Author: dotheartfrarlon

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La Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María

Lucas 1:26-38

Hace dos años compuse un himno de la Iglesia Católica de la Inmaculada Concepción en Sparks, NV, donde había sido asignado anteriormente. Agradezco a la Santísima Madre que me inspiró a ponerle letra a la canción. Estoy muy sentimental con esta solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción porque fue cuando hice mi primera misa después de mi ordenación hace treinta y tres años. La Santísima Madre se convierte en mi madre que está tan cerca de mi corazón porque sé que ella siempre está ahí cuando más la necesito. Es inimaginable para cualquier sacerdote sin la protección materna de la Santísima Madre porque un sacerdote es un “Alter Christus”, el otro Cristo. Nuestro Señor Jesús está muy cerca del corazón de Su madre. María dijo: “He aquí yo soy la esclava del Señor. Que se haga en mí según tu palabra”. Ella es fiel en cumplir la palabra de Dios que todos debemos hacer.

It was two years ago that I composed the hymn of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Sparks, NV where I was assigned. I thank the Blessed Mother who inspired me to put words into the song. I am very sentimental with this solemnity of the Immaculate Conception because it was when I did my first mass after my ordination 33 years ago. The Blessed Mother becomes my mother who is so close to my heart because I know that she is always there when I need her. It is unimaginable for any priest without the maternal protection of the Blessed Mother because a priest is an “Alter Christus,” the other Christ. Our Lord Jesus is very close to the heart of His mother. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” She is faithful to fulfill God’s word which we all must do.

Hoy celebramos el triunfo de la misericordia de Dios al preparar a María, la elegida, desde el vientre de su madre, Santa Ana. Ella fue concebida inmaculadamente sin ninguna mancha de pecado. María estuvo llena de la gracia de Dios desde el primer momento de su existencia. A lo largo de su vida, María Santísima siempre ha estado totalmente vuelta hacia Dios, completamente abierta a la llamada de Dios y a su presencia.

Today, we celebrate the triumph of God’s mercy as He prepared Mary, the chosen one, from the womb of her mother, St. Anne. She was immaculately conceived without any stain of sin. Mary was full of God’s grace from the first moment of her existence. Throughout her life, Blessed Mary has always been totally turned towards God, completely open to God’s call and His presence.

La lectura del evangelio de hoy nos lleva a muchos puntos de reflexión y meditación:

Primero, sugiere que María luchó por recibir este extraordinario favor de Dios y por todo lo que implicaría para su especial misión en la Historia de la Salvación. En el Libro del Génesis, nuestros primeros padres, Adán y Eva, no pudieron resistir la tentación de comer del árbol prohibido. A pesar de las muchas maneras en que Dios los había bendecido en el jardín, tomaron más de lo que tenían derecho. Habiendo rechazado de esta manera la voluntad de Dios, se escondieron de Dios. Fue un vergonzoso acto de orgullo que los llevó a pensar que eran dioses. Por lo tanto, para restaurar esas relaciones rotas entre los hombres y Dios, fue un momento oportuno en que Dios nos buscó de regreso a Él a través del corazón misericordioso de la Santísima Madre para cooperar con Su plan.

Today’s gospel reading is leading us to many points for reflection and meditation:

First, it suggests that Mary struggled to receive this extraordinary favor from God and for all it would entail for her special mission in the Salvation History. In the Book of Genesis, our first parents, Adam and Eve, could not resist the temptation to eat from the forbidden tree. Despite all the many ways that God had blessed them in the garden, they took more than they were entitled to. Having rejected God’s will in this way, they hid from God. It was a shameful act of pride that led them to think that they were gods. Thus, to restore those broken relationships between men and God, it was an opportune time that God sought us back to Him through the gracious heart of the Blessed Mother to cooperate with His plan.

En segundo lugar, cuando Madre María se entregó a través de su “Fiat”, su Sí a Dios, se convirtió en fuente de bendición para toda la humanidad, la elegida a través de la cual Jesús vino a nosotros. Como María, debemos entregar nuestras vidas a Dios que tanto nos ha favorecido, permitiendo que Dios obre en nosotros y a través de nosotros. A través de nuestra entrega total, nosotros también damos a luz a Cristo en nuestras vidas convirtiéndonos en fuente de bendición para los demás.

Second, when Mother Mary surrendered through her “Fiat,” her Yes to God, she became a source of blessing to all of humanity, the chosen one through whom Jesus came to us. Like Mary, we are to surrender our lives to God who has so favored us, allowing God to work in and through us. Through our complete surrender, we too give birth to Christ in our lives becoming a source of blessing for others.

En tercer lugar, la santidad y la bondad de María son producto de su apertura a la palabra de Dios y al llamado de Dios que vivió en medio de los desafíos y luchas por comprender el mensaje de un ángel que le dijo: “No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios. Vas a concebir y a dar a luz un hijo y le pondrás por nombre Jesús.” Por su gracia especial, recibe una relación íntima con su Hijo concebido a través del Espíritu Santo, que penetró su corazón humano.

Third, Mary’s holiness and goodness is a product of her openness to God’s word and God’s call which she lived out amid the challenges and struggles to understand the message of an Angel who said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” Because of her special grace, she receives an intimate relationship with her conceived Son through the Holy Spirit, who penetrated her human heart.

Hermanos y hermanas, ofrezcámonos haciendo lo que Dios nos pide y abriéndonos más completamente a la palabra de Dios y a la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas. Mientras tratamos de responder al mismo llamado, podemos buscar en María quien es nuestra Madre, nuestra inspiración y ayuda. Así como María tuvo una experiencia humana más oscura debido al rechazo de la humanidad hacia su Hijo Jesús, ella permaneció completamente en la palabra vivificante de Dios.

Brothers and Sister, let us offer ourselves over by doing what God asks of us and opening ourselves more completely to God’s word and God’s will for our lives. As we try to answer the same call, we can look to Mary for inspiration and for help. Just as Mary had an experience of a darker human experience because of humanity’s rejection of her Son, Jesus, she completely remained to God’s life-giving word.

Este tiempo de Adviento nos llama a ser tan abiertos como María a la fidelidad de su misión, incluso en nuestros tiempos de dolorosa lucha. Si seguimos confiando en el plan de Dios, hay ese cumplimiento y también nos convertimos en fuente de bendiciones para los demás y el mundo.

This season of Advent calls on us to be as open as Mary to her fidelity of her mission, even in our own times of painful struggle. If we keep on trusting in the plan of God, there is that fulfillment and we also become the source of blessings for others and the world.

María fue concebida sin pecado y sostenida aún más a través de estas palabras de nuestro Padre San Agustín: “Porque el único entre los nacidos de mujer fue nuestro Santo Señor Jesús, quien por la extrañeza de Su nacimiento sin mancha no sufrió las contaminaciones de la corrupción terrenal sino los disipó por majestad celestial”. (FC, Vol. 30, Cartas de San Agustín 165-203)

“Oh María, sin pecado concebida, ruega por nosotros que recurrimos a ti”.

Mary was conceived without sin and further upheld through these words of our Father St. Augustine, “For wholly alone of those born of woman was our Holy Lord Jesus, who by the strangeness of His undefiled Birth has not suffered the pollutions of earthly corruption but dispelled them by heavenly majesty.” (FC, Vol. 30, Saint Augustine Letters 165-203)

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Padre Arlon, OSA

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The Dictate of the Heart:  1st Sunday of Advent, Year B

  • Isaiah 63:16-17, 19
  • Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
  • Mark 13:33-37On late Friday evening on December 1, 2023, I arrived from a month vacation in the Philippines, rejuvenated and refreshed from eating my favorite tropical fruits and the renewal of relationships with my brothers, sister, nephews, nieces and with my Augustinian confreres.

    Today is the first Sunday of Advent; however, in the Philippines, people started decorating Christmas trees with snowballs and snowmen even though we don’t have snow.  Christmas songs are on the air, and they put up Christmas “parols” or lighted lanterns along the streets, and the Nativity scene inside the house as early as September.  Filipinos’ major feast is Christmas, and it is also our Thanksgiving Day.  Filipinos don’t want to live in the wait, so they over emphasize anticipation of the coming of Christmas.  I know Christmas is coming but not as early as September or today, the first Sunday of Advent.

    The Sunday readings today call us to be conscious of where we are in our relationship with God.  The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah wants to remind us that in this season of Advent, we must renew our relationship with God.  The Prophet Isaiah is pointing us to God, our Father and Redeemer, and letting us focus on how God works in our hearts.  God has called us so that we are in the right place. He sustained us with gifts, but all the goodness of God must be acknowledged and responded to that we are deeply willing for His coming in our lives again.  If we have difficulty in trying to connect with God, we journey with the Prophet Isaiah’s struggle, who admits that we have created a mess in our lives, but just as God has tried to reconnect with His people, we must also intend to try our best to be with God.

    The 2nd reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians is inspiring to be always grateful.  St. Paul says, “I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus…..so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait…”  These words of St. Paul bring to our attention that the consolations of God, peace, kindness, and mercy, are actually given to us, which manifests God’s faithfulness and, therefore, calling us to fellowship, to communion.

    The gospel of St. Mark expresses the need to “Be watchful! Be alert!”  To be watchful is to foresee the coming of the Lord. Even though, Jesus says, “You do not know when the time has come.”  But we must wait for that time and be alert, as we are warned that something will certainly happen.  It is through faith and confidence that there will be an end to our waiting.

    As Catholic, how am I to be in the waiting?  First, the Catholic Church teaches that Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, expectation, joy and preparation for the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah.  It is a season of looking forward to something wonderful, the promise of the ages. It is a waiting time focused on the future return of our Savior by looking back to when He first came and lived with us in history.  This is a glance of the past which is connected to His second coming.  It means Someone is coming and something will be an exceedingly new experience as He promised.

    Second, the responsorial psalm today which says, “Lord, make us turn to you. Let us see your face and we shall be saved,” is a plea, our desperate admission that we really need help from the coming of the Son of Man who will give us new life when we call upon Him.  Through this, man at God’s right hand, will bring back all of us to God, who favors our salvation.

    Third, in the gospel today, we do find ourselves like servants left behind to carry out tasks while the Master of the household is apparently absent.  It means that we are taking that responsibility to perform our work well.  We are expected to be alert and awake for the Master’s return, for at anytime He will come when we least expect.

    This season of Advent is a season to extend more time in prayer.  Prayer is truly necessary to come into our consciousness that we need God in our lives.  Let us allow God to enter our hearts and our world.  We are divided and lost.  This is the time for making profound preparations and offering sacrifices so that at the right time of Christ’s coming, He will restore us through His divine healing and forgiveness.  If you are still sleeping, God waits for you!  There is something better for you.

    Maranatha, Jesus come and bless us.

    Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Primer Domingo de Adviento, año B

  • Isaías 63:16-17, 19
  • Salmo 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
  • 1 Corintios 1:3-9
  • Marcos 13:33-37

Hace dos días regrese de un mes de vacaciones en las Filipinas. Me siento rejuvenecido y renovado. Tuve la oportunidad de comer mis frutas tropicales favoritas,ponerme al día con mis hermanos, hermanas, sobrinos, sobrinas y cohermanos agustinos. 

Hoy es el primer domingo de Adviento. En las Filipinas, la gente ha comenzado a decorar sus árboles Navideños con bolas de nieve y muñecos de nieve a pesar de que no hay nieve. Se escuchan canciones navideñas y ya en septiembre se colocan farolillos navideños en las calles y el Belén en el interior de las casas. La fiesta principal de los filipinos es la Navidad y también es nuestro Día de Acción de Gracias. Los filipinos no quieren vivir esperando, por lo que enfatizan demasiado la anticipación de la llegada de la Navidad. Sé que la Navidad se acerca, pero no tan pronto como en septiembre ni hoy, el primer domingo de Adviento.

Las lecturas dominicales de hoy nos llaman a ser conscientes de dónde estamos en nuestra relación con Dios. La primera lectura del Libro del Profeta Isaías nos recuerda que en este tiempo de Adviento debemos renovar nuestra relación con Dios. El profeta Isaías nos señala a Dios, nuestro Padre y Redentor, nos permite concentrarnos en cómo Dios obra en nuestros corazones. Dios nos ha llamado para que estemos en el lugar correcto. Él nos sostuvo con dones, pero toda la bondad de Dios debe ser reconocida y respondida para que estemos profundamente dispuestos a que Él venga nuevamente a nuestras vidas. Si tenemos dificultades para intentar conectarnos con Dios, caminamos con la lucha del profeta Isaías, quien admite que hemos creado un desastre en nuestras vidas, pero, así como Dios ha tratado de reconectarnos con su pueblo, nosotros también debemos intentar nuestra conexión lo mejor con Dios.

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos inspira a estar siempre agradecidos. San Pablo dice: “Doy siempre gracias a mi Dios por la gracia de Dios que nos ha sido concedida en Cristo Jesús… para que ningún don espiritual les falte en la espera…” Estas palabras de San Pablo nos llaman la atención que nos son dados los consuelos de Dios, la paz, la bondad y la misericordia, lo que manifiesta la fidelidad de Dios y, por tanto, nos llama a la comunión.

El evangelio de San Marcos expresa la necesidad de “¡Estar alerta!” Estar alerta es prever la venida del Señor. Aunque Jesús dice: “No saben cuándo ha llegado el momento”. Pero hay que esperar ese momento y estar alerta, ya que se nos advierte que con seguridad algo sucederá. Es a través de la fe y la confianza que nuestra espera pondrá fin.

Como católico, ¿cómo debo estar en la espera? Primero, la Iglesia Católica enseña que el Adviento es un tiempo de espera, anticipación, expectación, gozo y preparación para la venida de Jesús, el Mesías prometido. Es una temporada en la que esperamos algo maravilloso, la promesa de todos los tiempos. Es un tiempo de espera centrado en el futuro regreso de nuestro Salvador, mirando hacia atrás, cuando Él vino por primera vez y vivió con nosotros en la historia. Esta es una mirada al pasado que está conectada con su segunda venida. Significa que Alguien viene y algo será una experiencia sumamente nueva como Él prometió.

En segundo lugar, el salmo responsorial de hoy que dice: “Señor, haznos acudir a ti. Veamos tu rostro y seremos salvos”, es una súplica, nuestra admisión desesperada de que necesitamos ayuda de la venida del Hijo del Hombre que nos dará nueva vida cuando lo invoquemos. Mediante esto, el hombre a la diestra de Dios, nos traerá a todos de regreso a Dios, quien favorece nuestra salvación. 

En tercer lugar, en el evangelio de hoy nos encontramos como sirvientes dejados atrás para realizar tareas mientras el dueño de la casa está ausente. Significa que estamos asumiendo esa responsabilidad de realizar bien nuestro trabajo. Se espera que estemos alerta y despiertos para el regreso del Maestro, porque en cualquier momento Él vendrá cuando menos lo esperemos.

Esta temporada de Adviento es una temporada para extender más tiempo en oración. La oración es verdaderamente necesaria para tomar conciencia de que necesitamos a Dios en nuestras vidas. Permitamos que Dios entre en nuestros corazones y en nuestro mundo. Estamos divididos y perdidos. Este es el momento de hacer profundos preparativos y ofrecer sacrificios para que en el momento oportuno de la venida de Cristo, Él nos restaure a través de Su divina sanidad y perdón. Si aún estás durmiendo, ¡Dios te espera! Hay algo mejor para ti.

Maranata, Jesús ven y bendícenos.

P. Arlón, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: First Sunday of Advent: Extraordinary Form, TLM

I am blessed meeting pious women in Manila. They are faithful traditional Latin Mass church-goers who invited me to celebrate the Extraordinary Form. I spent half day with them sharing the word, sacrament and the meaning of the mass. Gaining friends is indeed instilled in my Augustinian way or life: Friends and companions for the Lord.

Today marks the beginning of the Church Liturgical Calendar, the first Sunday of Advent. In the liturgy of Advent, we will be hearing a lot from the gospel about the coming of the Lord. But the gospel passage assigned for the first Sunday in Advent, this does not come to terrify us. It comes from near the end, as Jesus is preparing his disciples for the time when he will no longer be with them in the flesh. Jesus has come to Jerusalem for one purpose only: to give his life for the redemption of us all. His earthly ministry is nearing its completion, and he knows it.

We heard from the gospel of St. Luke that “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always alert, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:25-36)

What does this gospel mean to us? I guess this is a warning to be vigilant and alert so that the coming of the Lord does not catch us off-guard. This is why we hear these words during Advent. We are in the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. We are not only anticipating the celebration of Christmas, but we too are also anticipating Christ’s coming in glory to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. It brings us Hope.

I invite you to reflect these two important points:

First, Jesus says, “People will faint from fear.” However, it is not words to make us afraid because during the olden times, human encounter with God and hearing His voice had been very intense but Jesus reveals God’s compassion and many times in the scriptures we usually hear “Fear Not and Do not be afraid,” which are the assuring words of Jesus to his disciples because he knows that people will faint from fear. I believe that the encounter of the Divine can be a lot scary. Jesus wants to calm us down.

Second, Jesus likes to illustrate the sign of the fig tree, He curses it for not bearing fruits. This parable coming from the evangelist St. Luke tells us about the unpredictable character of a fig tree’s growth cycle just like the coming of the Son of Man. We have heard many things about the coming of the “rapture” or the end of the world. We heard many times, but we are already used to hear that warning but unfortunately it did not happen. Only God knows.

Remember that in the gospel of John, Jesus called Nathanael sitting under the fig tree. In the scripture sitting under the fig tree is a sign of peace and prosperity. This is what we should do to sit comfortably under the fig tree. And maybe the point Jesus is trying to makeis by lifting our hearts and mind to God in prayer. Jesus has already come in our midst; His redemption has come and God is near.

God’s salvation is close enough for those who are faithful because Christ’s presence is with you. God’s coming on earth and who lived with us in history is the reason of hope. I do believe that advent is not only about remembering Christ’s coming but rather His presence is the reason of HOPE, for heaven and earth will pass aways but His words will never expire.

Let us magnify the Lord, by examining our unhealthy patterns of behavior. Just focus our energy on following Jesus so closely and be an example to others. We must endure that hope so that we can share the love of Christ, we must come to experience relating with people who need Christ’s love.
God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day)

Today, we celebrate All Souls Day. Many Protestant brethren believe that after death, there is no way to alter the fate of those who died. They believe that at the point of death, one’s eternal destiny is confirmed. Either he is saved through faith in Christ and is in heaven where he is experiencing rest and joy in God’s presence, or he is in torment in hell. No amount of prayer would deliver them from damnation. Whatever the state of one’s soul, that’s it. They say, “once the person is gone, they’re gone.” Hence, no more prayers would aid the soul for salvation. Death is final, and after that, no amount of praying will avail a person of the salvation he has rejected in life. I believe this is a very sad perspective, thinking that our prayers would be completely futile. That is the reason why they don’t pray for the dead; they believe that their prayer service is to help the grieving family. Their dead are completely on their own, no more hope or more love. Let them find their way, others would say.

Catholic faith is totally different. There is always room for our deceased brethren to be saved by God’s mercy. We remember them every November 2nd, offering prayers for their salvation every All-Souls’ Day. We offer novenas on their death anniversary in order to gain eternal repose, and the highest form of prayer is to offer mass for our departed brothers and sisters. To justify this religious practice is connected with keeping the chief commandment of God, “Love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is not only shared with those who are living. Our love for our neighbors is beyond death and an integral part to practice charity towards our neighbors. Jesus did not say love only those who are alive. Therefore, our love is forever, as long as we live. There is no stopping the manifesting of love for each other.

We cannot make any judgment of any person who has died, even knowing how much they had done bad things. We must remember that every person does something good in life. If we now think that our prayer won’t help because you have known someone to be an evil person, just believe that God’s mercy is immense.

It is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead (2 Mc 12:44-45). Those in heaven or in hell don’t benefit from our prayers, because the souls that are already in heaven are enjoying the eternal bliss of God, and those in hell are already condemned. However, we need to understand that not everyone immediately goes to heaven or hell after they die. Therefore, when we pray for the dead, we must be praying for people in some other place usually called “purgatory,” which other religions do not accept.  As Catholics, we accept that there is a state of purging and purification. If the souls we are praying for are destined to hell, we believe our prayers won’t be wasted because of the idea that there is the “treasury of prayers” which would be applied to those poor souls who have no one to pray for them.

As early as first century Christians, in catacombs and other graves, they put an inscription, “ PAX TIBI, SPIRITUI TUO, IN AETERNUM, TIBI CUM ANGELIS, CUM SANCTIS.” All these words were written and uttered to signify prayers for the dead.

Today’s Scriptural readings give us great comfort for accepting our own mortality. The Book of Wisdom expresses consolation into our hearts, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God.” In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.” We are supported by God’s words and encouraged in hope. We do not fully comprehend this reality, but we know that it is something greater and more powerful than anything else we have known, the great love and mercy of God. For Him, no one is lost.

Then, St. Paul prayed for the Dead, 2 Timothy 1:16-18 “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me, may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day – and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”

Today, let us spend time praying for all our departed Brothers and Sisters who have died so that their souls will be in the hands of God. Being with God, no torment can touch them. There is no more suffering, pain or worries because we believe that God takes good care of them and comforts them as well. They are at peace.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen.”

May they rest in peace. God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón:

La Conmemoración de Todos los Fieles Difuntos (Día de Todos los Difuntos)

Sabiduría 3:1-9 Salmo 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, Romanos 6:3-9 Juan 6:37-40

Hoy celebramos el Día de Todos los Fieles Difuntos. Muchos hermanos protestantes creen que después de la muerte, no hay forma de alterar el destino de quienes han muerto. Creen que, en el momento de la muerte, se confirma el destino eterno de la persona. O es salvado por la fe en Cristo y está en el cielo, donde experimenta descanso y gozo en la presencia de Dios, o está atormentado en el infierno. Dicen: “Una vez que la persona se va, se va”. Por lo tanto, ya no habrá más oraciones que ayuden al alma a alcanzar la salvación. La muerte es definitiva, y después de eso, ninguna oración por mucho que ore le servirá a la persona para obtener la salvación que ha rechazado en vida. Creo que esta es una perspectiva muy triste, pensar que nuestras oraciones serían completamente inútiles. Por eso no rezan por los muertos; Creen que su servicio de oración es para ayudar a la familia en duelo. Sus muertos están completamente solos, sin más esperanza ni más amor. Que encuentren su camino, dirían otros.

La fe católica es diferente. Siempre hay lugar para que nuestros hermanos fallecidos sean salvados por la misericordia de Dios. Los recordamos cada dos de noviembre, ofreciendo oraciones por su salvación cada Día de los Fieles Difuntos. Ofrecemos novenas en el aniversario de su muerte para obtener el descanso eterno, y la forma más elevada de oración es ofrecer misa por nuestros hermanos y hermanas difuntos. Justificar esta práctica religiosa está relacionado con guardar el principal mandamiento de Dios: “Ama a Dios sobre todo y ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”. El amor no sólo se comparte con quienes están vivos. Nuestro amor por nuestro prójimo está más allá de la muerte y es una parte integral de la práctica de la caridad hacia nuestro prójimo. Jesús no dijo ama sólo a los que están vivos. Por lo tanto, nuestro amor es para siempre, mientras vivamos. No hay forma de detener la manifestación del amor mutuo.

No podemos emitir ningún juicio sobre ninguna persona que haya muerto, incluso sabiendo cuánto había hecho cosas malas. Debemos recordar que cada persona hace algo bueno en la vida. Si ahora pensamos que nuestra oración no ayudará porque hemos conocido a alguien que es una persona malvada, simplemente hay que creer que la misericordia de Dios es inmensa.

Es un pensamiento santo y piadoso orar por los muertos (2 Mc 12,44-45). Los que están en el cielo o el infierno no se benefician de nuestras oraciones, porque las almas que ya están en el cielo están disfrutando de la bienaventuranza eterna de Dios, y las que están en el infierno ya están condenadas. Sin embargo, debemos entender que no todo el mundo va inmediatamente al cielo o al infierno después de morir. Por lo tanto, cuando oramos por los muertos, debemos orar por personas en algún otro lugar generalmente llamado “purgatorio”, cuya enseñanza otras religiones no pueden aceptar. Como católicos aceptamos que existe un estado de purga y purificación. Si las almas por las que oramos están destinadas al infierno, creemos que nuestras oraciones no serán en vano debido a la idea de que existe el “tesoro de las oraciones” que se aplicaría a aquellas pobres almas que no tienen a nadie que oren por ellas.

Ya en el siglo I, los cristianos colocaban en catacumbas y otras tumbas una inscripción: “PAX TIBI, SPIRITUI TUO, IN AETERNUM, TIBI CUM ANGELIS, CUM SANCTIS”. Todas estas palabras fueron escritas y pronunciadas para significar oraciones por los muertos. Las lecturas de las Escrituras de hoy nos brindan un gran consuelo al aceptar nuestra mortalidad. El Libro de la Sabiduría expresa consuelo en nuestros corazones: “Las almas de los justos están en manos de Dios”. En el evangelio de hoy, Jesús dice: “Y esta es la voluntad del que me envió: que no pierda nada de lo que me dio, sino que lo resucite en el día postrero”. Nos apoyan las palabras de Dios y nos alientan la esperanza. No comprendemos completamente esta realidad, pero sabemos que es algo más grande y poderoso que cualquier otra cosa que hayamos conocido, el gran amor y misericordia de Dios. Para Él nadie está perdido.

También San Pablo oró por los difuntos, 2 Timoteo 1:16-18 “Que el Señor tenga misericordia de la casa de Onesíforo, porque él me dio refrigerio muchas veces; él no se avergonzó de mis cadenas, pero cuando llegó a Roma me buscó ansiosamente y me encontró, que el Señor le conceda hallar misericordia del Señor en aquel Día – y bien sabéis todo el servicio que prestó en Éfeso. ”

Hoy, dediquemos tiempo a orar por todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas que han fallecido, para que sus almas estén en las manos de Dios. Estando con Dios, ningún tormento puede tocarlos. Ya no hay sufrimiento, dolor ni preocupaciones porque creemos que Dios los cuida bien y también los consuela. Están en paz.

“Concédeles, oh, Señor, el descanso eterno, y brille para ellos la luz perpetua. Que sus almas y las de todos los fieles difuntos, por tu misericordia, descansen en paz. Amén.”

Dios los bendiga.

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The Dictate of the Heart: 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday: The Feast of All Saints

Today is the feast of All Saints.  We remember these ordinary people, men and women declared officially by the Catholic Church as Saints, who attained glory at the altar of the Lord because of their fidelity to God and their Christian virtues.  I believe that there are also so many Saints in heaven, unknown holy people, who are not declared by the Church, yet they are with God in heaven.

I never thought I’d meet real people here on earth, whom I consider living saints because of the way they serve others and love God faithfully. They work diligently, actively among the poor in a quiet manner, with all humility and generosity.  There is nothing remarkable about them for they are focused on sincerity of heart as genuine witnesses of God’s compassion, care, and deep love for the people whom they serve.

Today’s gospel from St. Matthew tells us about Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. It conveys to us how to become Saints by following Jesus’ words  and examples.  This gospel passage is a practical guide to holiness which is attainable, within reach and real, but not expressing who those Saints are.  Jesus is giving us principles which are concrete suggestions to action.

In our Nicene Creed, we express our belief about the communion of Saints.  Thus, we are not far and remote from them, but united.  Through our faith and prayers, we are perfectly in communion with them especially when we ask for their help, for they have this beatific vision granted to them by God to intercede for us. On our part as believers, knowing and meeting living “Saints” in real life, we are encouraged to continue committing to our Faith and the love of God.  We must know thru them how to walk in the path to Holiness.  It is in the ordinary that we encounter Christ and His saints and are given the grace to be the beatitudes.

Let us now reflect profoundly on some points that are significant to us:

First, the blessings that Jesus has mentioned in the Beatitudes are not material blessings, like winning a lottery or becoming richer.  Rather it is about being spiritually rich and successful.  In fact, it is a total opposition to all the world offers us.  It almost turns all our notions of blessedness upside down.

Second, finding ourselves to be “spiritually poor,” we have nothing but God in our lives.  Being poor, we discover God.  St. Augustine promoted poverty of spirit and continence of the heart while living in Hippo with his friends and brothers in the community while doing their pastoral duties.  Our Father, St. Augustine, says, ‘the love of neighbor was simply another expression of the love of God,” in the realm of spiritual poverty.  Being poor, we can share much. In our poverty, we open our hands to help and our hearts to pray to our God who provides.

Third, when we find ourselves mourning, we shall be comforted because in our helplessness and starving for justice, we have nowhere to find true comfort except from our Savior who satisfies us.

Fourth, when we find God’s mercy for our sins, our pains and wounds heal.  We receive cleansing of our hearts; therefore, we too experience and see God within us thru a purified heart from all the pains and woundedness.  Thus, we can easily offer forgiveness and mercy to others as well.   We become peacemakers, ready to dispense that special blessedness we have received.  I believe that once God has given us His bountiful grace, His mercy overflows in our hearts.  Now, we become true children of God and see Him face to face.

In today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, St. John has a vision of a multitude of people, impossible to count, “from every nation, race, people, and tongue… These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress.” St. John is reminding us that reaching the promise of salvation has been attached to all kinds of difficulties and challenges in this present world.  This is both a message and a warning to us that we will all succumb to suffering and difficulties here on earth; however, there is an end to suffering when we are faithful to Jesus, who sacrificed His own life so that we may live for all eternity.

This is indeed a great promise because all the saints of God are fully enjoying that “Blessedness.”  We are also called to see and believe that we can also rejoice and be glad about all God’s elect.

May all the Saints of God, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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Solemnidad de Todos los Santos

  • Apocalipsis 7:2-4, 9-14
  • Salmos 24:1 bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
  • 1 Juan 3:1-3
  • Mateo 5:1-12a

Hoy es la fiesta de Todos los Santos. Recordamos a estas personas ordinarias, hombres y mujeres declarados oficialmente Santos por la Iglesia Católica, que alcanzaron la gloria en el altar del Señor por su fidelidad a Dios y sus virtudes cristianas. Hay tantos Santos en el cielo, santos que desconocemos, que no están declarados por la Iglesia, pero que están con Dios en el cielo. 

Nunca pensé que encontraría personas reales aquí en la tierra, a quienes considero santos vivientes por la forma en que sirven a los demás y aman fielmente a Dios. Trabajan diligente y activamente entre los pobres de manera silenciosa, con toda humildad y generosidad. No hay nada extraordinario en ellos porque se centran en la sinceridad de corazón como testigos genuinos de la compasión, el cuidado y el profundo amor de Dios por las personas a quienes sirven.

El evangelio de hoy de San Mateo nos habla del sermón de la montaña de Jesús. Nos transmite cómo llegar a ser santos siguiendo las palabras y el ejemplo de Jesús. Este pasaje del evangelio es una guía práctica hacia la santidad que es alcanzable, asequible y real, pero que no expresa quiénes son esos santos. Jesús nos está dando principios que son sugerencias concretas para la acción.

En nuestro Credo Niceno expresamos nuestra creencia sobre la comunión de los santos. Por lo tanto, no estamos lejos ni alejados de ellos sino unidos. A través de nuestra fe y oración, estamos en perfecta comunión con ellos, especialmente cuando les pedimos ayuda, porque tienen esta visión beatífica que Dios les concedió para interceder por nosotros. De nuestra parte como creyentes, al conocer y encontrarnos con “Santos” vivos en la vida real, nos animamos a seguir comprometiéndonos con nuestra Fe y el amor de Dios. Debemos saber a través de ellos caminar por el camino de la Santidad. Es en lo ordinario donde encontramos a Cristo y a sus santos y se nos da la gracia de ser las bienaventuranzas.

Reflexionemos ahora profundamente sobre algunos puntos que para nosotros son significativos:

Primero, las bendiciones que Jesús mencionó en las Bienaventuranzas no son bendiciones materiales, como ganar la lotería o hacerse rico. Más bien se trata de ser espiritualmente rico y exitoso. Es lo contrario de todo lo que el mundo nos ofrece, altera nuestra noción de bienaventuranza.

En segundo lugar, al considerarnos “espiritualmente pobres”, no tenemos nada más que a Dios en nuestras vidas, que es todo lo que necesitamos. Siendo pobres descubrimos a Dios. San Agustín promovió la pobreza de espíritu y la continencia del corazón mientras vivía en Hipona con sus amigos y hermanos de la comunidad mientras cumplían sus deberes pastorales. Nuestro Padre San Agustín dice: “El amor al prójimo es simplemente otra expresión del amor de Dios”, en el ámbito de la pobreza espiritual. Siendo pobres, podemos compartir mucho. En nuestra pobreza, abrimos nuestras manos para ayudar. y nuestro corazón para orar a nuestro Dios que provee.

En tercer lugar, cuando nos encontremos de luto, seremos consolados porque en nuestra impotencia y hambre de justicia, no tenemos dónde encontrar verdadero consuelo excepto en nuestro Salvador, que nos satisface.

Cuarto, cuando encontramos la misericordia de Dios por nuestros pecados, nuestros dolores y heridas sanan. Recibimos la limpieza de nuestro corazón; por lo tanto, nosotros también experimentamos y vemos a Dios dentro de nosotros a través de un corazón purificado de todos los dolores y heridas. Por lo tanto, también podemos ofrecer fácilmente perdón y misericordia a los demás. Nos convertimos en pacificadores, listos para dispensar esa bendición especial que hemos recibido. Creo que una vez que Dios nos ha dado su abundante gracia, su misericordia se desborda en nuestros corazones. Ahora nos convertimos en verdaderos hijos de Dios y lo vemos cara a cara.

En la primera lectura de hoy del Libro del Apocalipsis, San Juan tiene la visión de una multitud de personas, imposible de contar, “de toda nación, raza, pueblo y lengua… Estos son los que han sobrevivido al tiempo de gran angustia.” San Juan nos recuerda que alcanzar la promesa de la salvación ha estado ligado a todo tipo de dificultades y desafíos en este mundo actual. Este es a la vez un mensaje y una advertencia para nosotros de que todos sucumbiremos al sufrimiento y las dificultades aquí en la tierra, sin embargo, el sufrimiento tiene un fin cuando somos fieles a Jesús, quien sacrificó su propia vida para que podamos vivir por toda la eternidad.

Esta es en verdad, una gran promesa porque todos los santos de Dios están disfrutando plenamente de esa “Bienaventuranza”. También estamos llamados a ver y creer que también podemos regocijarnos y alegrarnos por todos los elegidos de Dios.

Pidamos a todos los Santos de Dios, que oren por nosotros.

P. Arlón, osa

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

I attended the 4th National Convention of Filipino Priests in the whole United States, and some priests were invited from Aruba. It is a joyful gathering of priests as we journey together. There are many opportunities to share and bond together as brothers serving the Lord and His Church. We certainly need to know each other and learn various experiences of our works and ministries. The two states of New Jersey and New York are the hosts of this event.

We listened to the first reading from the book of Exodus which reminded us to develop extra care for the widows and the orphans. God is saying, “Remember how poor, how alienated, and needy you were when I found you. Now you treat others as I have treated you.”

The 2nd reading, taken from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, further strengthens our vocation to serve others and to serve God. This is one of the challenges of St. Paul to explain to the people of Thessalonica having a different culture living in that busy city. People are having a big challenge to follow the example of Jesus, to focus seriously on others which gives them profound impact. It is through their acceptance of faith in Jesus that they serve Him by serving others.

The gospel today, taken from St. Matthew, narrates to us another trap by a scholar of the law to entice Jesus into a discrediting situation by asking Him,
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” His direct and simple answer is to love God and to love one’s neighbor, which is the greatest commandment. All the prophets and the other laws depend on these two loves.

Let us again revisit the answer of Jesus as we are confronted with so many destructions in our lives, and how exactly do we understand His thought?

First, the evangelist Matthew presents Jesus as the new Moses, representing the “Law or the Ten Commandments.” Jesus, as the new lawgiver, has summarized and simplified the ten commandments into two commandments: “to love God with all our minds, hearts, strengths and spirit” and the other is, “to love your neighbors as yourself.” It is the same law but made easy by Jesus for us to follow and remember.

Second, we must be aware of the grace bestowed upon us by God. Our dignity, self-worth and Christian identity come from Jesus who has redeemed us. Therefore, the grace of loving others, or our neighbors, is precisely the amount of goodness and love of God we have received. Our identity of being with Christ is the quality that is enough to share and be loving.

Third, our strength to fulfill God’s commandment is by letting God enter our interior life. It is our priority to let God love us from inside. It is the experience of St. Augustine in terms of allowing Jesus to be his personal and communal savior as well, which led him to surrender his total self to Him. Augustine’s former life was less of quality; then after his conversion, God’s grace abounds even more which made him to be the world’s greatest influencer because the graceful quantity expands to his friends and to his followers even now. There is a hope and opportunity to change for the better when we first allow God to touch our lives.

Following the greatest commandment is then to allow us to enter the mystery where God’s hands hold us to share the gifts which we have accepted to be shared.

OUR SPIRITUALITY is to cherish our encounter with God and to establish a relationship with God and others. Our understanding of “others,” or neighbor, relates to how we view ourselves and how we treat ourselves. It is difficult, and yet easy, when we realize that God first loves us and, thus, we too must love others. St. Paul told us that we are not aliens anymore from God because we are redeemed. It means that we are saved from sins and selfishness. To fulfill the law of loving is our response to being love.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Trigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año A

  • Éxodo 22:20-26
  • 1 Tesalonicenses 1:5-10
  • Mateo 22:34-40

Hoy, estaré asistiendo a la Cuarta Convención Nacional de Sacerdotes Filipinos. Es el único en los Estados Unidos. Algunos de los sacerdotes invitados son de Canadá y Aruba. Es una reunión alegre de sacerdotes que caminan juntos, unidos como hermanos al servicio del Señor y Su Iglesia. Nos da la oportunidad de compartir y conocernos, aprender diversas experiencias de nuestras obras y ministerios. Las dos ciudades de Nueva Jersey y Nueva York son las anfitrionas de este evento.

Escuchamos la primera lectura del libro del Éxodo que nos recuerda que debemos desarrollar un cuidado especial por las viudas y los huérfanos. Dios está diciendo: “Recuerda lo pobre, alienado y necesitado que estabas cuando te encontré. Ahora trata a los demás como yo te he tratado a ti”.

La Segunda lectura, extraída de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Tesalonicenses, fortalece aún más nuestra vocación de servir a los demás y de servir a Dios. Este es uno de los desafíos de San Pablo para explicarle a la gente de Tesalónica, que en esa bulliciosa ciudad vive una cultura diferente. La gente tiene el gran desafío de seguir el ejemplo de Jesús, de centrarse seriamente en los demás, lo que les produce un impacto profundo. Al aceptar la fe en Jesús, le ayuda para servir a los demás.

El evangelio de hoy, tomado de San Mateo, narra otra trampa de un doctor de la ley, para inducir a Jesús a una situación de descrédito preguntándole; Maestro, ¿cuál mandamiento de la ley es el mayor?” Su respuesta directa y sencilla es amar a Dios y amar al prójimo. De estos dos amores dependen todos los profetas y las demás leyes.

Volvamos nuevamente a la respuesta de Jesús mientras nos enfrentamos a tantas destrucciones en nuestras vidas y ¿cómo entendemos exactamente su pensamiento?

Primero, el evangelista Mateo presenta a Jesús como el nuevo Moisés, representando la “Ley o los Diez Mandamientos”. Jesús como nuevo legislador, ha resumido y simplificado los Diez Mandamientos en dos mandamientos: “amar a Dios con toda nuestra mente, corazón, fuerzas y espíritu” y el otro, es “amar a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”. Es la misma ley, pero hizo que Jesús fuera fácil de seguir y recordar.

En segundo lugar, debemos ser conscientes de la gracia que Dios nos ha otorgado. Nuestra dignidad, autoestima e identidad cristiana provienen de Jesús, quien nos ha redimido. Por tanto, la gracia de amar a los demás o al prójimo es precisamente la cantidad de bondad y amor de Dios que hemos recibido. Nuestra identidad de estar con Cristo es la cualidad que basta para compartir y ser amorosos.

En tercer lugar, nuestra fuerza para cumplir el mandamiento de Dios es dejar que Dios entre en lo interior de nuestra vida. Es nuestra prioridad dejar que Dios nos ame desde a dentro. Es la experiencia de San Agustín en términos de permitir que Jesús fuera también su salvador personal y comunitario, la que lo llevó a entregarse totalmente a Él. La vida anterior de Agustín era de menos calidad, luego, después de su conversión, la gracia de Dios abunda en el aún más, lo que lo convirtió en el mayor influyente del mundo porque la cantidad de gracia se expande para sus amigos y seguidores en la actualidad. Hay esperanza y oportunidad de cambiar para ser mejor, cuando permitimos que Dios toque nuestra vida por primera vez.

Seguir el mandamiento más grande, entonces, es permitirnos entrar en el misterio donde las manos de Dios nos sostienen para compartir los dones que hemos aceptado.

NUESTRA ESPIRITUALIDAD es apreciar nuestro encuentro con Dios y establecer una relación con Dios y con los demás. Nuestra comprensión a los “otros” o vecinos se relaciona con cómo nos vemos a nosotros mismos y cómo nos tratamos a nosotros mismos. Es difícil y, sin embargo, fácil cuando nos damos cuenta de que Dios nos ama primero y, por lo tanto, nosotros también debemos amar a los demás. San Pablo nos dijo que ya no somos ajenos a Dios porque somos redimidos, es decir, somos salvados del pecado y del egoísmo. Cumplir la ley del amor es, nuestra respuesta a ser amados.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: The Solemnity of Christ the King

I am writing this sermon in Festo Domino Nostro Iesu Christi Regis. Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King which was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It is beautiful to cite Pope Pius XI’s encyclical letter that contains his reflection to establish this Feast of Christ the King. He writes, “that these manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: and he said further, that as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations. Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.” (Quas Primas, Pope Pius XI, December 11, 1925). The Holy Pope Pius XI believes that the effective restoration of peace is through the restoration and continued building of the Empire of our Lord.

We are still divided; the world is in great turmoil in so many parts of the world, like Israel, Ukraine and evil continues to disturb us and the world. The increase of violence and war probably has increased more so than in the year 1925. There is no genuine peace, and nations are still at war to assert power and political influence over others.

The Church today gives us an opportunity to refocus and to go back to the kingship of Jesus Christ with much vigor and renewed spirit and hearts of so many of us. Our own little way to cooperate establishment of peace begins with us, by being submissive to His will, doing what is right and good and avoiding evil. The reign of Christ simply means peace from within, from our family and our community. Let us choose the path of holiness and kindness and exercise forgiveness from the heart.

Our gospel today narrates to us by St. John about the encounter between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. Jesus, who is on trial, said that “He is king but that His kingdom is not of the world.” Jesus was calm and with great confidence to tell the truth. What are the Truths that Jesus revealed while He was on trial? If Jesus is a king, then what is His kingdom all about? Why is it significant to us?

First, typically we have an idea that a “King” is powerful, with armies, and he has dominion and authority over people, like servants, and belongs to a physical kingdom. However, Jesus claims of being a King and sharing the power and authority of the Father (John 1:18), and the Father has given the Spirit on his behalf. (John 3:34)

Second, Jesus is not the kind of King whose followers and soldiers would fight for him by force and violence and solve all problems in the world, but is a real King who would destroy evil, sinners and pledge to bring us to eternal kingdom of perpetual peace, justice, and joy.

Third, when we accept Jesus as our King, He is a king of peace with a loving compassionate heart for everyone. He never sows enmity and hostility among us because we are called brothers and sisters to one another.

St. John’s gospel today gives us a clear message of hope that we have indeed a King whose heart blesses us with strength and faithfulness to heal our pains and aches. He has given us meaning and purpose as we journey through life, which is temporary and passing. Let us adore and worship the King of the Universe for He is the King of Hearts.

The Extraordinary Form Liturgical Calendar always keeps this feast before the annual observance of All Saints’ Day in order to teach us a lesson that the mission of the Lord Jesus continues in how all our Saints persevered in holiness and fidelity to the eternal and everlasting King, Jesus Christ. We are called to do the same.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (World Mission Sunday)

Today is the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. Our liturgical calendar designates today as World Mission Sunday. This is a day where we need to think how we can assist the Church in spreading the gospel. Maybe spend time to pray for all the missionaries all over the world, or adopt a missionary group to share a portion of your financial blessings by supporting their seminarians. I am an Augustinian missionary working in the US for the last 16 years. I am grateful to God because He has blessed me with the grace and strength to continue evangelizing people.

Recently, on October 9, 2023, a born-again Christian Lady called the parish because she wanted to talk to a Catholic priest. So, I took the initiative to return her call and I introduced myself to her. Then she started complaining about her Catholic neighbor whom she accused of harassing her by sending her Catholic reading materials. I told her that probably God has been good by giving her new perspective about Christian faith. Moreover, I said, probably it was God’s way to learn from others’ faith and, besides, Catholicism centers on Christ, in whom she too believes. Lastly, I told her to talk again to the Catholic woman and be grateful to her rather than being annoyed by her. She listened and I invited her to come to St. Teresa Church to see me in my office because we welcome everyone. We ended our conversation cordially. Maybe, this reminds us that effective approach in missionary work is to start with respect and offer a hand for friendship.

The first reading from the book of Isaiah tells us that God speaks thru him saying, “I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God before Me.” This is God’s call through the Prophet Isaiah that He needs help from His people and from non-Jewish military leaders to subdue all the forces against Israel under the same One God, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all.

The gospel taken from the evangelist St. Matthew narrates to us about the question of taxes. The Pharisees were trying to catch Jesus in a trap. Since Israel was under the Roman Empire, every Jew was forced to pay taxes to Cesar Augustus.

The Jewish leaders noticed the growing popularity of Jesus amongst the people. His power and authority become visibly detrimental to the religious elders. They are asking Jesus, who is a Jew, whether He should pay the census tax or not. This is a catch for them to know whether the allegiance of Jesus is for the Roman authorities or the Jewish authorities.

There are some important and interesting notes, of which we must be aware, to understand this gospel pericope.

First, the Roman coin. There are two sides to every coin with Caesar’s image on one side and the other side the image or inscription reminding them of God. The former invites us to see the temporal authority of the world it represents, and the latter is God’s embracing love for the world and revealing His everlasting power and authority.

Second, Jesus asked them to show him the coin. “Whose image is this and inscription is this?” They responded, “Caesar’s”. Jesus said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Jesus responded with the truth and clarity that as citizens we have the responsibility to the country and to our God rendering all praise and thanksgiving. Our vocation is to be faithful as God is because He is the Almighty . As God’s creation, we absolutely belong to God.

Third, how do we repay God for what belongs to God? Today’s psalm says, “Give the Lord glory and honor.” We repay to God what is God’s by accepting who we are and whose we are. I believe this is how we repay God, to come together celebrating the Eucharist and encountering and journeying together as brothers and sisters seeing God’s image in each and every one of us. Therefore, God expects us to reveal His image by our ways, by always showing kindness to all and righteousness.

Indeed, the image of God is upon us according to our graciousness, good works and certainly radiates through our profound spirituality. By being responsible citizens and faithful to God, we become a blessing to society and to the Church. God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Vigésimo Noveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A (Domingo Mundial de las Misiones)

  • Isaías 45:1, 4-6
  • 1 Tesalonicenses 1:1-5
  • Mateo 22:15-21

Hoy es el Vigésimo Noveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A. Nuestro calendario litúrgico designa hoy como el Domingo Mundial de las Misiones. Este es un día en el que debemos pensar en cómo podemos ayudar a la Iglesia a difundir el evangelio. Tal vez dedicando tiempo a orar por todos los misioneros de todo el mundo o adoptando un grupo misionero para compartir una parte de sus bendiciones financieras apoyando a sus seminaristas. Soy un misionero Agustino que trabaja en los Estados Unidos desde hace dieciséis años. Doy gracias a Dios por bendecirme con la gracia y la fuerza para seguir evangelizando a las personas.

Recientemente, el 9 de Octubre, una Señora que regreso a la fe Cristiana, llamó a la parroquia porque quería hablar con un sacerdote católico. Entonces, tomé la iniciativa de devolverle la llamada y me presenté a ella. Luego comenzó a quejarse de su vecina católica a quien acusó de acosarla enviándole materiales de lectura católicas. Le dije que probablemente Dios había sido bueno al darle una nueva perspectiva sobre la fe cristiana. Además, dije, probablemente era la manera en que Dios aprende de la fe de los demás, y el catolicismo se centra en Cristo, en quien ella también cree. Por último, le dije que volviera a hablar con su vecina católica y que le agradeciera en lugar de molestarse. Ella escuchó y la invité a venir a la Iglesia de Santa Teresa a verme a mi oficina, porque todos son bienvenidos. Terminamos nuestra conversación cordialmente. Quizás esto nos recuerde que un enfoque eficaz en la obra misional es comenzar con respeto y ofrecer una mano amigable.

La primera lectura del libro de Isaías nos dice que Dios habla a través de él diciendo: “Yo soy el Señor y no hay otro, no hay Dios fuera de mí”. Este es el llamado de Dios a través del profeta Isaías a que necesita ayuda de su pueblo y de líderes militares no judíos para someter todas las fuerzas contra Israel y bajo el mismo Dios Único, el Santo de Israel, el Dios de todos.

El evangelio tomado del evangelista San Mateo nos narra la cuestión de los impuestos. Los fariseos intentaban capturar a Jesús en una trampa. Como Israel estaba bajo el Imperio Romano, todos los judíos estaban obligados a pagar impuestos a César Augusto.

Los líderes judíos notaron la creciente popularidad de Jesús entre la gente. Su poder y autoridad se vuelven visiblemente perjudiciales para los ancianos religiosos. Le preguntan a Jesús, que es judío, si debe pagar el impuesto del censo o no. Esta es una trampa para que sepan si la lealtad de Jesús es para las autoridades romanas o para las autoridades judías.

Hay algunas notas importantes e interesantes que debemos tener en cuenta para comprender el extracto del texto del evangelio.

Primero, la moneda romana, cada moneda tiene dos caras: en una cara la imagen del César y en la otra la imagen de Dios. El primero nos invita a ver la autoridad temporal del mundo que representa y el segundo es el amor abarcador de Dios por el mundo y la revelación de Su poder y autoridad eterna.

Segundo, Jesús les pidió que le muestren la moneda. “¿De quién es esta imagen y de quién es la inscripción?” Ellos respondieron: del César”. Jesús les dijo: “Den, pues, al César lo que es del César, y a Dios lo que es de Dios”. Jesús respondió con la verdad y claridad, que como ciudadanos tenemos la responsabilidad con la patria y con nuestro Dios rindiendo toda alabanza y acción de gracias. Nuestra vocación es ser fieles como Dios es fiel. Como creación de Dios, pertenecemos a Dios.

En tercer lugar, ¿cómo le pagamos a Dios por lo que le pertenece? El salmo de hoy dice “Dad al Señor gloria y honra”. Le devolvemos a Dios lo que es de Dios aceptando quiénes somos y quiénes somos. Creo que así es como le pagamos a Dios, unirnos para celebrar la Eucaristía y encontrarnos y caminar juntos como hermanos y hermanas viendo la imagen de Dios en cada uno de nosotros. Por lo tanto, Dios espera que revelemos Su imagen a través de nuestros caminos, haciendo siempre bondad y justicia para con todos.

De hecho, la imagen de Dios está sobre nosotros según nuestra gracia y buenas obras y ciertamente irradia a través de nuestra profunda espiritualidad. Siendo ciudadanos responsables y fieles a Dios, nos convertimos en una bendición para la sociedad y la Iglesia.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

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

Today is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. I will be attending the 4th National Assembly of the Filipino Clergy in America in New Jersey for a week. I am representing the Diocese of Reno, which is also part of the Clergy Continuing Education. Canon of Christ the King will be coming to celebrate mass for you. I am letting you know that I will celebrate mass on the Feast of All Saints’ Day at 6pm here at Holy Spirit Mission.

The letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians reminds them that believing in Jesus as God’s anointed one, the Lord of all, would shape or transform their lives. St. Paul says, “Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.” It means that we must desperately look for this “armor” to claim our freedom from this evil disturbing us and the whole world by simply standing fast to our faith in Jesus.

Think of what is directly happening now, the conflicts around the world, especially in Israel against the terrorists called HAMAS. We should understand that the hostility is emanating from larger, darker, spiritual forces. St. Paul believes that the battle is not flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12) but dark and dangerous powers who do rule the world at the present time. Such forces of evil cannot be fought by the believers, all of us only, but can be resisted by becoming vigilant. Be faithful to God at all times, and put on armor of God to resist in the evil day…”take your helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.” We are followers of the Lord, who are girded in truth, faith, peace, the Spirit through the word, and in prayer for our defense and strength. Remember that our survival strategy in a hostile world is not a strategy of aggression, is not to put on our armor for aggressive action against anyone, but an armor is to empower us to withstand the evils that surround and threaten us. I am confident that our Lord Jesus Christ already conquered death for us and now rules in the heavenly places. Furthermore, this passage calls for considered, corporate resistance to evil when and wherever it is embodied in the structures of the world one lives in, through the power of God. We can confidently testify that the Lord who lives in the heavenly places has already won the battle.

The gospel today, taken from St. Matthew, is imbued with the genuine face of mercy as we remember that Peter, at one point, asked the Lord this question: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” We must imitate God’s way to be kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. How much do we realize that we are called to be forgiving and to be merciful towards others in relation to the gospel?

First, think about God’s generous attitude towards us, that is providing an avenue for healing and comfort by way of pardoning our sins through healing and redeeming action. When we know that we are forgiven, we must be grateful to God for letting us feel how much we are loved.

Second, we are all second chancers. I know that the forgiven debtor failed to realize and to understand that the king’s attitude to forgive him is his way out to be merciful to the person who owed him as well. However, it did not sink into his heart, so he continued oppressing him with an unforgiving heart. His evil heart never changed him as a person. This should not happen. When we know that the grace of forgiveness is received, we also must be dispensers of that same grace of forgiveness. Never be stingy with the goodness we have received, for it guides us to follow a better path in our life.

Third, Jesus narrates the story considerably harsh, when He tells us the king throws the unforgiving, forgiven debtor into prison until the debt is paid. This is a figurative speech. It means that if we can hardly forgive others’ sins against us, certainly God is going to apply the same measure toward us, or else we would be imprisoned into eternal damnation, the prison of eternal fire where there is no way out for redemption.

In today’s mass, let us open our hearts to the grace of forgiveness and mercy. I believe God is always present to heal our hurts, pains, and struggles, especially to accept those who are difficult to be with. The grace of God is so abundant that we cannot set a limit to forgiving.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 28Th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

  • Isaiah 25:6-10
  • Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
  • Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
  • Matthew 22:1-14 or 22:1-10

Happy Feast Day to everyone! I am happy to join Fr. Tom celebrating this mass in honor of our patroness, St. Teresa of Avila. We welcome you all. Viva St. Teresa, Viva! I believe that having happy priests means a happy parish community. Please say it, “Happy Priests, Happy Parish.”

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila. She was a remarkable Saint and Doctor of the Church because of her holiness and writings. She reminds us of what our priority should be: She said, “The surest way to determine whether one possesses the love of God is to see whether he or she loves his or her neighbor. These two loves are never separated. Rest assured, the more you progress in love of neighbor the more your love of God will increase.” This is wonderful food for thought for us. Our belief must be anchored on the love of God and neighbors.

She was born in Avila, Spain, on March 28, 1515, to an influential and devoutly Catholic family. Known as an affectionate and friendly child, she lived what appears to have been a happy and normal childhood with a deep practice of Catholic faith. St. Teresa was educated by the Augustinian nuns; she loved to read about the lives of saints. She said, “all things of this world will pass away, and God alone is forever.” She also read the autobiography of St. Augustine, which helped her to realize that even a sinner has an opportunity to be transformed and be converted. In that light, she writes, “Let nothing frighten you. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”Hence, let us always stay in an intimate relationship with Him, for all to be filled with good things. She joined the Carmelite Contemplative and reformed the monastery with the help of St. John of the Cross due to leniency of the religious life. She nurtured her spiritual life with Scriptures, reading the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and with her personal encounter of God’s mercy and of Christ being her spouse.

Many of us are so confused by what is happening to the Church today, to the extent of being critical of the Pope and the Church. We need St. Teresa today. St. Teresa was staunchly faithful to the Church during the turmoil of the Church’s reform. Instead of being critical, she dedicated her time to pray for the whole Church and for the people to be faithful and holy. She demonstrated the importance of women in the Church, not by ordination, but by being a faithful spouse of Christ, which merited a powerful witness of having a place in the Church and in Christian life today.

Today, we heard the scripture readings which invite us into the freedom Jesus can offer. In the book of Isaiah in today’s reading, the people of Israel were assured, not only of the comfort and provisions given to them, but the consolation that, “The Lord God will wipe away tears from every face.” Hence, the Prophet Isaiah offered them hope that someday Israel would be saved by God.

We have lots of struggles in life like St. Teresa. She never thought that those sufferings were punishment from God but were a way to chastise and to purify our body and soul.

The second reading speaks from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians and reminds us that we must know “how to live in humble circumstances,” as he went through all kinds of stress and sufferings. But he reveals the effective way, that is to bear all these trials in faith. He said, “My God will fully supply….. in accord to the riches of Christ.”

Today’s gospel reading from St. Matthew tells us about another parable about the king who gave a wedding feast for his son. But his invitations were denied by many for various reasons. Let us understand salient points of this parable.

First, the King is God, and the coming of His incarnate Son, our Lord Jesus, into the world is like a great wedding feast. He is the Messiah who has the power and dominion over everything for He shares the power of God almighty.

Second, the servants in the wedding banquet are the ancient prophets who have worked for the king in order that they would be helping all the invited guests to be prepared, especially the gentiles and the sinners, for the joyous feast.

Third, among the guests is a man apparently without a wedding garment, which all the invited guests were expected to wear. Some of the experts of the scriptures commented that perhaps the wedding garment is the Baptism.

The evangelist Matthew leads us to practical application when someone invites us for a banquet or a wedding feast. We must know the nature of the party, whether it is formal, semi-formal, or casual. However, God reminds us always to live out our invitation of being serious of doing our faith. It is an acceptance of our vocation, rather than like a man without the proper attire, spiritless, uncommitted, and untroubled.

We are invited to God’s banquet, the Eucharist, and we wear the attire of goodness, love and mercy, and no one would tie us to be put in darkness for we see the goodness of the redeeming God.

St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Vigésimo Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

  • Isaías 25:6-10
  • Salmo 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
  • Filipenses 4:12-14, 19-20
  • Mateo 22:1-14 o 22:1-10

¡Feliz día de fiesta a todos! Gracias por compartir tu platillo favorito ayer para el festival internacional. Como comunidad hispana, no somos una comunidad separada, pertenecemos a la parroquia de Santa Teresa de Ávila. En esta parroquia damos la bienvenida a todos. Ésta es la belleza de ser católicos, somos Uno y somos universales. Somos hermanos y hermanas en la fe.

Hoy celebramos la Fiesta de Santa Teresa de Ávila. Fue una una extraordinaria Santa y Doctora de la Iglesia, notable por su santidad y sus escritos. Ella nos recuerda cuál debe ser nuestra prioridad: Dijo: “La forma más segura de determinar si uno posee el amor de Dios es ver si ama a su prójimo. Estos dos amores nunca están separados. Tengan la seguridad de que el Cuanto más progresas en el amor al prójimo, más aumentará tu amor a Dios.” Esta es una maravillosa reflexión. Nuestra creencia debe estar anclada en el amor a Dios y al prójimo.

Nació en Ávila, España, el 28 de Marzo de 1515, en una familia influyente y devotamente católica. Conocida como una niña afectuosa y amigable, vivió lo que parece haber sido una infancia feliz y normal con una profunda práctica de la fe católica. Santa Teresa fue educada por las monjas agustinas; le encantaba leer sobre la vida de los santos. Ella dijo: “Todas las cosas de este mundo pasarán, y sólo Dios es para siempre”. También leyó la autobiografía de San Agustín, ayudándola a darse cuenta de que incluso un pecador tiene la oportunidad de ser transformado y convertido. En ese sentido, escribe: “No dejes que nada te asuste. Quien tiene a Dios nada le falta; Sólo Dios basta. Por lo tanto, permanezcamos siempre en una relación íntima con Él, para que todos seamos colmados de sus gracias. Se unió a la Carmelita Contemplativa y reformó el monasterio con la ayuda de San Juan de la Cruz debido a la indulgencia de la vida religiosa. Nutrió su vida espiritual en las Escrituras, la lectura de los escritos de los Padres de la Iglesia y su encuentro con la misericordia de Dios y el hecho de que Cristo sea su esposo.

Muchos de nosotros estamos tan confundidos por lo que le está sucediendo a la Iglesia hoy, hasta el punto de criticar al Papa y a la Iglesia. Necesitamos a Santa Teresa hoy. Santa Teresa fue incondicionalmente fiel a la Iglesia durante la agitación de la reforma de la Iglesia. En lugar de ser crítica, dedicó su tiempo a orar por toda la Iglesia y para que el pueblo sea fiel y santo. Demostró la importancia de la mujer en la Iglesia, no por la ordenación sino por ser esposas fieles de Cristo, que merecieron un testimonio poderoso de tener un lugar en la Iglesia y en la vida cristiana hoy.

Hoy escuchamos en las Escrituras la invitación a la libertad que solo Jesús nos puede ofrecer. En el libro de Isaías escuchamos, que al pueblo de Israel se le aseguró no sólo consuelo y provisiones, sino también el consuelo de que “el Señor Dios borrará de todo rostro”. Por lo tanto, el profeta Isaías les ofreció la esperanza de que algún día , Israel sería salvo por Dios.

Tenemos muchas luchas en la vida como Santa Teresa. Ella nunca pensó que esos sufrimientos fueran un castigo de Dios, sino una manera de purificar el cuerpo y alma.

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Filipenses nos recuerda que debemos saber “vivir en circunstancias humildes”, mientras él atravesaba todo tipo de tensiones y sufrimientos. Pero él revela el camino eficaz, que es soportar todas estas pruebas con fe, dijo: “Mi Dios suplirá plenamente….. conforme a las riquezas de Cristo”.

La lectura del evangelio de hoy de San Mateo nos habla de otra parábola sobre el rey que dio un banquete de bodas para su hijo. Pero sus invitaciones fueron rechazadas por muchos por diversas razones. Entendamos los puntos más destacados de esta parábola.

Primero, el Rey es Dios, la venida de Su Hijo encarnado de él, nuestro Señor Jesús al mundo es como un gran banquete de bodas. Él es el Mesías que tiene poder y dominio sobre todo porque comparte el poder de Dios todopoderoso.

En segundo lugar, los sirvientes en el banquete de bodas son los antiguos profetas que trabajaron para el rey para ayudar a todos los invitados a prepararse, especialmente a los gentiles y a los pecadores, para la gozosa fiesta.

En tercer lugar, entre los invitados, un hombre aparentemente sin el traje de boda que se esperaba que llevaran todos los invitados. Algunos de los conocedores de las escrituras comentaron que quizás, el vestido de bodas sea el Bautismo. Todos somos bautizados, por lo tanto, comportemos para ser dignos del Reino.

El evangelista Mateo nos lleva a la aplicación práctica cuando alguien nos invita a un banquete o a una fiesta de bodas. Debemos conocer la naturaleza de la fiesta si es formal, semiformal o informal. Sin embargo, Dios nos recuerda que siempre debemos vivir nuestra invitación a ser serios en cuanto a nuestra fe. Es una aceptación de nuestra vocación en lugar de ser como un hombre sin el atuendo adecuado, sin espíritu, sin compromiso y sin preocupaciones.

Estamos invitados al banquete de Dios, la Eucaristía, vestimos el traje de la bondad, del amor y de la misericordia, nadie nos atara para quedarnos en la oscuridad porque vemos la bondad del Dios redentor.

Santa Teresa de Ávila, ruega por nosotros.

P. Arlón, osa