless.

Third, let us try to be clear about what we truly need from God. Be specific, direct, and precise. This is the best way we need to pray. Not because God already knows what we need before we pray, but in this way, we recognize our own humility to depend on Him and to show that we believe in His power. When Jesus asked the blind man, “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” he answered, “Lord, that I may see.” Jesus did not assume what the blind man needed: thus, this particular story wants us to realize how we need to look inside ourselves with our prayerful request first and foremost to do His Will in all matters that concern us.

Fourth, let us remember that all the graces of healing and blessings we have received call us to acknowledge God and to give glory to Him. Psalm 116, says, “To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.” After the healing of the blind man, he immediately followed Jesus, glorifying Him. The blessings received by one person caused the community to glorify God also. This gospel says, “And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

Brothers and Sisters, these inspiring readings today, I pray will help us to heal our spiritual blindness and may our profound eagerness compel us to act as Charitable Christians and humbly cry out to God in faith. We shall be healed.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 11:1-9
• Psalms 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15
• Mark 8:34—9:1

I am happy to celebrate mass with the employees of the Diocesan Pastoral Center. It is a good practice to come together in prayer and offering mass which is the center of our Christian life. Our work is essential but in order to become more efficient, we always find time to worship God.

Reading this passage from the book of Genesis, I remember the conspiracy theory about the “New World Order.” It means a possibility and opportunity of having a controlled world community that is totalitarian. Those behind this theory want complete political control of people and government, one financial currency and banking system, and everybody has an Identity code for equality and unity. But here comes the Book of Genesis states, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and so make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we shall be scattered all over the earth.’” But God never allowed them because humanity thinks everything could be under their human control, this begins misunderstandings, and strife of every kind. Human beings lose their humility and depart from their reliance on God. Pride again strikes human beings’ quest for personal power and desire to be the “boss,” instead of being servants of God. This story is a humbling human experience to increase our awareness of the need for our total dependence on God in order to seek from the Lord guidance and direction in our life.

In the gospel taken from St. Mark, Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Ash Wednesday will be on February 22, 2023. It will be a season of Lent. Let us prepare to re-focus ourselves. Remembering our daily challenges, we face to carry our crosses each day. How do we manage to deal with those challenges in our life? Let us take some quiet time to reflect on the costs of discipleship:

First, if we really convinced that we must follow Jesus, we must learn how to deny ourselves. Dying to self is the continual denial of the flesh, denial of inordinate or selfish desires which become possible with the agreement to be fully a “new creation” convicted by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, when we deny ourselves, we put others first, especially, seeking God’s glory is the utmost priority.

Second, following Jesus, we need to take up the cross. The cross is the most important element of Christianity. Oftentimes, our understanding of the cross is about our struggles, pain, encountering opposition and suffering. However, those images of the cross are not according to our Christian understanding. For us Christians, the cross doesn’t cause us pain but to give us strength and give life for others because we totally rely on Jesus to be our strength. Indeed, the cross is a blessing and life. Our faith, prayers and complete surrender are what counts most in order to succeed.

Third, Jesus says, “follow me.” Everyone has given the opportunity to retrospect and think our honest response to the invitation of Jesus. It is a command but giving us free choice in order to follow Him. It is a call to a life-time commitment. But we need to understand that this calling is solely not for religious or ascetic practices, but Jesus’ statement clearly speaks that we must carry-out our mission for our family, work and community.

All we need today is the Lord, Jesus Christ, our Savior.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon,osa

• Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22
• Psalms 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
• Mark 8:22-26

Every time we hear the promises of God, we are always delighted because they are always in our favor. God says, “Never again will I doom the earth because of man since the desires of man’s heart are evil from the start: nor will I ever again strike down all living beings, as I have done. As long as the earth lasts, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” This promise is the revelation of God’s goodness toward us for which we must offer our praise and thanksgiving.

We heard Noah’s ordeal and had been through so many trials, but he committed patiently to obey His plan. After Noah’s journey on the Ark, and after knowing the earth dried up when the dove went back to him with an olive leaf, Noah built an altar to start the burnt offering to the Lord as a thanksgiving.

Most of us are like Noah, patiently waiting to free us from our troubles. Thus, it is in today’s responsorial psalm 116, that in gratitude, we say, “To you, Lord I will offer a sacrifice of praise.”

The gospel today is a story distinctive to the evangelist Mark. He narrates to us the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida. We know that there are so many miraculous physical and spiritual healings Jesus performed as recorded by the four evangelists. However, this pericope from Mark was told right before Jesus asked His disciples about who people think He is.

I believe that there are important teaching points we need to discover here:

First, this healing of the blind man of Bethsaida tells us that Jesus has not only the power and authority to heal physically, but it conveys a deeper healing of spiritual maladies.

Second, this story correctly identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, which some of His apostles are spiritually blind to see what had been revealed to them while Jesus was performing several wonders right in front of them.

Third, this physical healing of giving back the sight of the man from Bethsaida is symbolic because we have eyes but fail to see. We remain clueless of Jesus’ teaching that recipients of all forms of healing, we must follow Him, to bear one’s own cross and to serve one another.

Finally, this story reveals that His disciples and us need to undergo healing of our spiritual blindness to accept Jesus being the true Messiah and to understand what it means to follow Him. Let us beg Jesus to touch our hearts and eyes to see afresh the reality of being genuine followers of the gospel.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Sirach 15:15-20
• Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
• 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
• Matthew 5:17-37 or Matthew 5:20-22A, 27-28, 33-34A, 37

Today is the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. On this Sunday, February 12, 2023, in the United States of America, people will be enjoying watching the 57th Super Bowl. Two teams will be showing mighty effort to win this year’s National American Football Game, the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Kansas City Chiefs. Everybody is excited to watch the clashing of two good teams. Those who don’t understand the game and people who do not like football will all be together with their families, enjoying house-parties, which is indeed part of the life here in America. Millions of people will be watching and also millions of dollars will be spent for TV advertising of the entertainment show during half time of the game. This is the popular social-sports event which I have learned in my 15 years here in the US. Some anticipate the fulfillment of their Sunday obligation but some even sacrifice their Sunday obligation because of this event. I wonder which team will win, but it brings surprises to all.

We are also like a team who prepares to win the heart of God. Every Sunday we are called to participate in the most important weekly event in our life, that is to bring both our best and worst to God, then we ultimately win many unexpected blessings from Him. Fulfilling our Sunday obligation is the best socio-religious event which gives meaning to our existence as children of God. Sports are just an added flavor of life to be healthy and to entertain us. However, we cannot give up our priority to worship, praise and express our thanksgiving to God.

Let us be nourished by the Word of God we heard today. Today’s first reading, taken from the Book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, presents to us God’s revealed wisdom through wise and practical sayings that are important in life. We are created to participate in God’s divine wisdom through the Spirit of our awareness that God wants to reveal His wonderful plan according to this book. It says that “He understands man’s every deed. No one does He command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin.” This is God’s Wisdom; therefore, we must use our understanding of our own faith according to His ways. We cannot insist to remain in a head-level wisdom because God’s wisdom is sublime law to guide people to prosperity, harmony, and peace. This reading reminds us that we have a choice in how we act, that we are not forced, but can choose to follow God’s will by our own dispositions of the heart and our fidelity to Him.

In the second reading taken from the first Letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God’s revelation is “revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinizes everything even the depths of God.” How is it revealed to us? We must be attentive to the Spirit of discernment. It is a process which comes about usually through faithful and intensive prayer or talking to God as we mature in our spiritual life.

In today’s gospel, St. Matthew continues his discussion of Jesus’ sermon on the mount, chapter 5:17-37, as a set of core values or principles that we must fulfill and must do. Jesus is applying into the different existing laws a correct understanding rather than being too legalistic. It is proper that we acquire the spirit of Jesus to form both our mind and heart.

There are three things we need to know so that we can have proactive ways to keep God’s basic commandments: Jesus does not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but rather with a disposition to fulfill them. We heard these commandments:

First, God says, “You shall not kill.” Whoever kills is liable to judgment which our Lord expands in this way, that when we are angry with brethren, then we are liable to judgment when we are verbally and physically abusive. However, when we are just having emotional discontent or are a little upset without having internal malice to do something bad to others, then it is understandable because of our human emotion, just like Jesus was upset and angry with the people for showing no respect for the temple in Jerusalem. When we have experienced anger in the heart, which is the root of murder and deep seated anger towards others, that sin certainly manifests from the heart to do evil intent and to do harm.

Second, God says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Jesus expands our understanding to the fact that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart, because lustful desires come from the heart, and it is from the heart that sin comes. But this too applies to women having lustful desires to covet men in their heart.

Third, God says “do not take a false oath.” Jesus expands on the fact that we do not promise or swear at all, if we can’t commit ourselves from the heart- for it is from the heart that sin comes.

The heart of the message of the scriptural readings is simply to grow in our spiritual life, to be pure of heart, to be trustworthy and live with integrity. Let us try to move forward to what God wants us to be. Let us be winners for Christ.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

• Eclesiástico 15:15-20
• Salmos 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
• 1 Corintios 2:6-10
• Mateo 5:17-37 o Mateo 5:20-22A, 27-28, 33-34A, 37

Hoy es el Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A. Este Domingo, 12(dose) de Febrero del 2023 (dos-mil, veintitrés), los Estados Unidos de América disfrutarán viendo el 57º(cincuenta y siete) Super Bowl. Dos equipos mostrarán una gran victoria para el Juego Nacional de Fútbol Americano de este año, los Philadelphia Eagles contra los Kansas City Chiefs. Todos están emocionados de ver el partido de dos buenos equipos, incluso aquellos que nunca entienden el juego y las personas a las que no les gusta el fútbol se quedarán juntas con sus familias, disfrutar de las fiestas en casa es parte de la vida aquí en Estados Unidos. Millones de personas miran y también se gastan millones de dólares en programas de entretenimiento de publicidad televisiva en el medio tiempo del juego. Este es el evento social-deportivo popular que he aprendido en mis 15 años aquí en los Estados Unidos. Algunos anticipan el cumplimiento de su obligación dominical y algunos incluso sacrifican su obligación dominical a causa de este evento. Me pregunto qué equipo ganará pero trae sorpresas para todos.

Somos también como un equipo que se prepara para conquistar el corazón de Dios. Todos los domingos somos llamados a participar en el evento semanal más importante de nuestra vida, que es traer lo mejor y lo peor a Dios, y finalmente ganamos muchas de las bendiciones inesperadas de Él. Cumplir con nuestra obligación dominical es el mejor acontecimiento sociorreligioso que da sentido a nuestra existencia como hijos de Dios. Los deportes son solo un añadido de sabor a la vida para estar sanos y para entretenernos. Sin embargo, no podemos renunciar a nuestra prioridad de adorar, alabar y expresar nuestro agradecimiento a Dios.

Dejémonos nutrir por la Palabra de Dios que escuchamos hoy. En la primera lectura de hoy tomada del Libro del Sirac o Eclesiástico, nos presenta la sabiduría revelada de Dios a través de dichos sabios y prácticos que son importantes en la vida. Somos creados para participar de la sabiduría divina de Dios a través del Espíritu de nuestra conciencia de que Dios quiere revelar Su plan maravilloso según este libro, dice que “Él entiende cada obra del hombre. A nadie manda Él obrar injustamente, a nadie da licencia para pecar.” Esta es la Sabiduría de Dios; por lo tanto, debemos usar nuestro entendimiento de nuestra propia fe de acuerdo a Sus caminos. No podemos insistir en permanecer en una sabiduría a nivel de la cabeza porque la sabiduría de Dios es una ley sublime para guiar a las personas hacia la prosperidad, la armonía y la paz. Esta lectura nos recuerda que tenemos una opción en cómo actuamos, que no estamos obligados, sino que podemos elegir seguir la voluntad de Dios por nuestras propias disposiciones del corazón y nuestra fidelidad a Él.

En la segunda lectura tomada de la primera Carta a los Corintios, San Pablo nos recuerda que la revelación de Dios “se nos revela por el Espíritu. Porque el Espíritu lo escudriña todo, incluso las profundidades de Dios.” ¿Cómo se nos revela? Debemos estar atentos al Espíritu de discernimiento. Es un proceso que se produce generalmente a través de la oración fiel e intensa o hablando con Dios a medida que maduramos en nuestra vida espiritual.

En el evangelio de hoy, San Mateo continúa su discusión sobre el sermón de la montaña de Jesús, capítulo 5:17-37 (cinco, del diecisiete al treinta y siete) como un conjunto de valores o principios centrales que debemos cumplir y debemos hacer. Jesús está aplicando las diferentes leyes existentes con una comprensión correcta en lugar de ser demasiado legalista. Es propio que adquiramos el espíritu de Jesús para formar tanto nuestra mente como nuestro corazón.

Hay tres cosas que necesitamos saber para que podamos tener formas proactivas de guardar los mandamientos básicos de Dios: Jesús no viene a abolir la ley y los profetas sino más bien una disposición para cumplirlos. Oímos estos mandamientos:

Primero, Dios dice: “No matarás”. Cualquiera que mate está sujeto a juicio que nuestro Señor expande de esta manera que cuando estamos enojados con los hermanos entonces, estamos sujetos a juicio cuando somos verbal y físicamente abusivos. Sin embargo, cuando solo tenemos descontento emocional o un pequeño malestar sin tener malicia interna para hacer algo malo a los demás, entonces es comprensible debido a nuestra emoción humana, como Jesús estaba molesto y enojado con la gente sin respeto por el templo en Jerusalén. . Cuando hemos experimentado la ira en el corazón que es la raíz del asesinato y la ira profundamente arraigada hacia los demás, ese pecado ciertamente se manifiesta desde el corazón para hacer malas intenciones y hacer daño.

Segundo, Dios dice: “No cometerás adulterio”. Jesús amplía nuestra comprensión al hecho de que cualquiera que mira a una mujer con lujuria ya cometió adulterio en su corazón, porque los deseos lujuriosos vienen del corazón y es del corazón de donde viene el pecado. Pero esto también se aplica a las mujeres que tienen deseos lujuriosos de codiciar a los hombres en su corazón.

Tercero, Dios dice “no hagas un juramento falso”. Jesús amplía el hecho de que no prometemos ni juramos en absoluto, si no podemos comprometernos de corazón, y es del corazón de donde viene el pecado.

El corazón del mensaje de las lecturas bíblicas es simplemente crecer en nuestra vida espiritual, ser puros de corazón, ser dignos de confianza y vivir con integridad. Tratemos de avanzar hacia lo que Dios quiere que seamos. Seamos vencedores para Cristo.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

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

We are in the 2nd Sunday before the first Sunday of Lent. This is the pre-Lent Sunday where we are going thru preparations to commence the season of Lent. Though our vestment is already violet color, we presume that we are starting to look into the process of arising from our sleep. Seek God to aid and deliver us. “Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos et libera nos.” (Arise, O Lord, help us and deliver us.)

The epistle today, taken from St. Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians, expresses Paul’s happiness that his advice has been well received and listened to by the church of Corinth. He knew so well that he suffered due to criticisms about his personality and his legitimacy to preach the gospel. Instead of being discouraged, he pursued his dedication to share comforting words which Christians have quoted often to overcome their struggles. He never has given up to show much love and care for all believers and to remind them that the Church of Corinth will make good in their promise to do something to alleviate the sufferings of believers in Jerusalem. Though Paul suffered much for Christ, he never loses his direction to walk with Christ all the way of his life.

This is how we continue to survive our difficulties to succeed in our journey in this season of preparation. We have so many things that bother us, probably, our disbelief to make things right. What is important is our total surrender and abandonment of self to the Lord.

The gospel today takes us to a closer look about ourselves. How intense is our sensitivity to fully hear and understand God’s words? God is the “Sower.” The “Seeds” are His words. The “types of soil” are our attitudes to accept the seeds being sown into our hearts. Let us examine ourselves when hearing the words, “embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit.” There are four types of hearers of the word of God.

First, there are people who heard God’s word and yet are so closed-minded that they do not mind nor care of things about God.

Second, there are shallow hearers as well. These are people who lack spiritual depth. They initially respond with emotional enthusiasm and joy, but when it wears off, when difficulty arises, their mind wanders to something else.

Third, there are people who listen to and reflect on the word of God carefully but are too busy with other chores, like building their business empire, living lavishly in the materialistic world, then sure enough forgetting their commitments to love and serve God more.

Fourth, there are hearers who are ready to receive the word of God faithfully so it can take root and grow, and bear much fruit. These are people who are receptive to hear and act what God wants through His words, having fertile soil to produce the best harvest.

I exhort you, my dear brothers and sisters, to understand the spiritual truths behind this parable. God is expecting us to look into how much fruit we produce after hearing His spoken and written words.

Gaining God’s offering of salvation depends on how we become productive and “fruit-bearing, and not just remaining passive listeners or readers of God’s words. The devil takes away the word; so as not to be victimized, we must believe, act and be saved.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 2:18-25
• Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
• Mark 7:24-30

Today we have beautiful scripture passages from the Book of Genesis and from the evangelist Mark. Reflecting on the Book of Genesis reminds us about the origin of everything in the world. The book begins, “In the Beginning when God created heaven and heart.” It is a story of God’s creation. In this chapter, the second version of man’s creation was presented, “out of the clay of the ground, blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so became a living being.” God provided them beautiful plants, food, and animals to live in prosperity, joy and peace and human dignity until they disobeyed God.

In today’s gospel, there is a new teaching coming from Jesus. He wanted to be incognito in the district of Tyre. Jesus entered the house when a woman came and fell at his feet pleading to drive the evil spirit out of her daughter. The Gentile woman fell at Jesus’ feet begging for help, with humility likening to a dog seeking the scraps from the master’s table. Jesus says, “For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dog.” This is not an insult but a test of faith. While the evil spirit continues to inflict pain and suffering to her daughter, but this woman says, “Please, Sir. I hear that you have tremendous powers from God to heal people. Please heal my daughter.” Jesus commanded the woman to go. There she was obedient and went home only to find that her daughter was healed.

Jesus is deeply moved by the woman’s amazing faith. His heart is pounding with joy because He knows the great relief and freedom for the woman and her daughter would come to unfold. This is what we call the “personal encounter with Jesus.” Jesus knows so well that the encounter between Him and the woman with much faith will be remembered by his disciples who would also bring the Good News to others. Here Jesus is teaching us to be obedient and to be humbled. We should not avoid the sin of the sin of pride.

As we cooperate with God in the on-going work of creation, we must accept humility to further God’s vision for our own good. God is indeed greater than anyone of us here. I believe there are three important messages– perhaps lessons Jesus intended to teach:
1. Pursuing demands on behalf of the weak and afflicted requires risk-taking. We must be ready to face the consequence of humiliation. If ever we have to speak on behalf of those who are weak, let us face the consequence of helping them…
2. Doing good demands constancy, be persistent like the woman in the story.
3. Like Jesus, we must be open to and be willing to offer any kind of help. Those who are teachers, principals, and all authority figures must be open to requests from the weak and the despised. Let us expand our horizon to help others.

The Gentile woman in today’s gospel reading fight for healing for her daughter who is weak because the evil spirit tormented her. It’s an extremely important lesson for all of us. We must persist when we fight for justice because Jesus’ ultimate response to the woman gives us hope that we will surely win with Jesus.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa