Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 8:23-9:3
• Psalms 24:1, 4, 13-14
• 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
• Matthew 4:12-23

Today is the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. This is not really very ordinary because we must focus on the plan of God to save us, sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, the Light to those in darkness. He is the reason that in this time of the church calendar, we must grow, mature, and bear much fruit as witnesses and disciples of Christ, our Lord.

We are about to finish the first month of January 2023, and yet there are many people still groping in the dark, discouraged, in pain, troubled, in despair and continuously experiencing helplessness in life. The challenge is how to make them be able to be rescued from darkness to let them live with the light of Christ. This is the message of the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah saying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” We are asked to persevere in our faith so that our searching for the light would transform us to be the light of Christ for others to see. St. Augustine reminds us that, “God’s shining through us, we may have eyes to see and the hearts to love,”especially in this endemic period of our time.

The second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians tells us that “there be no divisions among you, but that you will be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” It means that in sharing the light of Christ, we are one with Him in all things. We shouldn’t be carried away by the problems of the world, but we must focus on the abundance of grace through Jesus who lives with us and others to be encouraged to join us. St. Paul also reminds us that it is not about the wisdom of human eloquence. It is about the humility of the cross. This particular reading gives us plenty to think about. What is important is for us to live the gospel fully in all of our relationships within our family and faith community.

The gospel today taken from St. Matthew presents Jesus as the One who will bring relief and life. The gospel is divided into two parts:

First, it has mentioned some specific place for our reference and the quotation from Isaiah, saying, “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.” And Jesus started preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus begins His public ministry.

Second, the calling of His apostles. As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Peter, and Andrew. They were fishermen who hear the invitation of Jesus, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” They seemed comfortable, left their nets and followed Jesus with no questions about their immediate decision. They probably heard of Jesus’ miraculous deeds of healing and preaching and decided to take part in it. Later as they were walking, Jesus also met James and John, sons of Zebedee. The four new disciples of Jesus had witnessed more about Jesus’ ministry about the Kingdom of God which promises everyone freedom, eternal life, peace and true happiness.

Brothers and sisters, what makes Jesus appealing to us? I presume we have compelling reasons aside from seeking healing and hearing the gospel being preached before us. We have many personal reasons, some just being with someone; however, our attraction to Jesus is according to our own personal encounter that changes our lives. We become closely connected with Jesus because we accept Him as our God, who guaranteed our path and destiny to eternal life. Of course, some will drift away because their faith is weak. Their ultimate goal is to get their own gratification, and if not granted, then they look for another. God for them is like a machine if their wish is not granted. This is simply a “lukewarm” relationship with God.

We are all called to firmness of faith and intimacy with the Lord. Our constant prayers and openness to the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, enable our hearts to be filled with much love for the Lord. As disciples and witnesses, we are open to learn and to absorb the teachings of our Master. It may be too much for others to comprehend, but Jesus calls us to “Repent,” which means change of heart, that is, be available to our being changed by our learning about this Jesus and to let God, enter into your life daily

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El dictado del corazón: Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

• Isaías 8:23-9:3
• Salmos 24:1, 4, 13-14
• 1 Corintios 1:10-13, 17
• Mateo 4:12-23

Hoy es el Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año A. Esto no es realmente tan ordinario, pues se debe enfocar en el plan de Dios para nuestra salvación, enviando a Su único Hijo, Jesucristo, la Luz a los que están en tinieblas. Él es la razón por la que en este tiempo del calendario de la iglesia debemos crecer, madurar y dar mucho fruto como testigos y discípulos de Cristo, nuestro Señor.

Estamos a punto de terminar el primer mes de Enero del dos-mil-veintitrés y, sin embargo, hay muchas personas que todavía andan en la oscuridad, desanimadas, adoloridas, angustiadas, desesperadas y experimentando continuamente impotencia en la vida. El desafío es, que hacer para que puedan ser rescatadas de las tinieblas para vivir con la luz de Cristo. Este es el mensaje de la primera lectura del profeta Isaías que dice: “El pueblo que andaba en tinieblas ha visto una gran luz; sobre los que habitaban en la tierra de las tinieblas se ha mostrado una luz.” Se nos pide que perseveremos en nuestra fe para que nuestra búsqueda de la luz nos transforme para ser la luz de Cristo para que otros la vean. San Agustín nos recuerda que “Dios está brillando a través de nosotros, podemos tener ojos para ver y corazones para amar”, especialmente en este período endémico de nuestro tiempo.

La segunda lectura de la Carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos dice que “no haya entre ustedes divisiones, sino que estarán unidos en una misma mente y en un mismo propósito”. Significa que al compartir la luz de Cristo, somos uno con Él en todas las cosas. No debemos dejarnos llevar por los problemas del mundo, sino que debemos centrarnos en la abundancia de la gracia a través de Jesús, que vive con nosotros y con los demás para que se animen a unirse a nosotros. San Pablo también nos recuerda que no se trata de la sabiduría de la elocuencia humana. Se trata de la humildad de la cruz. Esta lectura en particular nos da mucho en qué pensar. Lo que es importante para nosotros es vivir el evangelio plenamente en todas nuestras relaciones dentro de nuestra familia y comunidad de fe.

El evangelio de hoy tomado de San Mateo presenta a Jesús como Aquel que traerá alivio y vida. El evangelio se divide en dos partes:

Primero, ha mencionado algún lugar específico para nuestra referencia y la cita de Isaías, diciendo: “El pueblo asentado en tinieblas ha visto una gran luz, sobre los que habitan en una tierra ensombrecida por la muerte, ha resplandecido la luz”. Y Jesús comenzó a predicar: “Conviértanse, porque ya está cerca el Reino de los cielos”. Jesús comienza su ministerio público.

Segundo, el llamado de Sus apóstoles. Mientras caminaba junto al mar de Galilea, vio a dos hermanos, Pedro y Andrés. Eran pescadores que escuchan la invitación de Jesús: “Síganme y los haré pescadores de hombres”. Parecían cómodos, dejaron sus redes y siguieron a Jesús sin cuestionar su decisión inmediata. Probablemente escucharon de las obras milagrosas de curación y predicación de Jesús y decidieron participar en ellas. Más tarde, mientras caminaban, Jesús también se encontró con Santiago y Juan, hijos de Zebedeo. Los cuatro nuevos discípulos de Jesús habían presenciado más sobre el ministerio de Jesús sobre el Reino de Dios que promete a todos libertad, vida eterna, paz y verdadera felicidad.

Hermanos y hermanas, ¿qué hace que Jesús nos atraiga? Presumo que tenemos razones convincentes además de buscar sanidad y escuchar el evangelio predicado ante nosotros. Tenemos muchas razones personales, algunas simplemente estar con alguien; sin embargo, nuestra atracción por Jesús está de acuerdo con nuestro propio encuentro personal que cambia nuestras vidas. Nos conectamos estrechamente con Jesús porque lo aceptamos como nuestro Dios, quien garantizó nuestro camino y destino a la vida eterna. Por supuesto, algunos se alejarán porque su fe es débil. Su objetivo final es conseguir su propia gratificación, y si no se la conceden, buscan otra. Dios para ellos es como una máquina si no se les concede su deseo. Esta es simplemente una relación “tibia” con Dios.

Todos estamos llamados a la firmeza de la fe y a la intimidad con el Señor. Nuestras oraciones constantes y nuestra apertura a los Sacramentos, especialmente a la Eucaristía, permiten que nuestros corazones se llenen de mucho amor por el Señor. Como discípulos y testigos, estamos abiertos a aprender y absorber las enseñanzas de nuestro Maestro. Puede ser demasiado para que otros lo comprendan, pero Jesús nos llama a “arrepentirnos”, lo que significa un cambio de corazón, es decir, estar disponibles para que seamos cambiados por nuestro aprendizaje sobre este Jesús y dejar que Dios entre en tu vida todos los días.

Que Dios los bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 12:16-21
• Matthew 8:1-13

The Extraordinary Form, though we have this “magnum silencium’, which means profound silence during the whole Latin mass, has moments when the faithful are needed to speak out loud some of the responses. For example, when I say, “Ecce Agnus Dei Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi,” then the whole congregation has to join the priest together in unison repeating this prayer three times aloud; “Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum; sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.” (Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof; but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.) I hope that everyone has memorized this phrase by heart. This is the right attitude spoken in prayer in order to express total humbling prostration before God’s holiness and total confidence in God’s graciousness.

Today’s gospel reminds us that the centurion knows that neither he nor his servant is worthy of Jesus’ attention, but he also knows that Jesus is powerful and gracious to heal. His authority and his uniform don’t make him worthy of Jesus’ attention, nor does the generosity involved in presenting his request because of his status. What makes him worthy to be listened to by Jesus is his faith, which makes him an acceptable quest at the banquet of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says, “Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith in Israel.” It is the centurion’s faith that makes Jesus’ heart move and He gives His consent to provide healing to the sick servant.

What lessons can we derive from this gospel pericope?

First, the centurion realizes that the moment he meets Jesus personally entering Capernaum, he feels that he was stripped of his authority, and he was humbled. Instead of being subject to the Roman power, he becomes a mere follower and servant of the Lord.

Second, the centurion’s words suggest that he recognizes Jesus, not as an ordinary man, but rather indicates a total surrender and awareness that Jesus is the one to whom true authority and power belong. According to the centurion‘s words, all those under him obey his words, then this time, before Jesus, he would have said these words,“If those under me do what I command at my word, surely You who have ultimate authority can command anything which includes something as incredible as the miracle of healing by Jesus’ very words alone.” Then Jesus said to the centurion: “Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the servant was healed at the same hour.”

Brothers and Sisters, before receiving the Lord Jesus Christ in an infinitely more profound way in the Most Holy Eucharist, it is absolutely right that we should take on similar statements filled with faith, preparation, and longing to encounter the Lord, genuinely present in the Eucharist. I believe that it is a privileged encounter; therefore, we need to prepare ourselves to be interiorly clean, worthy of being the bearer of the Lord inside us. Indeed, it is an intimate union with our Lord.

I know that we are unworthy of having Him abide in us; however, let us not stop believing and recognizing the Lord in our life for all that it takes is His mighty word and our souls completely surrendering to Him, saying “But only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Let us humbly accept the Divine healing, love and mercy so that we may not lose that sense of sacred mystery in our midst. We will certainly grow in our own spiritual life to approach the Eucharist daily, for even Angels, Dominions, and Principalities tremble in awe. Bend our knees in adoration, praise, and thanksgiving.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
• Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
• 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
• John 1:29-34

After all the special feast days, we come into the reality of being in the Ordinary Time of the Church Calendar.  It is an opportunity to find meaning and growth after such abundant graces we have received.  It is time to be fruitful as the color green indicates life, spiritual maturity and growing in the faith.  This is a wonderful time to really take into our hearts what has transpired in the preceding joyous weeks. Jesus came to dwell with us.

Today is the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time which always follows the Baptism of the Lord. The Baptism of Christ conveys the depths of our faith in the Lord to remind us of our liberation from sin and that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Through our own baptism, we became missionary disciples of Christ; therefore, we need to be personally involved and actively engaged in living a faith-filled life, participating in a Christian community of faith and love. This is the result of our joy to savor all those happy and memorable experiences we had during Advent and Christmas.  We belong to Christ and His Church, and so we need to be engaged in our community filled with love and faith.

The Prophet Isaiah reminds us in the first reading that God has said we are his servants, through whom He shows his glory. God tells us, “It is too little for you to be my servant…I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This writing of the Prophet Isaiah is not about himself, but he speaks on behalf of the people of Israel called and formed by God as His servants. It is through the chosen people that God would reveal His glory and strength because of their faith. These words written by the Prophet are very promising and inspiring; however, we must humbly accept them with great responsibility. God manifests His glory through us; thus, our lives must reflect the goodness of God because we are created in the image of God and His own people.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul is called the “Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.”  We are called to be faithful to participate in sharing the gospel in words and in deeds.   We are called to accomplish His Divine Will.

Today’s gospel from St. John recalls the meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist.  In the gospel of John 1:31-33, the apostle tells us that John the Baptist declares twice “I did not know Him,” referring to Jesus. I am deeply perplexed by his saying that he did not know Jesus.  But then I realized that though John the Baptist explicitly denies knowing Jesus, except by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-32), John knew who Jesus was and that Jesus had a special mission from God, but he did not fully understand the implications of it all until the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove.  John’s relationship with Jesus was first as a fellow family member,’which is an important reminder of the humanity of Jesus. Therefore, let us be open to know the lessons we heard from this gospel.

First, John the Baptist was told to look for a sign that the Son of God had come: “on whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will Baptize with the Holy Spirit.”  When the Holy Spirit descended from heaven, John’s eyes were opened to seeing Jesus not just as a companion but as the Savior, our Messiah.

Second, John the Baptist tells us, “I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God.”  John the Baptist had seen and given testimony to the Lord as the Son of God based on knowledge, observation, and personal experience with Him. I believe that having our personal experiences with God’s presence in our lives, and in different moments when we know and recognize the actions of God in our lives, we cannot just keep it to ourselves. We must be happy and excited to share them with others.  God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit has come to us and will remain forever.

Third, John the Baptist says, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” He tells his followers, “Behold”, look, see, over there, check Him out.  He is actually making them aware of who Jesus is, having given them many signs as the “Light” coming in their midst.  He announces Jesus to be “The Lamb of God” Who, by being Lamb, is the sacrificial Person Whose life and death will bring life back from the world’s death.  He was direct to say that Jesus is the Savior of the world.  John is clarifying that Jesus, not he, John, is the Messiah. John “saw” and now affirms and testifies to this truth.

As I pray with you and celebrate mass, I see Christ in you.  I see Christ in your life and your firmness of faith.  Our encounter today may strengthen us to listen to the voice of God with clarity just like St. John the Baptist.  Let us follow that voice, and you will be strengthened in the Spirit.  To you I reiterate the words of St. Paul saying, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Amen.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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• Isaías 49:3, 5-6
• Salmos 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
• 1 Corintios 1:1-3
• Juan 1:29-34

Después de los días festivos, volvemos a la realidad y al Tiempo Ordinario en el Calendario de la Iglesia. Tenemos la oportunidad de meditar en las gracias abundantes que hemos recibido en la Navidad. Jesús vino a morar entre nosotros. Si notan el color con el que esta adornado el altar y las vestiduras del Sacerdote es verde, ya que el verde indica vida, madurez espiritual, crecimiento en la fe, es tiempo de ser fructíferos.

Hoy es el Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, que sigue siempre del Domingo donde se celebra el Bautismo del Señor, que transmite la profundidad de nuestra fe en Nuestro Señor Jesús, para recordarnos nuestra liberación del pecado y la morada del Espíritu Santo en nosotros. A través de nuestro propio bautismo nos convertimos en discípulos misioneros de Cristo, por lo tanto, debemos involucrarnos personalmente y participar activamente en vivir una vida de fe, participando en una comunidad cristiana de fe y amor. Este es el resultado de nuestra alegría de saborear todas esas felices y memorables experiencias que tuvimos durante el adviento y la Navidad. Pertenecemos a Cristo y a Su Iglesia, por lo que debemos participar en nuestra comunidad llenos de amor y fe.

El profeta Isaías nos recuerda en la primera lectura, que Dios ha dicho que somos sus siervos, a través de los cuales Él muestra su gloria. Dios nos dice: “Es muy poco para ti ser mi siervo… Te haré luz de las naciones, para que mi salvación llegue hasta los confines de la tierra”. Este escrito del profeta Isaías, no se trata de sí mismo, sino que habla en nombre del pueblo de Israel llamado y formado por Dios como siervos suyos. Es a través del pueblo escogido que Dios revelaría Su gloria y fortaleza a causa de su fe. Estas palabras escritas por el Profeta son muy prometedoras e inspiradoras, sin embargo, debemos aceptarlas humildemente con gran responsabilidad. Dios manifiesta Su gloria a través de nosotros; por lo tanto, nuestras vidas deben reflejar la bondad de Dios porque somos creados a la imagen de Dios y de su propio pueblo.

En la segunda lectura de hoy, San Pablo es llamado el “Apóstol de Cristo Jesús por la voluntad de Dios”. Estamos llamados a ser fieles para participar en compartir el evangelio en palabras y en hechos. Estamos llamados a cumplir Su Divina Voluntad.

En el evangelio de hoy de San Juan se recuerda el encuentro entre Jesús y Juan Bautista.

En el evangelio de Juan capitulo uno, versículo treinta y uno al treinta y tres, el apóstol nos dice que Juan el Bautista declara dos veces “Yo no lo conocía”, refiriéndose a Jesús. Estoy profundamente perplejo cuando dice que no conocía a Jesús. Pero luego me di cuenta de que Juan el Bautista niega explícitamente conocer a Jesús excepto por la inspiración del Espíritu Santo (Juan capitulo uno del treinta y uno al treinta y dos. Juan sabía quién era Jesús y que Jesús tenía una misión especial de parte de Dios, no supo entender completamente las implicaciones de todo esto hasta que el Espíritu Santo descendió sobre Jesús como una paloma. La relación de Juan con Jesús fue primero como miembro de la familia, lo cual es un recordatorio importante de la humanidad de Jesús. Por lo tanto, estemos abiertos a conocer las lecciones que escuchamos de este evangelio.

Primero, a Juan el Bautista se le dijo que buscara una señal de que el Hijo de Dios había venido: “sobre quien veas descender el Espíritu y permanecer, ése es el que bautizará con el Espíritu Santo”. Cuando el Espíritu Santo descendió del cielo, los ojos de Juan se abrieron para ver a Jesús no solo como un miembro de la familia, sino como el salvador, nuestro mesías.

Segundo, Juan el Bautista nos dice: “Yo lo he visto y doy testimonio de que Él es el Hijo de Dios”. Juan el Bautista ha visto y dado testimonio del Señor como Hijo de Dios basado en el conocimiento, la observación y la experiencia personal con Él. Creo que teniendo nuestras experiencias personales con la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas y en diferentes momentos cuando conocemos y reconocemos las gracias de Dios en nuestras vidas, no podemos quedarnos con ellas, sino que felices y emocionados compartámoslas con los demás. Dios Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo ha venido a nosotros y permanecerá para siempre.

Tercero, Juan el Bautista dice: “He aquí el Cordero de Dios, que quita el pecado del mundo”. Él le dice a sus seguidores, “He aquí”, miren, vean, allá, échenle un vistazo. En realidad, les está haciendo conscientes de quién es Jesús, quien les había dado muchas señales como la “Luz” que venía en medio de ellos. Él anuncia a Jesús como “El Cordero de Dios” Quien, siendo Cordero, es la Persona sacrificial Cuya vida y muerte resucitarán la muerte del mundo. Fue directo al decir que Jesús es el Salvador del mundo. Juan aclara que Jesús y no él. Juan “vio” y ahora afirma y testifica esta verdad.

Mientras oramos juntos y celebro misa, veo a Cristo en ustedes. Veo a Cristo en su vida y en su firmeza de fe. Nuestro encuentro de hoy puede fortalecernos para escuchar la voz de Dios con claridad como San Juan Bautista. Sigamos esa voz y serán fortalecidos en el Espíritu. A ustedes les reitero las palabras de San Pablo diciendo: “Gracia y paz a ustedes, de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo”. Amén.

Dios te bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa

• Romans 12:6-16
• John 2:1-12

Today is the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, and the gospel narrates to us the best wine in the world, made by Jesus.  When I visited my Australian Augustinian confreres, many years ago, I was welcomed by our school community, meaning Augustinian Priests, teachers, and staff.  It was evening dinner, and each of the invited brought a bottle of wine.  I was happy and enjoyed time socializing and drinking wine with them.  I maybe drank too much, and I excused myself and went to my room, only to realize when I woke up nobody was there anymore. They were gone without me drinking the last and the best wine so I fell back asleep.  The following morning, one of my fellow Augustinian Priests asked me where I was. I said I went to my room for a little rest because I drank too much.  He said to me that I need to drink the same amount of water when drinking wine in order to destabilize the acid level inside my body right after a drink. There I learned the lesson that when drinking wine you need the same amount of water intake to get rid of the acidity.  Wine has been fermented which produces certain levels of alcohol as well. Remember, wine and water are essentially important after having a good evening drinking with friends, not simultaneously, but right after the wine party, make sure to drink the same amount of water as the amount of wine you drank.

In today’s gospel, Jesus performed his first miracle ever.  He changed six jars filled with water into wine.  Jesus did this, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee, even though He was a bit hesitant to reveal His glory; yet many witnessed it and His disciples began to believe in Him.  This wedding and banquet setting is an image of Christ’s new era with His beloved people. Jesus is portrayed as the Groom and the Church as His bride, and also having taken place at a wedding is a symbol of God’s ongoing love, fidelity, and commitment for His people.

Mary, telling Jesus they have no wine, implies that she wants him to do something and that she believes He can solve this problem.  How many times has our own mother requested us to do something and, even though being hesitant, we act and do it for her in order to please our mother and express our love for her. It is the same experience that some of us have done before.

Maybe we cannot comprehend Jesus using the greeting “Woman” to His own mother.  Well, to address her as “woman” is not showing any rudeness or hostility.  I believe that Jesus’ words, “Woman, what is that to Me and to thee?” is an expression that implies a sense of disengagement, not active hostility. It is apparent in Jesus’ statement that His hour has not yet come. Jesus acts, within His heart willing, but not yet ready. We know for a fact that no human being, not even His mother, can determine Jesus’ “hour.”  God alone determines when and how Jesus’ “hour” becomes a reality in the world.

The story progresses; then, Mother Mary was able to take that initiative to act by telling the servants “Do whatever He tells you.” This shows that Mary did not hesitate to show her deep faith in her Son’s ability to address the need in that situation. The disciples believe in Jesus after the miracle, and Mary believes in the efficacy of Jesus’ word. She trusts that whatever He says will work.

“When the steward tasted the water that had become wine,” the chief steward did not know where the wine came from, while the other servants do know. Knowing Jesus as the source of abundance makes those servants believers of Jesus. The miracle truly happened, and it remained a mystery for the chief steward because he assumes it came from the bridegroom of the wedding being celebrated. The chief steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

This is one of the important lessons to know that the real bridegroom, who served this superior wine, is none other than Jesus.  Jesus appears to be ushering into the world God’s abundant goodness and graces in a decisive way, as “The Bridegroom.”

Aside from this, we need to shift our attention to Jesus as a miracle itself, rather than the “signs” of His own miracle.  It helps us focus on the greater reality behind the miracle at Cana.  Jesus is more important than the miracle itself.  Now, we have to accept that His first act of a miracle fills the whole world up to the brim which is symbolic of God’s presence and the fulness of His love and mercy in our midst.  It is the first manifestation of God’s presence in the world through Jesus.

Jubilate Deo, omnes terra, psalmum dicite nomini ejus: date gloriam laudi ejus.  Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to His name: give glory to His praise.   As we journey together as a community, let us be open to see signs that Jesus is with us and to walk with Him.  Be grateful for the miracle of His presence.  We pray earnestly that our lives be transformed together in charity, joy, and peace.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Hebrews 2:14-18
• Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
• Mark 1:29-39

We are in the first week of Ordinary Time, and after the celebration of Christmas and welcoming the New Year, we enter into the beginning again to reflect on the beginning chapter of the gospel of St. Mark. We are again called to meditate on the ministry of Jesus. In today’s gospel, Jesus begins preaching and driving out demons. The reason why Jesus came is to bring us out from darkness. We are indeed children of God according to the Letter to the Hebrews, for we share the blood and flesh of Jesus. He is with us to destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.

During the time of Jesus, and in our present time, there are people who have the attitude of resistance against God. They are being tortured and have no peace at all. The evangelist Mark presents to us the fragility of man’s heart to corruption and not being disposed to allow Jesus to come into their hearts. Here is the story of the healing ministry which is more powerful than the devil. Jesus can free and liberate those afflicted with the bad spirits and can calm them by the way of His mercy and grace.

Jesus went to the house of Peter and Andrew, maybe to take some time to relax, freeing himself from His busy activities of preaching and healing. However, instead of taking some time to rest, He was called because Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Jesus’s heart is to respond when the need arises. He healed her and freed her from sickness, then immediately she was back to normal. The woman got up and started serving a meal to Jesus and other disciples.

When we are cured, we are actually being set to freedom. We need to serve others. The healing of Jesus is unchaining us from the clutches of evil and calling us to love and serve others as well. When healing takes place, we are forgiven from our iniquities and liberated from the attitude of passivity and resistance to God’s grace.

Jesus continues to do His ministry “throughout the whole of Galilee.” This is the urgency of making God known and that He is in our midst. The goodness of God must be known through our good works and unselfish labor for God.

Today’s passage is inspiring in that we can trust Jesus with all our physical challenges and be cured from all our sufferings and sickness. Let the love of God heal us. The more we are restored spiritually and physically, we too are called to serve and love others. May we also become the “wounded healers” for our neighbors.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon osa

• Colossians 3:12-17
• Luke 2:42-52

Today is the feast of the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We offer our opening prayer, our collect today, praying, “ Domine Jesu Christe, qui Mariae et Joseph subditus, domesticam vitam ineffabilibus virtutibus consecrasti; fac nos utriusque auxilio, Familiae sanctae tuae exemplis instrui; et consortium consequi sempiternum..” “O Lord Jesus Christ, who being subject to Mary and Joseph, didst sanctify home life with unspeakable virtues; grant, that by the aid of both, we may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family and attain to eternal fellowship with it.” It means that we are praying to God to help us to live as the Holy Family, united in respect and love. We also would be asking how to let go of the mystery and uncertainty and be able to receive life’s struggles and pains gratefully.

We also can pray for our own families’ brokenness, for gratitude of healing, for our families’ commitment, for growth, trust, togetherness, and reverence. We can pray also for other families whom we know are hurting, hoping, needy and separated. We can pray personally with our expectations, for what is real around us in our homes and, more importantly, that blessings be upon us. I know that there are so many disappointments in living the Sacrament of Marriage for some couples. Some couples never realize that raising children is going to be hard if they never educate the whole family about faith. When couples work hard with lots of expectations, they need to work to attain a certain level of patience, compassion, and trust. Parent-child relationships are directly related to the relationship with God. Prayers from those who believe, respect, love, and honor parents are heard by God. God’s blessings will be the fortune of those offspring who care for father and mother. Sometimes family time can become stressful, and it cannot be avoided to share these family conflicts with others because one cannot handle these difficult times.

Having said this, I do believe that the Holy Spirit Mission has wonderful young families with their children being trained well in the faith. I am not very much concerned about having a baby crying, and I am grateful to all these young couples for their dedication to be good parents to their children. I am really grateful to all of you.

The gospel reading for today is very pleasing because it shows us the humanness of Mary and Joseph and Jesus as a young boy. Let us look to the example of the Holy Family as we reflect on our time spent with family and friends. How do we face some family issues and accept each other? Let us widen our horizon to see the bigger picture, rather than focusing on the “little things.” Can we overcome frustrations, anger, and resentments?

In the epistle today, taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians 3:12-17, St. Paul was exhorting the Colossians that they are THE CHOSEN ONES of God and therefore they must live out the implications of their being chosen by God. Clearly this pattern is meant not just for the Colossians, but we the faithful today are the inheritors of Paul’s advice. Take a prayerful moment to silently reflect on each of the virtues St. Paul suggests and to assess how we practice these virtues: Heartfelt Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, bearing with one another and, above all of these, are Love and Charity. As we look at this list of virtues, let us assess our own behavior and family life. Our own family life should be modeled on the Holy Family’s life. The family is the first church, and as chosen by God, what is it we learn and inculcate into our lives with our family?

When we live together in one house, it is necessary that we know how to forgive each other. We not only have to forgive each other, but we need to be aware that we need forgiveness from each other, prompted by the example of God’s forgiving heart. Being part of a family means being faithful and loving each other on our best and worst days, even to the point of doing laundry of piles of dirty clothes and cooking a meal for our family.

Today we need to appreciate this Feast of the Holy Family. There are so many things that rely on identifying the difference between the Holy Family and the ordinary family. The Holy Family was chosen from the beginning because there is the conception by the Holy Spirit, the divinity of the child, and guidance through angelic dream visions. Therefore, we must also be aware about our family and be open to the guidance of the Spirit.

We must heed the call of Vatican Council II to remember that every Christian Family is a “domestic church.” The family must be understood as a “small church.” We need to do everything to make it a place of a loving intimacy. This is the reason that the early church grew rapidly because of those who believed in Jesus and lived like a family, a community who took care of one another. They lived in “oneness of heart and mind and sharing material things in common.” (Acts 4;32) They attracted many other Jews and gentiles alike because they lived by their virtuous example.

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, living together as a Holy Family, are the very seed of this Christian Family way of living and loving together. We still need to continue to learn and appreciate how to continue to value our family. I am grateful for your faith, and the presence of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, as we look forward to having a positive outlook in this year 2023.

May the Holy Family, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Isaiah 60:1-6
• Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
• Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
• Matthew 2:1-12

One of my favorite episodes of Christmas stories is the searching for the newborn King and Savior, Jesus Christ, by the three Magi from the East in order to pay homage and bring gifts to Him. The Epiphany story is the manifestation or the revelation of the Light, which was embraced by humanity through the representation of the three Magi or Kings.

This is the time to think what gifts we would bring to Jesus. In other parts of the world, people will just be getting ready to open their gifts to each other. It’s a long wait after Christmas and Santa Claus coming to reveal all the precious gifts we will be receiving. I still have unopened gifts that I received to put meaning to this feast of the Epiphany. I am excited for this day to unwrap these gifts. I am truly grateful to those generous people who found time to remember me this Christmas, and in return I offer prayers and celebrate mass for their intentions.

I am grateful to God for the best gift I have ever received, the gift of life, for 60 years is indeed a great blessing. My thankfulness to God is just like an ocean of water that cannot even be put into a container or a single bucket. It is a tremendous joy when we appreciate very much the goodness of God.

Today’s liturgy is about this mysterious God, Who is Love, and Who through His Incarnate Son manifests the light that shines for all nations. It is no secret that His love can be understood in the totality of His being with us, “Emmanuel.”

Why and how God loves remains the deepest part of His great epiphany. Let us reflect on the readings today.

The First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah tells us that Jerusalem is exceedingly joyful because it is the center of religious activity which all nations will be oriented to. They bring gifts from afar as a community worshiping God, Who is near to their heart.

The second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians expresses how God loves all of us. God is not only for the chosen people, but also all the Gentiles and pagans, who are being called by God as His people which means He has been close to all whom He created. The mystery of God has been known by all people. The gospel has been preached to us and shared as good news about Jesus being part of one whole family who believes.

St. Matthew’s gospel today reminds us of the three Magi as a fulfilment of the 1st reading from Isaiah. The Magi traveling from afar, searching and finding the Savior, is a story of great faith which had been revealed to them thru their knowledge and their decision to kneel before the King of Kings, the New Light radiating to all humanity.

Let us dwell on some points that would help us be able to understand the revelation of the infinite Light of God.

First, the Magi searched with their wisdom, knowledge, and faith; however, I do believe that they found the baby, Jesus, not through their ideas and intelligence, but by the guidance of God who is a person and who was prophesied and revealed so that we would understand the mystery of God.

Second, the bright light of the star that points and guides to the final journey of the Magi, is the reflection of the light coming from the face of God. Jesus is the Light and, in that Light, we have come to know just a bit of what God thinks of us. Because of this, kings, shepherds, and all of us had a little of our own mysteries manifested as well. God knows everyone of us.

Third, by the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, the Magi indicates that we are out of darkness and pay homage to the Savior of the world who illuminates us to ourselves and others. This light shines upon us, within us, and then through us to let the splendor of God be known to all.

Fourth, the Magi returned by another route. It indicates that they too were renewed and avoided Herod. They return to a new and different way of relating to life. Hence, we take it seriously to make ourselves be born anew in the Light of Jesus. Going a different route means an enlightened heart to follow the path of surrender to God and participate in the enlightened world choosing God.

Fifth, this feast touches me deeply. The promises of God to the people, as part of the new covenant, is to forge a gifted relationship with God. The Magi offered their own gifts, but the intention was to offer the King of all Kings a gesture of gratitude for His very presence. It is the greatest gift of all, extended to all the ends of the earth.

Today we might discover a new star to guide us in our journey too. We expect to find something wonderful thru the presence of God in our family and friends with our accumulated knowledge and with humility to bend down praying in gratitude.

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory” (Is 60, 1-2).

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Numbers 6:22-27
• Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
• Galatians 4:4-7
• Luke 2:16-21

We are happy to welcome the New Year 2023, which the Holy Church dedicates this first day of the new year to the Blessed Mother Mary, the “Teotokos,” the Mother of God. It is a solemn dedication of this first day to her maternal protection. The Church is Marian in a sense that we depend much on her prayers and intercession for the whole world. Mary’s role to pray for us is our way to accept her as our mother, who is so near to God because of her cooperation in salvation history.

We start to think of our New Year’s resolutions in order to have a new beginning by considering positive things for ourselves, rather than not improving at all. This is the movement of our hearts.

Today’s scripture readings can draw us into the mystery of life. Maybe we are still expecting blessings which we have not yet received and look forward to receiving those blessing in the coming new year. Therefore, we are invited to join Mary to reflect upon those longings. We are reminded of the shepherds’ mysterious experience with the Holy Family, for they glorified the Savior and then returned to their work in the field with renewed life.

The first reading from the Book of Numbers is one of the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures that made a record of the history of God’s covenant with the people of Israel. It describes to us the great and orderly relationship with the people and God.

Today’s reading recalls God’s conversation with Moses, where He has given the instructions on how Aaron and his sons would bless the people of Israel. In all liturgical prayer, I am also given that gift of blessings to people, in the same way as a representative of God to dispense and to make known God’s loving actions.

The second reading, from Galatians 4 reflects on what it means to be children of God, and St. Paul expands on what it means to be an heir. Being an heir means that we are better than slaves, for we inherit the kingdom “until the date set by the father” (4:1-2). “But when the fullness of time had come” (4:4) at the time God deemed just right — “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children” (4:4-5).

The gospel today narrates to us the visit of the shepherds. Just as God told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how they were to bless the Israelites, God, through an angel, told Mary how she would bless the world. Let us reflect on some points to ponder:

First, the angels told the shepherds, who came, saw, and left blest. There is a great deal of human instrumentality going on for the Shepherds, Mary, and Joseph. We too are called to participate in the announcement of the coming of the Lord.

Second, Jesus’ birth is actually a blessing for all humanity, which refreshes the blessing of Aaron and his sons.

Third, the Lord’s face has been the light that shines upon us since His face was shined upon by the star at Bethlehem. He offers us peace, joy and love, which we know how each of these has taken place in our lives.

Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God, we are invited to reflect in our hearts and praise God for His tenderness; thus, we must also show tenderness to one another.

On this great feast of the Incarnation, God assumed our human flesh and was born of a woman, whose name is Mary, who pondered all these things in her heart. She was prepared to be the mother of the most holy God. Maybe we remember some women we know, like our mothers, who have been committed to raising their children in the faith. They wake up every Sunday morning and bring their children to the church. When we are sick, our mothers are there to pray for us thru the intercession of the Blessed Mother Mary. Our mothers have been like Mary, always there to be our companion, and her presence brings us comfort and makes us calm.

In the words of St. Augustine, Mary’s divine motherhood derives from the divine Son that she carried in her womb, which in its own right is a miraculous sign. Her womb was sanctified for all time – which makes her the Perpetual Ever Virgin. “He chose the Mother he had created; he created the Mother he had chosen” (Serm. 69,3). Mary, being Virgin and Mother, defined her mission in the history of salvation as Mother of the Word and model of the Church.

Today at the beginning of a new year, when we look back, let us please forget our anger, frustrations, and resentments, so we can move forward, praising the name of Jesus who invites us to heal and become active participants of His divine mission this new year 2023.

A Grace-filled New Year to all.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón:  La Solemnidad de María, la Madre de Dios

• Números 6:22-27
• Salmos 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
• Gal 4:4-7
• Lucas 2:16-21

Estamos felices de recibir el Año Nuevo 2023 (dosmil veinti-tres), que la Santa Iglesia dedica este primer día del nuevo año a María Santísima, la “Teotokos”, la Madre de Dios. Es una consagración solemne de este primer día a su protección materna. La Iglesia es mariana en el sentido de que dependemos mucho de sus oraciones e intercesión por el mundo entero. El papel de María de orar por nosotros es nuestra manera de aceptarla como nuestra madre, que está tan cerca de Dios por su cooperación en la historia de la salvación.

Empezamos a pensar en nuestra resolución de Año Nuevo para tener un comienzo nuevo y hacernos capaces de considerar cosas positivas para nosotros mismos en lugar de no mejorar en absoluto. Este es nuestro movimiento de nuestros corazones.

Las lecturas de las Escrituras de hoy pueden llevarnos al misterio de la vida. Tal vez todavía estemos esperando bendiciones que aún no hemos recibido y esperamos esa bendición en la llegada de este nuevo año. Por lo tanto, estamos invitados a unirnos a María para reflexionar sobre esos anhelos. Se nos recuerda la misteriosa experiencia de los pastores con la Sagrada Familia que glorifican al Salvador y luego regresan a su trabajo en el campo con una vida renovada.

La primera lectura del Libro de Números es uno de los primeros cinco libros de las Escrituras hebreas que registran la historia del pacto de Dios con el pueblo de Israel. Nos describe la gran y ordenada relación con el pueblo y Dios. La lectura de hoy recuerda la conversación de Dios con Moisés, y él ha dado instrucciones sobre cómo Aarón y sus hijos bendecirían al pueblo de Israel. En toda oración litúrgica, también se me da ese don de bendición a las personas de la misma manera como representante de Dios para dispensar y dar a conocer las acciones amorosas de Dios.

La segunda lectura, de Gálatas 4, reflexiona sobre lo que significa ser hijos de Dios y San Pablo amplía lo que significa ser heredero. Ser heredero significa que somos mejores que los esclavos, porque heredamos el reino “hasta el día señalado por el padre” (4:1-2). “Pero cuando vino la plenitud del tiempo” (4:4) en el momento que Dios consideró justo – “Dios envió a su Hijo, nacido de mujer, nacido bajo la ley, para redimir a los que estaban bajo la ley, para que recibiésemos la adopción de hijos” (4:4-5).

El evangelio de hoy nos narra la visita de los pastores. Así como Dios le dijo a Moisés que le dijera a Aarón y a sus hijos cómo debían bendecir a los israelitas. Dios a través de un ángel le dijo a María cómo iba a bendecir al mundo. Aquí están algunos puntos para reflexionar:

Primero, los ángeles les dijeron a los pastores, ellos vinieron, vieron y se fueron, bendijeron y enviaron. Hay una gran cantidad de instrumentos humanos en marcha, para los pastores, María y José. También nosotros estamos llamados a participar en el anuncio de la venida del Señor.

Segundo, el nacimiento de Jesús es en realidad una bendición para toda la humanidad que refresca la bendición de Aarón y sus hijos.

Tercero, el rostro del Señor ha sido la luz que alumbra sobre nosotros desde que Su rostro fue iluminado por la estrella en Belén. Nos ofrece la paz, la alegría y el amor que sabemos cómo se han producido en nuestra vida.

Hoy, al celebrar la Solemnidad de la Madre de Dios, nos invita a reflexionar en nuestro corazón y alabar a Dios por su ternura, por eso, también debemos mostrar ternura los unos a los otros.

Esta gran fiesta de la Encarnación, que Dios asumió nuestra carne humana y nació de una mujer, cuyo nombre es María, ella meditaba todas estas cosas en su corazón. Ella fue preparada para ser la madre del Dios santísimo. Tal vez recordemos a algunas mujeres que conocemos como nuestras madres que se han comprometido a criar a sus hijos en la fe. Despierta todos los domingos por la mañana para llevar a los niños a la iglesia. Cuando estamos enfermos, nuestras madres están allí para orar por nosotros a través de la intercesión de la Santísima Madre María. Nuestras madres han estado como María siempre ahí para ser nuestra compañera y su presencia nos tranquiliza y nos muestra consuelo.

En palabras de San Agustín, la maternidad divina de María deriva del Hijo divino que ella llevó en su seno, que en sí mismo es un signo milagroso. Su vientre fue santificado por todos los tiempos, lo que la convierte en la Perpetua Siempre Virgen. “Eligió a la Madre que había creado; creó a la Madre que había elegido» (Serm. 69,3). María, siendo Virgen y Madre, definió su misión en la historia de la salvación como Madre del Verbo y modelo de la Iglesia.

Hoy al comienzo de un nuevo año, cuando miremos hacia atrás, por favor olvidemos nuestros enojos, frustraciones y resentimientos. Sigamos adelante, alabando el nombre de Jesús que nos invita a sanar y convertirnos en participantes activos de su misión divina este nuevo año. 2023 (dosmil veinti-tres).

Pidamos a Dios por un Año Nuevo, lleno de Gracia para todos.

Padre Arlón, osa

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Extraordinary Latin Mass: The Feast of the Circumcision

• Titus 2:11-15
• Luke 2:21

Today is the first day of the year 2023. A grace-filled New Year to everyone. St. Augustine points out the difference between the pagan or secular society, who celebrate the day feasting with excesses and jubilation with huge firecracker displays all over the world, and our part, the Christian manner, which has to be focused on liturgical Mass celebration, fasting and prayer. The secular features of the beginning of the New Year must not interfere with our religious observance, which should have the sacred character of a Holy Day.

Today’s “Octabas Domini”, prohibits the faithful from idolatry and the profanities of the season, and we must focus on the purification of Mary and our own purification as well. It is to be noted also that the Blessed Virgin Mary was not forgotten in the festivities of the holy season, the Mass being in her honor as well. That is why in our Collect prayer, it says, “O God, Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon the human race the rewards of eternal salvation: grant we beseech Thee, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life.” Deus, qui salutis aeternae, beatae Mariae virginitati fecunda, humano generi praemia paraestitisti: tribue, quaesumus; ut ipsam pro nobis intercederé sentiamus, per quam meruimus acutorem vitae suscipere.”

Today, this feast bears the title “In Circumcisione Domini et Octave, Nativitatis”. The prayers have special reference to the Blessed Virgin, for we entrust ourselves to the maternal protection of our Mother as we bring in the new year.

What is this feast of the Circumcision? The gospel today taken from St. Luke 2:21 narrates to us that Christ fulfilled the law and, to show His descent according to the flesh from Abraham, He, though not bound by the law, was circumcised on the eighth day and received the sublime name expressive of His office, Jesus, i.e. Savior. Jesus was, as St. Paul says, “made under the law”, i.e. He submitted to the Mosaic Dispensation, “that He might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). “The Christ, in order to fulfill all justice, was required to endure this humiliation, and bear in His body the stigma of the sins which He had taken upon Himself.” In our first Epistle today from the Book of Titus, he writes, “Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to Himself people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.”

This first day, we will sing the “Veni Creator Spiritus” to implore the aid of the Holy Spirit for our own sanctification and receiving of a Plenary Indulgence. It is a special type of indulgence that, if all the requirements are met, removes all temporal punishment due to one’s sins. The church uses the power of the keys given to St. Peter by Jesus in Scripture (Matthew 16:18) to remove temporal consequences that still remain from sins committed. Even if we have been forgiven of a particular sin, we still experience the consequences of that sin in our lives. To obtain an indulgence, three things are needed: Go to confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Luke records the event, “As the baby received His name, + IN NOMINE IESU + Jesus,” and with it His mission to save us from our sins, He was, by circumcision, shedding His blood to fulfill the Law, the first time that He shed His blood for us. He submits to His own Law and His blood flows for the sins of the world for the first time.

The God of Abraham has kept the Covenant for you in Himself. He transferred this to you in the waters of Holy Baptism, where, by Grace, you received His Name, and all that goes with the Sacrament of Baptism. For Baptism is a bath that washed us not only once when we received it—washed pure with Christ’s blood—but it continually washes us clean, even daily, for as long as we hold it in faith and good works.

We will finally come into the joy of our Lord to celebrate a new year, a year of praise, prayer and faithfulness. IN NOMINE IESU, it is inscribed upon our foreheads and our hearts. It is the Name of Jesus, who saves us. He is our God. We are His people, and this, by Divine proclamation, by His Grace, is forever. Today we look forward to the future, the “will” of God to be fulfilled with God’s blessing of “Salvation” for all of us on this holy day.

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:22-27)

Let us bless each other with the same tenderness God shows us.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 John 2:3-11
• Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 5-6
• Luke 2:22-35

I am excited looking forward to seeing the end of the year 2022. Now I am trying to think about New Year’s resolutions and plans for the New Year. Nothing about losing weight, but gaining weight in love. St. Augustine says, “my love is my weight.”

The first reading today from the first letter of St. John 2:3-11 provides the best advice in order to really prepare for the New Year. St, John says that knowing Jesus is “to keep His commandments.” And he added, “Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.

Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.” Hence, love is the most beautiful commandment to bring joy and stop animosity. My focus is to be loving and to be authentic. I pray to God to give me the grace of compassion.

As the new year gets closer, it is inevitable to experience stressful time. Therefore, for any difficult relationships in our lives, we add a little “cheer” so that going through a hard time, we can cope with it. It is only in rediscovering Christ, that we see Jesus is our Light. Resentment simply can’t enslave us and prevent us from being able to shine in darkness.

After all, Christmas is exactly about the coming of God, who is Love. He comes into the world, the Light in the midst of the world’s darkness, the Light into our hearts. Hence, we must forgive. We have to love the way He has loved. We can only do that if we are open to continue to let the healing grace of Christmas touch us.

In today’s gospel, the Holy Family goes up to the temple in Jerusalem to be faithful to the law. They meet Simeon, an Old Testament prophet-type person, who comes into the temple in the Spirit beholding the light to reveal to all the nations. Simeon prophesized that Mary’s own heart would be part of her Son’s suffering, a sword piercing her own heart. Her heart was open to accept whatever difficulties because she knew that it was a part of her motherhood role.

The Spirit sustaining Simeon while waiting for the Messiah is the same Spirit that led Jesus into the desert to fulfill His mission. Let the Spirit lead you to the places where you can reveal your light to others, and may you restore peace in your own heart.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 John 1:5-2:2
• Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8
• Matthew 2:13-18

Today, we commemorate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the first martyrs of the Church, shedding their blood for Jesus. I would like to be a martyr because it seems that it is a real shortcut to heaven.

From the first letter of St. John, what really struck me are his words that remind me that if “we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth.” Indeed, I have searched for that gift of God’s forgiveness which involves recognizing my own need of repentance. How many times have I caused people hurt and suffering, not realizing that much of the problem is myself? The problem is not others, but me. I believe that the worst sin is pride and to justify our actions. Perhaps we need to realize that sin separates us from God and others.

The gospel reading today recounts the story of the massacre of infant boys in an effort to kill the young Jesus, because of Herod’s selfishness. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went to Egypt as refugees to escape from danger.

As I reflect on today’s gospel, I remember those innocent children who are in danger because of abortion, illness and dying through no fault of their own. I wonder how many parents are able to do anything to save their children.

The Catholic Church challenges all of us to protect life and their dignity as God’s children. I believe that life should not only be respected, but above all defended. This is our stance as Catholics. This selfish senseless killing of innocent babies must be stopped.

In this feast of the Church, let us remember with conviction to console parents who have lost a child, or those innocent children slaughtered, and pray that they too share the glory of the infant companions of Jesus.

Certainly, this world needs us to bring God’s love, hope and light into every situation we encounter.

May the Holy Innocents, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa