Category: Uncategorized

• Job 38:1, 8-11
• Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31
• 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
• Mark 4:35-41

Today is the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Church reminds and encourages us that Christ is present even in the midst of all of life’s storms. Thus, we are glad that Jesus loves us and is ready to rescue us in the event that we are deeply terrified. In the Philippines, I watched a video of 7 young kids celebrating their friendship in the middle of the river when suddenly the rushing water overtook them. Fortunately, they bonded together and found a submerged big bolder to step on. Since they were little, the water was up to their chest and they were struggling to survive. Their families and neighbors sought help, cried aloud to calm them down and advised them to pray. Surprisingly, another rushing flow of water separated them, and two were pushed to the end of the river where a 7 foot cliff river basin brought these two children, but with God’s grace, all of the children miraculously survived after rescuers arrived.

Many of us are planning where we can enjoy our summer activity. Some wish to go to the beach or lake for a good refreshing swim and to have fun under the sun. Some will plan outdoor activities like hiking and camping with the whole family for bonding. In short, summer gives all of us an opportunity to get out and take advantage of the good and sunny weather.

There are so many things we need to anticipate when we go out there. Extra caution is needed, and safety concern is a must. We don’t want bad things to happen to anyone. All kinds of storms and dangers can be disruptive and scary, so let us be vigilant to secure safety to avoid them.

The readings and the gospel remind us of the many sufferings and storms in life that come unexpectedly. The first reading taken from the book of Job narrates to us the experience of Job in the midst of his life’s storm. He complained to God out of pride. Pride always seizes that moment when we simply only notice our very own selves. However, God brings humility to us, in particular when God said, “Here shall your proud waves be stilled.” This verse exhorted Job by God to take away his “proud waves” and made him a humble person. God is always there to help us for we are not alone.

The second reading from the 2nd letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians explains that Paul experienced great sacrifices and trials in preaching the gospel. However, whatever our life’s situation may be, God’s saving grace completely transforms the entire being of those who firmly believe. In our condition of being dead to sin, Christ raises us up to the fulness of new life. Thus, St. Paul asserts that “whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (v.17)

The gospel today is taken from St. Mark and narrates the story about Jesus and His disciples having gotten into the boat to cross the sea of Galilee. Jesus was probably tired from His ministry and works, and he fell asleep unmindful of the terrible storm, strong winds and violent waves that were causing their boat to be in peril. What are the gospel points that we need to think about?

First, His disciples woke Him up saying, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” This kind of exasperation on the part of His disciples raises the level of His disciples’ trust in the Lord in the midst of finding themselves in danger. Despite the waves and strong winds tossing their boat, the disciples continue to be faithful to what they believe, that they are not alone being with Jesus.

Second, Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still.” Jesus is the Lord who made heaven and earth. We see in this gospel that Jesus has control over nature, evil spirits, the devil, and sin itself. In Jesus obviously resides the power of God. The evangelist Mark’s intention to write his gospel is to strengthen their faith in Jesus’ teachings, works and miracles which made them accept the kingship of God. Then, Jesus said, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” I believe the crisis is over if our total dependence on Jesus, who manifests God’s coming into our midst, is firm and strong. If we feel deeply in our hearts that by accepting Jesus, our lives can be the same. This is exactly what St. Paul tells us, “The old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Third, His disciples said to one another; “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” After Jesus calmed down the sea, wind and waves, there was that peace and quiet. The disciples were surprised by the display of power that they have witnessed because Jesus lives in total trust of God. They placed themselves in the moment of grace to understand and cherish that Jesus also brings straight to their faces the ability to recognize God’s heart.

We always seek peace and fidelity to God, but oftentimes, trials and personal storms within cause us to become disturbed. It is because of our wrong choices in life. Instead of seeking Jesus for help, we engage in making storms and continue bringing others to those stormy issues in our lives. We drag others to our own divisions and misery. How do we resolve this problem? No matter how experienced we are in maneuvering our personal boat, we cannot do it alone for we need Jesus with us. Is Jesus with you in your boat of life? Even though how much we are aware of battling problems and storms that come our way, we will surely sink, and it is impossible to be saved unless Jesus is present.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is asking us whether our fears, anxieties and unbelief can be conquered by Him who gives us the real freedom thru faith and by Jesus’ faithfulness to us. It is true that we encounter different storms in life, but as we struggle to get out from that chaos, it is necessary to find God’s love and care first.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Decimotercero Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año B

• Sabiduría 1:13-15; 2:23-24
• Salmo 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
• 2 Corintios 8:7, 9, 13-15
• Marcos 5:21-43 o 5:21-24, 35b-43

Hoy es el Decimotercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario. Aprecio la liturgia de la Iglesia porque nos lleva a las asombrosas historias sobre los milagros de Jesús. Jesús no quiere que muramos, sino que estemos a salvos de la muerte. Él nunca se regocija en la muerte porque sabe que es consecuencia del pecado. Los que están con el diablo sólo experimentan la muerte. Así, nuestra preferencia por la vida eterna podría atribuirse a fomentar nuestras buenas actitudes de permanecer en el amor y estar con Dios, que es vida.

Creo que esta temporada de verano nos hará darnos cuenta del ciclo de la naturaleza. La temporada ofrece a todos una nueva perspectiva de estar vivos. Así que estemos siempre agradecidos y no nos quejemos de las cosas que experimentamos mientras estamos aquí en la tierra. Debemos entender que el inusual aumento de calor en la atmósfera es consecuencia de la negligencia por no cuidar la Tierra. Nosotros, de una forma u otra, contribuimos al cambio climático que está afectando al mundo. Podemos contribuir un poco a cambiar nuestro estilo de vida, como la correcta eliminación de residuos en casa, y la conservación del agua y la energía, son sólo formas sencillas de mostrar nuestro amor por nuestro medio ambiente. Se pueden evitar los despilfarros, pensemos en la miseria de los demás, en las necesidades y en la generación venidera.

La primera lectura del libro de la Sabiduría nos recuerda que cuando elegimos a Dios, elegimos la vida eterna, yendo en contra de la voluntad de Dios, nos volvemos hacia la muerte. Este libro dice claramente: “Dios no hizo la muerte, ni se regocija en la destrucción de los vivos”. (v.13)

La segunda lectura de la segunda carta de San Pablo a los Corintios se centra en ser pobre. San Pablo dice: “Por nosotrosse hizo pobre, para que nosotros con su pobreza nos enriqueciéramos”. (v.9) Para comprender mejor este mensaje de San Pablo, Jesús se hizo humano y se expuso a la situación humana de estar inclinado a todo tipo de vulnerabilidades como la muerte y otros sufrimientos. Sin embargo, según el ejemplo de generosidad de Jesús y de compartir nuestras bendiciones materiales con los demás, también compartimos el don de Dios de proveer para aquellos que tienen menos. Es de Cristo siendo pobre que otros aprenden a ser generosos.

La muerte nos arrebata muchas cosas a las que no podemos aferrarnos cuando morimos. Pero nuestras relaciones amorosas con los demás siguen siendo la medida de lo buenos que somos aquí en la tierra. Las ganancias materiales desaparecerán, pero los amigos y familiares quedarán atrás con recuerdos preciados sobre nosotros, ¿verdad?

El evangelio de San Marcos nos narra dos historias distintas: una mujer que sufrió hemorragias durante 12 años y una niña de 12 años que fue resucitada por Jesús de entre los muertos. En nuestras reflexiones de hoy, nos centramos en algunos mensajes importantes que son relevantes para comprender este evangelio.

En primer lugar, la historia de la mujer que sangraba abundantemente durante muchos años puede haber llegado al punto de la desesperanza. Ella escuchó de Jesús, entonces lo que quería era una intervención de un hombre que había ganado a más personas por ser hacedor de milagros. Ella acude a Jesús en busca de curación porque lo intentó todo y gastó gran parte de su dinero, pero no le pasó nada. Ella fue sanada gracias a su fe en Jesús. Fue una coincidencia que la sangre que experimenta continuamente habla de dos cosas: La sangre en Levítico 13:19-29 en la tradición judía es una participación en la vida de Dios, por otro lado, puede ser un llamado a la purificación porque se refiere a las impurezas y a la inmundicia. Ir a Jesús en fe es una nueva experiencia purificadora de creer en Jesús que viene a dar vida como Su misión en la tierra.

Segundo, el viaje de Jesús a la casa del funcionario para cumplir otra misión. Hubo una conmoción de gente pensando que la pequeña ya estaba muerta. Sin embargo, la fe del Padre en Jesús fue fuerte lo que hizo que su hija volviera a la vida. Cuando Jesús dijo estas palabras: “Niña, te digo, levántate”, la niña se levanta y camina. La “gente estaba completamente asombrada”. (vv.41-42). Jesús volvió a traer vida no sólo a la mujer con hemorragia sino también a la niña. Jesús quiere que seamos salvos y tengamos vida.

En tercer lugar, esta historia del evangelio nos recuerda la necesidad de la fe en Jesús. Creo que esta no es una historia del pasado sino nuestra historia presente y nuestra experiencia personal de Jesús de que nosotros también somos destinatarios de los milagros curativos de Jesús. Somos sanos porque tenemos fe como la mujer y el oficial de la sinagoga que se acercó a Jesús. Debemos ser humildes para pedir ayuda al Señor con fe.

¿Qué nos está diciendo Jesús? Jesús dice: “No temas; solo ten fe.” Varias veces en las Escrituras encontramos la palabra “No temas”. Mi comprensión es como la de un niño cuando sus padres le piden que se acerque a ellos, sin dudarlo, el niño hará un esfuerzo para acercarse.

dobladillo, no te preocupes, sin dudar, pero con gran confianza. De la misma manera, en nuestra vida cristiana, necesitamos dejarnos llevar y dejar a Dios, confiarle todo a Dios. Un milagro ocurre todos los días sin darnos cuenta.

Ahora el desafío es este; cuando tenemos experiencia de curación, provoca que todos no sólo permanezcan en el consuelo de creer, sino que nos hace convertirnos, actuar con bondad y amor hacia los demás. Si tenemos fe, no debe ser sólo un compartir personal sino comunitario en comunión con Dios para mejorar las vidas de los demás y del mundo.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• 1 Peter 3:8-15
• Matthew 5:20-24

Today is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost. I hope and pray that you are coping well with this summer heat. I grew up in a tropical country, so I thought I was used to this weather, but as I stay longer in the US where we have four seasons, the body has been acclimatized to the weather. That is why I have difficulty to bear the hot weather here. However, speaking of spiritual growth, it is not about what you feel, but what you have learned through the years that made you aware of what is going on in your interior life, which St. Peter says in our epistle today, is indeed a blessing, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.”

The epistle has a clear message that we must live in harmony with one another as brothers and sisters. If we become sympathetic, compassionate, loving, and humble towards others, our good attitude will result in more received blessings. As God’s children, we must turn away from evil and do good. Though God always seeks the sinners, this gives everyone an opportunity to seek God and continue to pursue Him. The mercy of God gives us hope. Let us all be gentle and respectful to each other for the Lord died for our sins and to give us a chance, keeping us with a clear conscience in order to bring us all back to God. It is better to comply with this calling of holiness by doing good than by doing evil. God keeps His eyes on those who are trying to change themselves and become holy and “His ears are attentive to their prayers.”

The gospel taken from St. Matthew is an exhortation of Jesus to His disciples when He said, “Except your justice abound more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of God.” This connotes that the strong resolution to justify oneself and one’s actions is by doing them with sincerity of heart displaying the righteousness and grace of God. He wants us, as God’s children, to manifest the heart and character of God in our daily lives. This is Jesus’ desire to establish His kingdom in a new generation as inspired by His life and sacrifices for us all.

Another point that St. Matthew mentioned in his gospel today is about how Jesus interprets and explains the Law of God. It was clear that Jesus was breaking the erroneous interpretations and attests to the fact that the attainment of the Law of God must be practiced with a greater justice, which is Jesus’ commandment of Love. Thus, we should avoid hatred, envy, and jealousy towards others. We need to learn the spirit of forgiveness, love, and acceptance, for God always forgives our sins no matter how grave they are, and so we should do the same towards our neighbors. We need to forgive! For whatever we do to others, we do it to God.

Therefore, what God wants us to understand is that we need to outdo the wrong attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes which, for them, observing the Law is the most important. This is not what Jesus wants to teach us. The words of Jesus on justice come from what God has done for us, which proposes that we too must base on being pardoned and embraced with God’s mercy despite our defects and sins. Before we realize the need to forgive others, God first shows us His forgiveness and pardons and accepts who we are. People are afraid and hesitant to practice these core values of the gospel.

Look not at our failures or mistakes, but look into or examine our hearts and know that we too are recipients of God’s greater love and pardon. Always remember that we are asked to be reconciled with God and others. Reconciliation demands acceptance and understanding.

Today many people seek justice. How do I understand the call on Jesus to practice justice? Is it in accordance with Jesus’ teaching?

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Ezekiel 17:22-24
• Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
• Mark 4:26-34

Today is the day we remember all fathers.  I give honor and respect to those fathers who render sacrifices to guide and to raise their children with love.  May God bless you and your family always. 

Today’s liturgical calendar is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. I have observed that the color green has become prominent in my surroundings. Seeds are starting to sprout, and flowering plants are beginning to bloom. Everything adds joy to everyone and to our Mother Earth, but we cannot avoid the unfortunate consequence to our physical condition.  The high count of pollen in the atmosphere from oak trees and other plants cause severe irritation in the eyes and clogged and sneezy noses.  I personally have that summer sickness.  I must accept that summer permits us to stay outdoors; however, we need to be extra careful. 

In our Sunday readings today, we hear beautiful allusions from the many significant events in the history of Israel and from Jesus’ parables.  

The first reading is taken from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel.  To understand the original meaning of this scriptural text, there are many symbolisms we need to familiarize ourselves with, for example, “All that the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord bring low the high tree and lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree and make the withered tree bloom.”  What we hear signifies Israel’s defeat, and so she needs to have a return and be replanted back in Jerusalem.  It is also to announce the coming time when God (messianic prophecy) is going to bring back Israel, a promise where God is going to make valleys raised, and mountains made low.  The lowly tress will branch above the lofty which will wither and be brought low.  “It shall put forth branches and bear fruit,” which signifies those who are faithful and loyal kings who will form the new kingdom.  “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it,” refers to its pristine and innocence as in the book of Genesis after the flood.  

The 2nd reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians reminds us that we have courage “for we walk by faith, not by sight.”  It means that our faith makes us persevere in walking with confidence.  The word “confidere” in Latin means to believe.  We know that we believe and trust God in the midst of difficult challenges and that it is hard to imagine how we could dare to have hope. We might be tempted to lose courage, but our faith dictates that it’s not the way we think of having the power to be victorious. Rather, we need God alone, believing that He alone can redeem, and besides that, the Lord knows more than we understand. 

The gospel consists of two parables: 

In the 1st parable a farmer is scattering seeds on the land.  The seeds grow and bear fruits even without human intervention.  The farmer can harvest its fruits with God’s grace, which moves mysteriously in ways that we cannot understand.  We plant seeds, maybe with little effort to cultivate them, but we believe that God is in control and not us.   In the same manner, the kingdom of God continues to grow mysteriously, for God is the real builder and we just cooperate with Him.  Therefore, we are called to place ourselves in God’s loving hands and not to be so trusting with our own human capability.  If we are truly committed to living out the gospel values in our lives, then, even though we might not see the results immediately, it is possible that we have no idea of how we are witnessing God’s work in us and influencing others by our fidelity and trust in God.  

The Kingdom of God grows within every person precisely because in human interiority, we seek and find God according to St. Augustine.  Though it cannot be attained in human intellectual pursuits, we search God in the heart.  It has established quietly in our interior life where the heart is attracted to Divine Goodness. It grows when we humbly commit ourselves in prayer and enables us to fertilize our hearts with His Words and Sacraments. 

The 2nd parable is about the kingdom of God as compared to a mustard seed. Though the smallest of seeds, it springs up to become the largest of plants.  It describes to us the humble beginning of the kingdom of God which is likened to a mustard seed.  A mustard seed is the tiniest of all seeds which grows into the largest shrub and gives shade to the birds. 

The kingdom of God parable is identified by the good fruits we produce through the acts of faith, hope and charity.  This is precisely what the early Christians did.  They had terrible experiences of frustrations, desolations, and weak faith, but they cling to Jesus, our Lord, and to each other. And they slowly grow with much dependence in God who called them.  We too might be frustrated and even discouraged by continued deterioration of peoples’ trust in the Church, violence, hatred, and intolerance, but we cannot easily give up. 

I believe that God will make everything the way He wants it to be.  Now, I place my trust in Him, believing that He alone can heal our spiritual interior struggles with His love, mercy, and grace. Lord, please give us courage to sustain this faith and to witness it for others who need it from You and me. Then, we ask You to make our hearts fertile with good soil, so that love would bring more life and growth, not only for me, but for others and the whole Church. 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

Message to the Parishioners

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

It’s summer!!!  I notice that there is not much spring here in Carson City.  It seems that the season went right from winter to summer with no spring in between. We can’t see the back yard because of so many growing plants and trees with branches covered with green leaves.  It is just like the parable about the farmer sowing seeds and the next morning having big plants and not noticing the overwhelming growth right before his eyes.

In the same manner, our dear children have grown so fast.  Time flies so fast that it’s hard to imagine that they already have graduated from Pre-K, Elementary, Senior High, or this year have successfully done their college studies.  To all the graduates of 2024, thank you for your patience, diligence, and perseverance to reach a milestone of your success.  Congratulations to all, especially to the graduates of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School.  

To the parents and guardians who have journeyed with your children in their search for knowledge, guiding them and supporting their education, your sacrifices are not forgotten.  We thank you. 

To our Principal Peggy, teachers and staff, your tremendous hard work inspires the whole parish with your dedication and exemplary contribution to our students.  You have planted the seed and given the time to teach our students to yield fruits.  Hats off to everyone!

How good it is to thank and honor God, and the goodness of every parishioner is like a bountiful harvest, upright and fruitful and rooted in God. The kingdom of God parable is identified by the good fruits we produce through the acts of faith, hope and charily. This is precisely what contributed to the success of the lives of those early Christians. 

I have witnessed this reality, being with you for almost ten months in the parish of St. Teresa of Avila, I won’t forget how amazing everyone blossomed and grew in faith where I was happy ministering for a while in a forest loving and praising community.  I want to remain with you, in your loving hearts, whispering a blessing for all.  I have gained many friends, whom I cherish in my heart and certainly those memorable experiences together, especially celebrating daily and weekend masses and sharing gospel reflections are a few of the things to remember. They become the very source and strength of true friendships.  As an Augustinian Missionary, building friendship is our charism of life.  I am happy to have many friends here. Thank you for being a part of your faith-community and your faith journey.  St. Thomas Cathedral is just 25 minutes away!  See you there. 

Friends in Christ, when frustrations, desolations, and weak faith come, always call on Jesus and cling to Him.   Then, we can slowly recover from those things and grow with much dependence in God because He loves us.  In spiritual life, it is normal to feel emptiness, dryness, and discouragement by continued deterioration of trust in the Church, hatred, and intolerance, but please don’t easily give up.  God works in mysterious ways. 

I believe that God will make everything the way He wants it to be.  Now, we place our trust in Him, believing that He alone can heal our spiritual interior struggles with His love, mercy, and grace.   Lord, please give us courage to sustain this faith and to witness it for others who need it from You and me. Then, we ask the good Lord to make our hearts fertile with good soil, so that love will bring more life and growth, not only for us, but for others and the whole Church. 

God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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 El Dictado del Corazón

Onceavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año B

• Ezequiel 17:22-24
• Salmo 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
• 2 Corintios 5:6-10
• Marcos 4:26-34

Hoy Celebramos a  todos los padres, mi respeto y admiración a aquellos padres que se sacrifican por educar, guiar, enseñar valores y por formar a sus hijos con amor y entrega total. Que Dios los bendiga junto a sus familias hoy y siempre.

El calendario litúrgico de hoy es el Onceavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. He observado que los colores verdes en mi entorno se vuelven prominentes, las semillas comienzan a brotar y las plantas con flores comienzan a florecer, todo agrega alegría a todos y a nuestra Madre Tierra. Pero no podemos evitar la desafortunada consecuencia de nuestra condición física. El alto contenido de polen en la atmósfera procedente de robles y otras plantas provoca irritación grave en los ojos y nariz tapada y estornudos. Tengo náuseas de verano. Debo aceptar que el verano nos permite estar al aire libre, pero hay que tener mucho cuidado.

En nuestras lecturas de hoy, escuchamos hermosas alusiones a muchos eventos importantes en la historia de Israel y a las parábolas de Jesús.

La primera lectura está tomada del libro del profeta Ezequiel. Para comprender el significado original de este texto de las Escrituras, debemos familiarizarnos con muchos de los simbolismos, por ejemplo, “Todos los árboles del campo sabrán que yo, el Señor, bajo el árbol alto y levanto el árbol humilde”. , seca el árbol verde y haz florecer el árbol seco”. Lo que escuchamos significa la derrota de Israel, por lo que necesita regresar y ser replantado en Jerusalén. También es para anunciar el tiempo venidero en el que Dios traerá de regreso a Israel, una promesa en la que Dios elevará los valles y bajará las montañas. Los árboles humildes se ramificarán sobre los altos, quienes se marchitarán y caerán. “Producirá ramas y dará fruto”, lo que significa aquellos que son reyes fieles y leales que formarán el nuevo reino. “Debajo de él habitarán toda especie de aves”, se refiere a su inocencia prístina como en el libro del Génesis después del diluvio.

La segunda lectura de la segunda carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos recuerda que tenemos valor “porque por fe caminamos, no por vista”. Significa que nuestra fe nos hace perseverar en caminar con confianza. La palabra “confianza” en latín significa creer. Sabemos que creemos y confiamos en Dios en medio de desafíos difíciles y es difícil imaginar cómo podríamos atrevernos a tener esperanza. Podríamos sentirnos tentados a perder el coraje. Pero nuestra fe dicta que no es la forma en que pensamos en tener el poder para ser victoriosos, sino que necesitamos solo a Dios, creyendo que solo Él puede redimir. Y además, el Señor sabe más de lo que entendemos.

El evangelio consta de dos parábolas:

La primera parábola trata de un granjero que esparce semillas en la tierra. Las semillas crecen y dan frutos incluso sin intervención humana. El agricultor puede cosechar sus frutos con la gracia de Dios que se mueve misteriosamente en formas que no podemos entender. Plantamos semillas, tal vez con poco esfuerzo para cultivarlas, pero creemos que Dios tiene el control y no nosotros. De la misma manera, el reino de Dios continúa creciendo misteriosamente porque Dios es el verdadero constructor y nosotros simplemente cooperamos con Él. Por eso, estamos llamados a ponernos en las manos amorosas de Dios y a no confiar tanto en nuestra capacidad humana. Si estamos verdaderamente comprometidos a vivir los valores del Evangelio en nuestras vidas, entonces, aunque no veamos los resultados, es posible que no tengamos idea de cómo estamos testificando e influyendo en otros a través de nuestra fidelidad y confianza en Dios.

El Reino de Dios crece en cada persona precisamente porque en la interioridad humana buscamos y encontramos a Dios según san Agustín. Aunque no se puede lograr en las actividades intelectuales humanas, buscamos a Dios en el corazón. Se ha establecido silenciosamente, en nuestra vida interior, donde el corazón es atraído por la Bondad Divina. Crece cuando nos comprometemos humildemente a la oración y nos permitimos fertilizar nuestro corazón con Sus Palabra y Sacramentos.

La segunda parábola trata sobre el reino de Dios en comparación con una semilla de mostaza, que aunque la más pequeña de las semillas brota hasta convertirse en la más grande de las plantas y da sombra a los pájaros. Nos describe el reino de Dios. 

La parábola del reino de Dios se identifica por los buenos frutos que producimos mediante el acto de fe, esperanza y caridad. Esto es precisamente lo que hicieron los primeros cristianos. Tuvieron terribles experiencias de frustraciones, desolaciones y fe débil pero se aferran a Jesús, nuestro Señor. Y poco a poco crecen con mucha dependencia de Dios que los llamó. Nosotros también podemos sentirnos frustrados e incluso desanimados por el continuo deterioro de la confianza de la gente en la Iglesia, la violencia, el odio y la intolerancia, pero no podemos rendirnos fácilmente.

Dios hará todo como Él quiere que sea. Ahora pongo mi confianza en Él, creyendo que sólo Él puede redimir este desastre con Su amor, misericordia y gracia. Señor, por favor danos el coraje para sostener esta fe y ser testigos de ella para otros que la necesitan de ti y de mí. Luego, te pedimos que hagas que nuestros corazones sean fértiles con buena tierra, para que el amor traiga más vida y crecimiento, no sólo para mí sino para los demás y para toda la Iglesia.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Romans 8:18-23
• Luke 5:1-11

We are in the 4th Sunday after Pentecost.  I guess we are enjoying the summer weather with many things on our mind, like planning for a good summer vacation or outdoor activities with the whole family.  When travelling, however, always include God in your plans.  Stay connected with God in prayer and fulfill your Sunday obligation. 

We have inspiring readings today from the epistle and the gospel teaching us to hope in the face of humanity and to find comfort and consolation in this present affliction. 

The epistle from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans states that the sufferings of this present time “are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to come, that shall be revealed to us.”  Human suffering is the consequence of man’s iniquity and sin.  However, there is Goodnews.  Our Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel are the only explanation and solution to our human sufferings.  We need to learn how to be reconciled and to submit ourselves to God.  When there is the great possibility to be reconciled with God and others, then we have a new way of viewing life in the world.  We fix our mind and spirit to that incomparable glory, which is to come as promised to us in Christ.  Are you groaning with creation?  We should not be discouraged and hopeless in finding the promise and plan of God.  We are all adopted children of God and, therefore, cast ourselves in His compassion and love.  

In today’s gospel pericope we find some interesting passages about a fruitful life with Jesus.  We are also challenged about how receptive we are to hear the Word of God.  Jesus is the embodiment of God in the world.   

First, Jesus saw two ships on the shore, and he went into one of the ships which belongs to Simon Peter.  He requested to move the ship a little closer to the shore, and then sitting He started to teach the multitude. (v3) I believe that people participated in Jesus’ spiritual teaching and He consoled so many people, but are we in the same boat where Jesus is? 

Following the example of Jesus, our task is to evangelize in order to spread the seed of the Good News.  We share the Word of God thru good deeds and actions toward everyone we encounter.  Jesus never promises us that we will see the fruit of our work for evangelization in our lifetime, but it is nice to talk about it or try coming to mass for a better understanding of our faith. 

Second, the disciples were frustrated about having no catch after a long night fishing.  Simon said, “Master we have labored all night.”   It was Simon’s honest answer to Jesus.  It is normal to be frustrated when at times we can hardly realize some of our expectations in life.  What happened to Simon Peter was that he was probably losing hope that day. It was difficult for him as he was trying to catch fish for his family, but after fishing all night he came up empty handed.  

We encounter many people in the same situation.  Though we are fortunate to walk with them on their journey, have we understood the condition they are in at their lowest moment? Probably, their spiritual life is dry and been dormant for years, just looking for someone who can lift up their downtrodden spirit.  Like Jesus who has been sensible towards others, we too must keep an eye out for those who are willing to find out a little more out of an act of charity and fraternal accompaniment.   

Third, Jesus says to Simon, “Launch out into the deep.” (vv.4-5) This is Jesus’ words of opportunities.  The challenge for Simon and the other disciples is to do what Jesus’ commands.  Following what is in Jesus’ heart for them is to achieve and to fulfill right here and right now.   What is Christ calling us to do? 

I think our readings today present a unique challenge. Perhaps, God is telling you something, maybe you have even felt something, but you have not followed through with it.  Are you willing to see for yourself if Jesus is real and if He is trying to speak with you in your solitude in prayer?   Maybe we are just lazy to explore, so take a little time to listen. 

Jesus says, “Fear not.”  “Do not be afraid.”   These words assure us that Jesus is giving us the grace to hope by submitting ourselves to His divine plan….we can work together in faith and journey together as brothers and sisters following Jesus, for He has an abundant promise if we just leave everything and faithfully follow Him. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to be with you and to help understand what God is telling you. When a word or phrase comes to you, let it sink into your heart.  Ask Jesus what he wants you to do about it. Let His word bear fruit in your life.    

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 3:9-15
• Psalms 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
• 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
• Mark 3:20-35 

Today, we celebrate the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. We reflect on the readings today where the Holy Church makes us aware of our human condition that we are prone to and struggle against evil every day. However, the good news is that it is through Christ and in Christ that we are victorious because it is Jesus Christ, who is the true Messiah and the Son of God, who has the power over evil, and we obtain victory through Him.

The first reading from the book of Genesis narrates to us that Adam and Eve sinned against God by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. They realized their own pride and sinfulness towards God that they were ashamed of being naked. Their disobedience resulted in the tainted and broken relationship with God, which unfortunately this holds up to our own maliciousness. There is that cycle of blaming one another without accepting their faults. Both of them never realize their faults and the consequences of their disobedient action. In the same manner, if we have done something wrong, it is hard to take ownership, and no one says sorry, or I was wrong. Our own excuses never erase the consequences of our actions. Instead we must humbly accept our mistakes which leads to an easy way to ask forgiveness.

In the 2nd reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, St. Paul delivers to them a letter of encouragement and expresses his full support to the community of Corinth and for us who listen. St. Paul brings into the right perspective how essential it is to live a life of faith. He preaches with much conviction of a life with active participation in the resurrection of Jesus, which gives us new life and “our inner self is being renewed day by day.” He also reminds us that “as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen, for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” (v.18)

Applying these words to our life, when we accept that we are physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally dwindling because of age, we change our perspective about life. We choose to have more peace and strive to work with less anxieties and stress because we have a greater understanding of the truth. Thus, the inner self-being has been slowly renewed by God, if only we allow Him to do something for our integral transformation and conversion.

The gospel from St. Mark narrates to us about Jesus’ homecoming, not to his native place which is Nazareth, but his adopted place Capernaum. It was a place where people converge to listen to Him preaching. Just imagine how Jesus managed his time. Maybe from sunrise to sunset He was committed to fulfill His mission, to be with so many people teaching them up to the point that He had no more time to eat.

Let us meditate on the four important views in this gospel pericope.

First, Jesus was busy doing His mission for so many people. When His relatives heard about His presence, they said, “He is out of His mind.” (v.21) This is an expression of frustrations demonstrating their own rejection of Him, like the pharisees and scribes denying that Jesus was sent to fulfill His divinely given role by the Almighty Father for man’s liberation and salvation. This was outright rejection by the people and His relatives to do away with His miraculous works and powerful preaching. Despite this insulting remark, Jesus continued to remain committed to, and focused on, His ministry.

Second, Jesus is being accused of driving out demons because He’s in a league with evil. It is outrageous, but it does show how some religious people rebelled against him. Jesus speaks to them “How can Satan drive out Satan. If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (v.23) Jesus was accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan rather than God. It is clear for Jesus to raise His points that “Satan can’t cast out Satan.” It is not something Satan would do because it would be essentially working against Satan himself. How could his kingdom flourish if Satan opposes himself? In reality, Jesus actually liberates the possessed by His power, being God. Having divine power to subdue anything that opposes His goodness is a sign of Jesus’ divinity.

Third, Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemies against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” What does this mean? In order to understand this verse, think of the Scribes and Pharisees who had witnessed all the good things Jesus had done; however, they continued denying the goodness of Jesus. They cannot accept the Truth, even though they had the knowledge because they don’t want to accept the truth and tried to manipulate the truth; therefore, they lied big time.

God is Truth, and telling a lie is contrary to the very nature of God. He cannot handle lying, where many people lie to the point of believing their own lies. Lying eventually warps our consciences where we cannot distinguish between the truth and falsehood.

Therefore, despite all the revelations and signs indicating Jesus as the Messiah, like the Pharisees and Scribes, some of us continue to reject Him. This is what is being referred to as the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. The sin cannot be forgiven, not because God doesn’t want to forgive it, but because we reject God and no longer want to be forgiven.

Fourth, Jesus was told that His mother and His brothers arrived. Jesus asked them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He looked around and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the Will of God is my brother, my sister and mother.” (v.34) Jesus teaches an important lesson today that through faith and obedience to God’s will, we all have the opportunity to become members of God’s family. Hence, if we are brothers and sisters of Christ, we must go through a dynamic process of personal encounter with Christ. We must prove it through our faithfulness and obedience to God’s Will. We must work for real intimacy with Jesus which is about communion with Him. It happens when our hearts becomes more like His.

Finally, as brothers, sisters or mother of Christ means that it goes beyond family and blood relation because our vital life is centered on God that is our absolute priority. Let us return to God. Even though God is being marginalized by a modern world, our society continues to promote general indifference to the Christian faith. Let us be submissive to God’s Will. Our total surrender and obedience to God is necessary for us and the world to survive.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El dictado del corazón

Décimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

• Génesis 3:9-15
• Salmos 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
• 2 Corintios 4:13-5:1
• Marcos 3:20-35 

Hoy celebramos el Décimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Reflexionamos sobre las lecturas que hoy la Santa Iglesia nos hace conscientes de nuestra condición humana. Somos propensos a luchar contra el mal todos los días. Sin embargo, la buena noticia es que es a través de Cristo y en Cristo, que saldremos victoriosos, porque es Jesucristo, quien es el verdadero Mesías y el Hijo de Dios, quien tiene poder sobre el mal y obtendremos la victoria por medio de Él.

La primera lectura del libro del Génesis narra a Adán y Eva pecando contra Dios al comer del fruto del árbol prohibido. Se dieron cuenta de su orgullo y pecaminosidad hacia Dios. Les dio vergüenza al darse cuenta de que estaban desnudos. Su desobediencia resultó en que su relación con Dios ya no fuese igual y que lamentablemente resiste nuestra malicia. Existe ese ciclo de culparnos unos a otros sin aceptar nuestras faltas. Ambos nunca se dieron cuenta de sus faltas y de las consecuencias de sus acciones desobedientes. De la misma manera, si hemos hecho algo mal, es difícil responsabilizarnos y nadie dice “lo siento” ni admite su error. Nuestras excusas nunca borran las consecuencias de nuestras acciones. Es necesario ser humildes y aceptar nuestros errores, lo que lleva a pedir perdón y poder sanar.

En la segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Corintios, San Pablo les entregó una carta de aliento y expresó su total apoyo a la comunidad de Corinto y a nosotros que la escuchamos. San Pablo aporta la perspectiva correcta, esencial para vivir una vida de fe. Predica con mucha convicción que una vida con participación en la resurrección de Jesús puede darnos vida nueva y “nuestro ser interior se va renovando día a día”. También nos recuerda que “no miramos lo que se ve sino lo que no se ve, porque lo que se ve es transitorio, pero lo que no se ve es eterno”. (v.18)

Al aplicar estas palabras a nuestras vidas, cuando aceptamos que estamos física, espiritual, mental y emocionalmente disminuidos debido a la edad, cambiamos nuestra perspectiva de la vida. Elegimos tener más paz y esforzarnos por trabajar con menos ansiedad y estrés. Porque tenemos una mayor comprensión de la verdad. Así, el ser interior ha sido renovado lentamente por Dios, si tan sólo le permitimos hacer algo por nuestra transformación y conversión total.

El evangelio de San Marcos nos narra el regreso de Jesús, no a su lugar natal que es Nazaret sino a su lugar de adopción Cafarnaúm. Era un lugar donde la gente se reunía para escucharlo predicar. Imagínense cómo Jesús administró su tiempo, tal vez desde el amanecer hasta el atardecer estuvo comprometido a cumplir su misión, a estar con tanta gente enseñándoles hasta el punto de que no tuvo tiempo para comer.

Meditemos en cuatro puntos de vista de del evangelio:

Primero, Jesús estaba ocupado cumpliendo su misión para tanta gente, y cuando sus familiares se enteraron de su presencia, dijeron: “Está loco”. (v.21) Esta es una expresión de frustración que demuestra su rechazo hacia Él, como los fariseos y los escribas negaban que Jesús fuera enviado a cumplir una misión divinamente otorgado por el Padre Todopoderoso para la liberación y salvación del hombre. Este rechazo total por parte del pueblo y de Sus familiares acaba con Sus obras milagrosas y su poderosa predicación. A pesar de este comentario insultante, Jesús continuó comprometido y enfocado en Su ministerio.

En segundo lugar, se acusa a Jesús de expulsar demonios porque está aliado con el mal. Es indignante, pero muestra cómo algunas personas religiosas se rebelaron contra él. Jesús les habla: “¿Cómo puede Satanás expulsar a Satanás? Si un reino está dividido contra sí mismo, ese reino no puede subsistir”. (v.23) Jesús fue acusado de expulsar demonios por el poder de Satanás y no por el poder de Dios. Es claro para Jesús plantear sus puntos de que “Satanás no puede expulsar a Satanás”. No es algo que Satanás haría porque esencialmente estaría trabajando contra el mismo. ¿Cómo podría florecer su reino si Satanás se opone a sí mismo? En realidad, Jesús libera a los poseídos por su poder, siendo Dios. Tener el poder divino para dominar cualquier cosa que se oponga a su bondad, es signo de la divinidad de Jesús.

En tercer lugar, Jesús dice: “En verdad les digo que todos los pecados y todas las blasfemias que los hombres pronuncien serán perdonados. Pero quien blasfemia contra el Espíritu Santo nunca tendrá perdón, sino que es culpable de un pecado eterno”. ¿Qué quiere decir esto? Para entender este versículo, piensen en los escribas y fariseos que habían sido testigos de todas las cosas buenas que Jesús había hecho, sin embargo, continuaron negando la bondad de Jesús. No pueden aceptar la Verdad, a pesar de que tienen el conocimiento porque no quieren aceptar la verdad y tratan de manipularla, por lo tanto, mintieron mucho.

Dios es Verdad, y decir una mentira es contrario a la naturaleza misma de Dios. No puede soportar la mentira, algo que muchas personas mienten hasta el punto de creer sus mentiras. Mentir eventualmente deforma nuestra conciencia y no podemos distinguir entre la verdad y la falsedad.
Por lo tanto, a pesar de todas las revelaciones y señales que indican que Jesús es el Mesías, al igual que los fariseos y los escribas, algunos de nosotros seguimos rechazándolo. Esto es lo que se conoce como el pecado imperdonable contra el Espíritu Santo. El pecado no puede ser perdonado, no porque Dios no quiera perdonarlo sino porque nosotros rechazamos a Dios y ya no queremos ser perdonados.

Cuarto, a Jesús le dijeron que habían llegado su madre y sus hermanos. Jesús les preguntó: “¿Quiénes son mi madre y mis hermanos? Miró a su alrededor y dijo: “Aquí están mi madre y mis hermanos. Porque quien hacen la Voluntad de Dios es mi hermano, mi hermana y mi madre”. (v.34) Jesús enseña hoy una lección importante: a través de la fe y la obediencia a la voluntad de Dios, todos tenemos la oportunidad de convertirnos en miembros de la familia de Dios. Por tanto, si somos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, debemos pasar por un proceso dinámico de encuentro personal con Cristo. Debemos demostrarlo a través de nuestra fidelidad y obediencia a la Voluntad de Dios. Debemos trabajar por una verdadera intimidad con Jesús, que se trata de comunión con Él. Sucede cuando nuestro corazón se vuelve más parecido al suyo.

Finalmente, ser hermanos, hermanas o madres de Cristo significa que va más allá de la relación familiar y consanguínea porque nuestra vida vital está centrada en Dios que es nuestra prioridad absoluta. Volvamos a Dios. Aunque Dios está siendo marginado por el mundo moderno, nuestra sociedad continúa promoviendo una indiferencia general hacia la fe cristiana. Seamos sumisos a la Voluntad de Dios. Nuestra total entrega y obediencia a Dios son necesarias para que nosotros y el mundo sobrevivamos.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Ephesians 3:8-19
• John 19:31-37

Today we celebrate the External Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. I remember an icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hung in our family altar, a beautiful image of Jesus lovingly pointing to His heart as a gesture of Love and His invitation to adore and worship Him. Every time I glanced at that image, I felt joy, love, and peace. My mother had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart. She wore a scapular of the Sacred Heart, and every Friday she did the consecration to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Maybe because of her deep spirituality and devotion, the Lord granted her mercy and love and rewarded her with two Augustinian priest-sons.

The most Sacred Heart of Jesus was introduces to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in France in the year 1670s with several apparitions of Jesus to her. It was an apparition that convinced St. Margaret to propagate the devotion throughout the world to express Jesus’ pure love for humanity. Jesus offered himself on the cross to show His mercy and redemption; thus, we too in return have to offer allegiance and love for God. We have countless devotions in the church, but we must always understand only one common message, that is, God emphasizes His love and mercy. This devotion to the Sacred Heart manifests joy and love. When we look at the icon, it summons us to enter into the divine source of charity. St. Margaret Mary described her experience of the Lord: “My Divine Heart is so passionately fond of the human race and of you.” It is our responsibility to reveal God’s love throughout the world by our good works, mercy, love, and kindness, for these are treasures of His heart. We must unite ourselves with Jesus’ mystical Heart that loves and makes our joy complete. It is the heart, the core of our humanity, with love, emotions, desires, and the force of the human will. The heart that is open will have that ability and the capacity to absorb Jesus’ Heart. In the Heart of Jesus, we experience His mercy and His infinite wish to be in a relationship with us.

The gospel of St. John reminds us that Jesus is the One who empties himself out for others, desiring our eternal salvation, seeking out the lost and, ultimately, offering His life on the cross. Every word, action, attitude, and ministry of Jesus manifests a perfect, pure, and selfless love for humanity. Jesus manifests His unconditional, infinite, and divine love of His Heart which is the power to heal the world of its hatred, sin, and rejection of God. This is the radical act of love and redemption.

Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection is the gentle yet powerful absorption, refraction, and transformation of violence into love, sin into grace, hatred into forgiveness and death into life. The triumph of the Sacred Heart is the ultimate victory of love. With what is happening all over the world, our contemporary society must end violence of terrorism, mass shootings, abuse of children and the vulnerable, and defend human life and dignity so that we may find hope, healing, and peace through the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

Sacred Heart devotion is not magic, but it is a sacred path for us to encounter the fullness of the Gospel which is simply God’s saving love poured out for us in Jesus Christ.

As we steadily progress in our knowledge and communion with the Lord, we will fall ever more deeply in love with Jesus and live out that transforming and redemptive relationship in every detail of our lives. This devotion unites our minds, hearts and wills in one great act of oblation — a total gift of self to the One who has first offered himself completely to and for us.

Lastly, Bishop Baron in his book on the Eucharist, wrote that Jesus is “breaking His heart in compassion.” When we receive Jesus’ Body during communion, what conscious thought does this bring to your heart? Do you accept it as a visible image of Jesus’ Sacred Heart? In the Eucharist, Jesus completely gives himself to us, literally entering into our bodies, souls, and lives. It is for us to encounter the love of the Lord.

Every First Friday, please consider consecrating your marriage, family, home, and life to the Sacred Heart in a formal way. It makes a big difference.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Exodus 24:3-8
• Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
• Hebrews 9:11-15
• Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

 For the past three years in America, we have been preparing for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, which will be on July 17-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA. Thousands of people from four corners of America and faithful Catholics from other countries will converge to worship, adore, and celebrate mass together with the papal envoy, His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle, DD.  We gather together to experience profound and personal renewal through the power of Christ’s love in the Eucharist.  This is a kind of new Pentecost to bring revival in the church to return and believe in the very source and summit of our Christian life, the Sacrament of the Eucharist.  

As we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ this year, I am mindful of the tremendous importance of renewing our faith in the sacramental presence of God in the Eucharist and especially in the meal of the gifts of consecrated Bread and Wine that bind us so closely to one another as the Body of Christ.   We thank God for the increasing number of Catholics coming back for the celebration of the Eucharist in person, singing praises of God, hearing the word proclaimed and sharing the meal of sacrifice Jesus has given us. 

In the reading today, taken from the book of Exodus, we heard about Moses telling his disciples about doing everything that the Lord has told them. They agreed to live faithfully the life to which God called them through the laws and customs.  Moses splashed half of the blood on the altar, and the rest he sprinkled on the people professing to do everything the Lord has asked them.  The significance of the blood sprinkled is a sign of a communal and personal union with the very source of life.  Furthermore, the blood covenant is both an oath of fidelity and their union with God.  It brings a good understanding of the new covenant; Jesus instituted a sacrifice by sharing His Precious Blood, as its own form of the Eucharist. 

The second reading from the book of Hebrews states clearly that Jesus took on the role of the Blood in His divine and human personhood, “thus obtaining ETERNAL REDEMPTION.”   Beginning in the New Testament, we don’t sacrifice the blood of animals but accept the perfect offering of Jesus’ sacrifice of His own life on the cross and shedding His own blood for the salvation of many. 

Today’s gospel of Mark narrates to us about the experience of Jesus’ disciples during the last supper.   They witnessed the breaking of the bread and drinking the cup of wine which signifies the offering of His Body and Blood as a new covenant of union doing God’s Will.  What are important points we need to reflect on in this episode of the Lord’s Supper? 

First, it is an account of the preparations for and celebration of the Passover.  It is a simple meal remembering the chosen people’s flight from Egypt, so there was no time for bread to rise.  While they were having a meal, there were several blessings and sharing of wine, all in memory of what God has said to them. They are called saved and one holy people.  Jesus, on that last night before He handed His life over to the Father, gathered the disciples for them to celebrate a different way of having a Passover meal, indicating Jesus’ readiness to perfectly offer a sacrifice of His own life on the cross for the salvation of all men.  

Second, Jesus offering His Body and Blood in a sacramental manner. The bread is part of the ritual remembering the unleavened bread of the Exodus. “Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them and said, ‘Take it, this is my body.” Then, “He took a cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.”  Wine is present on the table as the unified sharing of Himself to them and to God’s people. 

Third, Jesus begins the changing of history as we proclaim His death on the Cross which culminates with His death in Calvary and His Resurrection and the handing-over of His Spirit to His disciples and to the universal Church.  Today as we celebrate the Eucharist, we become more conscious that the sacrifice of Christ is for all, and that the Eucharist thus compels all who believe in Him to become “bread that is broken and shared” for building fraternal fellowships in the world.  Each of us is truly called, together with Jesus to be broken for the life of the world. 

By partaking of Jesus in the Eucharist, we are united with Him and to those to whom He gives Himself.  It means our human and social relations must be integrated in the mystical body of Christ which is the whole Church.  The Eucharist is the sacrament of communion between all of us, allowing to be reconciled with Jesus Christ. 

Finally, we must prepare for the Eucharist each time we receive Jesus by our fidelity of living-out our mission, “Ite, missa est…” always resonates in our ears that the mass has not yet ended but it is a dismissal in order to begin our understanding that we are being sent to love and serve the Lord.  We claim our real identity as His Holy Body and Blood. Each of us is challenged to pour ourselves out for others as Jesus did; and the entire community is equally challenged to BE CHRIST for others. 

May the Body and Blood of Jesus transform us to be caring and loving persons in our own family and community. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, B

• Éxodo 24:3-8
• Salmo 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
• Hebreos 9:11-15
• Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26

 Durante los últimos tres años en Estados Unidos, nos hemos estado preparando para el Décimo Congreso Eucarístico Nacional, que se llevará a cabo del 17 al 21 de Julio en Indianápolis. Miles de fieles católicos de todo el mundo nos reuniremos para alabar, adorar y celebrar misa junto al representante papal, Su Eminencia Luis Cardenal Tagle, DD. Nos reuniremos para una renovación profunda y personal a través del poder del amor de Cristo en la Eucaristía. Sepuede decir que es como en Pentecostés, traer avivamiento en la iglesia para regresar y creer en la fuente misma y cumbre de nuestra fe católica, el Sacramento de la Eucaristía. 

Al celebrar la Fiesta del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo, soy consciente de la importancia de renovar nuestra fe en la presencia sacramental de Dios en la Eucaristía. En los dones del Pan y del Vino consagrados, la comida que nos une tan estrechamente los unos a otros es el Cuerpo de Cristo. Damos gracias a Dios por el creciente número de católicos que regresan para la celebración de la Eucaristía en persona, cantan alabanzas a Dios, escuchan la palabra proclamada y comparten el sacrificio de nuestro Señor Jesús. 

En la primera lectura tomada del libro del Éxodo. Escuchamos cómo Moisés le dijo al pueblo: “Haremos todo lo que el Señor nos ha dicho”. Acordaron vivir fielmente la vida a la que Dios los llamó a través de las leyes y costumbres. Moisés derramó sangre sobre el altar y el resto lo roció sobre el pueblo que profesaba hacer todo lo que el Señor les había pedido. El significado de la sangre rociada es un signo de unión comunitaria y personal con la fuente misma de la vida. Además, la alianza de sangre es un vínculo, un juramento de fidelidad a su unión con Dios. Aporta una buena comprensión del nuevo pacto, la institución de la Eucaristía por nuestro Señor Jesús al compartir Su Precioso Cuerpo y Sangre. 

La segunda lectura del libro de Hebreos establece claramente que Jesús asumió el papel de la Sangre en Su personalidad divina y humana, “obteniendo así la REDENCIÓN ETERNA”. A partir del Nuevo Testamento, no sacrificamos la sangre de animales, sino que aceptamos la ofrenda perfecta del sacrificio de Jesús de su propia vida en la cruz y el derramamiento de su sangre por la salvación de muchos. 

El evangelio de hoy según San Marcos narra la experiencia de los discípulos de Jesús durante la Última Cena. Fueron testigos de la fracción del pan y de beber la copa de vino que significa el ofrecimiento de Su Cuerpo y Sangre como nueva alianza de unión haciendo la Voluntad de Dios. ¿Qué puntos son importantes para reflexionar sobre la última Cena del Señor? 

Primero, es un relato de los preparativos y la celebración de la Pascua. Es una comida sencilla que recuerda la huida del pueblo elegido de Egipto, por lo que no hay tiempo para que el pan suba. Mientras comían hubo varias bendiciones y compartieron vino, todo en memoria de lo que Dios les había dicho. Son llamados, salvos y un solo pueblo santo. Jesús en esa última noche antes de entregar Su vida al Padre, reunió a Sus discípulos para celebrar una manera diferente de tener una cena de Pascua, lo que indica la disposición de Jesús a ofrecer perfectamente un sacrificio de Su propia vida en la cruz para la salvación de toda la humanidad. 

Segundo, Jesús ofreció Su Cuerpo y Sangre de manera sacramental. El pan forma parte del ritual de recordar los panes sin levadura del Éxodo. “Jesús tomó el pan, dijo la bendición, lo partió, se lo dio y dijo: Tomad, esto es mi cuerpo”. Luego, “tomó una copa, dio gracias, se la dio y todos bebieron de ella”. El vino está presente en la mesa como el compartir unificador de Él mismo con ellos y el pueblo de Dios. 

En tercer lugar, Jesús comienza a cambiar la historia al proclamar Su muerte en la Cruz, que culminará con Su muerte en el Calvario y Su Resurrección y la entrega de Su Espíritu a Sus discípulos y a la Iglesia universal. Hoy, al celebrar la Eucaristía, nos volvemos más conscientes de que el sacrificio de Cristo es para todos y por lo tanto, la Eucaristía obliga a todos los que creen en Él a convertirse en “pan partido y compartido” para construir comunidades fraternales en el mundo. Cada uno de nosotros está verdaderamente llamado, junto con Jesús, a romper por la vida del mundo. 

Al participar de Jesús en la Eucaristía, nos unimos a Él y aquellos a quienes Él se entrega. Significa que nuestras relaciones humanas y sociales deben integrarse en el cuerpo místico de Cristo que es toda la Iglesia. La Eucaristía es el sacramento de comunión entre todos nosotros, que nos permite reconciliarnos con Jesucristo. 

Finalmente, debemos prepararnos cada vez que recibimos a Jesús enla Eucaristía, por nuestra fidelidad a vivir nuestra misión, “Ite, missa east.” siempre resuena en nuestros oídos que la misa aún no ha terminado, pero es una despedida para comenzar. nuestra comprensión de que estamos siendo enviados a amar y servir al Señor. Reclamamos nuestra verdadera identidad como Su Santo Cuerpo y Sangre. Cada uno de nosotros tiene el desafío de entregarnos a los demás como lo hizo Jesús, y toda la comunidad tiene el mismo desafío de SER CRISTO para los demás. 

Que el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Jesús nos transforme para que seamos personas solidarias y amorosas en nuestra propia familia y comunidad. 

P. Arlón, osa

• 1 John 3:13-18
• Luke 14: 16-24 

 For the past three years in America, we have been preparing for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, which will be on July 17-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA. Thousands of people from four corners of America and faithful Catholics from other countries will converge to worship, adore, and celebrate mass together with the papal envoy, His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle, DD.  We gather together to experience profound and personal renewal through the power of Christ’s love in the Eucharist.  This is a kind of a new Pentecost to bring revival in the church to return and believe in the very source and summit of our Catholic Faith, the Sacrament of the Eucharist.   

As we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ this year, I am mindful of the tremendous importance of renewing our faith in the sacramental presence of God in the Eucharist and especially in the meal of the gifts of consecrated Bread and Wine that bind us so closely to one another as the Body of Christ.   We thank God for the increasing number of Catholics coming back for the celebration of the Eucharist in person, singing praises of God, hearing the word proclaimed and sharing the meal of sacrifice Jesus has given us. 

The epistle today, taken from the 1st letter of St. John, expresses the need of putting other’s needs before ourselves which is the pursuit of sacrificial living, and this is precisely what Jesus did for all of us.  He offered Himself for us on the cross and instituted the Eucharist as His perpetual presence here on earth.  This is what John says is how we know what love is.  St. John says, “Let us not love in words nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”   Our love is manifested, not so much through what we say, but through what we do – our actions and deeds. 

We live in a world today that is so full of anger and hate.  We have been overwhelmed by the depth of hate messages and threats that some of us have received, purely for doing our jobs. OK, we may or may not agree with their perspective or points of view, but when did it become OK for those who call themselves Catholics or Christians to show anger towards others? I believe that it’s absolutely not OK to do that. 

What is happening to the world today?  We see it on social media, we see it in road rage, we overhear it in conversations… wars going on, so much anger that is just bubbling under the surface.  And what the world needs now, more than ever before, is a counter-cultural witness from us, the Church, the living out of an alternative way of being, which is based on kindness and compassion and respect.  I am sure that kindness is the greatest gift that we have to offer the world in this day and age. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ often uses the phrase ‘one another’: Love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another. But it never says: Judge one another, scrutinize one another, humiliate one another, shame one another, embarrass one another, point out one another’s failings… We are to use words and actions only to build up one another and never to seek to destroy one another. That absolutely is not the way of Jesus Christ, who is present in the Eucharist.   Thus, we must choose how we live. Are we going to live with kindness and compassion, putting the needs of others first, or are we going to use our words and actions to humiliate and undermine and destroy others? How we live is our choice…and the way of Jesus Christ is to choose love. 

It is God’s will for us that we choose to love others, not only in words but also in actions. And when we choose to love through our actions, together we can make a huge impact on the world. Together, we are stronger and become true and faithful to Christ in the Eucharist, for Jesus instituted a sacrifice by sharing His Precious Blood, as its own form of the Eucharist. 

The gospel from St. Luke narrates to us this parable of Jesus.  Jesus says, “a certain man made a great supper, and invited many.”  So here’s a big party, free of charge and the invitation is available.  During the olden days, there was no speed mail or any electronic invitations to check in, but the one inviting would just send servants to remind the people a week or a month before the big celebration begins.  So we know that it was not the first time they heard about the invitation. 

In the same way, how many times have we heard about God’s invitation for us?How many Sundays in a year have you accepted the invitation to partake in this banquet?  God has given you an invitation to come and celebrate, to love Him for you to be blessed, and to come in order to grant you grace and forgiveness and to shower you with His blessings.   

God’s invitation is not potluck, for us to have reasons not to act right away.  How do people respond?  The scriptures say, the first said, “I have bought a farm, and must need to go out and see it, I pray thee hold me excused.”  Another said, “I have bought 5 yoke of oxen and I go to try them. Please excuse me.” Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore, I cannot come.”  Those are the best excuses these people can come up with.  What is ours?  Does God’s invitation simply not matter to you personally?  

What is possibly more important or precious than spending time with Jesus and hearing His Word? A dance competition? A basketball or volleyball tournament? Family reunion? What’s more important than our Lord?  Please look into your heart.  Have you made excuses before but now you don’t want to miss Jesus in the Eucharist and be angry or hateful towards others? 

My role as your priest is to give you the right guidance and to simply remind you again about Christ’s bleeding heart especially for those who are lukewarm in their faith.  This is my clear message.  

The basis of this celebration is that Jesus gave Himself for you and not only that, but that He rose from the dead to redeem us and ultimately stays with us forever through His Eucharistic presence. 

You shouldn’t ignore God’s presence in the Eucharist because, through this Sacrament, emanates or springs His abundant grace, for we do believe it is the summit of our Christian life.  That’s not why He gave it to us. 

Think about the full measure of Jesus’ joy in your heart, the joy of the Son of God, perfect and complete and holy in every regard, and the joy and delight He had with the Father and the Holy Spirit before time began and that they still have today at this very moment.  It is offered to you and moves into your heart and fills your whole life because Jesus is your Savior and He did everything for you, and in His grace, He invites you to share His joy every day. How many people in the world miss out and ignore this invitation because they lack faith and never understand His sharing His fulness of life and joy? 

Today as we celebrate Corpus Christi, we become more conscious that the sacrifice of Christ is for all, and that the Eucharist thus compels all who believe in Him to become “bread that is broken and shared” for building fraternal fellowships in the world.  Each of us is truly called, together with Jesus, to be broken for the life of the world.  

Finally, we must prepare for the Eucharist each time we receive Jesus by our fidelity of living-out our mission, “Ite, Missa est…” always resonates in our ears that the mass has not yet ended but it is a dismissal in order to begin our understanding that we are being sent to love and serve the Lord.  We claim our real identity as His Holy Body and Blood.  Each of us is challenged to pour ourselves out for others as Jesus did; and the entire community is equally challenged to BE CHRIST for others. 

May the Body and Blood of Jesus transform us to be a caring and a loving person in our own family and community. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
• Psalm 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22
• Romans 8:14-17
• Matthew 28:16-20

Today is the Holy Trinity Sunday.  As an Augustinian Friar, I would like to share this important doctrine of our belief according to the teaching of St. Augustine, who is one of the Church Fathers of Western Christianity.  He wrote the book entitled, De Trinitite.  The purpose of writing that book is to rectify the heretical teachings on the Trinity that were prevalent during his time.  He uses the concept of love to explain the Trinity.  He said there are three Persons sharing equal greatness and cannot be separated because they are ONE.  The three persons are not indivisible for they act as one.  When we speak of love there is only the whole power of love:  the Person that loves, the Person who is loved and the Person who acts of love.   St. Augustine wrote, “The Trinity does not work indivisibly, but the Father does some things, the Son other things, and the Holy Spirit yet others: or else, if they do some things together, some severally, then the Trinity is not indivisible.” De Trinitate 8:10 

Sometimes people fret about other concerns to fill their minds and not simply opening our hearts to a deeper relationship with God who is love.  When we celebrate this solemnity of the Holy Trinity, what we can do is simply think that we enter into a relationship with each Person in the Trinity. 

In the first reading taken from the book of Deuteronomy, Moses keeps on reminding the chosen people that as they are faithful to God’s commandments, then the outcome would be fruitful land and blessed families.  Loving is also the response of the Israelites to God.  Historically, God continues to reveal His active involvement in their collective past.  Moses reminded them not to forget it.  Thus, their remembrance of the past leads them to a better future and allows this loving God, who fashioned Israel’s nation, to protect and provide them a promising future as exposed by the same Triune God. 

The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans reminds them about their new identity as adopted children of God and heirs of His kingdom.  They were made into the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit works for their sanctification to produce more fruitful harvests and gifts which made them a sign of a visible God residing over them. 

The readings today, including the gospel from St. Matthew, reveal the teaching of the Church on the Trinity as our dogma.  I believe that even in the totality of the scriptures they are implicitly revealed.  Our source of faith is not “sola scriptura,” but we look into other sources like the teaching of the Church Magisterium, Fathers of the Church and Theologians from the beginning of the Church’s existence up to the present. 

When the disciples proceeded to the mountain in Galilee, they worshiped and still doubted according to the gospel text.  However, Jesus being aware of the situation, has given them a blessing before sending them out into the world.  He says, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” (vv.17-19) 

Let me point out striking points of the gospel we heard today: 

First, Jesus has commissioned them to go out and baptize all in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  This is an instruction from Jesus that all people would be baptized in the Trinitarian formula.  This commissioning must be observed by all of us to go out and do our part to accomplish our shared mission for the Church.  We are commanded to observe His laws and commandment of love, “teaching them all that I have commanded you.” 

Second, Jesus’ instruction to baptize them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit made us aware that the baptism includes everyone, young and adults, slaves or free, rich or poor, with no race distinction.  The word, “Them”, means all.  Jesus did not say, baptize only the adult.  It means “All,” which includes all members of the household.   

Third, Jesus says, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.”  His perpetual presence is crucial in our lives as we all cooperate with the Holy Spirit to continue His mission.  Jesus, who has been raised by the Father from the dead, has been fully alive and lives with us in another form, which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  He makes us remember and understand the way the Lord taught His disciples.  What Jesus taught us benefits us to attain and live on earth in reverent loving relationships with each other. 

Therefore, the three Persons of the Holy Trinity is a relationship which we are commanded to observe.  The work, service and love we do to others are truly gifts we have been given which is the prompting of the Holy Spirit.    

Every work is indeed the masterpiece of the goodness of God and our own goodness, which reveals the identity of the creator. The outcome of our work as created and the perseverance to fulfill it ultimately reveals the creator’s heart. The created work and the love we put into our works, all together is the sharing of that love. 

The Trinity of God is definitely a mystery, and sometimes we struggle to understand this concept.  Let us remember that we are God’s creation, and we cannot create ourselves; thus the immensity of creation is God’s and not ours.  

Pope Frances has this to say to us, “Thinking that God is love does us so much good, because it teaches us to love, to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us and walks with us. Jesus walks beside us on the road through life.”  (Trinity Sunday Homily). The Holy Trinity is a great comfort while being simultaneously accessible and hard to truly understand.  May this reflection give you a clearer insight.

May the Triune God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa

———————————

El Dictado del Corazón

La Santísima Trinidad

• Deuteronomio 4:32-34, 39-40
• Salmo 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22
• Romanos 8:14-17
• Mateo 28:16-20

Hoy es el domingo de la Santísima Trinidad. Como fraile agustino, me gustaría compartir esta importante doctrina de nuestra creencia según las enseñanzas de San Agustín, quien es uno de los Padres de la Iglesia del cristianismo occidental. Escribió el libro titulado De Trinitite.  El propósito de escribir el libro es rectificar las enseñanzas heréticas sobre la Trinidad que prevalecían durante su época. Utiliza el concepto de amor para explicar la Trinidad. Dijo que hay tres Personas que comparten la misma grandeza y que no pueden separarse porque son UNA. Las tres personas no son indivisibles porque actúan como una sola. Cuando hablamos de amor sólo existe todo el poder del amor: la Persona que ama, la Persona que ama y la Persona que actúa con amor. San Agustín escribió: “La Trinidad no actúa indivisiblemente, sino que el Padre hace unas cosas, el Hijo otras, y el Espíritu Santo aún otras; o bien, si hacen algunas cosas juntos, otras individualmente, entonces la Trinidad no es indivisible.” De Trinitate 8:10 

A veces las personas se inquietan por otras preocupaciones para llenar sus mentes y no simplemente abrir sus corazones a una relación más profunda con Dios que es amor. Cuando celebramos esta solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad, lo que podemos hacer es simplemente pensar que entramos en relación con cada Persona de la Trinidad. 

En la primera lectura tomada del libro de Deuteronomio, Moisés sigue recordando al pueblo elegido que, si son fieles a los mandamientos de Dios, el resultado será una tierra fructífera y familias bendecidas. Amar es también la respuesta de los israelitas a Dios. Históricamente, Dios continúa revelando su participación en su pasado colectivo. Moisés les recordó que no lo olvidaran. Por lo tanto, su recuerdo del pasado los conduce a un futuro mejor y permite que este Dios amoroso, que formó la nación de Israel, los proteja y les proporcione un futuro prometedor expuesto por el mismo Dios Triuno. 

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos les recuerda su nueva identidad como hijos adoptivos de Dios y herederos de su reino. Fueron hechos el cuerpo de Cristo, y el Espíritu Santo obra por su santificación para producir cosechas y dones más fructíferos que los convirtieron en señal de un Dios visible que reside en ellos. 

Las lecturas de hoy, incluido el evangelio de San Mateo, revelan la enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la Trinidad como nuestro dogma. Creo que incluso en la totalidad de las escrituras están implícitamente reveladas. Nuestra fuente de fe no es la “sola scriptura”, sino que buscamos otras fuentes como las enseñanzas del Magisterio de la Iglesia, los Padres de la Iglesia y los teólogos desde el comienzo de la existencia de la Iglesia hasta el presente. 

Cuando los discípulos subieron al monte de Galilea, adoraron y todavía dudaban según el texto del evangelio. Sin embargo, Jesús, consciente de la situación, les ha dado una bendición antes de enviarlos al mundo. Él dice: “Me ha sido dado todo poder en el cielo y en la tierra. Id, pues, y haced discípulos a todas las naciones…” (vv.17-19) 

Señalare algunos puntos del evangelio que escuchamos hoy: 

Primero, Jesús les ha encargado que salgan y bauticen a todos en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Esta es una instrucción de Jesús de que todas las personas serían bautizadas en la fórmula trinitaria. Este encargo debe ser observado por todos nosotros para salir y hacer nuestra parte para cumplir nuestra misión compartida para la Iglesia. Se nos ordena observar Sus leyes y mandamientos de amor, “enseñándoles todo lo que yo les he mandado”. 

En segundo lugar, la instrucción de Jesús de bautizarlos en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo nos hizo conscientes de que el bautismo incluye a todos, jóvenes y adultos, esclavos o libres, ricos o pobres, y sin distinción de raza. La palabra “Ellos” significa todos. Jesús no dijo: bautiza sólo al adulto. Significa “Todos”, que incluye a todos los miembros del hogar. 

En tercer lugar, Jesús dice: “He aquí, yo estoy con ustedes todos los días, hasta el fin de los tiempos”. Su presencia perpetua es crucial en nuestras vidas ya que todos cooperamos con el Espíritu Santo para continuar Su misión. Jesús, que ha sido resucitado por el Padre de entre los muertos, ha estado plenamente vivo y vive con y en nosotros en otra forma, que es la morada del Espíritu Santo. Nos hace recordar y comprender la forma en que el Señor enseñó a sus discípulos. Lo que Jesús nos enseñó nos beneficia para lograr y vivir en la tierra en relaciones amorosas y reverentes unos con otros. 

Por lo tanto, las tres Personas de la Santísima Trinidad es una relación que se nos ordena observar. El trabajo, el servicio y el amor que hacemos a los demás son verdaderamente dones que nos han sido dados y que son el impulso del Espíritu Santo. 

Cada obra es, en efecto, la obra maestra de la bondad de Dios y de nuestra bondad, que revela la identidad del creador, el resultado de nuestro trabajo. Una vez creado y la perseverancia para cumplirlo, finalmente revela el corazón del creador, la obra creada y el amor que ponemos en nuestras obras, todo junto es compartir ese amor. 

La Trinidad de Dios es un misterio, a veces nos cuesta entender este concepto. Recordemos que somos creación de Dios y no podemos crearnos a nosotros mismos, por lo tanto, la inmensidad de la creación es de Dios y no nuestra. 

El Papa Francisco tiene esto que decirnos: “Pensar que Dios es amor nos hace mucho bien, porque nos enseña a amar, a entregarnos a los demás como Jesús se entregó a nosotros y camina con nosotros. Jesús camina a nuestro lado en el camino de la vida.” (Homilía del Domingo de la Trinidad). La Santísima Trinidad es un gran consuelo y al mismo tiempo es accesible y difícil de comprender verdaderamente. Que esta reflexión les dé una visión más clara de la Divinidad de Dios. 

Que el Dios Trino los bendiga. 

P. Arlón, osa

• Romans 11:33-36
• Matthew 28:18-20

Today is the Holy Trinity Sunday.  As an Augustinian Friar, I would like to share this important doctrine of our belief according to the teaching of St. Augustine, who is one of the Church Fathers of Western Christianity.  He wrote the book entitled, De Trinitite.  The purpose of writing that book is to rectify the heretical teachings on the Trinity that were prevalent during his time.  He uses the concept of love to explain the Trinity.  He said there are three Persons sharing equal greatness and cannot be separated because they are ONE.  The three persons are not indivisible for they act as one.  When we speak of love there is only the whole power of love:  the Person that loves, the Person who is loved and the Person who acts of love.   St. Augustine wrote, “the Trinity does not work indivisibly, but the Father does some things, the Son other things, and the Holy Spirit yet others: or else, if they do some things together, some severally, then the Trinity is not indivisible.” De Trinitate 8:10 

Sometimes people fret about other concerns to fill their minds and not simply opening our hearts to a deeper relationship with God who is love.  When we celebrate this solemnity of the Holy Trinity, what we can do is simply think that we enter into a relationship with each Person in the Trinity. 

The first reading taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans reminds us of the great doxology of St. Paul, “Quoniam ex ipso, et per ipsum, et in ipso sunt omnia: ipsi gloria in seacula. Amen.” (For of Him, and by Him, and in Him, are all things: to Him be glory forever. v.36) What does this verse tell us?  It means that God is the author of everything; He is the source of All things.  God is also the sustainer of All things for He alone understands the purpose for everything that He created.  All things come through Him, all knowledge, all wisdom, everything we have comes “through Him.” God is the passageway, and everything goes through Him.  Thus, there is nothing in all creation that is not of God’s design for everything finds its ultimate purpose in Him, who divinely presents Himself through the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirits working as ONE, a visible God residing in us. 

The readings today, including the gospel from St. Matthew, reveal the teaching of the Church on the Trinity as our dogma.  I believe that even in the totality of the scriptures they are implicitly revealed.  Our source of faith is not “sola scriptura,” but we look into other sources like the teaching of the Church Magisterium, Fathers of the Church and Theologians from the beginning of the Church’s existence up to the present. 

When the disciples proceeded to the mountain in Galilee, they worshiped and still doubted according to the gospel text.  However, Jesus being aware of the situation, has given them a blessing before sending them out into the world.  He says, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” (vv.17-19) 

Let me point out striking points of the gospel we heard today: 

First, Jesus has commissioned them to go out and baptize all in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  This is an instruction from Jesus that all people would be baptized in the Trinitarian formula.  This commissioning must be observed by all of us to go out and do our part to accomplish our shared mission for the Church.  We are commanded to observe His laws and commandment of love, “teaching them all that I have commanded you.” 

Second, Jesus’ instruction to baptize them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit made us aware that the baptism includes everyone, young and adults, slaves or free, rich or poor, with no race distinction.  The word, “Them”, means all.  Jesus did not say, baptize only the adult.  It means “All” which includes all members of the household.   

Third, Jesus says, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.”  His perpetual presence is crucial in our lives as we all cooperate with the Holy Spirit to continue His mission.  Jesus, who has been raised by the Father from the dead, has been fully alive and lives with us in another form, which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  He makes us remember and understand the way the Lord taught His disciples.  What Jesus taught us benefits us to attain and live on earth in reverent loving relationships with each other. 

Therefore, the three Persons of the Holy Trinity is a relationship which we are commanded to observe.  The work, service, and love we do to others are truly gifts we have been given which is the prompting of the Holy Spirit.    

Every work is indeed the masterpiece of the goodness of God and our own goodness, which reveals the identity of the creator. The outcome of our work as created and the perseverance to fulfill it ultimately reveals the creator’s heart. The created work and the love we put into our works, all together is the sharing of that love. 

The Trinity of God is definitely a mystery, and sometimes we struggle to understand this concept.  Let us remember that we are God’s creation, and we cannot create ourselves; thus the immensity of creation is God’s and not ours.  

Pope Frances has this to say to us, “Thinking that God is love does us so much good, because it teaches us to love, to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us and walks with us. Jesus walks beside us on the road through life.”  (Trinity Sunday Homily). The Holy Trinity is a great comfort while being simultaneously accessible and hard to truly understand.  May this reflection give you a clearer insight.

May the Triune God bless you. 

Fr. Arlon, osa