Month: May 2025

• Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
• Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
• Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
• John 14:23-29

Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter. We have just finished the Clergy Retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center. It was our annual renewal, prayer and reflection together, to be recharged from busy schedules and ministry. It was well spent time with God in contemplation necessary to rediscover that we cannot do anything without our profound connection with God. It brings us new strength and vigor to laboriously commit ourselves to this given mandate to evangelize.

In our readings today, we hear of the struggles of the early Church and their determination to focus on God. It also revealed the glorious vision of the new Jerusalem which prepares its people to a new presence of the Lord.

In the first reading from the Acts, the Jews who converted to follow Jesus were confronted by an issue as to whether they still need to fulfill Jewish religious tradition of receiving circumcision for every male as a sign of their dedicated promise to Abrahamic covenant. Their intention was to belong to this growing Church as moved by Jesus and the preaching of His apostles. There was no agreement to this problem except to send Judas and Silas to convey that, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, abstain from meat, sacrifice to idols, etc”. We hear the decision in the form of a letter which is sent to Antioch to address the issue.
Since they were believers, the emphasis of the guidance of the apostles is that their baptism speaks about the “circumcision of the heart” which is required into the Way of Jesus. The heart is the symbol of a loving spirit, a life that avoids all forms of impurities and idolatry.

The 2nd reading from the book of Revelation continues to speak St. John’s vision that Jesus is the splendor and the light that illuminates the new Jerusalem because of Christ being the Lamb, present in the whole city to welcome all people. The Church welcomes gentiles, those outside the tribe of Israel. The community that follows Christ becomes a place where God dwells. Thus, it connects to our gospel that Jesus makes it a personal relationship with His people that when everyone dwells by loving God and others, God makes the dwelling with us.

The gospel taken from St. John reminds us that our faith in the Lord Jesus is not an emotional sensation but from our human experience. There are essential points that we need to ponder on:

First, Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him.” Jesus outlines what it means to love him. Those who love Christ want to be close to Jesus, so they follow him, listen to his Words, and remember what He taught them. When we are loved by Jesus, it is both accepting that love, unearned by us, though we must live being so loved. If we keep Jesus’ word, we will then be available for the reception of that ever-offered grace, and we will be available for God’s coming close and making a home in us.

Second, Jesus says, “I have told you this while I am with you. The advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” The Holy Spirit continues to be the new Teacher and works in their memory. The Holy Spirit was working in the early Church and even now helps in our discernment as we walk closer with God.

Third, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” Peace is the foremost gift of Jesus to us. Peace is not exactly satisfaction as the world offers and gives. The peace which Jesus offers frees us from the necessity of self-satisfaction. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV says, “Peace engages and challenges us, to eliminate pride and vindictiveness. It requires religious freedom.” We need to accept each other and enjoy communion with one another.

God loves us in Christ, but this love does not protect us from experiencing worries and fears. That love does not protect us from breaking of hearts, nor losing our way, but His love encourages us to keep His commandments and a promise was made to send the Holy Spirit to abide with us forever.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Sexto Domingo de Pascua, Año C

• Lecturas: Hechos 15, 1-2. 22-29
• Salmo 67, 2-3. 5. 6. 8
• Apocalipsis 21, 10-14. 22-23
• Juan 14, 23-29

Hoy es el Sexto Domingo de Pascua. Acabamos de concluir nuestro Retiro del Clero en el Centro de Retiros Cristo Rey, un momento anual de renovación, oración y reflexión. Fue un tiempo para recargar energías después de las exigencias del ministerio y nuestras agendas ocupadas. Este tiempo sagrado de contemplación con Dios es esencial; nos recuerda que no podemos hacer nada sin una profunda conexión con Él. Estos momentos de encuentro nos dan nueva fuerza y vigor para renovarnos en la misión de evangelización.

En las lecturas de hoy escuchamos sobre las dificultades de la Iglesia primitiva y su determinación de mantenerse centrados en Dios. También se nos presenta la visión gloriosa de la nueva Jerusalén, que prepara al pueblo de Dios para la presencia permanente del Señor.

En la primera lectura del libro de los Hechos, los judíos convertidos al cristianismo enfrentaban una pregunta: ¿Debían seguir practicando la circuncisión como signo de la alianza con Abraham? Deseaban pertenecer plenamente a esta Iglesia creciente, movidos por el mensaje de Jesús y la predicación de sus apóstoles. Para resolver la cuestión, los apóstoles y los ancianos enviaron a Judas y Silas con una carta que decía: “El Espíritu Santo y nosotros hemos decidido no imponerles más cargas que los indispensables”. El mensaje fue enviado a Antioquía para afirmar que la salvación en Cristo no dependía del cumplimiento de las antiguas leyes o rituales.

Aquí se destaca que el bautismo representa la “circuncisión del corazón”, es decir, una transformación espiritual. El corazón se convierte en símbolo de un espíritu amoroso y obediente, que rechaza la impureza y la idolatría.

En la segunda lectura, del libro del Apocalipsis, San Juan comparte una visión en la que Cristo, el Cordero, es la luz de la nueva Jerusalén. Ya no es una ciudad exclusiva para Israel; da la bienvenida a todos los pueblos. La Iglesia se convierte en la morada de Dios. Esta visión se conecta bellamente con el Evangelio de hoy: cuando amamos a Dios y a los demás, Dios habita en nosotros.

En el Evangelio según san Juan, Jesús nos recuerda que nuestra fe no es simplemente una emoción pasajera, sino algo que debe estar arraigado en nuestra vida diaria. Hay tres enseñanzas clave que debemos reflexionar:

Primero, Jesús dice: “El que me ama, cumplirá mi palabra y mi Padre lo amará.”
Amar a Jesús significa permanecer cerca de Él: escuchar su palabra, recordar sus enseñanzas y vivirlas. Cuando amamos a Cristo, nos abrimos a recibir su amor, un amor que se nos da gratuitamente, sin que lo merezcamos. Guardar su palabra nos prepara para recibir ese amor y permite que Dios haga morada en nosotros.

Segundo, Jesús nos dice: “el Consolador, el Espíritu Santo que mi Padre les enviará en mi nombre, les enseñará todas las cosas y les recordará todo cuanto yo les he dicho.”
El Espíritu Santo es el Maestro divino que nos guía y nos ayuda a recordar las enseñanzas de Cristo. Así como actuó en la Iglesia primitiva, hoy sigue guiando nuestro discernimiento y acercándonos a Dios.

Tercero, Jesús dice: “La paz les dejo, mi paz les doy.”
La paz de Cristo es su mayor regalo, mucho más profunda que cualquier satisfacción que ofrece el mundo. Es una paz que nos libera del orgullo, del egoísmo y del deseo de venganza. Como dijo el Papa León XIII (no XIV): “La paz nos compromete y nos desafía a eliminar el orgullo y el deseo de venganza. Requiere libertad religiosa.”
La verdadera paz se encuentra en aceptarnos unos a otros y vivir en comunión.

Dios nos ama en Cristo, pero ese amor no nos protege de las dificultades de la vida. Seguimos enfrentando preocupaciones, dolores y momentos de confusión. Pero su amor nos fortalece para cumplir sus mandamientos, y nos ha prometido que el Espíritu Santo estará con nosotros para siempre.

Dios los bendiga a todos.

P. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 14:21-27
• Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
• Revelation 21:1-5a
• John 13:31-33a, 34-35

Today is the 5th Sunday of Easter.  We are happy too that Pope Leo XIV inauguration occupying the seat of St. Peter and as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church today.  The first Augustinian Pope after 800 years.  Having a new Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth is a blessing.   The Holy Father will tend and shepherd us for the coming years.  It is not about being a conservative or progressive Pope, but what is important is to usher us to the true doctrine and orthodoxy of Christ’s teaching in this crucial period of modernity and secularism.  We need to pray for our Holy Father and for the continuous proclamation of the gospel to all peoples.  

The 1st reading today guide us to learn from the experience of the early Christians, in particular Paul and Barnabas, who devout their lives for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. They were called missionaries as both of them experienced a call of the Spirit in the Books of the Acts.  Their missionary endeavors led the foundation for new Christian communities, but at the same time it revealed the many challenges and hostilities of certain Jewish communities.  As it was written, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (v.22) However, both Paul and Barnabas did outstanding sacrifices in achieving successful expansion for new communities of believers.  Their hard work was due to their trust of God’s love in preaching the good news and their fidelity to their ministry no matter what the circumstances entail.  I believe that the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon the Apostles to proclaim the gospel to the four corners of the world despite their human instrumentality and weakness.

The 2nd reading, taken from the book of Revelation, focuses on the new heaven and the new earth.  This is the hope for a new beginning transformed by Jesus’ power, through which the world will never be the same again. 

The gospel, taken from the evangelist John, narrates to us about the event that happened during the Last Supper.  Jesus says that their love for each other is how others know that they are His disciples.  The Lord always supported His disciples by reminding them to persevere in faith, which can be very challenging at times.  We all as disciples need to be reminded of the Lord’s commandment:  love one another as I have loved you.  Listening for and appreciating the love of God allows us to live the commandment to love others.   Let us reflect on salient points in today’s gospel pericope: 

First, Jesus says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.”  In John’s theology, “glory” has something to do with the more complete revelation about Jesus.  The highest manifestation of this glory is Jesus’ abandonment of on the Cross.  On the Cross, we see the depth of God’s love glorified at this humiliating throne because of His perfect obedience.  It has been revealed in all His glory, upon the Cross.  

According to John, we’ll spend the next four chapters on his gospel making sure his message is stated as clearly as possible. Thus, by our  mutual reverence, and love the “glory” of God would draw and attract new members of the Church.  For “They will know we are Christians by our love”.

Second, Jesus says, “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.”  Jesus is speaking about His life handing it over to us before He handed His life over to death.  He is reminding us that “a little while longer,” means that his temporal last hours with His friends, whom He regards as “My children,” is a reminder that we ate covenanted to become a sacrament of His creative love, which speaks a real presence on His behalf. 

Third, Jesus says, “I give my new commandment: love one another.”    St. John emphasized Jesus’ way of giving “a new commandment.”  According to the Book of Genesis, the first commandment was creation, “Let there be……..”  Light, order, life and fertility were results of a divine creative command. The Fall resulted in darkness, disorder, living outside the original design and context, and fertility was to be experienced in pain. 

In the new covenant, Jesus commands a “new” kind of creational love which is meant to bring back light, reverence and respect for what is so called a relational exchange of interiors. 

 We, as His disciples are commanded to love each other into more and more like Jesus had done with the apostles. Jesus is giving us this new commandment much as we can handle. Now, Jesus is urging us to love beyond or outside our circle, and to share gifts that has been prepared and given to others as well. 

In the spirit of Easter, may we ask ourselves “How could someone identify me as a Christian based on the love that I show?” What does it mean for us today to love one another like Jesus loved us?  So my prayer with today’s readings calls me to discipleship and to a renewed commitment to follow the commandment to love one another.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Quinto Domingo de Pascua, Año C

• Hechos 14, 21-27
• Salmo 144, 8-9. 10-11. 12-13
• Apocalipsis 21, 1-5a
• Juan 13, 31-33a. 34-35

Hoy, al celebrar el Quinto Domingo de Pascua, nos alegramos por la bendición de tener un nuevo Papa. No se trata de si es conservador o progresista; lo que realmente importa es que nos guíe con fidelidad a la verdadera doctrina y a la ortodoxia de las enseñanzas de Cristo. En este tiempo crítico, marcado por la modernidad y el secularismo, estamos llamados a orar con fervor por la continua proclamación del Evangelio a todos los pueblos.

Las lecturas de hoy nos guían por la experiencia de la Iglesia primitiva, en particular, los esfuerzos misioneros de los santos Pablo y Bernabé. Su entrega al Señor Jesús dio lugar a la formación de nuevas comunidades cristianas, a pesar de una fuerte oposición y muchas dificultades. Como escuchamos en los Hechos: “Es necesario pasar por muchas tribulaciones para entrar en el Reino de Dios” (Hechos 14, 22). Sin embargo, Pablo y Bernabé se mantuvieron firmes, confiando en el amor de Dios y permaneciendo fieles a su misión, sin importar el costo. Su perseverancia es testimonio del poder del Espíritu Santo, quien actúa incluso a través de nuestra debilidad humana para anunciar el Evangelio hasta los confines de la tierra.

La segunda lectura, del Libro del Apocalipsis, nos ofrece una visión de esperanza: un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva. Esta es la promesa de un mundo transformado por el poder de Cristo resucitado. En Él, todo se hace nuevo, y el mundo ya no será igual.

El Evangelio de hoy, según san Juan, nos lleva al Cenáculo, la noche de la Última Cena. Jesús comparte una verdad profunda: “En esto reconocerán todos que son mis discípulos: si se aman los unos a los otros.” Les recuerda a sus discípulos que deben perseverar en la fe y el amor, incluso en los momentos difíciles. Nosotros también estamos llamados a vivir este mandamiento: amarnos unos a otros como Él nos ha amado. Solo cuando estamos arraigados en el amor de Dios podemos amar verdaderamente a los demás.

Reflexionemos sobre tres puntos claves del Evangelio:

Primero, Jesús dice: “Ahora ha sido glorificado el Hijo del Hombre, y Dios ha sido glorificado en Él.”

En el Evangelio de Juan, “gloria” se refiere a la plena revelación de Jesús, especialmente a través de su Pasión y muerte. La Cruz se convierte en su trono, un lugar de sufrimiento, sí, pero también de obediencia perfecta y amor divino. Jesús es glorificado en su entrega total, y a través de Él, el amor de Dios se hace visible al mundo. Este amor atrae a otros a la Iglesia. Como dice el himno: “Sabrán que somos cristianos por nuestro amor.”

Segundo, Jesús les dice: “Hijitos, todavía estaré con ustedes un poco más.”

Aquí, Él habla con ternura a sus discípulos, preparándolos para su partida. Les está confiando su misión a ellos y a nosotros. Estamos llamados a ser sacramentos de su amor, signos visibles de su presencia en el mundo. Su ausencia física se convierte en una invitación para que nosotros hagamos tangible su amor por medio de nuestras vidas.

Tercero, Jesús dice: “Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: que se amen los unos a los otros.”

Este “mandamiento nuevo” no es simplemente una repetición de lo anterior, es una nueva creación. En el Génesis, el mandato de Dios dio origen a la luz, el orden y la vida. Después del pecado original, entraron la oscuridad y el desorden en el mundo. Ahora, en la Nueva Alianza, Jesús ofrece un mandamiento que restaura la creación a través del amor. Es un amor que ilumina las tinieblas, honra la dignidad del otro y nos conduce a una relación más profunda. Los discípulos no solo deben amarse entre ellos, sino extender ese amor a todos, como lo hizo Cristo.

En este espíritu de Pascua, preguntémonos: ¿Puede alguien reconocerme como cristiano por el amor que demuestro? ¿Qué significa hoy, verdaderamente, amar como Jesús nos ha amado?

Que las lecturas de hoy renueven nuestro compromiso con el discipulado. Que nos esforcemos por seguir el mandamiento de amor de Cristo, no solo de palabra, sino con hechos.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos.

P. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 13:14, 43-52
• Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
• Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
• John 10:27-30 

Today is the 4th Sunday of Easter, Year C. We are glad that the Conclave is over, and we have a new Pope to shepherd us as the Vicar of Christ here on earth. Pope Leo XIV, our former Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine. He is humble and a missionary who knows the heart of every struggling people. He said that “the primary duty of every priest or bishop is to be authentic in the service for others.” I am happy that the Holy Father is one of my Augustinian Brothers. We also rejoice for being the first American Pontiff. I am grateful to him that he allowed me to be a missionary here in the US for 18 years. He inspired me to be a true missionary.

We continue to pray and rally behind him and, together with him, we show our love, obedience and unity in the Holy Catholic Church.

In the spirit of the season of Easter, we must continue to rejoice these days. This is the ultimate goal of being Easter people, which we are all reminded from these readings we heard today.

In the first reading, taken from the book of Acts, we heard about these two apostles, Paul and Barnabas, who are laboriously preaching the Word of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They seized every opportunity to enter the local synagogue and continuously inspire new converts to Jesus to be faithful to Him. However, the religious leaders were jealous of them because of the increasing numbers of converts, in particular, the gentiles joining them. They stayed faithful despite the dangers and violence from those who are opposing the gospel. They completely relied on the works of the Spirit to overcome their predicaments; more prayers led others to conversion. They continue to move on with their mission, slowly forming and building up the Church.

The 2nd reading, from the book of Revelation, speaks to us about our final motive in our belief in the Resurrection. In the spirit of the Resurrection of Jesus, we place ourselves in union with the great multitude from every nation, people, race, and tongue, living in the presence of the Lord and the Lamb for all eternity. Though we are in an earthly pilgrimage, we are assured of our future with the promise of a life in which “God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.” This is our goal, but we are in need of a confident guide to lead us there, a Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

In today’s gospel, we are invited to become followers of the Good Shepherd, who will guides us to eternity so that we won’t be put in danger.

First, Jesus, as a Good Shepherd, knows us. We are not just one of His many sheep, but we are personally known by name. “I know them,” Jesus says and so he invites us to share with him where we find ourselves today on this pilgrimage of life, rather than trying to make our way on our own.

Second, with Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we are given a great assurance all the time when we find ourselves in a perilous journey because of His protective and tender loving care. I believe nobody can take us out of his hands! We too are in the hands of His Eternal Father. Let’s entrust ourselves to Him and let Him lead us along the mountain passes and trails, certainly we are in His hands.

Third, Jesus has a particular closeness to us and a particular care for us. He offers everyone the opportunity of experiencing deeper personal awareness, which then opens up the possibility of profound growth and understanding with Jesus. Jesus is telling us that we belong to him. He offers us eternal life.

Today’s gospel reading seems to be inviting us to explore how this text is still a source of hope, especially given the opportunity to understand the incredibly close connection between a shepherd and his sheep. Let us listen to the voice of Jesus saying: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27-30)

May God give us His love and grace in order to not lose sight and be drifted away from Jesus, who is our true Shepherd. The late Pope Francis said, “Many put themselves forward as ‘shepherds’ of our lives; but only the Risen One is the true Shepherd, who gives us life in abundance.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Cuarto Domingo de Pascua, Año C

• Hechos 13:14, 43-52
• Salmo 100:1-2, 3, 5
• Apocalipsis 7:9, 14b-17
• Juan 10:27-30Hoy es el Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Pascual, Año C. Estamos alegres porque ha concluido el Cónclave y ya tenemos un nuevo Papa que nos pastorea como el Vicario de Cristo aquí en la tierra. El Papa León XIV, nuestro antiguo Prior General de la Orden de San Agustín. Es una persona humilde y misionera que conoce el corazón de todo pueblo que sufre. Él dijo: “el deber principal de todo sacerdote u obispo es ser auténtico en el servicio a los demás”. Me alegra que el Santo Padre sea uno de mis Hermanos Agustinos. También nos regocijamos por ser el primer Pontífice estadounidense. Le estoy agradecido porque me permitió ser misionero aquí en los Estados Unidos durante 18 años. Él me inspiró a ser un verdadero misionero.Continuamos orando por él, apoyándolo y, junto con él, mostramos nuestro amor, obediencia y unidad en la Santa Iglesia Católica.

  En el espíritu del tiempo de Pascua, debemos seguir alegrándonos en estos días. Este es el objetivo supremo de ser un pueblo pascual, como nos lo recuerdan las lecturas que hemos escuchado hoy.

  En la primera lectura, tomada del libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, escuchamos sobre estos dos apóstoles, Pablo y Bernabé, que predican la Palabra de Dios con gran esfuerzo y bajo la guía del Espíritu Santo. Aprovechaban cada oportunidad para entrar en la sinagoga local e inspiraban constantemente a nuevos convertidos a Jesús para que fueran fieles a Él. Sin embargo, los líderes religiosos sentían celos de ellos por la creciente cantidad de conversiones, en particular los gentiles que se unían. A pesar de los peligros y la violencia de quienes se oponían al Evangelio, ellos se mantuvieron fieles. Confiaron completamente en la acción del Espíritu para superar sus dificultades; más oración llevó a más conversiones. Continuaron con su misión, poco a poco formando y edificando la Iglesia.

  La segunda lectura, del libro del Apocalipsis, nos habla del motivo final de nuestra fe en la Resurrección. En el espíritu de la Resurrección de Jesús, nos unimos a esa gran multitud de toda nación, pueblo, raza y lengua que vive en la presencia del Señor y del Cordero por toda la eternidad. Aunque estamos en una peregrinación terrenal, se nos asegura un futuro con la promesa de una vida en la cual “Dios enjugará toda lágrima de nuestros ojos”. Este es nuestro objetivo, pero necesitamos una guía confiable que nos lleve allí: el Buen Pastor, Jesucristo.

  En el evangelio de hoy, se nos invita a convertirnos en seguidores del Buen Pastor, quien nos guía hacia la eternidad para que no corramos peligro.

  Primero, Jesús, como Buen Pastor, nos conoce. No somos simplemente una oveja más de su rebaño, sino que Él nos conoce personalmente por nuestro nombre. “Yo las conozco”, dice Jesús, y por eso nos invita a compartir con Él en qué punto de esta peregrinación de la vida nos encontramos. En lugar de tratar de avanzar por nuestro propio camino.

  Segundo, Jesús como nuestro Buen Pastor nos da una gran seguridad cuando nos encontramos en momentos de peligro, por su cuidado protector y amoroso. ¡Creo firmemente que nadie puede arrebatarnos de sus manos! Estamos también en las manos de su Padre Eterno y nadie puede quitarnos de esas manos. Confiémonos a Él y dejemos que Él nos guíe por los senderos y montañas, con la certeza de que nadie puede separarnos de sus manos.

  Tercero, Jesús tiene una cercanía particular con nosotros y un cuidado especial por cada uno. Él ofrece a todos la oportunidad de experimentar una conciencia personal más profunda que abre la posibilidad de un crecimiento y entendimiento más íntimos con Él. Jesús nos dice que le pertenecemos. Él nos ofrece la vida eterna.

  La lectura del evangelio de hoy parece invitarnos a explorar cómo este texto sigue siendo una fuente de esperanza, sobre todo si entendemos el lazo increíblemente estrecho entre un pastor y sus ovejas. Escuchemos la voz de Jesús que dice: “Mis ovejas escuchan mi voz; yo las conozco y ellas me siguen” (Juan 10:27-30).

  Que Dios nos conceda su amor y su gracia para no perder de vista a Jesús ni apartarnos de Él, quien es nuestro verdadero Pastor. El difunto Papa Francisco decía: “Muchos se presentan como ‘pastores’ de nuestras vidas; pero sólo el Resucitado es el verdadero Pastor, que nos da vida en abundancia”.

  Dios los bendiga.

  P. Arlon, osa

• 1 Peter 2:11-19
• John 16:16-22

  Today is the 3rd Sunday of Easter in the traditional Latin mass. In our Gospel reading today, Jesus tells the disciples, “A little while, and you will see Me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” They were confused what He is talking about, and they were hesitant to ask further explanations. But Jesus knew that they didn’t get it, He could tell they were dumbfounded. And, like so many times, Jesus gives them an answer, though maybe not the answer they wanted.

  Jesus could have just told them that He was referring to His death, burial, and resurrection. But no, instead He starts to talk to them of the sorrow and the joy they feel as His followers.

  Jesus speaks of a woman in labor experiencing the sorrow that the hour has come for birth, but then the joy that overwhelms in that a human being is born into the world. This imagery of labor and childbirth is actually referring to the prophet Isaiah 26:17-19 proclaimed of Israel’s suffering and deliverance in a similar way “Like a pregnant woman who writes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth”.

  We all believe that God’s power does not stop at the grave. Christ is risen! At His command, the dead comes to life. He can raise the whole nation, a whole people, who are seemingly entombed forever in exile and oppression. Jesus’ work upon the cross and the resurrection guarantees that our bodies will also rise. Those made righteous through faith will experience the resurrection of their bodies and life everlasting. Those who refuse to believe in Christ, who would prefer He stayed in the tomb, will rise at the resurrection to everlasting punishment and condemnation.

  Therefore, let us enter into suffering Himself, to bear our sorrow in Himself. To endure the sorrow of the grave. To bring restoration to His people by the forgiveness of sins. It draws us closer to our Savior.

  We have the same body and blood of Christ which is in everyone by means of the Sacrament, like Jesus, the resurrection comes after tarrying in death for a moment. For Jesus, the grueling night of His passion gave way to the break of day on Easter morning. You too will arise at the break of the new day, the glorious Day of the Lord. For you are baptized, washed with the blood of the Lamb, clothed in the joy of the resurrection Because you have been united into His death and resurrection in Your baptism, your sufferings have become His and His works have become yours. So the Father now looks with joy upon you. He is pleased to call you, His child. His is overjoyed to hold you in His arms.

  The Epistle for today teaches us to train ourselves in godly virtues while we await the final restoration of creation. To endure through sorrowing, suffering, trials and temptations, by doing so, give witness to the eternal joy of the resurrection. Some of the strongest witnessing that takes place is while a person is full of sorrow. Christ comforts His disciples and gives peace. Our approaching grief will only last for just a little while.

  May we be faithful to Christ, our Savior! God bless you.

  Fr. Arlon, osa

• Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
• Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
• Revelation 5:11-14
• John 21:1-19

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Easter.  We have to remember to pray for the success of the Conclave which will begin on May 7, 2025.  As a Church we need to pray for the College of Cardinals as they begin the important event, which we all entrust everything to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to elect the new Pope to shepherd and to lead us to God.  Your prayer is necessary and a significant collective action of the universal Church. 

The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, narrates to us the Holy Spirit’s continuous guidance. The Apostles were filled with the Spirit under the humiliating circumstance of being hauled up before the religious leaders.  Despite of that, they sustained their rejoicing and it was a privileged opportunity to share their intimacy with Jesus in all their works.  They were drawn into a deeper love for our Lord and a total commitment in the service for Jesus.   

There is no doubt that the Risen Lord accompanied them, especially on this particular event  hearing how Peter and his companions stood up against the authorities who had forbidden them to speak in the name of Jesus.  This is how deeply the apostles trusted in the Spirit and evidently proven the power of Jesus’ name.   

Think of the many difficulties we have in sustaining our faith in Jesus.  Some of us easily grumble and fail to rejoice.  We easily lose our hope in Jesus and are not proud to stay faithful to fully immerse ourselves in His divine will.   

The second reading, taken from the Book of Revelation, invites us to reflect on the effects the Lord’s resurrection had on our lives by presenting us the vision of St. John on the island of Patmos.  John became a witness to the resurrection even though being in isolation on an island.  The heavenly realities of liturgy cannot be done by the breaking of bread because of the lack of necessary liturgical material, but he only had God’s heavenly throne revealed to him, angelic hosts and collective voices of earthly creatures singing of Jesus’ glory. All of these formed the divine liturgy, yet his only access to heaven is his assurance that he commemorates the resurrection of the Lord.  We too, like John, witness Jesus’ resurrection by our holy life. 

The gospel today is again a beautiful resurrection story.  It begins when Peter decides he is going to return to fishing, maybe feeling frustrated.   I guess we all have the same attitude that after a great celebration of Easter, we are quick to return to our former ways.  The joy of Easter and the singing of Alleluia becomes a thing of the past, and there is no more enthusiasm to continue our mission.   

First, Peter and his companions went fishing, and that night they caught nothing.  Jesus asked them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They responded, “No.”  So Jesus instructed them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” They followed what Jesus said, and they could hardly pull the net in because of the number of fish. Then finally the beloved disciple, John, said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”  Because of Jesus’ simple direction, the nets were filled almost to bursting.  By recognizing the Lord, He can fill any of our emptiness in life due to His power over us. 

Second, when Peter gets to shore, Jesus is making him breakfast and providing food and nourishment to the rest of the Apostles.  Jesus reminds us who He is, the Lord who is concerned about our physical and spiritual nourishments.  We must remember that our real food is Jesus Himself.  We give thanks that the wonderful gift to us is an invite to be partakers of His banquet. 

Third, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, and Peter feels irritated by the three-fold questions, maybe because of Peter’s three times denying knowing Jesus out of fear and getting caught up in His arrest and crucifixion.  Each time Peter professes that he genuinely loves the Lord, Jesus reminds him, “Feed my lambs, Tend my sheep and Feed my sheep.”   

Jesus leads Peter into realizing and deepening the sense of how much he really needs to love the Lord.   This profession of love towards Jesus is an invitation of communion of love which leads to imitation and intimacy.  We are asked if we truly fall in love with Jesus, if we desire to imitate His style of loving others and feeding those other sheep, and growing into the same love Jesus wants us to manifest to others and be like Him. 

Lastly, when we were younger, we were used to doing and acting according to our desire; however, when we are old, we realize that we are led by others and sometimes not according to our own wishes and desires.  The clear message here is that our intimacy with Jesus will involve a communion with Him in surrender to the Father’s plan.  It is easy for us that our life and its direction is in our hands, but it is difficult and yet consoling to know that our life is in God’s hands.  What is necessary is our total surrender which is equally expressed by our willingness to find intimacy with Jesus.  Being obedient means deeper freedom and rejoicing to share His journey as our Savior and Lord. 

May our emptiness be filled by Jesus’ continuous appearance, just as the Apostles’ empty boat was filled with many blessings with the great catch. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

——————

El Dictado del Corazón

Tercer Domingo de Pascua, Año C

• Hechos 5,27–32.40b–41
• Salmo 29,2.4–6.11–13
• Apocalipsis 5,11–14
• Juan 21,1–19

Hoy celebramos el Tercer Domingo de Pascua. Recordemos orar por el éxito del Cónclave, que comenzará el 7 de mayo de 2025. Como Iglesia, debemos rezar por el Colegio de Cardenales al iniciar este importante evento. Encomendamos todo a las mociones del Espíritu Santo, quien los guiará en la elección del nuevo Papa: un pastor que nos lleve a Dios. Tus oraciones no solo son necesarias, sino también una expresión significativa de la acción colectiva de la Iglesia universal.

La primera lectura, tomada del Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, nos muestra la guía constante del Espíritu Santo. Aun en circunstancias humillantes—al ser llevados ante los líderes religiosos—los Apóstoles, llenos del Espíritu, vieron esto como una oportunidad privilegiada para alegrarse y compartir la intimidad con Cristo a través de sus obras. Fueron atraídos a un amor más profundo por el Señor y a un compromiso total en su servicio.

No cabe duda de que el Señor Resucitado estaba con ellos. Escuchamos cómo Pedro y sus compañeros se presentaron valientemente ante las autoridades que les habían prohibido hablar en nombre de Jesús. Tal era su confianza en el Espíritu y en el poder de Su nombre.

Ahora pensemos en las dificultades que a menudo enfrentamos para mantener nuestra fe en Jesús. Algunos de nosotros nos quejamos y no encontramos alegría. Fácilmente perdemos la esperanza, nos desanimamos y dudamos en entregarnos por completo a Su voluntad divina.

La segunda lectura, del Libro del Apocalipsis, nos invita a reflexionar sobre cómo la resurrección del Señor sigue afectando nuestras vidas. San Juan, exiliado en la isla de Patmos, se convirtió en testigo de la resurrección—aun en el aislamiento. Aunque carecía de los elementos físicos necesarios para celebrar la Eucaristía, experimentó la liturgia celestial a través de una visión: el trono de Dios, los coros angélicos y las voces de toda la creación cantando la gloria de Jesús. Esta liturgia divina fue su certeza de que seguía unido a la resurrección de Cristo.

El Evangelio de hoy es una hermosa historia de resurrección. Comienza cuando Pedro, quizá sintiéndose frustrado, decide volver a pescar. Podemos identificarnos con esta actitud: después del gran gozo de la Pascua, rápidamente podemos volver a nuestras costumbres anteriores. La alegría pascual y el canto del Aleluya se desvanecen en el fondo, y perdemos el entusiasmo por la misión.

Primero, Pedro y los demás van a pescar, pero no pescan nada durante toda la noche. Jesús aparece y les pregunta: “Hijos, ¿han pescado algo para comer?” Ellos responden: “No”. Entonces Jesús les dice: “Tiren la red a la derecha de la barca y encontrarán algo”. Cuando obedecen, la red se llena tanto que apenas pueden sacarla. Es entonces cuando el discípulo amado dice: “Es el Señor”. La sencilla instrucción de Jesús llena su vacío con abundancia. Su presencia puede hacer lo mismo en nuestras vidas.

Segundo, cuando llegan a la orilla, Jesús está preparando el desayuno. Él provee alimento y sustento, recordándonos que se preocupa no solo por nuestras almas, sino también por nuestras necesidades físicas. Debemos recordar que Jesús mismo es nuestro verdadero alimento. Damos gracias por el gran don de ser invitados a participar en su banquete.

Tercero, Jesús le pregunta a Pedro tres veces: “¿Me amas?” Pedro se entristece por la repetición, que tal vez es una forma de deshacer sus tres negaciones durante la Pasión. Cada vez que Pedro afirma su amor, Jesús responde: “Apacienta mis corderos”, “Pastorea mis ovejas”, “Apacienta mis ovejas”.

Jesús lleva a Pedro a una comprensión más profunda del amor—un amor que imita y entra en comunión con Cristo. Cuando se nos pregunta si realmente amamos a Jesús, nuestra respuesta también debe llevarnos a imitar Su amor por los demás, a alimentar a Sus ovejas, y a crecer en el amor que Él desea que compartamos.

Finalmente, Jesús le dice a Pedro que cuando era joven iba donde quería, pero cuando sea viejo, otros lo llevarán adonde no quiera ir. Esto señala el costo del discipulado. La intimidad con Jesús implica entregarse al plan del Padre. Es fácil creer que nuestras vidas están en nuestras propias manos, pero la verdadera paz viene cuando aceptamos que nuestras vidas están en manos de Dios. Lo necesario es una entrega total, que conduce a una intimidad más profunda con Cristo. La obediencia a Dios lleva a la verdadera libertad—y a la alegría de compartir en la misión de nuestro Salvador y Señor.

Que nuestro vacío sea llenado por la presencia continua de Jesús—tal como las redes vacías de los Apóstoles se llenaron con una pesca abundante.

Que Dios los bendiga,

P. Arlon, OSA