Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Sirach 15:15-20
• Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
• 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
• Matthew 5:17-37 or Matthew 5:20-22A, 27-28, 33-34A, 37

Today is the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. On this Sunday, February 12, 2023, in the United States of America, people will be enjoying watching the 57th Super Bowl. Two teams will be showing mighty effort to win this year’s National American Football Game, the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Kansas City Chiefs. Everybody is excited to watch the clashing of two good teams. Those who don’t understand the game and people who do not like football will all be together with their families, enjoying house-parties, which is indeed part of the life here in America. Millions of people will be watching and also millions of dollars will be spent for TV advertising of the entertainment show during half time of the game. This is the popular social-sports event which I have learned in my 15 years here in the US. Some anticipate the fulfillment of their Sunday obligation but some even sacrifice their Sunday obligation because of this event. I wonder which team will win, but it brings surprises to all.

We are also like a team who prepares to win the heart of God. Every Sunday we are called to participate in the most important weekly event in our life, that is to bring both our best and worst to God, then we ultimately win many unexpected blessings from Him. Fulfilling our Sunday obligation is the best socio-religious event which gives meaning to our existence as children of God. Sports are just an added flavor of life to be healthy and to entertain us. However, we cannot give up our priority to worship, praise and express our thanksgiving to God.

Let us be nourished by the Word of God we heard today. Today’s first reading, taken from the Book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, presents to us God’s revealed wisdom through wise and practical sayings that are important in life. We are created to participate in God’s divine wisdom through the Spirit of our awareness that God wants to reveal His wonderful plan according to this book. It says that “He understands man’s every deed. No one does He command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin.” This is God’s Wisdom; therefore, we must use our understanding of our own faith according to His ways. We cannot insist to remain in a head-level wisdom because God’s wisdom is sublime law to guide people to prosperity, harmony, and peace. This reading reminds us that we have a choice in how we act, that we are not forced, but can choose to follow God’s will by our own dispositions of the heart and our fidelity to Him.

In the second reading taken from the first Letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God’s revelation is “revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinizes everything even the depths of God.” How is it revealed to us? We must be attentive to the Spirit of discernment. It is a process which comes about usually through faithful and intensive prayer or talking to God as we mature in our spiritual life.

In today’s gospel, St. Matthew continues his discussion of Jesus’ sermon on the mount, chapter 5:17-37, as a set of core values or principles that we must fulfill and must do. Jesus is applying into the different existing laws a correct understanding rather than being too legalistic. It is proper that we acquire the spirit of Jesus to form both our mind and heart.

There are three things we need to know so that we can have proactive ways to keep God’s basic commandments: Jesus does not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but rather with a disposition to fulfill them. We heard these commandments:

First, God says, “You shall not kill.” Whoever kills is liable to judgment which our Lord expands in this way, that when we are angry with brethren, then we are liable to judgment when we are verbally and physically abusive. However, when we are just having emotional discontent or are a little upset without having internal malice to do something bad to others, then it is understandable because of our human emotion, just like Jesus was upset and angry with the people for showing no respect for the temple in Jerusalem. When we have experienced anger in the heart, which is the root of murder and deep seated anger towards others, that sin certainly manifests from the heart to do evil intent and to do harm.

Second, God says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Jesus expands our understanding to the fact that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart, because lustful desires come from the heart, and it is from the heart that sin comes. But this too applies to women having lustful desires to covet men in their heart.

Third, God says “do not take a false oath.” Jesus expands on the fact that we do not promise or swear at all, if we can’t commit ourselves from the heart- for it is from the heart that sin comes.

The heart of the message of the scriptural readings is simply to grow in our spiritual life, to be pure of heart, to be trustworthy and live with integrity. Let us try to move forward to what God wants us to be. Let us be winners for Christ.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

• Eclesiástico 15:15-20
• Salmos 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
• 1 Corintios 2:6-10
• Mateo 5:17-37 o Mateo 5:20-22A, 27-28, 33-34A, 37

Hoy es el Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A. Este Domingo, 12(dose) de Febrero del 2023 (dos-mil, veintitrés), los Estados Unidos de América disfrutarán viendo el 57º(cincuenta y siete) Super Bowl. Dos equipos mostrarán una gran victoria para el Juego Nacional de Fútbol Americano de este año, los Philadelphia Eagles contra los Kansas City Chiefs. Todos están emocionados de ver el partido de dos buenos equipos, incluso aquellos que nunca entienden el juego y las personas a las que no les gusta el fútbol se quedarán juntas con sus familias, disfrutar de las fiestas en casa es parte de la vida aquí en Estados Unidos. Millones de personas miran y también se gastan millones de dólares en programas de entretenimiento de publicidad televisiva en el medio tiempo del juego. Este es el evento social-deportivo popular que he aprendido en mis 15 años aquí en los Estados Unidos. Algunos anticipan el cumplimiento de su obligación dominical y algunos incluso sacrifican su obligación dominical a causa de este evento. Me pregunto qué equipo ganará pero trae sorpresas para todos.

Somos también como un equipo que se prepara para conquistar el corazón de Dios. Todos los domingos somos llamados a participar en el evento semanal más importante de nuestra vida, que es traer lo mejor y lo peor a Dios, y finalmente ganamos muchas de las bendiciones inesperadas de Él. Cumplir con nuestra obligación dominical es el mejor acontecimiento sociorreligioso que da sentido a nuestra existencia como hijos de Dios. Los deportes son solo un añadido de sabor a la vida para estar sanos y para entretenernos. Sin embargo, no podemos renunciar a nuestra prioridad de adorar, alabar y expresar nuestro agradecimiento a Dios.

Dejémonos nutrir por la Palabra de Dios que escuchamos hoy. En la primera lectura de hoy tomada del Libro del Sirac o Eclesiástico, nos presenta la sabiduría revelada de Dios a través de dichos sabios y prácticos que son importantes en la vida. Somos creados para participar de la sabiduría divina de Dios a través del Espíritu de nuestra conciencia de que Dios quiere revelar Su plan maravilloso según este libro, dice que “Él entiende cada obra del hombre. A nadie manda Él obrar injustamente, a nadie da licencia para pecar.” Esta es la Sabiduría de Dios; por lo tanto, debemos usar nuestro entendimiento de nuestra propia fe de acuerdo a Sus caminos. No podemos insistir en permanecer en una sabiduría a nivel de la cabeza porque la sabiduría de Dios es una ley sublime para guiar a las personas hacia la prosperidad, la armonía y la paz. Esta lectura nos recuerda que tenemos una opción en cómo actuamos, que no estamos obligados, sino que podemos elegir seguir la voluntad de Dios por nuestras propias disposiciones del corazón y nuestra fidelidad a Él.

En la segunda lectura tomada de la primera Carta a los Corintios, San Pablo nos recuerda que la revelación de Dios “se nos revela por el Espíritu. Porque el Espíritu lo escudriña todo, incluso las profundidades de Dios.” ¿Cómo se nos revela? Debemos estar atentos al Espíritu de discernimiento. Es un proceso que se produce generalmente a través de la oración fiel e intensa o hablando con Dios a medida que maduramos en nuestra vida espiritual.

En el evangelio de hoy, San Mateo continúa su discusión sobre el sermón de la montaña de Jesús, capítulo 5:17-37 (cinco, del diecisiete al treinta y siete) como un conjunto de valores o principios centrales que debemos cumplir y debemos hacer. Jesús está aplicando las diferentes leyes existentes con una comprensión correcta en lugar de ser demasiado legalista. Es propio que adquiramos el espíritu de Jesús para formar tanto nuestra mente como nuestro corazón.

Hay tres cosas que necesitamos saber para que podamos tener formas proactivas de guardar los mandamientos básicos de Dios: Jesús no viene a abolir la ley y los profetas sino más bien una disposición para cumplirlos. Oímos estos mandamientos:

Primero, Dios dice: “No matarás”. Cualquiera que mate está sujeto a juicio que nuestro Señor expande de esta manera que cuando estamos enojados con los hermanos entonces, estamos sujetos a juicio cuando somos verbal y físicamente abusivos. Sin embargo, cuando solo tenemos descontento emocional o un pequeño malestar sin tener malicia interna para hacer algo malo a los demás, entonces es comprensible debido a nuestra emoción humana, como Jesús estaba molesto y enojado con la gente sin respeto por el templo en Jerusalén. . Cuando hemos experimentado la ira en el corazón que es la raíz del asesinato y la ira profundamente arraigada hacia los demás, ese pecado ciertamente se manifiesta desde el corazón para hacer malas intenciones y hacer daño.

Segundo, Dios dice: “No cometerás adulterio”. Jesús amplía nuestra comprensión al hecho de que cualquiera que mira a una mujer con lujuria ya cometió adulterio en su corazón, porque los deseos lujuriosos vienen del corazón y es del corazón de donde viene el pecado. Pero esto también se aplica a las mujeres que tienen deseos lujuriosos de codiciar a los hombres en su corazón.

Tercero, Dios dice “no hagas un juramento falso”. Jesús amplía el hecho de que no prometemos ni juramos en absoluto, si no podemos comprometernos de corazón, y es del corazón de donde viene el pecado.

El corazón del mensaje de las lecturas bíblicas es simplemente crecer en nuestra vida espiritual, ser puros de corazón, ser dignos de confianza y vivir con integridad. Tratemos de avanzar hacia lo que Dios quiere que seamos. Seamos vencedores para Cristo.

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9
• Luke 8:4-15

We are in the 2nd Sunday before the first Sunday of Lent. This is the pre-Lent Sunday where we are going thru preparations to commence the season of Lent. Though our vestment is already violet color, we presume that we are starting to look into the process of arising from our sleep. Seek God to aid and deliver us. “Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos et libera nos.” (Arise, O Lord, help us and deliver us.)

The epistle today, taken from St. Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians, expresses Paul’s happiness that his advice has been well received and listened to by the church of Corinth. He knew so well that he suffered due to criticisms about his personality and his legitimacy to preach the gospel. Instead of being discouraged, he pursued his dedication to share comforting words which Christians have quoted often to overcome their struggles. He never has given up to show much love and care for all believers and to remind them that the Church of Corinth will make good in their promise to do something to alleviate the sufferings of believers in Jerusalem. Though Paul suffered much for Christ, he never loses his direction to walk with Christ all the way of his life.

This is how we continue to survive our difficulties to succeed in our journey in this season of preparation. We have so many things that bother us, probably, our disbelief to make things right. What is important is our total surrender and abandonment of self to the Lord.

The gospel today takes us to a closer look about ourselves. How intense is our sensitivity to fully hear and understand God’s words? God is the “Sower.” The “Seeds” are His words. The “types of soil” are our attitudes to accept the seeds being sown into our hearts. Let us examine ourselves when hearing the words, “embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit.” There are four types of hearers of the word of God.

First, there are people who heard God’s word and yet are so closed-minded that they do not mind nor care of things about God.

Second, there are shallow hearers as well. These are people who lack spiritual depth. They initially respond with emotional enthusiasm and joy, but when it wears off, when difficulty arises, their mind wanders to something else.

Third, there are people who listen to and reflect on the word of God carefully but are too busy with other chores, like building their business empire, living lavishly in the materialistic world, then sure enough forgetting their commitments to love and serve God more.

Fourth, there are hearers who are ready to receive the word of God faithfully so it can take root and grow, and bear much fruit. These are people who are receptive to hear and act what God wants through His words, having fertile soil to produce the best harvest.

I exhort you, my dear brothers and sisters, to understand the spiritual truths behind this parable. God is expecting us to look into how much fruit we produce after hearing His spoken and written words.

Gaining God’s offering of salvation depends on how we become productive and “fruit-bearing, and not just remaining passive listeners or readers of God’s words. The devil takes away the word; so as not to be victimized, we must believe, act and be saved.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 2:18-25
• Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
• Mark 7:24-30

Today we have beautiful scripture passages from the Book of Genesis and from the evangelist Mark. Reflecting on the Book of Genesis reminds us about the origin of everything in the world. The book begins, “In the Beginning when God created heaven and heart.” It is a story of God’s creation. In this chapter, the second version of man’s creation was presented, “out of the clay of the ground, blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so became a living being.” God provided them beautiful plants, food, and animals to live in prosperity, joy and peace and human dignity until they disobeyed God.

In today’s gospel, there is a new teaching coming from Jesus. He wanted to be incognito in the district of Tyre. Jesus entered the house when a woman came and fell at his feet pleading to drive the evil spirit out of her daughter. The Gentile woman fell at Jesus’ feet begging for help, with humility likening to a dog seeking the scraps from the master’s table. Jesus says, “For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dog.” This is not an insult but a test of faith. While the evil spirit continues to inflict pain and suffering to her daughter, but this woman says, “Please, Sir. I hear that you have tremendous powers from God to heal people. Please heal my daughter.” Jesus commanded the woman to go. There she was obedient and went home only to find that her daughter was healed.

Jesus is deeply moved by the woman’s amazing faith. His heart is pounding with joy because He knows the great relief and freedom for the woman and her daughter would come to unfold. This is what we call the “personal encounter with Jesus.” Jesus knows so well that the encounter between Him and the woman with much faith will be remembered by his disciples who would also bring the Good News to others. Here Jesus is teaching us to be obedient and to be humbled. We should not avoid the sin of the sin of pride.

As we cooperate with God in the on-going work of creation, we must accept humility to further God’s vision for our own good. God is indeed greater than anyone of us here. I believe there are three important messages– perhaps lessons Jesus intended to teach:
1. Pursuing demands on behalf of the weak and afflicted requires risk-taking. We must be ready to face the consequence of humiliation. If ever we have to speak on behalf of those who are weak, let us face the consequence of helping them…
2. Doing good demands constancy, be persistent like the woman in the story.
3. Like Jesus, we must be open to and be willing to offer any kind of help. Those who are teachers, principals, and all authority figures must be open to requests from the weak and the despised. Let us expand our horizon to help others.

The Gentile woman in today’s gospel reading fight for healing for her daughter who is weak because the evil spirit tormented her. It’s an extremely important lesson for all of us. We must persist when we fight for justice because Jesus’ ultimate response to the woman gives us hope that we will surely win with Jesus.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 58:7-10
• Psalms 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
• Matthew 5:13-16

Today is the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. These readings, both from the Old Testament and New Testament, respectively, emphasize the importance of God being the main source of light, a light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it, which is presented to us by the evangelist John 1:4-5.

When we come inside the church, we are oblivious at times of that tiny light near the tabernacle. It reminds us that tiny sparkle of light signifies the presence of God which gives us hope. We believe that God defeated darkness in the world. We are wanting to possess that light, to follow Him and discern that God shines.

In today’s first reading, Isaiah echoes this message of being attentive to the needs of the world. “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked when you see them and do not turn your back on your own.” Many are worried when their next meal will be and how can they survive. It has more to do with what we can do for the good of others and not about how we can excuse ourselves from practicing this. When we do charitable works, then the world is seemingly lighted and brightness happens. I believe that neglect of sharing something with our needy neighbors is a deliberate way of committing a sin, which is the cause of darkness. When we have nothing to give, a prayer is being heard by God and He will respond, “Here, I am.” There is, indeed, a divine payment that “the gloom shall become for you like midday.” With God it is easy for us to respond to what is necessary and needed to accomplish.

St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with demonstration of Spirit and power.” I feel that St. Paul is showing his confidence to his people in Corinth. Hence, he preached to them with the words coming from the Spirit of Christ which he cannot boast. He lived his absolute faith and truth in Jesus Christ, yet he cannot do this alone; he relies on the power of God.

Again in today’s gospel, it calls us to live out our baptism, our participation in the life of Christ as part of His body. We are called to keep our baptismal promises and not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others towards Christ for we are the salt of the earth; we are the light of the world. This statement from Jesus is both a responsibility and an accountability. Our light must shine before others, so that they may see our good deeds and also to glorify our heavenly Father. Ultimately, the one who is giving us the courage to do good things is God.

From the gospel, we heard the instructions of how to act as a disciple of Jesus. At all times, our good works are not to be hidden, but they are to be revelations of the Light of Christ. God becomes visible through our good works and can be seen as sparks of the light within us. Our being faithful to the Lord gives the right flavor and light to make God shine through us.

So, what does all of this mean to me?

First, we know that Jesus is not simply talking about a real lamp. Simply put, God is light, and the lamp represents Him. In turn, Jesus is the light, and we represent Him. As His followers, we reflect His light. We are meant to be so focused on Him that the light shines forth from us. It is not hidden under a basket or a bed. It is placed on a stand so that everyone may see the light. It is important to note that just as the moon reflects the sun, we reflect the light of God. We are not a light ourselves. Our lamp is fueled by our close contact with the light of the world. This is why Jesus mentions men seeing your good works and glorifying God. We are constantly pointing the way to God.

Second, what is being the Salt of the earth today? On the spiritual meaning of salt, let us know this concept. Salt has been used to preserve meat for thousands of years. It prevents it from spoiling. As followers of Christ, we are a kind of preservative. As we spread the gospel of Jesus and share His words with others, we preserve truth. Jesus is telling us several things; we preserve the truth by being obedient to Him. We are meant to share God’s truth with the world. It is an ongoing process as we draw closer to God. I believe Jesus is referring to those who are not willing to be closer to the Lord and finally remove the sin in their lives, warning that they will be cast into hell. When asked what happens when the salt loses its effectiveness, I know this sounds harsh but so are those who refuse to follow the Lord; their efforts are worthless. Thus, as we lean into Jesus and grow closer to Him, we can pass that truth and preserve the path to heaven for those who come after us.

Being the salt and the light of the world begins in your heart. Ask God to show you where you can be a light. Are you obeying and sharing Christ’s words? Are you both walking in the truth and reflecting it? Have you denied your obeying Christ’s command to be the salt and light of the world?

Let us be God’s light shining through our deeds of salt and light. Maybe it will be such a joyful way of revealing God’s goodness to us that our times of gloom might be less.

Together we can light up the world with God’s light and love!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón: Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año, A.

• Isaías 58:7-10
• Salmos 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Corintios 2:1-5
• Mateo 5:13-16

Hoy es el Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año A. Estas lecturas tanto del Antiguo Testamento como del Nuevo Testamento, respectivamente, enfatizan la importancia de Dios, siendo la principal fuente de Luz, una luz que brilla en las tinieblas y las tinieblas no han llegado a vencerla, que nos presenta el evangelista Juan 1:4-5.

Cuando entramos a la iglesia, a veces no nos damos cuenta de esa pequeña luz cerca del tabernáculo. Nos recuerda que ese pequeño destello de luz significa la presencia de Dios que nos da esperanza. Creemos que Dios derrotó la oscuridad en el mundo. Estamos queriendo poseer esa luz, seguirlo y discernir que Dios brilla.

La primera lectura del profeta Isaías, se hace eco de este mensaje de estar atentos a las necesidades del mundo. “Comparte tu pan con el hambriento, acoge a los oprimidos y a los desamparados, viste a los desnudos, cuando los veas y no des la espalda a tu propio hermano”. Muchos están preocupados cuando habrá próxima comida, ¿cómo pueden sobrevivir? Tiene más que ver con lo que podemos hacer por el bien de los demás y no con cómo podemos excusarnos de practicarlos. Entonces, cuando hacemos obras de caridad, el mundo aparentemente se ilumina y aparece la luz. Creo que el descuido de compartir algo con nuestro prójimo necesitado es una forma deliberada de cometer un pecado que es la causa de la oscuridad. Cuando no tenemos nada para dar, Dios está escuchando una oración y Él responderá: “Aquí estoy”. Hay, de hecho, un pago divino, “las tinieblas serán para nosotros como el mediodía”. Con Dios se nos hace fácil responder a lo que es necesario y necesario de realizar.

San Pablo escribió a los corintios: “Vine a ustedes con debilidad, temor y mucho temblor, y mi mensaje y mi proclamación no fueron con palabras persuasivas de sabiduría, sino con demostración de Espíritu y poder”. Siento que San Pablo está mostrando su confianza en su pueblo en Corinto. Por lo tanto, les predicó con las palabras que provienen del Espíritu de Cristo. Vivió su fe y verdad absolutas en Jesucristo, pero no puede hacerlo solo, sino que confía en el poder de Dios.

Nuevamente en el evangelio de hoy, nos llama a vivir nuestro bautismo, nuestra participación en la vida de Cristo como parte de Su cuerpo. Estamos llamados a cumplir nuestras promesas bautismales y no a llamar la atención sobre nosotros mismos, sino a señalar a otros hacia Cristo porque somos la sal de la tierra; Somos la luz del mundo. Esta declaración de Jesús es tanto una responsabilidad como una rendición de cuentas. Nuestra luz que viene de Cristo debe brillar a través de nosotros ante los demás, con nuestras obras y acciones, y así glorifiquemos juntos a nuestro Padre celestial. Porque a El se debe toda Gloria.

Del evangelio escuchamos las instrucciones de cómo actuar como discípulo de Jesús. En todo momento, nuestras buenas obras no deben ocultarse, sino que deben ser revelaciones de la Luz de Cristo. Dios se hace visible a través de nuestras buenas obras y pueden verse como chispas de luz dentro de nosotros. Nuestra fidelidad al Señor da el sabor y la luz adecuados para que Dios brille a través de nosotros.

Entonces, ¿qué significa todo esto para mí?

Primero, sabemos que Jesús no está hablando simplemente de una lámpara real. En pocas palabras, Dios es luz y la lámpara lo representa. A su vez, Jesús es la luz, y nosotros lo representamos. Como sus seguidores, reflejamos su luz. Estamos destinados a estar tan enfocados en él que la luz brille en nosotros. No está escondido debajo de una canasta o una cama. Se coloca sobre un soporte para que todos puedan ver la luz. Es importante notar que así como la luna refleja al sol, nosotros reflejamos la luz de Dios. Nosotros mismos no somos una luz. Nuestra lámpara se alimenta de nuestro estrecho contacto con la luz del mundo. Por eso Jesús menciona a los hombres viendo vuestras buenas obras y glorificando a Dios. Estamos constantemente señalando el camino hacia Dios.

Segundo, ¿qué es ser la Sal de la tierra hoy? Sobre el significado espiritual de la sal, conozcamos este concepto. La sal se ha utilizado para conservar la carne durante miles de años. Evita que se estropee. Como seguidores de Cristo, somos una especie de preservación. A medida que difundimos el evangelio de Jesús y compartimos sus palabras con los demás, preservamos la verdad. Jesús nos está diciendo varias cosas; preservamos la verdad siendo obedientes a Él. Estamos destinados a compartir la verdad de Dios con el mundo. Es un proceso continuo a medida que nos acercamos a Dios. Creo que Jesús se está refiriendo a aquellos que no están dispuestos a estar más cerca del Señor y finalmente quitar el pecado de sus vidas, advirtiendo que serán arrojados al infierno. Cuando pregunta qué sucede cuando la sal pierde su eficacia. Sé que esto suena duro, pero también lo son aquellos que se niegan a seguir al Señor, sus esfuerzos son inútiles. Por lo tanto, a medida que nos apoyamos en Jesús y nos acercamos más a él, podemos pasar esa verdad y preservar el camino al cielo para aquellos que vienen después de nosotros.

Siendo la sal y la luz del mundo, comienza en tu corazón. Pregunta a Dios para que te guíe a dónde puedes ser una luz. ¿Estás obedeciendo y compartiendo las palabras de Cristo? ¿Estás caminando en la verdad y reflejándola? ¿Has negado tu obediencia al mandato de Cristo de ser la sal y la luz del mundo?

Seamos luz de Dios brillando a través de nuestras obras de sal y luz. Tal vez sea una forma tan alegre de revelar la bondad de Dios que nuestros tiempos de tristeza sean menores. ¡Juntos podemos iluminar el mundo con la luz y el amor de Dios!

Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:1-5
• Matthew 20:1-16

The word Septuagesima is Latin for “seventieth.” We really don’t know why 70 days, but we know that it is 63 days before the celebration of Easter. However, it signifies that today is the 3rd Sunday before the start of Lent which falls on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023. This is traditionally marked as the beginning of preparations for Lent. This coming Sunday will be the 2nd Sunday before Lent, which we call Sexagesima (60th) Feb. 12th, and the last Sunday, Quinquagesima (50th) Feb 19th, which is 49 days before Easter, or 50 if you include Easter. We use the traditional Roman Catholic Liturgical Calendar in the traditional Latin Mass. After these three consecutive Sundays, we begin the First Sunday of Lent.

Our spirituality is not about being confined in our belief that legitimate mass is Latin, or that the celebration of the sacraments must be in Latin, or that the priest celebrating the mass is not a genuine priest. Let us deeply reflect what God speaks to us today.

The scriptures speak to us from the epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, “Brethren, know you not that they run in the race, all run indeed, but one received the prize? So run that you may obtain. Everyone who strives the mastery refrains himself from all things, that they may receive a corruptible crown.” We must receive the crown which is an incorruptible one. The gospel exhorts us not to be self-righteous with the last or to consider ourselves to be best; hence, we would be the first, or where it seems, we are always trying to make sure that someone didn’t get more than we did. We are obsessed with first and being ahead of others. I think we should strive to do good and to be loving. This is to challenge ourselves to live-out the gospel. Too often, however, we look at others and compare ourselves with a slightly whiny tiny voice, saying wow, she or he got more than me, and thinking, that’s not fair at some perceived slight if a co-worker appeared to get a better deal than me.

As I have mentioned, today is the pre-lent Sunday. Instead of looking outward at what others have, we need to look inward. We need to focus on our spirituality where we need to pay attention to how we are living our life, whether we are reflecting God’s love and charity, or whether we are encountering God through our community. Being envious of others is a waste of time and energy. As an alternative, we need to turn that destructive energy around and think what we are doing positively to others and what we can do to change for the better. If we want to start this preparation for Lent to be meaningful, we need to stop being condescending, take a deep breath and be thankful to God for all His blessings. Remember that God’s love is with us wherever we are; whether we are last or we are first, we believe that God is generous and forgiving.

The gospel today makes us aware that God’s way is in conflict with our human standard. The notion of “fairness” is simply the center and the focal idea conveyed in the story of the landowner and the vineyard laborers. With our limited mind to understand God’s logic, we always question that the story seems unfair for the same wage to be paid to workers who worked only an hour compared to those that worked all day. A significant message of this parable is that we are all equal recipients of God’s gifts.

We always succumb to this reality that we often manifest a weakness in our personal faith journey and that we are often jealous when God’s gifts of forgiveness and life are given to others in equal measure.

Jesus’ parable focuses on the goodness and generosity of God. God is the ultimate “landowner,” God eternally exercises His power as Creator for our own good even if we fail to understand His own depth, His own Divine wisdom, and why, because we are continuously absorbed by the earthly criteria and even attitudes.

If God gives grace to others or relief from pain and challenge, it is kindness to them, so give praise to God for them rather than feeling injustice or being envious. I believe that what we receive as blessings and gifts always reminds us that we must continue to live as faithful stewards to serve His kingdom.

Let us live in “fairness and impartiality.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
• Psalms 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
• Matthew 5:1-12a

When we buy new gadgets and appliances, we always look at the manual of instructions to proceed setting it up or learning how to make use of the new things correctly. I am sometimes frustrated when the font or the size of the letters are too small for me to read. However, I remember how my parents taught me to be patient in order to achieve good results. Learning perfection is not easy. How does one keep all the instructions in mind?

In the same manner, we have to realize that our way of living our Catholic Faith calls us to disclose the most beautiful instructions of the Lord through scriptures. To keep our life easy to follow the Lord, we need certain rules and instructions providing clear vision and understanding of what is expected of us. It is both simple and yet complicated, but what is affirming is Jesus’ invitation to a personal relationship with Him. How do we foster this “life-changing” relationship with Him? We are sent to be “Fishers of Men,” to go fishing for Christ so that we can gather “Intentional Disciples”. We must initiate all the movement of our actions towards others in order to bring them closer to Jesus. We also pray to sustain our faith and to nourish our lives through the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

The first reading from the Prophet Zephaniah is reminding us about important instructions, “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law, seek justice, seek humility, perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” I believe that “pride” is the cause of the disintegrating sin for Israel.

The second reading taken from St. Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians tells us to be wise and learn from Jesus Christ, who became for us the wisdom from God. “Whoever boast, should boast in the Lord.”

The gospel today is taken from the evangelist Matthew 5:1-2, and it is known as the Sermon on the Mount: “Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them…” This is Christ’s beautiful sermon which really touched His listeners and myself personally. I would say it is the so called “Constitution of the Church” which contains several different topics. I would not attempt to comment on every section, but rather to give a brief summary of what it contains. If we would summarize this in a single sentence, it would be like this, “We are seekers of God, then how do we live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, free from hypocrisy, full of love and grace, full of wisdom and discernment?”

When I share my personal reflection, I always come to think about St. Augustine’s brilliant idea in order for me to learn from him. I found these words from, our Father St. Augustine, profound reflection saying that “anyone who piously and earnestly ponders the Sermon on the Mount. I believe he will find therein … the perfect standard of the Christian Life.” For Augustine, it is very useful to understand that this is an important teaching of Jesus explaining to us the divine principles of justice guiding us to the narrow path that leads to communion with Him. Instead of taking this as a constant prophetic instruction, Jesus would plant a seed in His listeners, a life that rejoices propriety and perfection. We are simply being asked to seek God. Clearly this gospel gives a definition of how to seek the Lord. We seek the Lord by seeking justice and righteousness, by seeking peace, by seeking humility.

Beatitude is to perfect us through redemptive suffering. By acting towards goodness, humility, peace, and kindness toward each other, we will certainly know who we are. Keeping them in our hearts is difficult; however, St. Augustine explains that “the profitable thing is not suffering those evils but bearing them with equanimity and cheerfulness for the sake of Christ.”

I guess not everyone understands the complexity of this sermon. Let us remember that Jesus was born poor and went against the standard norms of the world. Jesus is a great teacher and the greatest leader; therefore, we must try to understand him and his message. We discover that these Beatitudes correspond to the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

First, Poverty of spirit corresponds with fear of the Lord in which all wisdom begins.

Second, Meekness corresponds with piety, honor for the sacred Scriptures and the restrained power to live them out.

Third, Mourning corresponds with the gift of knowledge and facilitates the discernment of good from evil.

Fourth, Hunger and thirst for justice corresponds with the gift of fortitude to be truly just.

Fifth, Mercy coincides with the gift of counsel which exhorts us to forgive as we wish to be forgiven.

Sixth, Purity of heart corresponds with the gift of understanding what the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard.

Seven, Peacemaking corresponds with the gift of wisdom.

These seven articles of the Beatitudes are a free will choice to follow. However, there is an eighth one, that is for us not to fail to choose these first seven. In truth, St. Augustine is teaching us that “everything is in submission to man’s spirit because that spirit is obedient to God.”

Therefore, I don’t conform to some modern interpretation that Beatitudes are some type of social reform, trying to lift up the plight of the poor and those who were persecuted, but St. Augustine is inviting us to direct this Sermon of Jesus to our inward and interiority to form a basis or ground for our prayer life and honest conversation with God. It would be helpful to take each one of the seven and pray. Which ones are more attractive and graceful for us to make our own?

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El dictado del corazón: Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año A

• Sofonías 2:3; 3:12-13
• Salmos 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
• 1 Corintios 1:26-31
• Mateo 5:1-12a

Cuando compramos nuevos aparatos y electrodomésticos, vemos el manual de instrucciones para proceder a configurarlo o aprender a utilizar correctamente. Aveces me siento frustrado cuando la fuente o el tamaño de las letras son demasiado pequeños para leer. Sin embargo, recuerdo cómo mis padres me enseñaron a tener paciencia para lograr buenos resultados. Aunque no es fácil. ¿Cómo se tienen en cuenta todas las instrucciones?

De la misma manera, debemos darnos cuenta que nuestra forma de vivir nuestra Fe Católica nos llama a divulgar las más bellas instrucciones del Señor a través de las Escrituras. Para mantener nuestra vida fácil para seguir al Señor, necesitamos ciertas reglas e instrucciones que proporcionen una visión clara y una comprensión de lo que se espera de nosotros. Es a la vez simple y, sin embargo, complicado, pero lo que afirma es la invitación de Jesús a una relación personal con Él. ¿Cómo fomentamos esta relación con Él que “cambia la vida”? Somos enviados a ser “Pescadores de hombres”, a ir a pescar a Cristo para que podamos reunir “Discípulos intencionales”. Debemos iniciar todo el movimiento de nuestras acciones hacia los demás para acercarlos a Jesús. También rezamos para sostener nuestra fe y nutrir nuestra vida a través de los Sacramentos, especialmente la Eucaristía.

La primera lectura del profeta Sofonías nos recuerda importantes instrucciones: “Buscad al Señor, todos los humildes de la tierra, que has observado su ley, buscar la justicia, buscar la humildad, tal vez sean protegidos en el día de la ira del Señor. .” Yo creo que el “orgullo” es la causa del pecado que desintegra a Israel.

La segunda lectura tomada de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos dice que seamos sabios y aprendamos de Jesucristo, quien se hizo para nosotros sabiduría de Dios. “El que se gloríe, que se gloríe en el Señor”.

El evangelio de hoy está tomado del evangelista Mateo 5:1-2, y es conocido como el Sermón de la Montaña: “Al ver la multitud, subió a la ladera de un monte y se sentó. Se le acercaron sus discípulos, y comenzó a enseñarles…” Este es el hermoso sermón de Cristo que realmente tocó a sus oyentes y a mí personalmente. Yo diría que es la llamada “Constitución de la Iglesia” que contiene varios temas diferentes. No intentaré comentar cada sección, sino dar un breve resumen de lo que contiene. Si tuviéramos que resumir esto en una sola oración, sería así: “Somos buscadores de Dios, entonces, ¿cómo vivimos una vida dedicada y agradable a Dios, libre de hipocresía, llena de amor y gracia, llena de sabiduría y discernimiento?”

Cuando comparto mi reflexión personal, siempre vengo a pensar en la brillante idea de San Agustín para poder aprender de él. Encontré estas palabras de, nuestro Padre San Agustín, de profunda reflexión diciendo que “cualquiera que medite piadosa y seriamente el Sermón de la Montaña. Creo que encontrará allí… la norma perfecta de la vida cristiana”. Para Agustín es muy útil entender que esta es una importante enseñanza de Jesús al explicarnos los principios divinos de la justicia guiándonos por el camino angosto que lleva a la comunión con Él. En lugar de tomar esto como una instrucción profética constante, Jesús plantaría una semilla en sus oyentes, una vida que regocija la propiedad y la perfección. Simplemente se nos pide que busquemos a Dios. Claramente este evangelio da una definición de cómo buscar al Señor. Buscamos al Señor buscando la justicia y la rectitud, buscando la paz, buscando la humildad. La bienaventuranza es perfeccionarnos a través del sufrimiento redentor. Actuando hacia el bien, la humildad, la paz y la amabilidad entre nosotros, ciertamente sabremos quiénes somos. Mantenerlos en nuestros corazones es difícil; sin embargo, San Agustín explica que “lo provechoso no es sufrir esos males, sino soportarlos con serenidad y alegría por Cristo”.

Supongo que no todos entienden la complejidad de este sermón. Recordemos que Jesús nació pobre y fue en contra de las normas estándares del mundo. Jesús es un gran maestro y el mayor líder; por lo tanto, debemos tratar de entenderlo a él y su mensaje. Descubrimos que estas Bienaventuranzas corresponden a los “Dones del Espíritu Santo”.

En primer lugar, la pobreza de espíritu se corresponde con el temor del Señor en el que comienza toda sabiduría.

En segundo lugar, la mansedumbre se corresponde con la piedad, el honor de las Sagradas Escrituras y el poder moderado de vivirlas.

Tercero, el duelo se corresponde con el don del conocimiento y facilita el discernimiento del bien y del mal.

En cuarto lugar, el hambre y la sed de justicia se corresponden con el don de la fortaleza para ser verdaderamente justos.

Quinto, la Misericordia coincide con el don de consejo que nos exhorta a perdonar como queremos ser perdonados.

Sexto, la pureza de corazón corresponde al don de entender lo que el ojo no vio y el oído no oyó.

Siete, la pacificación se corresponde con el don de la sabiduría.

Estos siete artículos de las Bienaventuranzas son una elección de libre albedrío a seguir. Sin embargo, hay una octava, que es para que no dejemos de elegir estas siete primeras. En verdad, San Agustín nos está enseñando que “todo está en sumisión al espíritu del hombre porque ese espíritu es obediente a Dios”.

Por lo tanto, no me conformo con alguna interpretación moderna de que las Bienaventuranzas son algún tipo de reforma social, tratando de mejorar la situación de los pobres y perseguidos, pero San Agustín nos está invitando a dirigir este Sermón de Jesús hacia nuestro interior y profundizar para formar una base o terreno para nuestra vida de oración y conversación honesta con Dios. Sería útil tomar cada uno de los siete puntos y orar. ¿Cuáles son los más atractivos para que los hagamos nuestros?

Dios te bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 13:8-10
• Matthew 8:23-27

Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday after Epiphany. It is obvious that our collect or opening prayer today is our strong faith and understanding that God knows us to be set in the midst of dangers so great that, by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot always withstand. (Deus, qui nos in tantis periculis constitutos, pro humana scis fragilitate non posse subsistere). We need His grace to keep our mind and body healthy so that we may overcome the things which we suffer for our sins. This is such a beautiful reminder that the road we travel is difficult. We rely solely on God who walks with us. This is the reason why we are here, and God is with us every step of our way.

The gospel today is about the experience of Jesus’ Apostles. When they were at the middle of the Sea of Galilee, strong winds tremendously shook their boat, with big waves which almost capsized the boat. Jesus was asleep. They came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we perish.” Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith.” He commanded the winds and the sea and was astonishingly obeyed. There came a great calm. Consequently, the Apostles wonder, “What manner of a man is this, for the winds and sea obey him?”

This is considered to be a dramatic story, like in a movie full of suspenseful scenes. When Jesus performed His miracle to calm the sea and the winds, we must also bring our memory to the action of Jesus when He met those possessed by the demons. The words Jesus used to expel demons are the same and exact words He uttered to calm down the Sea of Galilee. The forces of evil attack when someone is vulnerable, when someone is in darkness, and it is commonly believed that demons are at work also in the destructive forces of nature, like all kinds of calamities we encounter in life.

This gospel invites us to reflect intensely on our relationship and encounter with Christ and how we mature in our Spiritual Life. I am here to help you be able to recall the various situations you are in at this moment of your lives.

First, walking with Jesus means that we are ready to go through all kinds of trials. Our journey with Him is not a promise of complete tranquility. We need to expect some kind of tribulations and storms in life. Following Christ is not a guarantee that our life becomes easier and without sufferings. However, what is needed is our complete trust in the Lord that as we fully submit ourselves to Him, Jesus will do miracles to lead us to overcome all trials and difficulties. Jesus will absolutely bring peace in our trials, problems, anxieties and sorrows because His abiding presence in our hearts quiets down our soul and body.

Second, maybe as we go through the storms of life, God is testing us, to challenge us on how deep our faith and trust in the Lord is. The disciples were in Jesus’ company, and yet they cannot put themselves in the mighty hands of the Son of God. They waivered and doubted the fact that Jesus is God. They seemingly were with Christ to enjoy and have some comfort. Despite their hopelessness, Jesus understands well their human fears and fragility. Jesus is in complete control over our lives, and He won’t allow us to suffer.

I imagine and am amazed of Jesus’ smiling face assuring us that He absolutely understands our earthly journey. Every time we are faced with unfortunate events in our lives, putting ourselves in danger, we must be faithfully determined to call upon Jesus and rouse Him in our souls so that we avoid the shipwreck of sin that can come with vengeful thoughts and actions. I believe that we are all strengthened by the Sacraments. They are sacramental signs to dispense particular grace because Jesus wants to come and help us.

Thus, when Jesus calms all adversities in life, an important message comes across our minds and hearts about a new sense falling upon us that, being disciples of the Lord, we seek His abiding presence which we sometimes fall short to discern. We ask to let God continue to accompany us because we humbly accept our own limits. Who then is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?

Remember again St. Augustine, submitting his heart, saying these words, “Our hearts are restless until we rest in God.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Hebrews 10:32-39
• Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40
• Mark 4:26-34

The first reading from Hebrews tell us that “after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. …You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised.” Probably some of us have engaged in conversations about our personal struggles to a friend and at times complaining that keeping the faith is hard.

Reading the passages from Hebrews, I realize that my faith walk is not really that difficult. I do understand that we struggle a lot, but we must endure. Despite the hardships, the reward will be great and the promise of “possessing life” encouraged the early Christian community, as well as us today. This reward for faithfulness has remained constant.

Today’s gospel is about the Parable of the Mustard Seed which I think connects to that promise. The mustard plant described in Mark, often grew to such large proportions and became the largest plant on earth. This relates to our knowledge that from a small beginning the Church grew and became so large that people flocked to it like birds. From a small group of early Christians, it grew to over a billion members today. In the end, the Church is there to help us possess the Kingdom of God. We need only remain committed, intentional disciples of Jesus. It is clear that these two scriptural passages from the Letter to the Hebrews and Mark’s gospel are encouraging and exhorting us to persevere. This is our daily challenge to endure in doing the will of God which will lead to what God promises, that is to grant us salvation.

We need to remember some important points to understand this parable:

First, Jesus uses the parable of the mustard seed to help explain the kingdom of heaven. It is His primary concern to save us. I am sure that even a child can understand these images in the parable about the mustard seed, which points towards the Kingdom of God as a reality that expands miraculously as our faith grows.

Second, Jesus invites us to listen with our whole hearts and to trust our destiny because He has sown the seed of faith in us. Our growth depends on our initiative to bear much fruit, though He is there to nourish us. St. Augustine has this to say, “God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us.” (Sermo 169,11,13 L 38,923.)

Third, it seems impossible that something so small and seemingly insignificant can have such an amazing result. A word, an action, an act of charity, some little thing, can all have a big effect, maybe one that we won’t even see. It is through our dedication that we continue Christ’s mission.

Now, the Word of God encourages us to “keep the faith” by not forgetting the ways in which we shared in the sufferings of Jesus. It is obvious that the true gift we have received is not a physical thing that will fade away, but is the salvation we receive from trusting in the Lord. We keep our faith by keeping our focus and by committing our way to that of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

May St. Angela Merici, who has the love for the poor young girls and re-evangelization of families, be our model to do a small act of charity.

St. Angela, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa