Category: Uncategorized

• Romans 6:19-23
• Matthew 7:15-21

Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus: jubilate Deo in voce exsultationis, All ye nations, clap your hands: shout unto God with the voice of JOY. This introit taken from Psalm 46:2 is to remind us that we always rejoice to come and celebrate this eucharistic mass, for the Lord is worthy to be praised without end. When we live and die, our hearts are set to give glory to our great eternal King and God.

Our first reading today from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans invites us to Paul’s exhortation that “because of your infirmity of your flesh; for as you have yielded your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity for iniquity, so now yield your members to serve justice unto sanctification.”

The apostle is fully pressing the necessity of holiness in this chapter, his exhortations to holiness to everyone and mortification, or vivification, which means dying to sin and living to righteousness. It is an expression putting off the old man and putting on the new, ceasing to do evil and learning to do well.

The body of sin must be destroyed (v. 6). The corruption that dwelleth in us is the body of sin seriously affecting our body, not only our physical body, but it also includes the church, the community. This is the root to which the axe must be laid. We must not only cease from the acts of sin, but we must get the vicious habits and inclinations weakening and destroying us from within. Let us be fervent to cast away the idols of iniquity out of the heart; thus, we should not serve sin. Please do not make a trade of our goodness with the devil. We are all called to sanctity.

The Gospel spoke to us today that we must develop our ability to discern false teaching from true teaching by way of our sanctification, perseverance in the faith and mortification.

There are two things that we need to reflect on. Jesus calls on his disciples and to all of us to be careful not to be fooled by someone who claims to be of Christ. What do you think our best measuring stick should be?

First, Jesus says, “beware of false prophets.” (Matthew 7:15) Jesus tell his disciples to be on guard. Surprisingly, he doesn’t say beware of the temptations of the flesh or snares of the devil. Here Jesus tells them to watch out for “false prophets.” He explained that they would come in sheep’s clothing, but they are actually violent, dangerous wolves to scare and confuse them. They use deception to gain trust and infiltrate fellowship in order to spread their teaching and lead sheep off of the difficult road that leads to the narrow gate. There is always great danger when we allow the enemy to destroy us. The Lord is actually concerned with what is happening in the Church. Many Christian and Catholic churches across the United States and the world today have been infiltrated by false teachers. This is a critical problem today and must be addressed; therefore, this passage is very important and relevant. We must be careful and critical not to accept any and all teachings that they come in contact with. They should be diligent to test all teachings according to the Truth and moral teachings of the Church. Our primary nourishment is from the bishops, pastors and credible teachers who are in communion with the Church.

Second, Jesus says, “By their fruits you shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16–23) We might probably be deceived by their lies. Check the facts and look closely at the outcome of their witnessing. Please don’t be deceived by their words, but examine the quality of their life. People are easily deceived and that’s why Jesus gave this warning. He knew that Christians would struggle to stay on the difficult road headed toward heaven as voices called out to them. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (v. 21).

Brothers and sisters, let us use God’s given gift of wisdom in order to seek and to discern false prophets from true prophets. Jesus explained that just because someone comes into the midst of the church and claims the name of Christ, we could be easily deceived. We must cling to Christ by clinging to His Word. We are journeying down the difficult road toward our eternal home. Be always on guard, be wise and be prudent.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a
• Psalms 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19
• Matthew 10:1-7

There are many families experiencing rivalry among siblings. They fight among themselves because of inheritance, jealousy, and pride. These days when conflict continues to affect everyone in the family, disunity and division prevails over harmony. The common belief is gone like “blood is thicker than water.” It seems that blood relationship doesn’t matter anymore; it is survival. It is a sad reality but true. Let us pray for our family, especially the broken and dysfunctional families.

What has been happening today affecting families is exactly what we heard in today’s reading from the Book of Genesis 44:18-29, 45:1-5. Joseph’s story in Genesis is a classic example of how his siblings sold him as a slave to Egypt. He lived in Egypt until he helped the Pharaoh interpret his dream, and he was rewarded and became a governor. When famine struck Egypt and other neighboring places, Joseph took charge of the grain distribution, and when giving the rations to poor people, he was able to recognize his other brothers. Despite what they did to him and after seeing them, he turned away from them and he wept. Joseph was moved with pity towards them and helped them without rancor in his heart. Joseph became grateful and faithful to God, and he became a mirror of God’s justice and compassion.

The gospel spoke to us about the reality of Jesus calling his 12 Apostles to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. We know that Jesus came for the “lost sheep of Israel,” which is the main reason why He came. Because of their rowdy attitude, He called upon them for renewal and for them to be able to return to God. The apostles were a mix of people with flaws and weaknesses, yet they were called to a certain mission and to be transformed.

Maybe we are anxious about why Jesus prevented the apostles from going to pagan and Samaritan territories. This is not about discrimination, but Jesus’ primary mission is to bring the chosen people, the Israelites, back to God. After Pentecost, all the Apostles had been working hard to extend their dedication to bring Jesus to the Gentiles and to the whole world.

We are reminded that the “Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This is the same concept of St. Mark when he wrote, “the Kingdom of God” where Jesus is the King to whom we need to abide, to submit and to follow. However, this kingdom is not a place but rather exists in our hearts.

The Kingdom of God is here now when we become agents of God’s mercy and forgiveness of others, especially our own family. Through Jesus’ humility and love, He restores the fallen world.

May God bless your families.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Zechariah 9:9-10
• Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
• Romans 8:9, 11-13
• Matthew 11:25-30

Since I was a seminarian, I always encounter these words, humility and meekness, many times. In fact, I believe that Jesus has been inculcating to all His followers about being humble. He knows that laboring humbly for the Gospel brings a higher percentage of success. I have also heard the same pattern from our Father St. Augustine, an experiential teaching that after his conversion to God, he affirms that humility and meekness are important in our Christian life. By knowing the truth about God, who prepared all of us, we need His teaching that humility is primarily imparted to us thru Christ’s passion and death on the cross. This is the remedy of sin and cause of salvation and to think that it gives us happiness in life. Among all other virtues, it is a necessary virtue to understand and to capture the truth of God. The first part is humility, the second is humility and the third is humility, according to St. Augustine. He expounded clearly that Christ himself said in today’s reading from Matthew 11:28-29 that people should learn from Him because of His meekness and humility, and not focus on His numerous miracles. Our salvation is possible by Christ’s example of humility that gives us an opportunity to change. Our sinful pride is a disaster to Jesus’ plan of redemption. Furthermore, we cannot rely on ourselves like St. Augustine’s exposure to sinful living which caused him much pain; however, as soon as he surrenders himself to God, He leads him to the greatest comfort and joy. Sad to say, the world teaches counterculture for us to think that it is power and fame that make us great. No, that makes us more prone to unhappiness and depression. Hence, we are nothing without being humble before God.

Today is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and in the first reading from the book of Zechariah, the chosen people of Israel are consistently bowing to welcome a King who could save them. Thus, this passage is calling Israel to rejoice when the Lord says, “Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you.” Yes, indeed, the King came not as they expected with power, big adulation, and grandeur but as a King with simplicity and humility. He shall engage in peace to the nations and “banish the weapons and instruments of war.” This is the promise that the believers long for that remains within one’s heart. Are there any among us who don’t need that promise of God’s kindness and love?

The second reading, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, speaks to us that, “You are not in the flesh, on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.” Therefore, it is important that God has chosen us by molding everyone according to His Spirit in order to understand the spiritual truths of God. We are given our birthright by baptism as His children through Jesus Christ. Do we realize that we are much more than our flesh because the Spirit of God dwells within us? We are given this spiritual gift as our true existence. The Spirit dwells within us to gain victory in Jesus Christ for His words spoken. Indeed, it gives us victory in Christ the Lord.

Today’s gospel from St. Matthew offers an invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” These words are for everyone who wants to follow our Lord Jesus. I believe those who would be receptive to Jesus’ invitation are simple people, sick and those who found themselves in the periphery which gives them everlasting Hope. Let us reflect on this preaching of Jesus:

First, Jesus’ words, “Come to me,” means a loving invitation to be intimate with Him. It is obviously an offering of divine intervention.

Second, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labored and are heavily burdened,” which is an assurance of healing and relief for those weary people, exhausted men carrying their unbearable sufferings and crosses in life, and also to remember that Jesus takes the burden for them on His shoulders, and cares for them.

Third, Jesus finally says, “and I will give you rest.” Maybe our lives are in the midst of burdens, anxieties, troubles, and indifferences in this imperfect world. Jesus knows that it is only through Him that we absolutely experience the fullness of being under His power to enjoy complete repose. However, we need to come to our interior life and find that presence of God because of St. Augustine’s thought, “In our restlessness, we find rest only in God.”

Our readiness to completely understand Jesus is through humility and acceptance of the “yoke.” The yoke of Jesus is not heavy, but rather easy for it comes from a very personal relationship He totally offered. It implies that if we learn from Him, we can effortlessly relate in oneness with Him. We walk side by side with Jesus, cooperating with Him knowing that He is there to guide and to love us with His merciful heart.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Decimocuarto Domingo del Tiempo ordinario, año, A

• Zacarías 9:9-10
• Salmo 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
• Romanos 8:9, 11-13
• Mateo 11:25-30

Desde que era seminarista, siempre me encontré con estas palabras; humildad y mansedumbre. Yo creo que Jesús ha inculca a todos sus seguidores a ser humildes. Sabe que trabajar humildemente por el Evangelio trae un mayor satisfacción y éxito. También lo he oído a nuestro Padre San Agustín, enseñanza que el experimento después de su conversión a Dios, afirma que la humildad y la mansedumbre son importantes en nuestra vida cristiana. Al conocer la verdad acerca de Dios, quien nos preparó a todos, necesitamos Su enseñanza de que la humildad se nos imparte principalmente a través de la pasión y muerte de Cristo en la cruz. Este es el remedio del pecado y causa de salvación y pensar que nos da felicidad en la vida. Entre todas las demás virtudes, es una virtud necesaria para comprender y captar la verdad de Dios. La primera parte es humildad, la segunda es humildad y la tercera es humildad, según San Agustín. Expuso claramente que Cristo mismo dijo en la lectura de hoy de Mateo 11:28-29 que la gente debe aprender de Él por Su mansedumbre y humildad, y no enfocarse en Sus numerosos milagros. Nuestra salvación es posible a través del ejemplo de humildad de Cristo que nos permite cambiar. Nuestro orgullo pecaminoso es un desastre para el plan de redención de Jesús. Además, no podemos confiar en nosotros mismos como la exposición de San Agustín a una vida pecaminosa que le causó mucho dolor; sin embargo, tan pronto como se entrega a Dios, Él lo conduce al mayor consuelo y alegría. Lamentablemente, el mundo nos enseña contracultura para que pensemos que es el poder y la fama lo que nos hace grandes. No, eso nos hace más propensos a la infelicidad y la depresión. Por lo tanto, no somos nada sin ser humildes ante Dios.

Hoy es el decimocuarto domingo del tiempo ordinario, y en la primera lectura del libro de Zacarías, el pueblo elegido de Israel se inclina constantemente para dar la bienvenida a un Rey que podría salvarlos. Por lo tanto, este pasaje llama a Israel a regocijarse cuando el Señor dice: “¡Alégrate de corazón, hija de Sion, da voces de júbilo, hija de Jerusalén! Mira, tu rey vendrá a ti. Sí, de hecho, el Rey no vino con el tipo de poder que esperaban con adulación y grandeza, sino como un Rey con sencillez y humildad. Se comprometerá en la paz con las naciones y “desterrará las armas y los instrumentos de guerra”. Es la promesa que anhelan los creyentes la que permanece en el corazón. ¿Hay alguno entre nosotros que no necesite esa promesa de la bondad y el amor de Dios?

La segunda lectura, tomada de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos, nos habla de que “No estén en la carne, al contrario, estén en el espíritu, si el Espíritu de Dios habita en ustedes”. Por lo tanto, Dios debe elegirnos moldeando a todos según Su Espíritu para comprender las verdades espirituales de Dios. Se nos da nuestra primogenitura por el bautismo como Sus hijos a través de Jesucristo. ¿Nos damos cuenta de que somos mucho más que nuestra carne porque el Espíritu de Dios mora dentro de nosotros? Se nos da este don espiritual como nuestra verdadera existencia. El Espíritu mora dentro de nosotros para obtener la victoria en Jesucristo por Sus palabras habladas. De hecho, nos da la victoria en Cristo el Señor.

El evangelio de hoy de San Mateo ofrece una invitación de Jesús: “Venid a mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados, y yo os haré descansar”. Estas palabras son para todos los que quieren seguir a nuestro Señor Jesús. Creo que quienes serían receptivos a la invitación de Jesús son personas sencillas, enfermas y aquellas que se encuentran en la periferia que les da la Esperanza eterna. Reflexionemos sobre esta predicación de Jesús:

Primero, las palabras de Jesús, “Venid a mí”, significan una invitación amorosa a tener intimidad con Él. Es una ofrenda de intervención divina.

En segundo lugar, Jesús dice: “Venid a mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados”, lo cual es una garantía de curación y alivio para aquellas personas cansadas, hombres agotados que llevan sus insoportables sufrimientos y cruces en la vida, y también para recordar que Jesús lleva la carga por ellos sobre sus hombros, y se preocupa por ellos.

Tercero, Jesús finalmente dice: “Y yo os haré descansar”. Tal vez nuestras vidas están en medio de cargas, ansiedades, problemas e indiferencias en este mundo imperfecto. Jesús sabe que sólo a través de Él experimentamos la plenitud de estar bajo su poder para disfrutar del completo reposo. Sin embargo, necesitamos llegar a nuestra vida interior y encontrar la presencia de Dios debido al pensamiento de San Agustín: “En nuestra inquietud, encontramos descanso solo en Dios”.

Nuestra disposición a comprender completamente a Jesús es a través de la humildad y la aceptación del “yugo”. El yugo de Jesús no es pesado, sino fácil porque proviene de una relación muy personal que Él ofreció. Implica que si aprendemos de Él, podemos relacionarnos sin esfuerzo en unidad con Él. Caminamos al lado de Jesús, cooperando con Él sabiendo que Él está allí para guiar a un y amarnos con su corazón misericordioso.

Dios lo bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 6:3-11
• Mark 8:1-9

Today is the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, and we are back to seeing the color green. It is nice to see the green vestments to remind us that we are growing and maturing in our faith which the Lord always supports and guides all of us to have a closer relationship and encounter with Him. Through the scriptural readings today, we are all invited to ponder on the different spiritual insights unfolded before us.

The epistle today from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans leads our understanding that St. Paul reminds us that “all who are baptized in Christ Jesus are baptized in His death…that as Christ is risen from the dead, by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in the newness of life.” Paul is speaking with great faith that receiving baptism in Christ is something already happening, living more fully day by day and not waiting for the end of time. We clothe ourselves with God’s grace for St. Paul is speaking here in truth.

In order to comprehend what we heard from St. Paul, we must believe in the resurrection. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Jesus’ death means that he died for the sins of humanity once for all, but the life He lives is perfectly in union with God. This is not about the future; this is about the present and that the life we live in God through Jesus Christ will be our life to eternity because God wants us to be united in the joy of the Kingdom.

Some of us have difficulty understanding the concept of resurrection; but as we live, work and worship together as one body, calling nothing our own, we learn to anticipate the glory of the communion of saints in which all joys are shared. Serving others, ministering to them, gives us hope in order to reach the promise of God to abide in Him. Every act of prayer, service and love draws us closer to His divine love which points to our own resurrection.

St. Mark, the evangelist, loves to talk about the miracles of Jesus. The gospel today is about the feeding of the four thousand which is very similar to the feeding of the five thousand back in Chapter 6:30-44. Some biblical scholars think they’re the same event. This duplication of the event, most probably, is St. Mark just sending a strong message about Jesus’ miracle, which is a good story to ponder on and one for us to constantly remember, because God provides for His people repeatedly with amazing divine assistance and provisions for both physical and spiritual existence.

There are three reflection points to make from this gospel passage.

First, Jesus says, “I have compassion on the multitude.” (vv. 1-3) Jesus was very concerned for the crowd following Him as they have been with Him for three days. It means that He had shown much interest in them. There were all sorts of people, pagans and sinners, who were with Him in a deserted place to listen to His preaching. They were moved deeply within, especially for the feeding of them with much care and love by Jesus. Though they were undeserving, however Jesus’ compassion is too great for what they truly deserve. I believe they did not feel the physical hunger but that they had become hungry for God’s everlasting words. Because of their total disposition to Jesus, consequently He did a miracle of feeding them which they had not asked for. It was an awareness of their condition.

Their curiosity to see Jesus led them to listen, learn and grow. Some were probably healthy, sick, poor and only attracted to Jesus, but all these don’t matter to Christ. All that mattered to Jesus was that the crowd stayed with Him even after three days with nothing to eat. This is convincing to believe that what caught Jesus’ attention was their openness, the listening attitude of them, and the need to absorb the content of His preaching.

Second, Jesus says he has compassion for the crowd and wants to feed them The disciples answered, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” The disciples had forgotten the miracle of God when He provided Israelites with the Manna from heaven as they journeyed towards the promised land. In their hearts, it is a pure impossibility and not an opportunity for Christ to reveal His power. I guess our sins we constantly commit are our forgetfulness of Him as God. When we are confronted with doubts, it is hard to believe in God who can do something we seldom see with our own naked eyes. Why do we tend to regard Jesus as if He is just another person among many and as if He has no power to provide? Jesus was preparing a miracle for us through this Eucharist. Christ’s provision does have a transformative effect on our human existence. He directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. He took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples. Jesus uses normal things like bread and fish in order for you and me to work miracles in this world. With our hearts ablaze with the love of God, we walk in this fullness of the Spirit if we will draw closer towards the reception of the Holy Communion.

Third, Jesus fed them and they were satisfied. Scripture recorded this event in this way, “And they ate and were satisfied.” The meal that Jesus had provided was not just an ordinary meal, but it is totally and fully satisfying. It is the Bread of Heaven which was broken for us by Jesus upon the cross because Jesus fulfilled His mission to appease God’s anger to satisfy our need of forgiveness.

Our life becomes unsatisfied of so many things in this world, always craving for food, always hurting and sinning, but only Jesus’ constant nourishment and miracle gives us the fullness of life now and forever.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
• Psalm 106:1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5
• Matthew 9:9-13

I would like to encourage everyone to watch the movie: “Sounds of Freedom.” It is a documentary film about child trafficking. It raises our awareness of the reality of modern slavery worse than before in human history, but we seem silent and doing nothing about it. Indeed, I believe that God’s children are not for sale. We need to act and do something. Today’s opening prayer reminds us that we must not be wrapped in the error of darkness but stand in the bright light of truth.

The gospel from Matthew narrates to us about Jesus calling Matthew and said, “Follow Me.” Matthew was a tax collector, and it was not easy for him to leave his lucrative profession. But he opened his house and welcomed Jesus together with his fellow tax collectors and sinners. Jesus had an opportunity to meet them, however, the pharisees were adamant to Jesus being with public sinners. Then Jesus said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.”

Many times, we isolate ourselves with the sinners and draw a perimeter so that we won’t be like one of them. Making this certain demarcation and practicing such attitude of exclusivity does not help our community. The reason why we should make friends with the sinners, is not to think that we could also be partakers of their sins, but rather to influence them to change for the better and bring them closer to Christ. We should avoid becoming a pharisee to others whose attitude is more on self-righteousness, but we must always support and inspire others to bring them to Jesus.

“Follow Me,” says Jesus to all of us, so we must respond with utmost desire to heed this invitation of the Lord. Jesus says, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not call the righteous but sinners.” Like Matthew, we are sinners, we have flaws. In our meditation we use this as our “mantra,” “Follow Me.” So that our attitude must not be condescending but always make our hearts, the heart of Jesus and hence, we become available to show mercy to others and to ourselves. Maybe, the greatest obstacle to showing mercy is the fact that we have not forgiven ourselves. Let us allow Christ’s mercy to touch ourselves that we could truly encounter the Lord and listen to Him. If we can find God in all things, we must protect everyone, those who are vulnerable especially children. In our prayer we ask Jesus for mercy and the grace of commitment to follow Him.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
• Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
• Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
• Matthew 10:37-42

I have a friend who is expecting a baby in October.  She was actually not planning it because it would be her third child.  She thinks of her successful career and was thinking of terminating the baby when she knew she was pregnant.  It was a hard decision for her to make.  She finally went to pray in the church to seek wisdom and understanding from God, and in the end, she accepted it with a loving heart, together with her husband and her two children.  After that, it turned out to be easy for her, and it made all her relatives and friends happy.  When something difficult happens in life, especially when we’re not sure what to do, what is needed is our surrender and prayer which makes everything clearer to accept God’s plan for us.  It is perfectly right to enter into a relationship with God so that He can relate to us what is our best action and decision.  Maybe, as with Shunem in our first reading, it is a good welcome blessing from God that will happen.  Our attitude to trust God’s work is a quality of holiness.

The first reading today, taken from the 2nd Book of Kings, narrates about the Prophet Elisha who frequently stopped over to see his friend, Shunem, a woman of influence.  Shunem and her husband were friends of Elisha.  The couple offered him food and a place to stay overnight at their house.  Elisha asked his servant how he could be of help to the couple.  The servant told him that because her husband is getting on in years, they need a son.  Elisha called Shunem and made a promise to her saying, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.”

The second reading, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, focuses on the reality of who we are and for what God has called us in union with Him in baptism.  We are called to do and accomplish something to share ourselves with others just like Christ.  Being one with Christ, we are also prepared to take all the risks as His followers wherever we go.  We are all baptized in Christ; thus, the newness of life we have received in Christ brings us to live for God in Christ Jesus.

From the gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus is actually inviting us to love the way He loves and to accept His cross and to listen to what He says, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”  The cross He wants us to carry is not literally the wooden cross per se, but the cross of love and sacrifice.  If we love without self-sacrifice, we become narcissistic or self-absorbed, and our relationship with the other can become totally selfish.  That love will always focus on self-needs, and it will be about control or manipulation of the other.

I believe that the greatest dissatisfaction of my life is when I realize that my pursuit of happiness is fixed on me, feeding my ego-tripping, and making myself look good for others so that I may be recognized.

Unfortunately, it always leaves me somehow empty, with a meaningless quest for personal glory craving for more.  From our own experience, if we always make ourselves the center of the world, we become miserable and unhappy people.

Now I am beginning to be wise, knowing that I am more fulfilled in giving more to others.  I guess this is precisely what Jesus is telling us, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”  Self-emptying or losing oneself is to make my heart become more filled with Jesus so that I may have the heart for others.  Like Jesus’ love, I am sure of my true identity and develop much confidence and fulfillment.

Today, Jesus guides us in the way of true loving, that is, self-emptying which is the gift of self for the other.  I humbly pray that we may be more and more like Jesus who is loving, selfless and free.  Let us discover the love of our heart and pattern our hearts to Jesus’ heart.  St. Teresa of Avila says in her prayer, “Make our hearts like unto Thine.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Decimotercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año, A

• 2 Reyes 4:8-11, 14-16a
• Salmo 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
• Romanos 6:3-4, 8-11
• Mateo 10:37-42

Tengo una amiga que está esperando un bebé. Ella no estaba planeando tener otro bebé. Su plan era tener una carrera exitosa, y la idea de no tener el bebé cruzó por su mente. Pero sabía que sería una decisión difícil de tomar. Luego, escuchó a su corazón y vino a orar por la sabiduría, la guía y la comprensión de Dios. Con Gratitud y amor mi amiga, su esposo y sus hijos aceptaron al bebé y la voluntad de Dios. Su familia, parientes y amigos estaban felices de escuchar sobre la llegada de un nuevo bebé. Supongo que cuando sucede algo difícil y esperado en la vida, especialmente cuando no estamos seguros de qué hacer. Es necesario entregarse en oración a Dios y aceptar el plan de Dios para nosotros. Está perfectamente bien entrar en una relación con Dios. Tal vez como Sunem en nuestra primera lectura, es bueno recibir las bendiciones de Dios que sucederán. Nuestra actitud de confiar en la obra de Dios es una cualidad de santidad.

La primera lectura de hoy, tomada de la segunda carta del Libro de los Reyes, narra la historia del profeta Eliseo, quien frecuentaba a su amiga Sunem, una mujer influyente. Sunem y su marido eran amigos de Eliseo. La pareja le ofreció comida y un lugar para pasar la noche en su casa.

Eliseo le preguntó a su sirviente cómo podía ayudar a la pareja, entonces el sirviente le dijo que debido a que su esposo estaba envejeciendo, necesitaban un hijo. Eliseo llamó a Sunem y le prometió diciendo: “El próximo año por esta época estarás acariciando a un bebé”.

La segunda lectura, tomada de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos, se enfoca en la realidad de quiénes somos y qué Dios nos ha llamado en unión con Él en el bautismo. Estamos llamados a hacer y lograr algo para compartirnos con los demás como Cristo. Siendo uno con Cristo, también estamos preparados para asumir todos los riesgos como sus seguidores dondequiera que vayamos. Todos somos bautizados en Cristo, por lo tanto, la novedad de vida que hemos recibido en Cristo nos lleva a vivir para Dios en Cristo Jesús.

Desde el evangelio de San Mateo, Jesús nos invita a amar como Él ama aceptar Su cruz y escuchar lo que Él dice: “El que no toma su cruz y me sigue, no es digno de mí”. La cruz que Él quiere que llevemos no es la cruz de madera per se, sino la cruz del amor y del sacrificio. Si amamos sin abnegación, nos volvemos narcisistas o egoístas, y nuestra relación con el otro puede volverse egoísta. Ese amor siempre se centrará en las necesidades propias, en el control o manipulación del otro.

Creo que la mayor insatisfacción de mi vida es cuando me doy cuenta de que mi búsqueda de la felicidad está fijada en mí, alimentando mi egoísmo y haciéndome bueno para los demás para que pueda reconocerme. Desafortunadamente, siempre me deja de alguna manera vacío, con una búsqueda sin sentido de la gloria personal anhelando más. Por nuestra propia experiencia, si siempre nos hacemos el centro del mundo, nos convertimos en personas miserables.

Ahora empiezo a ser sabio, sabiendo que me realizo más dando más a los demás. Supongo que esto es precisamente lo que Jesús nos está diciendo: “El que pierda su vida por causa de mí, la encontrará”. Vaciarse o perderse es hacer que mi corazón se llene más de Jesús para tener un corazón para los demás. Como el amor de Jesús, estoy seguro de mi verdadera identidad y desarrollo mucha confianza y realización.

Hoy, Jesús nos guía por el camino del verdadero amor, es decir, del despojo que es don de sí mismo por el otro. Ruego humildemente que seamos cada vez más como Jesús, que es amoroso, desinteresado y libre. Descubramos el amor de nuestros corazones y modelemos nuestros corazones al corazón de Jesús. Santa Teresa de Ávila dice en su oración: “Haz nuestros corazones hacia el tuyo”.

Dios lo bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Jeremiah 20:10-13
• Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
• Romans 5:12-1
• Matthew 10:26-33

Several times in life, we have experienced great anguish caused by others, maybe thinking that we did not do anything bad. Yet we suffer emotional distress thinking about it with the demon within us speaking loudly to take vengeance against our adversaries, like Jeremiah saying, “I hear whispering of many: Terror of every side!” Then, we realize that God won’t permit it because He is at our side, for our persecutors will stumble and won’t be given an edge to triumph. We believe that the Lord will rescue us from the power of the wicked. This reminds us that Jeremiah doesn’t want us to be involved in hostility and menacing risk.

How do we trust the Lord in order to avoid God’s enemies? The most important attitude to practice is to trust, not ourselves, but to have confidence in God alone through our quiet time of prayer and contemplation. Once we allow the spirit to intervene, it gives life not death. In every confusion, enter into discernment and fall back; then by listening and with a trusting heart, He will take our side.

The 2nd reading from the Letter to the Romans reminds us again of sin which entered through the disobedience of Adam; however, grace abounds through the obedience of Jesus Christ, who is the New Adam. It is only in Him, through Him and with Him that constantly overflows the saving grace recreating all the face of the earth and us. His eternal presence in the Eucharist is everlasting.

The gospel today taken from St. Matthew narrates to us the mission of the chosen twelve Apostles. Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. … And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul … So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. …Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” In several occasions in the scripture, Jesus reminds us, “Do not be afraid.” When advised not to succumb to “fear,” it means that we need to anchor ourselves with much faith in Him. Jesus knows that when we are enslaved by fear, we cannot perform much service and love to do our given mission. Each follower must encourage one another to overcome fear because we confidently believe in His promise.

As a missionary there are moments that I reflect on how I keep my total commitment to service and mission. Am I not experiencing fear? First, I need to focus on my primary reason to follow the Lord. There is no way I have to entertain obstacles that impede my love for God and others entrusted to my care. Disruptions and being afraid hinder myself to a greater surrender to God’s will. Second, discovering myself thoroughly. Our “entitlement” does not conform to what St. Paul says, “Not that of ourselves we are qualified TO TAKE CREDIT FOR ANYTHING AS COMING FROM US, RATHER OUR QUALIFICATION IS COMING FROM GOD.” (2Cor3:5). Third, as a minister of the new covenant, I am accepting with absolute humility all challenges and for me remembering that God has been giving me gifts to dispense them to others in the name of charity and to avoid being a self-centered person. My need is not my priority but to continue offering myself by relying on His hands and by doing much for Christ.

Whatever God is calling us to do, our ultimate goal and meaning must be rooted by our love for God. Jesus is empowering us with great freedom, not being afraid and not living in fear, but like St. Augustine, he lives in freedom under the grace of God.

Let us not distance ourselves from Jesus. We are His disciples, but we need more companions for the Lord, and we seek the aid of the Father to send more dedicated laborers to His vineyard. The scarcity of vocations or this expression, “like sheep without a shepherd” is not about lacking priests or few young people who are listening and responding to His call. It touches our hearts to get the point, which is simply that we must be good examples and demonstrate our genuine witnessing to the gospel of Jesus. The gospel is where we encounter and reveal the glory of God in Jesus’ face of mercy and love, to be part of those who labor for the Lord at all times.

May God bless you all.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Duodécimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

• Jeremías 20:10-13
• Salmo 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
• Romanos 5:12-1
• Mateo 10:26-33

Varias veces en la vida, hemos experimentado una gran angustia causada por otros, tal vez para pensar que no hicimos nada malo. Y, sin embargo, sufrimos angustia emocional pensando, que es el demonio dentro de nosotros que habla en voz alta para vengarse de nuestros adversarios como Jeremías que dice: “Escucho susurros de muchos: ¡Temor por todos lados!” Entonces, nos damos cuenta de que Dios no lo permitirá porque está a nuestro lado, porque nuestros perseguidores tropezarán y no tendrán ventaja para triunfar.

Creemos que el Señor nos rescatará del poder de los malvados. Esto nos recuerda que Jeremías no quiere que nos involucremos en la hostilidad y el riesgo amenazante.

¿Cómo confiamos en que el Señor evitará a los enemigos de Dios? La actitud más importante para la práctica es no confiar en nosotros mismos, sino tener confianza solo en Dios a través de nuestro tiempo de oración y contemplación. Una vez que permitimos que el espíritu intervenga, da vida, no muerte. En toda confusión, entra en el discernimiento, y retrocede, luego con escucha y un corazón confiado, Él tomará partido por nosotros.

La Segunda lectura de la Carta a los Romanos nos recuerda nuevamente el pecado que entró por la desobediencia de Adán, sin embargo, la gracia abunda por la obediencia de Jesucristo, que es el Nuevo Adán. Es sólo en Él, por Él y con Él que rebosa constantemente la gracia salvadora recreando toda la faz de la tierra y a nosotros. Su presencia en la Eucaristía es eterna.

El evangelio de hoy tomado de San Mateo nos narra la misión de los doce Apóstoles elegidos. Jesús dijo a los Doce: “No teman a nadie. … Y no teman a los que matan el cuerpo pero no pueden matar el alma … Así que no teman; vales más que muchos pajarillos. …A todo el que me reconozca delante de los demás, yo lo reconoceré delante de mi Padre celestial”. En varias ocasiones en las Escrituras, Jesús nos recuerda: “No tengan miedo”. Cuando se nos aconseja no sucumbir al “miedo”, significa que necesitamos anclarnos con mucha fe en Él. Jesús sabe que cuando estamos esclavizados por el miedo, no podemos realizar muchos servicios y amar hacer nuestra misión dada. Cada seguidor debe animarnos unos a otros a vencer el miedo porque confiamos en su promesa.

Como misionero, hay momentos que reflexiono sobre cómo mantengo mi compromiso total con el servicio y la misión. ¿No estoy experimentando miedo? Primero, necesito concentrarme en mi razón principal para seguir al Señor. De ninguna manera tengo que albergar obstáculos que impidan mi amor por Dios y por los demás confiados a mi cuidado. Las perturbaciones y el miedo me impiden una mayor entrega a la voluntad de Dios. En segundo lugar, me descubrí a fondo. Nuestro “derecho” no se ajusta a lo que dice San Pablo: “No es que por nosotros mismos estemos calificados PARA TOMAR CRÉDITO DE NADA COMO VIENE DE NOSOTROS, SINO QUE NUESTRA CALIFICACIÓN PROVIENE DE DIOS”. (2Cor3:5). Tercero, como ministro del nuevo pacto, me estoy tomando con absoluta humildad aceptar todos los desafíos y recordar que Dios me ha estado dando dones para dispensarlos a los demás en nombre de la caridad y para evitar ser una persona egocéntrico. Mi necesidad no es mi prioridad sino seguir ofreciéndome apoyándome en Sus manos y haciendo mucho por Cristo.

Independientemente de lo que Dios nos esté llamando, nuestro objetivo final y nuestro significado deben estar arraigados en nuestro amor por Dios. Jesús nos está empoderando con una gran libertad, sin tener miedo y sin vivir con miedo, pero como San Agustín, vive en libertad bajo la gracia de Dios.

No nos alejemos de Jesús. Somos Sus discípulos, pero necesitamos más compañeros para el Señor, y buscamos la ayuda del Padre para enviar más trabajadores dedicados a Su viña. La escasez de vocaciones o esta expresión “como ovejas sin pastor” no se trata de la falta de sacerdotes o de unos pocos jóvenes que estén escuchando y respondiendo a su llamado. Toca nuestros corazones entender el punto, es simplemente que debemos ser buenos ejemplos y demostrar nuestro testimonio genuino del evangelio de Jesús. El evangelio es donde encontramos y revelamos la gloria de Dios en el rostro de misericordia y amor de Jesús, y somos parte de los que trabajan para el Señor en todo momento.

Que dios los bendiga a todos.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 8:18-23
• Luke 5:1-11

Today we are on the 4th Sunday after Pentecost. We continue to wonder why, despite our closeness with God, it seems God never answers our supplications. There are moments when we feel the absence of God, but many saints experienced sufferings which for them, going through many trials and sufferings, they evidently noticed God’s presence. It is an irony, but true.

The epistle today from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans explains to us the reality of the early Christians’ situation marred by trials and sufferings. We know that they have given up almost everything to follow the Lord with the freedom of a new life, yet finding themselves in transition. St. Paul wrote, “The creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” and “But also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (verses 21-23) In other words, there is a parallel experience going on between creation and the children of God. There is the ultimate plan of freedom alongside the distressful life experiences. It is so apparent when we encounter fellow Catholics who are open to share their difficult journeys.

We know for a fact that we are children of God, but still affected by the sins of the world. We are weak, frail, and easily decline our human body. However, our own potential is hidden behind the weakness of our human body waiting to be released.

There is already the grace of redemption in Jesus Christ; therefore we must again return to that redemptive relationship with God. Hope is needed to characterize our Christian lives. The promise of God has been given and shared by connecting our suffering with our glorification which is the fulfillment of His promise. St. Paul says, “If indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17).

Consequently, St. Paul knows that as Children of God, we are living in two worlds, like St. Augustine agreeing that humans can be caught up either in the “City of Man” or in the “City of God.” Hence, our goal is to focus on living in life and light, than to find ourselves in the “City of Man” which is full of malice and deceptions. It seems that this is a warning that we are being confronted with persecution before and even up to the present. Hence, in order to persevere we must understand that our suffering could be redemptive suffering, that is we suffer because we unite ourselves with the sufferings of Christ. Our attitude of being firm and resolute will take us through. We should not be surprised that at times we go through some kind of purification, taking something that we feel we are comfortable with and subject us into a form of humility so that we appreciate the greater good. In the end, this suffering is not permanent but just fades away naturally. Great to know that everything will work out better for us in the end!

The gospel today is from Luke 5:1-11 which talks about following Jesus’ words, His invitation, and His ways. Jesus used every situation and circumstance to communicate His message of salvation. Then eventually, Jesus was able to help them catch huge numbers of fish and was apparently able to catch His disciples by saying these words to them, “FEAR NOT, FROM HENCEFORTH THOU SHALT CATCH MEN.” (Luke 5:11)

Jesus was understanding of the human weakness and struggles of His chosen Apostles. What happens when God pursues His agenda on us despite human frustrations and sufferings?

First, God’s knowing our own interiority and human frustrations, He never hesitates to manifest His divine power. For fishermen who caught nothing after all night fishing, God accomplished the numerous catch for a single moment or even a minute. So, Peter and other companions were surprised and marveled at the power of God because their nets were at the breaking point because of such an unprecedented catching of fish.

I visited the sea of Galilee, and I enjoyed the boat crossing to Capernaum on April 21, 2023. I am amazed by that body of water which in reality is a lake. Fishermen could hardly detect the behavior and the weather at times because of its unpredictable character. Many fishermen seem to live in hope for a good catch; however, with Jesus, the Apostles’ multitude catch was thru the authority and power of Jesus Christ. It is in the power of Jesus’ words that draws His Apostles to faith. Hearing the Word of God, we are drawn closer to Him, and faith comes by hearing Jesus’ invitation.

Second, God knows our own unworthiness and sinfulness. When Peter said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man,” he actually expresses that he certainly knew to whom he was talking; thus, with the spirit of humility, he accepts his unworthiness. By saying those words, Peter was growing in the awareness of His presence and with an absolute openness of his heart that he needs pardon.

Third, God’s calling that Jesus’ apostles need to serve to expand Jesus’ ministry. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” In Christian ministry, there are two images which speak our participation with Jesus’ evangelizing tasks according to Acts 11:19-26. First, fishing for men or catching men is simply a task of gathering people who are trusting the Lord alone for salvation. Second, shepherding means to lead others to become closer to the Lord by way of real witnessing and empowering others to commit to evangelization in order to catch others as well.

Sitting on a chair alone, I realize that human sufferings and trials one after another will pass with an open door awaiting us to go through that door of relief. Out of this dryness of life, God would certainly give us new opportunity perfectly tailored for us. The Lord always brings our frustration to an end; however if you have something in your life that has caused you a measure of frustration that you wish wasn’t there, please remember God’s power, His pardon, and your call to serve.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Exodus 19:2-6a
• Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
• Romans 5:6-11
• Matthew 9:36—10:8

Today is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. It is nice to see the green liturgical color which reminds us of the growth of our spiritual life. It is all about how we are all taken care of by God’s abundant graces to mature in our faith.

Today is also Father’s Day. To all fathers, Happy Father’s Day. May your witness as Catholic Dads give your children a glimpse of our heavenly Father’s kindness and mercy. And for your family to turn towards our true Father in heaven, allowing Him to be the center of our lives.

Though many of us stumble a bit and struggle to meet the demands of our Christian life, we are watered by the immense love of God. I have been struggling with my right eye, but God never ceases to show me His love through others by their comforting words, prayers, and care. Indeed, God works mysteriously, manifesting His presence and love in so many ways. God seeks and listens to those who are willing to enter into a relationship.

We have inspiring scriptural readings today. Our first reading taken from the book of Exodus reminds us of Moses’ encounter with God as he and the chosen people journey together towards the Promised Land. That event in the desert was a major event in their history for God led them away from slavery and promised new life. God took them, saying “You shall be my special possession.” It means that God continues commitment towards a loving relationship with His people by keeping the covenant as a holy nation faithful to obey and follow God’s commandments.

The second reading is about what Paul has just said about God’s love and introduces Christ’s death as the concrete demonstration of that love. This passage is a demonstration of how much more Christ will continue to love us forever, now that through Him that broken relationship has been restored. Thus, Christ frees us with His love, our reason to rejoice and confront the future with confidence.

Today’s gospel has many parts reminding us of Jesus’ amazing actions in order to attend to the physical and spiritual needs of His followers. These are the following parts based on the gospel of St. Matthew.

First, Jesus has shown His loving heart towards the condition of the people, moved with compassion for them “because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” He encourages his disciples to pray for “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the master to send out laborers for his harvest” (36). This statement of Jesus is true to this day as it is true that many are following the Lord; however, we need priests in his vineyard. Most of the families are limited in number because of direct evasion of parental responsibility of raising children and yet asking plenty of demands from fewer priests. Instead of not just praying, they should be encouraging their children to respond to God’s calling of giving oneself for God and for His Church.

Second, Jesus summoned the twelve, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits and over illness. The reason for Jesus giving them the power of healing is to make us understand that we do share the act of redemption of Christ. When there is sickness, it is not part of God’s plan for us to suffer but it is a consequence of sin. Thus, there is a need to turn to God and seek such healing. The ministry of healing has been entrusted to the Church up to the present time. Our human struggle has been addressed by Jesus Himself, like in the book of Exodus when Moses relates God’s care and love for His flock. In the eyes of God, we are worth saving as His masterpiece of creation. God always gives us the opportunity to be healed integrally and with total liberation.

Third, Jesus shares His mission, instructing them, “Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” It is clear that Jesus is sent first to the people of Israel, and therefore He sends His disciples first to them; however, I think Jesus has prioritized His people who wandered and were lost. On top of that Jesus does respond to the needs of others outside His flock to gather and bring them back to His fold as well. There is no discrimination; all have been considered part of the Kingdom of God which is part of inclusivity of God for both Jews and Gentiles, believers and non-believers. All are welcome to embrace our loving and merciful God.

Looking deeply into these scripture readings, I feel that God manifests compassion in word and action. We remember that from the beginning, God sends us good spiritual leaders, prophets, sages and Jesus, the Messiah, to reveal the constancy of God’s love by being aware of the experience of Israel and for us to be unworthy recipients of God’s manifold grace.

Now, let us refrain from indulging in evil actions that sadden the heart of God. We are called to be workers in the vineyard of the Lord by how we live according to Jesus’ heart. We are powerful if we are holy because we attract others to Christ. We begin by doing good because we bear the mark of Jesus in baptism. We know who we are, the way we conduct ourselves. Certainly, God is the source of holiness, and we pray that we may share a small light of holiness to others too.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Onceavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

• Éxodo 19:2-6a
• Salmos 100:1-2, 3, 5
• Romanos 5:6-11
• Mateo 9:36—10:8

Hoy es el Onceavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A. Es bonito ver el color verde litúrgico que nos recuerda el crecimiento de nuestra vida espiritual. Se trata de cómo las abundantes gracias de Dios nos cuidan a todos para madurar en nuestra fe.

Hoy también es el día del padre. A todos los padres, feliz día del padre. Que su testimonio como padres católicos les dé a sus hijos una muestra de la bondad y la misericordia de nuestro Padre celestial. Y que su familia se vuelva hacia nuestro verdadero Padre que está en los cielos, permitiéndole ser el centro de nuestras vidas.

Aunque muchos de nosotros tropezamos, luchamos para cumplir con las exigencias de nuestra vida cristiana, somos bendecidos por el inmenso amor de Dios. He estado luchando con mi ojo derecho, pero Dios nunca deja de mostrarme Su amor a través de los demás a través de sus palabras de consuelo, oraciones y cuidados. De hecho, Dios obra misteriosamente, manifestando Su presencia y amor de muchas maneras. Dios busca y escucha a aquellos que están dispuestos a entrar en una relación.

Hoy tenemos lecturas bíblicas inspiradoras. Nuestra primera lectura tomada del libro del Éxodo nos recuerda el encuentro de Moisés con Dios mientras él y el pueblo elegido caminan juntos hacia la Tierra Prometida. Ese evento en el desierto fue un evento importante en su historia porque Dios los sacó de la esclavitud y les prometió una nueva vida. Dios los tomó, diciendo: “Ustedes serán mi posesión especial”. Significa que Dios continúa comprometido hacia una relación amorosa con Su pueblo al guardar el pacto como una nación santa fiel en obedecer y seguir los mandamientos de Dios.

La segunda lectura trata de lo que Pablo acaba de decir sobre el amor de Dios e introduce la muerte de Cristo como manifestación concreta de ese amor. Este pasaje es una demostración de cuánto más Cristo nos seguirá amando para siempre, ahora que a través de Él se ha restaurado esa relación rota. Así, Cristo nos libera con su amor, motivo nuestro para alegrarnos y afrontar con confianza el futuro.

El evangelio de hoy tiene muchas partes que nos recuerdan las asombrosas acciones de Jesús para atender las necesidades físicas y espirituales de sus seguidores. Estas son las siguientes partes basadas en el evangelio de San Mateo.

Primero, Jesús ha mostrado su corazón amoroso hacia la condición de la gente, y se ha movido a compasión por ellos “porque estaban atribulados y abandonados como ovejas sin pastor”. Él anima a sus discípulos a orar por “la mies es abundante, pero los obreros son pocos, así que pedid al amo del amo que envíe obreros a su mies” (36). Esta declaración de Jesús es cierta hasta el día de hoy como es cierto que muchos siguen al Señor; sin embargo, necesitamos sacerdotes en su viña. La mayoría de las familias tienen un número limitado debido a la evasión directa de la responsabilidad de los padres de criar a los hijos y, sin embargo, piden muchas demandas a menos sacerdotes. En lugar de no solo orar, deberían animar a sus hijos a responder al llamado de Dios de entregarse a Dios y a Su Iglesia.

Segundo, Jesús convocó a los doce y les dio autoridad sobre los espíritus inmundos y las enfermedades. La razón por la que Jesús les da el poder de curar es para hacernos entender que sí compartimos el acto de redención de Cristo. Cuando hay enfermedad, no es parte del plan de Dios que suframos, sino que es una consecuencia del pecado. Por lo tanto, existe la necesidad de volverse a Dios y buscar tal sanidad. El ministerio de la curación ha sido confiado a la Iglesia hasta el presente. Nuestra lucha humana ha sido abordada por el mismo Jesús, como en el libro del Éxodo cuando Moisés relata el cuidado y el amor de Dios por su rebaño. A los ojos de Dios, vale la pena salvarnos como Su obra maestra de la creación. Dios siempre permite que seamos sanados integralmente y con total liberación.

Tercero, Jesús comparte su misión, instruyéndoles: “Id más bien a las ovejas perdidas de Israel”. Está claro que Jesús envió primero al pueblo de Israel, y por eso les envía primero a sus discípulos; sin embargo, creo que Jesús dio prioridad a Su pueblo que deambuló y se perdió. Además de eso, Jesús responde a las necesidades de otros fuera de Su rebaño para reunirlos y traerlos de regreso a Su redil también. No hay discriminación; todos han sido considerados parte del Reino de Dios que es parte de la inclusión de Dios tanto para judíos como para gentiles, creyentes y no creyentes. Todos son bienvenidos a abrazar a nuestro Dios amoroso y misericordioso.

Mirando profundamente estas lecturas de las Escrituras, siento que Dios manifiesta compasión en palabra y acción. Recordamos que desde el principio, Dios nos envía buenos líderes espirituales, profetas, sabios, y Jesús, el Mesías, para revelar la constancia del amor de Dios siendo conscientes de la experiencia de Israel y para que seamos indignos receptores de la multiforme gracia de Dios. .

Ahora, abstengámonos de caer en malas acciones que entristecen el corazón de Dios. Somos llamados a ser obreros en la viña del Señor por cómo vivimos según el corazón de Jesús . Somos poderosos si somos santos porque atraemos a otros a Cristo. Empezamos por hacer el bien porque llevamos la marca de Jesús en el bautismo. Sabemos quiénes somos, cómo nos comportamos. Ciertamente, Dios es la fuente de la santidad, y oramos para que también podamos compartir una pequeña luz de santidad con los demás.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Ephesians 3:8-19
• John 19:31-37

I am grateful for all the prayers you have offered for the success of my right eye operation. For two months, I was blind in that eye, but now I can see even though it is blurry. I am praying too that someday I will see a lot better.

Today we are celebrating the External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which coincides with the US Father’s Day celebration. To all fathers, Happy Father’s Day. May your witness as Catholic Dads give your children a glimpse of our heavenly Father’s kindness and mercy, and may your family turn towards our true Father in heaven, allowing Him to be the center of our lives.

When we think of this Sacred Heart liturgical celebration, we focus on the Heart of Jesus. We remember that He has given His heart to us and remember also that our human heart is the core of our life, the center of our existence. Our heart pumps to every connected vein to sustain our human existence. It is a vital human organ that we need to take good care of and be conscious of having a healthy heart.

Two weeks ago, one of my good friends here in Reno decided to visit his own resort in the Philippines. Several years ago, he received a stint procedure in his heart arteries. On June 10th, he called his wife to tell her that he was experiencing chest pain, and he was told to see the cardiologist immediately. He did not listen but resorted to putting ice in a Ziploc bag and applying it to his chest which he said gave him temporary relief, but never understood the sign his heart was obviously showing. On the morning of June 12th he was found in his room lifeless. Obviously he had a cardiac arrest while asleep. May the soul of +Virgil rest in peace.

In today’s Gospel taken from John 19:31-37, on this feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesus hangs on the cross and is pierced by the soldier.

Scriptures have been fulfilled before their eyes. It was prophesied that they would look upon Jesus, who died on the Cross, being pierced with both blood and water flowing. Now we have the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which includes the image of Jesus giving prominence to His Heart. The devotion was promoted by the inspiration of Saint Maria Alacoque. It was criticized for dwelling more on the human Jesus, but it became a popular devotion among Catholics. It was even more popular here in the US and other countries, like the Philippines. I remember when I was growing up my mother would go to the church with a big Sacred Heart scapular she wore every first Friday.

Sacred Heart devotion has been popular because it helps the devotees to focus on the heart of Jesus which many realize that God, through His Son, has a merciful and loving heart. This devotion gives a lot of motivation, inspiration and hope to people. It is a good devotion since it focuses on the heart which is the center and source of life in every person. Knowing that we have a God, whose Son has a merciful and loving heart, He gives a lot of inspiration, motivation and hope to people. That love and mercy makes it Sacred. Love and mercy lead to holiness and salvation.

We understand that Jesus’ heart is without condition and did not stop giving graces while his heart was pierced with a lance and flowing with both blood and water. This symbolizes His immense love for all. May our hearts be also like the Sacred Heart of Jesus imbibing such love and mercy for others.

Today two feasts, Father’s Day and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast, are the feasts of Love. It is revealed in God’s love through Jesus and given personally to each one of us through the Holy Spirit.

In our Epistle today, taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Paul calls on us, “to be strengthened by His Spirit with might unto the inward man, that Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts, that being rooted and grounded in charity….the charity of Christ which surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.” (Ep 3:19)

Brothers and sisters, let us allow ourselves to be built, to be cultivated on this love, a love which St. Paul says, is beyond our understanding.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa