Month: June 2025

• Acts 12:1-11
• Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
• Matthew 16:13-19

Today is the Solemn Feast of these two great Apostles, Peter and Paul.  They have changed history by their fidelity to Jesus.  St. Peter is the rock, and the keys to the Kingdom of heaven had been given to him by Jesus.  He was a leader of the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem and Antioch and Rome.  He was the first Vicar of Christ on earth.   

Paul was the staunch follower of the Lord after his conversion.  He made history being a missionary for Christ to bring good news to the gentiles in Galatia and Athens and Thessalonica. He contributed to the propagation of Christian faith through his many epistles or letters included in the New Testament.   

I am convinced that these two Saints. Peter and Paul, are fittingly called the founding pillars of the Catholic Church despite Peter’s denials and human flaws and Saul, who was a great persecutor of early Christians. Both of them lived in their humanity and their participation in Christ’s Divinity, and they fell on their knees in order to receive redemptive love from Jesus, our Savior. They took upon themselves Christ’s life, death and resurrection, which finally brought them into Christ’s glory. 

The 1st reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, narrates the miraculous experience of Peter when he was about to be executed by King Herod because of his preaching about Jesus.  While in prison, an angel freed him from his chains. He was told by the angel to get up, get dressed and get out. Peter thought he was dreaming, but once he was out on the street, the angel left him to go and show himself to all those who had been praying for him.  This is how Peter was spared from his impending death because the Lord saved him. 

In the 2nd reading, a Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we hear Paul’s writing about his journey in faith after his conversion.  He labored much for the propagation of faith, being a convert and being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  He dedicated his whole life to Jesus, and in the midst of trials and difficulties, he kept the faith while boasting that the Lord stood by him and made him safe for his part in continuing to spread the Goodnews that all are saved by the goodness and mercy of God.  He said, “Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.” (Rom. 8:31-39) 

The gospel, taken from the evangelist, St. Matthew, presents signs for proof that Jesus is sent from God as the Messiah.  Jesus warns us that there have been clear signs and evidence which validate His claim.  Let us focus on this particular gospel pericope which interestingly revealed the very heart of Jesus.   

First, Jesus asks, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”  These questions must be taken in the context that Jesus asks His followers about who they think or believe Him to be.  The apostles, in particular Peter, attested to the fact that Jesus is more than just a prophet.  Peter professes the real presence of the Person of God made man.  Jesus is truly the Son of the Living God.  I believe that Peter was totally absorbed by the Holy Spirit with whom God worked on him with a change of mind and heart.   This is the highlight of the relationship between       Jesus and those whom He had called.  Jesus clearly is telling us that this act of belief comes, not from physical presentation of evidence, but as a gift from heaven; therefore, faith then is more than examination of evidence.   Faith is an ascent of the human will to God.   

Second, Jesus said to Simon, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my heavenly Father.”  Here, Jesus always breathing profoundly of that same Spirit has in turn bestowed a name change upon Simon.  “You are Peter,” Jesus said.  It is not only changing his name but informing him that his affirmation that “Jesus is Christ, the Son of the Living God,” is God’s gift.  Peter’s reaction on the basis of “flesh and blood” is not about his human capacities but through the revelation from God the Father.   

Third, Jesus says, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”  (Mt. 16:18) Peter was able to become a solid rock, though with human weakness, a stone along the path, a stone on which men can stumble which in Greek language means, “skandalon.”  We must be mindful that it was a gift that comes from the Lord and at the same time, a gift to take it with human capacities.   

It is a gift of affirmation and ordination that Peter was called the first Vicar of Christ on earth, a person called to take charge of the CHURCH, which is the gathering of people together because they have heard something special being called by Christ, you and me, together defined as the Church. 

As Peter, Paul and the other apostles were called, so is all that Jesus gives to Peter meant to continue the calling of Jesus, so that those who hear and follow will be called well.   Jesus never imposes anything on us because He is just an inviter.  The key given to Peter is not to lock us up but to keep safe the Truths and the Teachings of Jesus for our future with God. 

We are in one boat sailing together as Church during this Jubilee of Hope.  Let us be mindful of the great, abundant harvests of blessings called to be blest by the Word and Sacraments and to continue to be sent out for further calling and catching for the Lord and not for our self-interest.    

Wherever we are, like me being called to another missionary endeavor back in the Philippines after almost 19 years, we preach with authenticity, simplicity of life and actions of love.   I believe in preaching the Word of God, no matter how strong the storm, at least by God grace, like Sts. Peter and Paul, who conquered all human frailty, shed their blood and helped the Church to grow.   

May our sharing of the cup of suffering of the Lord allow us to stay friends of God. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Solemnidad de San Pedro y San Pablo, Apóstoles, Ciclo C

Lecturas:

• Hechos 12, 1–11
• Salmo 33, 2–3. 4–5. 6–7. 8–9
• 2 Timoteo 4, 6–8. 17–18
• Mateo 16, 13–19

Hoy celebramos la Solemnidad de dos grandes apóstoles: Pedro y Pablo. Ellos cambiaron el curso de la historia mediante su fidelidad a Jesús.

San Pedro es la roca, aquel a quien Jesús confió las llaves del Reino de los Cielos. Fue líder de las comunidades judeocristianas en Jerusalén, Antioquía y Roma, y se convirtió en el primer Vicario de Cristo en la tierra.

San Pablo, después de su conversión dramática, se volvió un ferviente misionero de Cristo. Llevó la Buena Nueva a los gentiles en lugares como Galacia, Atenas y Tesalónica. A través de sus muchas epístolas, que hoy forman parte del Nuevo Testamento, contribuyó enormemente a la expansión de la fe cristiana.

A pesar de la negación de Pedro y del pasado perseguidor de Pablo, ambos vivieron una profunda conversión. En su humanidad, encontraron la divinidad de Cristo. Se arrodillaron para recibir el amor redentor de Jesús, nuestro Salvador. Al abrazar la vida, muerte y resurrección de Cristo, llegaron a participar también de su gloria.

La primera lectura, tomada del libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, narra un momento milagroso en la vida de Pedro. Encarcelado por el rey Herodes por predicar a Jesús, Pedro estaba a punto de ser ejecutado. Pero un ángel del Señor se le apareció, rompió sus cadenas y le ordenó que se levantara, se vistiera y saliera. Al principio, Pedro pensaba que era un sueño. Pero cuando se encontró libre en la calle, comprendió que era real. Entonces fue a mostrarse a la comunidad que había estado orando fervientemente por él. El mensaje es claro: el Señor salva.

En la segunda lectura, escuchamos a San Pablo escribiendo a Timoteo al final de su vida. Reflexiona sobre su camino de fe, expresando que ha combatido el buen combate, ha terminado la carrera y ha conservado la fe. A pesar de las pruebas y persecuciones, Pablo nunca dudó. No se gloría en sí mismo, sino en que el Señor estuvo a su lado y le dio fuerza para anunciar la Buena Nueva. Nos recuerda que “nada puede separarnos del amor de Cristo” (cf. Romanos 8, 31–39).

En el Evangelio de hoy, San Mateo presenta un momento clave en el ministerio público de Jesús. Primero pregunta: “¿Quién dice la gente que es el Hijo del Hombre?”, y luego lanza una pregunta más personal: “Y ustedes, ¿quién dicen que soy yo?” Estas preguntas no solo desafían a los discípulos, sino también a cada uno de nosotros.

Pedro, lleno del Espíritu Santo, proclama con valentía: “Tú eres el Mesías, el Hijo de Dios vivo.” Esta profesión de fe marca un punto de inflexión. Pedro habla, no por intuición humana, sino por revelación divina del Padre. Esta es la base de nuestra fe: no solo la razón o la evidencia, sino un don de lo alto. La fe es la adhesión libre de la voluntad humana a Dios.

Jesús responde: “Dichoso tú, Simón, hijo de Jonás, porque esto no te lo ha revelado ningún hombre, sino mi Padre que está en el cielo.” Luego añade: “Tú eres Pedro, y sobre esta piedra edificaré mi Iglesia.”

Aquí, Jesús no solo cambia el nombre de Simón, afirma su nueva identidad y misión. La confesión de Pedro se convierte en el fundamento de la Iglesia, no por su fuerza humana, sino por la iniciativa divina de Dios. Aunque Pedro seguiría luchando con su debilidad, fue, en ocasiones, piedra de tropiezo (del griego skandalon) fue elegido para ser la roca sobre la cual Cristo edificaría su Iglesia.

Jesús entrega a Pedro las llaves del Reino, no para cerrar el paso a los demás, sino para custodiar y preservar la Verdad de la enseñanza de Cristo. Pedro se convierte en el primer pastor del rebaño, llamado a servir, a guiar y a reunir al pueblo de Dios, la Iglesia, que no es un edificio, sino un pueblo convocado por Cristo.

Así como Pedro, Pablo y los demás apóstoles fueron llamados, también nosotros lo somos. Jesús sigue haciendo su invitación a cada uno. Él no impone, invita. Y en este Jubileo de la Esperanza, todos estamos llamados a estar en la misma barca, navegando juntos como Iglesia.

Como Pedro y Pablo, somos enviados a predicar, no por nosotros mismos, sino por el Señor. Donde sea que estemos, ya sea aquí o, como en mi caso, después de casi diecinueve años, de regreso a Filipinas, estamos llamados a predicar con autenticidad, sencillez de vida y actos de amor.

No importa cuán fuerte sea la tormenta; por la gracia de Dios, podemos, como san Pedro y san Pablo, superar nuestra fragilidad humana. Ellos derramaron su sangre, permanecieron fieles, y gracias a su testimonio, la Iglesia ha crecido.

Que al compartir el cáliz del sufrimiento, profundicemos nuestra amistad con Dios, y que las vidas de san Pedro y san Pablo nos sigan inspirando a caminar con humildad y valentía en la fe.

Que Dios los bendiga,

P. Arlon, OSA

• Genesis 14:18–20
• Psalm 110:1–4
• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
• Luke 9:11–17

Having been a Catholic parishioner for many years, he still struggles to accept Jesus and does not fully understand that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. Many of you may have the same attitude, wrestling to fully accept this mystery in faith. We just cannot seem to figure out how Jesus’ Body and Blood could truly be present in that way.

So, I politely asked this person, “Would you like it if Jesus really wanted to be with you and dwell within you through the Eucharist?” He responded, “Yes, but I would prefer it if there were concrete and visible evidence—something I could see and taste—to truly believe.” He refused the simplicity of faith and receptivity.

Many of us also look for evidence to prove Christ’s Real Presence in the small host and the chalice of wine—elements that never change in taste. Yet Jesus said plainly: “This is my Body… This is my Blood”—real food and drink for eternal life. Jesus does not lie. He would never deceive us.

What becomes painfully evident, however, is our lack of belief and reverence toward the Eucharist. Many times, we fail to give the highest respect to God, who became food—not just to nourish us physically or spiritually, but to show us how deeply we are loved. Let us ask ourselves again:

• How much honor and respect do we give to Jesus in the Eucharist?
• How many of us fail to recognize His presence after receiving Communion?
• How often do we offend the Lord by acts of irreverence or sacrilege?

At every Mass, we are called to believe that after the consecration of the bread and wine, something extraordinary takes place—not just a priestly blessing, but a real transformation: both species become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This mystery is what we call the Eucharistic Presence of God. The feast of Corpus Christi has been celebrated in the Church since 1254 to honor this profound mystery.

Today is a special day for the Church to humbly reflect on the sacred meaning of the Eucharist through the Scriptures. This feast began on Holy Thursday, when at the Last Supper, Jesus gave His Body and Blood to His disciples. That gift was completed on Good Friday, when He offered His Body and Blood on the Cross for all of us.

In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, we see a victorious moment: Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, offers bread and wine in thanksgiving and blessing. The ritual act of praise, along with the offering of bread and wine—gifts from the earth and signs of God’s sustaining love—symbolize a deep covenantal relationship with God.

In the second reading, from the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul recalls the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Paul writes that Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then He took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my Blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Paul reminds us that in eating this bread and drinking this cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes again.

The Gospel from Luke recounts the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish. Jesus’ preaching and healing had drawn a large crowd. Though physically exhausted and hungry, the people stayed, captivated by His words.

Let us reflect on three key moments:

First, Jesus sends out His apostles, and when they return to report all they had done and seen, He takes them to a quiet place for rest. But the crowd finds them again, and the tension over how to feed such a large group arises. Their inability to provide food becomes a moment of mission, not failure.

Second, Jesus tells the apostles, “You give them something to eat.” They protest that they have only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus blesses what they have and gives it back to the apostles to distribute. This act mirrors the Eucharist: blessing, breaking, and distributing. When the people had eaten their fill, twelve baskets of leftovers remained—an abundant sign of God’s providence.

Third, Jesus shows that His preaching and healing are intimately tied to the act of feeding. He empowers His apostles to serve, just as He serves. Jesus, the one who should be served, instead becomes the one who serves. The apostles, then and now, are to break bread for the healing and nourishment of the faithful. Those wishing to be fed had to gather, sit, and show they were open to receive.

The apostles went out with little, and returned with much. Jesus transforms what is small through the power lines of love.

When you are hungry, do not turn to food that fails to satisfy. Turn to Jesus. In your most difficult moments, when you feel overwhelmed, let the gift of His life give you strength, freedom, and courage. Jesus offers you peace that the world cannot give. He offers you the food that leads to eternal life. With this food, you will not lose yourself—you will find yourself, and be united with God.

In Sermon 227, St. Augustine teaches that the visible bread and wine on the altar, once sanctified by the word of God, become the Body and Blood of Christ. In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we become what we receive: the Mystical Body of Christ. Augustine affirmed that what we receive is the same Body that hung on the Cross. It is not merely a symbol—it is a real participation in Christ’s sacrifice.

St. Augustine gives us this powerful insight to contemplate on this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo (Corpus Christi), Año C

• Génesis 14, 18–20
• Salmo 109, 1–4
• 1 Corintios 11, 23–26
• Lucas 9, 11–17

Aun después de muchos años en la Iglesia, hay quienes siguen luchando por creer que Jesús está realmente presente en la Eucaristía. Tal vez tú también batalles con este misterio de fe. Quizás te preguntes: ¿Cómo puede ser posible? ¿Cómo pueden el pan y el vino convertirse en el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo?

Una vez le pregunté amablemente a un feligrés que tenía esta misma duda:

”¿Te gustaría que fuera verdad que Jesús quiere habitar en ti a través de la Eucaristía?”

Él respondió: “Sí, me gustaría, pero desearía tener pruebas visibles, algo que pudiera ver o saborear para realmente creer.”

Esta respuesta, aunque honesta, revela una negativa a aceptar la sencillez de la fe. Como muchos hoy en día, buscaba evidencia tangible en lugar de abandonarse al don del misterio divino. Pero la fe no consiste en ver, sino en confiar en Aquel que habla.

Jesús no dijo: “Esto representa mi Cuerpo”, sino: “Esto es mi Cuerpo… Esta es mi Sangre.” Él no nos engaña. Nos entregó su propio ser: alimento verdadero y bebida verdadera para la vida eterna.

Lo que con frecuencia se vuelve dolorosamente evidente no es el misterio de la Eucaristía, sino nuestra falta de fe en ella. Muchos de nosotros, tal vez sin darnos cuenta, recibimos la Eucaristía sin reverencia, sin asombro, sin amor.

Preguntémonos sinceramente:

   •   ¿Cuánto honor y devoción mostramos a Jesús verdaderamente presente en la Eucaristía?

   •   Después de comulgar, ¿reconocemos a quién hemos recibido?

   •   ¿Con qué frecuencia ofendemos al Señor por actos de irreverencia, distracción o incluso sacrilegio?

En cada Misa ocurre algo extraordinario: no es solo un rito simbólico, ni una simple bendición, sino una verdadera transformación. El pan y el vino se convierten en el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Jesucristo. A esto le llamamos la Presencia Real, no una metáfora, sino una realidad.

La Solemnidad de Corpus Christi, celebrada por primera vez en la Iglesia en 1254, es un día para honrar y reflexionar profundamente sobre este misterio sagrado. Nace del Jueves Santo, cuando Cristo instituyó la Eucaristía, y nos dirige al Viernes Santo, cuando se ofreció por completo en la Cruz.

En nuestra primera lectura del Génesis, encontramos a Melquisedec, el misterioso sacerdote rey de Salem, ofreciendo pan y vino en acción de gracias. Este acto antiguo prefigura a Cristo, el verdadero Sacerdote y Rey, que se ofrece bajo los signos del pan y el vino: un gesto de alianza, de gratitud y de amor.

En la segunda lectura, San Pablo recuerda la Última Cena. Jesús tomó el pan, dio gracias, lo partió y dijo: “Esto es mi Cuerpo, que se entrega por ustedes.” Luego tomó el cáliz y dijo: “Este cáliz es la nueva alianza en mi Sangre.” No es solo un recuerdo: es una participación en el sacrificio de la Cruz.

En el Evangelio de Lucas, vemos a Jesús alimentando a una multitud hambrienta con cinco panes y dos pescados. Pero este milagro es mucho más que una comida. Es un anuncio de la Eucaristía.

Reflexionemos sobre tres momentos importantes de esa escena:

1. Jesús se retira con sus discípulos a descansar, pero la multitud los encuentra. En lugar de alejarlos, Jesús los acoge, los sana y les enseña. Aun cuando estamos cansados y agobiados, el Señor sigue entregándose a nosotros.

2. Jesús les dice a sus apóstoles: “Denles ustedes de comer.”Aunque tienen poco, Él bendice lo que le ofrecen y lo multiplica. Esto es Eucaristía: bendecir, partir y compartir. Cuando ofrecemos nuestros pequeños dones a Dios, Él los transforma sin medida.

3. Finalmente, Jesús muestra que alimentar y sanar van de la mano. El hambre física de la multitud se convierte en una puerta a la comunión más profunda con Dios. Jesús, el que debería ser servido, se convierte en el que sirve. Y envía a sus apóstoles a hacer lo mismo: a nutrir a los fieles, no con alimento común, sino con el Pan de Vida.

Queridos amigos, cuando estemos espiritualmente hambrientos, no busquemos un alimento que no sacia. Volvámonos a Jesús en la Eucaristía. En nuestras horas más oscuras, cuando nos sintamos vacíos o con miedo, dejemos que el don de su Cuerpo y Sangre sea nuestra fortaleza. Jesús nos ofrece una paz que el mundo no puede dar, y un alimento que no lleva a la muerte, sino a la vida eterna.

Con este alimento celestial, no nos perdemos nos encontramos. Nos unimos a Dios.

San Agustín, en su Sermón 227, habla poderosamente sobre este misterio. Nos recuerda que el pan y el vino, una vez consagrados por la palabra de Cristo, se convierten en su verdadero Cuerpo y Sangre. Y al recibirlos, nos convertimos en lo que recibimos: el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo. La Eucaristía no es solo un símbolo: es una participación en el sacrificio de Cristo en la Cruz.

Así que hoy, en esta gran fiesta del Corpus Christi, adoremos al que se hace alimento para nuestras almas. Renovemos nuestra fe en la Presencia Real. Démosle el honor, la reverencia y el amor que verdaderamente merece.

Vengan, adoremos y postrémonos ante Él, verdaderamente presente en la Eucaristía.

Y que jamás lo recibamos con ligereza, sino siempre con un corazón lleno de amor, humildad y gratitud.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos.

P. Arlon, OSA

• Proverbs 8:22-31
• Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• Romans 5:1-5
• John 16:12-15

Today is the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity.  It falls also on the celebration of Father’s Day.  We allow ourselves to embrace and rejoice to receive this mystery and the gift of every father in the world.  I find it more comforting to think of our father with us and how he provides for us in every way.  Some of us no longer have earthly fathers with us. Some may not have the father that they needed, and, of course, many have caring, nurturing fathers; yet all of us share the same loving Father who gave us His only Son, that we would be saved.  Jesus is our brother who gives His Body and Blood so that whoever eats this bread will live forever.  The enduring presence of Christ strengthens and sustains us, for He wants to share His life and mission. 

Today we are not dealing here with concepts or ideas in order to understand this profound mystery of the Holy Trinity but to reflect on the mystery based on our individual experience of relationship and our encounter with the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God in three persons.  

Let us reflect on each of the readings today which manifest the unity of God who continues to reveal Himself in human history and what is written down in the scriptures.  

In the 1st reading today from the Book of Proverbs is a poetic reflection of the co-eternity within the three persons in God.  There is the Highest Being called the Father who is in existence, omnipotent, and the power of creating resides in Him.  He has all the wisdom to design everything here on earth, including the human race, who was made into His masterpiece. He made man His co-partner of His creation.  God breathed on them to illustrate His creative power, made according to His own image.  

The 2nd reading, taken from the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, notes that it is through the work of Jesus Christ that “we have peace with God,” which means “eirene” in Greek, that surpasses all understanding and gains for us all access to the grace of God. 

The gospel, taken from St. John, is a section of Jesus’s last words with His friends.  The beginning verse is to make us understand what He says that, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.”  Therefore, because of our limited mind and also attention span, we cannot carry some of His teachings.  We are humbled though by the fact that we are just His mere creation.  We need to patiently conquer our iniquities so that through His grace we sustain our eagerness to figure out that this Holy Trinity is not difficult to accept and to embrace.  Jesus speaks of the Spirit, who shares all that the Father has given to Jesus, the Son.  The Spirit will also guide the disciples and believers to learn what Jesus taught us.  The Spirit accompanies us to remember everything. 

There are some important points to guide our understanding of the mystery revealed to us.   

First, the deepest truth that Jesus came to reveal is that there is a Creator Who loves all the creation, and then everything He created returns to the Creator, the Father.   Our main concern is to love and protect the environment and the world and never misuse or selfishly abuse created things.  We are all recipients of these gifts and stewards of all things around us. They are all ours but still belong to the Father who created everything and with which humanity cannot do whatever they want. 

Second, the coming of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, who lives in human history, opens our minds that all good things around us have come from heaven above.  He was sent by the Father, to praise and glorify all with His Holy Name by preaching, good deeds and love.  In His Word from the gospel, He preaches that all good things come from God and are part of God’s goodness and so we must return them. Jesus’ mission is to embrace us with sacredness according to the sacredness of His Father.  We are all redeemed so that we may all be saved.   

Third, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send an Advocate, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, had been fulfilled during the Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has something to do with the perpetuation of God’s presence here on earth and beyond to build and to kindle in us the fire of God’s love, unity and communion.  The Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, found delight in working within our souls to keep reminding us that in three persons, there is One Divine Being.   

The Holy Spirit sustains us patiently on our journey through life’s holy pilgrimage.  When we are weak and tempted to give up on our holiness, the Spirit is quick to assist us in seeing all the other gifts bestowed upon us so that we may persevere to our holy and eternal destiny. 

This mystery about the Trinity has been revealed implicitly, accepting humbly the Holy Trinity which remains in the hearts of the Apostles and the early Christians and taught to us by the Fathers of the Church. In particular, St. Augustine encourages us to keep on searching, pondering, being warmed by anything which keeps us alive in faith, and interested in watching the play of God who delights amidst our human limitation to grasp the totality of God.  However, the most important is that we are being loved enough. 

Today, let us be renewed in our relationship with the three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and we can grow in our desires for a greater openness to the graces that each person wants to offer us. May this feast bring us all a renewal of the graces we need and the desire to enjoy the very personal gift of God’s love for us – for God’s greater glory and the service of others.  

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad, Ciclo C

• Proverbios 8, 22–31
• Salmo 8, 4–5. 6–7. 8–9
• Romanos 5, 1–5
• Juan 16, 12–15

Hoy celebramos la Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad, que también coincide con el Día del Padre. Abracemos con gozo este profundo misterio y el don de la paternidad en todas sus formas. Me resulta muy consolador pensar en nuestro Padre celestial: cómo está siempre con nosotros y cómo provee en todo momento.

Algunos de nosotros ya no tenemos a nuestros padres terrenales con vida. Otros quizá no tuvieron el padre que necesitaban. Muchos, gracias a Dios, han conocido el amor de un padre cariñoso y atento. Sin embargo, todos compartimos una misma verdad: tenemos un Padre amoroso que nos dio a su único Hijo para que seamos salvados. Jesús, nuestro Hermano, nos entrega su Cuerpo y su Sangre, para que quien coma de este pan viva para siempre. Su presencia constante nos fortalece y sostiene. Él quiere compartir con nosotros su vida y su misión.

Hoy no se trata solo de entender el misterio de la Trinidad como una idea o concepto. Se trata de reflexionar sobre nuestra experiencia vivida: nuestra relación y encuentro con la Trinidad: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios en tres Personas.

Reflexionemos sobre las lecturas de hoy, que manifiestan la unidad de Dios y su continua revelación a lo largo de la historia humana, recogida en las Sagradas Escrituras.

En la primera lectura, del libro de los Proverbios, encontramos una reflexión poética sobre la coexistencia eterna de las tres Personas divinas. Se presenta al Padre como el Ser Supremo, todopoderoso, Creador de todo. La Sabiduría está junto a Él desde el principio, participando en la creación. Por medio de esta Sabiduría, diseñó el universo y creó al ser humano como su obra maestra. Dios sopló sobre nosotros su aliento de vida, nos hizo a su imagen y nos invitó a ser colaboradores en su creación.

En la segunda lectura, de la carta del apóstol san Pablo a los Romanos, se nos recuerda que, por medio de Jesucristo, “tenemos paz con Dios”. La palabra griega eirene se refiere a una paz que supera todo entendimiento. Gracias a Cristo, tenemos acceso a la gracia de Dios.

El Evangelio de san Juan nos presenta parte del discurso de despedida de Jesús a sus discípulos. Comienza diciendo: “Todavía tengo muchas cosas que decirles, pero ahora no las pueden comprender.” Estas palabras nos invitan a la humildad, reconociendo nuestras limitaciones humanas. Sin embargo, Jesús promete el envío del Espíritu, que nos guiará a la verdad plena. El Espíritu tomará todo lo que el Padre ha dado al Hijo y nos lo hará conocer. Nos ayudará a recordar y vivir las enseñanzas de Jesús.

Para ayudarnos a abrazar el misterio de la Trinidad, consideremos tres puntos clave:

Primero, Jesús nos revela la verdad más profunda: tenemos un Creador que ama su creación. Todo lo que Dios ha hecho está llamado a volver a Él. Por eso, debemos amar y cuidar la naturaleza y el mundo que nos rodea. No podemos abusar ni usar egoístamente lo creado. Somos administradores de estos dones, no sus dueños. Todo le pertenece al Padre.

Segundo, la venida de Jesús, el Hijo de Dios hecho carne, nos ayuda a reconocer que todo bien proviene del cielo. Él fue enviado por el Padre para glorificar su nombre a través de la predicación, las obras de amor y el testimonio de vida. Todo lo que Jesús enseñó nos muestra que la bondad viene de Dios y debe regresar a Él. Su misión fue abrazarnos con la misma santidad del Padre. Hemos sido redimidos para alcanzar la salvación.

Tercero, la promesa de Jesús de enviar al Defensor, el Paráclito, se cumplió en Pentecostés. El Espíritu Santo continúa haciendo presente a Dios entre nosotros. Él enciende en nuestros corazones el fuego del amor divino, la unidad y la comunión. Procede del Padre y del Hijo, y actúa en el alma humana para recordarnos que en tres Personas hay un solo Ser Divino.

El Espíritu Santo nos acompaña pacientemente en nuestro caminar. Cuando estamos débiles o sentimos ganas de abandonar el camino de la santidad, el Espíritu nos recuerda los dones que hemos recibido, para que perseveremos hacia nuestro destino eterno.

Este misterio de la Trinidad ha sido revelado y humildemente acogido por los apóstoles, los primeros cristianos y los Padres de la Iglesia. San Agustín, en particular, nos anima a seguir buscando, reflexionando y dejándonos tocar por aquello que alimenta nuestra fe. Aunque somos limitados y no podemos comprender plenamente a Dios, lo más importante es saber que somos profundamente amados.

Hoy, renovemos nuestra relación con las tres Personas divinas: el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo. Abramos el corazón para recibir las gracias que cada Persona quiere darnos. Que esta fiesta nos renueve en el amor de Dios y nos impulse a servir a los demás, para mayor gloria de Dios.

Dios los bendiga.

• Acts 2:1-11
• Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
• 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
• John 20:19-23

Today is a joyous celebration which is sometimes called the birthday of the universal Church. It’s Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of the Lord, and the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, descends upon the Apostles and followers of the Lord as it was promised to them. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. He is a Spirit, not a physical thing, and thus we can’t see a spirit but we can feel His presence.

In the first reading from Acts, the Jews were “all in one place together.” What we hear from this epistle is the surprising event of a Holy Wind and then “appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.”

This Spirit’s coming brings about great changes in their lives because of their ability to speak and understand different languages as a sign of the mighty acts of God. Those inspired Jews give thanks to God, and news spreads for the abundance of grace which represents a new experience of Pentecost. We ponder, proclaim and rejoice that God’s Spirit is faithful to God’s continuous creation.

The second reading from the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians expresses that the Church is like the human body that does many different things, but when guided by the Spirit, it becomes the Body of Christ. Looking at the face of every person, it can reveal an aspect of his total person; therefore, each of us reveals something of the Person and mystery of God. What a great way that we share God’s beauty in our life.

The gospel is taken from St. John and reflects his view on how the Pentecost took place. The disciples gathered together, “the doors were locked,” fearful of the Jews, and yet the Lord Jesus came in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” This greeting of peace makes them aware of His ever-presence, which removes their worries and their feeling of emptiness. They rejoice to hear His words and see clearly the signs of His glory.

We need today the greeting of peace from the Lord and even after the election of Pope Leo, he reiterates the same greeting to all the people, “Peace be with you.” God knows how we presently are overburdened by our experience of brokenness, loss and hurt. Jesus wants to encounter and meet us with our past, with our present predicaments, but with the assurance of a blissful and brighter future.

The gospel message allows us to reflect the meaning and the value of the mystery of the coming of the Paraclete.

First, the disciples were “Locked in fear.” We hear John’s account of Jesus’ sending, or “breathing” the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. As in Luke’s account in Acts, there is a gathering. John’s version has the group hiding with fear, but both, upon reception of the Spirit, are blest and then “sent”. Jesus’ breathing the Spirit echoes Genesis’ description of the creating God breathing from out of the abyss of nothingness. For John, the process of creation is to extend God’s peace to the now “deformed” world, and the work of the Spirit is that all creation, and that includes human beings, radiates in-flesh Jesus through us.

Second, Jesus began greeting them “Peace be with you.” In truth, we seldom experience and feel real peace for more than a few minutes these days. All become addicted to turning on televisions, getting on social media, cellphones and encountering someone who tends to push our buttons and there goes total chaos.

I believe that our experience today is much different when we are accompanied by the Holy Spirit. When we invite the Holy Spirit into every experience, we can do God’s works with confidence and courage. We can begin our day creating the space we need to allow the Holy Spirit to liberate us and empower us.

Third, we hear some heavy breathing. The “breath” brings wholesome inspiration to re-create the entire universe. The Spirit was not inflating, but incarnating. In the Christian community, it tells us how the Spirit, “wind” of God, has inspirited human hearts to live highly immersed in the Spirit of God. The Apostles experience the Spirit of God, and they will be urged to speak in every land and every language to bring about the completion of the original “Let there be light”, and “Let there be life.” Hence, the Pentecost is a celebration of the fruitfulness of the land, blest by the sun and rain and “breath” of God.

Brothers and Sisters, let us invite the Holy Spirit who breaks down the walls of a stubborn heart, heals the broken, melts the frozen, and guides our steps. We are in much need of the reconciling presence of the Spirit, which draws us into communion with each other, as members of the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit comes constantly from the ever-loving Trinity. We celebrate today with our willingness that we might be open to the Spirit’s work of giving Christ new dimensions, new visibility and new gestures of revelation within us as individuals and us as God’s people. We are praying in celebration that God is constantly sending His gift of a continued presence.

The Holy Spirit is the perpetuation of God’s presence. The Holy Spirit is a gentle reminder within our hearts that we may also be glorified with Him. The Holy Spirit is fully God with no division between the Father and Jesus for they are the same substance and an inseparable ONE Divine Being.

Come, Holy Spirit kindle in us the fire of your love.

Fr. Arlon, osa

El Dictado del Corazón: Domingo de Pentecostés, Año C

• Lecturas: Hechos 2, 1–11
• Salmo 103(104), 1.24.29–30.31.34
• 1 Corintios 12, 3b–7.12–13
• Juan 20, 19–23

Hoy celebramos con gozo una gran fiesta, a menudo llamada el cumpleaños de la Iglesia universal. Es Domingo de Pentecostés, 50 días después de la Resurrección del Señor. En este día, el Paráclito, el Espíritu Santo, desciende sobre los Apóstoles y los seguidores de Jesús, tal como Él lo prometió. El Espíritu Santo, la tercera Persona de la Santísima Trinidad, no es algo físico, es Espíritu, y por lo tanto, invisible a nuestros ojos humanos.

• Acts 1:1-11
• Psalm 47:2-3,6,7, 8-9
• Ephesians 1:17-23
• Luke 24:46-53

In these final days of Easter season, we gather today on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.  We realize that Jesus with his early disciples “led them out as far as Bethany and blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven…returned to Jerusalem with great joy,” and this signaled a new sense of the new reality in their lives wherein Jesus has to go ahead of them.  

The readings for today’s feast of the Ascension narrate about the coming of a new reality in the universal Church and the continuation of “Mission” accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.   

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, His followers were watching as “He was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight.”  His band of disciples watch from the ground as He ascends into heaven.  They look forward to the reception of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s accompanying power preparing them for a mission in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and “to the ends of the earth.” 

In the second reading from the letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul has these striking words, “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call. . . .”  St. Paul reveals that there is a different kind of seeing, leading to a deeper kind of knowing.  The inner heart has “eyes” that see, a gift of the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation.”  These eyes give sure knowledge of the hope that is ours, the hope of sharing in the glory that is our destiny.  

The gospel today is taken from the evangelist St. Luke.  The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) tell us about after the Resurrection and the various appearances of Jesus before He was taken up into the heavens, but there was no hint of when it happened; we had no information.  However, the Acts of the Apostles concretely mentions that these appearances occurred over a period of 40 days – which is why the Church has chosen to celebrate the Ascension when we do, exactly 40 days after Easter.  We need to remember that Jesus’ glorified body wasn’t constrained by the usual limits of time and space.  

I invite you to reflect on these expected clues to teach us about the importance of the mystery of the Ascension of the Lord and which are implicitly implied in the readings assigned to the liturgy today. 

First, from Acts, it narrates something of what the followers of Jesus experienced when, after forty days of being with them in his resurrected body, he told them to remain close to Jerusalem where God would baptize them in his Holy Spirit.  They are to wait, one presumes in anticipation for God’s Spirit to “drown” them in a way – to be poured out in such a way that those who received the Spirit would be born again into a new creation. 

Second, it seems that to some, the Ascension event doesn’t make much sense – and therefore doesn’t have much meaning; but unless we try to put ourselves into the situation of Jesus’ closest friends, His Apostles, when they suffered for the loss of Him through a humiliating death on the Cross. Then Jesus returned to them in a “glorified state,” His resurrection, which gives them great hope and rejoicing. Our Responsorial Psalm 47 points us in the right direction: “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy”. 

Third, because of the Resurrection of Jesus which led to His Ascension, the world has changed.  Everything has been renewed with an ever-living presence of God, so glorious and so real that whatever sense of God, our true identity, friendships and relationships become an encounter of that mystery which gives meaning and fulfillment to our existence. St. Augustine has this for us to ponder on, “If you wander off from the center to any other part, you lose sight of the whole.” (On Order 1,2,3) 

Fourth, we become aware of our responsibility to commit to the mission given to us by Jesus.  Jesus gave this counsel through these words of St. John Paul II, “You must be strong with the strength that comes from faith. You must be faithful. You must be strong with the strength of hope, the hope that brings perfect joy in life and which prevents us from ever grieving the Holy Spirit.  You must be strong with love, the love which is stronger than death ….”  Our task to face many challenges of this world is to engage in dialogue, create bridges for unity and understanding, which is a piece of advice from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. 

This is what the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord means.  It does not mean that Jesus has left us behind, nor that He has departed from us to some far away place, far from people and from our world. Today’s Feast of the Ascension thus invites us to devote ourselves to consolidating our Lord’s Kingdom on earth, a Kingdom of goodness, justice, solidarity and mercy. It challenges us to give courageous witness to the Gospel before today’s world by bringing hope to the poor, the suffering, the lost and abandoned.  It inspires us to be good to those we live and work with, to love them, and by doing so, to show our love for God, who in all things loves us.  The Holy Spirit strengthens us, and He is with us because Jesus says, “Behold I am with you always.”  

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: La Ascensión del Señor, Año C

• Lecturas: Hechos 1,1-11
• Salmo 46(47),2-3.6-9
• Efesios 1,17-23
• Lucas 24,46-53

En estos últimos días del tiempo de Pascua, nos reunimos hoy para celebrar la Solemnidad de la Ascensión del Señor. Al igual que los primeros discípulos, también nosotros somos invitados a entrar en una nueva conciencia: darnos cuenta de que, aunque Jesús ya no está físicamente con nosotros, ha ido delante para prepararnos el camino. Como nos dice el Evangelio, Jesús “los llevó hasta cerca de Betania y, levantando las manos, los bendijo. Y mientras los bendecía, se separó de ellos y fue llevado al cielo… regresaron a Jerusalén con gran alegría”. Esto señala una nueva realidad en sus vidas: Jesús tenía que ir por delante de ellos.

Las lecturas de esta fiesta de la Ascensión nos hablan del comienzo de una nueva etapa en la Iglesia universal: la continuación de la misión, ahora acompañada por el poder del Espíritu Santo.

En la primera lectura del libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, los discípulos presencian cómo Jesús “fue elevado y una nube lo ocultó de su vista”. Ellos lo contemplan desde la tierra mientras asciende al cielo. Pero pronto su atención se dirige a la promesa que viene: recibirán al Espíritu Santo y su poder, que los preparará para una misión que empezará en Jerusalén, pasará por Judea y Samaria, y llegará “hasta los confines de la tierra”.

En la segunda lectura, de la carta a los Efesios, san Pablo escribe estas palabras tan profundas: “Que los ojos de su corazón sean iluminados, para que comprendan cuál es la esperanza a la que han sido llamados…”. San Pablo nos revela que existe una forma distinta de ver, que conduce a un conocimiento más profundo. El corazón interior tiene “ojos” que ven, gracias al don del “Espíritu de sabiduría y revelación”. Esos ojos dan certeza de la esperanza que nos pertenece: la esperanza de compartir la gloria que es nuestro destino.

El Evangelio de hoy, según san Lucas, nos recuerda una verdad compartida por los evangelios sinópticos (Mateo, Marcos y Lucas): que después de la Resurrección, Jesús se apareció varias veces a los discípulos, pero no permaneció con ellos para siempre. Aunque los evangelios no especifican cuándo ocurrió la Ascensión, el libro de los Hechos nos dice que estas apariciones sucedieron durante cuarenta días, razón por la cual la Iglesia celebra esta solemnidad cuarenta días después de Pascua. Es importante recordar que el cuerpo glorificado de Jesús ya no estaba limitado por el tiempo y el espacio como lo estamos nosotros.

Les invito ahora a reflexionar sobre algunas señales que nos ayudan a comprender mejor la importancia del misterio de la Ascensión del Señor, y que están implícitamente contenidas en las lecturas de hoy.

Primero; El libro de los Hechos narra cómo, después de pasar cuarenta días con ellos en su cuerpo resucitado, Jesús les pide que permanezcan en Jerusalén, donde Dios los bautizará con su Espíritu Santo. Deben esperar, no con pasividad, sino con expectativa confiada. El Espíritu no vendrá solo a consolarlos, sino a transformarlos: a “inundarlos” con poder divino, para que quienes lo reciban nazcan de nuevo como una nueva creación.

Segundo; A algunos, la Ascensión puede parecer un acontecimiento difícil de entender y, por tanto, sin mucho significado. Pero debemos colocarnos en el lugar de los amigos más cercanos de Jesús: sus apóstoles, que habían sufrido la pérdida de su Maestro a través de una muerte humillante en la cruz. Luego, lo vieron resucitado, glorificado, lo cual les dio gran esperanza y alegría. El Salmo responsorial 46(47) nos guía en esta reflexión:

“Dios asciende entre aclamaciones, el Señor al son de trompetas.”

La Ascensión no es abandono; es victoria. Jesús asciende, no para dejarnos, sino para reinar en gloria y enviar al Espíritu Santo.

Tercero; Gracias a la Resurrección y Ascensión de Jesús, el mundo ha cambiado. Todo ha sido renovado por la presencia viva y gloriosa de Dios. Nuestra experiencia de Dios, de nuestra identidad, de nuestras amistades y relaciones, se convierte en un encuentro con el misterio que da sentido y plenitud a nuestra existencia. San Agustín nos deja esta reflexión:

“Si te alejas del centro hacia cualquier otra parte, pierdes de vista el todo.” (Sobre el Orden 1,2,3)

Pongamos siempre a Cristo en el centro de nuestros corazones y de nuestras vidas.

Cuarto; La Ascensión también nos hace conscientes de nuestra responsabilidad de continuar la misión que Jesús nos dejó. Él nos da esta orientación por medio de las palabras de San Juan Pablo II:

“Deben ser fuertes con la fuerza que viene de la fe. Deben ser fieles. Deben ser fuertes con la fuerza de la esperanza, la esperanza que da una alegría perfecta en la vida y que nos impide contristar al Espíritu Santo. Deben ser fuertes con el amor, el amor que es más fuerte que la muerte…”

Nuestra tarea ante los desafíos del mundo es dialogar, tender puentes, crear unidad y comprensión, como nos aconseja Su Santidad el Papa León XIII.

La fiesta de la Ascensión no significa que Jesús nos haya abandonado, ni que se haya ido a un lugar lejano, apartado del mundo y de las personas. Por el contrario, nos muestra el comienzo de una nueva presencia. Hoy, la Ascensión del Señor nos invita a dedicarnos a construir su Reino en la tierra, un Reino de bondad, justicia, solidaridad y misericordia.

Este día nos desafía a dar testimonio del Evangelio con valentía: llevando esperanza a los pobres, consuelo a los que sufren, y amor a los que viven y trabajan con nosotros. Al hacerlo, demostramos nuestro amor a Dios, que nos ama en todo. El Espíritu Santo nos fortalece, y está con nosotros, porque Jesús mismo nos dice:

“Yo estoy con ustedes todos los días.”

DmDios los bendiga.

P. Arlon, OSA