Category: Feasts

• Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• Psalms 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
• 2 Peter 1:16-19
• Luke 9:28b-36

Today is the feast of the transfiguration of Jesus. This is an awesome event in the life of Christ, together with His three disciples who were privileged to be there that day and to experience the events that transpired. Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain and “was transfigured before them.” The event is clarified a bit when His clothing became “dazzling white. Not only that, but Jesus is also joined by Moses and Elijah who were “conversing” with him.

Today’s readings speak of the Transfiguration of our Lord; they connote Jesus’ divinity and reveal to the disciples God’s glory. We take this seriously in our reflection that while He was praying, this was an invitation for His disciples to prayer. It really speaks about Jesus’ willingness that His disciples would pray with Him, an invitation to be in union with God.

Maybe in awe and bewilderment, Peter told Jesus, “Lord it is good that we are here,” and he wants to build “three tents” for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Then, even more magnificent is the voice of the Father, “This is my beloved chosen Son, listen to him.” These words of the Father are for His disciples to abide by His words and for them to listen to Jesus. For us, as we contemplate this scene filled with images of awe and promise, transfiguration itself is just a brief moment in Jesus’ and the disciples’ lives. It seems to be a kind of preview of coming attractions, but for now there is much to be done and an urgency to get to the task.

Like the disciples, we are encouraged to stay on the journey with Jesus and to keep our focus squarely on Him as the events of Christ’s life move towards their fulfillment in God’s design to enter Jerusalem. Like them we will waver, but the more we keep our gaze on Him, the more we make ourselves open to following in His steps to face the darkness of the world with the brightness of the glory of God.

Today, Jesus is inviting us to continue our journey with Him which will lead us to the preparation of our journey. This feast of the transfiguration gives way to the reality of the goal: to accept Christ’s Paschal mystery, His death and resurrection. The momentary gives way to the permanency in the sense that for Jesus the bright-white glory, that is actually His, will shine through finally and forever as He gives Himself over to God’s will.

May we use this moment to increase our faith in Jesus as we sort out what is happening in our own lives. May we all be willing to rest in the Lord, because He possesses God in His heart, and be transformed into His divine image.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Acts 4:32-35
• Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
• 1 John 5:1- 6
• John 20:19-31

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Easter, with an additional reason to rejoice. As introduced by St. John Paul II to the liturgical calendar of the universal church, we also celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy. It is fitting to glorify God, who because of His mercy, we are redeemed. Hence, we must also be merciful, forgiving, and willing to help others for we act on behalf of God, and our acts of love and kindness manifest God being alive. We are witnesses of God’s compassion as we go through this beautiful season of Easter for the readings today are about belief, faith, and mercy.

We hear in the first reading today, taken from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, which influenced much the followers of Jesus, the community of believers, to live in oneness of heart and mind, and “no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” They formed a community of sharing and a life of prayer and good works. Community means the putting together of gifts in common for they remembered their experience of breaking bread and the sharing with one another and with Jesus. They had the joy of extending not only the food but also the sharing of material goods.

This text inspired our Spiritual Founder, St. Augustine, by borrowing this ideal life of early Christians in forming his religious community. The Augustinians listen to the teachings of Jesus and St. Augustine, accepting these two important aspects of praying together and living in one mind and heart on the way to God. This is the practical religious actions that must be taken to reflect the life of Christ’s disciples, living in common, with real fraternity, sharing their gifts with others. This is what the community of the Risen Christ is all about.

The second reading, from the first letter of St. John, suggests that the community to which John writes was facing a crisis because some members were denying Jesus being the true Messiah, God’s flesh and blood, fully human, fully divine Son. They were struggling to reconcile their belief and how they would know the way to live out their faith. St. John emphasizes love for God and neighbor in his writings to explain this principal. It is a good reminder that just as we are God’s people, we are not only helping and loving our neighbors. Our love must be justified by loving God and keeping His commandments; thus, it is in this context that would help us understand our loving actions towards each other.

The gospel that we heard today tell of a gathering of the terrified apostles of Jesus. They locked themselves in fear that they would also be the next to be killed. What are the important scenes in the story that we need to reflect on:

First, Jesus comes into their midst of shame and doubt. There is a greeting of “peace”. There is a proclamation of the “Good News,” that the Father has sent Him into their midst. “Peace be with you.” Perhaps this is the medicine the Risen Lord wanted to impart to His fearful disciples. They want to be given the strength and hope in order for them to be courageous witnesses of His gospel and Christ’s Resurrection.

I’m always amazed how certain words, phrases or images immediately capture my attention when I read Scripture. I often feel like God knows just what I need to hear and when… it was Jesus’ multiple greetings of “Peace be with you” that inspired me in today’s Gospel. I don’t know about you, but I’m yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

Second, Jesus says to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Thomas is a man with deep faith in Jesus, yet he struggles to believe that Jesus has risen. Even the testimony of all who had seen Jesus was not enough for Thomas, who had not been with the others that first night. Thomas needed tangible proof of the resurrected Jesus, and reassuring words from his colleagues was not enough! Thomas needed to see Jesus, to experience His presence, before he could believe. Thomas embodies the paradox of faith and doubt. We all doubt, especially about our ability to love and to be faithful. Many times, we don’t feel confident in what we believe because we feel abandoned. This is exactly what Thomas felt.

Third, Thomas’ unforgettable and courageous response was “My Lord and My God.” We often say seeing is believing, but perhaps today seeing is simply a total resignation and confession of faith. Thomas did not dare to put his finger to touch the wounds on Jesus’ side; he simply believes. This is the Goodnews, that even if we can’t touch the nail marks or the scourges in Jesus’ side, we can believe in the presence of Jesus in our lives, and if we believe in that presence, we have to erase the doubt about ourselves and others.

Reading today’s gospel, I have so much admiration for Thomas. He is not to be called “a doubting disciple” but rather a “courageous disciple” who can help you and me in our moments of doubts. He helped us to be courageous to speak about our doubts and to learn from him to confidently love Jesus, and he taught us to believe Jesus had risen.

As we come to celebrate this second Sunday of Easter and the Feast of the Divine Mercy, I believe that we are filled with moments of needed reassurance of His mercy and the tangible presence of reconnection between His followers and the re-emergence of our mission to be faithful witnesses by the power of Christ’s Resurrection.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Segundo Domingo de Pascua – Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia

• Hechos 4:32-35
• Salmo 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
• 1 Juan 5:1-6
• Juan 20:19-31

Hoy es el Segundo Domingo de Pascua, con un motivo adicional para regocijarnos, como lo introdujo San Juan Pablo II al calendario litúrgico de la iglesia universal, también celebramos la Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia. Glorifiquemos la insondable misericordia de Dios porque por ella somos redimidos. Estamos llamados a ser misericordiosos unos con otros, perdonar y estar dispuestos a ayudar a los demás porque actuamos en nombre de Dios. Y nuestros actos de amor y bondad manifiestan que Dios está vivo. Somos testigos de la compasión de Dios a medida que atravesamos esta hermosa temporada de Pascua porque las lecturas de hoy tratan sobre la creencia, la fe y la misericordia.

Hoy escuchamos en la Primera Lectura tomada del libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, que influyó en los seguidores de Jesús, la comunidad de creyentes, para vivir en unidad de corazón y mente, y “nadie afirmaba que ninguna de sus posesiones fuera suya, pero tenían todo en común”. Formaron una comunidad de compartir, de vida de oración y de buenas obras. Comunidad significa poner dones en común porque recordaron su experiencia de partir el pan y compartir unos con otros lo que aprendieron de Jesús. Tuvieron la alegría de extender no sólo la comida sino también el compartir de bienes materiales.

Este texto inspiró a nuestro Fundador espiritual, San Agustín, al tomar prestado este ideal de vida de los primeros cristianos al formar su comunidad religiosa. Los agustinos escuchan las enseñanzas de Jesús y San Agustín aceptando estos dos aspectos importantes de orar juntos y vivir en una sola mente y corazón en el camino hacia Dios. Éstas son las acciones religiosas prácticas que deben emprenderse para reflejar la vida de los discípulos de Cristo, viviendo en común, una fraternidad tan real que sus dones sean compartidos con los demás. De esto se trata la comunidad de Cristo Resucitado.

La segunda lectura de la primera carta de San Juan sugiere que la comunidad a la que Juan escribe se enfrentaba a una crisis porque algunos miembros negaban que Jesús fuera el verdadero Mesías, la carne y la sangre de Dios, el Hijo plenamente humano y plenamente divino. Estaban luchando por reconciliar sus creencias y cómo sabrían cómo vivir su fe. San Juan enfatiza el amor a Dios y al prójimo en sus escritos para explicar el principio. Es un buen recordatorio de que así como somos el pueblo de Dios, no sólo ayudamos y amamos a nuestro prójimo. Nuestro amor debe ser justificado amando a Dios y guardando Sus mandamientos; por lo tanto, es en este contexto que nos ayudaría a comprender nuestras acciones amorosas unos hacia los otros.

El evangelio que escuchamos hoy es la reunión de los apóstoles de Jesús, aterrorizados. Se encerraron por miedo a ser ellos también los próximos en morir. ¿Cuáles son las escenas importantes de la historia sobre las que debemos reflexionar?

Primero, Jesús llega a ellos en medio de la vergüenza y la duda. Hay un saludo de “PAZ”. Hay un anuncio de la “BUENA NUEVA”, de que el Padre lo ha enviado entre ellos. “LA PAZ ESTE CON USTEDES.” Quizás ésta sea la medicina que el Señor resucitado quiso impartir a sus temerosos discípulos. Quiere que se les dé fuerza y esperanza para ser testigos valientes de Su evangelio y de la Resurrección de Cristo. Siempre me sorprende cómo ciertas palabras, frases o imágenes captan inmediatamente mi atención cuando leo las Escrituras. A menudo siento que Dios sabe exactamente lo que necesito escuchar y cuándo… fueron los múltiples saludos de Jesús de “LA PAZ SEA CON USTEDES” los que me inspiraron en el Evangelio de hoy. No sé ustedes, pero yo anhelo más paz durante esta temporada de Pascua.

En segundo lugar, Jesús le dice a Tomás: “¿Has creído porque me has visto? Bienaventurados los que no vieron y creyeron”. Sin embargo, Tomás es un hombre con una profunda fe en Jesús, pero le cuesta creer que Jesús ha resucitado. Incluso el testimonio de todos los que habían visto a Jesús no fue suficiente para Tomás, que no había estado con los demás esa primera noche. ¡Tomás necesitaba pruebas tangibles de Jesús resucitado y las palabras tranquilizadoras de sus colegas no fueron suficientes! Tomás necesitaba ver a Jesús, experimentar su presencia, antes de poder creer. Tomás encarna la paradoja de la fe y la duda. Todos dudamos especialmente de nuestra capacidad de amar y ser fieles. Muchas veces no nos sentimos seguros de lo que creemos porque nos sentimos abandonados. Esto es exactamente lo que sintió Tomás.

En tercer lugar, la inolvidable y valiente respuesta de Tomás fue: “Señor mío y Dios mío”. Muchas veces decimos ver para creer pero quizás hoy ver sea simplemente una total resignación y confesión de fe. Tomás no se atrevió a meter el dedo y tocar las llagas del costado de Jesús, simplemente creyó. Esta es la buena nueva, aunque no podamos tocar las marcas de los clavos o los azotes del costado de Jesús, podemos creer en la presencia de Jesús en nuestras vidas. Y si creemos en esa presencia, tenemos que borrar la duda sobre nosotros mismos y los demás.

Al leer el evangelio de hoy, tengo mucha admiración a Tomás. No se le debe llamar “un discípulo que duda”, sino más bien un “discípulo valiente” que puede ayudarnos a usted y a mí en nuestros momentos de duda. Nos ayudó a ser valientes para hablar de nuestras dudas y aprender de él a amar a Jesús con confianza y nos enseñó a creer que Jesús había resucitado.

Al celebrar este segundo domingo de Pascua y la Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia, creo que estamos llenos de momentos de necesaria tranquilidad de Su misericordia y la presencia tangible de la reconexión entre Sus seguidores y el resurgimiento de nuestra misión de ser testigos fieles por el poder de la Resurrección de Cristo.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• 1 John 5:4-10
• John 20:19-31

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Easter, and the Feast of the Divine Mercy. We heard from St. Faustina’s Diary that Jesus made private revelations to her. Our Lord Jesus asked her on many occasions that a feast be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.

Why did Jesus ask the Church to institute the Feast of Mercy? As recorded in Diary entry 965, Jesus said to Faustina: “Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them … the Feast of My mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity. Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice is near.” This feast day is a special refuge and shelter for the consolation of souls.

In order to discover “who” is invited to this great Feast, let us confer the Diary number 699, for the Lord has given comforting words of promise to St. Faustina, “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”

It is fitting to glorify God because of His mercy, we are redeemed. Hence, we must also be merciful, forgiving, and willing to help others for we act on behalf of God, and our acts of love and kindness manifest God being alive.

We hear the epistle from the first letter of St. John confessing that Jesus is the Son of God which means believing that Jesus is the one who came through water and blood (1 John 5:6). It refers to the blood and water that came out of Jesus’ pierced side after his crucifixion or to the water in which Jesus was baptized and the blood that flowed from him during his crucifixion. However, we believe that Jesus did not simply appear to be human. He was truly flesh and blood for He shared the whole human experience of living and dying. He remained God’s Son even in his agonizing death by torture on the cross. Jesus was born, baptized, and crucified to empower all of us to become God’s children, cleansed by his blood. This is not some inessential doctrinal point. 1 John insists that this is the heart of our faith. This is the faith that overcomes the world: God’s love brings life even out of brokenness and death. This is the victory to which we are called: loving God’s children, and thus living our faith in the crucified, risen Son of God.

The gospel that we heard today is a gathering of terrified apostles of Jesus. They locked themselves in with the fear that they would also be the next to be killed. What are the important scenes in the story that we need to reflect on:

First, Jesus comes into their midst of shame and doubt. There is a greeting of “peace”. There is a proclamation of the “Good News”, that the Father has sent Him into their midst. “Peace be with you.” Perhaps this is the medicine the Risen Lord wanted to impart to His fearful disciples. They want to be given the strength and hope in order for them to be courageous witnesses of His gospel and Christ’s Resurrection. I’m always amazed how certain words or phrases or images immediately capture my attention when I read Scripture. I often feel like God knows just what I need to hear and when… it was Jesus’ multiple greetings of “Peace be with you” that inspired me in today’s Gospel. I don’t know about you, but I’m yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

Second, Jesus says to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Thomas is a man with deep faith in Jesus, yet he struggles to believe that Jesus has risen. Even the testimony of all who had seen Jesus was not enough for Thomas, who had not been with the others that first night. Thomas needed tangible proof of the resurrected Jesus, and reassuring words from his colleagues was not enough! Thomas needed to see Jesus, to experience his presence, before he could believe. Thomas embodies the paradox of faith and doubt. We all doubt especially about our ability to love and be faithful. Many times, we don’t feel confident in what we believe because we feel abandoned. This is exactly what Thomas felt.

Third, Thomas’ unforgettable and courageous response was “My Lord and My God.” We often say seeing is believing, but perhaps today seeing is simply a total resignation and confession of faith. Thomas did not dare to put his finger and touch the wounds of Jesus’ side; he simply believes. This is the Goodnews, that even if we can’t touch the nail marks or the scourges in Jesus’ side, we can believe in the presence of Jesus in our lives, and if we believe in that presence, we have to erase the doubt about ourselves and others.

Reading today’s gospel, I have so much admiration for Thomas. He is not to be called “a doubting disciple” but rather a “courageous disciple” who can help you and me in our moments of doubts. He helped us to be courageous to speak about our doubts and to learn from him to confidently love Jesus, and he taught us to believe Jesus had risen.

As we come to celebrate this second Sunday of Easter and the Feast of the Divine Mercy, I believe that we are filled with moments of needed reassurance of His mercy and the tangible presence of reconnection between His followers and the re-emergence of our mission to be faithful witnesses by the power of Christ’s Resurrection.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Mark 11:1-10
• Isaiah 50:4-7
• Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
• Philippians 2:6-11
• Mark 14:1—15:47 

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. There are two separate gospel readings to situate ourselves with solemnity into Holy Week. The first gospel taken from Mark 11:1-10 is about Jesus entering Jerusalem for the first time, riding on a donkey and being welcomed by multitudes of people bringing palms to welcome Jesus, crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David, the king of Israel.” We gather to recall the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem. We walk with Jesus today.

Just imagine that Jesus was followed by His disciples, and along the road many people who were touched and healed were there as well. Mary was anxious in the final days of her Son’s ministry because she knows of the impending sufferings her Son would ultimately accept. Her pain causes her heart to beat heavily while the crowd is continuously cheering loudly in excitement singing Psalms and Hosannas. As Jesus enters, many people lay down their cloaks and palm branches along the road, feeling much excitement for this spontaneous parade.

Where are you in this picture of our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem? Have you imagined yourself being in the crowd? As I have said from the beginning, “we walk with Jesus today.” We are joining in, and we go along with Jesus which we become present by our faith and are encouraged to pray fervently as we go through this Holy Week.

The first reading taken from the book of the Prophet Isaiah are words that apply to the Messiah. The Messiah speaks of his own determination to follow His Father’s will despite the sufferings involved. We must realize that the Messiah becomes our model to obey God. Though there are some difficult times in our life like suffering shame or being misunderstood by those who do not like what we are doing, at the end of the day we must be solidly firm with our faith to follow His plan for us.

The 2nd reading is taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We hear that Jesus did not consider being equal with God, something to be grasped but He emptied Himself, “becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” In the reflection of St. Paul, Jesus did not try to hold on to His divine nature, but instead He hangs on to His role as the Son of God faithful to His Father’s will in becoming human. It highlights Jesus’ humility as He emptied Himself and became human. The passage reminds all of us that as believers we must imitate Christ’s humility and service in our relationships with others. Accept being Christlike by being humble in all we do.

Today the second gospel, taken from Mark 14:1-15:47, is based on Jesus’ movement from the ministry Jesus did in Galilee to His entrance to Jerusalem. The journey to this point has been long and difficult. St. Mark’s gospel will accompany us to Jerusalem where he will be tried, die a cruel death, and be raised to new life by his Father-God.

We know that the Holy Land is closed now for pilgrims. The Israeli government set restrictions to visit the Holy Land because of the continuous pursuit for extremists and terrorists in the area. It is sad that all the roads leading to the Holy Land are blocked and leaving no way for the pilgrims to spend time in prayer. I guess Jesus is asking His followers around the world to come along the way called “Via Dolorosa” in union with His suffering and dying. I imagine the danger of entering Jerusalem this day has been a true passion for the Jewish Christians which is expectedly different from the previous Holy Week. We pray for the immediate end of the war in Israel.

This Holy Week, the recurring theme is “dying and rising.” We see ourselves dying from sins as the right path to knowing and purifying ourselves better. We are deeply invited to see and evaluate ourselves. In the reading of the Lord’s passion from the gospel of St. Mark, Jesus wants us to bring our own sufferings along His way, the difficulties in our life, and the challenges and to foresee our own victory with Him. It is a dying to oneself that we may attain the rising mystery where Jesus leads us.

I believe that Palm Sunday is not just singing “Hosanas” in Jesus’ Passion, for there is also rising in the gospel we heard, one that leads to Easter, to New Life, Resurrection, and victory over death and sin. Glory is our destination we think as we bless these palms and as we walk with Jesus today.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Domingo de Ramos de la Pasión del Señor

• Marcos 11:1-10
• Isaías 50:4-7
• Salmo 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
• Filipenses 2:6-11
• Marcos 14:1—15:47 

Hoy es Domingo de Ramos, el inicio de la Semana Santa. Hay dos lecturas del evangelio separadas para situarnos con solemnidad en la Semana Santa. El primer evangelio tomado de Marcos once: uno al diez trata de Jesús entrando a Jerusalén por primera vez, montado en un burro, y siendo recibido por multitudes que traían palmas para recibir a Jesús, clamando: “Hosanna al Hijo de David, el rey de Israel.” Nos reunimos para recordar la entrada triunfal de Jesús a Jerusalén. Caminamos con Jesús hoy.

Imagínense que Jesús fue seguido por sus discípulos y en el camino también estaban muchas personas que fueron tocadas y sanadas. María estaba ansiosa por los últimos días del ministerio de su Hijo porque sabía de los sufrimientos inminentes que su Hijo finalmente aceptaría. Su dolor comienza a latir su corazón mientras la multitud continuamente aplaude con entusiasmo cantando Salmos y Hosannas. Cuando Jesús entra, muchas personas a lo largo del camino se ponen sus mantos y palmas llenan el camino con mucha emoción de este desfile espontáneo.

¿Dónde estás en esta imagen de la entrada de nuestro Señor a Jerusalén? ¿Te has imaginado entre la multitud? Como he dicho desde el principio: “Hoy caminamos con Jesús”. Nos sumamos y vamos junto a Jesús, el cual nos hacemos presentes por nuestra fe y nos animamos a orar fervientemente a medida que avanzamos en esta Semana Santa.

La primera lectura tomada del libro del profeta Isaías son palabras que se aplican al Mesías. El Mesías habla de su propia determinación de seguir la voluntad de su Padre a pesar de los sufrimientos involucrados. Debemos darnos cuenta de que el Mesías se convierte en nuestro modelo para obedecer a Dios. Aunque a veces hay momentos difíciles en nuestras vidas como sufrir vergüenzas o ser incomprendidos por aquellos a quienes no les gusta lo que estamos haciendo al final del día, debemos estar sólidamente firmes con nuestra fe para seguir Su plan para nosotros.

La segunda lectura está tomada de la carta de San Pablo a los Filipenses. Escuchamos que Jesús no consideró el ser igual a Dios, algo a qué aferrarse, sino que se despojó de sí mismo, “haciéndose obediente hasta la muerte, y muerte de cruz”. En la reflexión de San Pablo, Jesús no trató de aferrarse a Su naturaleza divina, sino que se aferró a Su papel como Hijo de Dios fiel a la voluntad de Su Padre de hacerse humano. Destaca la humildad de Jesús cuando se despojó de sí mismo y se hizo humano. El pasaje nos recuerda a todos que como creyentes debemos imitar la humildad y el servicio de Cristo en nuestras relaciones con los demás. Aceptar ser semejante a Cristo siendo humilde en todo lo que hacemos.

Hoy, el segundo evangelio tomado de Marcos catorce: uno al quince y cuarenta y siete, se basa en el movimiento de Jesús desde el ministerio que hizo en Galilea hasta su entrada a Jerusalén. El camino hasta este punto ha sido largo y difícil. El evangelio de San Marcos nos acompañará hasta Jerusalén, donde será juzgado, sufrirá una muerte cruel y será resucitado a una nueva vida por su Padre Dios.

Sabemos que Tierra Santa está cerrada a los peregrinos. El gobierno israelíta impuso restricciones a las visitas a Tierra Santa debido a la continua persecución de extremistas y terroristas en la zona. Es triste que todos los caminos que conducen a Tierra Santa estén bloqueados y que los peregrinos no puedan pasar tiempo en oración. Supongo que Jesús está pidiendo a sus seguidores de todo el mundo que recorran el camino llamado “Vía Dolorosa” en unión con Su sufrimiento y muerte. Imagino que el peligro de entrar en Jerusalén este día ha sido una verdadera pasión para los cristianos judíos que se espera sea diferente a la Semana Santa anterior. Oramos por el cese inmediato de la guerra en Israel.

Esta Semana Santa, el tema recurrente es “morir y resucitar”. Nos vemos morir por los pecados como el camino correcto para conocernos y purificarnos mejor. Estamos profundamente invitados a vernos y evaluarnos a nosotros mismos. En la lectura de la pasión del Señor en el evangelio de San Marcos, Jesús quiere que llevemos nuestros propios sufrimientos a lo largo de Su camino, las dificultades de nuestra vida y los desafíos y que preveamos nuestra propia victoria con Él. Es morir a uno mismo para alcanzar el misterio naciente que Jesús nos conduce.

Creo que el Domingo de Ramos no es sólo cantar “Hosanas” en la Pasión de Jesús, porque también hay un levantamiento en el evangelio que escuchamos, uno que conduce a la Pascua, a la Vida Nueva, a la Resurrección y a la victoria sobre la muerte y el pecado. La gloria es nuestro destino, pensamos al bendecir estas palmas y mientras caminamos con Jesús hoy.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

 

• Isaiah 9:1-6
• Psalm 96: 1-2,2-3,11-12,13
• Titus 2:11-14
• Luke 2:1-14

There was a little girl who was surprised knowing that the baby Jesus in the crib was gone. She cried and went to her room, and she asked for God’s help. She prayed, “God the Father, if you don’t help me find the baby Jesus, I will totally pull off all the lights from the Christmas tree.” I think I will do the same if you don’t find Jesus in your heart; I will turn off the sound system and the lights in this church tonight.

Brothers and Sisters, let us reflect on the inspiring readings that we heard. In the first reading the prophet Isaiah proclaims: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” To say that we have not found Jesus in our hearts means that we are walking in the dark and dwelling in a land of uncertainties. We experience anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, and sadness. Let us ask, “When will I find Jesus in my heart again?”

I would like to share one of the stanzas of a Christmas song, composed by a Filipino singer. Jose Mari Chan,

“Let’s sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday! This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus. Let Him be the One to guide us as another new year starts.

And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts.”

This is the message of Christmas, Jesus has come, and Jesus must always be in our hearts. God made himself manifest in the person of His only Son, Jesus Christ. So, let us reflect on the powerful messages of the Goodnews.

First, Jesus, the Word made flesh, taking the risk to dwell with us in human history. St. Augustine says, “Begotten by the Father, He was not made by the Father; He was made Man in the mother whom He himself had made, so that He might exist here for a while, sprung from her who could never and nowhere have existed except through His power.” (sermon 191) Thus, Jesus humbles himself to journey with humanity proclaiming God’s perfect love and salvation for all.

Second, the Eternal Word taking on our human nature. What an enormous step taken by God who has desired to come close to us by taking on our flesh to prove this love over and over through His life and ultimately offering Himself on the Cross. St. Augustine reminds us of saying that, “What greater cause is there of the Lord’s coming than to show God’s love for us.”

Third, Jesus Christ, the Lord, tells us: I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Indeed, Jesus is the Light who shines continuously on his church, his community of disciples who are walking toward the Kingdom of God. As members of the church, as disciples of Jesus, we are challenged this Christmas Day to continue the mission of Jesus to be the Light in our world. But how? Look at neighbor helping neighbor as they provide for whatever is needed in the moment. We just have to look around for the many examples of women and men who have responded to this call to be the light to the world.

Brothers and Sisters, the mystery of the Incarnation is indeed the central doctrine of our Catholic Faith. Let us take time to meditate and take pleasure of how our life has been saved by the tender child in a manger whose presence must always be in our hearts.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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Dictado del Corazon

Misa de Vigilia de Navidad

• Isaías 9:1-6
• Salmo 96: 1-2,2-3,11-12,13
• Tito 2:11-14
• Lucas 2:1-14

Había una niña que se sorprendió al saber que el niño Jesús que estaba en la cuna ya no estaba. Lloró y se fue a su habitación y pidió ayuda a Dios. Ella oró: “Dios Padre, si no me ayudas a encontrar al niño Jesús, apagaré toda la luz del árbol de Navidad”. Creo que haré lo mismo si no encuentras a Jesús en tu corazón, apagaré el sistema de sonido y la luz de esta iglesia esta noche.

Hermanos y hermanas, reflexionemos sobre las lecturas que hemos escuchado. En la primera lectura, el profeta Isaías proclama: “El pueblo que caminaba en tinieblas vio una gran luz; sobre los que habitaban en la tierra de las tinieblas, una luz ha brillado”. Es decir, que no hemos encontrado a Jesús en nuestros corazones significa que caminamos en la oscuridad y habitamos en una tierra de incertidumbres. Experimentamos ansiedad, miedo, frustración, ira y tristeza. Preguntémonos pues: “¿Cuándo volveré a encontrar a Jesús en mi corazón?”

Me gustaría compartir una de las estrofas de una canción navideña escrita por un compositor filipino, José Marie Chan; “¡Cantemos Feliz Navidad y felices fiestas! Que en esta temporada nunca olvidemos el amor que tenemos por Jesús.

Que Él sea el que nos guíe al comenzar otro nuevo año.

Y que el espíritu de la Navidad esté siempre en nuestros corazones”.

Este, es el mensaje de Navidad, Jesús ha venido y Jesús debe estar siempre en nuestros corazones. Dios se manifestó en la persona de su único Hijo, Jesucristo. Entonces, reflexionemos sobre los mensajes de la Buena Nueva.

En primer lugar, Jesús, el Verbo, se hizo carne asumiendo el riesgo de habitar con nosotros en la historia humana. San Agustín dice: “Engendrado por el Padre, no fue hecho por el Padre; Se hizo Hombre en la madre que Él mismo había hecho para existir aquí por un tiempo, surgido de ella, que nunca y en ninguna parte podría haber salido sino por Su poder”. (sermón 191) Así, Jesús se humilla para caminar con la humanidad proclamando el amor perfecto de Dios y la salvación para todos.

En segundo lugar, el Verbo Eterno asume nuestra naturaleza humana. ¡Qué paso tan enorme ha dado Dios que ha querido acercarse a nosotros tomando nuestra carne para demostrarnos este amor una y otra vez a través de su vida y finalmente ofreciéndose en la Cruz! San Agustín nos recuerda el dicho: “Qué mayor motivo hay para la venida del Señor, que mostrar el amor de Dios por nosotros”.

Tercero, Jesucristo, el Señor nos dice: Yo soy la luz del mundo; el que me sigue no caminará en tinieblas, sino que tendrá la luz de la vida. En efecto, Jesús es la Luz que brilla continuamente sobre su iglesia, su comunidad de discípulos que caminan hacia el Reino de Dios. Como miembros de la iglesia, como discípulos de Jesús, este día de Navidad tenemos el desafío de continuar la misión de Jesús de ser la Luz en el mundo. ¿Pero cómo? Mire a los vecinos ayudando a sus vecinos mientras proveen para lo que sea necesario en este momento. Sólo tenemos que mirar a nuestro alrededor para encontrar los muchos ejemplos de mujeres y hombres que han respondido a este llamado, de ser luz en el mundo empezando con quienes tenemos al lado.

Hermanos y hermanas, el misterio de la Encarnación es de hecho la doctrina central de nuestra fe católica. Tomemos tiempo para meditar y disfrutar de cómo nuestra vida ha sido salvada por el tierno niño en un pesebre cuya presencia debe estar siempre en nuestro corazón.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
• Judith 13:18bcde, 19
• Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47

I am happy tonight to celebrate the Vigil Mass with you the Hispanic Community of St. Teresa in order to give thanks to God for His continuous blessing bestowed upon us through our Mother Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. There is only one Mother Mary in the world who was chosen to lead us closer to His Son Jesus Christ.

I am also blessed to have a very supportive community growing in the love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. We must recognize that this feast is not only for the Mexicans, but this is also for the entire Americas, North, South and Central. This is the feast of the United States and also the Philippines because our patroness is also the Virgin of Guadalupe. History recorded that the second batch of missionaries who came to the Philippines were Augustinian Priests from Mexico. They had shared with us your culture and traditions, like POSADAS and Misa de Gallo before Christmas. Not only that, tonight signals the whole world to journey together to have a spiritual pilgrimage to the site of the Blessed Mother Apparition in Mexico. Even if we are celebrating here in this Church, we join thousands of people to venerate and pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe! Viva Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe! Viva Cristo Rey!

The appearance of the Virgin Mother of Jesus at Guadalupe, near Mexico City, is the event that we remember and the reason we are all here tonight. It was the Blessed Mother who appeared to the peasant and native American man, San Juan Diego. It is one of many events over the centuries that Mary appears to the poor and dispossessed, asking him to speak to the powerful a word of warning. It was a clear statement of God’s favor bestowed on the poor and humble instead of the rich and powerful. It was also a word of warning to power that those who are in power would be struck down and destroyed. When we hear these words, we are given that hope to realize our dreams, that we must be treated equally, opportunity would be opened for everyone and to secure our lives with prosperity safety together with the family. One day we will receive them our constant prayers, sacrifices, and fidelity to our faith as Catholics. All these aspirations will be attained. Though many of us are poor and struggling due to immigration status and other domestic problems, be firm to your faith. I encourage you to bring your family to the Church every Sunday and to encourage others thru your witnessing, good works and to keep the promise of the Blessed Mother of Guadalupe for a greater blessing only to make us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Our liturgy tonight challenges us that the Patroness of the New World, the Americas, especially Mexico that every Mexican must share their Christian Faith and blessing of material wealth and uphold human dignity by virtue of your basic needs being met. I believe that it is not about seeking worldly power because it is almost a guarantee of God’s disfavor. We want to stay blessed and favored with God by being humble.

The readings of the Mass, from the Book of Revelations and the Gospel of Luke, express to us that Mary’s presence is the sign and the voice to manifest the presence of God. The story about Visitation is about how the Blessed Mother obeyed in compliance to God’s will. She made herself available to serve her cousin, Elizabeth with love and humility. Then Elizabeth recognized in her the visible sign of the coming of God when she cried, “Most Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” This verse illuminates the role of the pregnant Mary as the bearer of God. My heart wants to sing and rejoice that God is coming to dwell with us through Mary’s cooperation.

We are God’s people!!! So, what is the message of Mary to us all? All of us who are willing to accept our own poverty, our understanding of poverty means our total surrender and dependence on God, our Lady of Guadalupe gives us hope and strength. Now I pray with you tonight so that praying with sincerity of heart, Nuestra Senor de Guadalupe whisper to us that the coming of Emmanuel, God is with us, is indeed God’s mercy. My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior!

Viva la Virgen! Viva San Juan Diego! Viva Cristo Rey! May God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

• Apocalipsis 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
• Judit 13:18bcde, 19
• Lucas 1:26-38 o Lucas 1:39-47

Estoy feliz de estar celebrando con ustedes; Comunidad Hispana de Santa Teresa de Avila, a Nuestra Santísima, ¡Virgen de Guadalupe! Démosle gracias a Dios por Su continua bendición otorgada a nosotros a través de nuestra Madre Guadalupana. Sólo hay una Madre María en el mundo que fue elegida para acercarnos a Su Hijo Jesucristo.

Tengo la bendición de tener una comunidad que me apoya y crece en amor y devoción a la Santísima Madre. Debemos reconocer que esta fiesta no es sólo para los mexicanos, sino también para toda América, Norte, Sur y Centro. Esta es la fiesta de Estados Unidos y también de Filipinas porque nuestra patrona también es la Virgen de Guadalupe. La historia registra que el segundo grupo de misioneros que llegaron a Filipinas fueron sacerdotes agustinos de México. Compartieron con nosotros su cultura y tradiciones, como POSADAS y Misa de Gallo antes de Navidad. No solo eso, esta noche es una señal para que todo el mundo viaje juntos en peregrinación espiritual al sitio de la Aparición de la Santísima Madre en México. ¡Aunque estemos celebrando aquí en esta Iglesia, nos unimos a miles de personas para venerar y rendir homenaje a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe! ¡Viva Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe! ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

La aparición de la Virgen de Guadalupe, cerca de la Ciudad de México, es el evento que recordamos y la razón por la que todos estamos aquí esta noche. Fue la Santísima Madre quien se apareció al campesino y nativo, San Juan Diego. Es uno de los muchos acontecimientos a lo largo de los siglos en los que María se aparece a los pobres y humildes, pidiéndole que se dirija a los poderosos con una palabra de advertencia. Fue una declaración clara del favor de Dios otorgado a los pobres y humildes en lugar de a los ricos y poderosos. También fue una palabra de advertencia al poder de que quienes estaban en el poder serían derribados y destruidos. Cuando escuchamos estas palabras, se nos da la esperanza de realizar nuestros sueños, que debemos ser tratados con igualdad, que se abrirán oportunidades para todos y asegurar nuestras vidas con prosperidad y seguridad junto con nuestra familia. Un día recibiremos nuestras constantes oraciones, sacrificios y fidelidad a nuestra fe como católicos. Todas estas aspiraciones se alcanzarán. Aunque muchos de nosotros somos pobres y luchamos debido a nuestro estatus migratorio y otros problemas internos, seamos firmes en vuestra fe. Los animo a traer a su familia a la Iglesia todos los domingos y a animar a otros a través de su testimonio, buenas obras y a cumplir la promesa de la Santísima Madre de Guadalupe de una bendición mayor sólo para acercarnos más a su Hijo, Jesucristo.

Nuestra liturgia de esta noche nos desafía a que la Patrona del Nuevo Mundo, las Américas, especialmente en México, cada mexicano debe compartir su fe cristiana y la bendición de la riqueza material y defender la dignidad humana en virtud de que se satisfacen sus necesidades básicas. Creo que no se trata de buscar el poder mundano porque es casi una garantía del desagrado de Dios. Queremos seguir siendo bendecidos y favorecidos por Dios siendo humildes.

Las lecturas de la Misa, del Libro del Apocalipsis y del Evangelio de Lucas, nos expresan que la presencia de María es el signo y la voz para manifestar la presencia de Dios. La historia de la Visitación trata de cómo la Santísima Madre obedeció cumpliendo la voluntad de Dios. Se puso a disposición para servir a su prima Isabel con amor y humildad. Entonces Isabel reconoció en ella el signo visible de la venida de Dios cuando exclamó: “Bendita tú entre las mujeres, y bendito el fruto de tu vientre”. Este versículo ilumina el papel de María embarazada como portadora de Dios. Mi corazón quiere cantar y regocijarse de que Dios viene a habitar con nosotros a través de la cooperación de María.

¡¡¡Somos el pueblo de Dios!!! Entonces, ¿cuál es el mensaje de María para todos nosotros? Para todos los que estamos dispuestos a aceptar nuestra propia pobreza, nuestra comprensión de la pobreza significa nuestra total entrega y dependencia de Dios, nuestra Señora de Guadalupe nos da esperanza y fuerza. Me uno en oración con ustedes esta noche, para que orando con sinceridad de corazón, Nuestro Señor de Guadalupe nos susurre que la venida de Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros, es en verdad la misericordia de Dios. ¡Mi espíritu se regocija en Dios, mi Salvador!

¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! ¡Viva San Juan Diego! Viva Cristi Rey! Que Dios te bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

Lucas 1:26-38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Padre Arlon, OSA

• Wisdom 3:1-9
• Psalm 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5
• Romans 6:3-9
• John 6:37-40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May they rest in peace. God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dios los bendiga.

• Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14
• Psalms 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
• 1 John 3:1-3
• Matthew 5:1-12a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all the Saints of God, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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Solemnidad de Todos los Santos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P. Arlón, osa

• Colossians 1:12-20
• John 18:33-37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa