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The Dictate of the Heart: 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday | Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Today is the feast of the two apostles, Saints Simon, the Zealot, and Jude, the Son of James. Simon was a member of the party of Jews planning, and eventually executing, a guerrilla war against the Romans.  The party was known as “the Zealot,” emerging as a distinctive group until some 36 years after Jesus was crucified.  So, the question is, why was he called Simon, the Zealot?  The correct answer is, having that nickname was connected to his personality. He was a zealous guy, especially in relation to doing his work pertaining to the faithful following of the will of Jesus Christ.  He became a member of the newly organized party after the death of his master, Jesus.  He was involved in the attempted revolt against the Romans resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem. As for Judas, son of James, he nearly gets lost in the tradition because Mark and Matthew call him Thaddeus. He has emerged in Christian tradition as the saint of the impossible. However, in Luke’s gospel, he is called Jude.  I think he was so involved in a “mission impossible” type situation and became someone whom many devotees turned to for help and intercession.

The reading from the Ephesians reminds me that just like Simon and Jude, who were called to accomplish the task given by Jesus, we too must think of how we can realize our mission work, keeping that call from Jesus with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul says in his letter, “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone” (Eph. 2:19-20).  Since we are no longer strangers, we are all in communion with fellow citizens, together with the Apostles, like Simon and Jude. We belong to a life-giving family, which St. Paul calls the “body of Christ.” Through Christ we grow together in the Spirit. This passage inspires me to continue to belong to a living, growing communion of saints, collaborating with the continued growth of this household. As His disciples, we stand up and move forward, confident in that support.

In today’s gospel, Jesus walks up the mountain to pray and is inspired to choose his disciples.  I believe that Jesus took seriously the decision to select worthy collaborators, who had faith in Him to learn and teach others as well.

We are also called to be Christ’s disciples.  Maybe we’ve entertained this question: Why twelve males when we know that several Galilean women were also key members of the earliest disciples in Luke 8:1-3; 24:10? The reasonable answer to this question is that Jesus’ choice of the number twelve, and specifically twelve men, was a prophetic symbolic act indicating that He was bringing about the expected messianic restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Hence, like Jesus and His disciples, I need to go to a quiet place to allow myself to be in communion with the Spirit of Christ in prayer.  I need to talk to God, not to make any reaction that would jeopardize the voice of God calling me to “faithfully follow Him.” You and I are also encouraged to be Jesus’ disciples to do the work of God for salvation.  Let us pray for others, who are at this time in need of someone to accompany them in clearing up their minds of doubts.

Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 30th Week in Ordinary time, Thursday

Last Sunday, October 23rd, the Catholic Church celebrated World Mission Sunday.  I have preached about Jesus’ mandate to all who are baptized, to participate in the challenging task of proclaiming the message of God to the whole world, even in the midst of difficulties, where this modern world is hostile to receive the message of Christ.  The mission work is not just limited to bishops, priests, religious and missionaries, but to all followers of the Lord. We must carry the Goodnews so that, through us, others may know God.  I have been a missionary for 27 years, and I am blessed for being “Sent.”  I am aware that this mission work is not only for myself, and I am always happy to bring up the name of the Order of St. Augustine, of which I am an active member

On October 25, 2022, one of my Augustinian confreres, Fr. Alfredo Jubac, OSA, visited me for the first time from the Philippines. He will stay with me for a few days, and he wants to be immersed in my work in the diocese.  Of course I am happy with his visit, for it renews our Augustinian fraternity. His presence is indeed a support, living out our charism of “being one mind and heart.”  In addition, having a brother visiting gives us time for sharing our challenging works and our battles dealing with many interior thoughts and feelings that invade our hearts.  As we listen to each other, we have realized the value of brotherhood and bonding, which actually leads us always to God.

In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, he says, “Draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power.  Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.” This is what we must learn from St. Paul, that our weight and strength is when we call on God.

Every time we read the scriptures, we are inspired and so often it rouses us to do something good and even change ourselves for the better.  We always look for the path to perseverance.

In today’s gospel, some Pharisees came to Jesus to warn Him to go away because Herod wants to kill him.

Everywhere and every time, we are exposed to the danger of dying or being killed. The Pharisees and religious leaders were targeting Jesus in order to silence Him.  Why? It is because He speaks the truth, and these people, hearing His voice, instead of walking towards the light, they continue to protect their self-interest, power and pride.

As we read this gospel, we need to resist the enticement of the devil.  We are under siege by the forces of darkness in this present world.  We must be prepared to fight off the evil one. We need to protect our entire being so that we can continue to run the race, like St. Paul, faithful to his calling to preach about peace and love for those who do not know God yet.

Let us be shielded by His truth in His word. We cannot fight off the evils without knowing the word of God. “ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The The Dictate of the Heart: 30th Week in Ordinary time, Wednesday

Two weeks ago as I walked in the neighborhood, I saw houses decorated with scary skeletons, spiders, witches, coffins, etc….I think people are so much into bad spirits which could give them an opening to bad spirits’ infestations.  They never realize that some welcome the prince of darkness in disguise.  To knock on the door, like “trick-or-treaters,” the unknown power of darkness could molest them.

Our readings today remind us to be obedient to our parents and to our superiors and, at the same time, believing in the faithfulness of the Lord so that we can enter into the kingdom of heaven for our salvation.

The first reading starts with a directive to obey and honor our parents.  In fact, in the Old Testament, it was promised that those who are respectful and loving towards their parents will be abundantly rewarded, especially with a long life.  The parents, on the other hand, should not provoke their children in anger but make them happy to connect with God. Parents must also be loving and kind reflecting the whole family as faithful followers of the Lord. So, no matter what, we should always serve the Lord in all we do.  We should serve Him in our actions and attitudes and keep Him as the center of our family.

The gospel today narrates to us about someone from the crowd asking Jesus,  “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered using the image of a “narrow gate”, saying many will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough, and many others will be turned away when they knock on the door.  What is the “narrow gate? It can be a metaphor for many things, or it may be challenging and difficult.  Maybe, we should not be careless in our faith in the Lord.  There must be a commitment on our part, like making critical decisions and free choice so that in having serious discernment we can arrive at this narrow gate, then finally be led to salvation.  I believe that in this desire and longing to enter the “narrow gate,” we should truly place much attention on the present moment and not be defined by our resentments from the past or fears and anxieties of the future.

Let us pray that Jesus will lead us on the right path to arrive at, and be able to enter through, the right door. Let us strive hard until the path is completely right and the door is open wide enough that we may enter. Jesus is knocking at the door of every heart; let us never lack in hope.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 30th Week in Ordinary time, Tuesday

I have encountered people who seem happy from outside appearance, but inside they carry so much pain and anguish in life.  They have tried in life to overcome them without people noticing their own pretentions. I guess it is really hard for them to keep everything inside their hearts, seemingly building up their own kingdom.

Today’s reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians tells us that we must, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  The passage is also an admonition to husbands and wives.  Maybe this advice for wives to be, “subordinate to their husbands in everything for the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church,” becomes taboo in this period of modern history.  Couples fight for equality in their vows and commitment in marriage.  I definitely don’t see life-giving marriage in the Church where one is inferior and the other is superior.

What is essential in marital covenant is when both work to make the marriage or family work. I believe what St. Paul wants to convey is that, to live godly lives starts first with our love and respect for each other, especially in the ways we assume responsibility for others, especially to children, spouses, family, and neighbors.

When we live according to the principles of life and keep the commandment of love, for sure it is a clear path to heaven amidst this imperfect world.  Why try to think that our immediate mission is to strive to create a world in which everyone feels that the Kingdom of God may be easily found here on earth.  This Kingdom of God is primarily centered in love and respect for each other in view of God’s calling for all.

The kingdom of heaven is beyond what we can humanly expect. It would be a good help to focus on things that God wants us to accomplish, lest we become frustrated.  After all, frustration is the direct result of being an independent and individualistic person.  What matters most is for oneself rather than for the common good.

I pray today that we can also see the Kingdom so clearly when we all submit ourselves to Christ who is the head and the way to the real kingdom.  St. Paul is inviting husbands and wives to be self-giving and self-emptying, and for the whole Church to offer to each other genuine service.

Dedicated and loving service is the key in this perspective as we concretize our common aspiration building the kingdom here and now.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Monday

The change of weather is obvious because the temperature gets cooler and continues to drop. People are preparing for the winter season and checking their houses for good insulation. Sometimes we are good about external preparations, but how about our interior life? Do we prepare for it?

The first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a good reminder, not only to the people of Ephesus but for us, to live a good and honorable life. Instead of engaging in all kinds of foolishness, we must be good, merciful and grateful at all times. We need to keep today’s responsorial psalm in our hearts, “Behave like God as his very dear children.”

Jesus, in today’s gospel, presents himself as a very sensible person. He knows the needs of everyone. He never hesitates to do something good for others, unmindful of the sabbath, when the mercy of God is at stake. While He was teaching at the synagogue, He encountered a woman who was crippled by spirit for 18 years. Jesus would have had to look carefully at everyone in the congregation, hunting for the person who most needed His help; then He saw the crippled woman. Because of His empathy, Jesus freed her from her physical challenges and pain. While Jesus’ oppositionists were indignant, Jesus had decided to liberate and cure her from her illness, even during the sabbath. I certainly believe that woman’s life changed only when Jesus met her and acted with the compassion that St. Paul says, “Be kind to one another, compassionate. Forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

I pray today, that God will continue to give me the gift of compassion for others, rather than to behave in a judgmental and condemning manner. Loving and knowing God, who has given me life, talents, and many other blessings, makes me want to use them all in service to others, I ask God to help me know how I can best serve others.

I have been raised with much love and care; thus I am grateful growing up with so many blessings. I want to pay it forward to those whose lives need love and material benefits by doing the best I can, in order to return the love to those who desperately need it.

Even though it is difficult being aware of those having less in resources, please sacrifice and spare any attainable donations. This will help others very much, but at the very least responding to these needs reflects on us being good and compassionate individuals; please give until it hurts.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

Today is the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year C. As I have shared with you, the liturgical readings last week and this week are about prayer. Some of us know about prayer because we say a prayer every day. There are some who pray almost the whole day. Whatever the benefit of prayer is, I believe it not essentially for God, but for our own good, for our conversion and a way to constantly communicate with God, who knows what is best for us.

We heard our first reading from the Book of Sirach which reminds us about “God of justice, who knows no favorites.” He listens to all of our prayers, especially the cry of the poor, meaning those who are truly dependent on Him. He is not deaf to the crying of the orphans and widows who pour out their complaint to Him. God doesn’t tolerate favoritism; instead He hears the people’s prayer without delay. What is needed is our complete resignation and not expectations. Faith counts the most in our own prayer life.

Dealing with unanswered prayers does not justify our constant blaming of God’s treatment towards us. We cannot simply accuse God who remains passive with regards to our supplications. Maybe we need to discover much about ourselves that our mind is less focused on God, or maybe our ears don’t listen attentively to God’s voice. It is significant not to focus fully on ourselves and to expect instant results according to our terms. Prayer is not so much about asking God for He knows the recesses of our heart’s desire. Nevertheless, it is more appropriate that we express gratitude to God who knows how to provide us with a particular need. God knows everything, including our pain, struggles and material needs. Throughout the gospel, Jesus is encouraging His disciples to pray especially during life’s trials and difficulties. In today’s gospel, Jesus narrates to us about two men praying in the temple area.

First, a Pharisee who prays to God and yet he is actually praising himself. He doesn’t know that he is praying to himself, lifting his own seat because of his pious actions. He thanks God that he is different from others, not being immoral and being obedient to the law. He feels better about himself, thus putting himself above his need rather than the need of God. This gospel parable is actually directed towards the Pharisees who trusted in their own righteousness.

Second, the tax collector, who squeezes his fellow Jews to pay their taxes under the foreign domination by Rome. However, he is very conscious of his manner and behavior to the fact that he acknowledges before God that he is a sinner. He is honest and truthful to God. Thus, the tax collector went home justified, which means he was able to open up himself to God, and at the same time he arrived at his own self discovery and assessment.

We learn that being honest in everything is an invitation to prayer in order to arrive at the truth, humbling ourselves to foster a relationship with God which we often think of as the fruits of prayer.

I am drawn to admire the tax collector’s attitude simply because he knows how to evaluate himself with sincerity of heart, then finishes his prayer being whole again. Prayer is not about asking, but being at peace with yourself and God.

Having a meek heart opens up every possibility. St. Augustine says, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” St. Augustine understands that if we presume through pride to make ourselves the center of our own identities, the result is basically, self-pretentious. We need humility in order to recognize the love and the divine intervention of God that sustains us.

Therefore, let us return to God in prayer, not the way the Pharisee prayed, expecting a reward, but the humble prayer of a tax collector who approached God in the sincerest way possible. Let us strive to live more peacefully connected with God in truth and be restored completely renewed and healed.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday | Feast of St. Pope John Paul II

Today is the feast of the well-loved pope in the history of the Church, St. John Paul II. His name made a great impact not only to Catholics but to all people from different religions. Karol Józef Wojtyla was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. His mother died when he was nine years old, and his older brother Edmund died when he was 12. It was a difficult period for him, but he accepted the loss with strong faith in God. He was very athletic and loved to ski and to swim. When he was in college, he took up theater and poetry.

During the German occupation of Poland, the schools were closed, but he decided to enter the seminary and studied secretly under the archbishop of Krakow. He finished his religious studies, and he was ordained in 1946. He was faithful in his priestly ministry and succeeded to become a bishop in 1958 and the archbishop of Krakow in 1964. Pope Paul VI made him a cardinal in 1967.

He made history in 1978 when he became the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years of Catholicism. During his papacy, he was loved by young people all over the world and was an advocate of family life. He was very influential to world leaders and different religious leaders. In fact, he started the World Youth Day and the gathering of all-faith leaders in Assisi. Pope John Paul II, at the age of 84, died on April 2, 2005 at his Vatican City residence. More than 3 million people waited in line to say good-bye to their beloved, John Paul. On April 8, 2005, during his funeral at St. Peter’s Square, thousands of people cried out loud in unison: “Santo Subito.” It means in Italian, “make him immediate saint.” Barely five years after, on July 5, 2013, it was announced by the Church that Pope John Paul II would be declared a saint. Pope Francis elevated him to the altar of the Lord as one of the officially canonized Saints of the Catholic Church on April 27, 2014. He was the pope I met when I was in the seminary during his first visit to the Philippines on February 1980.

God wants us to bear much fruit on earth like the ordinary people who became Saints of the Church. Our main purpose is to find life in God and pray for our healing and conversion. However, we need our community of faith to help us in that growth. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul speaks about the “building up of the Body of Christ,” which we belong to as believers.

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable to point to the unlimited mercy and patience of our God. He gives us more time to bear many fruits. “If not, you can cut it down,” which is clear that words like these are not coming from a vindictive God, but rather is a wake-up call to realize the limits of life. Everything here on earth has an end, and therefore we must be aware of life’s fragility and its limited dimensions.

Let us be serious in our discernment to live our faith and to be true and faithful living members of Christ’s Mystical Body.

St. John Paul II, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday

God has given us various gifts which we need to be aware of, affirming how much God loves and cares for us. These gifts are for us to bring to each other.  Therefore, we must show appreciation for each other’s gifts and use them for our well-being. 

The reading from Saint Paul to the Ephesians indicates the kindness of Paul because he writes to inspire them of unity of the Spirit and peace, despite his experience of being imprisoned. There is no rancor in his heart against those who oppressed him.  St. Paul says, “to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one spirit.”  We must be worthy of this call of Christ, meaning to say, that the life of Jesus suggests it is a call to love, both God and our fellowmen.  We need to work hard for unity and peace.

The gospel reading implies that we must realize our calling to this present world is to be able to respond to the challenges and calling with an open heart and mind so that the Holy Spirit has the space in our life to discern well.  Surely, we can predict weather changes, the incidence of rain and the direction of the wind by using modern technology; however, Jesus then sadly points out that often we cannot determine in a peaceful manner what is right and just.  

How do we arrive at an objective understanding of things:

First of all, as humans we have both feelings and facts.  At times, we are carried away by our prejudices which we must really work hard to take them away.  Thus, to attain the objectivity we allow ourselves to engage in dialogue and cordial interaction.

Secondly, when we want to arrive at a peaceful agreement or resolution, one has to know that different opinions are better than only one idea.  It strengthens our being brothers and sisters to find the commonality of purpose.  Our differences of opinion may produce a balanced solution.  Nevertheless, mutual respect and love need to be practiced. To do this well, we must have a better way to accept and to listen well to the call that God has put in our hearts.  

St. Paul clearly mentions that “there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and we are under one Father.”  Our unity involves diversity, but we call upon the Spirit to help us realize, as Paul tells us, that there is “one God of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday

My journey to holiness is not smooth. It is rough, and I need to maintain a balance. There are times when I need to maneuver crucial moments in my life.  Curves are plenty, but I look forward to traversing on a straight road.  

The first reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians is a reminder to me, as today I pray, “that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones……and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness of God.”  I pray for that instruction in love that will fortify me through life’s difficulties and allow me to live out the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ.

The gospel today surprised me when Jesus says, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing.”  I believe that this is a kind of human emotion being revealed to us from the human nature of the Lord when He too experienced anguish and betrayal which led to His crucifixion. 

This gospel makes me feel unsettled but there are lessons we need to ponder on:

Frist, Jesus’ commitment to share the message of the Father so that people may find God continuously putting forward the seriousness of His work for the salvation of all, which means, the earth has been set with the power of the Holy Spirit symbolizing “fire.”

Second, Jesus speaks of the passivity of the people to accept His message.  Jesus is wishing it “were already blazing.”  The healing of the hearts of men is seemingly hard because of the freedom God gifted all of us.  I guess it is easy for God to impose all that He wanted to fulfill; however, He respects our decision to make our personal commitment.  We have to make our voices clear and be heard, so that we too can influence others.

At the end of today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three….” Yes, it is difficult to understand this, yet it is easier to accept that some people committed themselves to be faithful followers of Jesus, and there are some that reject Jesus, even today, which causes division among our families and community.

I can imagine that Jesus’ eyes see that the Holy Spirit works in my heart and others.  Jesus is inviting you and me to receive it fully and open our hearts to it no matter what the results, even discord in my own family. We need courage when we are different from them as long as we walk in the path of goodness and righteousness to see through us His divine presence burning in us.  

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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The Dictate of the Heart: 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday

By virtue of our baptism, Jesus has been giving us an important task to continue Christ’s work of building the Kingdom of God on earth. It can be a great challenge to accomplish this mission work wherever we are, in school, in our workplace, or sharing the faith with family members and friends. During Holy Communion, the priest says, “The Body of Christ,” and our response is, “Amen,”which means “so be it,” or “I believe,” a response to manifest our complete acceptance of the real presence of Christ. When we believe in the body of Christ, it means we are receiving both His blood and His body. However, we always forget the second implication of saying Amen. It reminds us that we embodied the Body of Christ, that each one of us is a part of the Body of Christ. As one Body, we are in communion with each other to participate in the work and mission of Jesus. Our Catholic belief is not only personal but communal. We must unite with each other and collaborate in doing the work of God here on earth. St. Teresa of Avila once said that “Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which Christ looks with compassion on the world; yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good; yours are the hands with which Christ blesses all the world.” Thus, we are sent to be His witnesses into the world when we allow ourselves to be shared in the service of the gospel, bringing the good news to others.

Today’s gospel tells us about those who are not yet ready and His servants who are ready and prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. We have plenty of time to improve our dedication and relationship with God, rather than to think that our faith is another burden to our busyness. We look at it and view how we should live our Christian lives. By being open to Jesus’ presence in our hearts, we receive the fulness of life and joy. Our behavior becomes different by being receptive to His grace, and our sharing of love is indeed easier to accomplish. We can share these loving actions with the people in our daily lives. We become more approachable, more attentive when we listen and more effective when we pray. We become forgiving toward others and are happy to share our faith with them.

Listening to the first epistle today from St. Paul we hear, “Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of His power.” It is ultimately the grace of God.

Let us explore, through our life of devotion in prayer, sharing the fruits of our love with others as part of the whole Body of Christ.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa