Author: dotheartfrarlon

• Zephaniah 3:14-18a
• Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
• Philippians 4:4-7
• Luke 3:10-18

Today we are in the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C.  Every one of us is excited to truly feel the season ofChristmas.  Though we are still halfway through Advent season, our mind and spirit are advanced in expectation filled with hope and joy for the many good things to come.    The readings make us all rejoice to hear those inspiring words from Prophet Zephaniah, St. Paul, and from the evangelist St. Luke.  Are we happy, or joyful, or is there a reason to rejoice again?  Maybe we get caught up with so many distractions in love that we hardly notice God’s love and presence in our daily prayer, in the things around us, in His creation and the people who love us.  Do we seek God?   

God reveals Himself to us, through the scripture readings today, in order for us to overcome obstacles which hinder us from rejoicing and seeing the true light.  When we find ourselves rejoicing, our joy results from God’s grace and from living in harmony with others. Each of these readings is filled with hope, joy, and peace in anticipation that something is about to happen. 

The first reading from the Prophet Zephaniah brings to us a thought to ponder.  After the storm and trials of the Israelites, due to their false worship of idols and disregard for the plight of the poor, there is still Goodnews.  The very same God, who is furious about their waywardness, stops His troubling vengeance for He has remained faithful to His people.  Fear and being disheartened have been driven away, and the victorious people are now singing and dancing with joy over God’s return.    

The second reading, taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, is a reminder to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”  Anxiety will be gone if we abandon ourselves to God in peace, and our minds and hearts will be filled with God’s grace and consolation.  In finding God, we find comfort and solace for there is always reason to “Rejoice!” 

In today’s gospel, taken from St. Luke, the evangelist presents to us the main actor of the story, John the Baptist.  John the Baptist teaches us to be fair and honest and to wait for the one who is coming.  Let us reflect on certain realities that have been revealed in today’s gospel. 

First, “What should we do?” This question was raised by the people to John the Baptist.  We also have the same question within ourselves, to validate how we should manage to respond to John’s message of repentance! However, John the Baptist was quick with his response, that people must be sincere about fighting against the temptations of lies, extortion, greed, possessiveness and lack of concern for the poor.  John’s words of exhortation prepare them for the coming of the Lord.  John the Baptist tells the crowd if they have two cloaks, to give away one.  These words initiate everyone to perform an act of sacrifice for others.  By doing the deeds of love and justice, John’s hearers are promised to be gathered into God’s barn, to God’s all-embracing love.

Second, John said, “I am baptizing you with water.”  The clarity of John’s words reveals to us his deep desire to work on purification of the hearts of the people which Jesus is expecting His people to do before His coming.  We must purify our souls.  Sometimes it is difficult and hurting if we are not used to doing it, that is turning away from sin and growing closer to God which requires great sacrifice and surrender.  It allows us to be receptive of the recreating power of His grace to transform us.

Third, John preached Goodnews to the people.  The gospel of St. Luke is continuously making John, the precursor, to labor much in preparing the people by preaching the stern warning of God for the people to repent as the center of his preaching, the “Call to Repentance.”  This was so that those people would be ready for His coming. John’s preaching reminds us to be freed from the fullness of self, from being selfish towards the fullness of life.  This is his mission to guarantee us for the One who is to come. 

This 3rd Sunday of Advent, as we receive and ponder the readings, we are instructed to give and receive the Goodnews meant to encourage us for His coming presence of the Good and Beautiful, the God who searches for us to return to Him.

In life, we are overwhelmed by so many things that impede us to experience God around us.  We can’t articulate it at times because we are out of focus.  We are excited to be fascinated with temporal things rather than being immersed with the reality of God’s presence.  We become like little kids who are excited with Santa Clause, rather than with the coming of Jesus.   We are delighted and attracted with Christmas decor and lights and not availing ourselves to the real sense of centering on the true light, who is The Lord. 

Let us find our way as we prepare for the birth of Christ.  God’s gift is a relationship and His presence, which we need to give to others as a “Present,” an exchanged gift, is to share with others as well.   Be kind to embrace the new plan of God for you to unleash the goodness in you. Be grateful so that anxiety may be taken out of your system, and never lose sight of God.  Pray unceasingly so that you will always guard your hearts and minds. Rejoice always!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Tercer Domingo de Adviento, Año C

• Sofonías 3:14-18a
• Isaías 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
• Filipenses 4:4-7
• Lucas 3:10-18

Hoy estamos en el Tercer Domingo de Adviento, Año C. Todos estamos emocionados por sentir verdaderamente la temporada de Navidad. Aunque aún estamos en el tiempo de Adviento, nuestra mente y nuestro espíritu van por delante, llenos de esperanza y alegría por las muchas cosas buenas que están por venir. Las lecturas nos hacen regocijarnos al escuchar esas palabras inspiradas del profeta Sofonías, de San Pablo y del evangelista San Lucas. ¿Estamos felices, alegres o hay alguna razón para regocijarnos nuevamente? Tal vez nos dejamos llevar por tantas distracciones que apenas notamos el amor y la presencia de Dios en nuestra oración diaria, en las cosas que nos rodean, en Su creación y en las personas que nos aman. ¿Buscamos a Dios?

 Dios se revela a nosotros a través de las lecturas de hoy para que superemos los obstáculos del regocijo que nos impiden ver la luz. Cuando nos encontramos regocijándonos, nuestra alegría es el resultado de la gracia de Dios y de vivir en armonía con los demás. Cada una de estas lecturas está llena de esperanza, alegría y paz, anticipando que algo está por suceder. 

La primera lectura del profeta Sofonías nos trae un pensamiento para reflexionar. Después de la tormenta, las pruebas de los israelitas debido a su adoración falsa de ídolos y su indiferencia hacia la situación de los pobres, llega una buena noticia. El mismo Dios que se mostró furioso por su desviación, detiene Su venganza para ser fiel a Su pueblo. El miedo y la desolación se han ido, y el pueblo victorioso ahora canta y baila de alegría por el regreso de Dios. 

La segunda lectura, tomada de la carta de San Pablo a los Filipenses, es un recordatorio de “Alégrense siempre en el Señor.” La ansiedad se disipará si nos entregamos a Dios en paz; nuestras mentes y corazones se llenarán de la gracia y el consuelo de Dios. Al encontrar a Dios, encontramos consuelo, porque siempre hay una razón para “Regocijarse”. 

En el Evangelio de hoy, tomado de San Lucas, el evangelista nos presenta al actor principal de la historia, Juan el Bautista. Juan el Bautista nos llama a ser justos, honestos y a esperar al que está por venir. Reflexionemos sobre ciertas realidades que se revelan en el Evangelio de hoy. 

Primero, “¿Qué debemos hacer?” Esta pregunta fue planteada por el pueblo a Juan el Bautista. Nosotros también tenemos la misma pregunta dentro de nosotros, para validar cómo debemos responder al mensaje de arrepentimiento de Juan. Sin embargo, Juan el Bautista respondió rápidamente que la gente debe ser sincera al luchar contra las tentaciones de las mentiras, la extorsión, la codicia, el egoísmo y la falta de preocupación por los pobres. Estas palabras de exhortación de Juan preparan al pueblo para la venida del Señor. Juan le dice a la multitud que, si tienen dos túnicas, den una. Estas palabras instan a todos a realizar un acto de sacrificio por los demás. Al hacer obras de amor y justicia, se promete que los oyentes de Juan serán reunidos en el gran cobertizo de Dios, en Su amor abarcador. 

En segundo lugar, Juan dijo: “Yo los bautizo con agua.” La claridad de las palabras de Juan nos revela su profundo deseo de trabajar en la purificación de los corazones del pueblo, algo que Jesús espera de Su pueblo antes de Su llegada. Debemos purificar nuestras almas. A veces es difícil y doloroso si no estamos acostumbrados a hacerlo, pero el alejarnos del pecado y acercarnos a Dios requiere gran sacrificio y entrega. Nos permite estar receptivos al poder recreador de Su gracia que nos transforma. 

En tercer lugar, Juan predicó la Buena Nueva al pueblo. El Evangelio de San Lucas sigue haciendo que Juan, el precursor, trabaje mucho preparando al pueblo al predicar la advertencia severa de Dios para que el pueblo se arrepienta, como el centro de su predicación: el “Llamado al Arrepentimiento,” para que estén listos para la venida de Jesús. La predicación de Juan nos recuerda liberarnos de la plenitud del yo para recibir una vida que conduce a la plenitud de la vida. Esta es su misión: asegurarnos que estemos listos para Aquel que ha de venir. 

En este tercer Domingo de Adviento, al recibir y meditar las lecturas, se nos instruye a dar y recibir la Buena Nueva, que nos animan a la venida de la presencia del Buen y Hermoso, el Dios que busca que regresemos a Él. 

En la vida, nos vemos abrumados por tantas cosas que nos impiden experimentar a Dios a nuestro alrededor. A veces no podemos expresarlo porque estamos desenfocados. Nos emocionamos por cosas temporales en lugar de estar sumergidos en la realidad de la presencia de Dios. Nos convertimos como niños pequeños, emocionados por Santa Claus en lugar de por la venida de Jesús. Nos encanta la decoración y las luces de Navidad, pero no aprovechamos el verdadero sentido de centrarnos en la luz verdadera, que es el Señor. 

Encontrémonos en el camino mientras preparamos el nacimiento de Cristo. El regalo de Dios es una relación y Su presencia, que necesitamos dar a otros como “Regalo” para el intercambio de obsequios, compartiendo este preciado don con los demás. Seamos amables y abracemos el nuevo plan de Dios para liberar lo bueno que hay en nosotros. Seamos agradecidos para que la ansiedad se aleje de nuestro ser y nunca perdamos de vista a Dios. Oremos sin cesar para que siempre guardemos nuestros corazones y mentes al regalo más grande de nuestra vida, que es Jesus. 

Que Dios los bendiga. 

P. Arlon, OSA

• Philippians 4:4-7
• John 1:19-28

Today is Gaudete Sunday, on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, and we must rejoice.  Let our faces glow with a smile, intoxicating others with so much positivity, rather than with a frown to indicate being a loser!   This time of the year we have the privilege to inspire and let others rejoice!  I invite you to rejoice in God’s presence in the Eucharist and in His words, which we heard, and through our fraternity in this community. Certainly God manifests Himself in our lives.

Are you ready for this season of Advent taken by surprise with greater joy and happiness?  There are three things for which I want you to feel happy and joyful. 

First, Joy happens when you least expect.  It is just receiving a card or a gift from the person whom you have missed for so long, with no communication, and then one day a gift at your door is delivered by surprise.  For me, God is full of surprises, especially in moments when we are downtrodden, when we are preoccupied, and then someone grants you a gift that makes you joyful.  God’s gift to us is Joy.  Ask Him for the grace to fill your hearts with delight for this is the perfect time of the year to turn your sadness into Joy. 

Second, don’t compare yourselves to others.  Why?  Comparing yourself to others deprives you from being unique. You are gifted by God in a different way and specifically granted something only for you.  The moment you start comparing yourself with someone else’s job, love, family, or possessions, then Joy starts to drift away. 

Third, Joy makes you a positive person and moves you into action.   It generates positive energy to love, to be forgiving, and to attract others by your good works.  Joy certainly makes us forget ourselves as the center of our focus, and others become our priority.  Consider extra time in silent prayer, a donation or a gift to the person you have neglected for so long, and always be a Santa to provide the inspiration for helping those in need.  Be an instrument of Love and JOY.

The gospel today helps us to understand St. John the Baptist, who made himself the cause of joy around the world.  The Prophet John the Baptist’s joy propels him to act, that is, a gift of hope for those who are expecting liberation and freedom from oppression of evil in the world.  There are important points in the gospel we are invited to reflect on:

First, the Priests and Levites asked John, “Who art thou? John replies, “I am not the Christ.”  St. John the Baptist responded in a straightforwardly manner.  He was not confused with regards to his identity precisely because he knew himself well that he was not the Christ.  Our American culture, influenced by secularism, confused people of their own true identity.  Many drifted away from what God created and intended them to be.  We are pressured to explore our sexual orientation, gender, appearance, and what they say about us.  Many have poisoned the minds of the young generation that identity can be changed.  If our society continuously condones this sexual and gender change, then our original identity can change, including our sense of who we are.  When circumstances change, many experience failure, rejection, loss of family values and as a result get wrapped up with egoism and obsession of self-actualization which cause disorientation and depression.  I believe that how John identified himself can help us find a reliable answer to our question: Who are you?

Second, John replies, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.”  John becomes the “Voice” of the One who is to come.  You cannot see a voice, but you can hear it.  John’s voice is simply the vehicle by which the word is expressed thru preaching and righteous witnessing in words and in deeds.  His humility takes a challenging task of being a precursor stemmed from his relationship with God, claiming to be a fulfillment of the scripture as the voice, preparing the way straight. 

Third, John said, “I baptize you with water but there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not.”  The clarity of John’s words reveals to us his deep desire to work on purification of the hearts of the people, which Jesus is expecting His people to do before His coming.  We must purify our souls.  Sometimes it is difficult and hurting if we are not used to doing it, that is, turning away from sin and growing closer to God requires great sacrifice and surrender.  It allows us to be receptive of the recreating power of His grace that transforms us, that is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is available to those who have not confessed for many years.

Today is Gaudete Sunday, and our savior, Jesus Christ is our source of real Joy.  God brings Joy to everyone and grants delights in you, exactly where you are rightnow.  Sometimes Joy arrives unexpectedly, not expectingly coming precisely at midnight or Christmas day, but certainly coming with all its wonderment, confusion, mourning, grief or jubilant celebration so that you may feel from the recesses of your heart ready to burst, exceedingly rejoicing!

May God grant you always the blessing of Joy!

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Baruch 5:1-9
• Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
• Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
• Luke 3:1-6

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C.  This second week of December people are preoccupied with so many things, like Christmas parties , planning for family Christmas events, and setting up Christmas decor in and outside the house.  Advent is a season of joyful anticipation and waiting for the “Coming of the Lord” and our coming back to God.  

We are invited to reflect on the power of God’s Word as revealed to us in the scripture.  The readings for today give such hope, encouragement, joy and consolation in anticipation of His presence radiating His light, love, justice and mercy.  We are confident that as we walk together as a Synodal Church, we will bring that light shining like the sun.  I believe this is the wonderful gift we could bring to all we meet today. 

The 1st reading is taken from the Prophet Baruch which we seldom encounter in our liturgical readings.  During the period of Baruch, Jerusalem has been destroyed.  The Israelites were in exile together with this messenger of God, Baruch.  He was the source of inspiration for his people to not lose hope, for their beloved city has been in their hearts and spirits.  It was their common hope that someday they would return to Jerusalem alive.  This is their hope, that the merciful God is leading them to victory, joy and justice.  Jerusalem is deeply engraved in their hearts as their genuine identity.  It is this prophetic poem that reminds the chosen people that Jerusalem doesn’t speak to them as their territorial claim but as God’s manifestation of God’s greatness and glory.  Their return to Jerusalem after the exile involves repentance and rebuilding a renewed relationship with God’s holy love for the redeemed.   

In the 2nd reading, taken from the letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  These words of St. Paul are also for us, that we must continue to seek the fruit of holiness and righteousness until Jesus comes and until the day of the Lord.  We must learn to discern to do good things to each other and keep all those spiritual values that conform to God’s will.  We need to seek the highest value to return back to God.  

The gospel, taken from St. Luke, reminds us of the importance of the coming of the Prophet, John the Baptist, to prepare the way of the Lord, our Advent guide.  St. John the Baptist is appearing in the desert to proclaim the coming of God’s salvation. 

How do we appreciate the guidance of St. John the Baptist as we enter into the 2nd Sunday of Advent?  What are the important messages we need to learn? 

First, in life we carry in ourselves a repugnance for injustice.  We are feeling distressed when we see around us the painful division that wounds us.  There are times when we are affected by the severity of darkness, people losing hope to improve their lives caused by those with hardened-hearts, unmindful of the plight of the poor.  This distressing image also was perceived by John the Baptist during his time.  However, his holy desire to bring people back to God intensifies his given mission of preparing the people to work for justice and unity and for the coming of the Lord.  He was the voice of the One Who is to come and Who will get things straight, and the valleys will become leveled.   

Second, John the Baptist is preaching a baptism of repentance which is a kind of ritual purification.  He addressed people to express his invitation asking them to assess their own identities, their priorities and securities. It means that he guides people to do “soul-searching” and be willing to reject their old ways and to settle for the One who is to come by offering a new manner of relating with God.   

Third, John the Baptist calls for true repentance and to return to the core of our being, the abode of God’s mighty presence.  We must listen attentively to the Baptist as our extra area of repentance by letting go of our anger, pride, and frustrations as part of the process of renewal in order to be saved and be conscious of His coming. 

This is the very purpose of Advent that the grace to acknowledge our sins enjoys the company of God.  In doing so, we are in unison with the call of what John the Baptist is prophesying, “Repent and make straight His paths, and every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 

Just as we prepare for communion, we too must always prepare for the coming of Jesus through the Eucharist.  With Jesus coming to us we need our own openness, lowliness of heart and simplicity of life to appreciate His great gift and grace of faith.  We really need a Savior who comes with out-stretched hands to embrace us with much love. 

Let us join John the Baptist for two Sundays as we prepare for Jesus’ great Coming.  

Maranatha! 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón Segundo Domingo de Adviento, Año C

• Baruc 5:1-9
• Salmo 125:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
• Filipenses 1:4-6, 8-11
• Lucas 3:1-6

Hoy es el Segundo Domingo de Adviento, Año C. Durante esta segunda semana de diciembre, muchas personas están ocupadas con tantas cosas, como fiestas navideñas, planes para las reuniones familiares de Navidad y decoraciones para la Misa de Navidad dentro y fuera de casa. El Adviento es un tiempo de alegre anticipación y espera por la “Venida del Señor” y nuestro retorno a Dios.

Estamos invitados a reflexionar sobre el poder de la Palabra de Dios tal como se nos revela en las Escrituras. Las lecturas de hoy ofrecen esperanza, aliento, alegría y consuelo mientras esperamos Su presencia que irradia luz, amor, justicia y misericordia. Tenemos la confianza de que, al caminar juntos como una Iglesia sinodal, llevamos esa luz que brilla como el sol. Creo que estos son los maravillosos regalos que podemos ofrecer a todos los que encontremos hoy.

La primera lectura está tomada del Profeta Baruc, un texto que rara vez encontramos en nuestras lecturas litúrgicas. Durante el período de Baruc, Jerusalén había sido destruida. Los israelitas estaban en el exilio junto con este mensajero de Dios, Baruc. Él fue una fuente de inspiración para su pueblo, animándolos a no perder la esperanza en su amada ciudad, que estaba grabada en sus corazones y espíritus. Compartían la esperanza común de regresar algún día vivos a Jerusalén. Esta esperanza se basaba en que el Dios misericordioso los estaba guiando hacia la victoria, la alegría y la justicia. Jerusalén estaba profundamente arraigada en sus corazones como su identidad genuina. Este poema profético recuerda al pueblo elegido que Jerusalén no solo habla de su reclamo territorial, sino de la manifestación de la grandeza y la gloria de Dios. Su retorno a Jerusalén después del exilio implicaba arrepentimiento y la reconstrucción de una relación renovada con el amor santo de Dios para los redimidos.

En la segunda lectura, tomada de la carta a los Filipenses, San Pablo dice: “Estoy convencido de esto: el que comenzó en ustedes la buena obra la irá llevando a buen término hasta el día de Cristo Jesús”. Estas palabras de San Pablo también son para nosotros: debemos continuar buscando los frutos de la santidad y la justicia hasta que Jesús venga y llegue el día del Señor. Debemos aprender a discernir y hacer el bien a los demás, conservando todos esos valores espirituales que se conforman a la voluntad de Dios. Necesitamos buscar el mayor valor para volver a Dios.

El Evangelio de San Lucas nos recuerda la importancia de la llegada del profeta Juan el Bautista para preparar el camino del Señor, nuestra guía en Adviento. Juan el Bautista aparece en el desierto proclamando la llegada de la salvación de Dios.

¿Cómo apreciamos la guía de San Juan el Bautista al entrar en este 2° Domingo de Adviento? ¿Cuáles son los mensajes importantes que debemos aprender?

Primero, en la vida llevamos una repugnancia hacia la injusticia. Nos sentimos angustiados cuando vemos a nuestro alrededor la dolorosa división que nos hiere. A veces, nos afecta la severidad de la oscuridad: personas que pierden la esperanza de mejorar sus vidas debido a los corazones endurecidos de otros, insensibles a las necesidades de los pobres. Esta imagen angustiante también fue percibida por Juan el Bautista en su tiempo. Sin embargo, su santo deseo de acercar al pueblo a Dios intensificó su misión de preparar a las personas para trabajar por la justicia, la unidad y la venida del Señor. Él era la voz del que venía para enderezar los caminos y nivelar los valles.

Segundo, Juan el Bautista predica un bautismo de arrepentimiento, una especie de purificación ritual. Invitó a las personas a evaluar sus propias identidades, prioridades y seguridades. Esto implica una “búsqueda del alma”, estar dispuestos a rechazar las viejas maneras de vivir y abrirse al que ha de venir, ofreciendo una nueva forma de relacionarse con Dios.

Tercero, Juan el Bautista llama al verdadero arrepentimiento y al retorno al núcleo de nuestro ser, el lugar donde habita la poderosa presencia de Dios. Debemos escuchar atentamente al Bautista y tomar esto como un área adicional de arrepentimiento, dejando ir nuestra ira, orgullo y frustraciones como parte del proceso de renovación para ser salvados y conscientes de Su venida.

Este es el propósito del Adviento: que la gracia de reconocer nuestros pecados nos lleve a disfrutar de la compañía de Dios. Al hacerlo, estamos en sintonía con el llamado que profetiza Juan el Bautista: “Arrepiéntanse y enderecen sus caminos. Todo valle será rellenado, toda montaña y colina serán aplanadas; lo torcido será enderezado, y los caminos ásperos serán allanados, y todos verán la salvación de Dios”.

Así como nos preparamos para la comunión, también debemos prepararnos siempre para la venida de Jesús a través de la Eucaristía. Jesús viene a nosotros, y necesitamos apertura, humildad y sencillez de corazón para apreciar Su gran regalo y la gracia de la fe. Realmente necesitamos un Salvador que venga con brazos extendidos para abrazarnos con mucho amor.

Unámonos a Juan el Bautista durante estos dos domingos mientras nos preparamos para la gran venida de Jesús.

¡Maranatha!

P. Arlon, osa

• Proverbs 8: 22-35
• Luke 1: 26-28

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of America and other parts of the world, like the Philippines. In the extraordinary form during Advent, whenever a feast is observed, the feria is commemorated, but a Mass is not permitted for this commemoration; rather, the commemoration is made at Mass by an additional Collect, Secret and Post-communion added to those of the feast.

For the information of everybody, we have a regular mass every First Saturday of the month which is not well attended because I presume that some have less knowledge of the message of the Blessed Mother given to the three children of Fatima, Portugal. This is about our devotion which we must know that there are five Saturdays with constancy of receiving the Sacrament of confession, attendance at Mass and Holy Communion for the spirit of reparation for five blasphemes which the Blessed Mother had specified, namely, the blasphemes against the Immaculate Conception.

I do accept that Sacred Scripture does not explicitly proclaim the doctrine of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, that is, Mother Mary’s freedom from original sin from the very start of her life. However, I believe, a in reading the scriptures, that this dogma is supported, at least implicitly. Let us remember this biblical text, Luke 1;28, which is about the angelic greeting referring to Mary as “highly favored or full of grace.” There is a Greek verb, “”kecharitomene,” the past perfect participle of “charis,” which means a gift, favor or grace. It suggests a permanence and singularity according to the biblical Greek. Such concept of singular permanent grace applies to Mary, which is the foundation of the dogma declared by St. Pius IX in 1854, “Ineffabilis Deus,” the teaching infallibly revealed by God through the living tradition of the Catholic Church.

There are other biblical texts, like John 2 and 19. The “Woman” in Genesis 3:15, alludes to the Blessed Mother, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

So there is a certain biblical parallel between Mary, the Woman of the New Creation, and Eve, the Woman formed in original justice at the first Creation.

However, there is solid support of this dogma from the early Fathers of the Church, like St Augustine, who writes about Mary’s sinlessness responding to the Pelagian claim that by their own effort believers could be sinless, Augustine insisted that every human was a sinner; however, after saying this, he made an exception of Mary: “We must except the holy Virgin Mary, concerning whom I wish to raise no question when it touches the subject of sin, out of honor to the Lord; for from Him we know what abundance of grace for overcoming sin in every particular was conferred upon her who had the merit to conceive and bear Him who undoubtedly had no sin.” (Augustine, On Nature and Grace, (De Natura et Gratia), 42 (360) St. Augustine meant, not only personal sin, but also original sin. It is my own belief that God from the very beginning prepared the Blessed Mother, even in the womb of her mother Anne, to be the “Ark of the Covenant,” bearing Jesus in the sinless body of Mary. Mary has been pre-redeemed by God. I cannot understand that a perfect and unblemished God, Jesus Christ, would be conceived by a human being stained with original sin.

I conclude that the blasphemy against the Immaculate Conception is just denying Jesus as God. Our Protestant Brethren believe that Jesus is God, but they deny the Immaculate Conception. Hence, when you think about it, a person who doesn’t believe in the Immaculate Conception isn’t really a Christian.

May our Lady of the Immaculate Conception intercede for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

Brothers and sisters, it’s wonderful to have you come here and join me for this 34th sacerdotal anniversary celebration. When I woke up this morning, I praise and thank God for the gift of vocation. I can’t imagine that I have reached this long of service and self-giving. One of my formators told me that I would only last on my priesthood for ten years. I believe that when receiving rush judgment, it encourages us to be fervent in prayer and stay focus on the journey to perseverance. I’d like to share with you my vocational reflection on priesthood for 34 years. Please bear with me this might last for four hours, hold your breath.

Many of us are able to retrospect what happen to our life, after getting our first job, or marriage or something that we have achieved in life, many of us have the feeling of surprise for the unexpected. But I have to say, just the same in my priesthood. God works in mysterious ways. As I always tell people that my vocation has been a product of cooperation with the grace of God. God did not appear to me and say, “Arlon, I want you to be a priest.” God never did that to me.

My priesthood has been much unexpected. Unexpected about the many difficulties in formation or seminary training, unexpected to pass all my written and oral exams, unexpected that I would be the only one who remained among our batchmates. We were 26 who joined the Order of St. Augustine Seminary. I know deep inside me that God’s plans win always. God has chosen those who are not actually expecting to be called, we just need to cooperate with Him. The grace of God is tremendously powerful changing those crooked lines of my life and make it straight. I have one that I have expected, that is the life of a priest is difficult, that the difficulties the priesthood have, become bearable I am focus on Christ. The Lord has called me, like St. Peter, when he said to Jesus, his Master, “Lord, you know that I love you! And Jesus says, “Feed my lamb, tend my sheep, feed my sheep.”

There are two things that I didn’t really expect…the unexpected things happen.

First, that God’s generosity would exceed anything I had shared and have shown for the Lord. I feel that most of my accomplishments and achievements are not coming from my personal effort, and the glory that I have achieved is not because of me, but all credits belong to God who consistently embraces me with lots of love and mercy.

Second, that I would not expect that I have this opportunity to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Not in my expectation that God has given me the grace to change myself as His priest in the celebration of my daily offering of the Mass. I am totally converted to find meaning in every moment celebrating the Eucharist. I feel that I have nothing to brag but to completely open my heart and spirit to avail such precious grace to preside mass with humility, to offer such perfect offering to God and for the people. This I am truly grateful of my priesthood.

I believe that God has promised to me, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I have been through all trials and difficulties, however through God’s providence, the Lord prepares me to overcome them and for me to be strengthened to bear. I know that through meekness, forbearance, patience and love, the Lord taught me how to carry the cross with cleat vision that the Calvary gives us a glimpse of His resurrection. My heart and eyes have been fixed on the Lord who have shown me the “Way” to be cheerful amid difficulties on my priesthood, for He truly rewards me with great consolation and faithfulness. God has exceeded His generosity, for every difficulty that has come, there have been joys that made it all seem right.

Today, it is 34 years that I have been offering Mass, I always give thanks to our Lord, that I have been chosen to offer His infinite merits of sacrifice in Calvary that is continuously present on this altar and being offered to the Father. My celebration of the mass is not about what I am doing but Christ’s. When I am at the altar, when I preach and teach, when I bless, when I hear confession, administering other sacraments, I am doing these in reality it is not about me but Jesus Christ who loves me. I am but just a vessel and an instrument to dispense His infinite and overflowing grace.

When I am in my office at work, His presence becomes incarnate in a certain sense in my flesh and in my humanity and my personality, though I am not perfect.

St. Augustine when he became a bishop, he said to his congregation, “For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.” He has spoken with humility identifying himself together with the people that we have the dignity to be Christ to others. It means that as much as I am a priest, I must be Christ. And so as much as we are Christians by virtue of our Baptism, we must be like Christ too! By His grace we must make ourselves responsible for each other to grow in the Lord.

Therefore, my 34th sacerdotal anniversary, I am grateful to God for the priesthood, grateful that His gifts have even exceeded even what He had promised, and I am grateful to your presence in oneness of heart in prayer and thanksgiving. And through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we bow down and willing to consecrate ourselves to God in humility and gladness like our dear Mother, always shows us the way to her Son, Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and Lord. Amen

(Photo taken December 6, 2024 — Left to Right:
– Knights of Columbus State Chaplain, my successor and priest from Las Vegas, Fr. Steve Hoffer
– Myself, former State Chaplain and presently the Associate
– Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, DD)

• Jeremiah 33:14-16
• Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
• 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
• Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We are excited and looking forward to preparing for this Advent, which requires intense prayer and penance, for we are warned, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from … the anxieties of daily life….” (v.34) We have to give ourselves time to reflect and deeply process our thoughts about the meaning of Advent. The word Advent, from the Latin word “Adventus,” means coming. We know that what we are preparing for is the “Coming,” which is not solely the remembrance of the coming of Jesus but our coming back to Him with a profound connection to the nativity of the Lord.

The liturgical readings on this first week of Advent give us HOPE. You have seen the symbolism of lighting the first candle of the Advent wreath to set our minds that God will certainly fulfill His promise to us. The first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah narrates to us about the experience of the chosen people when they were affected by the devastation of war, and they grieved for the loss of their leaders. When their enemies took their leaders away from them, they were unsure of their future. However, the prophet Jeremiah compares their own struggle to that of a barren land, a tiny shoot, a small sign of life that will appear on a lifeless stump and yet have a future to rise thru the shoot of David. This is a voice of encouragement for the chosen people of Israel. God, thru the prophet, continues to announce His promise that is not impossible because He cannot deceive His people.

The second reading, taken from the first letter to the Thessalonians, speaks to us about St. Paul’s call to prayer so that the community will grow in their love for each other. Thus, they must conduct themselves accordingly by living out Paul’s instruction. Just as St. Paul wants the Thessalonians to persevere in their prayer, we too are being asked in this season of Advent to do the same, almost as a warning, for us to be better disciples of the Lord.

The gospel today, taken from St. Luke, is very hard to understand because of the many symbolisms and signs that we must comprehend. Our deep prayer and reflection will definitely lead us by the Holy Spirit to grasp its meaning.

First, when we speak about the glory of God’s coming, we imagine that everybody seems to be trembling in fear. Indeed, Jesus’ coming would be a magnificent event and the passing of this world becomes dramatic; however, Jesus wants us to be calmed by listening to Him. We focus on raising our hearts and minds with much anticipation, but for those who are not paying much attention, instead of enjoying they succumb to fear and anxieties in life.

Second, in the context of the gospel, Jesus wants us to simply be attentive to His warnings. This gospel pericope does not say it would be the end of the world. Our attention to Jesus might be ruined by what is happening around us, like chaos, disorder and absorption of all kinds of noise. It is more appropriate to focus on Jesus to understand the signs and warnings. It must be intensified by integrating our moral values and actions which conform to Him.

Third, this pericope of the gospel doesn’t reveal the end of the world per se; however, we are often instructed to be vigilant and be attentive in watching what’s going on around us and in the world. The right attitude towards our life’s journey would be trusting in God’s promise.

May these readings inspire us with God’s grace according to right living and faith as we await His coming to be real. Our way of overcoming fear and anxiety comes from having to let go of knowing exactly how and where we are to stand before the Son of God. How can I live a life of total trust in the Lord? Am I confused and becoming afraid? Do I really accept that God accompanies me in my daily life, helping me feel secure and safe?

Let us pray that we grow in the enjoyment of Advent, not being left behind and lost. If we neglect to grasp the true meaning of this season, then we might not simply appreciate the significance of Christmas.

God bless you,

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Romans 13:11-14
• Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

We are excited and looking forward to preparing for this Advent, which requires intense prayer and penance, for we are warned, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from … the anxieties of daily life….” (v.34) We have to give ourselves time to reflect and deeply process our thoughts about the meaning of Advent. The word Advent, from the Latin word “Adventus,” means coming. We know that what we are preparing for is the “Coming,” which is not solely the remembrance of the coming of Jesus but our coming back to Him with a profound connection to the nativity of the Lord.

The liturgical readings on this first week of Advent give us HOPE. You have seen the symbolism of lighting the first candle of the Advent wreath to set our minds that God will certainly fulfill His promise to us.

Advent is also reminds us of our present situation. We are still dark in darkness, still night. We still indulge in quarreling and jealousy. The epistle taken from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul intends to give us “night vision” to see ourselves that we are still living in darkness.

When we wake up, we get dressed. St. Paul tells us what to wear: “let us put on the armor of light” (v.12); and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 14). Why do we need yo out an armor? According to history, men engage in battle need an armor for protection. It’s the soldiers who put on their armor and their weapons. The image tells us that we’re in the middle of conflict; instead of fighting each other, we need to unite against a common enemy. St. Paul names the enemy as “not flesh and blood,” but our enemy is Satan.
First, as Catholics, we are never to consider other people as our enemies, no matter how bitter the divisions in the church may be, nor how painful our experiences. Rather, we are to fight against the destructive powers that enslave and divide people. That might be a history of mistrust and injustice, addictions, thirst for revenge, prejudice and fear, greed, and so forth. St. Paul calls these “the works of darkness,” identified with the “the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:19-21). These works of the flesh destroy our fellowship and our witnessing. When we engage in battle against such destructive powers, we fight for the unity of the church.

Second, the clothing ourselves in the armor of light is, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Here, the imagery of clothing points to the moment of baptism. We recall “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Gal 3:27) This language of “putting on” a person could be meant that indeed, for those who have put on Christ, Christ’s destiny becomes our own identity.

The gospel today, taken from St. Luke is very hard to understand because of the many symbolisms and signs that we must comprehend. Our deep prayer and reflection will definitely lead us by the Holy Spirit to grasp its meaning.

First, when we speak about the glory of God’s coming, we imagine that everybody seems to be trembling in fear. Indeed, Jesus’ coming would be a magnificent event and the passing of this world becomes dramatic; however, Jesus wants us to be calmed by listening to Him. We focus on raising our hearts and minds with much anticipation, but for those who are not paying much attention, instead of enjoying they succumb to fear and anxieties in life.

Second, in the context of the gospel, Jesus wants us to simply be attentive to His warnings. This gospel pericope does not say it would be the end of the world. Our attention to Jesus might be ruined by what is happening around us, like chaos, disorder and absorption of all kinds of noise. It is more appropriate to focus on Jesus to understand the signs and warnings. It must be intensified by integrating our moral values and actions which conform to Him.

Third, this pericope of the gospel doesn’t reveal the end of the world per se; however, we are often instructed to be vigilant and be attentive in watching what’s going on around us and in the world. The right attitude towards our life’s journey would be trusting in God’s promise.

May these readings inspire us with God’s grace according to right living and faith as we await His coming to be real. Our way of overcoming fear and anxiety comes from having to let go of knowing exactly how and where we are to stand before the Son of God. How can I live a life of total trust in the Lord? Am I confused and becoming afraid? Do I really accept that God accompanies me in my daily life, helping me feel secure and safe?

Let us pray that we grow in the enjoyment of Advent, not being left behind and lost. If we neglect to grasp the true meaning of this season, then we might not simply appreciate the significance of Christmas.

God bless you,

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 Kings 17:10-16
• Psalms 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
• Hebrews 9:24-28
• Mark 12:38-44

We have a new President; we have the responsibility to pray for him.  I hope that we will be supporting him despite our different political affiliation.  As Catholics, we must show respect to both civil authorities and ecclesiastical authorities.  We are one nation under God, indivisible, which we need to truly honor and respect.  

Let us try to set aside political bickering and seek healing of our people, our country.  When we encounter people holding signage that says, “In our candidate, we trust,” I feel that sign to be uncomfortable for me and I need to process the heart’s discomfort.  I think that it is also an obvious sign that people are expecting someone to restore our serious divides and look forward to a brighter future.  However, I would like to put this into proper perspective that the only one that can truly provide our desire and hope for our country is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, He has all the authority and power over us to live a life of contentment, happiness and peace.     

The readings in today’s liturgy present us with the story of two women outstanding in their generosity.  The first woman Elijah encounters in his travels is poor, with a son, who needs to survive with a meager supply of flour and oil, but they were able to survive because the “jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.” (v.16) The widow fulfilled what she was asked to do.  She was also generous to obey when Elijah told her to first make a little cake and bring it to him.   

The 2nd reading is taken from the letter to the Hebrews and reminds us that the first appearance of Jesus has changed everything through His death “to take away sins by His sacrifice.”  Jesus is the High Priest who exactly “did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of a true one, but heaven itself that He might now appear God before on our behalf.” (v. 24).  When Jesus appears a second time, it is not to take away sins of God’s children, but to graciously bring with Him the promise of salvation.  Let us remember that He is a good Judge and a merciful Savior.  It surely requires true repentance and conversion so that we can graciously be destined to receive salvation that is eternal life lived in God’s glorious presence in the new earth and new heaven. 

The gospel today from St. Matthew recounts the story of Jesus observing people putting money into the temple treasury.  Those who are rich have given large amounts, but Jesus noted that the poor widow put a couple of pence into the treasury indicating that she was giving not a surplus from her livelihood. To Jesus she was able to give more out of her poverty than the rich people who gave much from their surplus. 

What are the important lessons we can get from this beautiful story? 

First, for a person who lives in poverty. there is no reason or hindrance to be generous.  We have observed that God blessed us and has abundantly given us from our own poverty of spirit, like one’s poverty calls us to a deep and profound faith, hope and love.   Have you ever thought that Elijah, the prophet, helps the widow to overcome her poverty just like Jesus, our Savior, responds to all the people He encounters throughout His ministry of preaching and healing, and providing to those people in need.  I am generous when I have nothing to give but am humbled and trust in the Lord that I can be compassionate in other ways, like prayer and showing righteousness.  If I have something to give, I see to it that I have the heart to share with those I have missed to help.  I do believe that my heart is full of the capacity to do what the Lord is asking me to do, that is to be generous materially, with time and love for others.  We must learn to accept that the Lord helps us in many ways by trusting Him and then finding ourselves having much to share.    

Second, I believe that dependence upon God is crucial and necessary.  Instead of asking for more material wealth, why don’t we pray for help to be generous at all times even though we may notice that even we ourselves need help, but there are those with greater need than us.  It is sometimes common to us that our reason for refusing to help is because we have nothing to give.  Let us be ready to be dependent on God and give from our own poverty.  I do believe that poor people have the ability to share with those who are rich, by their simplicity, dependence and love of God.  Thus, in any circumstance, I feel that the world needs my charity, but I also do what I must to take care of my personal needs. 

Third, this story connects with our duty to love God and our neighbor.  The widow is in the temple to perform her ritual of loving God according to her religious tradition.  She has given from her meager income to share with others as well. I can see that her action points to a deeper reality of the ways of Jesus and, besides, the temple collected monies to provide necessary provisions for the maintenance and expenses incurred and for other charitable works.  

Our Christian attitude to give something to the temple, or to our parish, holds our belief that the more we give leads us back to God, who is a good provider.  Jesus makes much of our own poverty to be generous, thus Jesus blesses how we will love Him and our neighbor.  This is a belief that if you care for your neighbor, God will certainly care for you.  Never compare the amount you have given to others in need; just respond positively.  If you are reluctant to give, perhaps you would be discouraged to find out how you doubt your capacity to give from your surplus.  It is also said that those of us who are poor often give, even from what we need.

With our conscious reflection of today’s readings, we are encouraged to ask for the grace to give more from the deepest recesses of our hearts.  We need this kind of generosity from us.  Who among my family, friends and those whom I am not aware of, could I now give to?  Do I have the faith and courage to give my last cent?  

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

————

El Dictado del Corazón

Trigésimo-segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B (10 de Noviembre)

• 1 Reyes 17:10-16
• Salmos 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
• Hebreos 9:24-28
• Marcos 12:38-44

Tenemos un nuevo Presidente y tenemos la responsabilidad de orar por él.  Espero que lo apoyemos a pesar de nuestras diferentes afiliaciones políticas.  Como católicos, debemos mostrar respeto a las autoridades civiles y a las autoridades eclesiásticas.  Estamos en una nación bajo Dios, indivisible, a la que honramos y respetamos. 

Intentemos dejar a un lado las disputas políticas y busquemos sanar tanto al pueblo como al país.  Cuando nos encontramos con personas con carteles que dicen: “Confiamos en nuestro candidato”, siento que ese cartel se vuelve incómodo para mí y necesito procesar el malestar de nuestros corazones.  Creo que también es una señal obvia que muestra la desesperación de algunas personas que esperan que alguien restablezca las divisiones y espera un futuro mejor.  Sin embargo, me gustaría poner esto en una perspectiva adecuada: el único que verdaderamente puede satisfacer nuestro deseo y esperanza para nuestro país no es otro que nuestro Señor Jesucristo.  Él tiene toda la autoridad y poder sobre nosotros para vivir una vida de sanción, felicidad y paz. 

Las lecturas de hoy presentan las historias de dos mujeres destacadas por su generosidad.  La primera mujer que Elíasencuentra en su viaje.  Ella es pobre con su hijo y necesita sobrevivir con una escasa provisión de harina y aceite. Sin embargo, sobreviven porque “no se acabó la tinaja de harina, ni se secó el cántaro de aceite, como el Señor había predicho por medio de Elías” (v.16).  La viuda cumplió lo que le pedían, y también fue generosa al obedecer lo que Elías le dijo, de hacer primero una pequeña torta y llevársela. 

Segunda lectura de la carta a los Hebreos. Nos recuerda que la primera aparición de Jesús cambió todo a través de Su muerte “para quitar los pecados con Su sacrificio”.  Jesús es el Sumo Sacerdote que exactamente “no entró en un santuario hecho por manos, copia de uno verdadero, sino en el cielo mismo, para presentarse ahora ante Dios a favor de nosotros”. (v. 24).  Cuando Jesús venga por segunda vez, no para quitar los pecados de los hijos de Dios, sino para traer con Él la promesa de salvación.  Recordemos que Él es un buen Juez y un Salvador misericordioso.  Requiere verdadero arrepentimiento y conversión para que podamos recibir en gracia la salvación que es vida eterna vivida en la gloriosa presencia de Dios en la tierra nueva y un nuevo cielo. 

El evangelio de hoy de San Mateo relata la historia de que, en una ocasión Jesús estaba sentado frente a las alcancías del templo, mirando cómo la gente echaba allí sus monedas. Muchos ricos daban en abundancia. En esto, se acercó una viuda pobre y echó dos moneditas de muy poco valor, indicando que no estaba dando lo que le sobraba. Para Jesús, ella pudo dar de su pobreza que los ricos que dieron mucho de lo que les sobraba. 

¿Cuáles son las lecciones importantes que podemos sacar de esta hermosa historia? 

Primero, una persona que vive en pobreza no es por ningún motivo un impedimento para ser generoso. Hemos observado que Dios nos bendice y nos da abundancia en nuestra pobreza de espíritu, como la pobreza de uno, nos llama a una fe, esperanza y amor profundo. ¿Alguna vez has pensado que Elías, el profeta ayuda a la viuda a superar su pobreza al igual que Jesús, nuestro Salvador responde a todas las personas que encuentra a lo largo de su ministerio de predicación y sanación que provee a las personas necesitadas? Soy generoso cuando no tengo nada para dar, pero me humillo y confío en el Señor para que pueda ser compasivo de otras maneras, como en la oración y mostrando rectitud. Si tengo algo para dar, me aseguro de tener el corazón para compartirlo con aquellos que son mis semejantes. Creo que mi corazón está lleno de la capacidad de hacer lo que el Señor me pide que haga, es decir, ser generoso materialmente, con tiempo y amor para los demás. Debemos aprender a aceptar que el Señor nos ayuda de muchas maneras al confiar en Él, y luego encontrarnos con mucho amor para compartir. 

En segundo lugar, creo que la dependencia de Dios es crucial y necesaria. En lugar de pedir más riqueza material, ¿por qué no oramos para ser generosos en todo momento, aunque notemos que incluso nosotros necesitamos ayuda y que hay quienes tienen una necesidad mayor que nosotros? A veces es común para nosotros que nuestra razón para negarnos a ayudar es que no tenemos nada para dar. Estemos dispuestos a depender de Dios y dar de nuestra pobreza. Creo que los pobres pueden compartir con los ricos, por su sencillez, dependencia y amor a Dios. Por eso, en cualquier circunstancia, siento que el mundo necesita mi caridad y hago lo que debo hacer también para cuidar de mis necesidades personales. 

En tercer lugar, esta historia se conecta con nuestro deber de amar a Dios y a nuestro prójimo. La viuda está en el templo para realizar su ritual de amar a Dios según su tradición religiosa. Sus escasos ingresos han dejado de ser compartidos con los demás también. Puedo ver que su acción apunta a una realidad más profunda de los caminos de Jesús. Además, el dinero recaudado en el templo proporciona las provisiones necesarias para el mantenimiento y los gastos incurridos y para otras obras de caridad. Muchos católicos hacen donaciones durante el ofertorio, un dólar que refleja el valor de uno mismo a los ojos de Dios. El ofertorio es como dar una propina después de cenar en el restaurante. Lo que ofreces habla de ti mismo. 

Nuestra actitud cristiana de dar el diezmo al templo o a nuestra parroquia sostiene nuestra creencia de que cuanto más damos, más nos lleva a Dios, quien es un buen proveedor.  Jesús da mucha importancia a nuestra propia pobreza para ser generosos, así, Jesús bendice cómo lo amaremos a Él y a nuestro prójimo.  Esta es la creencia de que si te preocupas por tu prójimo, Dios ciertamente cuidará de ti.  Nunca compares la cantidad que has dado a otros necesitados, simplemente responde positivamente.  Si eres reacio a dar, quizás te desanimes al descubrir cómo dudas de tu capacidad para dar. También se dice que los que somos pobres muchas veces damos, incluso de lo que necesitamos.

Con nuestra reflexión consciente sobre las lecturas de hoy, se nos anima a pedir la gracia de dar más desde lo más profundo de nuestro corazón.  Necesitamos este tipo de generosidad de nuestra parte.  ¿Quiénes son mis familiares, amigos y aquellos de quienes no soy consciente, que ahora podría dar?  ¿Tengo la fe y el coraje para dar mi último centavo?   

Dios los bendiga.

 P. Arlón, osa

• Colossians 3:12-17
• Matthew 13:24-30

In today’s liturgy, we resume the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany.  Congratulations to all of us for having a new President-elect Donald Trump.   We have the responsibility to pray for him.  I hope that we will be supporting him despite our different political affiliation.  As Catholics, we must show respect to both civil authorities and ecclesiastical authorities.  We are one nation under God, indivisible, which we truly honor and respect.  

Let us try to set aside political bickering and seek for healing of our people, our country.  When we encountered people holding signage that said, “In our candidate, we trust,” I feel that sign becomes uncomfortable for me and I need to process the heart’s discomfort.  I think that it is also an obvious sign that people are expecting someone to restore our serious divides and are looking forward to a brighter future.  However, I would like to put this into proper perspective that the only one that can truly provide our desire and hope for our country is no other than our Lord Jesus Christ, He has all the authority and power over us to live a life of contentment, happiness and peace.  

The epistle today, taken from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians, exhorts all of us to “Put ye on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.”  St. Paul is invoking the metaphor of clothing, of garments. but it’s about spiritual qualities and values.  Therefore, we should put on new clothes as God’s chosen ones.  The new clothes is our own identity and dignity that through baptism, we died and we will rise again with Jesus as a new person, graced, blessed, loved and favored as God’s chosen ones.  Just as He chose Israel out of various trials and difficulties, God continues to choose people that will belong to Him. He chooses people, not because of anything in that person, not because the person is smart or rich or powerful or charismatic, but God chooses based on His own sovereign choice.  God plans for His beloved, and He sets His love upon you.   St. Paul is saying, “Remember who you are, remember you are loved and therefore put on new clothes. You have a new identity.” 

The mentioning of “bowels of mercy, benignity or kindness, humility, modesty and patience” refers to one’s feelings that you are easily moved by the needs of those around you, that you are compassionate, and that you are touched by the struggles of others.   People in that time liked to describe emotions as being located in your bowels.  When they felt worried or anxious of someone or something, they would say, “their bowels are churning…rolling or burning towards others’ needs and you want to help in their struggles.  Thus, you esteem others more important than yourselves.” 

The gospel today, taken from the evangelist Matthew, is about a parable shared by Jesus which expresses about the Kingdom of God.  Let us reflect what profound lessons we can extract from this gospel pericope. 

First, this parable reminds us of the existence of good and evil.  When the wheat and the weeds grow together, good and evil exist side by side in the world.  As we journey through life, we oftentimes encounter falsehoods and temptations to distract us in our spiritual journey.  We need to master the art of discernment navigating this complex reality of evil, seeking the truth and striving to live out our faith in a world that is not always in conformity with the holy will of God.  

Second, this parable teaches us to have that patience and trust in His divine providence.  We heard that the landowner decides to allow both the wheat and the weeds to grow until the time is perfect for the harvest. This is the wisdom that calls us to exercise restraint and hold on to our quick impulse to do things that would jeopardize others.  God knows the hearts of each of us and will ultimately bring justice according to His time.  Thus, our task is to remain faithful, persevering in prayer, and being open to be moved by the fingers of God’s hands because He teaches us how to deal with the complexity of life. 

Third, this parable encourages us to cultivate mercy and hope.  Even though evil may seem prevalent, we follow the path of God who taught us the value of mercy and forgiveness, which is endless.  The landowner patiently waited for the time of harvest to separate the wheat from the weeds.   We get the message that God’s patience is His wisdom to share so that evil people may have that opportunity to change and be converted.  We must stop making judgment of others or condemning them; instead, we must grant them forgiveness and pray for their conversion.   

May we find strength and guidance in this parable, prompting us to reflect on our own spiritual maturity as followers of Jesus. Are we growing wheat within ourselves and fostering a vibrant relationship with God? Are we responsible to live virtuously and bear fruits of love, kindness, and compassion?   Please do some soul searching to seek an answer whether our actions and choices influence, not only our own spiritual journey, but also the world in which we live.  May we have the opportune time to pray that we will respond to God’s patience that affords us repentance and the ability to be transformed. 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Deuteronomy 6:2-6
• Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
• Hebrews 7:23-28
• Mark 12:28b-34

Today is the 31st Sunday in Ordinary time, Year B.  We are in the 3rd day of the month of November.  This month we remember our deceased loved ones and ask the prayers of those who are already in heaven, the multitude of God’s elect, to intercede and give us hope to look forward to God’s promise of life everlasting. 

All the readings we have heard speak about the love of God, which is the basis of everything.  The Book of Deuteronomy reminds us of the “Shema” which the Israelites take to heart God’s commandment and love God with all their heart and their whole being.  Moses exhorts the people of Israel: “The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!  Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.” (vv. 4-6)   Therefore, Moses taught them that it is God alone they must worship and give Him their undivided love.  There is no multiplicity of gods as some people think; this is to assert their identity as monotheistic.  It is demanded of them their love and personal relationship with Him.  God manifests His desire to establish a relationship with His people. 

In the 2nd reading from the letter to the Hebrews, the author reminds the people of the many Leviticus priests who come and go and taste death, but “that Jesus, because He remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away.” Jesus is a priest forever “who always saves” and people approach God through His ultimate sacrifices.  

In the gospel, taken from the evangelist Mark, the scribe is asking Jesus this time not testing Him. and Jesus’ response demonstrates that He upholds strictly the Jewish tradition of Moses that there is but One God.  This good news keeps us mindful of acting at all times to the two most important commandments of God.

First, Jesus quoted the Old Testament, “Hear, O Israel.  The Lord our God is Lord alone!  You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.”  (Deut. 6:4)   Thus, loving God is the first commandment, and the most important commandment we must do.  What does that mean to love God? If we believe, trust and are fully in love with God, we must be submissive to His will and keep all His commandments.  Furthermore, Jesus who lives in history, shows us how He lives, and teaches us what it means to love God in words, deeds and actions.  There is no duplicity in Him. 

Second, Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Loving our neighbor is easy when we like them, but how about those who are hurting us?  The truth matters when we truly understand Jesus’ words that when we love, it comes from the heart.  There are times that we struggle to accept the pain of being hurt, but it is part of our purification and sacrifice.  If we believe that our strength and power to forgive comes solely from God,’who is generously forgiving and merciful, we don’t need anything at all but to dispense the grace of God that has been given to us and share with others.  Everyone should love each other and do it for both the good and the bad.  Jesus fulfills everything for us.  

Let us be open to accept the “spirituality of Synodality” which Pope Francis acknowledges that as we journey towards the kingdom of God, we accept concrete ways and formation pathways to bring about synodal conversion.  When we are forgetful to work conscientiously remaining faithful in a relationship with God, our struggle to fulfill the second commandment would be easy and not burdensome.  Our listening and loving this awesome One God becomes our inspiration and motivator in keeping these two commandments.

For those who faithfully comply to obey these two commandments, they must show gratitude being loved by God and loved by others.  These two commandments are meant to keep all of us together, united with our loving God, and to grow in prosperity and love.  We pray for the grace of finding ourselves by loving God and reflecting on how we truly practice the teaching of Jesus by loving and accepting our neighbors, not as demanding laws, but as a sure way to holiness.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Trigésimo-primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

• Deuteronomio 6:2-6
• Salmo 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
• Hebreos 7:23-28
• Marcos 12:28b-34

Hoy es el Trigésimo-primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Estamos en el tercer día de noviembre. Este mes recordamos a nuestros seres queridos que han fallecido y pedimos oraciones de los que ya están en el cielo, la multitud de los elegidos de Dios para que intercedan y nos den esperanza para mirar hacia adelante a la promesa de Dios de vida eterna. 

Todas las lecturas que hemos escuchado hablan sobre el amor de Dios que es la base de todo. El libro del Deuteronomio nos recuerda el “Shemá”, que los israelitas toman en serio el mandamiento de Dios y amar a Dios con todo su corazón y todo su ser. Moisés exhorta al pueblo de Israel: “¡El Señor es nuestro Dios, él es único Señor! Amarás, pues, al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma y con todas tus fuerzas. Guarda en tu corazón estas palabras que yo te ordeno hoy” (vv. 4-6). Por eso, Moisés les enseñó que solo a Dios debían adorar y darle su amor. No hay multiplicidad de dioses, piensan algunos, esto es para afirmar su identidad como monoteístas. Se les exige su amor y relación personal con Él. Dios manifiesta su deseo de establecer una relación con su pueblo. 

En la segunda lectura de la carta a los Hebreos, el autor recuerda al pueblo que muchos sacerdotes levíticos van y vienen y prueban la muerte, pero “que Jesús, por cuanto permanece para siempre, tiene un sacerdocio que no pasa”. Jesús es un sacerdote eterno “que siempre salva” y sus sacrificios acercan a la gente a Dios a través de su sacrificio supremo. 

En el evangelio tomado del evangelista Marcos, el escriba pregunta, esta vez sin poner a prueba a Jesús. La respuesta de Jesús demuestra que Él mantiene estrictamente la tradición judía de Moisés de que hay un solo Dios. Esta buena noticia nos hace conscientes de actuar en todo momento los dos mandamientos más importantes de Dios. 

Primero, Jesús citó el Antiguo Testamento: “Escucha, Israel: el Señor nuestro Dios es el único Señor. Amarás al Señor, tu Dios, con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma, con toda tu mente y con todas tus fuerzas”. (Deut. 6:4) Por lo tanto, amar a Dios es el primer mandamiento y el más importante que debemos cumplir. ¿Qué significa amar a Dios? Si creemos, confiamos y estamos completamente enamorados de Dios, debemos ser sumisos a Su voluntad y cumplir todos Sus mandamientos. Además, Jesús, que vive en la historia, nos muestra cómo vive y nos enseña lo que significa amar a Dios en palabras, hechos y acciones. En Él no hay duplicidad. 

En segundo lugar, Jesús dice: “Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”. Amar a nuestro prójimo cuando nos agrada, pero ¿qué pasa con aquellos que nos hacen daño? La verdad importa cuando realmente entendemos las palabras de Jesús de que cuando amamos, el amor viene del corazón. Hay momentos en que nos cuesta aceptar el dolor de ser heridos, pero es parte de nuestra purificación y sacrificio. Supongamos que creemos que nuestra fuerza y  poder para perdonar proviene únicamente de Dios, que es generoso y misericordioso. No necesitamos nada en absoluto, sino dispensar la gracia que Dios nos ha dado y compartido con los demás. Todos deben amarse unos a otros y hacerlo en lo bueno y en lo malo. Jesús cumple todo por nosotros. 

Seamos abiertos a aceptar la “espiritualidad de la sinodalidad” que el Papa Francisco reconoce que, a medida que avanzamos hacia el reino de Dios, aceptamos formas concretas y caminos de formación para lograr la conversión sinodal. Cuando nos olvidamos de trabajar conscientemente para permanecer fieles en una relación con Dios, nuestra lucha por cumplir el segundo mandamiento será fácil y no pesada. Escuchar y amar a este maravilloso Dios Único se convierte en nuestra inspiración y motivación para cumplir estos dos mandamientos. 

Quienes cumplen fielmente estos dos mandamientos deben mostrar gratitud por ser amados por Dios y por los demás. Estos dos mandamientos tienen como fin mantenernos unidos con nuestro Dios amoroso y crecer en prosperidad y amor. Oramos por la gracia de encontrarnos a nosotros mismos amando a Dios y reflexionar sobre cómo practicamos verdaderamente la enseñanza de Jesús al amar y aceptar a nuestro prójimo, no como leyes exigentes, sino como un camino seguro hacia la santidad. 

Dios los bendiga. 

P. Arlon, osa