Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May God bless you all.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Que dios los bendiga a todos.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 8:18-23
• Luke 5:1-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Ephesians 3:8-19
• John 19:31-37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 (Responsorial Ps)
• Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• John 3:16-18

I am anxiously waiting for my right eye surgery on June 6th. I have been blind in my right eye and in pain for several days. It affects my balance and visual perception during the celebration of the mass which causes great challenges relying only on one eye. Last Monday, May 29th, I had the opportunity to watch the movie entitled, “The Life of Pi.” It isn’t a recent movie, and yet it gave me beautiful profound insights and reflections that even in our human sufferings and trials, God is watching us. I believe that God is not just passively watching us but is genuinely involved in our journey of life. Oftentimes, God makes sure that He affirms His relationship with us.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Trinity, a relationship of three persons in one God. Every Feast-day of the Holy Trinity, I am always amazed with the thought and teachings of our father, St. Augustine, whom I consider to be the brilliant Father of the Western Church,  clarifying doctrinal loopholes about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity during his time; thus he wrote his book De Trinitate.

There are two ways in which St. Augustine presents his thought:

First, St. Augustine’s mind is to communicate the simplest way to understand the Trinity ensuring that the three Persons are given equal greatness. He stated that the greatness of the Father and the greatness of the Holy Spirit are equally seen in the greatness of the Son. He reiterated that no person in the Trinity is greater than the other and cannot be separated from each other for they share the same divine essence, nature, and unity.

Second, he used the idea of love to explain the Trinity and its relationships of love in three persons: The Person that loves, the Person who is loved, and the Person who acts of love itself. In his book, St. Augustine says, “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).” Hence, the Trinity works together in divine unity and not indivisibly.

Maybe no human mind is ever able to present a much clearer explanation based on Augustine’s profound knowledge of sacred scriptures. St. Augustine emphasizes the Father as the Creator, the Son as the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as the Wisdom, the giver of the knowledge of God. St. Augustine searches God, keeping his heart and mind understanding the mystery of God in his journey through life. We have seen the great work of St. Augustine wanting to help us be able to achieve our goal to search and find Him with the aid of the Holy Spirit. No one knows or loves the things of God except through receiving His Spirit’s guidance.

We are all aware that Holy Trinity cannot be found in the scriptures verbatim; however, it has been imperatively revealed in several passages in the bible which I would mention only two references, like the story on the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist and in Mathew 28:19-20, “Go and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” It cannot be denied that the concept of the Holy Trinity could be found in the bible. I feel sorry for those religious denominations who fail to see the revelation of God in human history. How can they fathom to understand God when the human mind is insufficient to grasp when we focus only on the word “God” without considering the simple logic of revelation through the unfolding of Salvation History?

Let us take a look at the readings today which also add to our insight.

The first reading from the book of Exodus reveals an image of a loving, merciful, and gracious God to Moses. He is God who is slow in anger and rich in kindness and fidelity. This is what is St. Augustine’s established relationship of the three persons whom God reveals His true identity to Moses as a person who is loving. This conversation between God and Moses is indeed powerful to figure out that from the very beginning of God’s creation, He reveals His goodness and love.

The second reading, taken from the 2nd letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, is to encourage all of us to live in unity as a community of Jesus Christ. As believers, we must be witnesses of God’s love and peace with no discord, no division, and live out the love of God by greeting each other with a holy kiss.

I remember a certain sect in the Philippines called “Iglesia ni Cristo,” as they want to be called, which was founded by Felix Manalo in 1914. This religious group is a modern heresy who outrightly denies the divinity of Jesus. I would say that they deny the Holy Trinity and succumbed to the idea that they follow Jesus as a man who taught them the true religion. They loved to quote a similar biblical text, today’s second reading but taken from Romans 16:16, in which if you refer to the many bible translations, it translates this way, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” This heretical cult convinced their followers that with the name, “Church of Christ,” they claim that their church name has been mentioned in the bible, but poor followers of this cult are not critically questioning the basis of their claim. Based on the different bible translations, it has a plural form, meaning, different churches, like, in Thessalonica, Corinth, Roma, etc…referring to the different groups of people converting to the new established community of faith in Christ. How could this “Iglesia/Iglesia ni Manalo/ INC” be linked and be associated to the early Christians by its founder, Felix Manalo? This is absurd! Those existing churches as mentioned in the bible were established in the early 33 to 50 centuries, therefore, obviously not referring to this INC group which has celebrated their hundred years of existence under the guise of a true church. However, there is something good in them by helping one another, especially those who contribute much to the church, but outside their church, they cursed people. We must bear in mind that believing in God is not asking me to abandon my values and my beliefs to those whose faith is different from me, but to show every person the compassion and love I experience. This is exactly the message of St. Paul.

The gospel today is another exhortation of St. John 3:16-18 which disturbs me big time. He wrote, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This is the foundation of our faith. We were baptized in the Holy Trinity to gain eternal life and to experience and understand that God loves us, in the first place. Out of this love, the Father sends His Son’s amazing miracle thru His ministry. He offered Himself for our redemption, died and He rose again. How could I ever deny the existing presence of the Trinity in order to appreciate and believe in this greatest manifestation of love which I need also to share as a member of Christ’s Church here on earth. How could I be wrong to accept this doctrine of the Holy Church and the teaching of our Lord?

The Holy Spirit gives knowledge, understanding, counsel and other spiritual gifts. Jesus led us to the Father, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Just as we are created by God, who is love, we too are being called to establish a love-relationship with the Trinity.

We have questions about the very nature of God and we think we can solve the mystery of God in a mathematical equation or science driving our human mind to figure it out. Instead of frustration, we must be attracted to God’s divine love. We belong to God; we just need to manifest His great love.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: La Santísima Trinidad

• Éxodo 34:4b-6, 8-9 (Salmo responsorial)
• Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
• 2 Corintios 13:11-13
• Juan 3:16-18

Espero ansiosamente mi cirugía del ojo derecho que es el seis de Junio. He estado ciego del ojo derecho y tuve dolor durante varios días, afecta mi equilibrio y la percepción visual durante la celebración de la misa, lo que genera un gran desafío al depender solo de un ojo. El pasado lunes veintiocho de mayo tuve la oportunidad de ver la película titulada “La vida de Pi”, no es una película reciente y sin embargo me brindó hermosas y profundas reflexiones de que aún en nuestros sufrimientos y pruebas humanas, Dios nos está mirando. Creo que Dios no solo nos observa pasivamente, sino que está genuinamente involucrado en nuestro viaje de la vida. A menudo, Dios se asegura de afirmar Su relación con nosotros.

Hoy es la Fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad, una relación de tres personas en un solo Dios. Cada fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad me sorprende el pensamiento y las enseñanzas de San Agustín, a quien considero genial de la Iglesia en la cristiandad occidental, aclarando lagunas doctrinales sobre la doctrina de la Santísima Trinidad durante su tiempo, así escribió su libro De Trinitate.

Hay dos formas en que San Agustín presenta su pensamiento:

Primero, la mente de San Agustín es comunicar la forma más simple de entender la Trinidad asegurando que las tres Personas reciban la misma grandeza. Afirmó que la grandeza del Padre y la grandeza del Espíritu Santo se ven igualmente en la grandeza del Hijo. Reiteró que ninguna persona en la Trinidad es más grande que otra y no pueden separarse el uno del otro, porque comparten la misma esencia, naturaleza y unidad divina.

En segundo lugar, utilizó la idea del amor para explicar la Trinidad y sus relaciones de amor en tres personas: la Persona que ama, la Persona que es amada y la Persona que actúa por amor mismo. En su libro, San Agustín dice: “La Trinidad no obra indivisiblemente, sino que el Padre hace unas cosas, el Hijo otras, y el Espíritu Santo otras aún; o bien, si hacen unas cosas juntos, otras por separado, entonces la Trinidad no es indivisible. (De Trinitate 8:10).” Por lo tanto, la Trinidad trabaja junta en unidad divina y no indivisible.

Tal vez ninguna mente humana sea capaz de presentar una explicación mucho más clara basada en el profundo conocimiento de las Sagradas Escrituras como San Agustin. San Agustín enfatiza al Padre como Creador, al Hijo como Redentor y al Espíritu Santo como Sabiduría, dador del conocimiento de Dios. San Agustín busca a Dios, manteniendo su corazón y su mente comprendiendo el misterio de Dios en su camino por la vida. Hemos visto la gran obra de San Agustín queriendo ayudarnos a lograr nuestro objetivo de buscarlo y encontrarlo con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Nadie conoce o ama las cosas de Dios excepto al recibir la guía de Su Espíritu.

Todos somos conscientes de que la Santísima Trinidad no se puede encontrar en las escrituras palabra por palabra, sin embargo, se ha revelado de manera imperativa en varios pasajes de la Biblia, de los cuales mencionaría solo dos referencias, como la historia de los bautismos de Jesús en el río Jordán por Juan el Bautista y en Mateo veintiocho: diecinueve-veinte, “Id y bautizar en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo”. No se puede negar que el concepto de la Santísima Trinidad se puede encontrar en la Biblia. Lo siento por aquellas denominaciones religiosas que no vieron la revelación de Dios en la historia humana. ¿Cómo pueden captar o comprender a Dios cuando la mente humana es insuficiente para comprender cuando nos enfocamos solo en la palabra “Dios” sin considerar la lógica simple de la revelación a través del desarrollo de la Historia de la Salvación?

Veamos las lecturas de hoy que también se suman a nuestra percepción.

La primera lectura del libro del Éxodo revela a Moisés una imagen de un Dios amoroso, misericordioso y lleno de gracia. Es un dios lento en la ira y rico en bondad y fidelidad. Esta es la relación establecida por San Agustín de las tres personas a las que Dios revela su verdadera identidad a Moisés como una persona que ama. Esta conversación entre Dios y Moisés es realmente hermosa, para darse cuenta de que desde el comienzo mismo de la creación de Dios, Él revela Su bondad y amor.

La segunda lectura tomada de la segunda carta de San Pablo a los Corintios es para animarnos a todos a vivir en unidad como comunidad de Jesucristo, como creyentes, debemos ser testigos del amor y la paz de Dios. Sin discordia, sin división y viviendo el amor de Dios saludándonos con un beso santo.

Recuerdo que cierta secta en Filipinas llamada “Iglesia ni Cristo quieren llamarse fundada por Félix Manalo en 1914. Este grupo religioso es una herejía moderna que niega rotundamente la divinidad de Jesús. Diría que niegan la Santísima Trinidad y sucumbieron a la idea de que siguen a Jesús como un hombre que les enseñó la verdadera religión. Les encanta citar un texto bíblico similar de la sección de hoy en la segunda lectura, pero tomada de Romanos dieciséis: dieciséis, en la que si te refieres a las muchas traducciones de la Biblia, se traduce de esta manera, “Saluden unos a otros con ósculo santo. Todas las iglesias de Cristo se saludan”. Este culto herético convenció a sus seguidores de que cuando el nombre, “Iglesia de Cristo”, afirman que el nombre de su iglesia ha sido mencionado en la Biblia, pero los pobres seguidores de este culto no cuestionan críticamente la base de su afirmación. Basado en las diferentes traducciones de la Biblia, tiene una forma plural, es decir, diferentes iglesias, como Tesalónica, Corinto, Roma, etc., refiriéndose a los diferentes grupos de personas que se convierten a la comunidad de fe en Cristo recién establecida. ¿Cómo pudo vincularse y asociarse esta “Iglesia/ Iglesia ni Manalo/ INC” con los primeros cristianos por parte de su fundador, Félix Manalo? ¡Esto es absurdo! Esas iglesias existentes como se mencionó fueron fundadas a principios del siglo 33o 50, patético porque este grupo ha celebrado sus cien años de existencia bajo la apariencia de una iglesia verdadera. Sin embargo, hay algo bueno en ayudarse unos a otros, especialmente aquellos que aportan mucho a la iglesia, pero fuera de su iglesia, maldecían a la gente. Debemos tener en cuenta que creer en Dios no es pedirme que abandone mis valores y mis creencias a aquellos cuya fe es diferente a la mía sino mostrar a cada persona la compasión y el amor que experimento. Este es exactamente el mensaje de San Pablo.

El evangelio de hoy es otra exhortación de San Juan tres:dieciséis-dieciocho. Escribió: “Tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo único para que todo el que crea en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna”. Este es el fundamento de nuestra fe. Fuimos bautizados en la Santísima Trinidad para obtener la vida eterna y para experimentar y comprender que Dios nos ama, en primer lugar. Por este amor, el Padre envía el asombroso milagro de Su Hijo a través de Su ministerio, Él se ofreció a sí mismo por nuestra redención, murió y resucitó. ¿Cómo podría negar la presencia existente de la Trinidad para apreciar y creer en esta manifestación más grande de amor que también necesito compartir como miembro de la Iglesia de Cristo aquí en la tierra? ¿Cómo podría equivocarme al aceptar esta doctrina de la Santa Iglesia y la enseñanza de nuestro Señor?

El Espíritu Santo da conocimiento, entendimiento, consejo y otros dones espirituales. Jesús nos condujo al Padre, porque Él es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida (Juan catorce:seis).

Así como somos creados por Dios, que es amor, también nosotros estamos llamados a establecer una relación de amor con la Santísima Trinidad.

Tenemos preguntas sobre la naturaleza misma de Dios y pensamos que podemos resolver el misterio de Dios en una ecuación matemática o ciencia que impulsa nuestra mente humana a resolverlo, en lugar de frustrarnos, debemos sentirnos atraídos por el amor divino de Dios. Pertenecemos a Dios, solo tenemos que manifestar su gran amor.

Dios lo bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Acts 2:1-11
• Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
• 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
• John 20:19-23

Happy Pentecost Sunday! Veni Sancte Spiritus!!! Today is a joyful celebration focusing on the teaching of the Church concerning the third person in the Holy Trinity, which some Christian religious sects could hardly understand. One of these religious sects calls it “God’s force,” which they use to translate the name, Holy Spirit, in their bible. Some of these groups also use other terminologies that match their mind-set. It seems to go in circles with each view trying to confuse their followers, and they never listen, not getting it and not understanding what the Holy Spirit truly is.

Our father St. Augustine is one of the most important Fathers of the Church, who wrote substantial teachings on the Trinity and, of course, part of it is the Holy Spirit. It is our understanding that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the three persons in one God. The Trinity acts as one divine unity. The Holy Spirit cannot be understood separately from the Father and the Son. Some Catholics make a separation of the three persons. Of course we can do that only in their works, but not in essence of the Oneness of God. St. Augustine emphasizes the Father as the Creator, the Son as the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as the Wisdom, the giver of the knowledge of God.

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 is a surprising event of “strong driving winds” and the appearance to the Apostles of a “tongue as of fire, which parted and came to rest in each one of them.” They would understand the many languages around them, of course with the help of the Holy Spirit in the understanding and finding about God in their midst. They were overjoyed with such an amazing event in which the Spirit rested more upon the Apostles and others around them. Through the Acts of the Apostles, we have known the mighty acts of God which present a new beginning of a bountiful harvest of believers on the day of Pentecost.

The second reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians holds a wonderful physical image expressing the work of the Holy Spirit. It says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.” St. Paul makes an analogy about the Church having many different aspects like the human body which is guided by the Spirit. Moreover, the gifts of the Holy Spirit become the source of God’s power animating every part of the community and transforming the community into the body of Christ.

The gospel of John narrates the story about Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance. They were gathered inside the locked room in fear of the Jews. They had hid themselves, but despite the locked doors, Jesus appeared to them, greeted them with peace and breathed on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

There are two actions, rendered by Jesus to His disciples, and we must take note seriously of the following:

First, Jesus offers them “Peace.” This is the gift of healing the disciples’ weak human condition. Jesus gifted them peace because of His disciples’ complacency and healed them to complete commitment and sense of fidelity. I do agree that “Peace” is a necessary gift they need to possess as a condition for His sending them because no one can proclaim God’s word if there is no inner peace! Every prolific preacher derives his effective preaching by means of being at peace with God, others, and himself.

Second, the breathing of the Holy Spirit. The breathing of the Spirit transforms the disciples’ whole-being from fear into courageous followers, then sends them to proclaim the gospel daringly and fearlessly. It is breathing new life into His followers and upon the earth. Our human fragility has been reinforced by the Holy Spirit to be strong and to gather fruitful harvest for God.

Brothers and Sisters, today is not simply a liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost. It is our new birth within the Church. We are also gifted by God with peace and the Holy Spirit. At every mass Christ is exhorting to all of us, “Go in Peace.” Where are we being sent? To whom do we go to bring peace?

May we continue to be open to the Spirit, the Breath of God, the giver of courage, the one who overcomes our fear. God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

— — —

El Dictado del Corazón
La Solemnidad de Pentecostés, año A

• Hechos 2:1-11
• Sal 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
• 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13
• Jn 20:19-23

¡Feliz Domingo de Pentecostés! ¡¡¡Veni Sancte Spíritus!!! Hoy es una celebración de gozo, centrada en la enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la tercera persona de la Santísima Trinidad, que algunas sectas religiosas cristianas difícilmente podían entender. Una de estas sectas religiosas lo llaman “la fuerza de Dios”, que usan para traducir el nombre, Espíritu Santo, en su biblia. Algunos de estos grupos también usan otras terminologías que coinciden con su forma de pensar. Parece ir en círculos con cada punto de vista tratando de confundir a sus seguidores, y ellos nunca escuchan, no lo entienden y no entienden lo que realmente es el Espíritu Santo.

Nuestro padre San Agustín es uno de los Padres más importantes de la Iglesia, quien escribió sustanciosas enseñanzas sobre la Trinidad y, por supuesto, parte de ella es el Espíritu Santo. Es nuestro entendimiento que el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo son las tres personas en un solo Dios. La Trinidad actúa como una unidad divina. El Espíritu Santo no puede ser entendido separadamente del Padre y del Hijo. Algunos católicos hacen una separación de las trespersonas. Por supuesto, podemos hacer eso solo en sus obras, pero no en la esencia de la Unidad de Dios. San Agustín enfatiza al Padre como Creador, al Hijo como Redentor y al Espíritu Santo como Sabiduría, dador del conocimiento de Dios. San Agustín busca a Dios, manteniendo el corazón y la mente comprendiendo el misterio de Dios en su camino por la vida; sin embargo, no vemos la gran obra de San Agustín sin la ayuda del Espíritu Santo de la que nunca nos damos cuenta. Creo que buscar a Dios es nuestra meta a lograr aquí en la tierra, y para encontrarlo confiamos en el Espíritu Santo. Nadie conoce o ama las cosas de Dios sino recibiendo Su Espíritu.

Nuestra primera lectura de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 2:1-11 es un evento sorprendente de “fuertes vientos que soplan” y la aparición a los Apóstoles de una “lengua como de fuego, que se partió y se posó en cada uno de ellos. ” Entenderían los muchos idiomas que los rodeaban, por supuesto con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo en la comprensión y descubrimiento de Dios en medio de ellos. Se llenaron de alegría con un evento tan asombroso en el que el Espíritu descansó más sobre los Apóstoles y otros a su alrededor. A través de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, hemos conocido los hechos poderosos de Dios que presentan un nuevo comienzo de una abundante cosecha de creyentes en el día de Pentecostés.

La segunda lectura de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios contiene una maravillosa imagen física que expresa la obra del Espíritu Santo. Dice: “Hay diferentes clases de dones espirituales pero el mismo Espíritu”. San Pablo hace una analogía acerca de que la Iglesia tiene muchos aspectos diferentes, como el cuerpo humano que es guiado por el Espíritu. Además, los dones del Espíritu Santo se convierten en la fuente del poder de Dios que anima cada parte de la comunidad y la transforma en el cuerpo de Cristo.

El evangelio de Juan narra la historia de la aparición de Jesús después de la resurrección. Estaban reunidos dentro de la habitación cerrada por temor a los judíos. Se habían escondido, pero a pesar de las puertas cerradas, Jesús se les apareció, los saludó con paz y sopló sobre ellos diciendo: “Reciban el Espíritu Santo”.

Hay dos acciones, dadas por Jesús a sus discípulos, y debemos tomar nota seriamente de lo siguiente:

Primero, Jesús les ofrece “Paz”. Este es el don de curar la débil condición humana de los discípulos. Jesús les regaló la paz debido a la complacencia de sus discípulos y los sanó para que tuvieran un compromiso completo y un sentido de fidelidad. ¡Estoy de acuerdo en que la “paz” es un don necesario que deben poseer como condición para que Él los envíe porque nadie puede proclamar la palabra de Dios si no hay paz interior! Todo predicador prolífico obtiene su predicación eficaz por medio de estar en paz con Dios, con los demás y consigo mismo.

Segundo, el soplo del Espíritu Santo. El soplo del Espíritu transforma todo el ser de los discípulos del miedo en seguidores valientes, luego los envía a proclamar el evangelio con audacia y sin miedo. Está dando nueva vida a Sus seguidores y sobre la tierra. Nuestra fragilidad humana ha sido reforzada por el Espíritu Santo para ser fuertes y recoger fructíferas cosechas para Dios.

Hermanos y hermanas, hoy no es simplemente una celebración litúrgica de la Solemnidad de Pentecostés. Es nuestro nuevo nacimiento dentro de la Iglesia. También estamos dotados por Dios con la paz y el Espíritu Santo. En cada misa, Cristo nos está exhortando a todos nosotros: “Pueden ir en paz”. ¿Adónde estamos siendo enviados? ¿A quién acudimos para traer la paz?

Que sigamos abiertos al Espíritu, el Soplo de Dios, el dador de coraje, el que vence nuestro miedo. Dios lo bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Acts 2:1-11
• John 14:23-31

Happy Pentecost Sunday! Veni Sancte Spiritus!!! Today is a joyful celebration focusing on the teaching of the Church concerning the third person in the Holy Trinity, which some Christian religious sects could hardly understand. One of these religious sects calls it “God’s force,” which they use to translate the name, Holy Spirit, in their bible. Some of these groups also use other terminologies that match their mind-set. It seems to go in circles with each view trying to confuse their followers, and they never listen, not getting it, not understanding what the Holy Spirit truly is.

Our father St. Augustine is one of the most important Fathers of the Church, who wrote substantial teachings on the Trinity and, of course, part of it is the Holy Spirit. It is our understanding that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the three persons in one God. The Trinity acts as one divine unity. The Holy Spirit cannot be understood separately from the Father and the Son. Some Catholics make a separation of the three persons. Of course we can do that only in their works, but not in essence of the Oneness of God. St. Augustine emphasizes the Father as Creator, the Son as the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as the Wisdom, the giver of the knowledge. No one knows or loves the things of God except through receiving His Spirit.

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 is a surprising event of “strong driving winds” and the appearance to the Apostles of a “tongue as of fire, which parted and came to rest in each one of them.” They would understand the many languages around them, of course with the help of the Holy Spirit in that understanding and the finding of God in their midst. They were overjoyed with such an amazing event in which the Spirit rested more upon the Apostles and others around them. Through the Acts of the Apostles, we have known the mighty acts of God which present a new beginning of a bountiful harvest of believers on the day of Pentecost. Moreover, the gifts of the Holy Spirit become the source of God’s power animating every part of the community and transforming the community into the body of Christ.

The gospel taken from the evangelist John 14:23-31 points forward to the time after Jesus’ resurrection when the Holy Spirit would be with them and would teach them, saying, “But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind whatsoever I SHALL HAVE SAID TO YOU.” Jesus is actually pointing out that the Holy Spirit will be a helper for them to remember what He had been teaching them. The Holy Spirit will not add nor delete what has been said by Jesus Christ. Then later He said, “Peace be with you.”

Jesus ends His discourse by giving both assurance and warning. Jesus knows that his disciples are having difficult times, challenges, and sufferings while they live in this world. Jesus will never leave them orphans for they lived in Christ and He afforded them peace, because He has overcome the world.

There are two actions rendered by Jesus to His disciples, that we must take note seriously as follows:

First, Jesus offers them “Peace.” This is the gift of healing the disciples’ weak human condition. Jesus gifted them peace because of His disciples’ complacency and healed them to complete commitment and sense of fidelity. I do agree that “Peace” is a necessary gift they need to possess as a condition for His sending them, because no one can proclaim God’s word if there is no inner peace! Every prolific preacher derives his effective preaching by means of being at peace with God, others, and himself.

Second, the giving of the Holy Spirit. The breathing of the Spirit transforms the disciples’ whole-being from fear into courageous followers, then sends them to proclaim the gospel daringly and fearlessly. It is the breathing of new life into His followers and upon the earth. Our human fragility has been reinforced by the Holy Spirit to be strong and to gather fruitful harvest for God.

Brothers and Sisters, today is not simply a liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost. It is our new birth within the Church. We are also gifted by God with peace and the Holy Spirit. At every mass Christ is exhorting to all of us, “Go in Peace.” Where are we being sent? To whom do we go to bring peace?

May we continue to be open to the Spirit, the Breath of God, the giver of courage, the one who overcomes our fear. God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Acts 1:1-11
• Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
• Ephesians 1:17-23
• Matthew 28:16-20

Today is the 7th Sunday of Easter. In other parts of the world, and also some dioceses and archdioceses in the USA, like Nevada, today is the Feast of the Lord’s Ascension. In some local churches, it was celebrated last Thursday, within the 6th Week of Easter, 10 days before Pentecost. The reason behind the transfer to Sunday is to make this celebration available to all the faithful, rather than having few people taking part in this important feast. Remembering that Thursday is a working day, and a majority of Catholics are busy working, it is basically a necessary option and not a theological or dogmatic reason.

Why is this feast important to us Catholics? Let us find the answer from today’s readings.

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminded us that Jesus was with the Apostles after the resurrection; consequently, there were many new converted followers, both Jews and Gentiles, for Jesus. They were instructed to stay near Jerusalem where God promised them to receive the Holy Spirit. Many of them were confused but, having much faith, they anticipated with joy to receive such a promise in order to experience the outpouring of God’s presence and be re-created by His power.

After the horrifying experience of the Apostles with the humiliating death of their Master, they found hope when several times Jesus appeared to them. His resurrection brought them joy and encouragement to continue their mission. Now, they are excited when they went to Bethany to experience another moment with Jesus during His ascension. It was again another glorious experience that Jesus is LORD. This reality comes to light when they focus on Him alone with His everlasting love. Ascension is more than just ascending into heaven and vanishing from their sight but more importantly, Jesus occupies their hearts which move them to become adhesive in their love for each other and passionate in their confidence in the Lord. They were absolutely open to the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit as well.

There are spiritual realities that we could get from this Feast of the Ascension which invites us to reflect upon:

First, the Ascension is the transforming reality in the life of Jesus. It is not leaving us permanently, but it is an invitation to consolidate relationships in building His Kingdom of justice, peace, mercy and synodality. We are challenged to walk together as faithful witnesses, as the Church, in the midst of this changing world.

Second, in Jesus’ departure from earthly life to His glorious abode, the Lord takes our human existence into the presence of God. He takes with Him our flesh and our blood, and all humanity, you and me, now abide in God, and God abides in us.

Third, Jesus’ ascension introduces us into the very life of God. His ascension into heaven benefits all of us together working according to God’s will. Jesus’ very presence is more tangible than when He was here on earth, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish our mission by saying, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

There is no need to worry that Jesus is going back to the Father on this feast of His Ascension. The early Church and all of us clearly understand the teachings and instructions of Jesus. It is obvious that Jesus’ mission with the Apostles is now entrusted to us. As baptized Catholics, we have received the same Spirit and mandate to go to all nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (St. Matthew 28: 19-20) We are called to participate in the missionary work of Christ. Our mission has begun.

Let us remember the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians when he prays: “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call. . . .” It means that we must continuously sanctify Jesus in our hearts, so that our inner eyes can see the gift of “spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of Him.” It gives us the reason to Hope for sharing Jesus’ eternal and glorious destiny.

Do we clearly have that desire to keep our eyes fixed on the promise of the Lord’s Ascension? Let us be united with the prayer of St. Paul, “Lord, enlighten the eyes of hearts, that we may know what we hope is ours.”
God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Séptimo Domingo de Pascua, Domingo de la Ascensión

• Hechos 1:1-11
• Salmos 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
• Efesios 1:17-23
• Mateo 28:16-20

Hoy es el Séptimo Domingo de Pascua. En otras partes del mundo, y también en algunas diócesis y arquidiócesis de USA, como Nevada, hoy es la Fiesta de la Ascensión del Señor. Para algunas iglesias locales, se celebró el pasado jueves dentro de la Sexta Semana de Pascua, 10 días antes de Pentecostés. La razón detrás de la transferencia al Domingo es hacer que esta celebración esté disponible para todos los fieles en lugar de que pocas personas participen en esta importante fiesta. Recuerden que el Jueves es un día laboral y es difícil para la mayoría de los católicos asistir a misa durante la semana. Es una opción necesaria y no una razón teológica o dogmática.

¿Por qué es importante esta fiesta para nosotros los católicos? Encontremos la respuesta en las lecturas de hoy.

Nuestra primera lectura de los Hechos de los Apóstoles nos recordó que Jesús estaba con los Apóstoles después de la resurrección, en consecuencia, muchos nuevos seguidores convertidos tanto judíos como gentiles de Jesús. Se les indicó que se quedaran cerca de Jerusalén, donde Dios les prometió recibir el Espíritu Santo. Muchos de ellos estaban confundidos pero teniendo mucha fe, esperaban con gozo recibir tal promesa de experimentar el derramamiento de la presencia de Dios y ser recreados por Su poder.

Después de la espeluznante experiencia de los Apóstoles para contener la humillante muerte de su Maestro, encontraron esperanza cuando Jesús se les apareció varias veces. Su resurrección les trajo alegría y aliento para continuar su misión. Y ahora, están emocionados de ver cuando fueron a Betania para experimentar otro momento con Jesús durante Su ascensión. Nuevamente fue otra experiencia gloriosa que Jesús es el SEÑOR. Esta realidad sale a la luz cuando se enfocan en Él solo con Su amor eterno. La ascensión es más que simplemente ascender al cielo y desaparecer de su vista, más importante aún, Jesús ocupa sus corazones, lo que los mueve a volverse adherentes en su amor mutuo y apasionados en su confianza en el Señor. También estaban abiertos a la promesa de la venida del Espíritu Santo.

Hay realidades espirituales que podemos sacar de esta Fiesta de la Ascensión que nos invitan a reflexionar:

Primero, la Ascensión es la realidad transformadora en la vida de Jesús. No es dejarnos definitivamente, pero es una invitación a consolidar relaciones en la construcción de Su Reino de justicia, paz, misericordia y sinodalidad. Estamos desafiados a caminar juntos como testigos fieles, como Iglesia en medio de este mundo cambiante.

Segundo, en la partida de Jesús de la vida terrenal a Su morada gloriosa, el Señor lleva nuestra existencia humana a la presencia de Dios. Él toma con Él nuestra carne y nuestra sangre, toda la humanidad, tú y yo ahora permanecemos en Dios, y Dios permanece en nosotros.

Tercero, la ascensión de Jesús nos introduce a la vida misma de Dios. Su ascensión al cielo nos beneficia a todos nosotros juntos puede trabajar de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios porque la misma presencia de Jesús es más tangible de lo que fue aquí en la tierra por el don del Espíritu Santo para cumplir nuestra misión al decir: “Y he aquí, yo estoy con vosotros siempre, hasta el fin del mundo.”

No hay necesidad de preocuparse de que Jesús regrese al Padre en esta fiesta de Su Ascensión. La Iglesia primitiva y todos nosotros entendemos claramente las enseñanzas e instrucciones de Jesús. La misión de Jesús con los Apóstoles ahora se nos confía a nosotros. Como católicos bautizados, hemos recibido el mismo Espíritu y mandato de ir a todas las naciones, “bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo, enseñándoles a guardar todo lo que os he mandado”. (Mt. 28: 19-20)

Estamos llamados a participar en la obra misionera de Cristo. Nuestra misión ha comenzado.

Recordemos las palabras de San Pablo en su Carta a los Efesios cuando reza: “Que se iluminen los ojos de vuestros corazones, para que sepáis cuál es la esperanza de su llamada. . . .” Significa que debemos santificar continuamente a Jesús en nuestros corazones para que nuestros ojos internos puedan ver el don del “espíritu de sabiduría y revelación que resulta en el conocimiento de Él”. Nos da una razón para la esperanza de compartir el destino eterno y glorioso de Jesús.

¿Tenemos ese deseo de mantener la mirada fija en la promesa de la Ascensión del Señor? Unámonos a la oración de San Pablo: “Señor, ilumina los ojos de los corazones, para que sepamos lo que esperamos es nuestro”.

Dios lo bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 1 Peter 4:7-11
• John 15:26-27; 16:1-4

It is Sunday after Ascension. We did not have the Thursday celebration of the Lord’s Ascension because the Diocese of Reno agreed to the transfer of the Feast of the Ascension to today. This is not a theological reason, but a practical option, so that all the faithful are able to enjoy the blessing of the celebration. If you have guilt for not attending last Thursday, you have not committed any sin, for I believe that circumstances dictate that it was not your fault. God is more intelligent than us; He knows and sees everything. If it is my moral culpability, that is my sin, of which I am sincerely sorry to God, the Almighty. I hope this satisfies everyone.

Our epistle from the text of 1 Peter 4:7 plainly says, “Dearly beloved, be prudent and watch in prayers. But, before all things, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves; for charity covereth a multitude of sins.” It is obvious that being charitable and loving one another is a main concern. “Before all things,” Peter says, “we must keep loving one another earnestly.” Love or charity is absolutely important in the church and in our community. We have known that in the scriptures “Love” is the foundation of Christ’s teaching; likewise, St. Paul says that we can speak about God to others, share the gospel clearly, preach great homilies, possess faith and practice it according to rubrics, coming to church every Sunday, but if you don’t love, you are and you gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Above all be sure that you love. This time find your gift loving and serving. Two suggestions: One, find someone who needs to be served and to be helped materially and do what God does; or two, find someone who is elderly or handicapped and spend time with them, sharing time as your corporal works of mercy. A Christian relationship of loving and serving others will help discern your gifts. Do it to cover a multitude of sins.

In today’s gospel Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for a brief time that He would be away. In addition, He explains more about how the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, will help them in His absence.

This entire pericope of the gospel taken from St. John has two lessons exploring what Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit.

First, the Holy Spirit Testifies Concerning Jesus (15:26-27). “When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me: and you shall give testimony, because you are with Me from the beginning.” (15:26-27) The Holy Spirit will just remind the disciples what Jesus taught, which is the fundamental function the Spirit needs to accomplish. The Greek word “Paraklētos” which means an advocate and which is connected with another familiar word to us, “martyreō,” which means “to confirm or attest something on the basis of personal knowledge or belief, bear witness, be a witness, offer testimony.” The Holy Spirit enlightens us about Christ with much conviction before the believers and the world.

Second, Jesus told his disciples not to be scandalized because all these things have been spoken to us. Though we are not eyewitnesses of the Jesus of History, who walked and lived here on earth, we too must bear witness of what Jesus has done in our lives as part of our reconstructive reflections about the teachings of the historical Jesus, which we all have today. “They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father nor Me. I have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you.” (16:1-4) The verb “skandalizō,” in this context, is to cause ourselves to fall away from Jesus and consequently will be our downfall when we commit sins. Jesus told them that they would be expelled from the synagogues and even be persecuted and killed. It must have been a heavy cross for them to carry as well. The instruction of Jesus to His disciples and to us is that we must not succumb to despair and lose faith. Jesus anticipated this heavy trial and, for that reason, He warns us that it would come. Jesus did not say to fight back and engage in a revolution; rather we see Jesus telling us that the Holy Spirit will take care of all things. We must testify to Jesus. To testify to Jesus means to be His staunch and committed witnesses.

A week from now, we anticipate the Feast of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost. The key is the Holy Spirit. Thus, if you feel the pressure of persecution because of your Catholic faith, in any way, realize that Jesus spoke these words not only for His first disciples, but also for you and me.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa