Month: August 2023

• Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
• Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
• Romans 11:33-36
• Matthew 16:13-20

Today is the Lord’s Day, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. The whole Augustinian Family all over the world celebrates tomorrow a joint Feast of Saints Augustine and Monica. This is a joyous blessed celebration for me and other Augustinians around the world.

We give praise and express gratitude to God for their spiritual assistance. St. Monica continues to inspire us to follow the Lord with patience, sacrifices and faith. Our spiritual founder, St. Augustine, teaches us wisdom and humility to abandon the restlessness of life to God, which led him to conversion. As one of the Doctors of the Church, Augustine dedicated his life fully to God and to the Church whom he loved deeply with much fervor. St. Augustine’s journey, together with his community and friends, embraced the Church and the Body of Christ as their clear path to eternal salvation.

The essence of coming together had been adopted many centuries ago, which I believe has been inspired by the early Christians and by those who follow the ideals of St. Augustine to answer some challenges for the Church today. The act of walking together as the People of God “journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel,” is what the Catholic Church calls everyone to Synodality. We are called to be in communion with each other to build a community, for we realize that there is strength and beauty in being together as a community.

In today’s 1st reading, taken from the Book of Isaiah, the prophet made a critical observation about the master of the palace, named Shebna. Shebna is apparently power hungry, putting himself over and above others. His concern is mainly his social status to favor his own family alone. During those times, the master of the palaces was given so many privileges; therefore, absolute powers corrupt for personal gain. The Prophet Isaiah predicted the downfall from his office and that he would be replaced by a true honest servant of God. (This sounds familiar to our politicians nowadays.) Eliakim will be receiving the key and the robe of the office that will bring back honor to Jerusalem, the family of God. He will rule with justice and fairness as his calling from God. The giving of “keys” represents God’s power over all things and that God must be in control.

The second reading of St. Paul to the Romans is an acknowledgement of Paul’s conviction that God has been rich and profound in His wisdom in dealings with Israel. God did not fail His people throughout history. Maybe the Israelites did not understand that human experience limits their situation. Therefore, we cannot think of categories beyond our range of experience or sensation. St. Paul wonders at the greatness of his God, and says, “For who has known the mind of the Lord, who has been His counselor?” (v. 34) God’s knowledge and wisdom fill us with the mystery and hope for the future.

The gospel today from St. Matthew has this question from Jesus: “Who do you say I am?” I invite you to reflect with me with total submission to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

First, Simon Peter confessed, “You are Christ the Son of the living God.” When Jesus heard Peter’s confession, Jesus was amazed because Peter was gifted with the true revelation about His identity and said these words, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” It is an eventual lead to entering the divine realm to completely understand Jesus is the true “Messiah,” the fulfillment of God’s promise and the purpose of human redemption.

Second, Jesus told Peter as the “Rock” that, “upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Peter had been chosen by Jesus to be the foundation of His Church. The authority given to Simon Peter is a power that he exercises on earth.

The prophet Isaiah revealed that Eliakim had been chosen to replace Shebna to further advance the will of God for His people. It is in accordance with the Divine will that the true Church leader was not made by men or self-proclaimed prophet, but was chosen by God Himself. Ask yourself, Who is the founder of your church community? Is it connected with Christ and His Apostles?

Third, Jesus said to Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” The “keys” which Peter received point to his authority to govern and “feeding the sheep,” like Jesus who received that power from His Father. It is a symbolic key handed to Peter and to His church so that we would be open and receptive to accept all the things God had created which are good, to mold us to become His children in order to love, to forgive and to be merciful. On the other hand, the keys could also shut out darkness and evil and death with which the enemy is trying to dominate the world and all God’s creation.

This gospel does not only indicate Jesus giving authority to Peter, but is also to make us realize that the first Vicar of Christ here on earth fully cooperated and accepted the call and exercised with great responsibility to care and to lead the whole Church. St. Peter and other Apostles and the present leaders of the Catholic Church have completely affirmed the necessity to continue the mission. Relationships and communion, as we walk together as the Church founded by Jesus Christ, lives this form of intimacy and now passes it on to us. How am I chosen? What gifts has God given us to collaborate with our role as modern evangelizers?

God bless us. Saints Augustine and Monica, intercede for us!

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

• Isaías 22:15, 19-23
• Salmo 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
• Romanos 11:33-36
• Mateo 16:13-20

Hoy es el día del Señor, el Vigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario. Es una celebración gozosa y bendecida para mí y para toda la Familia Agustiniana al celebrar mañana la Fiesta de San Agustín y Santa Mónica. Alabamos y expresamos nuestra gratitud a Dios por el testimonio espiritual del amor y la misericordia de Dios. Santa Mónica continúa inspirándonos a seguir al Señor con paciencia, sacrificio, fe y perseverancia. Nuestro fundador espiritual, San Agustín, nos enseña sabiduría y humildad para abandonar las inquietudes de la vida a Dios, que lo llevó a la conversión. Como uno de los Doctores de la Iglesia, San Agustín después de su conversión dedicó su vida plenamente a Dios y a la Iglesia a la que amaba profundamente y con mucho fervor. El camino de San Agustín, junto con su comunidad y amigos, abrazó a la Iglesia y al Cuerpo de Cristo como su camino claro hacia la salvación eterna.

La esencia de reunirse fue adoptada hace muchos siglos, y ha sido inspirada por los primeros cristianos y por quienes siguieron los ideales de San Agustín para responder a algunos desafíos de la Iglesia actual. El acto de caminar juntos como Pueblo de Dios “caminando juntos y reuniéndonos en asamblea, convocados por el Señor Jesús en el poder del Espíritu Santo para proclamar el Evangelio”, es a lo que la Iglesia Católica llama a todos a la Sinodalidad. Estamos llamados a estar en comunión unos con otros para construir una comunidad, porque nos damos cuenta de que hay fuerza y belleza en estar juntos como comunidad.

En la primera lectura de hoy, tomada del Libro de Isaías, el profeta hizo observaciones críticas sobre el señor del palacio, llamado Sebna. Shebna tiene hambre de poder y se pone por encima de los demás. Su preocupación es principalmente su estatus social para favorecer únicamente a su propia familia. En aquellos tiempos, al señor de los palacios se le daban muchos privilegios; por lo tanto, los poderes absolutos corrompen para beneficio personal. El profeta Isaías predijo la caída de su cargo y que sería reemplazado por un verdadero siervo honesto de Dios. (Esto les suena familiar a nuestros políticos hoy en día.) Eliaquim recibirá la llave y el manto del cargo que devolverá el honor a Jerusalén, la familia de Dios. Gobernará con justicia y equidad como su llamado de Dios. La entrega de “llaves” representa el poder de Dios sobre todas las cosas y Dios debe tener el control.

La segunda lectura de San Pablo a los Romanos es un reconocimiento de la convicción de Pablo de que Dios ha sido rico y profundo en Su sabiduría en sus tratos con Israel. Dios no le falló a su pueblo a lo largo de la historia. Quizás los israelitas no entendieron que la experiencia humana limita su situación. Por lo tanto, no podemos pensar en categorías más allá de nuestro rango de experiencia o sensación. San Pablo se maravilla de la grandeza de su Dios y dice: “¿Quién ha conocido la mente del Señor, quién ha sido su consejero?” (v. 34) El conocimiento y la sabiduría de Dios nos llenan de misterio y esperanza para el futuro.

El evangelio de hoy de San Mateo tiene esta pregunta de Jesús: “¿Quién dices que soy yo?” Los invito a reflexionar conmigo con total sumisión a los impulsos del Espíritu Santo.

Primero, Simón Pedro confesó: “Tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo del Dios vivo”. Cuando Jesús escuchó la confesión de Pedro, se asombró porque Pedro recibió la verdadera revelación sobre su identidad y dijo estas palabras: “Porque esto no lo ha revelado carne ni sangre, sino mi Padre celestial”. Es una guía eventual para entrar en el reino divino y comprender completamente que Jesús es el verdadero “Mesías”, el cumplimiento de la promesa de Dios y el propósito de la redención humana.

En segundo lugar, Jesús le dijo a Pedro “Roca” y “sobre esta roca edificaré mi Iglesia, y las puertas del infierno no prevalecerán contra ella”. Pedro había sido elegido por Jesús para ser el fundamento de Su Iglesia. La autoridad dada a Simón Pedro es un poder que ejerce en la tierra. El profeta Isaías reveló que Eliaquim había sido elegido para reemplazar a Sebna para promover aún más la voluntad de Dios para su pueblo. Es de acuerdo con la voluntad Divina que el verdadero líder de la Iglesia no fue creado por hombres o profetas autoproclamados sino que fue elegido por Dios mismo. Pregúntese: ¿Quién es el fundador de su comunidad eclesial? ¿Está relacionado con Cristo y sus apóstoles?

En tercer lugar, Jesús le dijo a Pedro: “Te daré las llaves del reino de los cielos”. Las “llaves” que recibió Pedro señalan su autoridad para gobernar y “apacentar las ovejas”, como Jesús, que recibió ese poder de su Padre. Es una llave simbólica entregada a Pedro y a su iglesia para que estemos abiertos y receptivos a aceptar todas las cosas buenas que Dios había creado, para moldearnos y convertirnos en sus hijos para amar, perdonar y ser sus hijos. Por otro lado, las llaves también podrían excluir la oscuridad, el mal y la muerte con la que el enemigo intenta dominar el mundo y toda la creación de Dios.

En el evangelio de hoy no sólo indica que Jesús dio autoridad a Pedro, sino que también nos hace darnos cuenta de que el primer Vicario de Cristo aquí en la tierra cooperó plenamente y aceptó el llamado y ejerció con gran responsabilidad el cuidado y la dirección de toda la Iglesia. San Pedro y otros Apóstoles y los actuales líderes de la Iglesia Católica han afirmado plenamente la necesidad de continuar la misión. Las relaciones y la comunión, mientras caminamos juntos como Iglesia fundada por Jesucristo, vive esta forma de intimidad y ahora nos la transmite. ¿Cómo soy elegido? ¿Qué dones nos ha dado Dios para colaborar con nuestro papel de evangelizadores modernos?

Dios los bendiga. ¡San Agustín y santa Mónica, intercedan a Dios por nosotros!

P. Arlón, osa

• Galatians 3:16-22
• Luke 17:11-19

Today is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost and the last Sunday of the month of August. We are blessed and grateful because truly God has been so generous to us in all things. The blessings of a good life and gratitude for healing, which we experience as we go through the passing of time, are not because we are getting old; it is that we are simply blessed. Next week we will be entering a “Ber” month, which means three months of waiting for December again. The year 2023 is nothing but a spur of the moment. Time flies by so fast and, before we realize it, is suddenly gone.

The epistle today, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians 3:16-22, clearly elucidates the argument presented by St. Paul about the passing of time, when he said, that “What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.” He wrote this to justify and to prove that the inheritance of God’s promises is based on God’s promise, not the law, as he reflected upon the Old Testament. (“In your Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Gen 22:18.) Furthermore, St. Paul states that the fulfillment of this promise to Abraham was in the person of Jesus. The law had nothing to do with it. “To Abraham were the promises made, and to his seed. He saith not: And to his seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to Thy seed, which is Christ.” The fact that “seed” has no “s” to make it plural tells us Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise that all nations will be blessed. Why? Because “God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.” (v.18)

The gospel is clearly indicating that Jesus is the promise to Abraham and to us. Jesus liberates us for He is greater than the law, the personified “Son of God,” who has lived with us. Today’s gospel gives us an account from St. Luke about the ten lepers who were outcasts due to their contagious skin disease. They were so-called marginalized people, and society during that time never cared for them. They were not allowed to mingle with other people, so they were completely prohibited to go to the temple to worship. Their last hope was to beg Jesus’ attention to heal them. The last recourse of their hopelessness was to call out to Jesus and cry aloud, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When Jesus tells them to show themselves to the priest, on the way they are all healed, but only one turns around to express gratitude to Jesus, praising and worshipping Him.

What are the life lessons for us to ponder? Why does only one leper come back to Jesus to thank and to praise Him?

First, “They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ ”(vv.12b-13) Calling Jesus’ name to beg for mercy is an indication of having previous knowledge about Jesus’ identity. Lepers recognized Him, who is the only one who could give them something. I guess they were looking for something like material benefits of which Jesus had a reputation for compassion. The lepers uttered these words, “have pity,” which doesn’t mean asking for healing but for whatever Jesus can offer.

Second, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.” (17:15-16) Actually, all ten lepers were healed, but only one went back to Jesus praising God for His mercy in healing him, and he was a Samaritan. Maybe remembering himself shouting to Jesus, he realized the same loudness of heart clamoring for pity, and he would equal his boldness to thank the Lord. To thank in the Greek language is eucharisteō, “to show that one is under obligation, to feel obligated to thank and to express appreciation for benefits or blessings.” We derive our word “Eucharist” from this Greek word.

The grateful leper’s response by throwing himself at Jesus’ feet is a sign of utter humility. He touches Jesus, no doubt, and Jesus receives his thanks graciously. The leper may not know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, but certainly he credits Jesus as being God’s instrument for his healing. For sure, the Samaritan gives glory to God and thanks Jesus.

Third, “Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’ “ (17:19) This expression, “faith has made you well,” means “to save” within the context of salvation and rescuing someone from afflictions, specifically, safe or free from disease. In this case, from Jesus’ intervention, he receives deeper salvation. His faith prompted him to return to Jesus, not only with gratitude for the healing of his skin but for a personal and spiritual healing of his soul.

We must learn from this story. My observation is that outsiders are more responsive to God than us. Sad to say, many of us believe superficially, resulting in spiritual blindness. The refusal to see ourselves as spiritual lepers is a major hindrance to salvation. We must have a vision to grow in a mature way, to cry aloud in prayer to Jesus, to return to Him at all times to thank Him, and to rise and go to announce the Good News to others because our Faith also made us well. Remember, the healing didn’t take place until after they obeyed; it was not instantaneous healing, and the Faith here is shown as an on-going process.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
• Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6-7
• Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
• Matthew 15:21-28

For the past few days, I engaged in a discussion with the Seventh Day Adventists with regards to their claim that they are better than Catholics because they honor and keep the Sabbath Day which is Saturday to follow God’s commandments rather than violating it and to change it to Sunday. I kindly pinpointed to them that Christ came to fulfill the law and not to abolish it. When Jesus came, he establishes the new covenant. On the day that He died, the curtain of the temple was torn into two to signify the breaking of the old customs and giving way to the new horizon which raises Jesus for the redeemed. (Matt. 27:51) The tearing of this curtain is an indication of losing Jerusalem Temple as the center of worship. Jesus declared that the house of God was forsaken (Luke 13:33) for Jesus himself is the new temple with no curtain barring us from intimacy with Him. In Addition, the torn curtain reveals that all believers have anew and unequaled access to the Father in Christ. Furthermore, He has risen from the dead on the first day of the week which is Sunday. Our profound understanding about Jesus’ real purpose of coming into this world is to rejoice about the new covenant established by God, in Him, through Him and with Him.

Meditating on the first reading taken from the Prophet Isaiah, this passage describes a God who invites us to a relationship open to all peoples who sincerely seeks and accepts that “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” God’s love and salvation generously promised by God for all people of all time which I am reminded of the Holy Father, Pope Francis message to the youth all over the world during the recently concluded WYD 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. The Pope says, “There is no abstract love. Love is concrete. It’s tangible. It requires us to get our hands dirty.” Furthermore, he says, “On the boat of the Church, there has to be room for everyone: all the baptized are called on board to lower their nets, becoming personally involved in the preaching of the gospel…when dialogue, co-responsibility and participation are lacking the Church grows old.” Thus, the love and mercy of God is encompassing and not exclusive, all of us together, as Church. God calls each one by name.

Likewise, in the second reading, St. Paul’s passionately preached that “For God delivered all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all.” It means that God’s mercy is intended for all, whether Jew or Gentile.

The message of God’s love and mercy is for all to know that we are welcome and embrace by God, however, we don’t want to fall into temptation making judgment upon others. Yes, salvation is for all but there is judgment that awaits all of us.

I am mentioning this because some extreme groups are quick to criticize the Church’s stance on inclusivity, however, walking together, and not to fall into discrimination, is the new process that the Church has been called to Synodality which means to pursue a greater Communion, Participation and Mission.

The gospel today from Matthew narrates to us about Jesus’ gesture of love towards the Canaanite woman who calls out to Him, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus seemingly ignored her for not saying a word in answer to her.

Perhaps, we do not comprehend what is in the heart of the Lord. Let us spend time to contemplate the attitude of Jesus towards the Canaanite woman.

First, with courage, the Canaanite woman went and kneeled before Jesus and said, “Lord, help me.” Jesus told her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). She answered Jesus, “even the dogs get to eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Jesus was surprised to her response, Jesus exclaimed, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly” (Matthew 15:28).

In our display of faith, it can move Jesus’ heart to act in our favor. Sometimes we give up our faith easily, but we must be consistent even in times of great trial. We need to be firmed with absolute trust in God who knows what is best for us.

Second, Jesus’ response, that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24), it means that Jesus was to minister to the Jews first, consequently, their faith would be a witness to the Gentiles, and they would then glorify God for how He fulfilled His promises (Isaiah 53:6-8; Romans 15:8-9).

Third, why did Jesus compare the Canaanite Woman to a Dog? Calling someone a “Dog” is not derogatory name-calling, but it means a metaphor for “Gentiles.” Since the Jews used this word to refer to people under the ceremonial impurity for not being counted as “Chosen People of God. So most of His disciples were Jews, hearing Him calling the woman a dog, I presumed that they approved it unanimously. They understood that she was an outsider.

In many instances, Jesus’ mission is calling all men to Himself, including the Gentiles. Pharisees, scribes, Jewish religious leaders, the Samaritans, Levites, and Canaanites whom He considered as the Israel’s lost sheep. Jesus has to fulfill prophecy to bring them back to God by preaching and holy examples. Jesus, as Messiah, is the One whom the Old Testament prophesied would gather the lost sheep (Ezekiel 34:23-24; Micah 5:4-5). He must fulfill His ministry by preaching to the Jews was His priority.

Can we learn anything from the Canaanite Woman’s Story? Let us reflect on Canaanite woman’s attitude of being frank yet humble, persistent but patient, and courageous to approach Jesus with much faith. We can all do the same and encourage others to do so as well.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

• Isaías 56:1, 6-7
• Salmo 67:2-3, 5, 6+8
• Romanos 11:13-15, 29-32
• Mateo 15:21-28

Durante los últimos días, participé en una discusión con los Adventistas del Séptimo Día sobre su afirmación de que son mejores que los católicos, porque honran y guardan el día de reposo, que es el sábado para seguir los mandamientos de Dios en lugar de violarlo y cambiarlo al domingo. . Amablemente les señalé que Cristo vino a cumplir la ley y no a abolirla. Cuando Jesús vino, estableció el nuevo pacto. El día de su muerte, el velo del templo se rasgó en dos para significar la ruptura de las viejas costumbres y dar paso al nuevo horizonte que suscita Jesús por los redimidos. (Mat. 27:51) El rasgado de esta cortina es una indicación de la pérdida del Templo de Jerusalén como centro de adoración. Jesús declaró que la casa de Dios fue abandonada (Lucas 13:33) porque Jesús mismo es el nuevo templo sin cortinas que nos impide tener intimidad con Él. Además, la cortina rasgada revela que todos los creyentes tienen acceso nuevo e inigualable al Padre en Cristo. Además, resucitó de entre los muertos el primer día de la semana, que es el domingo. Nuestra profunda comprensión del verdadero propósito de Jesús al venir a este mundo es regocijarnos por el nuevo pacto establecido por Dios, en Él, por Él y con Él.

Meditando sobre la primera lectura tomada del profeta Isaías, este pasaje describe a un Dios que nos invita a una relación abierta a todos los pueblos que sinceramente busca y acepta que “mi casa será llamada casa de oración para todos los pueblos”. El amor de Dios y la salvación son generosamente prometidos por Dios para todas las personas de todos los tiempos. Recuerdo el mensaje del Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco a los jóvenes de todo el mundo durante la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud “JMJ” 2023 recientemente concluida, en Lisboa, Portugal. El Papa dice: “No hay amor abstracto. El amor es concreto. es tangible Requiere que nos ensuciemos las manos”. Además, dice, “En la barca de la Iglesia tiene que haber sitio para todos: todos los bautizados están llamados a subir a bordo para echar las redes, implicándose personalmente en la predicación del evangelio… cuando el diálogo, la corresponsabilidad, y falta la participación, la Iglesia envejece”. Así, el amor y la misericordia de Dios son abarcadores y no excluyentes, todos nosotros juntos, como Iglesia. Dios llama a cada uno por su nombre.

Asimismo, en la segunda lectura, San Pablo predicaba apasionadamente que “Dios entregó a todos a la desobediencia, para tener misericordia de todos”. Significa que la misericordia de Dios está destinada a todos, sean judíos o gentiles.

El mensaje del amor y la misericordia de Dios es que todos sepan que somos bienvenidos y acogidos por Dios, sin embargo, no queremos caer en la tentación de juzgar a los demás. Sí, la salvación es para todos, pero hay un juicio que nos espera a todos.

Menciono esto porque algunos grupos extremos se apresuran a criticar la postura de la Iglesia sobre la inclusión, sin embargo, caminar juntos, y no caer en la discriminación, es el nuevo proceso al que la Iglesia ha sido llamada a la Sinodalidad que significa buscar una mayor Comunión, Participación, y Misión.

El evangelio de hoy de Mateo nos narra el gesto de amor de Jesús hacia la mujer cananea que le grita: “¡Ten piedad de mí, Señor, Hijo de David! Mi hija está atormentada por un demonio”. Pero Jesús aparentemente la ignoró por no decir una palabra en respuesta a ella.

Quizás, no comprendemos lo que hay en el corazón del Señor. Dediquemos un tiempo a contemplar la actitud de Jesús hacia la mujer cananea.

Primero, con valor, la mujer cananea fue y se arrodilló ante Jesús y dijo: “Señor, ayúdame”. Jesús le dijo: “No está bien quitar el pan de los hijos y echárselo a los perros” (Mateo 15:26). Ella le respondió a Jesús: “Hasta los perros comen las migajas que caen de la mesa de sus amos”. Jesús se sorprendió por su respuesta, Jesús exclamó: “¡Oh mujer, grande es tu fe! Te sea hecho como deseas. Y su hija fue sanada al instante” (Mateo 15:28). En nuestra demostración de fe, puede mover el corazón de Jesús para actuar a nuestro favor. A veces renunciamos a nuestra fe fácilmente, pero debemos ser constantes incluso en tiempos de gran prueba. Necesitamos estar firmes en la confianza absoluta en Dios que sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros.

Segundo, la respuesta de Jesús, que Él fue enviado solamente a las ovejas perdidas de Israel (Mateo 15:24), significa que Jesús debía ministrar primero a los judíos, en consecuencia, su fe sería un testimonio para los gentiles, y ellos luego glorifican a Dios por cómo cumplió sus promesas (Isaías 53:6-8; Romanos 15:8-9).

Tercero, ¿por qué Jesús comparó a la mujer cananea con un perro? Llamar a alguien “Perro” no es un insulto despectivo, sino que significa una metáfora de “gentiles”. Ya que los judíos usaban esta palabra para referirse a las personas bajo la impureza ceremonial por no ser contados como “Pueblo Elegido de Dios”. Entonces, la mayoría de sus discípulos eran judíos, al escucharlo llamar a la mujer un perro, supuse que lo aprobaron por unanimidad. Entendieron que ella era una extraña.

En muchos casos, la misión de Jesús es llamar a todos los hombres hacia Él, incluidos los gentiles, fariseos, escribas, líderes religiosos judíos, samaritanos, levitas y cananeos, a quienes consideraba como las ovejas perdidas de Israel. Jesús tiene que cumplir una profecía para traerlos de regreso a Dios mediante la predicación y ejemplos santos. Jesús, como Mesías, es Aquel de quien el Antiguo Testamento profetizó que recogería la oveja perdida (Ezequiel 34:23-24; Miqueas 5:4-5). Debía cumplir Su ministerio predicando a los judíos era Su prioridad.

¿Podemos aprender algo de la historia de la mujer cananea? Reflexionemos sobre la actitud de la mujer cananea de ser franca pero humilde, persistente pero paciente y valiente para acercarse a Jesús con mucha fe. Todos podemos hacer lo mismo y animar a otros a que también lo hagan.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 2 Corinthians 3:4-9
• Luke 10:23-37

Today we heard from the epistle and the gospel about our belief that all gifts come from the mercy and love of God. Though we are unworthy, God sustains us with every good gifts to do laudable service that “we may not run without stumbling towards the attainment of His promises.” This is the collect prayer we utter signifying our total dependence on God alone.

The epistle today, taken from the second book of St. Paul to the Corinthians, affirms that “Not that we are sufficient to think anything of ourselves, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Co 3:5) It is true that as Children of God, we are not able by our own limited capacity and power to do without the grace of God. The cooperation to the given grace of God makes us able to perform our works consistently for others. St. Augustine teaches that both faith and good works must come from God’s grace, which dictates for us to be receptive and be able to be strengthened to accomplish our primary responsibility, which is to dispense charity and service. It is clear that we are not in ourselves sufficient to do anything good by our own power. In humility, we are worthless ourselves in that we not only can do nothing, it is impossible by our own strength, and all our power to do good is derived from God. This grace comes from God alone which is necessary for the exercise of our ministry and good deeds. We are in the new covenant which we all believe that we are under the fulness of grace and truth revealed and given by our Lord. So St. John says, “The law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ ” (John 1:17).

The gospel today taken from St. Luke narrates to us three points to remember:

Firstly, the consequence of committing a sin is man’s misery: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem, and fell among robbers, who also stripped him and having wounded him, went away, leaving him half dead.” This is a story of how sin affects humanity with such miseries, for the power of evil is real, “and fell among the thieves, who are devils taken the control.” St. Timothy says that “they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Tim 2:26) The man being wounded means violation by sins which cause much hurt. St. Augustine’s concept is that sins have taken away from the person integrity, beauty, virtue, and salvation.

Secondly, it has revealed to us Christ’s abundant mercy upon the sinner, “A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him he had compassion for him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, “Take care of him; and whatsoever you shall spend more, when I come again I will repay thee.” How gracious is the Lord in baptism, Psalm 147:3, “He heals the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.” Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and for our salvation.

Thirdly, the rule which is given to us for imitation: “Go and do thou in like manner/likewise.” Brothers and Sisters, the clear message that we need to absorb is that regardless of what culture or religion, beliefs, and nationality, etc. we are from, we should be willing to help those who are in need. Even if they are different from us, they are still our neighbors so we should love them the way we love ourselves.

This gospel story reminds us that no matter how much we differ from each other, we must be obedient to God the way He loves. We should help each other even though we are not the same. Our neighbors are the ones who help us through anything. What have we done so far in the name of charity? When people measure charity according to the written policy, (Oh I don’t wanna give because it is against the policy), then that person is blinded by his ungrateful heart. Helping others from your loving heart is what makes you feel good about yourself.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
• Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
• Luke 1:39-56

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast has been traced back as far as the third century according to some historians. After profound reflection on this essential teaching of the Church that Mary was assumed, both her corporal body and soul, into heaven, this dogma was defined in the Papal declaration called “Munificentissimus Deus” which means “The most bountiful God,” announced by Pope Pius XII as divinely revealed dogma on November 1, 1950.

St. John, the Apostle, wrote the book of Revelation. However, in this particular chapter 11:19, the early Christians onward took this passage, “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars,” which was often quoted and influenced their Christian consciousness is that the Blessed Mother Mary made history as part of the mystery of the Incarnation. She continues to this day to inspire and to aspire the richness of her glory with God.

Our second reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians deals with the resurrection, both Christ’s resurrection and our own. Paul was reacting to their doubts of the resurrection about which he worked hard because he was confronted with Jewish concepts about the Old Testament abode of the dead, that they called “Sheol” which means “grave.” The Old Testament never uses the word resurrection but has several allusions to resurrection. They had no understanding in their belief system until it progressed in the direction of resurrection as we can read in Isaiah 26:19, “Your dead shall live. My dead bodies shall arise,” and more passages in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, some Jews denied any possibility of resurrection or life after death like the Sadducees, while other Jews did believe in the resurrection of the dead like the Pharisees. St. Paul wants the Corinthian Christians to know that belief in the resurrection, both Christ’s resurrection and the general resurrection of believers in the last days is foundational to the Christian faith. When Paul says that the resurrected Christ is “the first fruits of those who are asleep,” he is telling us that Christ’s resurrection is just the beginning. His resurrection indicates the abundance of resurrections yet to come, that is, the resurrection of all those who have faith in Christ, our Lord.

Today, I am not trying to equate resurrection with the Assumption of the Blessed Mother Virgin Mary. Mary’s “Assumption” into heaven is the unprecedented privilege given to Mary being the chosen vessel of the Incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. According to St. Augustine, “the Virgin Mary who did not have original sin, fell asleep in the Lord, died, and was raised body and soul into Heaven by God.”

Brothers and Sisters, this is not only a dogma to be blindly accepted, but we must comprehend well the merits of this teaching:

Frist, it is an assurance that being a Catholic, Mary who is fully human is able to reach the pinnacle of holiness and grace by experiencing God’s promise of her final destiny. God has won, for God possesses strength stronger than death. Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven; there is even room in God for the body. Heaven is no longer far and unknown to us. We have a mother in Heaven. It gives me great joy to share in the inheritance for those who are faithful and obedient to follow God’s will.

Second, many of us are influenced by secularism, and we tend to view our existence as independent from God. Our tendency is to ignore God’s role and to see ourselves as self-actualizing individuals and not placing God at the center of our existence and the universe. We become self-inflated and, sadly, tempted to put down those who are less successful.

According to II Vatican Council, “Mary shines forth on earth as a sign of certain hope and comfort to the Pilgrim people of God.” We are pilgrims here on earth; thus, this Assumption of Mary points us to eternity as the ultimate meaning and horizon of our existence.

Third, this feast of the Assumption of Mary is the source of encouragement. God made the perfect abode for His Son in Mary’s heart. It is a very beautifully accepted truth that both humanity and divinity are completely at home with Mary. Thus, relationship is a great encouragement to all of us, like the love between Jesus and His mother, Mary. Jesus wanted His mother to be with Him in Heaven without passing thru corruption and decay. It is only fitting to know the inseparable life for both of them in all eternity. Mary has been called “Blessed from all generations because her soul magnifies the Lord.”

Mary is always available to us. We can ask her for the grace to help us overcome our temptations. She knows God’s plans and she can help us in discerning His plans for us. She will assist us on our journey toward heaven. She witnesses to the future that is open to every human to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light (Col 1:12).

Mary was conceived without sin and prays for those who have recourse to you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
• Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
• Romans 9:1-5
• Matthew 14:22-33

Nowadays I have never heard of anyone who can walk on the water, except Jesus. In the movie “The Chosen,” the director and the whole cast were able to present the scene of Jesus walking on the water. It is a dramatic and realistic scene and beautifully done. I am so amazed at how they did it. By coincidence, I saw a video of how they filmed it, and the director revealed how they made it so real. It was inside a huge water storage container filled with water. Through technology, they created sound effects and used a floating device for the main actor to make believe that he is walking on the water. The cinematography is indeed wonderfully amazing. Movies are made now to let the audience enjoy the virtual effects on the big screen as if the event is actually happening in front of us. It portrays the most exciting techniques to captivate viewers’ emotions and feelings. It is a movie we must watch.

Today is the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This is summertime, a time for family bonding, picnics, or outdoor activities. Let us be careful swimming in the sea or lake and be mindful that we cannot walk on the water, only Jesus can. However, just listen to Jesus for a moment as He says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid…Come.”

In our first reading, taken from the first book of Kings, Elijah had his own encounter with God on the mountain. To understand Elijah’s journey, we read the previous chapters of this book, and then we have a deep interest in how he managed his life at Horeb. While he was resting and hiding in a cave, the Lord said to him, “Go outside and stand before the Lord, the Lord will be passing by.” Elijah stood outside where he was confronted with a holy mess of natural winds that are breaking rocks to bits, an earthquake, and an all-consuming fire. Somehow, he was patiently waiting until his persistence paid off. “After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.” The Lord passed by. There it took place; God sent him on a mission to fulfill.

From the second reading, St. Paul expresses deep sorrow and disappointment for the people of Israel who refused to accept Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. St. Paul says, “I feel great sorrow and anguish for my people, the Israelite brothers, and sisters because they have not believed Jesus is the Messiah.” I believe that the heart of Paul was not only broken, but our hearts as well. We feel the sorrow to know that our children don’t attend Mass, something that is completely a disconnect from God. We have seen our families walk away from the Lord. We grieve their absence here.

Our gospel today narrates a story to us about the apostles who were sent by Jesus in a boat. The experience of the apostles had them crossing to the other side of the Lake, with winds and waves disturbing the calmness of their journey, and they succumbed in fear.

Let us keep in mind the challenges of this gospel to this contemporary world:

First, we experience a similar call from the Lord amidst chaos in the world we are in. The world is dangerous without Christ in our hearts. Though we are confronted with the challenge, we stay calm and never panic, for the Lord continues to be present. Monsters and evils have no power lurking over us so deeply because Jesus has ultimate power to defeat them.

Second, as we go through life, Jesus journeys with us. Many times, we are unable to recognize Him because we are blinded by the clouds of fear and anxieties. Our faith in the Lord is our eyes to recognize Him for He never abandons us. If we are neglectful of opening our eyes with faith in moments of sorrows, difficulties, and pain, then we become like Peter, who had weak faith and started drowning.

Third, let us allow ourselves to be invited by Jesus who speaks: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid…Come,” and learn to rely upon Him. This is unlike Peter, who was blinded by his fear. When dark spirits control us, seek Jesus’ comforting call through our prayers that spring out safety and stability of our life. Overcoming our fear draws us near to Jesus.

The Church calls for Synodality; we journey together, we walk together, we are in communion towards God. When all feels lost and desperate, Jesus appears, walking not on the water but together with us. We cannot walk alone, disturbed by the terror of evil, and our survival depends on how we recognize Jesus, the Lord.

Where is God’s presence? Not in the turmoil of natural calamities, but we find Jesus in the silence of our hearts in prayer. Therefore, we pray to be open to God’s presence and to be attentive to His calling that is beyond our present comfort.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

• 1 Reyes 19:9a, 11-13a
• Salmo 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
• Romanos 9:1-5
• Mateo 14:22-33

Hoy en día nunca e escuchado de que alguien pueda caminar sobre el agua, solo Jesús. En la película “Los elegidos”, el director y todo el elenco pudieron presentar la escena de Jesús caminando sobre el agua. Es una escena dramática y realista y bellamente hecha. Estoy tan asombrado de cómo lo hicieron. Por coincidencia, vi un video de cómo lo filmaron y el director reveló cómo lo hicieron tan real. Fue dentro del enorme contenedor de agua, o dentro de un depósito de agua gigante, donde a través de la tecnología, crearon efectos de sonido y utilizaron un dispositivo flotante para el actor principal, para hacer creer que está caminando sobre el agua. La cinematografía es de hecho maravillosamente sorprendente. Ahora se hacen películas para que la audiencia disfrute de los efectos virtuales como si el evento sucediera frente a la pantalla grande. Retrata las técnicas más emocionantes para cautivar las emociones y sentimientos de los espectadores. Es una película que recomiendo ver.

Hoy es el Decimonoveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario. Este es el verano, un momento para la unión familiar, picnics o actividades al aire libre. Tengamos cuidado al nadar en el mar o en el lago, pero tengamos más cuidado de no tratar de caminar sobre el agua, solo Jesús puede hacerlo. Sin embargo, solo escuche a Jesús por un momento, Él dice: “Ánimo, soy yo; no tengas miedo… Ven.”

En la primera lectura tomada del primer libro de Reyes, Elías tuvo su encuentro con Dios en la montaña. Para comprender el viaje de Elías, leemos los capítulos anteriores de este libro y luego tenemos un profundo entendimiento, en cómo manejó su vida en Horeb. Mientras descansaba y se escondía en una cueva. El Señor le dijo: “Sal fuera y ponte delante del Señor, el Señor pasará”. Elijah se quedó afuera, luego se enfrentó a un desastre sagrado de vientos naturales que rompían rocas en pedazos, un terremoto y un fuego que todo lo consumía. De alguna manera, estaba esperando pacientemente hasta que su persistencia valiera la pena. “Después del incendio, hubo un pequeño susurro”. El Señor pasó. Allí tuvo lugar el envío de Dios para una misión a cumplir.

Desde la segunda lectura, San Pablo expresa un profundo dolor y desilusión por el pueblo de Israel que se negó a aceptar a Jesús como el cumplimiento de la promesa de Dios. San Pablo dice: “Siento gran dolor y angustia por mi pueblo, hermanos y hermanas israelitas porque no han creído que Jesús es el Mesías”. Yo creo que el corazón de Pablo no solo estaba quebrantado sino también el nuestro. Sentimos el dolor de saber que nuestros hijos no asisten a Misa, algo que está completamente desconectado de Dios. Hemos visto a nuestras familias alejarse del Señor. Lamentamos su ausencia aquí.

Nuestro evangelio de hoy nos narra una historia sobre los apóstoles que fueron enviados por Jesús en una barca. La experiencia de los apóstoles cruzando del otro lado del lago, los vientos y las olas perturban la tranquilidad de su viaje, pero sucumben al miedo.

Tengamos en cuenta los desafíos de este evangelio para este mundo contemporáneo:

Primero, experimentamos un llamado similar del Señor en medio del caos en el mundo en el que estamos. El mundo es peligroso sin Cristo en nuestros corazones. Aunque nos enfrentamos al desafío, mantenemos la calma y nunca entramos en pánico porque el Señor sigue estando presente. Los monstruos y los males no tienen poder para acecharnos tan profundamente porque Jesús tiene el máximo poder para vencerlos.

En segundo lugar, a medida que avanzamos por la vida, Jesús viaja con nosotros. Muchas veces somos incapaces de reconocerlo y estamos cegados por las nubes del miedo y la ansiedad. Nuestra fe en el Señor son nuestros ojos para reconocerlo porque Él nunca nos abandona, somos negligentes en abrir los ojos de la fe en los momentos de tristeza, dificultad y dolor.

Tercero, dejémonos invitar por Jesús que habla: “”Tranquilícense y no teman. Soy yo… Ven,” y aprender a confiar en Él. A diferencia de Pedro, que estaba cegado por sus miedos. Cuando los espíritus oscuros nos controlan, busquemos el llamado consolador de Jesús a través de nuestras oraciones que brotan la seguridad y la estabilidad de nuestra vida. Superar nuestros miedos nos acerca a Jesús.

La Iglesia llama a la sinodalidad, juntos en la jornada, caminamos juntos y estamos en comunión con Dios. Cuando todo se siente perdido y desesperado, aparece Jesús, caminando no sobre el agua sino junto a nosotros. No podemos caminar solos, perturbados por el terror del mal y nuestra supervivencia depende de cómo reconozcamos que Jesús, es el Señor.

¿Dónde está la presencia de Dios? No en la confusión de las calamidades naturales, sino que encontramos a Jesús en el silencio de nuestros corazones en oración. Por lo tanto, oramos para estar abiertos a la presencia de Dios y estar atentos a su llamado que está más allá de nuestra comodidad actual.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-10
• Mark 7:31-37

Today is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. We are reminded that every Sunday we gather together in this Church to feel God’s presence for “God in His Holy face, God who makes men of one mind to dwell in a house. He shall give power and strength to His people.” (Psalm 67:2)

Our epistle today, taken from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, describes how the Goodnews being preached to them would certainly benefit them if it is properly received and if one will stand and hold it in his heart. The Goodnews St. Paul was preaching is the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the way to escape punishment and for everyone to deserve salvation from God. It must first be believed and embraced. The Corinthian believers in the Lord, despite all their problems of life’s strifes, division, and immorality, they still stood for the gospel. Meaning to say, the work of the Holy Spirit is effective because they stood behind the gospel being preached to them, in contrast to the other communities with strange spirituality. They were doing well in that they did stand by the gospel. They hold fast the gospel Paul preached to them. Every one of us must take seriously our responsibility to not only have a good past, and a good present, but to be determined to have a great future with the Lord. At this present age, we are always tempted to go against the will of God; hence, all the more, we must hold on to Christ, the Divine healer.

The gospel today narrates to us another story of Jesus’ miraculous healing. Many people were seeking Jesus and were brought to Him, “one deaf and dumb, and they besought Him that He would lay His hand upon him.” Jesus responded by taking this man away from the crowd and performing His healing ritual.

Let us focus on todays’ gospel with these three important lessons:

First, Jesus healed a man who was not only deaf but also had a speech impediment, meaning to say, he cannot communicate with anyone. It was thru the man’s friend that he was brought to Jesus and begged for healing. Our understanding of being a Christian is to be in communion with others thru our love and faith. We are called to respond to the needs of others, regardless of race, color, and religious affiliation. I cannot understand other denominations who don’t welcome others if they don’t belong to their congregation. The Lord teaches us that we must go beyond our limits for the fulfillment of His commands.

Second, Jesus healed the man by taking him away from the crowd. Perhaps Jesus realizes that the man does not want to cause others to be envious and maybe was trying to avoid critical comments from the religious leaders. Jesus wants to do and fulfill His mission to sow love and compassion. He simply desired to make the man “whole” once again, and Jesus performs miracles away from the public eyes.

Third, “Jesus charged them that they should tell no one.”(v.35) This prohibition of Jesus to not say anything to anyone is an indication of Jesus’s will that everything is in accordance with the Father. Time will come when everything will be revealed which is perfectly acceptable to His Father in heaven.

What is our ailment, sickness, and impediment that we wish and pray to God for healing? What do we believe would make us healed and experience wholeness again? Do we have the courage and the faith in the Lord today? Do we believe in the power of healing with which Jesus is touching us today? Will we trust Him? Domine, clamavi ad te, et sanasti me. Lord, I cried unto Thee and Thou hast healed me.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa