Category: Feasts

• John 1:47-52

Today is the feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael. The angels are biblical because the word “angels” has appeared several times in both the Old and New Testaments. The Catechism of the Church tells us that angels are existent spiritual and non-corporeal beings created by God. They are messengers, protectors, providers, guides, and healers given to us by God. This is how God operates in the context of love and human salvation.

St. Augustine describes the role of angels through the name given to them in particular, Michael which means, “who is like unto God.” He is the great protector against evil and protects His Church. Gabriel means the great strength of God and Rafael is God’s healer. At the end of each name of the archangel, there is “El” which means related to God as His messengers. However, we should look at angels not only in what they are but in what they do. Their main role according to St. Augustine, is to point to the Incarnate Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and collaborators of the work of salvation of men.

In the gospel today Jesus said to Nathaniel, “You will see the heavens open and the angels ascending and descending on the Son of God.” The notion of angels is indeed a gospel truth. There are creatures of God that we cannot see but we see them in the eyes of faith.

The Church is terribly affected by many evils in the world. Archangel Michael is busy trying to eliminate our enemies with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints. We are in a world where there are infestations and possessions of evil that hinder us from loving and being faithful to God. We are also the “Church Militant” where we must be active warriors of the Lord against evil. Our primary duty is to take a stance on all truths and be firm in our faith.

May the archangels and angels be our guide and protector to defend the Holy Catholic Church. Lastly, I give thanks for this new baby, Myka Madeline born today in this feast. May she too be guided by all Holy Angels and Archangels as she tries to breath the grace of the gift of life.

God bless you always.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
• Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
• John 12:24-26

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr. When I was a Parish Priest in the Philippines, one of those villages of the parish jurisdiction is under the Patronage of St. Lawrence. During the papacy of Sixtus II, he was appointed as custodian of the properties of the Church in Rome and cared for the temporal needs of the poor. Because of his position, Emperor Valerius ordered the execution of the Pope, bishops, and clergymen except Lawrence, the Deacon. At the back of Valerius’ mind, Lawrence could bring him all the treasures of the Church. Indeed, Lawrence was obedient but instead of bringing expensive chalices made of gold and silver, he brought to Valerius the true treasures of the Church, the sick, the orphans, the widows, and poor people. Valerius was angry and commanded his soldier to roast Lawrence alive. With his fidelity to God and the Church, he offered himself to die and cheerfully told his executioners, “It is well done! Flip me over to the other side.” This story lingers in the memory of the people that even until now, his martyrdom has been remembered with humor and heroism. He died in 258 AD.

Today’s first reading from St. Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians reminds us that “God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance of every good work.” God gives us everything, but many struggle about giving back. The good things we are given we should give back in charity, and in good works. And we should give back cheerfully. Whatever we give our time and energy, then expect more blessings in return. When we give, we know how to love, and if there is no love, then it is useless because you will always remember and count what you have given.

The gospel tells us when Jesus says, “…Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” We are the seeds buried in the soil. Some transformations are hidden, but the power of growing unfolds within us. By God’s grace, we must bear many good fruits for others.

“God loves a cheerful giver,” according to St. Paul. Hence, God expects each of us, to make God’s presence real in our day-to-day life. How do I nurture these gifts and blessings from God so that I can be a blessing to them and be like St. Lawrence?

St. Lawrence, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
• 2 Peter 1:16-19
• Matthew 17:1-9

As I write this “Dictate of the Heart” weekly reflection, I remember my best friend, the late Msgr. Romeo Violeta, on his earthly birthday every feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration. I offer prayer and mass for his eternal repose. I was inspired by him on how to prepare a good homily, the best gift that I could offer to the people, aside from celebrating the Eucharist. He was a dedicated preacher. May his soul rest in God’s loving embrace.

This feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration has been celebrated by the Eastern Church since the 3rd Century, and the Western Church included this feast from the 15th century until today. We do understand the difference of time in the inclusion of this feast to the liturgical calendar because of the Mother Church dedication to clarity of teaching concerning belief in Jesus. This Transfiguration event is part of the writings of Matthew, Mark and Luke called the synoptic Gospels.

Our first reading today, from the Book of Daniel, is about the dream of Daniel, where he saw a vision regarding Israel’s history. The prophet Daniel understood that because of those corrupt and foreign leaders, Israelites suffered a lot from their abusive hands of domination and enforcing their own customs upon them too. However, he encouraged the people of Israel that there is the coming of time when they would be restored as the people of God thru the Son of Man, to be installed, crowned, and commissioned to receive power to reign with an everlasting kingship. Something astonishing was going to be revealed if they would only keep the faith. This faith would include both relying on their past as guided by God and their future as a continuation of God’s faithfulness.

In the second reading from the second epistle of Peter, we read the genuine conviction of Peter and the influence of that experience on top of Mount Tabor, as he references hearing the voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17) His belief had changed tremendously by the way he testified together with other Apostles; they did not speak the gospel as myth but a wholehearted faith as witnesses of Jesus’ majesty as God.

I invite you to discern the many valuable lessons we get from this account of the Lord’s Transfiguration:

First, there is a movement that echoes the transfiguration account. This movement pertains to the biblical story when Moses received the fullness of the law on a mountain top at Mt. Sinai. Jesus, on the other hand, gave the “sermon of the Mount” in Matthew’s account. Both Moses and Jesus unfold the revelation of God in order to accept His power and absolute authority in our lives.

Second, Jesus together with His three disciples, climbed to the mountain top, to witness Jesus’ glory even before His death. This transfiguration speaks about the Lord’s Messianic Mission, the revelation of the Trinitarian life of God, and His prophetic fulfillment of God’s plan. Hence, the prize of glory to come for us is imminent.

Third, this event of Jesus’ Transfiguration revealed to Peter, James, and John, proposing challenges, especially to each one of us to embrace Christ’s mission. However, the temptation appears that to succumb to stay and build tents, as Peter suggests, would distract from that mission. We are beloved by a mighty God and called to continue our work for the fulfillment of salvation.

Today the principal message is the revelation and unfolding of what we hope for in Christ. It is also a sign encouraging us to hope for the transformation of the world. When confronted with our spiritual life, in many ways, it is a way of training our vision to see what is really there for us in glory. We pray for wisdom and strength to make this available to us.

The three apostles had accomplished greatness in their lives bringing this prophetic message of love, fraternal support, direction and made us aware the glory is available. Today we are encouraged to accept and listen to Him.

So, finally let us ask what is in our hearts as we follow St. Augustine’s admonition to search God interiorly; then, when we find Him, we are assured of internal transformation and possess God. Then we would say, “It is good for us to be here.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Fiesta de la Transfiguración del Señor

• Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• Salmo 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
• 2 Pedro 1:16-19
• Mateo 17:1-9

Mientras escribo esta reflexión semanal “Dictado del corazón”, cada fiesta de la Transfiguración del Señor, recuerdo a uno de mis mejores amigos, el difunto Monseñor Romeo Violeta, en su cumpleaños terrenal. Ofrezco oración y misa por su eterno descanso. Me inspiré en él sobre cómo preparar una buena homilía. El mejor regalo que podía ofrecer al pueblo, además de celebrar la Eucaristía. Era un predicador dedicado. Que su alma descanse en el abrazo amoroso de Dios.

Esta fiesta de la Transfiguración del Señor ha sido celebrada por la Iglesia Oriental desde el siglo III, y la Iglesia Occidental incluyó esta fiesta desde el siglo XV hasta la actualidad. Entendemos la diferencia de tiempo en la inclusión de esta fiesta en el calendario litúrgico debido a su dedicación a la claridad de la enseñanza sobre la fe en Jesús. Este evento de la Transfiguración es parte de los escritos de Mateo, Marcos y Lucas, llamados evangelios sinópticos.

Nuestra primera lectura de hoy, del Libro de Daniel, es sobre un sueño que tuvo Daniel, donde vio una visión sobre la historia de Israel. El profeta Daniel entendió que a causa de esos líderes corruptos y extranjeros, los israelitas sufrieron mucho por sus manos abusivas de dominación y por imponer sus costumbres también sobre ellos. Sin embargo, animó al pueblo de Israel a que llegará el momento en que serán restaurados como el pueblo de Dios a través del Hijo del Hombre, para ser instalados, coronados y comisionados para recibir poder para reinar con una realeza eterna. Algo asombroso iba a ser revelado si tan solo mantuvieran la fe. Esta fe incluiría tanto confiar en su pasado como un pueblo guiado por Dios y su futuro como una continuación de la fidelidad de Dios.

En la segunda lectura de la segunda epístola de Pedro, leemos la convicción genuina de Pedro y la influencia de esa experiencia en la cima del monte Tabor, cuando hace referencia a escuchar la voz del cielo que decía: “Éste es mi Hijo muy amado, en quien tengo puestas mis complacencias; escúchenlo”. (2 Pedro 1:17) Su creencia había cambiado tremendamente por la forma en que testificó junto con otros Apóstoles; no hablaban el evangelio como un mito, sino una fe sincera como testigos de la majestad de Jesús como Dios.

Los invito a discernir las muchas lecciones valiosas que obtenemos de este relato de la Transfiguración del Señor:

Primero, hay un movimiento que hace eco del relato de la transfiguración. Este movimiento pertenece a la historia bíblica de cuando Moisés recibió la plenitud de la ley en la cima de una montaña en el Monte Sinaí. Jesús, por otro lado, dio el “sermón del monte” en el relato de Mateo. Tanto Moisés como Jesús despliegan la revelación de Dios para aceptar Su poder y autoridad absoluta en nuestras vidas.

En segundo lugar, Jesús junto con Sus tres discípulos subieron a la cima de la montaña para presenciar la gloria de Jesús incluso antes de Su muerte. Esta transfiguración habla de la Misión Mesiánica del Señor, la revelación de la vida trinitaria de Dios y Su cumplimiento profético del plan de Dios. Por lo tanto, el premio de gloria que vendrá para nosotros es inminente.

En tercer lugar, este acontecimiento de la Transfiguración de Jesús revelado a Pedro, Santiago y Juan, proponiendo desafíos, especialmente a cada uno de nosotros, para abrazar la misión de Cristo. Sin embargo, parece que la tentación de sucumbir a quedarse y construir tiendas de campaña, como sugiere Pedro, distraería la atención de esa misión. Somos amados por un Dios poderoso y llamados a continuar nuestro trabajo para el cumplimiento de la salvación.

Hoy el mensaje principal es la revelación y el despliegue de lo que esperamos en Cristo. Es también un signo que nos anima a esperar en la transformación del mundo. Cuando nos enfrentamos a nuestra vida espiritual, en muchos sentidos, es una forma de entrenar nuestra visión para ver lo que hay para nosotros en la gloria. Oremos por sabiduría y fortaleza para que esto esté disponible para nosotros. Los tres apóstoles habían cumplido en sus vidas al traernos este mensaje profético de amor, apoyo fraterno, dirección y hacer disponible el perdón de los demás. Hoy se nos anima a aceptarlo y escucharlo.

Finalmente, preguntémonos, qué hay en nuestros corazones mientras seguimos la admonición de San Agustín de buscar a Dios interiormente; entonces, cuando lo encontremos, estaremos seguros de la transformación interna y poseeremos a Dios. Entonces diremos: “Es bueno para nosotros estar aquí”.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 2 Peter 1:16-19
• Matthew 17:1-9

Today is the Feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration. Today’s scripture readings are filled with incredible imagery, which I claim to be one of my favorite scripture readings, in addition to our epistle which is also inspiring from the testimony of St. Peter.

In today’s epistle from St. Peter, we read of his genuine conviction and reaction. St. Peter says, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ: but having been made eyewitnesses of His majesty.” It means that St. Peter announced his personal conviction as he was transformed to preach about Jesus to others. The influence of that experience on top of Mount Tabor, as he references hearing the voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased,” (2 Peter 1:17) is that his belief had changed tremendously by the way he testified together with other Apostles; they did not speak the gospel as myth but as wholehearted faith, as authentic witnesses of Jesus’ majesty as God.

I invite you to discern the many valuable lessons we get from this account of the Lord’s Transfiguration:

First, there is a movement that echoes the transfiguration account. This movement pertains to the biblical story when Moses received the fullness of the law on a mountain top at Mt. Sinai. Jesus, on the other hand, gave the “sermon of the Mount” in Matthew’s account. Both Moses and Jesus unfold the revelation of God in order to accept His power and absolute authority in our lives.

Second, Jesus together with His three disciples climbed to the mountain top, to witness Jesus’ glory even before His death. This transfiguration speaks about the Lord’s Messianic Mission, the revelation of the Trinitarian life of God, and His prophetic fulfillment of God’s plan. Hence, the prize of glory to come for us is imminent.

Third, this event of Jesus’ Transfiguration, revealed to Peter, James, and John, proposes challenges especially to each one of us to embrace Christ’s mission. However, the temptation appears that to succumb to stay and build tents, as Peter suggests, would distract from that mission. We are beloved by a mighty God and called to continue our work for the fulfillment of salvation.

Today the principal message is the revelation and unfolding of what we hope for in Christ. It is also a sign encouraging us to hope for the transformation of the world. When confronted with our spiritual life, in many ways, it is a way of training our vision to see that the road is really there for us in glory. We pray for wisdom and strength to make this available to us.

The glorious transformation and the intimate affirmation by God, I believe, did not only happen to Jesus, but to the three apostles with Him as well, in order to direct them to a greater mission. Peter suggested that building three tents would distract from that mission. We are beloved by a mighty God and called to continue working for man’s salvation. We need to be successful in our mission through love, support, and forgiveness which must be available in all circumstances. They are needed to actualize our mission with our keen attention to our prophetic message to the world which brings hope and to fix our eyes to the promise of God’s glory. May we pray for one another and recognize in one another the transformation for mission that God accomplishes through us, His Beloved.

Finally, let us ask what is in our hearts as we follow St. Augustine’s admonition to search God interiorly; then, when we find Him, we are assured of internal transformation and possess God. Then we would say, “It is good for us to be here.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Hebrews 9:11-12
• John 19:30-35

Today is the first Saturday of the month of July. We gather here to consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and at the same time, we are blessed to be here on the feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus.

Before His passion and death, He gathered the 12 Apostles in the upper room for the Last Supper. That was an occasion to reveal His last will for them to keep. He took the bread and said, “Take this all of you and eat of it for this is my Body.” Then He took the chalice and said, “Take this all of you and drink of it for this the is my Blood.” Through these words, and gestures, our Lord gave His own Body and Blood to His apostles. His gift out of His love and poverty is His Precious Body and Blood, His very self. We are gifted with His real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. He commanded, “Do this in memory of Me.” Our Lord had given them the authority to change the bread and wine into His own Body and Blood, perfect sacrifice to glorify and adore God and for the good of His Holy Church.

We cannot dichotomize or divide the Body and Blood of Jesus. It goes together just as we buy meat at the grocery, we cannot say “please extract the blood from the meat I buy.” Even when we cook meat there is always blood in it. Thus, even when we receive the corpus of Christ or the consecrated Host, we always get the blood of Jesus which the Church would carry until the end of time as our spiritual provision.

We have known that there are some sacrilegious actions committed because of lack of faith and moral corruptions. We are here to offer prayers for those who have committed evil against the Precious Body and Blood our Lord.

This feast is indeed an opportunity to meditate on the blood of Christ shed on the Cross for our salvation.

We must give much respect and love for we believe it is the Lord. When we have some downfall as a person, family, community and Church, it is because of our lack of respect and care towards the things of God. I believe that only through our rightful adoration, glorification, and careful doing of what is truly sacred.  Restoration of all things only happen when we learn how to give God what He truly deserves.

Finally, let us adore Our Lord in the most Precious Blood and Body genuinely present in the Eucharist.

Let us ask pardon for all those who never adore, glorify and believe in this eternal Sacrament.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Acts 12:1-11
• Matthew 16:13-19

Today is the External Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. They are Apostles of Christ who worked so hard for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus. They were spiritual brothers and companions of Jesus, who granted them healing, despite their human flaws and weaknesses. They were renewed and strengthened by the power of God’s mercy and forgiveness through their Good Teacher, Jesus Christ. We are all familiar with these saints. Peter is the rock and was given the key of His Kingdom, and Paul, a persecutor of early Christians, was called to be His ardent missionary worker, both in preaching and writing 13 letters of the compiled New Testament. From those Letters, he acknowledges himself as the “Apostle of Christ.”

In fact, these two saints are often called the founding pillars of the Church. Peter was called Petrus, or rock, which means a strong leader of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome, while Paul was a convert who labored for the Gentiles preaching them the Goodnews in Galatia, Athens, and Thessalonica. However, these two were just ordinary men called by God. Many times, they were in conflict in their opinion as to how they lead the people closer to Christ. There are recorded reports from the Acts of the Apostles and in the epistle to the Galatians 2:11-12, where Paul writes, “and when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong.” Thus, this wasn’t the first time Peter had been called to conversion.

Our epistle, taken from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, narrates to us about Peter who was kept in prison, and while languishing, he was helped and freed by an angel. I have noticed that there is a big difference when Peter was supported by the church through their supplication. It was written that, “prayer was made without ceasing by the Church unto God for him.” (v5) This is the miraculous effect when prayer has been offered by the community. It makes a huge difference. I believe that the wisdom of God has designed that we, as God’s people, shall participate in the mission of everyone. When we show our disgusting and uncooperative attitude, then we are putting danger in that which threatens the program of God. We are called to prayer to set people free from neglect and imprisonment from all negativities.

Prayer is the powerful tool to be strong in our relationship and a mighty thrust on the art of the people of God to change the course of events. Moreover, it is the most natural response of a heart that is dependent upon God. If you are really counting upon God to do something, then you will pray about it. You will trust him; you will communicate with him. If you are not counting on him, you will not pray. If you are really counting on something else, or on someone else, or if you think that by your own clever maneuvering you can get out of a situation, or if you are trusting other human beings to come through, you will not pray. Or if you do, your prayer is but a ritual, an empty form, a perfunctory/ mechanical utterance that means nothing. God works in the same way today as He did with Peter in the first century. God will respond to our prayers in very much the same way.

Obviously in today’s gospel, Peter was led by the Holy Spirit and has mentioned that Jesus is the Christ, “the Son of God.” Jesus told him, “You are Peter,” He said, “and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Mt 16:18). I want to share simple points to make the gospel message cross our minds and hearts to clarity.

First, Jesus made it clear to him that his acknowledgement of Jesus’ identity does not come from flesh and blood through his human capacity but through a revelation from God the Father.

Second, Jesus has given Peter also his new identity being the solid rock, which means he would be a stone along the path for people to stumble on in order to find God.

Third, Jesus truly founded His Church through His Apostles, in particular St. Peter, which interprets “this rock” in reference to Peter, the beginning of apostolic succession. Jesus authoritatively instituted an unbroken line of successors from Peter and the other apostles to the current Pope, bishops, and clergy all over the world exercising Christ’s authority in teaching, ruling, and sanctifying the Church.

On today’s feast-day, God calls us to do and act according to what our faith calls us to do. The angel freed Peter and then left him alone to pursue his mission. We know that Paul was blinded; however, when he recovered his sight, he did not stop preaching to win the hearts of the Gentiles for the Lord. Through the Holy Spirit, like Peter and Paul, we are called to listen and act on Jesus’ gospel and then live it out.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
• Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
• John 6:51-58

There is the image of a mother who sacrificed herself waiting for hours under the heat of the sun, together with other poor people looking forward to receiving their ration of food to appease their hunger. This is a very moving moment to ponder the loving action of a mother to skip a meal only to share a handful of food with her starving children. Food is one of the essential needs for us to survive; yet for those who truly have the Eucharistic heart of Jesus, it means sharing! It is honorable to give up something precious and necessary in order to give life to others. This is what signifies the most holy body and blood of Jesus, His willingness to share so that we may live to the fullest.

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, we are invited to pray that in this Eucharistic feast, we allow ourselves to be consumed by this everlasting gift offered by Jesus to the Father as a perfect sacrifice together with His people. In faith, we acknowledge that Jesus is truly present, live and remaining with us as our provision and nourishment on this earthly journey.

From the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is leading the chosen people enroute to the promised land. He instructed the Israelites after leaving from Egypt to recall their sufferings, hunger, thirst, and other afflictions; however, celebrate that God is faithful to His promise. They need to look back recognizing many blessings by which they were called to reciprocate with total obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments. As they journey together, Moses reminded them twice that God had fed them with bread, “Manna from heaven.” They ate and were strengthened for their journey; however, having weak faith, some failed to remember the goodness of the Giver and God’s faithfulness for them in the past. Thus, with Moses’ sense of fidelity to God, he walked with these people until they repented and became faithful in their encounter and relationship with God.

When our feeble senses fail to acknowledge God’s love of offering His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, it seems that we are acting like the Israelites who have failed also to remember those moments receiving the real Manna, the Holy Eucharist.

The second reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians gives us simple illustration that we drink and eat from one cup and one loaf of bread as our participation in the body of Christ. Every time a priest says, “This is my body, this is my blood,” during the consecration, I am humbled by making Jesus truly present in our midst inviting us to partake in the body of Christ. When St. Augustine says, “we become what we eat,” it strikes to the depth of my heart that we have an obligation to advance the love, mission, and service of the Lord for we are One Body. We are connected to each other through Christ.

The gospel today is taken from the gospel of John, chapter 6, which is the discourse on Jesus being the “Bread of Life.” I wonder how our protestant brethren are able to comprehend this whole chapter for they don’t have the real grasp of accepting Jesus in the Holy Eucharist as His real presence. To understand the entire chapter, it presents a more developed theology of what Jesus is offering through the Eucharistic Bread, His body. To those who would obey His command to eat and live what they receive, Jesus is offering “Eternal Life.”

We are still in the year of Eucharistic Revival here in the US. All Catholics must be encouraged to revisit the ‘Meaning of the Mass,’ and its relevance to our Christian life. We know that the Eucharist is the “summit and the very source of our Christian life,” therefore, we participate and partake in the Eucharistic Meal with clarity of understanding and profoundly believing in Jesus’ genuine presence. It is by God’s love and manner that we are being fed.

After the preparation of gifts, the priests will say, “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” The people rise and reply: “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name, for our good and the good of all His holy Church.” This reminds us that we come to mass not as an obligation but to praise and glorify God, for our good and the good of the entire Church.

Sometimes we take for granted our responses during the mass that we forget what our purpose is for coming to mass.

In communion, we say “Amen” which means, “so be it” or “yes,” to His presence, holiness, and mission united in Jesus to serve and not to be served. We go in peace knowing that we have the responsibility to share what we have received by announcing the gospel and doing good deeds for everyone. We become Christ to others by how we live as good Catholics and the manner we conduct ourselves like Jesus. The enduring presence of Christ in the Eucharist strengthens us and unites us not only in Christ but with each other, sharing Christ’s life and mission.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, Corpus Christi

• Deuteronomio 8:2-3, 14b-16a
• Salmo 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
• 1 Corintios 10:16-17
• Juan 6:51-58

La imagen de una madre que se sacrifica esperando horas bajo el calor del sol junto a otros pobres deseosos de recibir su ración de comida para saciar su hambre. Un momento muy conmovedor para reflexionar sobre la acción amorosa de una madre de escapar de una comida para compartir con sus hijos hambrientos. El alimento es una de las necesidades esenciales del hombre para sobrevivir, pero para quien verdaderamente tiene el corazón eucarístico de Jesús, ¡significa compartir! Es honorable renunciar a algo precioso y necesario para dar vida a los demás. Esto es lo que significa el cuerpo y la sangre santísima de Jesús, su disposición a compartir para que vivamos en plenitud.

Hoy, al celebrar la fiesta de Corpus Christi, estamos invitados a rezar para que en esta fiesta eucarística nos dejemos consumir por este don eterno ofrecido por Jesús al Padre como sacrificio perfecto junto a su pueblo. Con fe, reconocemos que Jesús está verdaderamente presente, vive y permanece con nosotros como nuestra provisión y alimento en este viaje terrenal.

En el libro de Deuteronomio, Moisés está guiando al pueblo elegido en el camino a la Tierra prometida. Instruyó a los israelitas después de salir de Egipto a recordar sus sufrimientos, hambre, sed y otras aflicciones, sin embargo, celebrar que Dios es fiel a su promesa. Necesitaban mirar hacia atrás reconociendo muchas bendiciones por las cuales fueron llamados a corresponder con total obediencia y fidelidad a los mandamientos de Dios. Mientras viajaban juntos, Moisés les recordó dos veces que Dios los había alimentado con pan, “Maná del cielo”. Comieron y se fortalecieron para seguir por el camino. Sin embargo, teniendo una fe débil, algunos no recordaron la bondad de quien los sostenía y la fidelidad de Dios hacia ellos en el pasado. Así, el sentido de fidelidad de Moisés a Dios, caminó con este pueblo hasta que se arrepintieron y se hicieron fieles en su encuentro y relación con Dios.

Cuando nuestros débiles sentidos fallan en reconocer el amor de Dios de ofrecer Su Cuerpo y Sangre en la Eucaristía, parece que estamos actuando como los israelitas que tampoco han recordado esos momentos de recibir el verdadero Maná, la Santa Eucaristía.

La segunda lectura de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos da una ilustración simple de que bebemos y comemos de una copa y una hogaza de pan como nuestra participación en el cuerpo de Cristo. Cada vez que un sacerdote dice: “Este es mi cuerpo, esta es mi sangre”, durante la consagración, me siento honrado de que Jesús esté realmente presente en medio de nosotros, invitándonos a participar del cuerpo de Cristo. Cuando San Agustín dice: “Nos convertimos en lo que comemos”, golpea en lo más profundo de mi corazón que debemos promover el amor, la misión y el servicio del Señor porque somos un solo cuerpo. Estamos conectados a través de Cristo.

El evangelio de hoy está tomado del evangelio de Juan, capítulo 6, que es el discurso sobre Jesús como el “Pan de Vida”. Me pregunto cómo nuestros hermanos protestantes pueden comprender todo este capítulo porque no tienen la comprensión real de aceptar a Jesús en la Sagrada Eucaristía como SU presencia real. Para entender todo el capítulo presenta una teología más desarrollada de lo que Jesús está ofreciendo a través del Pan Eucarístico, Su cuerpo. Para aquellos que obedezcan Su mandato de comer y vivir lo que reciben, Jesús les ofrece “Vida Eterna”.

Todavía estamos en el año del Avivamiento Eucarístico aquí en los Estados Unidos. Se debe alentar a todos los católicos a revisar el ‘Significado de la Misa’ y su relevancia para nuestra vida cristiana. Sabemos que la Eucaristía es la “cumbre y la fuente misma de nuestra vida cristiana”, por lo tanto, participamos y tomamos parte en la Comida Eucarística con claridad de entendimiento y creyendo profundamente en la presencia genuina de Jesús. Es cómo el amor de Dios y la manera en que estamos siendo alimentados.

Después de la preparación de las ofrendas, los sacerdotes dirán: “Orad, hermanos, para que mi sacrificio y el vuestro sea agradable a Dios, Padre todopoderoso. El pueblo se levanta y responde: “Que el Señor acepte de vuestras manos el sacrificio para alabanza y gloria de su nombre, para nuestro bien y el de toda su santa Iglesia”. Esto nos recuerda que venimos a misa no por obligación sino para alabar y glorificar a Dios, por nuestro bien y el de toda la Iglesia.

A veces damos por sentado nuestras respuestas durante la misa que olvidamos nuestro propósito de venir a misa.

En la comunión decimos “Amén”, que significa “así o sí”, a su presencia, santidad y misión unidos en Jesús para servir y no para ser servido. Vamos en paz sabiendo que tenemos la responsabilidad de compartir lo que hemos recibido anunciando el evangelio y haciendo buenas obras para todos. Nos convertimos en Cristo para los demás por la forma en que vivimos como buenos católicos y la manera en que nos comportamos como Jesús. La presencia permanente de Cristo en la Eucaristía nos fortalece y nos une no sólo en Cristo pero con los demás, compartiendo la vida y la misión de Cristo.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Malachi 3:1-4
• Psalm 24: 7-10
• Hebrews 2: 14-18
• Luke 2: 22-40 or Luke 2: 22-32

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In Traditional Latin mass, today is the end of the celebration of Christmas. For the Eastern Church, it is the Feast of the Encounter between the old Simeon and the most awaited Messiah, the Infant Jesus, who was presented according to the custom of the Law by Joseph and Mary at the temple. Aside from these I have mentioned, during the pontificate of St. Pope John Paul II, he instituted this “World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life” attached to this feast of the Presentation of the Lord in 1997. This special event in the life of those consecrated defines their life according to Jesus being consecrated by the Father to fulfill His mission to the world. All Christians are consecrated in baptism but for the few, called to the priesthood and religious life, we professed our evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in order to perfectly free ourselves to serve God and His Church.

The Most Rev. Prior General, Alejandro Moral-Anton, OSA reminds all the Augustinians all over the world that we must sincerely “give thanks to God for His bestowed gift of vocation to Religious Life and continuously affirm our charism as an important enrichment to the whole Church.” He calls on everyone that aside from asking God for our personal needs, we too must “ask forgiveness for our shortcomings, mistakes, personal and community faults.” Living out our own calling to Religious Life, is indeed an expression of our willingness to continue God’s love in the world by our way of life, reaching out to others, inviting others, and attracting others unto a relationship or encounter with God.

The first reading from the Prophet Malachi speaks of the coming of the messenger who will be like a refiner’s fire. This fiery messenger’s coming is to cleanse the entire community; this implies that the messenger of Malachi 3:1-4 is God’s answer to the community’s decisive resolves to these endless arguments, bickering and fractured relationships which, our Prior General of the Order, requests to heed his call for asking forgiveness and reconciliation. It is our primary task to accomplish effectively our duty being called also as messengers of the Lord.

The gospel taken from the evangelist Luke narrates the story about the Presentation of the Lord, which is not found in the other three evangelists, Mark, Matthew, and John. It is unique story written by Luke to remind us that before the Apostles having knowledge about the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna already filled with the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the promised of God that they too would be encountering Jesus in their lifetime. They were among the very first to receive such inspiration because they were chosen instruments in the fulfillment of the plan of salvation. These faithful, holy servants of God in the temple patiently waiting to see Jesus in person. Simeon by his words and Anna by her actions testify to the world that the savior has come. And now ready to depart peacefully from this earthly life, they have truly encountered the Lord.

This particular celebration of the Lord’s Presentation speaks to us the following spiritual treasures:

First, the moment we receive the Holy Spirit, we are actually favored with the knowledge that we would certainly encounter the Lord. Many moments of retrospection, our own disposition and decision we have made in life become a source of joy, peace and gratitude. Personally, my own vocation to Religious Life testifies to the fact that the Holy Spirit led me to enjoy the calling God gifted me which I embrace with much gratitude.

Second, the given inside knowledge of the Holy Spirit brings peace in me. For St. Augustine, we cannot choose peace unless it is given. It is important to think that our own restless lead us to a higher order which is virtuous when we submit ourselves to be fully aware of our choice for God. That is the very reason why St. Augustine wrote this famous sentence at the beginning of his Confessions: : “Our hearts are restless and will not rest until they find rest in You,” (cor nostrum inquietum est donc requiescat in Te). Therefore, the acquisition of peace transforms our own being restlessness when we actually direct our lives to God and in which we choose to live the “the order of love” (virtus est ordo amoris) according to the experience and testimony of St. Augustine.

Third, like Simeon and Anna recognizing Jesus as the promised one. Our own human experience in the world, we become catalysts for others to recognize Jesus as revealed or made present by others the way we live through our own spiritual life. Likewise, I must live in accordance to my life as an Augustinian religious. I need to make Jesus be present in the world and to the people around me, to the community by the quality of life I have chosen.

Today, let us bear in mind that God has a plan of salvation for all peoples who know and love and follow Christ Our Lord. The last verse of the Gospel reading hints in a single sentence how we must be aware to unite ourselves to Jesus, when the scriptures say, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

God bless us, especially those who are called to different categories of Consecrated Life.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 2 Timothy 1:1-8
• Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
• Luke 10:1-9

Today we celebrate the feast of the first century companions and friends of St. Paul; Timothy, who was a bishop in Lystra in Asia Minor, and Titus, who was of Greek origin. They were the overseers of the churches of Ephesus and Crete, respectively, and recipients of the pastoral epistles written by St. Paul. In those epistles, Timothy was reminded of the Spirit bestowed upon him, and Titus was prompted to be resolute to the mission entrusted to him to proclaim the Goodnews.

After those moments of Christmas and New Year festivities, we are back to our normal routine. This month of January is about to end, and some of us are excited to look forward to, and are in anticipation of, Valentine’s Day. When you go to the malls, you will find so many Valentine’s cards and various gifts for our loved ones. Preparing to give something on Valentine’s Day to someone means we want to express our care and our love to our parents, teachers and dear friends near and far.

I am sharing this with you because this is precisely the first reading taken from St. Paul to Timothy. St. Paul shows how he cares for a friend as he expresses his affection for his dear and trusted friend Timothy. St. Paul writes: “As I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day, I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faith.” St. Paul also tells Timothy: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

I am inspired to reflect on these words from St. Paul. It is good to reconnect with friends and to let them know how much I appreciate them. I always find time to share by writing, calling them thru cellphone or fb messenger to support them in living their faith. It is nice to find God in every human relationship.

How do we persevere in connecting with our friends?

First, St. Paul says, “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God.” This reminds us of our daily challenges of practicing prayerful discernment or making our conversations more meaningful by allowing the gift of God to stir us in order to be supportive in our journey towards God. Our role is to strengthen and build a trusting friendship.

Second, St. Paul says, “So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord.” In being a friend, classmate, co-worker, and family member, always be trustworthy. If we fail making a difference in our life, then we miss the point of appreciating the gifts of grace, mercy and peace from God the Father. We are not open to the abiding friendship in God that Paul and Timothy shared.

Third, today and every day, I pray for inspiration to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to others, especially to my friends, in the way I act and relate to them. To attain this, I believe that it speaks to me the importance of taking time, through prayer and quiet meditations, to sustain my personal relationship with Him, which for me is very challenging living in this noisy world.

In conclusion, I want you to focus on eternal salvation promised to us by Jesus, and not allowing the focus to be solely on selfish earthly need. In the gospel today, Jesus then gives the disciples instructions for this journey. He tells his disciples to pack lightly for the journey. They should not take any money, luggage, or sandals. Jesus tells them they are to trust that God will provide for them. I wonder how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ words. Maybe to make sure some would bring something extra just in case they would need something. My understanding is that “taking nothing with you” means to take only the Good News of Jesus; that is what we need to share.

Today, what is the good news of Jesus that you want to share today?

Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa