Month: March 2024

• 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
• Mark 16:1-7

Alleluia, Happy Easter!

Today is the feast of all feasts of the Holy Church, Easter Sunday, remembering Jesus’ victory over death and sin. It is our happiest day of the year because of God’s promise of salvation for us, who believe by doing His divine Will.

Today’s epistle from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians encourages the people to celebrate by becoming new creations in Christ Jesus, that is, Christ has already died to sanctify and make us holy, and St. Paul is reminding us of our own calling as holy ones of God. When St. Paul says, “purge out of the old leaven,” this old leaven represents sin, and it means that we must get rid of all our sinfulness and return to God.

Sometimes we are skeptical to accept the truth that by the power of Christ’s resurrection, we will never free ourselves completely and totally of sin because cleansing our lives of sin is a lifetime struggle and process. However, we need to cooperate with God’s grace to fully strive to conform to the image of Jesus Christ, which is indeed possible. Many sinners converted to the Lord and became Saints because they were open to take that path to holiness and completely turn themselves to God. Though we are constantly in battle against Satan, we must wage a spiritual warfare by being close and faithful to God throughout our lives. Our weakness and failures can be removed for ourselves to be revived from our old selves by being united in the paschal mystery of Jesus.

The gospel today summarizes the story about Mary Magdalene and other disciples who went to where Jesus was buried with the intention of anointing the body in the morning on the first day of the week. They were surprised that the big stone that covers the tomb, had already been rolled back. Jesus’s body was not found inside the sepulcher. Let us discover other interesting parts of this Easter gospel pericope:

First, there was an appearance of this angel, “who they saw as a young man sitting on the right side” which utterly amazed these women upon entering the tomb. As we would think and believe, the absence of Jesus’ body in the tomb contributed much to their belief in Jesus’ promise that He would rise again, and this first reaction of anxiety and confusion slowly disappeared.

Second, the presumed angel said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; He is not here,” an explanation of what happened to Jesus’ body. They sought Jesus but He was not there. Maybe they were seeking the crucified Jesus, who had been buried a few days before, but they should be seeking the risen Jesus! Since they were slow to believe the promise of His resurrection, which they shouldn’t have, the angel thus stresses that the promise had indeed been fulfilled.

Third, the angel in conclusion told them, “But go and tell his disciples and Peter, He is going before you to Galilee, there you will see Him, as he told you.” And now the angel gives these women a divine commissioning to be the first witnesses to tell others about the resurrection of Christ, something else they surely did not expect! Despite their fear, St. Mark doesn’t in any way indicate that these women themselves were disbelieving. In fact, one can only conclude that it was their faith that overcame their fear and eventually led them to go and tell the others what they had seen and heard.

What can we learn from their example and witnessing? Well, perhaps you have been afraid to tell others about the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have even begun to doubt your own faith at times. Just know this, that being afraid doesn’t mean you have no faith, even if it may indicate a weak faith. The real question for you is this: Will you allow your fears to conquer your faith, or will your faith win out in the end? The Risen Jesus calls to us: Do not be afraid. Die with me, so that with me you may have life!

(For those who come to the baptismal waters tonight, Jesus truly makes them one with Him, in His dying and rising. Because Baptism is our participation in not just the death of Jesus Christ, but also His resurrection. Baptism is not just our participation in His burial, into the waters of death, but also our participation in His resurrection from the waters of death through the power of the Holy Spirit.)

For those who renew their baptismal promises, Jesus promises that we can grow deeper still, into union with him. When we were baptized into Christ, we die to our old ways, die to our old selves, to that “leaven life” mentioned by St. Paul in the first epistle today. Then we are blessed to be His new creation becoming adopted sons and daughters of God.

Imagine how differently we would act to believe in the “empty tomb” which we have found in the written gospel of Jesus. Today, the risen Lord is speaking with us! If we remember and live out His words, then we welcome a renewed relationship with Him. How differently we would then treat our parents, our children, our spouse, our classmates, our friends, and our enemies. How differently we would treat the people who sit beside us in the pew, the people we see in the church every week but to whom we never talk, the people who don’t look, act, or think the way we do. How differently we would treat the poor and the homeless. Each time we speak with one another, we “see” Christ, we “hear” Jesus. How different our world would be.

We are all on the journey to Easter Sunday together! We have the promise of our rising again to new life with Christ Jesus! Our new and eternal life with Christ Jesus doesn’t begin after we die our earthly death; it begins the moment we are baptized.

This life-changing encounter with the risen Lord ought not to be thought of as the privilege of the few, but an invitation to all. We are invited to renew our personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter us.

On this Easter Sunday, let us desire to join with the many who have not seen, but have believed, because they have encountered Jesus. Let us be genuine witnesses of the Resurrection! Let us enjoy the celebration of life in faith that is being renewed, celebrated, and shared, with such joy.

Happy Easter!

Fr. Arlon, osa

 

• Romans 6:3-11
• Mark 16:1-7

I pray for wisdom to reflect and contemplate on the readings tonight. I anticipate hearing the joyful news tonight that we will have an everlasting life through our goodness and baptism in Jesus.

We are here for this Easter Vigil celebration which is the feast of all feasts. The Easter Vigil celebration is a full and rich presentation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as it fits into a grand plan of God. It’s from the moment God called a people to Him (the Israelites), through the main figures of the Jewish Bible (messengers and prophets), to this very moment in history when a New People are formed by their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. For us, we align ourselves with God’s plan in Jesus.

What a blessing! What a gift! How blessed are we in Christ Jesus, both God and man, here on earth for us. Let us rejoice and be glad for such blessings. The Easter season has begun, and we are given this joy and salvation because of a loving and merciful God. Let us respond with gladness and rejoicing hearts for God’s incredible goodness in the person of Jesus, our Savior.

Many of us cannot help but be thrilled in beholding the Easter candle’s flame, spreading from candle to candle, filling and flooding with light the place in which we gather on this holy night. This quiet, but dramatic, gesture reminds us that there are to be no spectators tonight, only participants, all sharing in the blessed Light and the blessed Life, that is Jesus, who has risen from the dead.

St. Paul’s language puts this so boldly and moves us to confess clearly that the Resurrection is not an event “out there,” something which happened merely to someone else. It is meant to be our experience. But how does this happen? The resurrection experience happens only for those who have grown into union with Him, with Jesus, through a death like His. We cannot make this happen; we can only receive it, though, with and in Jesus.

The Liturgy of the Word describes celebrating the story of our salvation. While we wait there this night, we hear the story again – from Genesis to the Exodus story, from the Prophets to the Letter of Paul to the Romans. Each reading has a joyful Psalm of its own and each set, reading and psalm, concludes with a wonderful prayer which gathers what we just heard and sang into a prayer. All this prepares us for the Gospel story of the Resurrection.

The gospel today summarizes the story about Mary Magdalene and other disciples who went to where Jesus was buried with the intention of anointing the body in the morning on the first day of the week. They were surprised that the big stone that covers the tomb, had already been rolled back. Jesus’s body was not found inside the sepulcher. Let us discover other interesting parts of this Easter gospel pericope:

First, there was an appearance of this angel, “who they saw as a young man sitting on the right side” which utterly amazed these women upon entering the tomb. As we would think and believe, the absence of Jesus’ body in the tomb contributed much to their belief in Jesus’ promise that He would rise again, and this first reaction of anxiety and confusion slowly disappeared.

Second, the presumed angel said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; He is not here,” an explanation of what happened to Jesus’ body. They sought Jesus but He was not there. Maybe they were seeking the crucified Jesus, who had been buried a few days before, but they should be seeking the risen Jesus! Since they were slow to believe the promise of His resurrection, which they shouldn’t have, the angel thus stresses that the promise had indeed been fulfilled.

Third, the angel in conclusion told them, “But go and tell his disciples and Peter, He is going before you to Galilee, there you will see Him, as he told you.” And now the angel gives these women a divine commissioning to be the first witnesses to tell others about the resurrection of Christ, something else they surely did not expect! Despite their fear, St. Mark doesn’t in any way indicate that these women themselves were disbelieving. In fact, one can only conclude that it was their faith that overcame their fear and eventually led them to go and tell the others what they had seen and heard.

What can we learn from their example and witnessing? Well, perhaps you have even been afraid to tell others about the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have even begun to doubt your own faith at times. Just know this, that being afraid doesn’t mean you have no faith, even if it may indicate a weak faith. The real question for you is this: Will you allow your fears to conquer your faith, or will your faith win out in the end? The Risen Jesus calls to us: Do not be afraid. Die with me, so that with me you may have life!

For those who come to the baptismal waters tonight, Jesus truly makes them one with Him, in His dying and rising. This is because Baptism is our participation in not just the death of Jesus Christ, but also His resurrection. Baptism is not just our participation in His burial into the waters of death, but also our participation in His resurrection from the waters of death through the power of the Holy Spirit.

For those who renew their baptismal promises, Jesus promises that we can grow deeper still, into union with him. When we were baptized into Christ, we die to our old ways, die to our old selves, and then we can become a new creation, becoming adopted sons and daughters of God.

Imagine how differently we would act to believe in the “empty tomb” which we have found in the written gospel of Jesus. He is speaking to us! If we remember and live out His words, then we will have a renewed relationship. How differently we would treat our parents, our children, our spouse, our classmates, our friends and our enemies. How differently we would treat the people who sit beside us in the pew, the people we see in the church every week but to whom we never talk, and the people who don’t look, act, or think the way we do. How differently we would treat the poor and the homeless. If each time we speak with one another, we “see” Christ, we “hear” Jesus, how different our world would be.

We are all on the journey to Easter Sunday together! We have the promise of our rising again to new life with Christ Jesus! Our new and eternal life with Christ Jesus doesn’t begin after our earthly death; it begins the moment we are baptized.

This life-changing encounter with the risen Lord ought not to be thought of as the privilege of the few, but an invitation to all. We are invited to renew our personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least have an openness to letting him encounter us.

On this Easter Vigil night, let us desire to join with the many who have not seen, but have believed, because they have encountered Jesus. Let us be genuine witnesses of the Resurrection! Let us enjoy the celebration of life in faith that is being renewed, celebrated, and shared with such joy.

Happy Easter!

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón Vigilia Pascual, Año B

• Romanos 6:3-11
• Marcos 16:1-7

Pedí sabiduría para reflexionar y contemplar las lecturas de esta noche. Anticipo escuchar la gozosa noticia esta noche de que tendremos vida eterna a través de nuestro bautismo en Jesús.

Estamos aquí para esta celebración de la Vigilia Pascual, que es la fiesta de todas las fiestas. La celebración de la Vigilia Pascual es una presentación completa de la vida, muerte y resurrección de Jesús, tal como encaja en el gran plan de Dios. Es desde el momento en que Dios llamó a su pueblo hacia Él (los israelitas), pasando por las principales figuras de la Biblia judía (mensajeros y profetas), hasta este mismo momento de la historia cuando se forma un Nuevo Pueblo por fe en Jesús como Señor y Salvador. Para nosotros, nos alineamos con el plan de Dios en Jesús.

¡Que bendición! ¡Qué regalo! ¿Cuán benditos somos en Cristo Jesús, Dios y hombre, aquí en la tierra por nosotros? Alegrémonos y estemos contentos por tales bendiciones. El tiempo pascual ha comenzado y recibimos este gozo y salvación gracias a un Dios amoroso y misericordioso. Respondamos con alegría y corazones regocijados por la increíble bondad de Dios en la persona de Jesús, nuestro Salvador.

Muchos de nosotros no podemos evitar sentirnos emocionados al contemplar la llama del cirio pascual, extendiéndose de vela en vela, llenando e inundando de luz el lugar en el que nos reunimos esta noche santa. Este gesto tranquilo, pero dramático, nos recuerda que esta noche no habrá espectadores, sólo participantes, todos compartiendo la Luz bendita y la Vida bendita, que es Jesús, que ha resucitado de entre los muertos.

El lenguaje de San Pablo expresa esto con tanta audacia y nos mueve a confesar que la Resurrección no es un evento “ahí afuera”, algo que le sucedió simplemente a otra persona. Está destinada a ser nuestra experiencia. Pero ¿cómo sucede esto? La resurrección ocurre sólo para aquellos que han crecido en unión con Él, con Jesús. A través de una muerte como la suya. Esto no lo podemos hacer por nosotros mismos, sólo se puede recibir, a través de Él y en Él, Jesús.

La Liturgia describe la celebración de nuestra salvación. Escuchamos la historia nuevamente: desde el Génesis hasta la historia del Éxodo, desde los Profetas hasta la Carta de Pablo a los Romanos. Cada lectura tiene un Salmo gozoso y concluye con una maravillosa oración, que reúne lo que acabamos de escuchar y cantar. Todo esto nos prepara para la historia evangélica de la Resurrección.

El evangelio de hoy resume la historia de María Magdalena y algunos de los discípulos; Muy de madrugada, el primer día de la semana, se dirigían al lugar del sepulcro para ungir el cuerpo de Jesus. Se sorprendieron al ver que la enorme piedra que cubría el sepulcro ya había sido quitada. El cuerpo de Jesús no fue encontrado dentro del sepulcro. Descubramos otras partes interesantes del evangelio pascual:

Primero, hubo la aparición del ángel, “al cual vieron como un joven sentado al lado derecho” lo que asombró a estas mujeres al entrar al sepulcro. La ausencia del cuerpo de Jesús en la tumba contribuyó mucho a su creencia en la promesa de Jesús de que resucitaría, y esta primera reacción de ansiedad y confusión desapareció lentamente.

En segundo lugar, el presunto ángel les dijo: “No se espanten. Buscan a Jesús de Nazaret, el que fue crucificado. No está aquí; ha resucitado.” Tal vez buscaban a Jesús crucificado, que había sido sepultado unos días antes, ¡pero debieron haber buscar a Jesús resucitado! Como tardaron en creer la promesa de Su resurrección, el ángel enfatiza que la promesa efectivamente se había cumplido.

En tercer lugar, el ángel finalmente les dijo: “Ahora vayan a decirles a sus discípulos y a Pedro: ‘Él irá delante de ustedes a Galilea. Allá lo verán, como él les dijo”. Y ahora el ángel les da a estas mujeres la comisión divina de ser los primeros testigos para contarles a otros sobre la resurrección de Cristo, ¡algo más que seguramente no esperaban! A pesar de su miedo, San Marcos no indica de ninguna manera que estas mujeres mismas fueran incrédulas. De hecho, sólo se puede concluir que fue su fe la que venció su miedo y finalmente los llevó a ir y contar a los demás lo que habían visto y oído.

¿Qué podemos aprender de su ejemplo y testimonio? Bueno, tal vez hayas tenido miedo de contarles a otros de la resurrección del Salvador, nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Quizás hayas comenzado a dudar de tu fe en ocasiones. Sólo debes saber esto: tener miedo no significa que no tengas fe, tal vez es porque se tiene una fe débil. La verdadera pregunta es: ¿Permitirá que sus miedos conquisten su fe, o su fe vencerá al final? Jesús resucitado nos llama: no tengas miedo. ¡Muere conmigo, para que conmigo tengas vida!

Para aquellos que vienen a las aguas bautismales esta noche, Jesús verdaderamente nos hace uno con Él, no es sólo una participación en Su sepultura, sino también en Su resurrección por el poder del Espíritu Santo.

Para aquellos que renuevan sus promesas bautismales, Jesús promete que podemos profundizar a un más cuando estamos en unión con él. Cuando somos bautizados en Cristo, mueren nuestras viejas costumbres, nuestro viejo yo, y luego podemos llegar a ser una nueva creación, convirtiéndonos en hijos e hijas de Dios.

Imagínense cuán diferente actuaríamos si creyéramos en la “tumba vacía” que hemos encontrado en el evangelio. ¡Él nos está hablando! Si recordamos y vivimos Sus palabras, entonces tendremos una relación renovada. ¿Cuán diferente trataríamos a nuestros padres, nuestros hijos, nuestro cónyuge, nuestros compañeros de clase, nuestros amigos y nuestros enemigos? Cuán diferente trataríamos a las personas que se sientan a nuestro lado en el banco, a las personas que vemos en la iglesia todas las semanas, pero con las que nunca hablamos, y a las personas que no se ven, no actúan ni piensan como nosotros. ¿Cuán diferente trataríamos a los pobres y a las personas sin hogar? Si cada vez que hablamos unos con otros “vemos” a Cristo, “oímos” a Jesús, qué diferente sería nuestro mundo.

¡Estamos todos juntos en el camino hacia el Domingo de Pascua! ¡Tenemos la promesa de resucitar a una nueva vida con Cristo Jesús! Nuestra vida nueva y eterna con Cristo Jesús no comienza después de nuestra muerte terrenal; comienza en el momento en que somos bautizados.

Este encuentro transformador de vidas con el Señor resucitado no debe considerarse como un privilegio de unos pocos, sino como una invitación a todos. Estamos invitados a renovar nuestro encuentro con Jesucristo, o al menos a estar abiertos a dejar que Él nos encuentre.

En esta noche de Vigilia Pascual, deseemos unirnos a los muchos que no han visto, pero han creído porque han encontrado a Jesús. ¡Seamos auténticos testigos de la Resurrección! Disfrutemos de la celebración de la vida en la fe que se renueva, celebra y comparte con tanta alegría.

¡Felices Pascuas!

P. Arlón, osa

 

• Isaiah 52:13–53:12
• Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
• Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
• John 18:1–19:42

Today is the second day of our Triduum celebrations which we enter in prayer in the liturgical year. Good Friday draws us close to Christ’s suffering and to the suffering of others as well. Let us try to emerge into the whole liturgy of the Word, praying for the needs of the Church, with veneration and Holy Communion.

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,”are the last words of Jesus on the Cross in the gospel of Luke 23:46. At the darkest moment of fulfilling His mission for the salvation of men, He has chosen to enter into the deepest human uncertainty, and Jesus sharing our humanity cried out with surrender, trust and hope.

We believe that for Jesus, death is not the end. He promised us that He will rise, and indeed His glory comes in the Resurrection!

Brothers and Sisters, what do we want to surrender into God’s hands today?

First, we may find ourselves in a similar spiritual place as Jesus’ disciples on that Good Friday. Some were at the foot of the Cross, but the rest hid themselves out of fear and being anxious about who would be the next to be killed. Their future is uncertain without their master. How did they live as followers of Christ with that reality of death and forgetting His promise? I do believe that these disciples worked hard to re-learn to trust God, to understand every word they heard from Jesus. We are not far from the reality of the reaction of Christ’s disciples. Today we surrender to God our doubts and anxieties and re-discover our utmost love and trust of God.

Second, we may find ourselves lukewarm in our prayer or conversations with God. How often do we take the time to talk to God and ask for his help? How comfortable are we in praying? We need to have no fear in approaching the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace when we are in need of help. Jesus, even hanging on the Cross, has comforting words for us. I am afraid that many of us neglect our prayer life and stop talking to God. Are we afraid to ask for God’s help? Do we not realize that God wants to hear what is bothering us, to walk with us and bring us joy? God wants to know, so he can bestow His mercy, kindness, and grace on us, ease our burdens and make us better Christians. Let us deepen our prayer life throughout the year. We need to make it a habit to set aside 10, 15, or 20 minutes of quiet moments with God.

Third, today we focus on renewing and strengthening our faith, but we need to continue that effort beyond Easter. Equally as important is to thank Him for His endless love and being at our side, each and every day.

Today, I come to realize that Jesus’ suffering and death are God’s own entry into all that we suffer. Jesus fully understands and is in oneness with us as He continues to save and to change us.

As we “behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world,” we too embrace the whole mystery of love that the cross represents: First, the cross is about my personal infidelity and sins, my own selfishness. Secondly, we are the ones who have been guilty of transgressions and are now forgiven and loved. At the foot of the Cross is the mercy and compassion of God.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón:

Viernes Santo de la Pasión del Señor, Año A

• Isaías 52:13–53:12
• Salmos 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
• Hebreos 4:14-16; 5:7-9
• Juan 18:1–19:42

Hoy es el segundo día de nuestras celebraciones del Triduo al que entramos en oración en el año litúrgico. El Viernes Santo nos acerca al sufrimiento de Cristo y también al sufrimiento de los demás. Procuremos emerger en toda la liturgia de la Palabra, orando por las necesidades de la Iglesia, con veneración y la Sagrada Comunión.

“Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu”, son las últimas palabras de Jesús en la Cruz en el evangelio de Lucas 23:46. En el momento más oscuro del cumplimiento de su misión para la salvación de los hombres, ha elegido adentrarse en la más profunda incertidumbre humana, y Jesús compartiendo nuestra humanidad clama con entrega, confianza y esperanza.

Creemos que para Jesús, la muerte no es el final. ¡Él nos prometió que resucitaría y ciertamente Su gloria viene en la Resurrección!
Hermanos y hermanas, ¿qué queremos entregar hoy en las manos de Dios?

Primero, podemos encontrarnos en un lugar espiritual similar al de los discípulos de Jesús en ese Viernes Santo. Algunos estaban al pie de la Cruz, pero otros se escondieron por miedo y por la ansiedad de quién sería el próximo en ser asesinado. Su futuro era incierto sin su Maestro. ¿Cómo vivieron como seguidores de Cristo con esa realidad de muerte y olvido de su promesa? Creo que estos discípulos trabajaron duro para volver a aprender a confiar en Dios y entender cada palabra que escucharon de Jesús. No estamos lejos de la realidad de la reacción de los discípulos de Cristo. Hoy entregamos a Dios nuestras dudas y angustias y redescubrimos nuestro máximo amor y confianza en Dios.

Segundo, podemos encontrarnos tibios en nuestras oraciones o conversaciones con Dios. ¿Con qué frecuencia nos tomamos el tiempo para hablar con Dios y pedir su ayuda? ¿Qué tan cómodos nos sentimos al orar? No debemos tener miedo de acercarnos al trono de la gracia para recibir misericordia y hallar gracia cuando necesitamos ayuda. Jesús, aun colgado en la Cruz, tiene palabras de consuelo para nosotros. Me temo que muchos de nosotros descuidamos nuestra vida de oración y dejamos de hablar con Dios. ¿Tenemos miedo de pedir la ayuda de Dios? ¿No nos damos cuenta de que Dios quiere escuchar lo que nos molesta, caminar con nosotros y traernos alegría? Dios quiere saber, para poder derramar Su misericordia, bondad y gracia sobre nosotros, aliviar nuestras cargas y hacernos mejores cristianos. Profundicemos nuestra vida de oración a lo largo del año. Necesitamos hacer que sea un hábito apartar 10, 15 o 20 minutos de momentos de tranquilidad con Dios.

Tercero, hoy nos enfocamos en renovar y fortalecer nuestra fe, pero necesitamos continuar ese esfuerzo más allá de la Pascua. Igual de importante es agradecerle por su amor infinito y por estar a nuestro lado todos los días.

Hoy me doy cuenta de que el sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús son la entrada de Dios en todos los que sufrimos. Jesús comprende completamente y está en unidad con nosotros mientras continúa salvándonos y cambiándonos.

Al “contemplar el madero de la cruz, sobre el cual colgaba el Salvador del mundo”, abrazamos también todo el misterio de amor que representa la cruz:

Primero, la cruz se trata de mi infidelidad y mis pecados, mi egoísmo.

En segundo lugar, somos nosotros los que hemos sido culpables de transgresiones y ahora somos perdonados y amados.

Al pie de la Cruz está la misericordia y la compasión de Dios.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
• Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• John 13:1-15

Today, we begin the “Sacrum Triduum” which means three holy days before the celebration of Easter. All over the world the Church normally celebrates in the morning a solemn mass in all dioceses commonly called the “Chrism Mass” with the local bishop presiding at the Blessing of Sacred Oils and the Renewal of the Priestly Promises. This has been a normal activity for Holy Thursday morning. Some dioceses, because of distance, hold the Chrism Mass a week in advance. What are the significant reasons which liturgically connect this Holy Chrism Mass with the local bishops and with the presence of both the diocesan and religious priests.

The word “Chrism” is an oil with aromatic odor signifying the sweetness and the odor of Christ. The blessing of three oils, namely, the Oil of Catechumen, Oil of the Sick and Oil of Chrism are sacramental signs and symbols for anointing at life’s important events recognizing the presence of God who embraces us when we receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. We need to understand that by virtue of our baptism, we are all anointed to be a Priest, King, and Prophet, for we all share in the same commitment and calling as disciples of the Lord. We were anointed to carry on all that we have been taught as His disciples in whatever path we choose, for the Spirit of the Lord is upon us because we have been anointed. However, in the Church, we have the so called “Ministerial Priesthood” which the Lord has called all those bathed in Him in Baptism to respond to a special ministry of service to give their lives fully to Him and to His Church, but only few are willing to commit to this vocation. We call them priests of the church whose lives are completely shared, broken, and committed to a loving service and sacrifice. This Chrism Mass event is the time of renewal of our Priestly vows and appreciation for the gift of the Priesthood that we, the priests, all receive from Jesus.

In tonight’s’ three readings, the focus is on the Eucharist which is instituted during the “Last Supper” of our Lord. Holy Thursday reminds us of Jesus celebrating with His disciples all about the past. When the chosen people journeyed with Moses, they endured through their struggles because God had been so faithful to be with them in their flight. Passover of the past was a celebration when faithful Jews recalled how Yahweh saved them from slavery and led them through the desert to their promised land. This time, Jesus is setting a scene of a new Passover meal for them, a new covenant of sharing His Body and Blood before He died. That event prefigures what Jesus is about to do for us all in this paschal mystery of salvation we are celebrating. St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, wants us to cherish in our hearts and minds that Jesus’ words, being spoken for the first time during the last supper with the apostles, fill us with gratitude and reverence.
However, I am wondering why in the gospel today from John 13:1-15, our attention is drawn to reflect Jesus washing the feet of His disciples when He formally prepares and celebrates the Passover meal which is the institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist? This is something on which we must meditate that by giving Jesus’ Body and Blood for our physical and spiritual nourishment, we also need to value the giving of His very Self to manifest His humility and total service. A teaching moment of washing their feet before the meal is what St. Paul refers to in Philippians 2:5 that we should imitate our messiah who did not depend on his divinity, but came among us as a servant, even to the point of dying on the cross. Jesus, being the host, teaches His disciples and all of us that we need to serve others and not use our power and authority to lord it over them. It was only after this humble service of Jesus before the meal that Jesus then instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist which is the sacrament of life, love and perpetual presence of Jesus with us.
Jesus says, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Jesus must do the washing of their feet because Jesus’ love for his disciples humbles them. Why is Peter so reluctant to have his feet washed? Why does he resist? The other disciples waited, maybe a little awkwardly, while their Master, Jesus, stripped off his outer cloak and knelt on the floor. Jesus took their feet gently into his hands, and after a loving look, he washed them, drying them with the towel at his waist. Then he gets to reluctant Peter who later agrees and wants to include his head and his hands in the washing. Jesus response was “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over, so you are clean, but not all.” It is true not all of us are clean. We are all sinners who need to be washed. Before partaking of His Body and Blood, we must take away our fears, unforgiveness, doubts and weaknesses and accept our willingness to die for all things that separate us from the Lord. Jesus offers life which conquers all death in Him who has promised new life for all eternity. We are invited to eat His flesh and drink His blood, to be cleansed and to be renewed.

What makes any of us pull back our feet when it comes to accepting the responsibility of being a follower of Jesus? Jesus is clear in his message: If I have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.

Tonight, we take part in the memorial ritual of the washing of the feet. A potentially humbling experience for all concerned. Am I called to wash another’s feet or to allow another to wash my feet? Can I allow the presence of Jesus to come in order to touch my life? Yet Jesus insists. Jesus’ love humbles me. Let us share His story and do what He has done with care in service to others. Christ’s way is the only way. We are grateful for God’s loving fidelity.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Philippians 2:5-11
• Matthew 26:36-75; 27:1-66

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We gather to recall the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem. The crowd cried out in unison to welcome Jesus, the Son of David, “Hosanna in the highest”. We walk with Jesus today.

Just imagine that Jesus was followed by His disciples, and along the road many people who were touched and healed were there as well. Mary was anxious in the final days of her Son’s ministry because she knows of the impending sufferings her Son would ultimately accept. Her pain causes her heart to beat heavily while the crowd continuously cheers loudly in excitement singing Psalms and Hosannas. As Jesus enters, many people put their cloaks and palm branches along the road with much excitement of this spontaneous parade.

Where are you in this picture of our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem? Have you imagined yourself being in the crowd? As I have said from the beginning, “we walk with Jesus today.” We are joining in, and we go along with Jesus where we become present by our faith and are encouraged to pray fervently as we go through this Holy Week.

The epistle today from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians reminds us of how Jesus was able to take the enthusiastic welcome afforded to Him by the people of Jerusalem; however, He knows that the atmosphere will change after a few days because the religious leaders, pharisees and scribes were trying to find fault with Him. St. Paul declares that as followers of Christ we need “Kenosis,” which means emptying oneself. Jesus taught us a significant lesson as He “emptied Himself.” We must seek to understand that Jesus laid aside His divine riches in becoming human through the mystery of the incarnation. Our own success to follow the Lord is to empty ourselves from all our iniquities and set our goal which would be our “kenosis” calling us to emptying ourselves from all distractions.

We know that the Holy Land is closed now for pilgrims. The Israeli government set restrictions to visit the Holy Land because of the continuous pursuit for extremists and terrorists in the area. It is sad that all the roads leading to the Holy Land are blocked, and there is no way for the pilgrims to spend time in prayer. I guess Jesus is asking His followers around the world to come along the way called “Via Dolorosa” in union with His suffering and dying. I imagine the danger of entering Jerusalem this day has been a true passion for the Jewish Christians which is expectedly different from the previous Holy Week. We pray for the immediate end of the war in Israel.

This Holy Week, the recurring theme is “dying and rising.” We see ourselves dying from sins as the right path to knowing and purifying ourselves better. We are deeply invited to see and evaluate ourselves. In the reading of the Lord’s passion from the gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus wants us to bring our own sufferings along His way, the difficulties in our life, and the challenges now, and to foresee our own victory with Him. It is a dying to oneself that we may attain the rising mystery that Jesus leads us.

I believe that Palm Sunday is not just singing “Hosanna” in Jesus’ Passion, for there is also rising in the gospel we heard, one that leads to Easter, to New Life, Resurrection, and victory over death and sin. Glory is our destination we ponder as we bless these palms and as we walk with Jesus today.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ezekiel 37:12-14
• Psalm 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
• Romans 8:8-11
• John  11:1-45

This weekend, we will be having the 3rd Scrutiny for the Elects, adults preparing themselves for Baptism and entering their final weeks of preparation.  This is a powerful 3rd time scrutiny and exorcism which focuses on theological reflection on the gospel about the raising of Lazarus. We see Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life.  Let us review a little bit. In the first scrutiny, we focus on the water which the Samaritan woman wants to receive in order to quench her thirst from Jesus’ living water.  The second scrutiny is about Jesus restoring the sight of the man who was blind from birth, which focused on Christ the Light of the world. Today’s last scrutiny, Jesus raising Lazarus, reminds us that Jesus is offering eternal life.  I can sense Christ’s power and presence for this community. 

Let us remember that the Scrutiny is a rite of spiritual self-searching and repentance meant to uncover, and then heal, all that is weak, defective or sinful in the hearts of the Elects, who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil.  Additionally, this Scrutiny is intended to bring out and strengthen all that is upright, strong and good in the Elects.  Exorcism is celebrated to deliver the Elects from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  I hope and pray that they will complete their conversion and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all else.  

As we walk with our Elects, we too must recall the power of our own Baptism, our willingness to open our ears, eyes, and hearts to the Word of God, who speaks to us to be strong witnesses and to profess our faith in Jesus, who says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  Martha said to Him, “Yes, Lord.  I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (Jn 11:23-27)

From today’s gospel passage lies the power of Jesus as the true Messiah, who restores life.  What does the raising of Lazarus say to us today? 

First, we always cling to Jesus to save our life. Maybe we are like Martha, saying, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died” and “yes, Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ…”  In the process of understanding the experience of death, there we struggle between feelings of betrayal and faith – saying “Lord, if only you had been there…” and “Lord, I know you are here…”  This expression and lamentation are an indication that we need God in our life, Who alone can save us.  When we plunge ourselves into committing sin, we literally succumb to death.  Likewise, in an experience of death of loved ones, we cling to the aid of God, the giver of life. 

Second, Martha’s profession of faith with the words, “I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world” is impressively revealing how she accepts Jesus as the Son of God, who has the power to restore life.  We are called to do the same, to profess wholeheartedly, that indeed Jesus is Lord of both the dead and the living. 

Third, Jesus raising Lazarus is a miracle, to manifest “the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  Jesus will also raise us from the dead, and we hope for nothing more for us and our loved ones than the resurrection on the Last Day. We will see each other again in the next life when we are faithful to Him. 

In our own struggle to understand who Jesus is, through this gospel we have seen signs.  It means we have seen Jesus’ works of a miracle.  If we are dealing with a crisis of faith, then please try to consider Martha and Mary, who believe Christ as the resurrection and the life.  Believe in Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God. 

Martha and Mary inspire us and encourage us by the example of their own struggles; however, they cannot struggle for us, and we must decide what we truly believe.  Brothers and Sisters, particularly those who are preparing for their Baptism, you have to decide; do you believe? 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma, Año B (3er Escrutinio)

• Ezequiel 37:12-14
• Salmo 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
• Romanos 8:8-11
• Juan 11:1-45

Este fin de semana tendremos el Tercer Escrutinio de los Elegidos, adultos entrando en sus últimas semanas de preparación para ser bautizados. Este es un importante tercer tiempo de escrutinio y exorcismo, que se centra en la reflexión teológica sobre el evangelio sobre la resurrección de Lázaro. Vemos a Cristo que es la Resurrección y la Vida. Repasemos un poco, el primer escrutinio, nos centramos en el agua que la mujer samaritana quiere recibir para saciar su sed del agua viva de Jesús. El segundo escrutinio trata sobre Jesús devolviendo la vista al hombre que era ciego de nacimiento y que se centró en Cristo, quien es, la Luz del mundo. El último escrutinio de hoy, la resurrección de Lázaro, por parte de Jesús nos recuerda que Jesús ofrece vida eterna. Pude sentir el poder y la presencia de Cristo en esta comunidad. 

Recordemos que el Escrutinio es un rito de auto búsqueda espiritual y arrepentimiento. Están destinados a descubrir y luego sanar todo lo que es débil, defectuoso o pecaminoso en los corazones de los elegidos, que serán bautizados en la Vigilia Pascual. Este Escrutinio tiene como objetivo sacar a relucir y luego fortalecer todo lo que hay de recto, fuerte y bueno en los elegidos. Luego, el exorcismo para liberar a los elegidos del poder del pecado y de Satanás, protegiéndolos de la tentación y darles fuerza en Cristo que es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Espero y oro para que completen su conversión, profundicen su determinación de aferrarse a Cristo y llevar a cabo su decisión de amar a Dios por encima de todo. 

Mientras caminamos con nuestros elegidos, nosotros también debemos recordar el poder de nuestro bautismo. Nuestra disposición a abrir nuestros oídos, ojos y corazón a la Palabra de Dios, que nos habla para que seamos testigos firmes, y profesemos nuestra fe en Jesús, quien le dice a Marta: “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida, todo aquel que cree en mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todo el que vive y cree en mí, no morirá jamás ¿Crees tu esto?” Marta le dijo: “Sí, Señor. He llegado a creer que tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que viene al mundo. (Juan 11:23-27) 

Del pasaje del evangelio de hoy surge el poder de Jesús como el verdadero mesías, que restaura la vida. ¿Qué nos dice hoy la resurrección de Lázaro? 

Primero, siempre nos aferramos a Jesús para salvar nuestra vida. Quizás nosotros, como Marta diciendo: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí mi hermano no habría muerto” y “Sí, Señor, he llegado a creer que tú eres el Cristo…” En el proceso de comprensión de la experiencia de la muerte, luchamos entre sentimientos de traición y fe – diciendo “Señor, si tan solo hubieras estado allí…” y “Señor, sé que estás aquí…” Esta expresión y lamento son una indicación de que necesitamos a Dios en nuestra vida, el único que puede salvarnos. Cuando nos sumergimos en el pecado, sucumbimos a la muerte. Asimismo, ante la experiencia de la muerte del ser amado, nos aferramos a la ayuda de Dios, dador de la vida. 

En segundo lugar, la profesión de fe de Marta con las palabras “He llegado a creer que tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que viene al mundo” es impresionantemente reveladora, de cómo ella acepta a Jesús como el Hijo de Dios, quien tiene el poder de restaurar la vida. Estamos llamados a hacer lo mismo, a profesar de todo corazón que, en efecto, Jesús es Señor tanto de los muertos como de los vivos. 

En tercer lugar, el milagro de Jesús resucitando a Lázaro, para manifestar “La Gloria de Dios, para que por ella sea Glorificado el Hijo de Dios”. Jesús también nos resucitará a nosotros y a nuestros seres queridos, luego la resurrección en el Día Postrero. Nos volveremos a ver en la gloria de Dios cuando seamos fieles a Él. 

En nuestra propia lucha por entender quién es Jesús, a través de este evangelio, hemos visto señales y las obras milagrosas de Jesús. Si estamos ante una crisis de fe, entonces tratemos de considerar a Marta y María, quienes creen en Cristo como la resurrección y la vida. Cree en Jesús, como el Hijo de Dios encarnado. 

Marta y María nos inspiran y alientan con el ejemplo de sus luchas. Sin embargo, no pueden luchar por nosotros, nosotros debemos decidir lo que realmente creemos. Hermanos y hermanas, particularmente aquellos que se están preparando para su Bautismo, tú tienes que decidir y ser honesto al contestar ¿Tú crees? 

Dios los bendiga. 

P. Arlón, osa

 

• Hebrews 9:11-15
• John 8:46-59

Today, we celebrate the Passion Sunday which is the 5th Sunday of Lent.  The Passion Sunday and the Palm Sunday are two separate celebrations.  According to the liturgy of the Extraordinary Form, today’s Passion Sunday reminds the faithful about the increasing revelation of the Divinity of Christ according to the gospel of St. John 8:46-59 and His journey towards Jerusalem where Jesus started His passion.  Today is also the beginning of the two-week great solemnity as we continue to prepare for the Holy Week. 

The epistle today from the Book of Hebrews cited Jesus as a superior sanctuary as revealed by the New Covenant.  The main thrust of these verses is the eternal redemption secured by Jesus, our Lord.  There are things we must be aware of, that Christ offered Himself while the animal-sacrifice was offered by the people.  Jesus Christ is without blemish inwardly, as well as externally, while animal offerings were believed to be without blemish only in appearance.  Jesus offered Himself through His eternal Spirit, but animals could not do this as a perfect sacrifice.  Jesus’ ultimate offering of Himself through His own blood was for us gaining eternal redemption and salvation.  This is the Goodnews, the blessings of Christ who won by His sacrificial death.   This is what it meant by “Christ being come, a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle…”  Jesus supplied the action which lay behind the words written in this epistle, which in our consciences ought to be perfectly free from any need to engage in such things, retaining our confidence in the perfect efficacy of the Cross and holding fast in our commitment to serve the living God through others within the context of our faith.  

Today’s gospel reminds us of the power of God to save everyone, especially those who believe and keep His holy Will.  When it comes to our living out the gospel, this is exactly what we are called to do. You are called to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but you are also called in various situations to demonstrate humility; you are called to be gentle and respectful. 

The people say to Jesus, “Are we not right in saying that you have a demon?” Jesus responded saying, “I do not have a demon.”  He is not angry with them, He just gives them an honest answer; thus we believe in Jesus who offers Himself on the cross for our salvation.  When we encounter people telling us about our doing the sign of the cross, which for them is superstitious, a folly and stupidity, if they think that way that, “you are stupid,” it means that they have understood you.   I believe that St. Paul told the Corinthian church,1Cor 2:5, 3:19, which had embraced worldly wisdom, that, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!” (1 Cor 4:10).  Our main goal is to live and proclaim the gospel to give glory to God and to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and if the world thinks us foolish for this, so be it.  

Some people won’t understand the gospel, and some people will understand and will love it.  Yet some people will understand the gospel and will hate it.  Our Catholic belief will always be in question to the world, especially to those who don’t accept what is Good.  You are called to defend the reason for the hope that is in you, and that’s all that you can do.  There is no easy way to the growth of the Church because we are all traversing to the road less traveled. 

After this mass, we will have our last scrutiny for our Elects, who are preparing for their Sacrament of Initiation.  We have three candidates from Holy Spirit Mission this year.  If we don’t make disciples like this, then our community stops growing.  Let our witnessing and our love for God and others be the source of building God’s people.  

We heard from the gospel today that people “took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (v. 59).  People refused to accept Jesus and had shown misunderstanding.  As a result, they killed Jesus, not by stoning but by crucifying Him according to the Scripture. 

So, we offer this prayer: Lord God, our heavenly Father, enlighten our darkness with the light of your Holy Spirit as we come into the Passion Sunday.  Inspire me always that I may preach well, so that we all may hear well to transform our hearts, minds, and whole being. Let’s be as bold in our proclamation of our Lord as He was in proclaiming Himself, trusting the results to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

 

• 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
• Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
• Ephesians 5:8-14
• John 9:1-41 

Today we are celebrating the 2nd Scrutiny for our Elects, and today’s readings used are those of Year A, which are read in oneness with the Mass for the Second Scrutiny. We need to reflect on these readings to value our calling to being Christ’s disciples.

For three consecutive Sundays, we have these three gospels, the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and next Sunday is the story about the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Why are they so important for us who are already baptized and for those who are preparing for the Sacrament of Initiation? These readings teach us about our baptismal promises.

First, the story of the Samaritan Woman is about believing in Jesus as the source of the Living Water. The woman accepted it and then returned to her village to proclaim her encounter with Jesus, the true Messiah. She commits herself to bring the Goodnews to others, which is our role to evangelize.

Second, today we heard the story of the man born blind who was healed and his sight was restored, but the message is his seeing God in Jesus. Our restored sight is not only for seeing, but constant conversion, as we always commit to a life that reveals God’s vision.

Third, next Sunday’s gospel is about Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. This is the ultimate joy of our faith in Christ, that in Him we would bring back our life because He won, victorious over death and sin.

Let me expound on the readings today. In our first reading, taken from the book of Samuel, God told Samuel that God doesn’t see as humans see. We can only see part of the picture; we see the external appearances. But God sees deeper, into the heart of that person. God sees the fullness of that person’s potential. God sees that person’s intricate and detailed beauty.

The second reading, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, gives us a reminder of our own identity in Jesus. Before we were in darkness, but now we live in the light of Christ for we are children of light. The fruit of light involves conduct which is pervasive goodness, righteousness, and truth. Our conduct must be based on good conduct, speech, and relationships as modeled and taught by Jesus.

The gospel reminds me of my own experience, though I was not born blind like the man in the story. A year ago, for three months, I was literally blind due to Retinopathy, which is the inflammation of the small vessels at the back of my eyes which impeded my vision. I cannot forget how I prayed hard to God to bring back my eyesight. The doctor operated on my right eye, called “vitrectomy procedure.” When I recovered, I had much appreciation of God’s creation, I have an increased empathy for those people with visual disability and discovered a new perspective in the mercy and compassion of our awesome God. When we see as God sees, all we can do is stand and praise God for showing us a glimpse of heaven.

Though we have no problem with our sense of sight let us sincerely ask God to heal us today.

First, ask the Lord to “open our eyes,” physically and spiritually. Let us beg God to see as He sees by reflecting to view according to God’s ways. Sometimes we are blind because we lack knowledge, and sometimes we are blind because we have closed our eyes. Today, having gone through my own progression of faith, my eyes are fully open and I can see! Opening our eyes means changing the way we live and having a new perspective of life.

Second, we need to face those dark places. We will ask God to help us see those moments of failure and weakness as God sees them. God will never condemn us, but like with the blind man, he received an opportunity to love and to do good.

Third, Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” The blind man responded, “I believe.” Jesus shows himself to be the perfect Teacher in this miracle. He is revealing God’s works, and it is the reason Jesus heals his blindness: so that God’s work might be revealed in him.

These readings are powerful catalysts for reformation, for conversion. We turn our hearts back to Christ, acknowledging the need for our own ongoing conversion toward the one who guides and shepherds us.

Amazingly we are the light of the world. St. Paul talks about “unfruitful works of darkness,” and about the purifying power of exposing our shameful deeds to the light of day. JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR, who heals us. Our night of death and darkness is over; the light is dawning in our midst.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma, Año B (A) 2do Escrutinio

• 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
• Salmo: Sal 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
• Efesios 5:8-14
• Juan 9:1-41

Hoy estamos celebrando el Segundo Escrutinio para nuestros Elegidos, y las lecturas utilizadas hoy son las del Año A, que se leen en unidad con la Misa del Segundo Escrutinio. Es necesario reflexionar sobre estas lecturas para valorar nuestro llamado a ser discípulos de Cristo.

Durante tres domingos consecutivos, tenemos estos tres evangelios, la mujer samaritana junto al pozo, el ciego de nacimiento y el próximo domingo la historia de la resurrección de Lázaro de entre los muertos. ¿Por qué son importantes para los ya bautizados y para los que se están preparando para el Sacramento de Iniciación? Estas lecturas nos enseñan acerca de nuestras promesas bautismales.

Primero, la historia de la Mujer Samaritana trata de creer en Jesús, como fuente de Agua Viva. La mujer lo aceptó y luego regresó a su pueblo para anunciar su encuentro con Jesús, el verdadero Mesías. Ella se compromete a llevar la buena nueva a los demás, que es nuestra función de evangelizar.

Segundo, hoy escuchamos la historia del hombre ciego de nacimiento que fue sanado y le devolvió la vista, pero el mensaje es que vea a Dios en Jesús. Nuestra vista restaurada no es sólo para ver sino para una conversión constante, ya que siempre nos comprometemos a una vida que revela la visión de Dios.

En tercer lugar, el evangelio del próximo domingo trata sobre Lázaro, quien fue resucitado de entre los muertos por Jesús. Este es el gozo supremo de nuestra fe en Cristo: en Él recuperar nuestra vida porque Él venció y fue victorioso sobre la muerte y el pecado.

Permítanme explicar las lecturas de hoy. En nuestra primera lectura tomada del libro de Samuel, Dios le dijo a Samuel que Dios no ve como ven los humanos. Sólo podemos ver una parte de la persona; Vemos las apariencias externas. Pero Dios ve más profundamente, El ve el corazón de la persona. Dios ve la plenitud del potencial de esa persona. Dios ve la belleza intrincada y detallada de esa persona.

La segunda lectura, de la carta de San Pablo a los Efesios, nos recuerda nuestra propia identidad en Jesús. Antes estábamos en oscuridad pero ahora vivimos en la luz de Cristo porque somos hijos de la luz. El fruto de la luz implica una conducta que es bondad, rectitud y verdad omnipresentes. Nuestra conducta debe basarse en la buena conducta, el habla y las relaciones tal como los modeló y enseñó Jesús.

El evangelio me recuerda mi propia experiencia, aunque no nací ciego como el hombre del evangelio de hoy, me relaciono con el. Hace un año, durante tres meses, quedé ciego debido a la Retinopatía, que es la inflamación de los pequeños vasos en la parte posterior de mis ojos que impiden mi visión. No olvido lo mucho que oré para que Dios me restaurara la vista. El médico me operó el ojo derecho, lo que se denomina “procedimiento de vitrectomía”. Cuando me recuperé, valoré aun más la creación de Dios, sentí una mayor empatía por aquellas personas con discapacidad visual y descubrí una nueva perspectiva sobre la misericordia y la compasión de nuestro maravilloso Dios. Cuando vemos como Dios ve, todo lo que podemos hacer es pararnos y alabar a Dios por mostrarnos un poquito de lo hermoso que es el cielo.

Aunque no tenemos ningún problema con nuestro sentido de la vista, pidamos sinceramente a Dios que nos sane hoy.

Primero, pidamos al Señor que “nos abra los ojos”, física y espiritualmente. Roguemos a Dios que veamos como Él ve, reflexionando para ver según los caminos de Dios. A veces estamos ciegos porque nos falta conocimiento y, a veces, estamos ciegos porque hemos cerrado los ojos. Hoy, después de haber pasado por mi progresión de fe, ¡mis ojos están completamente abiertos y puedo ver! Abrir los ojos significa cambiar nuestra forma de vivir y tener una nueva perspectiva de la vida.

Segundo, debemos afrontar esos lugares oscuros. Pidamos a Dios que nos ayude a ver esos momentos de fracaso y debilidad como Dios los ve. Dios nunca nos condenará pero, como el ciego, recibe la oportunidad de amar y hacer el bien.

Tercero, Jesús le dijo: Tú le has visto, y él es el que habla contigo. El ciego respondió: “Creo”. Jesús se muestra como el Maestro perfecto en este milagro. Está revelando las obras de Dios, porque es la razón por la que Jesús cura su ceguera: para que las obras de Dios se revelen en él.

Estas lecturas son poderosos catalizadores para la reforma, para la conversión. Volvamos nuestro corazón a Cristo, reconociendo la necesidad de nuestra conversión continua hacia Aquel que nos guía y pastorea.

Sorprendentemente somos la luz del mundo. San Pablo habla de las “obras infructuosas de las tinieblas” y del poder purificador de exponer a la luz del día nuestras obras vergonzosas. JESÚS ES NUESTRO SALVADOR, quien nos sana para que nuestra noche de muerte y oscuridad haya terminado, la luz esté amanecendo en medio de nosotros.

Para los Elegidos, nuestras oraciones para ustedes son para que puedan continuar preparándose para recibir los Sacramentos de Iniciación en la próxima Pascua. Vivan y reflejen lo bueno que es Dios con ustedes.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Galatians 4:22-31
• John 6:1-15

Today is the 4th Sunday of Lent, called the “Laetare Sunday,” where we are invited to reflect on the Introit antiphon from Isaiah 66:10-11: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her, rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.” Laetare means “rejoice” which expresses hope and joy during our Lenten fasts and penances. Our color “rose” today indicates a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at Easter, just before entering Holy Week. Let us take advantage of the richness of our Catholic traditions.

The epistle today is taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. St. Paul is speaking to these Galatians about being under the law, meaning to say that they keep relying on their self-effort to keep the law by maintaining a right relationship with God. Every person must be freed from any kind of slavery or bondage of sins, rather to be free for “wherewith Christ has made us free.” Let us earn approval from God by our own effort to live consistently doing works of righteousness. Our conscious action is to try harder, and that will lead us to happiness, rather than depression.

How can sinners like us stand in a right relationship with the holy God? How can we be in a right relationship with God? We must first believe, repent, and do something good. All good actions result in good realities, and we must begin to live a joy filled, fruitful and comforting life as Catholics.

In today’s gospel Jesus begins to share His kindness with the multitude of people by being sensitive to their condition. We give keen attention to Jesus’ miraculous sign by feeding everyone. This will help us to understand God’s provision to the chosen people of Israel in the Old Testament and Jesus’ multiplication of bread, which prefigures the Eucharist. Today, though, we are going to look at the miracle that sets on this gospel pericope in John 6:1-15.

First, Jesus said: “Make the men sit down,” to provide them food to eat. It is an amazing gesture of Jesus’ care and love for His people, which is also at the same time a clear message and sign of how He cares for them in all eternity. Through that boy with five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus took the loaves and the fish, He blessed them and gave thanks, and “they were filled.” I believe that our insignificant contribution, like that of the little boy, and if presented generously and wholeheartedly to Christ, makes it possible for a miracle to happen.

Second, this story about the multiplication of bread and fish is about the power of Jesus, not only to fill our own physical needs, but to sustain us to continue glorifying God. Receiving the miracle that happens at every mass doesn’t only comfort us temporarily, but suffices our desire to have that joy and eternal happiness to rest on the heart of Christ our Savior.

Third, it’s a story about God’s unlimited and powerful provision. We must believe that with Him all things are possible because He perfectly knows what we need. Our consideration is to accept our insufficiency apart from God.

In the Christian life, we must humble ourselves to accept our own weakness and powerlessness. We must remember that everything Jesus does takes us to that low place because the low place is where the abundant grace of God starts to manifest.

Jesus would like to remind us that He is actually doing the role of God in the Old Testament when He provides everything for the chosen people. Jesus is doing what God does because there is no one else to do so, especially our need of sustenance for our journey towards eternal life.

In conclusion, Jesus says, “Philip, do you remember how God gave the bread from heaven in the desert? It is a perfect way to test Philip and us. Will you rely on Jesus to trust and have faith in Him? The miracle of the multiplication of bread and fish is indeed an invitation to believe, not to cling to our opinion that it is impossible, but that it gives opportunities to grow and to be nourished by His body and blood. Jesus gives His very own life for all of us. Let us rejoice!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa