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• Romans 1:1-6
• Matthew 1:18-21

We are celebrating the Vigil of the Nativity. Tomorrow there will be another mass at 9 in the morning, where we will be offering the High Mass liturgy on the solemnity of the birth of our Savior.  I have prepared my Christmas message 2023 for you, so please don’t forget to take a copy with you.

I guess everyone was caught by surprise on December 18, 2023, with a document titled, Fiducia Supplicans, approved by Pope Francis. I am still waiting for concrete directions and protocols from the USCCB.  The only issued statement coming from USCCB is that, “Everyone needs love and healing.”

I would like to give some personal comments regarding this document, Fiducia Supplicans.  In the document, it says that everyone could seek God’s blessings, even people of same-sex, and not the marriage or union. It recognizes that persons in problematic and difficult situations, like divorced couples, persons living as spouses without the benefit of marriage, same-sex couples, convicts, and persons detained on charges of serious crimes may ask for blessings.  I repeat, what is true, however, is that persons in same-sex unions may request for a blessing, not of their union, but of themselves.  Thus, to refuse them a blessing when they sincerely ask for it would be arrogance and insensitivity which is contrary to the Gospel.

Remember in the gospel, Jesus always welcomes sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32, Jesus comes to save the sinners and not the righteous. It is necessary, however, that the blessing so imparted does not require formal ritual blessing as to the same sex marriage; it is not dispensing to them the Sacrament of Marriage, per se. It may not take place in the context of the liturgical activity, with many people in attendance, especially not in the context of the celebration of the mass.  We should not be confused in respect to the true teaching and discipline of the Catholic Church.  I hope that I have shared with you enough enlightenment on a personal level.  But as I have said, we will wait for more substantive guidance from the wisdom and discernment of our beloved American Bishops.  Recommendations:  Read the full document, pray, and reflect.  Be wary of the social media and other comments even those priests who criticize the pope.

The epistle today comes from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.  St. Paul explains more about the promise of God’s son:  He was born of David’s seed according to the flesh but appointed Son of God in power according to the Holy Spirit by resurrection from the dead, so that he is now Jesus Christ our Lord (vv3-4). I do understand that St. Paul discovered his calling to be a faithful apostle through the Lord’s resurrection and then powerfully was dispatched to preach Jesus’ gospel. This calling of St. Paul is also the same calling we need to fulfill and to accomplish as our mission.

Today’s gospel taken from Matthew portrays Jesus whose Jewish identity is beyond doubt. It is within the context that Joseph mentions in this gospel Jesus’ birth. Joseph makes an important impact on the Jewish tradition, a tradition that was all about keeping the law to live according to God’s plan. We heard the following events:

First, the formal engagement to Mary after Joseph discovers that she is pregnant. Joseph knows the baby is not his, and he was in pain knowing Mary’s situation which according to Jewish law would find Mary guilty of adultery, an act that is punishable by death. However, Joseph rescued Mary after he received the message from an Angel.

Second, Joseph is a righteous man who understands the consequence of his action towards Mary. It is through a dream that God reaches out and grasps this righteous man.

Third, it is striking to hear this scripture passage saying, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” (Mt.1:19) The angel is inviting Joseph to forsake all that knowledge and understanding to participate in the program of God’s salvation for us.

I believe that we are all a little like Joseph because we have our own ways of dealing with personal, spiritual, and professional matters, and our unique way of going through this demanding season of the year. Perhaps there is a voice we’re already dimly aware of asking us to go beyond our own limitations in order to surrender more fully to God and to assist in the welcoming of a holy child, called Emmanuel; “God is with us” in our own lives and in the life of the Church and in the world.

In today’s Vigil of the Birth of our Lord, let us return to light and take a leap of action to draw us nearer to something we do not fully understand.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
• Psalm:  Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• John 1:6-8, 19-28

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. We are closer to our waiting to commemorate Christmas. Rejoice, Gaudete! We have beautiful and inspiring readings which lead us to be joyful and to be filled with rejoicing as suggested to us by St. Paul. When God is with us, we must be joyful which is an indication of God’s true presence.

The first reading today from the book of Isaiah reminds us that “The spirit of the Lord, God, is upon me because the Lord has anointed me, he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God.” This is the proclamation of the prophet Isaiah that Jesus will read in the Nazareth temple near the beginning of His public ministry. It speaks about God’s anointment of Jesus as Christ and His mission.

The second reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians says, “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the prophetic utterances.” These are inspiring words that we must be grateful for all things, even for things that hurt and break us. This is somewhat difficult; however, we need to find one good thing in the midst of the bad thing or experience we had before. Then we can joyfully say a prayer, “Thank you, Lord, for my suffering, for without going through it I wouldn’t be what I am today.”

The gospel today from the gospel of St. John continues to enlighten us about John the Baptist. Let us learn to get clearer awareness:

First, we hear in today’s reading explicit statements that Jesus, and not John, is the one sent. “He came for testimony, to testify to the light so that all might believe through him, He was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.”

Second, the gospel, is again about John’s being the “witness” and not the Christ. John did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” We could say that our faith dictates with great feeling of happiness to understand that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH, not John. Jesus was heralded by John to make people realize that Jesus is being missioned or sent to be our Savior.

Third, “the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” These humble words of John express who he was and who he was not. There is that temptation that when we don’t know ourselves, about who we are and who we are not, we create our world of make-believe boasting our ego. John was in touch with the reality of who he was.

Therefore, this season of advent is not only anticipating and waiting for the coming of the Lord but coming to our senses that we are totally dependent on God. I certainly believe that God has a purpose for me, but I feel I lack the clarity of understanding my identity, my mission and what God intends for me to do. This thought would not make us happy if we cannot have answers. The joy of Christian living is not what we have right now, but it is connected to the promise of God for us.

Many things get in the way of our really receiving this good news, including our own sense of unworthiness – who are we to receive that kind of love? Let us remember that our primary work is to focus on the joyful witnessing to Christ. We are the poor; we are American dream seekers, who are receiving the glad tidings, and we are the captives being offered liberty. There are reasons for rejoicing because we receive joy and hope from God.

Be courageous in suffering. In hardships, joy will come; after the dark comes the sun. Again, I reiterate in the letter to the Thessalonians we hear, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” John the Baptist is telling the Pharisees and all of us, “There is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me.” That is Jesus who has wrapped us in a cloak of his gentle love, holding us closer to His heart, giving us healing of our deepest hurts and pains. This is the day to Rejoice!

Come, Lord, Jesus, Come!

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
• Psalms 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
• 2 Peter 3:8-14
• Mark 1:1-8

I am back to my usual work after my 28-day annual vacation. I must adjust to the cold weather of Carson City and deal with the many scheduled events in the parish. I need to be completely recovered from slight coughing and body aches so that I can celebrate the Latin and the Novus Ordo masses on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the upcoming Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I need God’s grace of healing.

The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah gives us the real situation of Israel being in captivity. The holy temple in Jerusalem failed to offer comfort for the people. The prophet is inviting the people of Israel to stop raising their voices of guilt so that their need of comfort may be heard. As a people, they have “to go up onto the high mountain” which is the abode of the Divine. “Fear not to cry out and to say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God.” Here comes the Prophet Isaiah shouting to those people feeling alienated and giving hope by informing them of what God is intending to do.

The second reading, the second letter of Peter, tells us in a very simple reminder that “The Lord did not delay His promise,” as some regard “delay,” but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This is precisely the reason of Advent, when we are freed from alienation of sins because there is the coming of Jesus, who will rescue us from sins and allow His presence to transform us. I wish we could be better, to shape up and repent.

Today announces the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, according to Mark. There are important reflection points to consider.

First, St. Mark added the quotation from the Prophet Isaiah, “Behold I am sending you my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord.” The coming of the Kingdom of God begins with genuine repentance to become worthy of the Son of Man. Just as we come to embrace this season of Advent, we are called to acknowledge our sins and be reconciled.

Second, St. Mark mentioned how people from “The whole of Judean countryside and Jerusalem” were travelling to have John baptize them “as they acknowledged their sins.” They are called to destroy all kinds of barriers so that they can truly prepare the way for the coming of the Christ. John is baptizing the Jews in the waters of the Jordan claiming their own identity as forgiven to be ushered into God’s Kingdom and be blest in the Holy Spirit.

Third, St. Mark tells us very clearly of the role of John the Baptist. John the Baptist says, “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” These humble words of John continued to fulfill his mission to prepare the path of Christ in this world, and he never took advantage of his fame as a precursor.

It is nice to realize that I am called in accordance with the call I have received. All of us need to become like John the Baptist, who helps us think that we cannot do everything, but we will just do our part. Let us not complicate our role in order to shine above others; we need to think what God’s heart has in store for us.

The Good News we must keep in this season of Advent is to listen and to rearrange our ways by keeping the stillness of Christ’s coming guided by St. John the Baptist.

I hope you can take comfort from today’s readings. Let them speak to you by becoming a new person.

Come, Lord, Jesus!

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Segundo Domingo de Adviento, Año B

• Isaías 40:1-5, 9-11
• Salmos 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
• 2 Pedro 3:8-14
• Marcos 1:1-8

He vuelto a mi trabajo habitual después de estar ausente veintiocho días durante mis vacaciones anuales. Debo adaptarme al clima frío de Carson City y ocuparme de los muchos eventos programados en la parroquia. Necesito recuperarme de una tos leve y dolores corporales para poder celebrar las Misas en latín y Novus Ordo en la Fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción y la próxima Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Necesito de la gracia y la sanación de Dios.

Hermanos y hermanas para la próxima Celebración de la Fiesta de nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe de este año, me gustaría pedirles a todos que oremos por una celebración significativa. Esta es una gran Fiesta y los invito a todos a cooperar y hacer de esta una celebración solemne para que podamos ser destinatarios de las muchas bendiciones por intercesión de nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe. Este próximo martes doce de diciembre hagamos que todas nuestras actividades parroquiales sean ordenadas, pacíficas y con su máxima cooperación para manifestar plenamente nuestro amor por la Virgen de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego. Vendrán también algunos que no vienen regularmente a misa. Como parroquianos, hagamos que se sientan bienvenidos y anímelos a volver a casa. Dentro de la Iglesia, les pido su mayor devoción, silencio y respeto al Santísimo Sacramento.

La primera lectura del profeta Isaías nos da la situación real de Israel en cautiverio. El santo templo de Jerusalén no logró ofrecer consuelo al pueblo. El profeta invita al pueblo de Israel a dejar de alzar sus voces de culpa para que se escuche su necesidad de consuelo. Como pueblo, tienen que “subir a la alta montaña” que es la morada de lo Divino. “No temán gritar y decir a las ciudades de Judá: Aquí está su Dios”. Aquí viene el Profeta Isaías gritando a aquellas personas que se sienten alienadas y dándoles esperanza informándoles de lo que Dios se propone hacer.

La segunda lectura de la segunda carta de Pedro nos recuerda algo muy sencillo “El Señor no retrasó su promesa, como algunos la consideran “retraso”, sino que tiene paciencia con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos vengan”. al arrepentimiento. Precisamente este es el motivo del Adviento, cuando seamos liberados de la alienación de los pecados porque está la venida de Jesús, quien nos rescatará de los pecados y permitirá que su presencia nos transforme. Ojalá pudiéramos ser mejores, ponernos en forma y arrepentirnos.

Hoy se anuncia el comienzo del evangelio de Jesucristo el Hijo de Dios según Marcos. Hay importantes puntos de reflexión a considerar.

Primero, San Marcos añadió la cita del profeta Isaías: “He aquí que yo envío a mi mensajero delante de ti, a preparar tu camino.  Voz del que clama en el desierto:  “Preparen el camino del Señor, enderecen sus senderos”.. La venida del Reino de Dios comienza con el arrepentimiento genuino para llegar a ser dignos del Hijo del Hombre. Así como llegamos a abrazar esta temporada de Adviento, somos llamados a reconocer nuestros pecados y a reconciliarnos.

En segundo lugar, San Marcos mencionó cómo personas de “toda la campiña de Judea y de Jerusalén” viajaban para que Juan los bautizara “al reconocer sus pecados”. Están llamados a destruir todo tipo de barreras para poder preparar verdaderamente el camino a la venida de Cristo. Juan está bautizando a los judíos en las aguas del Jordán, afirmando su propia identidad como perdonados para iniciar el Reino de Dios y bendecidos con el Espíritu Santo.

En tercer lugar, San Marcos nos habla muy claramente del papel de Juan Bautista. Juan el Bautista dice: Ya viene detrás de mí uno que es más poderoso que yo, uno ante quien no merezco ni siquiera inclinarme para desatarle la correa de sus sandalias. Yo los he bautizado a ustedes con agua, pero él los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo”. Estas humildes palabras de Juan siguieron cumpliendo su misión de preparar el camino de Cristo en este mundo y nunca aprovecharon su fama de precursor.

Es lindo saber que soy llamado de acuerdo con el llamado que he recibido. Todos debemos llegar a ser como Juan el Bautista, quien nos ayuda a pensar que no podemos hacerlo todo, sino que simplemente haremos nuestra parte. No compliquemos nuestro papel para brillar sobre los demás, necesitamos pensar en lo que el corazón de Dios nos tiene reservado.

La Buena Nueva que debemos guardar en este tiempo de Adviento es escuchar, reordenar nuestros caminos manteniendo la quietud de la venida de Cristo guiado por San Juan Bautista.

Espero que puedan encontrar consuelo en las lecturas de hoy. Dejemos que nos hablen convirtiéndonos en personas renovadas en Dios que tanto nos Ama.

¡Ven, Señor Jesús!

P. Arlón, osa

• Romans 15: 4-13
• Matthew 11:2-10

Today we celebrate the second Advent Sunday. The introit antiphon captures our prayer that we sincerely say, “People of Sion, behold the Lord shall come to save the nations: and the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard, in the joy of your heart.” We are continuously committed to listen to the cries of St. John and the joy to call us to repentance as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

Today’s epistle from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans reminds us that we strengthen our hearts and hands to live with patience and hope in these troubled days. St. Paul wants his readers to know that the Church truly participates in God’s unfolding story about the truth that Christ runs from the past to the present, establishing a most certain future. It means that St. Paul argues that the Messiah has achieved what is the entire Old Testament. This season of Advent preserves and proclaims God’s great achievement in Jesus the Son.

Today’s gospel from St. Matthew, which narrates to us that John the Baptist was in prison, sending two of his disciples, should come as an absolute shock to everyone who reads this gospel, wondering if Jesus is indeed the one to come. How could John, of all people, ask a question like “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Didn’t John leap for joy in the womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting (Luke 1:41)? Wasn’t it his job to prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3)? And indeed, did he not point to Jesus and say with his own mouth, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)? Did he not with his own eyes see the dove descend upon Jesus at His baptism, and with his own ears hear the very voice of God from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17)?

How could John even consider asking “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another” (Matthew 11:3)? Something’s up here. Now bear in mind that John was in prison when we read the account about him from the gospel of Matthew 11, and he’s having a real-life nightmare, but instead of waking up, he remains in prison while his head is brought to Herod on a silver platter (Matthew 14:1-12).

God had not abandoned John the Baptist in prison, even though to John it felt like He had. However, St. John the Baptist sent his messengers with the Word of God because he could not go himself. Listen to the example of John the Baptist. Go to the Word of God: Read, hear, and study the Word of God.

Indeed, John knows the answer. He knows Jesus is the Coming One because he has faith. There’s no question John has faith; the question is, does John also have doubt? Yes. Doubt caused John to fear. Doubt caused John to look inward and let his emotions rule him, ­working himself into an emotional frenzy as he was literally preparing the way for Christmas, the Messiah’s 1st Coming. But faith doesn’t look in, faith looks out. In faith, John did what you and I need to do when we doubt: go to Jesus, and since neither John nor you and I can physically do that, we need Jesus’ Word to be brought to us. So John sent his disciples to bring the Word of Jesus back to him, to preach to him, because it’s only the

Word of Jesus that can strengthen, comfort, reassure, and encourage us. John wants to hear the Word of Jesus reassuring him that He is the Coming One, and that’s what Jesus does. Working yourself up into an emotional frenzy at Christmas over the gifts, the cute baby in a manger, and the holiday spirit won’t do a thing to prepare you. But the Gospel and sacraments will.

Blessed indeed are all who take refuge in Him, who find joy in feasting with Him at His Table with angels, archangels, the Holy Innocents, St. John the Baptist, Sts. Stephen and James, Sts. Peter and Paul and all those who rest in Christ. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God, indeed!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Maranatha, Jesus come and bless us.

  Fr. Arlon, osa

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• Romans 13:11-14
• Luke 21:25-33

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

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

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

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

I invite you to reflect these two important points:

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

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

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

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

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

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Exodus 22:20-26
• 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
• Matthew 22:34-40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
• Matthew 22:15-21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Ephesians 6:10-17
• Matthew 22:23-35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 5:15-21
• John 4:46-53

Today, God is gazing at us as we enter the Church. Many of you would say to me, it is visible that the eyes of Jesus and Mary are directly focused on some of you. Jesus and Mary are the eyes of light shining upon us so that we can walk worthily in our calling as Catholics. St. Paul commanded us to walk in love as we imitate God as His children. (Ep.5:2). We ask God today for both forgiveness and peace so that we may always be cleansed from all offenses and be with a quiet mind so that we may fully serve Him.

In today’s epistle, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, we are told that as we continue to walk here on earth, it requires wisdom. When we encounter this text from the book of Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction,” we simply argue, how can we fear the Lord, when He is Love? We must put it in the proper context that those who are unwise and fools do not have the fear of the Lord. Therefore, we need to walk with knowledge and wisdom because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. The world claims to be wise, but God says they are fools. (Rom 1:22) Knowledge, wisdom and understanding are needed to discern God’s will.

When we drink too much wine or are under the influence of drugs, the spirit of alcohol and substance fills one with an evil spirit and not what St. Paul says, “Be ye filled with the Holy Spirit.” Now that we realize the contrast of influence, don’t be under the influence of alcohol; it is better to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Do not waste your life in unfruitful activities, like lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, abominable idolatries, foolishness, worldliness, and darkness, according to St. Paul.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the beginning that God will start speaking to you in your heart. There is peace, joy, calmness, satisfaction, and comfort that will be ours. There will be plenty of time for reading scriptures, singing hymns, listening, meditating and praying, which will be the awesome transformation in life.

The gospel narrates to us about the royal official who was not a follower of Christ, but who seemingly heard about Jesus’ healing ministry. He knows that Jesus can heal his ailing son. His faith is based on what he heard, and he most probably saw some of Jesus’ miracles. Hence, he approached the Lord for help.

First, the royal official was persistent and never stopped asking for help from Jesus. The man is not ready to accept a “No” answer from Jesus. Because of his persistence, Jesus said to him, “Go thy way, thy son lived.” He believed the words that Jesus spoke to him. This is what is needed to be done in terms of our own faith and belief in Jesus. Our own spirituality needs that constancy and perseverance in matters of faith in Jesus.

Second, Jesus’ first response is a rebuke of not just the official’s faith, but to all the people who were just interested in signs and wonders rather than in the identity of Jesus. “Unless you people see miracles and wonders,” Jesus told him, “You will never believe.” (v.48). This is also a warning to us that we have the genuine knowledge about the Lord. He is the Messiah and God who came down thru His son, our Lord. This is the mystery and the wonder of God, who continues to reveal himself even to this day.

Third, the official went back to Capernaum and while on his way home, he meets some of his servants who bring the good news that his son is alive. He inquired as to what time his son got better, and they said, “yesterday at the seventh hour.” He realized that it was the same time that Jesus had spoken the words of healing. As a result, the official and all his household believed in Jesus. (v. 53)

Our faith in the Lord only goes deeper when we are healed or our prayers are answered. However, we need to believe in the words of Jesus and later see the results. I don’t doubt when I am asking anything from Jesus. Our faith must not be nurtured by mere healing, or any other miracles, but by strengthening our relationship and encounter with Christ in our lives. Faith based on miracles alone is deficient.

Let us ask God to give us His grace so that our faith will grow and that we learn to take every word of Jesus so that, guided by His Holy Spirit, we will know how we can take action even when we don’t see immediate results.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa