Month: January 2025

• Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
• Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
• Acts 10:34-38
• Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

After the celebration of the Christmas season, today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, which signals the beginning of His public ministry.  It is also a call to journey with Jesus on His mission as we prepare to venture into our lives the challenge of Christian life through the weeks of Ordinary Time starting next week. 

The first reading, taken from the Prophet Isaiah 42, emphasizes the mission of bringing the justice of God upon the earth. This justice is not equality per se, as it has been conceived as human justice but is Divine justice.  This Divine justice looks to the fulfillment of people’s needs and hopes.  It is an experience of light from darkness, liberty and freedom from all kinds of enslavements, restoring sight from blindness, all which result in healing and profound consolation.   We also found in the 1st reading from Isaiah the word, “servant,” to remind us that only Christ, prophesying and announcing a special person for the time of hope, the coming Messiah, whom the Spirit of God will be upon Him, and His identity will be known by the people of Israel through His life and actions.

In the 2nd reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter speaks to those gathered in the house of Cornelius his responsibility to teach who and what Jesus is and does as God’s anointed One.  In Jesus’ divine and human being, He accomplished the will of the Father as an incarnate Son.  We have to recognize that it is within His human nature that Jesus is able to reveal God’s divine presence in the very human relationships and behavior of the Baptized.

In the gospel taken from the evangelist St. Luke, he wrote about the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.  For St. Luke, it is his first revelation or manifestation of our Savior to the gentiles.   I invite you to reflect on this important event in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ 

First, Jesus does not need John’s baptism of repentance for sin.  However, He chooses this baptism to be united with us.  Jesus becomes immersed to our human reality completely.  Jesus wanted to be immersed in the water of the Jordan, not to wash away His sin because Jesus has no sin at all; however, it was His own way to accept His identity and mission and for us to learn how we should live with humility. 

Second, the Baptism of Jesus expresses the visible depths and profound relationship of Jesus with His Father.   This event is not only a reminder for us to know that Jesus is the Beloved Son, but rather to listen attentively to His loving Father’s voice as well, “You are my beloved Son with you I am well pleased.”

Third, St. John the Baptist affirmed that “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”    After Jesus’ baptism, John saw the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and heard the voice of the Father, and that moment was ablaze with God’s glory.

Brothers and Sisters, reflecting upon the baptism of Jesus invites us to learn more about the sacrament of Baptism.  It is important to have a deeper understanding about the sacrament and always to have that eagerness to renew our baptismal promises seriously.   Let us be willing to listen and in the discernment process be receptive to hear that we might live what we come to believe. Our reception of baptism reveals our Christian dignity as members of the mystical Body, the Church, rejecting sins and receiving God’s grace so that we may be aware of being sons and daughters of God committed to follow Jesus faithfully.

Today, let us celebrate our own baptisms as well as Jesus’ baptism.  Now, Jesus sends us out into the world to proclaim the message we believe.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

—————-

El Dictado del Corazón: La Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor, Año C

• Isaías 42:1-4, 6-7
• Salmo 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
• Hechos 10:34-38
• Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22

Después de la celebración de la temporada navideña, hoy celebramos el Bautismo del Señor, que marca el comienzo de Su ministerio público. Es también una invitación a caminar con Jesús en Su misión, mientras nos preparamos para adentrarnos en nuestras vidas el desafío de la vida cristiana durante las semanas del Tiempo Ordinario, que comienzan la próxima semana.

La primera lectura tomada del Profeta Isaías (42) resalta la misión de traer la justicia de Dios a la tierra. Esta justicia no es simplemente igualdad como la hemos concebido en términos humanos, sino la justicia divina. Esta justicia divina busca el cumplimiento de las necesidades y esperanzas de las personas. Es una experiencia de luz en la oscuridad, de libertad de todo tipo de esclavitudes, de restauración de la vista a los ciegos, lo que lleva a la sanación y a una profunda consolación. También encontramos en la primera lectura de Isaías la palabra “siervo”, para recordarnos que solo Cristo, profetizando y anunciando a una persona especial para el tiempo de la esperanza, el Mesías que vendría, sería el ungido de Dios sobre quien reposaría Su Espíritu y cuya identidad sería conocida por el pueblo de Israel a través de Su vida y sus acciones.

En la segunda lectura, tomada del Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, San Pedro habla a los reunidos en la casa de Cornelio sobre su responsabilidad de enseñar quién es y qué hace Jesús como el Ungido de Dios. En la humanidad y divinidad de Jesús, Él cumplió la voluntad del Padre como el Hijo encarnado. Debemos reconocer que es en Su naturaleza humana que Jesús revela la presencia divina de Dios en las relaciones y comportamientos humanos de los bautizados.

El evangelio, tomado del evangelista San Lucas, narra el Bautismo de Jesús en el río Jordán por Juan el Bautista. Para San Lucas, este es su primer acto de revelación o manifestación de nuestro Salvador a los gentiles. Les invito a reflexionar sobre este importante acontecimiento en la vida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Primero, Jesús no necesita el bautismo de arrepentimiento de Juan. Sin embargo, Él elige este bautismo para unirse a nosotros. Jesús se sumerge completamente en nuestra realidad humana. Jesús quiso sumergirse en las aguas del Jordán no para lavarse de sus pecados, porque Jesús no tiene pecado alguno. Sin embargo, fue Su forma de aceptar Su identidad y misión, y para que nosotros aprendiéramos cómo vivir con humildad.

En segundo lugar, el Bautismo de Jesús expresa la profundidad visible y la relación profunda de Jesús con Su Padre. Este evento no solo es un recordatorio de que Jesús es el Hijo amado, sino también de que debemos escuchar atentamente la voz del Padre amoroso: “Tú eres mi Hijo amado, en Ti tengo complacencia.”

En tercer lugar, San Juan el Bautista afirmó: “Él los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo y con fuego.” Después del bautismo de Jesús, Juan vio al Espíritu Santo en forma de paloma y escuchó la voz del Padre; ese momento fue iluminado por la gloria de Dios.

Hermanos y Hermanas, reflexionar sobre el bautismo de Jesús nos invita a conocer más acerca del sacramento del bautismo. Es importante tener una comprensión más profunda de este sacramento y siempre tener ese deseo de renovar nuestras promesas bautismales con seriedad. Estemos dispuestos a realizar un proceso de escucha y discernimiento, con receptividad, para escuchar y vivir lo que llegamos a creer. Nuestro bautismo revela nuestra dignidad cristiana como miembros del Cuerpo Místico, la Iglesia, rechazando el pecado, recibiendo la gracia de Dios para que seamos conscientes de nuestra condición de hijos e hijas de Dios comprometidos a seguir a Jesús fielmente.

Hoy, celebremos nuestros propios bautismos así como el bautismo de Jesús. Ahora, Jesús nos envía al mundo a proclamar el mensaje que creemos.

Que Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlon, osa

• Colossians 3: 12-17
• Luke 2:42-52

Today, I would like to reiterate the teaching of the Church based on the scriptures about Christian family.  Vatican Council II reflects that Christian family is “the domestic church.”  We need to reflect on this to understand the intention of our Lord calling His disciples a new kind of family and can be understood as a community.  He was not formalizing family but as history teaches that the community He formed grew so rapidly in its early years because His followers live like a family who took care of one another, something that attracted in the Roman Empire, both gentiles, or pagans and Jews.  Jesus’s years of witnessing accepting everyone as brothers and sisters, beyond blood relationship but by sharing the common faith, is the seed of this new relationship of being a new kind of family or the Church.

Today’s epistle from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds us of that genuine faith in God, and true Christian holiness are seen in the acts of kindness, humility, patience and heartfelt compassion.  St. Paul goes on saying, “let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.”

The gospel taken from St. Luke narrates about the Holy Family fulfilling their annual obligation according to the Jewish religious tradition.  Like other pious Jewish family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus make their way to the Temple in Jerusalem.  St. Luke’s purpose of writing this episode is to link the Jerusalem pilgrimage to Jesus’ public ministry.  Today, we are invited to reflect on this gospel passage:

First, while on their way back to Nazareth, Mary and Joseph begun to wonder why Jesus was not with them.  They decided to launch a search for their child until Mary and Joseph travelled back to Jerusalem.  Jesus was found at the temple where He was conversing with the experts of the law.  It was difficult for Mary and Joseph with the loss of their loving child, but they resigned to Jesus’ destiny.  This is an event when Jesus expressed clarity of His intention to focus on His Father’s will and the “Father’s business” by preaching about the Truth the rest of His public ministry.

Second, Jesus’ own experience of family with Mary, Joseph and their extended family may have inspired His early days that His mission is over and above the interest of His earthly family which had been built upon the Law of God.  Mary and Joseph are shown as having great reverence for God’s laws by being faithful to Jewish religious practices for the fulfillment of God’s promise of fruitful blessings.

Third, Jesus was not disrespectful and insensitive to His parents’ intention to look for Him.  However, Jesus seriously explaining to them, “I must be in my Father’s house.” The couple and their child return home and by their living according to God’s law, the child grew strong, full of wisdom and was obedient to them. So, we have a picture of a Holy Family. They received blessings and guidance from God, they returned filled with gratitude; they were faithful to their lives.

What makes a family a “holy family?”  Let us follow the example of Mary, Joseph and Jesus by our total dependence on God who called us as His family of disciples, devoted to God’s law or commandment, prayer, generosity of heart and loving God that makes our family acts as one in order to provide each member a space for growth and maturity.

Celebrating the feast of the Holy Family, we must be grateful to our own human family.  We cherish our delightful moments and experiences with all the members of our family, though there are some unsavory feelings, hurts and inevitable issues or conflict we have been through, please remember Jesus embraced our full human nature, graced, but also fallen and weak.  According to the letter to the Hebrews 2:11, “He who consecrates and those who have been consecrated all have one origin, Therefore, Jesus is not ashamed to call them “brothers and sisters.”  We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, if we are faithful to do His will.  Let our shared faith, life’s journey be the reason to rejoice today coupled with love and forgiveness by God’s grace and mercy!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 60:1-6
• Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
• Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
• Matthew 2:1-12

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord.  This feast focuses on the manifestation, revelation, or showing of Jesus to the world.  We have many experiences that testify to the fact that Jesus manifests Himself to us.  In fact, almost every day of our life, we encounter God’s presence on countless occasions, through meeting of various people with exemplary character and holiness, and at times ordinary people who have shown us to do the right thing.  Their actions are impressive to teach us a lesson and make determination to change.   God is consistent to show us the star where Jesus is. The light of the star is Jesus, the true Light that brings into the world God’s presence. 

The first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah made mention of how God actively intervenes in the preparation of the birth by the young girl and her faithful husband waiting for the splendor of Jerusalem.  Because there is the revelation of light to defeat darkness, then radiance will be seen and experienced in one’s heart.  All the actions of those people called, like Mary, Joseph, shepherds and wise men, are something marvelous to fulfill this event.   Through them, God chose to reveal the mystery of God’s plan for the salvation of the entire world.  It ends in showing the “Glory of God.” 

In the second reading, taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, St. Paul exalts that the mystery of salvation treasured by the Jewish people is not an exclusive possession, but God’s intention includes the salvation of the Gentiles, the world beyond the Jews, ”It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed so that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph3: 5-6). The testimony of St. Paul is that the light reveals the “mystery” of God’s desire and plan to bring all people into the one family of God. 

The gospel for today’s feast, taken from the evangelist Matthew, reminds us of God’s victory to manifests His enduring love for us, revealing the Incarnate Son to the whole world. 

First, Epiphany always reminds us of the three Magi.  However, the Magi reveal the identity of Jesus, with their wisdom and their sharing of astrological skills, which give joy for the special revelation and announcement of Jesus’ birth to all people. 

Second, the Magi bring rich gifts to honor the child and to pay homage to the child’s kingship and divinity in Jesus, a contrast to the poor surroundings of this most special birth. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, fitting offering to a newborn Jesus.  (If wiser women came to Bethlehem to pay homage to the child, most probably they would offer practical gifts, like diapers, milk and blankets, a down to earth gifts to Jesus; however, it would diminish the meaning of what the gifts symbolized),  Gold for being a King, Frankincense for a Divine God, and Myrrh for someone who will suffer and for the anointing of His body with His impending death for us all.  

Third, the Magi encourage us to listen to the voice of God through an angel to change our route in life.  Thus, the Magi give us hope and courage to seek Jesus always, despite the many obstacles and trials we encounter along the way.  We must have the determination of the Magi to make decisions and right choices and be willing to begin a journey towards our Savior. 

Brothers and Sisters, let us be able to understand that the significance of the feast is great.  We are all invited to keep an eye on Jesus through our fervent prayers so that we will all succeed in our journey to be closer to God.  The Magi were able to focus on their journey searching for Jesus; therefore, our goal throughout this year 2025 is to be like them, to faithfully walk the path of searching and finding God in our hearts.  The Holy Spirit guidance is to show the right path.   Let us rejoice with heartfelt gratitude.  This is our clear Faith” “perspective in our journey together, verifying our common mission to manifest God’s presence to others. 

What is our best gift to Jesus?  I encourage everyone to establish an intentional and personal relationship with the Lord as He promised that gifted relationship with Him would extend to the ends of the earth.  And there is no greater gift you can give than leading someone to Him.  Probably, no one could have realized that it is possible to happen.  

Loving God, walk with us as we travel our way towards you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

————–

El Dictado del Corazón: La Epifanía del Señor

• Isaías 60:1-6
• Salmo 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
• Efesios 3:2-3a, 5-6
• Mateo 2:1-12

Hoy celebramos la Epifanía del Señor. Esta fiesta se centra en la manifestación, revelación o revelación de Jesús al mundo. Tenemos muchas experiencias que atestiguan el hecho de que Jesús se manifiesta a nosotros. De hecho, todos los días de nuestra vida, nos encontramos con la presencia de Dios en innumerables ocasiones, a través de encuentros con diversas personas de carácter ejemplar y santidad. A veces, personas comunes que nos han mostrado cómo hacer lo correcto. Sus acciones son impresionantes y nos enseñan lecciones que nos motivan a cambiar. Dios es constante al mostrarnos la estrella donde está Jesús. La luz de la estrella es Jesús, la Luz verdadera que trae la presencia de Dios al mundo. 

La primera lectura del libro del Profeta Isaías menciona cómo Dios interviene activamente en la preparación del nacimiento de la joven y su fiel esposo, esperando el esplendor de Jerusalén. Hay una revelación de luz para vencer la oscuridad, luego la radiancia se verá y se experimentará en el corazón de cada uno. Todas las acciones de aquellas personas como María, José, los pastores y los sabios son algo maravilloso para cumplir este evento. A través de ellos, Dios eligió revelar el misterio del plan de salvación para todo el mundo. El evento culmina mostrando la “Gloria de Dios”. 

En la segunda lectura tomada de la Carta de San Pablo a los Efesios, San Pablo exalta que el misterio de la salvación, atesorado por el pueblo judío como posesión exclusiva, también fue destinado por Dios para la salvación de los gentiles, el mundo más allá de los judíos: “No fue dado a conocer a las generaciones pasadas como ahora ha sido revelado, para que los gentiles sean coherederos, miembros del mismo cuerpo y copartícipes de la promesa en Cristo Jesús mediante el evangelio” (Efesios 3:5-6). El testimonio de San Pablo es que la luz revela el “misterio” del deseo y el plan de Dios de reunir a todos los pueblos en la única familia de Dios. Dios nos eligió a nosotros, porque somos parte de los gentiles que somos coherederos de las promesas de Dios. 

En el evangelio de la fiesta de hoy, tomado del evangelista Mateo, se nos recuerda la victoria de Dios al manifestar Su amor eterno por nosotros, revelando al Hijo Encarnado al mundo entero. 

En primer lugar, la Epifanía siempre nos recuerda a los tres Reyes Magos. Sin embargo, los Magos revelan la identidad de Jesús con su sabiduría y sus habilidades astrológicas, lo cual trae gozo por la especial revelación y anuncio del nacimiento de Jesús a todos los pueblos. 

En segundo lugar, los Magos traen regalos para honrar al niño y para cumplir con los textos del Antiguo Testamento. Traen ricos obsequios para cumplir las escrituras y honrar al niño ante ellos, en contraste con el entorno pobre de este nacimiento tan especial. Oro, incienso y mirra, apropiados para un rey, se ofrecen a un recién nacido. Si mujeres sabias hubieran llegado a Belén para rendir homenaje al niño, probablemente habrían ofrecido regalos más prácticos, como pañales, leche y mantas, un obsequio más terrenal para Jesús, sin embargo, esto disminuiría el significado de los regalos que simbolizan. Oro, por ser Rey, incienso por ser Dios Divino y mirra por ser alguien que sufrirá, la unción de su cuerpo, Su inminente muerte por todos nosotros. 

En tercer lugar, los Magos nos dan esperanza y valentía para buscar a Jesús siempre, a pesar de los muchos obstáculos y pruebas que encontramos a lo largo del camino. Debemos tener la determinación de los Magos para tomar decisiones y hacer elecciones correctas, dispuestos a comenzar un viaje hacia nuestro Salvador. 

Hermanos y hermanas, comprendamos que el significado de la fiesta es grande. Todos estamos invitados a seguir fielmente nuestro deber de orar fervorosamente para que todos logremos acercarnos más a Dios. Los Magos supieron enfocar su viaje buscando a Jesús, por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo a lo largo de este año 2025 es ser como ellos, caminar fielmente por el camino de búsqueda y encontrar a Dios en nuestros corazones, guiados y siempre mostrados por el Espíritu Santo, la fuente de gran alegría y gratitud. Esta es nuestra perspectiva clara de Fe en nuestro camino de Fe juntos, verificando nuestra misión común de manifestar la presencia de Dios a los demás. 

¿Cuál es nuestro mejor regalo para Jesús? Los animo a todos a establecer una relación personal con el Señor, tal como Él prometió esa relación de regalos con Él que se extendería hasta los confines de la tierra. Nadie pudo haber imaginado que esto fuera posible. Dios misericordioso y amoroso, camina con nosotros mientras viajamos hacia Él. 

Padre Arlon, OSA

• Acts 4:8-12
• Luke 2:21

Today is the first Sunday of year 2025.  We celebrate today the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.  We welcome the new year with our proclamation of the Holy Name of Jesus, who in His Incarnation made God’s presence become visible.  

Our first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles 4:8-12, mentioned to us this remarkable and memorable moment in the Church, where St. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit proclaims boldly to the Sanhedrin that salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”.  This passage highlights the unwavering conviction of the early Christians that “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Peter stated that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation! 

Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ and the good works we do to others.  Salvation is not through the name of Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. It is not through Moses, Joshua or Elijah. It is not through David, Daniel or John the Baptist. They all are pointing towards Jesus Christ.  Moreover, in John 10:7-9, Jesus claimed to be both the door of the sheep and the good shepherd. All who enter through Him are saved. How could He be both the door and the Good Shepherd? Because at night the Good Shepherd would lay at the door of the gate. There was only one way in… and it was through Him.  Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation? 

It is not through Buddha, Mohammad or the Dalai Lama, and not through the philosopher and politicians. It is not through mythology, mysticism or new age religions. It is only in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity, and He alone rose from the dead proving that He is the Son of God.  St. Peter exposes and explodes saying, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) 

The act of naming Him “Jesus” started at the beginning of the infancy narrative with the angel Gabriel instructing Mary to name the child Jesus, meaning the Lord saves in Hebrew.  The giving of Jesus’ name on the eighth day fulfills what had been said at the Annunciation.  In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2:6-11, we know that the name of Jesus has its own power, such that it brings all of creation into worship.   

Remember that on this day, we are reminded of the new year beginning which God gave us in His Son.  We need to think that our hopes and dreams can only be realizable when we entrust everything to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  So…on that eighth day Jesus was named. “What’s in a name?” we might ask. It seems to be just a convenient label—a way to identify someone or something, or even some place.  God does things differently.  It is typical for us believers to start with the invocation of the persons of the Holy Trinity, and Scripture reminds us where God’s name is being proclaimed and His presence and His power. We speak God’s name frequently at all times.   That name takes a part from God’s proper name of Yaweh—Ya—and adds the Hebrew for “saves. Taken together, the given name Jesus means: Yahweh Saves, but pointing to the name of God, the name of Jesus, the name of the Lord. 

Misuse of God’s name these days can be as simple as saying “O my God!” without a second thought. It becomes nothing more than saying “Wow!” Another common misuse of God’s name is to wish that someone or something would spend eternity in hell. The most minor thing can go wrong, and a person asks God to damn it. Children of God don’t want to use the name of the Triune God with the same casual attitude so many do. We don’t want to use it “in vain,” that is, making it common, taking it out of its rightful place of uniqueness. 

On this day when we celebrate the naming of Jesus, remember that the One named the Lord, or God, has blessed us every day, and will continue to bless us into the new year.  Let us praise and rejoice in the name of the Lord, trust in the name of the Lord, call upon God’s name and exalt in God’s name. This is only true because the name of God is an expression of God himself. 

I warn everyone against taking any actions or saying words that profane the name of the Lord. Blaspheme is falsely claiming a right to use God’s name but without his authority. Blaspheme was punishable by death in Israel. It was this charge that was brought against Jesus.  Everything about the name of the Lord is good and holy. Because of the name of Jesus, our names are written in the book of life in heaven. That’s the way we start the new year. 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Numbers 6:22-27
• Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
• Galatians 4:4-7
• Luke 2:16-21

Happy New Year 2025!  On the first day of every year, the Holy Catholic Church dedicates this day by honoring Mary, the Mother of God.  We also offer this day as the World Day of Prayer for Peace.  Through the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, she offers her motherly love and protection from evil.  The role of Mary is important in human salvation. Jesus loves Mary; therefore, we must also love her as our Mother.   

Our first reading from the Book of Numbers recalls one of the many conversations the Lord has with Moses. The message is about the beautiful ancient prayer used by priests, beginning from Aaron and his sons, to call down God’s blessings on Israel.

Our second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians narrates that in the fulness of time, the Son of Man became man, “born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters.”  Thus, Jesus who took on our human flesh, except sins, is a victory of our human race over darkness.  Our salvation is intentional and not just accidental, for it has a purpose, a God-given purpose, to change our human status by being dependent on Him, as His adopted children. 

Our gospel taken from St. Luke shows that the focus is on Mary because of her strong faith and trust in God’s plan.  We are invited to reflect and contemplate this gospel passage making Mary as our guide to our meditation and contemplation:

First, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” From the moment of the Angel’s announcement, she felt that God blessed her tremendously.  She was chosen as a human instrumentality to safeguard Jesus’ coming unto the world.  Mary became the woman of the new covenant, an encounter with her and the Incarnate Son of God.  With unselfish love she devoted herself to loving her son, Jesus.  

Second, Mary is our model in relating to her son, the Son of God.  Like Mary, we must encounter Jesus with an open heart for an ultimate purpose and goodness.  Mary teaches us to be such a person of integrity, humility and obedience to accept God’s plan to encounter Jesus and to extend that encounter with others. We pray to pass on to others just as Mary does so magnificently in her being the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God and our mother. 

Third, Mary teaches us that being a disciple of Jesus means keeping Jesus in the center of our hearts and allowing Jesus’ presence to guide all the thoughts, words and actions of our lives. Because of Mary we can nurture a personal relationship with God in an intimate and personal way. She was the first to say His name, Jesus.  We are desired by Jesus Himself to be in communication and in communion with Him. Because of Mary we can call God, Jesus, in prayer and praise His Holy Name. 

Today’s feast honoring Mary, the Mother of God, opens the new year with an assurance that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, our Savior and a brother.  This began through Mary’s response in bringing forth Jesus, the Word made flesh.  Her motherhood of Jesus ended with her at the foot of the cross.  Our faith invites us to meditate on Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother.  God chose her from all women of all time to be God’s own mother and Jesus the son of Mary!  We celebrate Mary, not only because she conceived and bore Jesus, but also because she is Jesus’ most faithful disciple and our model for following Jesus, who while He was on the cross, said to her, “Woman behold your son.”  This is the word of true relationship entrusting Mary as the Mother of the Church and His disciples.  Thus, gathering ourselves offering this Eucharist, let us find Mary as one with us in prayer and worship.  Mary is the “Theotokos,” the God-bearer, the earthly mother of Jesus restoring the world to life to give humanity back to the glory of God.   

When we gather at the Eucharist today, let us imagine Mary as a living prayer. She is the Theotokos, the God-bearer. We are called to be and do the same. “Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love.” – C. Houselander

May Jesus bless you…let His face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you peace!  Mary, Mother of God and our mother, pray for us. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

————-

El Dictado del Corazón

Solemnidad de la Santa Madre de Dios, Año C

• Números 6:22-27
• Salmo 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
• Gálatas 4:4-7
• Lucas 2:16-21

¡Feliz Año Nuevo 2025! El primer día de cada año, la Santa Iglesia Católica dedica este día honrando a María, la Madre de Dios. También ofrecemos este día como el Día Mundial de la Oración por la Paz. A través de la intercesión de la Santísima Madre de Dios, ella ofrece su amor maternal y protección contra el mal. El papel de María es fundamental en la salvación humana, Jesús ama a María, por lo tanto, también debemos amarla como nuestra Madre. 

Nuestra primera lectura del Libro de los Números recuerda una de las muchas conversaciones que el Señor tuvo con Moisés. El mensaje trata sobre la hermosa oración antigua que los sacerdotes, comenzando por Aarón y sus hijos, usaban para invocar las bendiciones de Dios sobre Israel. 

Nuestra segunda lectura, tomada de la carta de San Pablo a los Gálatas, relata que cuando se cumplió el tiempo, el Hijo del Hombre se hizo hombre, “nacido de mujer, nacido bajo la ley, para redimir a los que estaban bajo la ley, a fin de que recibiéramos la adopción como hijos e hijas”. Así, Jesús, quien asumió nuestra carne humana, excepto el pecado, es una victoria de nuestra raza humana sobre las tinieblas. Nuestra salvación es intencional y no solo accidental, porque tiene un propósito, un propósito dado por Dios para cambiar nuestro estatus humano, haciéndonos dependientes de Él, como sus hijos adoptivos. 

El evangelio de hoy, tomado de San Lucas, nos muestra que el enfoque está en María debido a su fuerte fe y confianza en el plan de Dios. Se nos invita a reflexionar y contemplar este pasaje evangélico, haciendo a María nuestra guía en la meditación y contemplación: 

Primero, “María guardaba todas estas cosas, meditándolas en su corazón”. Desde el momento del anuncio del Ángel, ella sintió que Dios la bendecía enormemente. Ella fue elegida como un instrumento humano para salvaguardar la venida de Jesús al mundo. María se convirtió en la mujer del nuevo pacto, un encuentro con ella y el Hijo Encarnado de Dios. Con un amor desinteresado, se dedicó a amar a su hijo, Jesús.

Segundo, María es nuestro modelo en la relación con su hijo, el Hijo de Dios. Al igual que María, debemos encontrar a Jesús con un corazón abierto, para un propósito último y un bien supremo. María nos enseña a ser personas de integridad, humildad y obediencia para aceptar el plan de Dios de encontrar a Jesús y extender ese encuentro a los demás. Oremos para que, al transmitir a otros lo que María hace tan magníficamente al ser la Madre de Jesús, la Madre de Dios y nuestra madre, sigamos su ejemplo. 

Tercero, María nos enseña que ser discípulos de Jesús significa mantener a Jesús en el centro de nuestros corazones y permitir que su presencia guíe todos nuestros pensamientos, palabras y acciones. Gracias a María, podemos nutrir una relación personal con Dios de manera íntima y personal. Ella fue la primera en pronunciar su nombre, Jesús. Jesús mismo desea que estemos en comunicación y comunión con Él. Gracias a María, podemos llamar a Dios, Jesús, en oración y alabar su Santo Nombre. 

La fiesta de hoy, honrando a María, la Madre de Dios, abre el nuevo año con la certeza de que Dios amó tanto al mundo que envió a su Hijo unigénito, nuestro Salvador y Hermano. Esto comenzó con la respuesta de María al traer a Jesús, la Palabra hecha carne. Su maternidad de Jesús culminó con ella al pie de la cruz. Nuestra fe nos invita a meditar sobre María, la madre de Jesús y nuestra madre. ¡Dios la eligió entre todas las mujeres de todos los tiempos para ser la madre de Dios y la madre del hijo de María! Pero celebramos a María no solo porque concibió y dio a luz a Jesús, sino también porque es la discípula más fiel de Jesús y nuestro modelo para seguir a Jesús, a quien, mientras estaba en la cruz, le dijo: “Mujer, he ahí a tu hijo”. Esta es la palabra de una verdadera relación, encomendando a María como la Madre de la Iglesia y de sus discípulos. Así que, al reunirnos y ofrecer esta Eucaristía, encontrémonos con María como una con nosotros en oración y adoración. María es la “Theotokos”, la Madre de Dios, la madre terrenal de Jesús que restauró al mundo a la vida y devolvió a la humanidad la gloria de Dios. 

Cuando nos reunimos en la Eucaristía hoy, imaginemos a María como una oración viva. Ella es la “Theotokos”, la Madre de Dios. Estamos llamados a ser y hacer lo mismo. “Solo los que llevan a Cristo pueden restaurar al mundo a la vida y devolver a la humanidad la vitalidad del amor”. – C. Houselander 

¡Que Jesús los bendiga… que su rostro brille sobre ustedes, sea misericordioso con ustedes y les dé paz! María, Madre de Dios y nuestra madre, ruega por nosotros. 

Padre Arlon, osa

• Titus 2:11-15
• Luke 2:21

Happy New Year to all. We welcome the year 2025 with great hope and expectations of God’s continuous blessings. It is nice to begin with such a positive outlook in life. We start the new year right with an assurance that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, JESUS, our Savior and a brother.  This all began through Mary’s response in bringing forth Jesus, the Word made flesh. We give much love to the Blessed Mother, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and our own mother too.

Our liturgy today celebrates the Circumcision of the Lord.  Preparing my homily today, I reflect on the readings from St.Paul’s epistle to Titus and the one verse gospel reading from St. Luke.  Maybe some of you might think that this event in the life of Jesus becomes insignificant in our Christian faith, and therefore should not be given much importance in the liturgy, especially today when we need a more inspiring homily on the first day of the year 2025.

Since the existence of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, they were faithful to their religious tradition being Jews. They were faithful to the law and commandments.  Thus, circumcision of Jesus is essential to the fulfillment of the Old Testament, though in the New Testament, St. Paul preached hard that circumcision was not required to become followers of Christ.  However, we must affirm to the fact that since it was fulfilled by Jesus to undergo such a ritual, it is therefore meaningful to ponder on.  It would be a mistake if we don’t.  We must accept that Jesus’ words, actions and events that happened to Him were filled with meaning, purpose and importance that is worth celebrating.

There are things we must understand that everything Jesus did on earth was for Him, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.  As the Lord Himself said: “Think not that I come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)

In its truest sense, from Abraham and up to the ancient Israel they cut off only a small portion of their skin but in the new covenant, we cut off our entire life, whole selves, our whole being, for the Lord.  This is our new circumcision with Jesus, our Savior.

This is the life of the Lord we are called to lead, nothing less than to embrace His humility and example to offer His first blood to make an offering to God. Just as we offer the bread and wine, and we receive them back as the Body and Blood of Christ, we offer ourselves to be transfigured and become a vessel of God’s grace.  I believe that the Lord has given us all things, even His very life. 

The epistle of St. Paul to Titus 2:11–15 reminds us that receiving God’s grace is necessary to act in righteousness and holiness.  It is the foundation on which traits such as self-control, love, patience, compassion, kindness and respect are built.  Pursuing good deeds can be a catalyst to anticipate a brighter and prosperous year.

Today is the first day of the new year; therefore, let us resolve to make a good beginning.  Being proud of doing good externally, but if we live without mercy and love for others, there is no merit from God.  Even though how seemingly dedicated a person is in the eyes of many,  but deep inside there is a rotten spirit of anger and prejudice, then there is no hope for a fruitful year ahead.   We need to seek God’s grace to process our interiority.  

Brothers and sisters, if we fail to give ourselves up to God in that true sense of circumcision of the heart to which we are called today, expect that there is no glory awaiting us for salvation.  Let us take courage to change ourselves.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa