Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 11:4-12
• Psalms 144:1, 2, 9-10
• Luke 20:27-40

I have met some people who are honest to express that they are not sure where they go after death.  Of course, nobody knows but at least we have the hope that there is a place prepared for us when we die.  When we believe something in the context of our faith, then we are at least consoled in believing that there is life after death.  But how about those who have no faith and deny the resurrection?  I suppose that they have relied much on their shortsightedness, and they have done nothing to overcome obstacles which prevent them from seeing their way through.  My advice is to accept the Light, the Way and the Truth in Christ Jesus, who brightens our paths.

In the first reading today from the Book of Revelation, St. John had a vision about the two witnesses referring to olive trees and lampstands before the Lord on earth. These are symbols of a continuous supply of oil that keeps burning, referring to the Church, which gives enormous grace.  The beast will appear to wage war and kill them, and while their bodies lay on the street then, “after three and a half days, a breath of life enters them.” This is an image of darkness against the light. Finally the light won, “when a loud voice from heaven says to them, ‘Come up here,’ so they went up to heaven on a cloud as their enemies looked on.”  We are assured through the words of St. John that the Light conquers for those who have faith.

Knowing the gospel about some Sadducees denial about the resurrection makes us really sad.  I guess that life for them has its finality here on earth, and there is nothing to hope for eternal life.  Their way to justify their belief is by asking whose wife will the woman be when all seven husbands have died.

Jesus is direct to teach us that going to another state of life after death is totally different with regards to human relationships by which we live here on earth. Why?  Because we are like angels in company as children of God.  Therefore, we need not worry about marriage relationships because we will all be relating ourselves in love as brothers and sisters in God when we are there with God in a perfect and beautiful state of eternal life.  Do you think it is necessary to look for another relationship? For me I would rather enjoy the life of all eternity with God.  It is more sufficient to be with God rather than looking for another relationship, right?

Let us understand carefully that Jesus’ desire for us is to disconnect things we know as earthly and connect with those which are heavenly.   Our connections to this world will disappear in the afterlife, and only when we get to heaven will we pray for those who remain on earth for their salvation too.

God bless you,

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 10:8-11
• Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
• Luke 19:45-48

Today, St. John continues to reveal his vision about how we should understand the intent of the Word of God through our faith.  The metaphor of swallowing the small scroll applies to the necessity of believing and accepting God’s Word which benefits the transformation of our whole being.  It may cause pain, but it is our need of catharsis in order to learn and grow better.

Being receptive to God’s word means our life-nourishment needed to survive and to change inside and outside for better resistance to walk towards God.

In the gospel reading, Jesus drives out the money changers and others making the temple a marketplace with no respect for the very center of worship, the house of God.  I imagine Jesus was angry for desecration of the temple.

Today is the memorial feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Apostles. A little bit of history helps.  This is not the feast of the building per se, but we remember what it represents, which is the “Church,” the Body of Christ.  Today we pray for all of us, the Church.

Emperor Constantine in 330 built a basilica of St.Peter. Reconstruction began in the 13th century, and it was consecrated on November 18, 1626, by Pope Urban VIII.  What is more significant of the construction of the basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul is that it was constructed over the tomb of St. Peter.  To those denominations who are claiming to be the true church, my question is this, “If the Apostles are members of the Church to which you belong, where do you think their sacred relics are?”  The basilica was finally reconsecrated by Pope Leo IX on December 10, 1854.

How many times have I heard Jesus having to deal with human emotion.  He is both perfectly divine and human.  Let us remember that God is “slow to anger and quick to forgive.”  Our God is loving, gentle, forgiving and is there to comfort us, and yet I am reminded to be humble and respect the edifice made for the divine worship.  Though possible expressed frustrations, we must also be accountable for how we truly respect churches, basilicas and chapels. May our actions and words be pleasing to God.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 5:1-10
• Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9
• Luke 9:41-44

We are fortunate that every time we open our eyes when we wake up in the morning we give thanks to God for another opportunity and experience of God’s love and His presence.  I know that life’s difficulties are still there, but what is important is to choose our encounter with God daily.  If we pray for an absence of trials, then we miss the point “to recognize the time of His visitation,” which He desires to accompany us as we go through life.

The first reading today continues to reveal that there is that difficulty in welcoming the Lord on a daily basis. There are so many struggles in man’s life that result in failing to recognize the Lord’s visitation.  One of the elders said, “Do not weep.  The Lion of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed, enabling him to open the scrolls with its seven seals.”  That lion mentioned surprisingly became the lamb that was slain, pointing toward Jesus, who offered Himself as a sacrifice. This is related to the passage from the book of Genesis 49.9.   St. John wrote the passage to support the persecuted Christians to seek comfort in the Lord, who is the lamb offering His blood for all of us.

The gospel today narrates that Jesus wept for the people of Jerusalem because they had an opportunity to take the peaceful way.  However, the people never realized that the visitation of the Lord was so decisive.

Many people today do not realize that either. Those who recognize the signs, and know that Christ is peace, gain that peace. Those who do not recognize the time of their visitation get destruction. Jesus weeps for them, knowing they had an opportunity to take the appropriate route but did not.

Many of us never realize enough that we are slow to acknowledge the surprising mystery around us.  We often look for the Lord in places of expected might and power, according to the world’s standards, missing Him where He chooses to show Himself in humility and not in power.

Let us pray that we open our heart and eyes to be quick in knowing that God manifests Himself in so many ways and forms.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 4:1-11
• Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• Luke 19:11-28

The readings today seem to me difficult to understand. They come from the Book of Revelation and from the gospel of St. Luke and narrate about the Parable of the Talents.  I believe we need to spend time reflecting on the messages God wants us to focus on.

The Book of Revelation continues to unveil the secrets of the evangelist John right before our eyes. It is a clear vision of heaven when there is an image of 24 elders falling down in worship “before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever…exclaiming, worthy are you, Lord our God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, because of your will they came to be and were created.”  They throw down their crowns before the throne. It gives us an idea that in the end, we will surely face God on judgment day to assess ourselves.

The gospel is simply a correlation of that vision of St. John. Let me give you some points of how the master prepared the ten servants while he was on his journey to obtain his kingship. The master called them to engage in trading until he returns.  It was an opportunity for them to improve their sense of responsibility by giving them ten gold coins.

The first servant received a coin and invested it until his master returns. He was praised and rewarded because of his resourcefulness.  The second servant was able to increase five more and was rewarded. The last servant, afraid of losing the money, kept it until he returned exactly what he had been entrusted with. He was not praised and rewarded because he did not do anything to manifest his own initiative. Maybe the rest of the servants did not want him, thus he says, “I tell you, to everyone who has will be taken away.  Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”

This master in the story is not referring to an angry God or a mean God.  However, this is to make us aware that ultimately, when we are given such great responsibility, we need to perform our job well and live righteously.  We need to take risks doing something that will bear much fruit. What we have received from God are means to prove that we could be trusted and to make use of those gifts for our own benefit and for others as well.  This is not to live here on earth by being lazy to preserve ourselves, unmindful of those entrusted to us.  By not being appreciative of so many gifts, wasting our time and our life, doing nothing to act now, then consequently, how and what could we do to present ourselves worthily in front of God.

Again, in today’s gospel, Jesus challenges each of us to make better use of our gifts received knowing that we are good and faithful servants.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5
• Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6
• Luke 18:35-43

Many of us are familiar with the Book of Revelation written by St. John, the evangelist. It is a beautiful biblical writing to give hope to the followers of Christ who are losing hope.  It conveys to us the experience of early Christians who are excited and hoping for the coming of the Lord.  There are many things we encounter, like symbolisms and creatures that are blown out of proportion by those who interpreted wrongly what they really meant. For example, the number seven indicates completeness and spiritual or divine perfection.  The seven stars and seven churches in Asia indicate to us that the enduring light of Christ works despite the weaknesses and fallen tendencies of those who follow Christ.  Being the Church, we need to return to being part of the Body of Christ by repentance, love and trust in the message of Jesus, who continues to illuminate His very light.

When I read the gospel today from St. Luke 18:35-43, about a blind man calling out to Jesus, I imagine that many of us are blinded by sins and sometimes it’s hard to see, to accept and to understand the truth about God. We need to humble ourselves to call out the name of Jesus.  When we cry out through our prayers, Jesus sees us and hears our pleading.

It is a matter of getting on our knees to approach the Lord.  Just as Jesus restored the blind man’s sight and mercifully granted the man’s request, our response is to imitate the blind man by his desire to follow Jesus.  We need to show our readiness to give Glory to God, by using the gift of healing to announce to others what Jesus had done for the blind man, the blessing of healing his sight and his willing heart to listen and abide by Jesus’ teachings.

Likewise, we too must go and continue to give praise to God.

Let us listen to Jesus’ voice and commit to being bold in spreading the good news of healing.  Our own testimony will certainly make others aware of what we have experienced, speaking to others of the miracle of Jesus and all our answered prayers and speaking about the Truth of God.  Our words and actions reveal the continuous actions of a loving God.

The story of St. John in the Book of Revelation inspires us to have the greater hope that the blindness of the early Christians and us will now surely allow us to see the light of Christ and save our life in the end.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

In three languages — English, Pilipino,  and Español.

• Malachi 3:19-20a
• Psalms 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
• Luke 21:5-19

Today is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, year C.  There is only one week left and then we will be celebrating the Feast of Christ the King, signaling the end of this liturgical year C.  When we are about to end the liturgical calendar, we hear the readings about end of time, but not to scare us. Jesus says, “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

I have a friend who has been storing food and secured survival kits to prepare for the eventual coming of the end of time.  I told her that even if we stocked up on so much food supplies, we still don’t know what will happen.  We are just like the apostles asking, “Teacher, when will this happen?”  This is the most important reminder from Jesus in today’s gospel, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”  Think about storing things that are heavenly, such as, forgiving the unforgivable, humility to serve the impoverished brethren, keeping God’s commandments, and establishing good relationships with God and others.  Everything becomes trivial here on earth, except the mercy and justice of God.

The first reading from the Prophet Malachi, says “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”  Malachi is a prophet conscious of the name he bears, “My Messenger.”  He brings the message to the people of Israel and reveals God’s words to them.  He announces the message to Israelites, in particular to those who are faithful to God, with the promise of prosperity by providing their needs, especially to orphans and widows. Through Malachi, they heed the voice of serving God because of faith, in that way “fear” of God.

The second reading from the 2nd Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians expresses typical attitude, “We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but by minding the business of others.”  St. Paul is urging us that it is better to serve one another the best possible way rather than engaging in things detrimental by talking about people and minding others business.  This passage applies to us by conducting ourselves like Christ, loving and committed to His words, especially in these challenging times. Let us be aware of what is happening everywhere today.

The gospel is God’s warning about what is going to happen. This message is for all of us to ponder, to reflect on what will happen to those who refuse to acknowledge God. Now, let us take some concrete actions in order to be prepared:

First, we must be disposed to encounter God daily in our spiritual and prayer life.  We ask for healing so that we can live according to His will and manifest God’s justice.

Second, always be equipped with positive qualities, like showing mercy, love and forgiveness just as we want to receive them from God.

Third, starting from our inner selves and our ability to empathize, compassion must continue to grow in relationships with our fellowmen.

Fourth, we are challenged to discern in our daily lives the truth and the movement of the Holy Spirit within us to fortify and lead us to the right path of understanding the things we see around us.

Fifth, we are not promised an absolute emancipation from all kinds of worries and difficulties here on earth.  This world is also our temporary abode, and that is why we look forward to that eternal joy, peace, and happiness.  Hence, Jesus is explicitly telling us to be aware of people who will hate and persecute us because of His name. Consider them as opportunities to prove our willingness to die for Him as witnesses.

Today let us ask ourselves, what holds us personally together?  How are we going to get across this life with certainty of our future?  Perseverance in faith and works of mercy and justice are answers to our questions.

St. Augustine has these words to say, “It is for love of this world, after all, that people slave away at all their affairs. But as for you, see you slave away at all your good works, not for love of this world but for the sake of the eternal rest that God promises you.” (Ser.9.13.)

The whole Augustinian Family celebrates the earthly birthday of our Holy Father, St. Augustine, our Augustinian Vocation Day.  St. Augustine, bless us and intercede for more Augustinian vocations.

Fr. Arlon, osa

Pilipino:

Ngayon ay ika-33 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon, taong K. Isang linggo na lang ang natitira at pagkatapos ay ipagdiriwang na natin ang Kapistahan ng Kristong Hari, na hudyat ng pagtatapos nitong liturhikal na taon K. Kapag malapit na nating tapusin ang kalendaryong liturhikal, naririnig natin ang mga pagbasa tungkol sa katapusan ng panahon, ngunit hindi para takutin tayo. Sinabi ni Jesus, “Kapag nakarinig kayo ng mga digmaan at mga paghihimagsik, huwag kayong masindak; sapagkat ang mga bagay na ito ay kailangang mangyari muna, ngunit hindi ito kaagad ang wakas.”

Mayroon akong kaibigan na nag-iimbak ng pagkain at nagse-secure ng mga survival kit para maghanda para sa mga sabi-sabi na darating na ‘katapusan ng panahon.’ Sinabi ko sa kanya na kahit na mag-imbak tayo ng napakaraming suplay ng pagkain, hindi pa rin natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari. Katulad din natin ang mga apostol na nagtatanong, “Guro, kailan ito mangyayari?” Ito ang pinakamahalagang paalala mula kay Hesus sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, “Sa iyong pagtitiyaga ay matitiyak mo ang iyong buhay.” Isipin ang pag-iimbak ng mga bagay na makalangit, tulad ng: pagpapatawad sa mga kaaway, magkumbabang paglilingkod sa mga naghihirap nating mga kapatid, pagsunod sa mga utos ng Diyos, at pagtatatag ng mabuting kaugnayan sa Diyos at sa iba. Ang lahat ay nagiging walang halaga dito sa lupa, maliban sa awa at katarungan ng Diyos.

Ang Unang Pagbasa mula sa Propetang si Malakias, ay nagsasabing “Ngunit para sa inyo na natatakot sa aking pangalan, sisikat ang araw ng katarungan kasama ang mga nakakapagpagaling na sinag nito.” Si Malakias ay isang propetang may kamalayan sa pangalang taglay niya, “Aking Mensahero.” Dinala niya ang mensahe sa mga tao ng Israel at inihayag ang mga salita ng Diyos sa kanila. Ipinapahayag niya ang mensahe sa mga Israelita, lalo na sa mga tapat sa Diyos, na may pangako ng kaunlaran sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng kanilang mga pangangailangan, lalo na sa mga ulila at mga balo. Sa pamamagitan ni Malakias, pinakinggan nila ang tinig ng paglilingkod sa Diyos dahil sa pananampalataya, sa paraang iyon ay “pagkatakot” sa Diyos.

Ang Ikalawang Pagbasa mula sa Ikalawang Sulat ni San Pablo sa mga Taga-Tesalonica ay nagpapahayag ng tipikal na saloobin, “Narinig namin na ang ilan sa inyo ay namumuhay kasama ninyo nang hindi naaayon, sa pamamagitan ng hindi pagiging abala kundi sa pamamagitan ng pag-iisip sa gawain ng iba.” Hinihimok tayo ni San Pablo na mas mabuting paglingkuran ang isa’t isa sa pinakamabuting pamamaraan sa halip na makisali sa mga bagay na nakapipinsala sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-usap tungkol sa mga tao at pag-iisip ng hindi maganda sa iba. Ang talatang ito ay angkop sa atin sa pamamagitan ng paggawi sa ating sarili tulad ni Kristo, pagmamahal at pangako sa Kanyang mga salita, lalo na sa mga yugtong ito na tayo ay hinahamon ng panahon. Maging mulat tayo sa mga nangyayari sa lahat ng dako ngayon.

Ang Ebanghelyo ngayon ay isang babala ng Diyos tungkol sa kung ano ang mangyayari. Ang mensaheng ito ay para sa ating lahat na pag-isipan, pagnilayan kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga taong tumatangging kilalanin ang Diyos. Ngayon, gumawa tayo ng ilang konkretong aksyon upang maging handa sa mga darating na posibleng mangyari:

Una, dapat tayong maging handa na makatagpo ang Diyos araw-araw sa ating espirituwal at pananalanging. Humingi tayo ng kagalingan upang tayo ay mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang kalooban at maipakita ang katarungan ng Diyos.

Pangalawa, laging magkaroon ng mga positibong katangian, tulad ng pagpapakita ng awa, pagmamahal at pagpapatawad tulad ng nais nating matanggap ang mga ito mula sa Diyos.

Ikatlo, simula sa ating mga sarili at sa ating kakayahang makiramay, ang lumingap ay dapat na patuloy na lumago sa ating pakikipagtalamitan sa ating kapwa.

Pang-apat, hinahamon tayong unawain sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay ang katotohanan at ang paggalaw ng Banal na Espiritu sa loob natin upang patatagin at akayin tayo sa tamang landas ng pag-unawa sa mga bagay-bagay na nakikita natin sa ating paligid.

Ikalima, hindi tayo pinangakuan ng ganap na pagpapalaya sa lahat ng uri ng alalahanin at kahirapan dito sa lupa. Ang mundong ito ay pansamantalang tahanan din natin, at iyan ang dahilan kung bakit inaasahan natin ang walang hanggang kagalakan, kapayapaan, at kaligayahang iyon. Kaya naman, tahasang sinasabi sa atin ni Jesus na magkaroon ng kamalayan sa mga taong napopoot at inuusig tayo dahil sa Kanyang pangalan. Isaalang-alang ang mga ito bilang mga pagkakataon upang patunayan ang ating kahandaang mamatay para sa Kanya bilang mga buhay na saksi.

Ngayon, tanungin natin ang ating sarili, ano (sino) ang mga katangian na nagpapatatag sa akin? Paano natin malalagpasan ang buhay na ito nang may katiyakan sa ating kinabukasan? Ang pagtitiyaga sa pananampalataya at paggawad ng awa at katarungan sa kapwa ay ito mga sagot sa ating mga katanungan.

St. Augustine has these words to say, “It is for love of this world, after all, that people slave away at all their affairs. But as for you, see you slave away at all your good works, not for love of this world but for the sake of the eternal rest that God promises you.” (Ser.9.13.)

– Bahagi ng aking pagninilay para sa Ika-33 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon | Ika-13 ng Nobyembre 2022 | Lucas 21:5-19

Padre Arlon, osa

Español:

El dictado del corazón: Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año, C

• Malaquías 3:19-20A
• Salmos 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
• 2 Tesalonicenses 3:7-12
• Lucas 21:5-19

Hoy es el Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año, C. Solo falta una semana para celebrar la Fiesta de Cristo Rey, señalando el final de este año litúrgico C. Cuando estamos a punto de terminar el calendario litúrgico, escuchamos lecturas sobre el fin del tiempo, no porque nos asuste. Jesús dice: “Cuando oigáis de guerras e insurrecciones, no se asusten; porque es necesario que tales cosas sucedan primero, pero no será inmediatamente el fin.”

Tengo un amigo que ha estado almacenando alimentos y asegurando equipos de supervivencia para prepararse para la eventual llegada del tiempo final. Le dije que incluso si almacenamos tantos suministros de alimentos, aún no sabemos qué sucederá. Somos como los apóstoles preguntando: “Maestro, ¿cuándo sucederá esto?” Este es el recordatorio más importante de Jesús en el evangelio de hoy: “Con perseverancia asegurarán su vida”. Piensa en atesorar cosas celestiales, perdonar lo imperdonable, humildad para servir a los hermanos empobrecidos, guardar el mandamiento de Dios, establecer buenas relaciones con Dios y con los demás. Todo se vuelve trivial aquí en la tierra excepto la misericordia y la justicia de Dios.

La primera lectura del profeta Malaquías dice: “Pero para ustedes, los que temen al Señor, brillará el sol de justicia, que les traerá la salvación en sus rayos”. Malaquías es un profeta consciente del nombre que lleva, “Mi Mensajero”. Lleva el mensaje al pueblo de Israel y les revela las palabras de Dios. Anuncia el mensaje a los israelitas, en particular a los que son fieles a Dios, con la promesa de prosperidad proveyendo a sus necesidades especialmente a los huérfanos y a las viudas. A través de Malaquías, escuchan la voz de servir a Dios por fe, de esa manera “temor” de Dios.

La segunda lectura de la 2ª Carta de San Pablo a los Tesalonicenses expresa una actitud típica: “Y ahora vengo a saber que algunos de ustedes viven como holgazanes, sin hacer nada, y además, entrometiéndose en todo”. San Pablo nos insta a que es mejor servirnos unos a otros de la mejor manera posible en lugar de involucrarnos en cosas perjudiciales al hablar de las personas y ocuparnos de los asuntos de los demás. Este pasaje se aplica a nosotros si nos comportamos como Cristo, amando y comprometidos con sus palabras, especialmente en estos tiempos difíciles. Seamos conscientes de lo que está sucediendo en todas partes hoy.

El evangelio es la advertencia de Dios sobre lo que va a suceder. Este mensaje es para que todos meditemos, para reflexionar sobre lo que sucederá con aquellos que se niegan a reconocer a Dios. Ahora, hagamos algunas acciones concretas para estar preparados:

Primero, debemos estar dispuestos a encontrar a Dios diariamente en nuestra vida espiritual y de oración. Pedimos sanidad para que podamos vivir de acuerdo a Su voluntad y manifestar la justicia de Dios.

En segundo lugar, siempre equipados con cualidades positivas como mostrar misericordia, amar el perdón tal como queremos recibirlos de Dios.

En tercer lugar, a partir de nosotros mismos y de nuestra capacidad de empatizar, la compasión debe seguir creciendo en relación con nuestros semejantes.

Cuarto, tenemos el desafío de discernir en nuestra vida diaria la verdad y el movimiento del Espíritu Santo en nuestro interior para fortalecernos y guiarnos por el camino correcto de comprensión de las cosas que vemos a nuestro alrededor.

Quinto, no se nos promete una emancipación absoluta de todo tipo de preocupaciones y dificultades aquí en la tierra. Este mundo es también nuestra morada temporal, por eso esperamos ese gozo, paz y felicidad eternos. Por lo tanto, Jesús nos dice explícitamente que seamos conscientes de las personas que nos odiarán y perseguirán por Su nombre. Considéralos como oportunidades para probar nuestra voluntad de morir por Él como testigos.

Preguntémonos hoy, ¿qué nos mantiene unidos personalmente? ¿Qué vamos a atravesar esta vida con certeza de nuestro futuro? La perseverancia en la fe y las obras de misericordia y justicia son las respuestas a nuestras preguntas.

San Agustín nos dice: “Es por amor a este mundo, después de todo, que la gente se esclaviza en todos sus asuntos. Pero en cuanto a ustedes, cuidado de ser esclavos de todas sus buenas obras, no por amor a este mundo, sino por el descanso eterno que Dios nos promete”. (Ser. 9.13.)

Toda la Familia Agustiniana celebra el cumpleaños terrenal de nuestro Santo Padre, San Agustín, nuestra Jornada Vocacional Agustiniana. San Agustín, bendícenos e intercede por más Vocaciones Agustinianas.

Dios te bendiga.

Padre Arlón, osa