The Dictate of the Heart:  30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Today is the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.  A week from now, on November 5th, we will exercise our right of suffrage.    Probably, some of us have already sent our ballots by mail, and some are anxious to cast votes in person on election day. I don’t want to appear political, but I remind everyone to pray for a peaceful and orderly election.  Let us pray for wisdom to know that we need God to lead us to a right decision which conforms to the teachings of Christ and His Church.  Reject those propositions that are contrary to our Christian belief; resist evil!  Focusing on politician personalities is not important, but political agendas are necessary to scrutinize according to a well-informed conscience to have a better view on all the pressing issues our nation is presently dealing with.   The blindness about social reality is losing a sense of connection being an integral part of a bigger family.  We must do a clean-up of our inner selves and enjoy the benefits of seeing the goodness of God which we are responsible to share with others.  Decision is in your hands, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The year 2019 was the toughest year of my life.  I experienced losing my eyesight because of too much pressure, and small veins at the back of my eye started to creep in towards my pupil, becoming enflamed, which gradually emitted blood, creating floaters and impeding my vision.  I have had two eye surgeries, and sometime in December I will have another surgery on my right eye. I am presently having regular bi-monthly eye injections.  It is tough, and I never thought that it would happen to me.   At the altar celebrating mass, I only see images of people and cannot identify those who are sitting in the front pew.  What a terrible experience; however, I’ve learned to empathize with people who have impaired vision, are visually handicapped, or are blind.  The gospel today inspires me to follow the abiding faith of Bartimaeus as he begs Jesus to have pity on him.  In the same manner, I too humbly pray to God for complete healing.   

We heard three readings of the liturgy which reveal God’s goodness and power to heal.  From the Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading, he speaks of shouting for joy resulting in a promise of reestablishment of unity among separated nations under one God of David.  As a result, they had their freedom back and the knowledge of their true identity as God’s holy people. The chosen people had the opportunity to return to their homeland. The blind will not stumble along the level road nor will families be displaced from their children.   God gathered them and sustained the chosen people as His beloved. 

The 2nd reading, taken from the letter to the Hebrews, speaks about the role of the High Priest, who represents God to men and men to God.  He would serve God faithfully as His appointed and live humbly.  Jesus’ humanity allowed Him to be perfectly fulfilling this role.  Jesus, being the High Priest, offered Himself as a sacrifice for the remission of sins through His perfect obedience.  This clearly affirms that it was not Christ who glorified Himself in becoming high priest, but the one who said, “You are my Son, this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

The gospel, taken from the evangelist St. Mark, is a story about a blind man named “Bartimaeus.”   He was among the crowd waiting for Jesus to arrive; however, he was at the periphery of the road sitting with deep faith and patience despite the humiliating attitude shown by the crowd towards him.  Upon Jesus getting near, he did not hesitate to call Jesus, “Son of David.”    Let us enter into the most touching episodes in the gospel today. 

First, the blind man called Jesus’ name with humility and profound trust that Jesus, who is the High Priest, the Lord whom he acknowledged as “the Son of David,” would surely give him hope.  However, the crowd is telling the blind man to stop praying and calling Jesus.  They wanted to silence him.  This gospel unfolds the attitude of the crowd, the Apostles and other disciples of the Lord, who had directly seen Christ’s miracles and heard Jesus’ preaching, yet are blinded to accept Jesus’ messianic identity, as compared to this blind man who truly believed and accepted Jesus. 

Second, Jesus was aware of the blind man’s presence in the midst of the crowd and called him and encouraged him to hurry to come near Him.   Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  The blind man simply said, “Master, I want to see.”   Jesus healed his sight, and with his unwavering faith, the blind man became a follower of Jesus. 

Third, Jesus answered his prayer with these words, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.”  Bartimaeus‘ eyes were opened, and he saw wonderful sights around him. He was delighted to see the world made real.  The crowd stood still hearing the guidance of Jesus’ words. 

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is constantly passing by us all and asking us what we want Him to do for us despite our weaknesses, and fragilities experiencing spiritual blindness.  We must look to Jesus in order to be healed and humbly ask Him for the grace of recovery of sight to enjoy the beauty and meaning of life, which is a loving and delightful relationship with God.  The restoration of our spiritual vision that enables us to work to do the mission of Jesus to bring to life especially those who are brokenhearted, desperate and hopeless. 

This is how the role of the Church becomes effective.  We, who are believers of Jesus, through us must invite and encourage others to follow Jesus into generous ministry and relationships with God rather than an obstacle and scandal to others.  There are many opportunities to improve our impaired vision by looking for possible ways to think and visualize who we are in God’s eyes.  Let us get up to join the blind man on the side of the road in his prayer, “Have pity on me.”   Then follow Jesus into His generous service by offering ourselves less blindly.   

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Trigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

  • Jeremías 31:7-9
  • Salmo 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
  • Hebreos 5:1-6
  • Marcos 10:46-52

Hoy es el Trigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. El cinco de noviembre, ejerceremos nuestro derecho a votar. Probablemente, algunos ya enviamos nuestras papeletas por correo y otros están ansiosos por emitir su voto en persona el día de las elecciones. No quiero parecer político, pero les recuerdo a todos que oremos por una elección pacífica y ordenada, también oremos por sabiduría, para que Dios nos guíe a tomar la decisión correcta que se ajuste a las enseñanzas de Cristo y Su Iglesia. Rechacemos aquellas proposiciones que son contradictorias a nuestra creencia cristiana y resistamos al mal. No es importante centrarse en las personalidades políticas, pero es necesario examinar una agenda política de acuerdo con una conciencia bien informada, para tener una mejor visión de todos los problemas urgentes que enfrentan nuestras naciones en la actualidad. La ceguera sobre la realidad social está perdiendo el sentido de conexión al ser parte integral de una familia más grande. Debemos hacer una limpieza de nuestro ser interior y disfrutar de los beneficios de ver la bondad de Dios, que somos responsables de compartir con los demás. La decisión está en sus manos, con la guía del Espíritu Santo. 

El dos-mil-diecinueve, fue uno de los años más duros de mi vida. He experimentado la pérdida de la vista debido a demasiada presión y pequeñas venas en la parte posterior de mi ojo, que comienzan a arrastrarse hacia mi pupila inflamándola, lo que gradualmente emite sangre, crea flotadores e impide mi visión. Me sometí a dos cirugías oculares y en algún momento en el mes de diciembre, tendré otra cirugía en mi ojo derecho. Actualmente, me estoy poniendo inyecciones oculares regulares cada dos meses. Es duro y nunca pensé que me pasaría a mí. En el altar celebrando la misa, solo veo imágenes de personas, pero no puedo identificar quién está sentado en el primer banco. Es una experiencia terrible, sin embargo, aprendí a empatizar con las personas con problemas de visión, discapacitados visuales y personas ciegas. El evangelio de hoy me inspira a seguir la fe permanente de Bartimeo cuando le ruega a Jesús que tenga piedad de él. De la misma manera, yo también humildemente oro a Dios por una sanación completa. 

Escuchamos tres lecturas de la liturgia que revelan la bondad y el poder de Dios para sanar. Del profeta Jeremías, la primera lectura, habla de gritar de alegría que resultó en una promesa de restablecimiento de la unidad entre las naciones separadas bajo un solo Dios de David. Como resultado, recuperaron su libertad y el conocimiento de su verdadera identidad como pueblo santo de Dios. El pueblo elegido tuvo la oportunidad de regresar a su patria, los ciegos no tropezarán en el camino, ni las familias serán desplazadas de sus hijos. Dios los reunió y sostuvo al pueblo elegido como Su amado. 

La segunda lectura tomada de la carta a los Hebreos, habla sobre el papel del Sumo Sacerdote, que representa a Dios ante los hombres y los hombres ante Dios. Serviría a Dios fielmente como Su designado y viviría humildemente. La humanidad de Jesús le permitió cumplir perfectamente este papel. Jesús, siendo el Sumo Sacerdote, se ofreció a sí mismo como sacrificio para la remisión de los pecados mediante su perfecta obediencia. Esto afirma que no fue Cristo quien se glorificó a sí mismo al convertirse en sumo sacerdote, sino aquel que dijo: “Tú eres mi Hijo, yo te he engendrado hoy; como dice en otro lugar: Tú eres sacerdote para siempre según el orden de Melquisedec”. 

El evangelio tomado de San Marcos es una historia sobre un hombre ciego llamado “Bartimeo”. Él estaba entre la multitud esperando que Jesús llegara; sin embargo, estaba en la periferia del camino sentado con profunda fe y paciencia a pesar de la actitud humillante que mostraba la multitud hacia él. Al acercarse Jesús, no dudó en llamarlo “Hijo de David”. Entremos en los puntos más conmovedores del evangelio de hoy. 

Primero, el ciego, llamó el nombre de Jesús con humildad y profunda fe en que Jesús, quien es el Sumo Sacerdote, el Señor a quien reconoció como “el Hijo de David”, seguramente le daría esperanza. Sin embargo, la multitud le dice al ciego que deje de orar y de llamar a Jesús. Querían silenciarlo. Este evangelio despliega la actitud de la multitud, los Apóstoles y otros discípulos del Señor que habían visto directamente los milagros de Cristo y oído la predicación de Jesús, pero que estaban cegados para aceptar la identidad de Jesús como el mesías, en comparación con este hombre ciego que verdaderamente creyó y aceptó a Jesús. 

En segundo lugar, la conciencia de Jesús de su presencia en medio de la multitud, lo llamó y animó al hombre ciego a apresurarse para acercarse a Él. Jesús le preguntó: “¿Qué quieres que haga por ti?”. El hombre ciego simplemente dijo: “Maestro, quiero ver”. Jesús sanó su vista y, con su fe inquebrantable, se convirtió en un seguidor de Jesús. 

En tercer lugar, Jesús respondió a su oración con estas palabras: “Vete, tu fe te ha salvado”. Los ojos de Bartimeo se abrieron y vio maravillado a su alrededor, encantado de ver que el mundo se hacía realidad. La multitud se quedó quieta escuchando la guía de las palabras de Jesús. 

Hermanos y hermanas, Jesús pasa constantemente junto a todos nosotros y nos pregunta qué queremos que Él haga por nosotros, a causa de nuestras debilidades y fragilidades para experimentar nuestra ceguera espiritual. Debemos buscar a Jesús para ser sanados y pedirle humildemente la gracia de experimentar la recuperación de la vista para disfrutar de la belleza de la vida y la relación amorosa y placentera con Dios. La restauración de nuestra visión espiritual nos permite trabajar, hacer la misión de Jesús de traer a la vida especialmente a aquellos que están quebrantados de corazón, desesperados y sin esperanza. 

Así es como el papel de la Iglesia se vuelve efectivo. Nosotros, que somos creyentes de Jesús, a través de nosotros debemos invitar y alentar a otros a seguir a Jesús en un ministerio y relaciones generosas. Hay muchas oportunidades de dañar nuestra capacidad de mejorar nuestra visión deteriorada al buscar formas posibles de pensar y visualizar quiénes somos a los ojos de Dios. Levantémonos para unirnos al ciego al costado del camino en su oración: “Ten compasión de mí”. Entonces sigamos a Jesús en su generoso servicio ofreciéndonos ciegamente a Él. 

Dios los bendiga. 

Padre Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart:  The Feast of Christ the King, Extraordinary Form, TLM

Today is the Feast of Christ the King in the Extraordinary Form Mass.  It is nice to reflect on Who is our King?  Now that we are preparing to vote for our new leaders and, in particular, for the 47th President of our country, we as Catholics must vote. It is an important responsibility that we need to do.  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops made a document to guide and to form the conscience of every Catholic Faithful Citizen.  Everyone of us will be making hard decisions and choices; therefore, we need to conform to living the gospel values taught and lived by our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Catholic Church teachings.    We are to do our best to share policies and opinions that reflect the way of Jesus.  Thus, we are called to discern well.  Pope Francis says, “We need to participate for the common good.  Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics.  This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” 

In the epistle today, taken from the letter to the Colossians, St. Paul is proclaiming Jesus being the image of God, who came to inherit the kingdom of God. In Jesus everything finds its purpose in Him. Christ is sovereign over all things, and as believers we need to celebrate His supremacy, power and kingship.   His ultimate power through His passion and death is to open the way for reconciliation between God and His creation.   Therefore, St. Paul preaches to the people of Colossae that they have to give express gratitude, for God delivered them from the domain of darkness and brought them back into His kingdom, requiring them to live pleasing to God.  

The core truth of our Christian belief must be upheld to preserve unity rather than division.  We should not forget that what we believe, our doctrine and teaching of the Magisterium of the Church, are essential in maintaining and establishing unity in Jesus Christ, our King.  What we believe is what holds us together.  Focusing on this passage is who Christ is and what we believe about Him, which is so important to us.  What do you believe about Christ Jesus?  Christ is indeed “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for in Him were all things created in heaven and on earth..”  These words unpacked Christ’s identity having dominion over this creation as His image made visible, like a mirror of who He truly is.   Jesus Christ is the perfect image of God, and His words and works “uphold by the word of His power;” henceforth, we have a perfect image of God who came in the flesh in Jesus Christ.  

Today, many think they are searching for God for our security, purpose, joy and happiness, but it has been revealed in the presence of His incarnate Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and King.  We gather to worship and proclaim that Christ is King.  Today the Church announces that it bows to Jesus the Christ, and we declare that we do not give allegiance to any other person, principality and power claiming to be sovereign.  Thus, we come to live out that profession of faith.  

In today’s gospel, there is a dialogue between Pilate and Jesus which is unique to John.   Throughout John’s gospel, Jesus makes it clear who He is and manifests His true identity, but we tend to ignore the truth and not listen to His voice. Jesus is talking about the kingdom.  Is this dominance of power and exploitation? No!  Jesus is speaking of His kingdom putting relationship at its core.  When the kingdom is construed from the truth of relationship and not rules and prohibitions, from the truth of love and not law, then certainly Jesus reigns.   Jesus does have a kingdom and not an army, but faithful disciples who labor for love, forgiveness, friendship, patience and tolerance for everyone. 

This dialogue between Jesus and Pilate is traced in three different questions: 

First, Identity of Jesus.  “Are you the King of the Jews?”  Jesus knows that Pilate is gathering information, not interested about His true identity, like name, work and birthplace, etc..  What is important to know in the gospel of Jesus are the values and qualities to live a life worthy to know Christ, who can fully direct us. 

Second, our actions and words reveal the values we hold and are expressed in what we do or say.  “What have you done?”  Our external and internal life must be one and aligned to the gospel of Jesus.  Our values are being revealed and affirmed when we speak and post on social media.  We must live without contradiction and dichotomy between our lives and our words and actions.  

Third, is Truth.  Pilate concludes, “So you are a King?” Jesus responded, “You say that I am a king?”  For Jesus, truth is a way of being.  When I say, “I forgive you,” this is what I believe is the truth; therefore, I forgive.  If I believe the truth of loving others, then I must accept the truth of loving my neighbor and my enemies.  In like manner, we must accept that truth is not a concept and proposition but is connected to our very being.  Jesus testified to the truth by loving, forgiving, welcoming, and healing. 

What is the truth in your life?  We struggle for authenticity and integrity which we all want in order to reclaim ourselves.  It is only through Jesus, our King, that we experience healing, and it is only through Him that we have the wholeness as we go through the process. 

Hosanna, to our King, Jesus Christ!

Fr. Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Today is the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.  The readings today remind me of our Father, St. Augustine, who asserts the nearness of God.  He reflects that God is more intimate, or present to us, than we are to ourselves. What we need is to be more attentive and be aware of His presence.  He is real and present when we embrace God’s love that enlivens us.  God’s presence dwells in our interiority, within man’s heart, nurtured by faith and prayer.   

The first reading, from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, is a brief passage about a servant-leader who demonstrates His knowledge and love for his followers.  A servant leader is sinless because he forgives and heals.  He understands others and does not cling to power and authority, instead being enriched only by God’s mercy, so that he can continue to serve others.  This suffering servant promised blessings for those who accept their guilt and, “He shall see the light and through sufferings, their guilt he shall bear.” 

The second reading, from the letter to the Hebrews, speaks about Jesus, a High Priest, who holds much compassion and understanding for each of us.  Jesus is intimately related to our struggles and weaknesses as we journey through life.  Jesus is not distant from us, but intimately sympathetic with us, and by His grace becomes a compassionate advocate, who gives us an assurance and hope knowing that He cares for us. 

The gospel today, taken from the evangelist St. Mark, narrates the story of two brothers, James and John, who asked Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”  Jesus replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”  This is a very interesting conversation between the two brothers and Jesus.   

First, James and John, with their innocent request, said, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” The two brothers expressed a favor of being accommodated at both sides of His throne.  It is quite a human, self-centered request in which they ask for seats or positions of power; however, Jesus’ manner of reward is solely dependent on the divine will of giving the perfect reward for whom it has been prepared.

Second, Jesus in turn asks them, “Can you drink the cup that I drink?” This question coming from the Lord is challenging and yet are gentle words to ponder on.  The mentioning of “cup” per se is not primarily the cup of suffering.  It means that drinking of this “cup” will lead to suffering and acceptance of baptism, which Jesus received.  Consequently, anyone of us cannot deny its eternal reward.  Jesus is offering His cup, in which they have been invited to partake, and offered to be immersed into His own baptism, making sure that any followers will experience a profound relationship by taking Jesus’ life seriously, His passion, death and resurrection.  

Third, as followers of Jesus, we are invited to imitate the suffering servant with a fuller appreciation of how we are truly loved by God.  Thus, we present ourselves with truthfulness and desire to be one with Him.  His invitation is to see His life and our hearts focused on the kingdom, and Jesus Himself being a servant offers the power of self-sacrifice as we all participate in His identity.  Can we drink His cup and take it in this modern world?  

Brothers and sisters, the decision to follow the Lord’s way is an important part of our own baptismal promises by drinking of the cup of fidelity and humility in moments of suffering.  God has set the table of life for His disciples, and for all of us, to enter the servant leadership of Jesus.  We are gifted with compassion and

mercy and, above all, faith which is our response to live out our faith-filled lives.  

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Vigésimo-octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

  • Sabiduría 7,7-11
  • Salmo responsorial 90,12-13. 14-15.16-17
  • Hebreos 4,12-13
  • Marcos 10,17-30

Hoy es el Vigésimo-octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Bienvenidos a la celebración de misa con nosotros en esta Catedral.

El mundo se enfrenta a una grave amenaza a la seguridad y la paz. Hay muchos países en todo el mundo que participan en la violencia y la guerra, todo con el fin de afirmar el poder y el dominio sobre los demás. El mundo nunca aprende que la guerra no tiene nada que ofrecer excepto la destrucción y la muerte de tanta gente inocente. El clamor por la paz nunca cesa en cada uno de nosotros y en el mundo, pero nuestro deseo de paz es remoto. Según San Agustín, “La paz es la serenidad del alma, la tranquilidad de la mente, la sencillez del corazón, el vínculo del amor y la unión de la caridad”. La paz se puede lograr, pero debe comenzar con cada uno de nosotros. Cuando trabajamos juntos, dándonos cuenta de que la preciosidad de la vida y del tiempo es parte del llamado de Dios. Nuestra comprensión de la paz solo se puede alcanzar si hay justicia y libertad. El deseo tangible de los hombres es perseguir una vida de compartir los dones materiales y de sí mismos dados por Dios en lugar de ser poseídos por la sed insaciable de acumular más. Tener no es retener y acaparar, sino que siendo discípulos de Cristo debemos ser generosos al compartir lo que tenemos, lo que se convierte en un signo de madurez espiritual y verdadera sabiduría.

La Santa Iglesia persigue este deseo mientras caminamos juntos para hablar, escuchar y caminar juntos como Pueblo de Dios. La segunda sesión de reunión del Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad nos habla a través de la guía del Espíritu Santo. Necesitamos ser conscientes de lo que está sucediendo en el mundo hoy que está afectando toda la misión de la Iglesia Católica. El Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, convoca esta Sinodalidad para escuchar nuestras voces y participar en un diálogo sincero mientras caminamos juntos hacia el futuro. La Santa Iglesia no es una institución cegada por lo que está sucediendo en el mundo, sino que tiene la importante tarea, el deber y la responsabilidad de concientizar y discernir los enfoques evangélicos más lógicos y moralmente correctos para presentar enfoques evangélicos significativos a varios problemas que enfrenta el mundo moderno.

La primera lectura de hoy tomada del Libro de la Sabiduría da palabras que inspiran, sobre el Rey Salomón como el gran Rey de Israel. Él era un ser humano, nació como muchos de nosotros, pero fue ungido Rey. Oró y rogó tener “sabiduría” de Dios, y le fue concedida. Este es un hermoso pasaje de la Biblia para presentar a otros reyes y sus sucesores que debían resistir todas las ideologías prevalecientes e influencias inmorales y regresar a sus tradiciones religiosas judías. Así, el Rey Salomón elogia la sabiduría como más valiosa que el poder, la dominación y la acumulación material. Seguir la Sabiduría de la relación judía con Dios los guía a mantener Sus pactos.

La segunda lectura está tomada de la Carta a los Hebreos tiene dos versículos cortos, pero habla profundamente sobre la Palabra de Dios. Escuchar la Palabra es como una “espada de dos filos” que traspasa nuestros corazones y resuena en nosotros de una manera que ninguna otra palabra lo hace porque el Espíritu de Dios habla a cada persona que la llama a ordenarse de su pecaminosidad y desobediencia. También germina algo que no debe guardarse para uno mismo, sino que debe cultivarse hasta que dé muchos frutos. Debemos difundir la palabra a los demás, si la rechazan, el Señor los juzgará porque nada se esconde del Señor al que servimos.

El evangelio de San Marcos es una historia que nos resulta demasiado familiar. Es una historia sobre un joven que se acerca a Jesús y le hace esta pregunta: “Maestro bueno, ¿qué debo hacer para alcanzar la vida eterna?”. Jesús ignora al joven un par de veces, pero confesando que ha sido fiel a los mandamientos toda su vida, ¿qué más debe hacer para ser salvado? Esta es una buena persona que espera más instrucciones de Jesús. Este hombre curioso espera más orientación de Jesús.

Primero, Jesús responde por amor, y ofrece el desafío de ir, vender lo que tiene y darlo a los pobres… luego ven y sígueme”. Esa fue la instrucción de Jesús al joven. Después de decirle, se dio la vuelta y retrocedió, “su rostro decayó, y se fue triste porque tenía muchas posesiones”. Nunca sabemos qué pasó después, sin embargo, con su voluntad de heredar la vida eterna, presumimos que siguió la sugerencia de Jesús al confiar en Él en lugar de continuar aferrándose a lo que poseía. No tenemos idea de si hubo otro encuentro con Jesús. Lo que se necesita es hacernos entender que ser un discípulo es de hecho una decisión profunda de seguir a Jesús. Este es un desafío de discipulado igual para todos nosotros.

Segundo, Jesús es honesto con el hombre dando a entender que seguirlo implica sufrimiento y sacrificios por todos sus discípulos. Sería el inicio de un camino que llama a todos a la santidad, a la fidelidad y la felicidad completa y no sobre el éxito. Solo estamos llamados a confiar en nuestro Dios amoroso. “Todas las cosas son posibles para Dios”, es una garantía máxima de que Él seguramente nos bendecirá, más que una posesión valiosa, sino ser llamados Sus discípulos.

En tercer lugar, Jesús dice: “Yo les aseguro: Nadie que haya dejado casa, o hermanos o hermanas, o padre o madre, o hijos o tierras, por mí y por el Evangelio, dejará de recibir, en esta vida, el ciento por uno en casas, hermanos, hermanas, madres, hijos y tierras, junto con persecuciones, y en el otro mundo, la vida eterna”. La verdad es que Dios nunca ha superado Su generosidad y bondad. Así como estamos agradecidos a Dios por esta verdad, lo que podemos hacer es esforzarnos. Solo Dios puede proveer y capacitarnos para compartir nuestros dones y bendiciones recibidos. ¡Nuestros corazones deben estar listos para dar amor, mostrar respeto y difundir la paz!

Para concluir, aceptemos a Jesús presentándose como la máxima riqueza, seguridad y plenitud en nuestras vidas. Aquí es donde logramos entender cómo evitar las decepciones. Necesitamos evaluarnos a nosotros mismos y saber qué cosas debemos dejar por amor a nuestro Señor y Salvador.

Mis oraciones son para que tengamos el coraje, esperanza y fe para que nuestro continuo viaje terrenal y constante esfuerzo sea aferrémonos a Dios que es nuestro todo. 

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, TLM

Today we will have a special second collection for those who are affected by Helene and Milton hurricanes as our expression of solidarity with them. In times of calamity, we need to be charitable and generous to concretize our faith. St. Paul’s famous words, that faith without action is dead, reverberate in our minds and hearts. The US Bishops and our local Bishop Daniel encourage us to offer support for Church needs through Emergency Disaster Fund resources. Our holiness can be expressed through some charitable acts which are external manifestations of a loving relationship with God and an eagerness to do His will by loving and caring for others.

Two weeks from now, on November 5th we will exercise our right of suffrage. Probably, some of us have already sent our ballots by mail and some are anxious to cast their votes in person on election day. I don’t want to appear political, but I remind you to pray for a peaceful and orderly election. Let us pray for wisdom to know that we need God to make decisions which conform to the teachings of Christ and His Church. Reject those propositions that are contrary to our Christian belief; resist evil! Focusing on politician personalities is not important, but political agendas need to be scrutinized according to well-informed conscience to have a better view on all pressing issues our nation is dealing with. Decision is in our hands, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In the epistle today, from the Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul is encouraging the Philippians by assuring them how much he prays for them, not only for their perseverance in their belief, but by their sanctification. We are all made in such a way, mirrored like Christ, to persevere in our fidelity to grow in righteousness and godliness.

God is the one who saves us by his great mercy because of His great love for us. He won’t leave us alone and continues to show His compassion and love in order to make us holy and to shield us in our flesh what He has done in our spirit. St. Paul mentions that God, who has begun good work in us at salvation, continues to transform us into His image, saving us from the practice and power of sin. Thus, we commit ourselves to undergo a daily process of spiritual transformation and conversion so that we may bear many good fruits of holiness and cooperate in “the sanctifying work of the Spirit.”

Our commitment is to do God’s good work until the day of its completion, that is, the day of Christ’s return when we shall see Him again. It is only then when God will use His fingers and have the sacramental touch to mold us like a heavenly potter.

In today’s gospel it is appropriate to reflect on which is our priority, to serve the emperor or to serve God. Jesus guides us in our understanding to give taxes to the emperor, which is what is being asked from you. Jesus pays taxes to the Roman government during His time. Therefore, in the same way we must give to God what is due to Him. What is meant by “what is due to Him?” It simply means that we have to offer our lives by seriously serving God righteously. We must foster holiness of life because a God-fearing people are good citizens. We will ask ourselves: Do I help my brothers and sisters in times of need? Am I paying taxes honestly? Do I give glory to God in every way I can?

Today’s gospel talks also about giving your tax to the emperor or to the state because that is what is asked from you, and give to God what is due to Him. What do we mean by “what is due to Him”? It simply means we have to offer our lives by serving God righteously. We will try to ask ourselves: Do I help my brothers and sisters in times of need? Do I give glory to the Lord my God in every way I can? Am I living my Christian life out of love and service to my family and community? Do I give to God what is due to him? All these are meant to give back to God and glorify His name by the good works we have begun in the service of our fellowmen.

Most of the time we are weak and easily tempted by the devil snatching us away from the love of God. However, we must have strong faith, to stand firm and not be afraid of all the deceiving ways of Satan. This gospel helps us realize that as we continuously offer praise to God, we too must be conscious and aware of our responsibilities as good Christians. Our being Christians will remain only words if we do not care and share both in words and in actions. Our simple act of faith through our loving works is our expression of thanksgiving for every blessing we receive.

We live in this world having a clear desire to follow its laws and be obedient to temporal leaders. That is the reason why we encourage everyone to vote and to elect civil leaders with God in their heart and be generous citizens to those who are in dire financial need. Our primary citizenship does not belong to this world; we belong to God’s kingdom. We must render to God what belongs to Him. Our every being, our hearts, our souls, our worship, our love and our allegiance belong to God. We are bound to give ourselves to God alone and keep His commandments for the sake of our love for our neighbors and country. We must allow God in our hearts to inspire, guide and move us to be the powerful force to arrive at wise decisions, moral actions and heavenly values for the sake of justice and peace.

May God bless us. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The world is facing serious threat to security and peace.  There are many countries all over the world engaged in violence and war, all for the sake of asserting power and dominance over the other.   The world never learns that war has nothing to offer except destruction and death of so many innocent people as collateral damage.  It seems that “Peace” is very much illusive.  There is a never ending clamor for peace within each of us and in the world, yet our desire for peace is remote.  According to St. Augustine, “Peace is the serenity of the soul, the tranquility of the mind, the simplicity of the heart, the bond of love and union of charity.”   Peace is achievable but it must begin with us by working together and realizing that the preciousness of life and time is part of God’s calling.   Our understanding of peace can only be reachable if there is justice and freedom.   The tangible desire of men is to pursue a life of sharing of self and material gifts given by God rather than being possessed by the insatiable thirst for accumulating more.   Having is not holding and hoarding, but being Christ’s disciples, we must be generous in sharing what we have, which becomes a sign of spiritual maturity and true wisdom.   

The Holy Church pursues this desire as we walk together to speak, to listen and to work together as People of God.  The second gathering sessions of the Synod on Synodality speaks to us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We need to be conscious of what is going on in the world today that is affecting the whole mission of the Catholic Church.  The Holy Father Pope Francis convenes this Synodality to hear our voices and engage in sincere dialogue as we walk together towards the future.  The Holy Church is not an institution that is blinded by what’s happening in the world; rather it has such an important task, duty and responsibility to conscientize and to discern the most logical, morally correct ways to bring out significant evangelical approaches to various issues confronting the modern world. 

The first reading today, taken from the Book of Wisdom, gives inspiring words about King Solomon as the great King of Israel.  He was a human being, born like many of us, but he was anointed King.   He prayed and begged to have “wisdom” from God, and it was granted.  This is a beautiful passage in the bible to present to other kings and their successors that they should resist all prevailing ideologies and immoral influences and return to their Jewish religious traditions.  Thus, King Solomon praises wisdom as being more valuable than power, domination and material accumulation.   Following the wisdom of the Jewish relationship with God guides them to keep His covenants.  

The second reading is taken from the Letter to the Hebrews and has two short verses, but profoundly speaks about the Word ofGod.  Hearing the Word is like a “two-edged sword” that pierces our hearts and resonates with us in a way that no other word does because the Spirit of God speaks to every person and calls them to order from their sinfulness and disobedience.  It also germinates and should not be kept to oneself, but must be cultivated until it bears many fruits.  We must spread the word to others, and if they reject it, the Lord will judge them because nothing is hidden from the Lord we serve. 

The gospel from St. Mark is a story that is too familiar to us.  It is a story about a young man approaching Jesus and asking this question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus ignores the young man a couple of times, but confessing that he has been faithful to the commandments all his life, what more must he do to be saved?  This is clearly a good person who awaits further instructions from Jesus.  This inquisitive man waits for Jesus’ further guidance.  

First, Jesus responds out of love, and He offers the challenge to “go, sell what you have and give it to the poor…then come follow me.” That was Jesus’ instruction to the young man.  After hearing that, he turned around and backs off. “His face fell, and he went away sad because he had many possessions.”  We don’t know what happened next; however, because of his willingness to inherit eternal life, we presume that he followed Jesus’ suggestion by trusting Him rather than continue clinging to what he possessed.  We have no idea whether there was another encounter with Jesus.  What is needed is to make us understand that to be a disciple is indeed a profound decision to follow Jesus.  This is an equal challenge of discipleship to us all.  

Second, Jesus wants to be honest with the man implying that following Him entails suffering and sacrifices for all His disciples.  It would be the beginning of a journey calling everyone to fidelity, faithfulness and complete happiness and not being about success.  We are just called to trust our loving God. “All things are possible with God,” is an ultimate assurance that He will surely bless us, more than with valued possessions but to be called His disciples.

Third, Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters, or mother or father or children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more…. eternal life in the age to come.”  The truth is that God has never outdone His generosity and goodness.  Just as we are grateful to God for this truth, what we can do is to strive.  God alone can provide and empower us to share our received gifts and blessings.  Our hearts must be ready to give love, show respect and spread peace! 

To conclude, let us accept Jesus presenting Himself as the ultimate wealth, security and fulfillment in our lives. This is where we manage to understand to avoid disappointments.   We need to evaluate ourselves on what are the things we need to give-up for the sake of our Lord and Savior.   

I pray today to give you courage, hope and faith for your continuous earthly journey and for your constant striving.  Let us cling to God who is our everything.  God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa 

——————

El Dictado del Corazón

Vigésimo-octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

  • Sabiduría 7,7-11
  • Salmo 90,12-13. 14-15.16-17
  • Hebreos 4,12-13
  • Marcos 10,17-30

Hoy es el Vigésimo-octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Bienvenidos a la celebración de misa con nosotros en esta Catedral.

El mundo se enfrenta a una grave amenaza a la seguridad y la paz. Hay muchos países en todo el mundo que participan en la violencia y la guerra, todo con el fin de afirmar el poder y el dominio sobre los demás. El mundo nunca aprende que la guerra no tiene nada que ofrecer excepto la destrucción y la muerte de tanta gente inocente. El clamor por la paz nunca cesa en cada uno de nosotros y en el mundo, pero nuestro deseo de paz es remoto. Según San Agustín, “La paz es la serenidad del alma, la tranquilidad de la mente, la sencillez del corazón, el vínculo del amor y la unión de la caridad”. La paz se puede lograr, pero debe comenzar con cada uno de nosotros. Cuando trabajamos juntos, dándonos cuenta de que la preciosidad de la vida y del tiempo es parte del llamado de Dios. Nuestra comprensión de la paz solo se puede alcanzar si hay justicia y libertad. El deseo tangible de los hombres es perseguir una vida de compartir los dones materiales y de sí mismos dados por Dios en lugar de ser poseídos por la sed insaciable de acumular más. Tener no es retener y acaparar, sino que siendo discípulos de Cristo debemos ser generosos al compartir lo que tenemos, lo que se convierte en un signo de madurez espiritual y verdadera sabiduría.

La Santa Iglesia persigue este deseo mientras caminamos juntos para hablar, escuchar y caminar juntos como Pueblo de Dios. La segunda sesión de reunión del Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad nos habla a través de la guía del Espíritu Santo. Necesitamos ser conscientes de lo que está sucediendo en el mundo hoy que está afectando toda la misión de la Iglesia Católica. El Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, convoca esta Sinodalidad para escuchar nuestras voces y participar en un diálogo sincero mientras caminamos juntos hacia el futuro. La Santa Iglesia no es una institución cegada por lo que está sucediendo en el mundo, sino que tiene la importante tarea, el deber y la responsabilidad de concientizar y discernir los enfoques evangélicos más lógicos y moralmente correctos para presentar enfoques evangélicos significativos a varios problemas que enfrenta el mundo moderno.

La primera lectura de hoy tomada del Libro de la Sabiduría da palabras que inspiran, sobre el Rey Salomón como el gran Rey de Israel. Él era un ser humano, nació como muchos de nosotros, pero fue ungido Rey. Oró y rogó tener “sabiduría” de Dios, y le fue concedida. Este es un hermoso pasaje de la Biblia para presentar a otros reyes y sus sucesores que debían resistir todas las ideologías prevalecientes e influencias inmorales y regresar a sus tradiciones religiosas judías. Así, el Rey Salomón elogia la sabiduría como más valiosa que el poder, la dominación y la acumulación material. Seguir la Sabiduría de la relación judía con Dios los guía a mantener Sus pactos.

La segunda lectura está tomada de la Carta a los Hebreos tiene dos versículos cortos, pero habla profundamente sobre la Palabra de Dios. Escuchar la Palabra es como una “espada de dos filos” que traspasa nuestros corazones y resuena en nosotros de una manera que ninguna otra palabra lo hace porque el Espíritu de Dios habla a cada persona que la llama a ordenarse de su pecaminosidad y desobediencia. También germina algo que no debe guardarse para uno mismo, sino que debe cultivarse hasta que dé muchos frutos. Debemos difundir la palabra a los demás, si la rechazan, el Señor los juzgará porque nada se esconde del Señor al que servimos.

El evangelio de San Marcos es una historia que nos resulta demasiado familiar. Es una historia sobre un joven que se acerca a Jesús y le hace esta pregunta: “Maestro bueno, ¿qué debo hacer para alcanzar la vida eterna?”. Jesús ignora al joven un par de veces, pero confesando que ha sido fiel a los mandamientos toda su vida, ¿qué más debe hacer para ser salvado? Esta es una buena persona que espera más instrucciones de Jesús. Este hombre curioso espera más orientación de Jesús.

Primero, Jesús responde por amor, y ofrece el desafío de ir, vender lo que tiene y darlo a los pobres… luego ven y sígueme”. Esa fue la instrucción de Jesús al joven. Después de decirle, se dio la vuelta y retrocedió, “su rostro decayó, y se fue triste porque tenía muchas posesiones”. Nunca sabemos qué pasó después, sin embargo, con su voluntad de heredar la vida eterna, presumimos que siguió la sugerencia de Jesús al confiar en Él en lugar de continuar aferrándose a lo que poseía. No tenemos idea de si hubo otro encuentro con Jesús. Lo que se necesita es hacernos entender que ser un discípulo es de hecho una decisión profunda de seguir a Jesús. Este es un desafío de discipulado igual para todos nosotros.

Segundo, Jesús es honesto con el hombre dando a entender que seguirlo implica sufrimiento y sacrificios por todos sus discípulos. Sería el inicio de un camino que llama a todos a la santidad, a la fidelidad y la felicidad completa y no sobre el éxito. Solo estamos llamados a confiar en nuestro Dios amoroso. “Todas las cosas son posibles para Dios”, es una garantía máxima de que Él seguramente nos bendecirá, más que una posesión valiosa, sino ser llamados Sus discípulos.

En tercer lugar, Jesús dice: “Yo les aseguro: Nadie que haya dejado casa, o hermanos o hermanas, o padre o madre, o hijos o tierras, por mí y por el Evangelio, dejará de recibir, en esta vida, el ciento por uno en casas, hermanos, hermanas, madres, hijos y tierras, junto con persecuciones, y en el otro mundo, la vida eterna”. La verdad es que Dios nunca ha superado Su generosidad y bondad. Así como estamos agradecidos a Dios por esta verdad, lo que podemos hacer es esforzarnos. Solo Dios puede proveer y capacitarnos para compartir nuestros dones y bendiciones recibidos. ¡Nuestros corazones deben estar listos para dar amor, mostrar respeto y difundir la paz!

Para concluir, aceptemos a Jesús presentándose como la máxima riqueza, seguridad y plenitud en nuestras vidas. Aquí es donde logramos entender cómo evitar las decepciones. Necesitamos evaluarnos a nosotros mismos y saber qué cosas debemos dejar por amor a nuestro Señor y Salvador.

Mis oraciones son para que tengamos el coraje, esperanza y fe para que nuestro continuo viaje terrenal y constante esfuerzo sea aferrémonos a Dios que es nuestro todo. 

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart: 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Extraordinary Form, TLM

Today is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.  The world is facing serious threat to security and peace. There are many countries all over the world engaged in violence and war, all for the sake of asserting power and dominance over the other.   The world never learns that war has nothing to offer except destruction and death of so many innocent people as collateral damage.  It seems that “Peace” is very much illusive.  There is a never ending clamor for peace within each of us and in the world, yet our desire for peace is remote.  According to St. Augustine, “Peace is the serenity of the soul, the tranquility of the mind, the simplicity of the heart, the bond of love and union of charity.”   Peace is achievable, but it must begin with us, working together and realizing that the preciousness of life and time is part of God’s calling.   Our understanding of peace can only be reachable if there is justice and freedom.   The tangible desire of men is to pursue a life of sharing of self and material gifts given by God than being possessed by the insatiable thirst for accumulating more.   Having is not holding and hoarding, but being Christ’s disciples, we must be generous in sharing what we have, which becomes a sign of spiritual maturity and true wisdom. 

The Holy Church pursues this desire as we speak, listen and walk together as People of God.  The second gathering sessions of the Synod on Synodality speaks to us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We need to be conscious of what is going on in the world today that is affecting the whole mission of the Catholic Church.  The Holy Father Pope Frances convenes this Synodality to hear our voices and engage in sincere dialogue as we walk together towards the future.  The Holy Church is not an institution that is blinded by what’s happening in the world, but rather it has such an important task, duty and responsibility to conscientize and to discern the most logical, morally correct way to bring out significant evangelical approaches for various issues confronting the modern world. 

The epistle today, from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, taught us about a different kind of war.  We are confronted with a critical spiritual warfare.  It is a battle waging against the devil seriously, and we must be ready to equip ourselves in order to withstand the enemy who regularly attacks us and to stand firm in our faith so that we live in victory with Him against evil.  The Church needs to mount up strategies to evangelize people about the truth of God’s word and to journey together shielded by God’s armor as His armies.  St. Paul first reminds us of the need to stand and be strong against the evil one who desires to destroy and steal our soul.   We need to listen to St. Paul’s admonitions about walking in a manner worthy of the gospel so that we may have the strength, power, and defenses needed to face our enemy and fight all evil forces that want to undermine the Holy Church as well.  The defense and resistance are important requirements to stay with much courage and steadfastness.   The command to take up the armor of God is a communal practice integrally connected with the unity of the Church and witnessing powers.   We are called to live a life pleasing to the Lord and engaging in the mission of the Church.  God makes it available to share His power and divine resources, such as sacraments, communal prayers and sacramentals so that we may also assault those evil spirits to advance God’s kingdom in the world.   We must be grateful for all these gifts. Let us cultivate in us corresponding virtues and fully be dependent on the Lord to receive God’s enabling powers. Certainly, the devil’s temptations cannot be overcome without the divine help.   We must fully surrender to God’s power and strength to defeat this enemy, Satan and his underlings. 

We know the truth that through baptism we are united with God.  St. Paul’s words to us simply indicate that God’s given power is not a supplemental force to overcome our enemies, but rather to invigorate the new life generated by Christ’s life and sacrifices for He is our strength.  “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (v.13) 

The gospel today, taken from St. Matthew, reminds each of us of this important teaching from Jesus focusing on the parable of the unforgiving servant.  We will go through this passage in three different reflection points. 

First, this is a parable of Jesus that tells us about how the kingdom of God works.  It gives us an idea that when we sin, we owe a debt that we cannot pay to God, but it has been paid by Jesus Christ who offered Himself as a perfect offering for our sins.  In the same way, it can also be a debt that we owe others, and we must treat them fairly because we have been forgiven by God, but we simply may not want to forgive others.  Forgiveness then is to release someone’s debt, whether it be God or us releasing the debt. 

Second, the servant in the parable is working for the king in his royal court.  Thus, he owes the king a great amount of money. The man begged and called out for mercy expressing his desire to pay off his debt.  Surprisingly, the king has pity on him.  It was to his advantage that he was not required to submit a promissory note as a payment plan. Instead, the king was very merciful that he wiped away the debt entirely, which meant the debt has been completely forgiven. 

Third, the same servant who owed much to the king confronted his fellow servant, who owed him a. lesser amount compared to what he had owed his king.  His fellow servant pleaded for patience, just as he had to the king,  but he completely disregards it.  The fellow servant is sent to a debtor’s prison, where he would stay until he came up with the money, or his friends or family paid up for him.  The king found out what his servant did.  He is rebuked by the king and his debt was reinstated and he put him back in jail.   

Jesus, therefore, brings the message of the parable clearly to us that God will not forgive every one of us, if we don’t forgive anyone from our heart.  We have to realize that God has forgiven us, and so we are to forgive others, according to Jesus, “from our heart,” which means not just pretending but sincerely meaning it from inside and truly releasing their debts to us.  It is a clear warning that God will treat us like the king treated the servant he had previously forgiven.   

If we don’t do this, God will treat us like the king treated the servant he had previously forgiven, which is a clear warning to us.  In the context of the Lord’s prayer, we acknowledge that “we forgive those who trespass against us.” If someone comes to us in true repentance and asks for mercy, Jesus tells us to forgive. Don’t hold their debt over them. Don’t hold their sin against them so that you seek to punish them. Don’t hold on to bitterness and resentment.  After all, often it is very difficult to forgive; however, our merciful God grants us the grace of forgiveness and love.   From God, we can find love and have a heart of mercy for those who have wronged us.  Jesus says, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Lk 6:37)   

The fundamental principle of the kingdom of God is our relationship with God, which is always interconnected with our relationship with others.   Therefore, let’s not be like the unforgiving servant. but rather let us be merciful to others, just as we have received mercy from God.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Today is the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. We enter into the month of October, the month of the Holy Rosary. As a family that belongs to a parish faith-community, it is fitting to find time to recite the rosary together. The famous rosary crusader, the late Fr. Patrick Peyton, says, “The family that prays together stays together.” We are encouraged to pray the most effective weapon against the infestation of Satan and for the conversion of sinners. There is that inner peace in praying together.

The readings today remind us of our fidelity and faithfulness to God. It is in the context of our response towards Jesus’ invitation to discipleship, which is detachment from all worldly and self-conceited behaviors that impede God’s grace to grow in our desire for eternal salvation.

The first reading from the book of Genesis tells us about God’s intention, to create particularly human beings and to put everything in a harmonious existence and order. God knows how to satisfy the human desire by giving a man a suitable partner. After creating living things, especially His master creation, the human person, God saw everything good! The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone,” so He fashioned “woman” so they would cling to each other. This distinct relationship between man and woman is to give the real meaning of love within the framework of God’s love. Human love relationship is not a replacement for that continuous loving relationship toward God. However, God’s love desires us to experience finite love. Mindful of that infinite love God has for us, this first reading is the story of the necessity for order in relationships because God works very well in working things out perfectly.

The second reading, taken from the letter to the Hebrews, is a confession of the early Christians that Christ died for us and our sins. Christ, being the High Priest, willingly offered himself, a perfect sacrifice on our behalf to the Father. It has a clear message that Jesus Christ experienced death for us all, because He leads us to the path of salvation and among us, He is our Brother. Christ is the perfect One for fulfilling the task of bringing us into a new relationship with God.

The gospel taken from St. Mark narrates to us about a Pharisee questioning Jesus about marriage, divorce and the Law. Jesus’ meaningful response affirms, not only marriage, but orderliness which human love is meant to create according to His own purpose. Let us open our hearts and minds to have a deeper understanding:

First, the creation of a woman from the rib of a man, which we hear from the Book of Genesis, is God being aware that the man is incomplete; thus, God says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” God offers the man various animals to accompany him, but they failed. Our pets cannot substitute that inner desire to make our human desire totally complete. There is no substitute for human love. Therefore, when he experiences the woman, he feels a union with her which begins the sacramental touch and divine will for man and woman to be together. There are no other genders, except man and woman, to make the sacramental marriage possible.

Second, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees, whom the evangelist Mark uses to outwit them, so that Jesus’ teaching might be clearer and to the point. They asked Jesus whether or not He allows divorce. They know that Moses did allow it because of their hardness of hearts, Moses wrote the bill of divorce. Then Jesus forces them back to a more ancient teaching in Genesis that “God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” This beautiful admonition from the very beginning of creation must be obeyed for we cannot despise the very intent of God, our Creator.

Third, the people were bringing children to Jesus, but His disciples rebuked them. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as this.” This is the turning point on the part of Jesus to explain to the disciples about the right way to have an all-embracing attitude and love for all in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus has an encompassing love and mercy for everyone, inclusive of age, race, and gender because we are all little children of God. Jesus makes us aware that through the readings we heard, we commit ourselves to His teaching of marital fidelity, sacredness of marriage and commitment to chastity. I believe that Jesus’ teaching intrudes on seeking our human freedom to do whatever seems good, feels good and sounds good as long as it is with the moral standard set by our Lord. Our human desire to love and be loved is as sacred as sexual expression of love is and as sacred as our desire for commitment is and cannot be an avenue resulting in disorder and desecration.

Jesus Christ is our ever living and present Brother! He is God and Savior of all people, the good and the bad, the divorced, gay, lesbian, straight and transgender. It means all inclusive; it means everyone. Jesus’ clear prohibition of same sex union and cohabitation and prohibition of divorce can be a source of suffering for those who experience difficulties, in particular in their married lives. But St. Paul suggests that we have to accept pain the way Jesus did, as the suffering we should endure on the way to glory. The Kingdom of God is the divine embrace of what is perfectly good for all according to His divine will if we accept the challenge of living the teaching of Jesus with the trust of the little children. Maybe this is what Jesus meant when He said that “whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa


El dictado del corazón
Vigesimoséptimo domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

  • Génesis 2:18-24
  • Salmo 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
  • Hebreos 2:9-11
  • Marcos 10:2-16 o 10:2-12

    Hoy es el Vigesimoséptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B.
    Entramos a Octubre, el mes del Santo Rosario. Como familia de una comunidad de fe parroquial, es apropiado encontrar tiempo para rezar el rosario juntos. El difunto padre Patrick Peytondijo: “La familia que reza unida permanece unida”. Se nos anima a rezar el arma más eficaz contra la infestación de Satanás y por la conversión de los pecadores. Existe esa pazinterior al rezar juntos.

    Las lecturas de hoy nos recuerdan nuestra fidelidad y lealtad a Dios. Es en el contexto de nuestra respuesta a la invitación de Jesús al discipulado, que es el desapego de todos los comportamientos mundanos y egoístas que impiden que la gracia de Dios crezca en nuestro deseo de la salvación eterna.

    La primera lectura del libro del Génesis nos habla de la intención de Dios de crear a los seres humanos y poner todo en armonía y orden. Dios sabe cómo satisfacer el deseo humano dándole al hombre una pareja adecuada. Después de crear los seres vivos, especialmente a su maestro de la creación, la persona humana, Dios vio que todo era bueno. El Señor Dios dijo: “No es bueno que el hombre esté solo”, así que formó a la “mujer” para que se aferraran el uno al otro. Esta relación distinta entre el hombre y la mujer es para dar el verdadero significado del amor en el marco del amor de Dios. La relación de amor humano no es un reemplazo de esa relación amorosaque continua hacia Dios. Sin embargo, el amor de Dios desea que experimentemos un amor finito. Conscientes de ese amor infinito que Dios tiene por nosotros, esta primera lectura es la historia de la necesidad de orden en las relaciones porque Dios trabaja muy bien y hace que las cosas salgan perfectamente.

    La segunda lectura tomada de la carta a los Hebreos es una confesión de los primeros cristianos, de que Cristo murió por nosotros y por nuestros pecados. Cristo, siendo el Sumo Sacerdote, se ofreció voluntariamente, a un sacrificio perfecto en nuestro nombre al Padre. Tiene un mensaje claro de que Jesucristo experimentó la muerte por todos nosotros, porque nos conduce al camino de la salvación, Él es nuestro Hermano. Cristo es Perfecto para cumplir la tarea de llevarnos a una nueva relación con Dios.

    El evangelio tomado de San Marcos nos narra acerca de un fariseo que le pregunta a Jesús sobre el matrimonio, el divorcio y la Ley. La respuesta significativa de Jesús afirma no solo el matrimonio sino el orden que el amor humano debe crear según Su propio propósito. Abramos nuestros corazones y mentes para tener una comprensión más profunda:

    Primero, la creación de una mujer a partir de la costilla de un hombre, escuchamos del Libro del Génesis que Dios es consciente de que el hombre está incompleto, por lo tanto, Dios dice: “no es bueno que el hombre esté solo. Dios le ofrece al hombre varios animales para que lo acompañen, pero fallaron. Nuestras mascotas no pueden sustituir ese deseo interior para que nuestro deseo humano se cumpla totalmente. No hay sustituto para el amor humano. Por lo tanto, cuando experimenta a la mujer, siente una unión con ella que inicia el toque sacramental y la voluntad divina de que el hombre y la mujer estén juntos. No hay otros géneros, excepto el hombre y la mujer, para hacer posible el matrimonio sacramental.

    En segundo lugar, Jesús se enfrenta a los fariseos, a quienes el evangelista Marcos utiliza para burlarlos de modo que la enseñanza de Jesús sea más clara y concisa. Le preguntaron a Jesús si permitía o no el divorcio. Sabían que Moisés lo permitió debido a la dureza de sus corazones, Moisés escribió la carta de divorcio. Entonces Jesús los obliga a volver a una enseñanza más antigua en Génesis: “Dios los hizo varón y hembra. Por eso el hombre dejará a su padre y a su madre, y se unirá a su mujer, y los dos serán una sola carne. Por tanto, lo que Dios ha unido, ningún ser humano lo separe”. Debemos obedecer esta hermosa advertencia desde el principio mismo de la creación, porque no podemos despreciar la intención misma de Dios, nuestro creador.

    En tercer lugar, la gente llevaba niños a Jesús, pero sus discípulos los reprendieron. Jesús dice: “Dejad que los niños vengan a mí, no se lo impidan, porque de los que son como éstos es el reino de Dios”. Este es el punto de inflexión por parte de Jesús para explicar a los discípulos cuál es la manera correcta de tener una actitud y un amor que abarquen a todos en el Reino de Dios.

    Jesús tiene un amor y una misericordia que abarcan a todos, incluyendo a personas de edad, raza y género, porque todos somos pequeños hijos de Dios. Jesús nos hace conscientes de que a través de las lecturas que escuchamos, nos comprometemos con su enseñanza de fidelidad marital, sacramental del matrimonio y compromiso con la castidad. Creo que la enseñanza de Jesús se entorna en la búsqueda de nuestra libertad humana para hacer lo que parezca bueno, se sienta bien y suene bien, siempre y cuando sea con el estándar moral establecido por nuestro Señor. Nuestro deseo humano de amar y ser amados es tan sagrado como lo es la expresión sexual del amor y tan sagrado como lo es nuestro deseo de compromiso y no puede ser una vía que resulte en desorden y profanación.

    ¡Jesucristo es nuestro Hermano siempre vivo y presente! Él es Dios y Salvador de todas las personas, de los buenos y los malos, de los divorciados, gay, lesbianas, heterosexuales y transexuales, es decir, de todos, de todos. La clara prohibición de Jesús de la unión y la cohabitación entre personas del mismo sexo, la prohibición del divorcio puede ser una fuente de sufrimiento para quienes atraviesan dificultades, en particular en sus vidas matrimoniales. Pero San Pablo sugiere que tenemos que aceptar el dolor como lo hizo Jesús, como el sufrimiento que debemos soportar en el camino hacia la gloria. El Reino de Dios es el abrazo divino de lo que es perfectamente bueno para todos según Su voluntad divina si aceptamos el desafío de vivir la enseñanza de Jesús con la confianza de los niños pequeños. Tal vez esto es lo que Jesús quiso decir cuando dijo que “quien no acepte el reino de Dios como un niño, no entrará en él”.

    Dios los bendiga.

    Padre Arlon, osa

The Dictate of the Heart:20th Sunday after Pentecost, Extraordinary Form, TLM

Today is the first Sunday of the month of October. It is the 20th Sunday after Pentecost. I believe that we are blessed to come together every Sunday to worship together and receive the most important gift of Christ to us, His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. I guess summer is over as the weather is getting cooler, and we welcome the new season when leaves start to change colors, and soon we will see them falling to the ground. This is a cycle which we also experience in our spiritual life. There are times when we feel low, starting to drift away for so many reasons, times when the well becomes dry. These feelings are not absolutely permanent, but it does send a message of life’s natural cycle. The most amazing thing happens when in many ways we seek transformation. This cycle of life awaits our rejuvenation when we respond to God’s call with a well-defined view living out the gospel of Jesus.

We heard on the news about the great devastation brought by hurricane Helene in hard-hit North Carolina. It caused 250 deaths and hundreds more are missing. We pray for all those victims of the hurricane that they may be strong in their faith and hope. It is hard to imagine going through this tragedy of losing loved ones, livelihood and properties. We unite ourselves in prayer that God will show mercy and love thru the many volunteers, responders and rescuers who work so hard to alleviate their pain and sufferings. Maybe next week we can have a second collection to assist them financially, which we would channel thru the Diocese. Maybe financial contribution, aside from prayers, can help those people in this time of need.

Today’s epistle from St. Paul to the Ephesians, chapter 5:15-21, describes the conduct of the Christians, which is the outcome of their true identity in relation to Christ and His Church. St. Paul calls us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, which means we must walk in love in a way that differs significantly from gentile pagans, and unbelievers. We are called upon to walk as those who are wise. This statement of Paul regarding walking wisely is in the context of being “filled with the Spirit.” (v.18) When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become submissive as evidence resulting in obedience of His Holy Will through the hierarchical structure and social institutions of authority. It also speaks of submission to all forms of human relationships. Therefore, we need not live our Christian lives in a haphazard fashion. We must give careful thought to our attitudes and actions, and how we concretize our faith in charity and love. This is what Paul calls for, “Become not unwise but understanding of the will of God” because we don’t want to add hostility to this dangerous and fallen world. A wise Christian will manifest wisdom both in what is said and done, and in how it is said and done. The best way to gain wisdom, which is necessary to glorify God, is to demonstrate what is good for the advancement of the gospel. Satan always diverts and distracts us, I guess because we have more free time doing unnecessary things than seeking the presence of God. I suggest writing this phrase in your room, “Redeeming the time has begun.” Doing actively the will of God is acting wisely, and with sound reasoning, as guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Failing to discern and do it is foolish, because doing His will is not a matter of irrational impulse, but of intelligent reflection and acting lovingly in a tangible manner.

The gospel today according to St. John narrates the story of a certain royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. Two important things I would like to mention:

First, the faith of the royal official who probably heard Jesus when he had come to Capernaum doing miracles of healing. Thus, he desperately begs Jesus for the healing of his son after a strenuous journey, maybe a two-day walk through mountainous terrain, having only strong faith based on what he heard about Jesus. So now he comes to Jesus and implores him to help. Jesus’ first response is a rebuke, not just of the official’s faith, but of all the Galileans, who were more interested in signs and wonders rather than in who Jesus actually is. Jesus responded, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe.” (v.48). But the man refuses to be denied. He is persistent. Jesus told him with a command and a statement: “Go, thy way, thy son liveth,” or Go, your son lives, which is more accurate than most translations that say “will live.” The present imperative emphasizes a word of power, a healing word, and underscores the continuing power of life that Jesus brings. Instead of insisting that Jesus come with him, he believes that Jesus has already healed his son. “He took Jesus at his word.” He shows his strong faith when he believed the word that Jesus spoke to him. What matters for us is to have faith in the word of Jesus and His desire to help and assist all of us in moments when we fall to our knees and beg the Lord.

Second, the confirmation of time. When the official returned, and while on his way home, he meets some of his servants who bring a joyous message. He was shocked to find out the time of the boy’s healing was about 1 o’clock in the afternoon, which was the same time that Jesus had spoken the word of healing.

As a result, the distinct story of Jesus’ healing of the boy from a distance by only a word, has a profound impact on the royal official’s family that his whole household (meaning family members, including servants) became believers and most probably later were included as faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How mature is your faith initially? How do you think this gospel story is able to nurture us beyond mere belief of coincidence? Certainly, faith based on miracles alone is deficient, but faith that is praise-worthy is based on how we truly know Jesus being the true Messiah, our Lord and Savior, who has the power in Word and Authority.

With all the things that happen to us here and abroad, we must truly seek God through His incarnate Son, taking Jesus at His word and acting before seeing the result. This is important to apply at this moment when we have experienced crises, destruction caused by wildfire, hurricane, financial crisis or need for a job, marital issues and perhaps having serious medical problems, as we cry out to God for help and healing. The Lord, however, does not want us to seek Him merely for deliverance from some crisis and then put Him back on the shelf until we need Him in the next crisis. Rather, God wants us to have a deeper relationship and faith to follow Him conscientiously and not just because of what He can do for us.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa