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• Philippians 4:10-19
• Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8, 9
• Luke 16:9-15

When we labor for God, we expect support and help from others or our community.  Even Jesus appointed the 12 Apostles to collaborate with Him in preaching the Goodnews.  It is not about who is better or popular, but being united with the same goal.  We need to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share in order to keep us on the path to Christ and with Christ.

In today’s reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, we heard Paul is making an appeal for steadfastness and unity in the Christian community in Philippi. He was praising them for their continued support in his ministry; however, he emphasized that it is not about being self-sufficient but, most importantly, to be grateful to everyone.  His relationship with them is not sustained or defined by just receiving gifts from them. It isn’t just about material exchanges of goods and services in times of need.  It is about the sharing of spiritual gifts, but with the riches in Christ Jesus.  When we give, we give to God and when we receive, we receive from God.  Hence, it is a relationship with utmost respect and encouragement for each other.

In today’s gospel from St. Luke, Jesus instructs His disciples that whatever we have acquired, like material things, we must use it to advance the gospel and the work of God.  It means that our effort is always towards the fulfillment of the Kingdom and our stewardship of service for others.

Jesus could not be silent about making statements for the Pharisees who loved or served material wealth.  Perhaps some of us are blinded too that instead of appreciating the material blessings afforded to us by God, we become greedy and prioritize financial gain and personal comfort without giving thought that all material gain is a sign of God’s reward for our good behavior.

Now, I realize that all material blessings on earth given to us are not to multiply them for our consumption or to make us richer and be justified as someone better than others.  I believe that whatever is entrusted to us should be used in order to serve God. We should not seek success on this earth with material bliss.  True wealth is not money, but what is in our hearts.

Dear Lord, please take from me my pride.  Touch me that I may rely on You, not wealth, because You provide all we need.  Let us do good.  Let us be with God, for “Blessed the man who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 112)

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Philippians 2:1-4
• Psalms 131:1bcde, 2, 3
• Luke 14:12-14

Today ends the month of October, and people are excited to gather this evening celebrating Halloween.  It is a festival which is a big, big deal in the US, a secular celebration with big time commercialization.  Americans spend money for their creepy and scary costumes, making it the largest commercial holiday apart from Christmas. I imagine every American spending over a hundred dollars just to buy Halloween attire. Inside and outside the house is fully decorated with stuff that are inviting to the bad spirits to come.  They are not only spending money for themselves, but they buy costumes as well for their pets.  Children go from door to door in a neighborhood saying, ‘trick or treat,” then they are given candies by the homeowner.  Originally, this festival was also connected to Ireland and Britain to celebrate the Celtic New Year which began on the first of November.  The Catholics then, make it a time to celebrate the feast of All Saints which is more spiritually uplifting because we learn how these holy people were able to reach the perfect eternal salvation by offering themselves to God.

In the first reading today taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2:1-4, he invites us to be “united in heart, thinking one thing.”  We must be united in faith and love to avoid living in utter selfishness.  It is a call to empower us all to change and addresses our weaknesses “by being of the same mind” in order to achieve things for the common good.

The Augustinians have this charism of living out “one mind, one heart intent upon God.”  The act of loving God has to be seen by our selfless acts for others. St. Paul has seen a great balance for he wants us to act in the same spirit.

The gospel today emphasizes much on our generosity, not only to our friends, but also, we need to do the same for the poor.  We need to become Christ to others by our gratuitous love especially for those who cannot repay our goodness.  The same love that we afford to our friends needs to be practiced as well, especially to  those in need.

When we think of “Halloween,” we must remember that we are called to holiness and to extend our generous heart of loving, setting no boundaries.  Jesus will be visiting us tonight knocking for a “Trick or Treat.”  We would be receiving a treat if we are good.  I hope and pray that we won’t be getting a “trick” which is an eternal punishment.  St. Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” We treat others more than what we think of ourselves because this is exactly what Jesus wants us to be, a person for others!

Happy “Holy-win!”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Wisdom 11:22-12:2
• Psalms 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
• 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
• Luke 19:1-10

Today is the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, year C.  Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom has aided us to understand the goodness of God. Here God is presented as the Creator of the whole universe.  God is seen as the lover of all things and could never hate anything due to His goodness; He created everything out of love.  There is only one thing He did not create, and that is evil, because evil is totally oppose to His divine nature which is Good.  Our being sinful is our own creation, but it doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us because we are sinners.  We must be confident that God, our Creator, loves all that was created, even sinners.  All things are signs of God’s love and all things belong to God.

The second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians says that as disciples, we should earnestly love to pray. Our prayer is that we become worthy of our calling to God’s kingdom and glory. We pray also that God would fulfill in us the work of faith with power so that we shine before men so others may glorify Him. We would then be glorified in and with Him.

Today’s gospel from St. Luke presents to us the interesting story of Jesus’ meeting with the tax collector, Zacchaeus, which is unique in the gospel of St. Luke. Hearing about the coming of Jesus, he climbed a sycamore tree in order to have a better view of the Lord, the Messiah, the Healer.  Because of the crowd, Zacchaeus cannot come closer to Jesus probably to avoid contact with his countrymen, for being a friend of Roman power, collecting tax from them. Aside from this, he was also short in height.  Consequently, he was up in a tree, not hiding, but he was conscious of being above the others.

He was not actually expecting Jesus to approach him and command him to get down from the tree.  Zacchaeus never expected anything extraordinary would happen when he voluntarily followed the words of Jesus. He thought he would remain incognito and one of the spectators, but now he was the center of attention and an actor amidst the huge crowd.

There are many good points to ponder on the unexpected event in the life of Zacchaeus.

First, Jesus invited Himself to dine with Zacchaeus. I believe that Jesus is again revealing His true identity as a merciful and a loving incarnate God. He comes to that place where He found a great sinner.  We know that He comes, not only for righteous people, but for sinners as well.

Second, when Jesus says, “Today I must stay at your house,” the “house” in this particular verse would mean, the universe He created, to effect true conversion initiated by Him. Jesus calls him back to His house, to God’s abode, after Zacchaeus admitted his wrongdoings.  Zacchaeus desires to live a new life and has a willingness to change from a notorious tax collector to his real self in order to serve and to be generous to others.

Third, Zacchaeus says, “I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I happen to extort somebody, I make it up fourfold.”  By understanding his words, it clearly implies behavior that is sincere and a willing heart to repay fourfold for extortions.  I understand that he extorted many people and now has decided to make up with abundant restoration to those people he fooled.

Fourth, Zacchaeus seeing and welcoming Jesus, he sincerely made amend of his sinfulness.  He exploited people to maintain his position to the Roman Empire, so that he would not lose his status and position as chief tax collector.  He used and abused himself for helping this foreign power. However, seeing Jesus in person has led him to a profound change of heart.

Fifth, the grumbling bystanders make a prophetic announcement: “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” This is like our own experience when we think that coming to church is indeed against all odds because we feel that we are ridiculed by others.  Remember that another’s comment against our willingness to come back to Christ is a grace and a gift.  We remember that the One, our Lord Jesus, who came and found Zacchaeus, who was lost, is the same Lord and Jesus who is inviting and calling us today to come to take up friendship and fellowship with Him.

This beautiful and heart-warming story ends with Jesus restating his mission of seeking and saving the “lost”. Many of us cannot remember the opportunity to see and meet the Lord in our lives. Think of how Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector who occupied a high position in the community, acted in a strikingly childlike behavior climbing a tree just to see Jesus.

Today God calls us all to seek the truth with childlike openness, so that we are ready to encounter the Lord Jesus and respond to His surprising initiatives in our lives. He might invite Himself to enter into our lives to show His goodness and love.  Therefore, after our conversion, St. Paul reminds us to glorify God and in turn we shall be glorified in and with Him which is exactly what Zacchaeus did.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

El dictado del corazón: Trigésimo primer domingo del tiempo ordinario, C

• Sabiduría 11:22-12:2
• Salmos 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
• 2 Tesalonicenses 1:11-2:2
• Lucas 19:1-10

Hoy es el Trigésimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año C. Nuestra primera lectura del Libro de la Sabiduría nos ayudado a comprender la bondad de Dios. Aquí se presenta a Dios como el Creador de todo el universo. Dios es visto como el amante de todas las cosas y nunca podría odiar nada debido a Su bondad, él creó todo por amor. Solo una cosa que Él no creó es el mal. Porque el mal se opone a Su naturaleza divina que es el Bien. El hecho de que seamos pecadores es nuestra propia creación, pero eso no significa que Dios nos haya abandonado porque somos pecadores. Debemos estar seguros de que Dios, nuestro Creador, ama a todo lo creado, incluso a los pecadores. Todas las cosas son signos del amor de Dios y todas las cosas pertenecen a Dios.

La segunda lectura de la Carta de San Pablo a los Tesalonicenses que, como discípulos, debemos amar fervientemente la oración. Nuestra oración es que seamos dignos de nuestro llamado para

el reino y la gloria de Dios. Y también, por los discípulos, incluyéndonos a nosotros, que Dios cumpla en nosotros la obra de la fe con poder. Que debemos brillar ante los hombres para que otros lo glorifiquen, y entonces seremos glorificados en el y con Él.

En el evangelio de hoy de San Lucas nos presenta la interesante historia del encuentro de Jesús con el recaudador de impuestos Zaqueo que es único en el evangelio de San Lucas. Al enterarse de la venida de Jesús, se subió a un árbol sicómoro para tener una mejor vista del Señor, el Mesías, el sanador. Por la multitud, Zaqueo no puede acercarse a Jesús o probablemente evitar el contacto con sus compatriotas, por ser amigo del poder romano para cobrarles impuestos, además de ser bajo de estatura. En consecuencia, estaba arriba del árbol, no se escondía pero era consciente de que su imagen estaba por encima de los demás.

En realidad, no esperaba que Jesús se le acercara y le ordenara que bajara del árbol. Zaqueo nunca esperó que algo extraordinario sucediera cuando voluntariamente siguió las palabras de Jesús. Pensó que permanecería de incógnito y uno de los espectadores, pero ahora era el centro y un actor en medio de la gran multitud.

Hay muchos buenos puntos para reflexionar al ver el evento inesperado en la vida de Zaqueo.

Primero, Jesús se invitó a sí mismo a cenar con Zaqueo. Creo que Jesús está revelando nuevamente su verdadera identidad como un Dios encarnado misericordioso y amoroso. Él viene a ese lugar donde encontró a un gran pecador. Sabemos que Él viene, no solo por los justos sino también por los pecadores.

Segundo, cuando Jesús dice: “Hoy debo quedarme en tu casa”. La “casa” en este versículo en particular significaría el universo que Él creó, para efectuar la verdadera conversión iniciada por Él. Jesús lo llama de regreso a Su casa, a la morada de Dios después de que Zaqueo admitió sus malas acciones. Zaqueo desea vivir una nueva vida y está dispuesto a cambiar de un recaudador de impuestos notorio a un yo real para servir y ser generoso con los demás.

En tercer lugar, Zaqueo dice: “Doy la mitad de mis bienes a los pobres, y si extorsiono a alguien, se lo cuadruplicaré”. Por entender claramente sus palabras implican una conducta que es sincera, su corazón dispuesto a pagar cuatro veces las extorsiones, lo cual entendería que extorsionó a muchas personas y ahora decidió compensar con abundante restauración a aquellas personas a las que engañó.

Cuarto, Zaqueo explotó regularmente a la gente para mantener su posición en el Imperio Romano, para que no perdiera su estatus y posición como principal recaudador de impuestos. Se usó y abusó de sí mismo por ayudar a esta potencia extranjera. Sin embargo, el encuentro con Jesús lo ha llevado a un profundo cambio de corazón.

Quinto, con los transeúntes quejumbrosos haciendo un anuncio profético: “Se ha ido a vivir a la casa de un pecador”. Esto es como nuestra propia experiencia cuando pensamos que ir a la iglesia es realmente contra viento y marea porque sentimos que los demás nos ridiculizan. Recuerda que el comentario de otros en contra de nuestra voluntad de volver a Cristo es una gracia y un regalo. Recordemos que Aquel que vino y encontró a Zaqueo, que estaba perdido, es también una invitación de que Jesús ha venido a tomar amistad y comunión con nosotros.

Esta hermosa y conmovedora historia termina con Jesús reafirmando su misión de buscar y salvar a los “perdidos”. Muchos de nosotros no podemos recordar la oportunidad de ver y conocer al Señor en nuestras vidas. Piense en cómo Zaqueo, un rico recaudador de impuestos y que ocupaba un alto cargo en la comunidad, actuó de manera sorprendentemente infantil al subirse a un árbol solo para ver a Jesús.

Hoy Dios nos llama a todos a buscar la verdad con una apertura infantil, para estar preparados para encontrar al Señor Jesús y responder a sus sorprendentes iniciativas en nuestra vida. Podría invitarse a sí mismo a entrar en nuestras vidas para mostrar su bondad y amor. Por lo tanto, después de nuestra conversión, San Pablo nos recuerda que glorificamos a Dios ya su vez seremos glorificados en y con Él, que es exactamente lo que hizo Zaqueo.

Dios te bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Philippians 1:18-26
• Psalm 42:2, 3, 5
• Luke 14:1, 7-11

One of the hardest things in life is to remain humble.  Sometimes we are so much into pushing ourselves to be given importance by others.  It is true that we struggle a lot. However, Jesus and all of the saints set an example to live out our calling to be humble in order to be effective disciples to carry out our calling to serve God in others and not ourselves.   Seeking humility is actually setting a balance in our Christian living, remaining humble despite our accomplishments and successes.

In today’s epistle, St. Paul says, “And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:25) St. Paul wrote these words when he was captured and languished in prison.  Though he was not afraid, he knew that his future was uncertain.  However, deep in his heart, he was determined to fulfill his mission. We too, like St. Paul, must also remember that our mission as Christians remains the same up to the present, i.e., to serve others to enable their progress and joy in the faith.

Today, as I am reflecting on today’s gospel, I remember my experience with my parishioner who has been involved in charity works but, because of her simplicity and humility, she doesn’t want to share on social media or with others or publicize it because she doesn’t want recognition.  She silently does her charitable works without exulting herself because she believes God knows what we do and God receives the glory.

Some people want a sense of entitlement.  They expect the best seat and like to be treated well at work or public places.  Nevertheless, the gospel reminds us of the dangers of thinking too highly of ourselves and thinking everything revolves around us. Here Jesus is very direct in teaching us the important virtue, that is to humble ourselves always. Humbling ourselves by serving others is not about helping them to be served but to gain the grace of God and not to be exalted but keeping the attitude of “other-centered” solely for God’s name to be glorified.

Thus, let us work on living out God’s mission and keeping Jesus’ words, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 6:10-20
• Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10
• Luke 13:31-35

Last Sunday, October 23rd, the Catholic Church celebrated World Mission Sunday.  I have preached about Jesus’ mandate to all who are baptized, to participate in the challenging task of proclaiming the message of God to the whole world, even in the midst of difficulties, where this modern world is hostile to receive the message of Christ.  The mission work is not just limited to bishops, priests, religious and missionaries, but to all followers of the Lord. We must carry the Goodnews so that, through us, others may know God.  I have been a missionary for 27 years, and I am blessed for being “Sent.”  I am aware that this mission work is not only for myself, and I am always happy to bring up the name of the Order of St. Augustine, of which I am an active member

On October 25, 2022, one of my Augustinian confreres, Fr. Alfredo Jubac, OSA, visited me for the first time from the Philippines. He will stay with me for a few days, and he wants to be immersed in my work in the diocese.  Of course I am happy with his visit, for it renews our Augustinian fraternity. His presence is indeed a support, living out our charism of “being one mind and heart.”  In addition, having a brother visiting gives us time for sharing our challenging works and our battles dealing with many interior thoughts and feelings that invade our hearts.  As we listen to each other, we have realized the value of brotherhood and bonding, which actually leads us always to God.

In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, he says, “Draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power.  Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.” This is what we must learn from St. Paul, that our weight and strength is when we call on God.

Every time we read the scriptures, we are inspired and so often it rouses us to do something good and even change ourselves for the better.  We always look for the path to perseverance.

In today’s gospel, some Pharisees came to Jesus to warn Him to go away because Herod wants to kill him.

Everywhere and every time, we are exposed to the danger of dying or being killed. The Pharisees and religious leaders were targeting Jesus in order to silence Him.  Why? It is because He speaks the truth, and these people, hearing His voice, instead of walking towards the light, they continue to protect their self-interest, power and pride.

As we read this gospel, we need to resist the enticement of the devil.  We are under siege by the forces of darkness in this present world.  We must be prepared to fight off the evil one. We need to protect our entire being so that we can continue to run the race, like St. Paul, faithful to his calling to preach about peace and love for those who do not know God yet.

Let us be shielded by His truth in His word. We cannot fight off the evils without knowing the word of God. “ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 6:1-9
• Psalms 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
• Luke 13:22-30

Two weeks ago as I walked in the neighborhood, I saw houses decorated with scary skeletons, spiders, witches, coffins, etc….I think people are so much into bad spirits which could give them an opening to bad spirits’ infestations.  They never realize that some welcome the prince of darkness in disguise.  To knock on the door, like “trick-or-treaters,” the unknown power of darkness could molest them.

Our readings today remind us to be obedient to our parents and to our superiors and, at the same time, believing in the faithfulness of the Lord so that we can enter into the kingdom of heaven for our salvation.

The first reading starts with a directive to obey and honor our parents.  In fact, in the Old Testament, it was promised that those who are respectful and loving towards their parents will be abundantly rewarded, especially with a long life.  The parents, on the other hand, should not provoke their children in anger but make them happy to connect with God. Parents must also be loving and kind reflecting the whole family as faithful followers of the Lord. So, no matter what, we should always serve the Lord in all we do.  We should serve Him in our actions and attitudes and keep Him as the center of our family.

The gospel today narrates to us about someone from the crowd asking Jesus,  “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered using the image of a “narrow gate”, saying many will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough, and many others will be turned away when they knock on the door.  What is the “narrow gate? It can be a metaphor for many things, or it may be challenging and difficult.  Maybe, we should not be careless in our faith in the Lord.  There must be a commitment on our part, like making critical decisions and free choice so that in having serious discernment we can arrive at this narrow gate, then finally be led to salvation.  I believe that in this desire and longing to enter the “narrow gate,” we should truly place much attention on the present moment and not be defined by our resentments from the past or fears and anxieties of the future.

Let us pray that Jesus will lead us on the right path to arrive at, and be able to enter through, the right door. Let us strive hard until the path is completely right and the door is open wide enough that we may enter. Jesus is knocking at the door of every heart; let us never lack in hope.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 5:21-33
• Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
• Luke 13:18-21

I have encountered people who seem happy from outside appearance, but inside they carry so much pain and anguish in life.  They have tried in life to overcome them without people noticing their own pretentions. I guess it is really hard for them to keep everything inside their hearts, seemingly building up their own kingdom.

Today’s reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians tells us that we must, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  The passage is also an admonition to husbands and wives.  Maybe this advice for wives to be, “subordinate to their husbands in everything for the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church,” becomes taboo in this period of modern history.  Couples fight for equality in their vows and commitment in marriage.  I definitely don’t see life-giving marriage in the Church where one is inferior and the other is superior.

What is essential in marital covenant is when both work to make the marriage or family work. I believe what St. Paul wants to convey is that, to live godly lives starts first with our love and respect for each other, especially in the ways we assume responsibility for others, especially to children, spouses, family, and neighbors.

When we live according to the principles of life and keep the commandment of love, for sure it is a clear path to heaven amidst this imperfect world.  Why try to think that our immediate mission is to strive to create a world in which everyone feels that the Kingdom of God may be easily found here on earth.  This Kingdom of God is primarily centered in love and respect for each other in view of God’s calling for all.

The kingdom of heaven is beyond what we can humanly expect. It would be a good help to focus on things that God wants us to accomplish, lest we become frustrated.  After all, frustration is the direct result of being an independent and individualistic person.  What matters most is for oneself rather than for the common good.

I pray today that we can also see the Kingdom so clearly when we all submit ourselves to Christ who is the head and the way to the real kingdom.  St. Paul is inviting husbands and wives to be self-giving and self-emptying, and for the whole Church to offer to each other genuine service.

Dedicated and loving service is the key in this perspective as we concretize our common aspiration building the kingdom here and now.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 4:32-5:8
• Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6
• Luke 13:10-17

The change of weather is obvious because the temperature gets cooler and continues to drop. People are preparing for the winter season and checking their houses for good insulation. Sometimes we are good about external preparations, but how about our interior life? Do we prepare for it?

The first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a good reminder, not only to the people of Ephesus but for us, to live a good and honorable life. Instead of engaging in all kinds of foolishness, we must be good, merciful and grateful at all times. We need to keep today’s responsorial psalm in our hearts, “Behave like God as his very dear children.”

Jesus, in today’s gospel, presents himself as a very sensible person. He knows the needs of everyone. He never hesitates to do something good for others, unmindful of the sabbath, when the mercy of God is at stake. While He was teaching at the synagogue, He encountered a woman who was crippled by spirit for 18 years. Jesus would have had to look carefully at everyone in the congregation, hunting for the person who most needed His help; then He saw the crippled woman. Because of His empathy, Jesus freed her from her physical challenges and pain. While Jesus’ oppositionists were indignant, Jesus had decided to liberate and cure her from her illness, even during the sabbath. I certainly believe that woman’s life changed only when Jesus met her and acted with the compassion that St. Paul says, “Be kind to one another, compassionate. Forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

I pray today, that God will continue to give me the gift of compassion for others, rather than to behave in a judgmental and condemning manner. Loving and knowing God, who has given me life, talents, and many other blessings, makes me want to use them all in service to others, I ask God to help me know how I can best serve others.

I have been raised with much love and care; thus I am grateful growing up with so many blessings. I want to pay it forward to those whose lives need love and material benefits by doing the best I can, in order to return the love to those who desperately need it.

Even though it is difficult being aware of those having less in resources, please sacrifice and spare any attainable donations. This will help others very much, but at the very least responding to these needs reflects on us being good and compassionate individuals; please give until it hurts.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
• Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
• 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
• Luke 13:1-9

Today is the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year C. As I have shared with you, the liturgical readings last week and this week are about prayer. Some of us know about prayer because we say a prayer every day. There are some who pray almost the whole day. Whatever the benefit of prayer is, I believe it not essentially for God, but for our own good, for our conversion and a way to constantly communicate with God, who knows what is best for us.

We heard our first reading from the Book of Sirach which reminds us about “God of justice, who knows no favorites.” He listens to all of our prayers, especially the cry of the poor, meaning those who are truly dependent on Him. He is not deaf to the crying of the orphans and widows who pour out their complaint to Him. God doesn’t tolerate favoritism; instead He hears the people’s prayer without delay. What is needed is our complete resignation and not expectations. Faith counts the most in our own prayer life.

Dealing with unanswered prayers does not justify our constant blaming of God’s treatment towards us. We cannot simply accuse God who remains passive with regards to our supplications. Maybe we need to discover much about ourselves that our mind is less focused on God, or maybe our ears don’t listen attentively to God’s voice. It is significant not to focus fully on ourselves and to expect instant results according to our terms. Prayer is not so much about asking God for He knows the recesses of our heart’s desire. Nevertheless, it is more appropriate that we express gratitude to God who knows how to provide us with a particular need. God knows everything, including our pain, struggles and material needs. Throughout the gospel, Jesus is encouraging His disciples to pray especially during life’s trials and difficulties. In today’s gospel, Jesus narrates to us about two men praying in the temple area.

First, a Pharisee who prays to God and yet he is actually praising himself. He doesn’t know that he is praying to himself, lifting his own seat because of his pious actions. He thanks God that he is different from others, not being immoral and being obedient to the law. He feels better about himself, thus putting himself above his need rather than the need of God. This gospel parable is actually directed towards the Pharisees who trusted in their own righteousness.

Second, the tax collector, who squeezes his fellow Jews to pay their taxes under the foreign domination by Rome. However, he is very conscious of his manner and behavior to the fact that he acknowledges before God that he is a sinner. He is honest and truthful to God. Thus, the tax collector went home justified, which means he was able to open up himself to God, and at the same time he arrived at his own self discovery and assessment.

We learn that being honest in everything is an invitation to prayer in order to arrive at the truth, humbling ourselves to foster a relationship with God which we often think of as the fruits of prayer.

I am drawn to admire the tax collector’s attitude simply because he knows how to evaluate himself with sincerity of heart, then finishes his prayer being whole again. Prayer is not about asking, but being at peace with yourself and God.

Having a meek heart opens up every possibility. St. Augustine says, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” St. Augustine understands that if we presume through pride to make ourselves the center of our own identities, the result is basically, self-pretentious. We need humility in order to recognize the love and the divine intervention of God that sustains us.

Therefore, let us return to God in prayer, not the way the Pharisee prayed, expecting a reward, but the humble prayer of a tax collector who approached God in the sincerest way possible. Let us strive to live more peacefully connected with God in truth and be restored completely renewed and healed.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ephesians 4:1-6
• Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• Luke 12:54-59

God has given us various gifts which we need to be aware of, affirming how much God loves and cares for us. These gifts are for us to bring to each other.  Therefore, we must show appreciation for each other’s gifts and use them for our well-being. 

The reading from Saint Paul to the Ephesians indicates the kindness of Paul because he writes to inspire them of unity of the Spirit and peace, despite his experience of being imprisoned. There is no rancor in his heart against those who oppressed him.  St. Paul says, “to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one spirit.”  We must be worthy of this call of Christ, meaning to say, that the life of Jesus suggests it is a call to love, both God and our fellowmen.  We need to work hard for unity and peace.

The gospel reading implies that we must realize our calling to this present world is to be able to respond to the challenges and calling with an open heart and mind so that the Holy Spirit has the space in our life to discern well.  Surely, we can predict weather changes, the incidence of rain and the direction of the wind by using modern technology; however, Jesus then sadly points out that often we cannot determine in a peaceful manner what is right and just.  

How do we arrive at an objective understanding of things:

First of all, as humans we have both feelings and facts.  At times, we are carried away by our prejudices which we must really work hard to take them away.  Thus, to attain the objectivity we allow ourselves to engage in dialogue and cordial interaction.

Secondly, when we want to arrive at a peaceful agreement or resolution, one has to know that different opinions are better than only one idea.  It strengthens our being brothers and sisters to find the commonality of purpose.  Our differences of opinion may produce a balanced solution.  Nevertheless, mutual respect and love need to be practiced. To do this well, we must have a better way to accept and to listen well to the call that God has put in our hearts.  

St. Paul clearly mentions that “there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and we are under one Father.”  Our unity involves diversity, but we call upon the Spirit to help us realize, as Paul tells us, that there is “one God of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa