Today we have another saint to inspire and guide us.We celebrate the feast of Martin of Tours, who was born in Hungary and grew up in Italy.He had an exciting childhood, born with a pagan parent.At his early age of 15, he was forced to serve in the military and wondered about his future.Though he was at the age of reason, he wanted to enjoy his teenage life.However, he dedicated himself to search for God and decided to be a Catholic, receiving the sacrament of baptism when he was 18.Because of his dedication to prayer and practice of his faith, he said that he was more a monk than an active soldier.It was God’s gift to Martin to consider his inner calling to be dispensed from the military service and to decide to be a soldier of Christ and serve Him.He believed thatbeing a soldier of the Lord, he shouldn’t fight and kill his enemies. He became a disciple of Hilary Poitiers, who was a bishop of Gaul, France (315-367).He was attracted to Bishop Hilary because of his orthodox voice against the Arians, the heretics. He became a monk and had the passion for performing exorcisms and had the willingness to expose the wrong teachings of the Arians and to show mercy towards those who were opposed to the true teachings of the Catholic Church.He was opposed to putting the heretics to death. He was in the monastery, which has been believed to be the first French monastery near Poitiers, and he lived there for a decade.The people of Tours, thru public glamour, made him their bishop.His pastoral zeal made him known because of his passion to offer his life to God.It was said that his community of monks, when he was dying, asked him not to leave them, and Martin recited this prayer: “Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done.”
Learning about St. Martin of Tours, we need to realize that his life during his time was difficult and challenging; however, he took a risk. I am aware that as we try to carry out our works, first and foremost, think of how we make decisions according to our conscience. We pray for more guidance and wisdom to think that caring of ourselves is also caring and loving others.When we put Christ’s teachings first and keep His commandments, then we will never make a bad decision.
The gospel is another reminder that we need not worry when the hour of the “Son of Man” would come and be revealed.Just do the normal routine we do daily.Let us not be confused or terrified, preparing for instance to stock up on food.Our life here on earth will certainly end, but in the last verse Jesus says, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”It is clear that our future with God is not about the preservation of the body; surely the body remains on earth and decays, but the spirit lives with God for all eternity.
St. Martin of Tours left us a legacy to be faithful to God and to look forward to our final destiny.There are so many things we can do to advance our ministry of evangelization.When we are blessed to know and hear the Word, please make a bold step to share and proclaim God to others.
Choose and be prepared to be with Jesus Christ, our Lord.
According to the record, there are only two popes who gained the honor of this title, the “Great.”They are the pope St. Gregory the Great and the saint whose feast day the church celebrates today, St. Leo the Great.He was a humble priest dedicated to his pastoral duties.His work had been known to many, then he became a papal advisor in 420.He was in close contact with famous theologians and a papal envoy before he was elected the Bishop of Rome in 440.Pope Leo the Great expanded the understanding that the Pope’s supremacy is not simply rooted as a historical fact that Peter and Paul died on Roman ground, but because of the theological fact that papal authority resides from the Chair of Peter.Pope Leo the Great also affirmed with clarity and eloquence to the whole Church about Jesus Christ having both a divine and a human nature “without confusion or admixture.”He was able to save our tradition of Christmas when he argued that if Christ were not truly man, or not truly God, the babe in the manger would be just another child whose birth was no more worthy of celebration than that of famous personalities in the world.
These are some contributions of Pope Leo the Great in human history. In 452 he confronted Attila, the Hun, to back off from attacking Rome after making negotiations with the barbaric vandals. He loved to eradicate poverty, protecting Rome from invaders and maintaining Rome’s Christian heritage.Finally, he consolidated church governance and authority under a Roman Curia.The pope was given a role directly overseeing and enforcing discipline over bishops, mediating in and settling disputes; however these roles are now decentralized to Papal Discantry, meaning to various offices of the Vatican Curia. Pope Leo is most known for his sermons and letters, and in 1754 he was given an honor to be one of the Doctors of the Church.He was the first pope, after Saint Peter himself, to be buried in Saint Peter’s Basilica.
In today’s first reading from the letter of St. Paul to Philemon, Paul is clear that we are all united as brothers.Paul would make restitution for anything that was done by Onesimus, a slave whom Paul converted to Christianity while he was imprisoned.Maybe Onesimus owed something to Philemon.By sending out Onesimus, Paul says, he is truly sending part of his own heart.Paul clearly cares and loves Onesimus as a brother and true Christian. Paul makes it very clear that he would like Philemon to forgive and accept him as a brother too and not as his own slave.
Let us focus and accept Christ in our lives; then we will find the Kingdom of God. When we do the opposite of what Christ longs for us, we are completely detached from God’s kingdom. Let us see and examine whether our hearts are completely filled with His heart’s desire.May we all be open to receive God’s transforming grace and consciously work to encounter Christ in His kingdom here on earth. Be a brother or sister to everyone, regardless of being free, imprisoned, poor or rich, for we are all equal in the eyes of God.
It was God’s blessing that I have been to this ancient Basilica. I am astonished at how the whole structure of the church speaks to me of the sacredness and mystical presence of God in the whole edifice of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Many Catholics are unaware of the significance of this Feast of the Dedication of the . I believe that a little historical background will be much appreciated. The word “Lateran” reminds us of a noble Roman family whose political power served the entire Roman Empire. The family produced several Roman Emperors that made history during those times. However, the family-controlled political power was defeated by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century when this well-known Lateran palace was occupied under the new Emperor in 311. We all know that Emperor Constantine was a devout Catholic who made “Catholicism” a state religion. Hence, the Lateran Palace was given to the bishop of Rome, and it remains up to the present time. It was after the Council was held there in 313 that it became the center of Christian life in Rome. Lateran Palace was renovated, and Popes began to live there as the seat of the Bishop of Rome and turned it into a Basilica. During the medieval period, it was rededicated to Christ the Savior, St. John the Baptist and now St. John the Evangelist Lateran Basilica, making it the oldest and most important papal church in Rome, aside from the Vatican Square and other existing world-renowned churches in the Eternal City. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Rome and thus the seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.
Let me share with you that the whole structure of any church doesn’t make us a Christian, but it is a sacred place where we have gathered and witnessed sacred celebrations to worship and adore God. It is the house of God and our house where we congregate as a family, which I believe where we worship reveals to us divine realities and supernatural mysteries.
The first reading from the Book of Ezekiel describes the revitalizing water that flows from the temple. Ezekiel’s vision was of a river flowing from the temple in Jerusalem, sharing God’s life which is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit providing the very source of life of the Church, now and forever. I believe that our churches or basilicas are places where we can quench our thirst and hunger for God. St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, uses the representation of a building to describe the structure of the Church when he uttered these words, “But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there …”
In the gospel, Jesus was at the temple when He was angered by what He saw. People were making the vicinity of the temple a marketplace and not respecting it as the center of worship and the place where God dwells. I admit that even now, there is the same desecration happening inside the church.
First, many Catholics don’t know how to genuflect in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Second, during the mass some people walk around, and during consecration some people never give the respect due to God coming down in the form of bread and wine.
Third, try also to check the way we dress and present ourselves pleasing to God.
St. Paul reminds us that we, as individuals, are temples of God. We run the risk of allowing ourselves as temples to be treated with no respect.
May this feast remind us to be renewed as temples of God, and that where we worship, through the Holy Spirit, we will find joy and God’s presence in our church and in every human heart.
I am wondering the reason why St. Paul mentioned in his letter to Titus about older women and young men to be reverent in their behavior, to be models of faith and be sound in speech. It simply means that as disciples of the Lord, we must always be a good example to everyone, especially to non-believers.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the Master and the Servant. There are some points we need to know and learn from this story of Jesus.
First, we believe that God wants all men to be saved. However, salvation is not to be imposed on God by insisting that we need to be saved because of the good things we do, like financial help we give to the church, alms we give to the poor or how many times we forgive others. Rather, we look at it in the whole concept of relationship between us and God, and between others and ourselves. This relationship may flourish with our service, commitment, and love. St. Augustine says, “My weight is my love. (Pondus Meum Amor Meus) Wherever I am carried my love is carrying me.” (Confessions 13.9.10).
Second, the gospel tells us that the servant in the story is just doing what he is supposed to do. He is expected to serve despite his hard work in his master’s field. Being followers of the Lord, we must also recognize that the very act of serving God, our Master, is not only a call of duty, but rather we find meaning and hope to do extra work without requiring God to thank and reward us. God is by nature generous and loving.
Third, we don’t want to be called “unprofitable servants, we have done what we were obliged to do.” Following God’s commandments, of course, we are obliged to do; however, we need to do it because we love Him and are being faithful to Him, not to attract people to praise us but through us that they may praise and take delight in the goodness of God.
In doing so, beyond our obligation to keep God’s laws, we too are blessed. Because of our compassion and love for Him and for others, we will surely realize that “the salvation of the just comes from the Lord.” (Ps 37)
With smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts, we will surely be great in Heaven. Jesus urges us to go beyond the expected of being a servant. Let us discover and find our way to share our gifts and talents, wholeheartedly do good things and be grateful.
I am just wondering about this reality regarding uploading photos on Facebook, and how many people express their liking. However, uploading the “Word of God“ only few people express their approval. I guess this is the culture right now, to like the “face” they see in the pictures, but to dislike hearing the voice of God. It is a little bit frustrating, but it is true. We desire something that is temporal and not eternal.
St. Paul wrote to Titus in today’s epistle, that “he is a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones and the recognition of religious truth, in the hope of eternal life that God, who does not lie, promised before time began, who indeed at the proper time revealed his word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted by the command of God our savior.” Paul wants the Church of Crete to be faithful to Christ amidst conflicts. Paul and Titus shared the firmness of faith in the Lord. As church leaders, they moved onward to greet peace to all for the transformation of Christians in Crete.
In today’s Gospel reading from St. Luke, Jesus reminds us of our responsibility for others. He makes three points:
First, we do not lead others to sin. It is our moral responsibility to be models of faith and be able to save others from falling into sin. We share the very mission of the Lord to act according to what we expect of us as disciples of the Lord.
Second, we must challenge those who do sin. We rely on the power of faith in us. Just as we are given the gift of faith, it is fitting that we speak with courage and conviction when knowing our brethren is potentially about to tempt others to commit sin, then let our faith shine by preventing others from committing any wrongdoings that will sadden and displease God.
Third, we must forgive those who sinned, even those who have sinned against us. We need to take risks in having faith in ourselves and others.
Such risks will lead us to become the person that God is calling us to become, that is to be Christ-like, a forgiving person. The good news is that forgiveness is always available, and Jesus loves us forever. Jesus tells us thru this gospel, forgive, forgive, and then forgive again; with just a little faith, you can do anything. It is better to pray like the Apostles, “Lord, increase our Faith.”
The Diocese of Reno, spearheaded by the Bishop, Priests and facilitators representing each parish, will gather together on November 17, 2022, to discuss how we would implement in the entire diocese, the process to study together the meaning of the Mass. This would start from a parish base small group discussion which would create the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, promote communion with God, and increase the knowledge of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, as the summit and source of our lives as Catholics. It is expected that this process will result in an increase of profound love and devotion to the Eucharist.
Today is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Holy Mass is a sacrament of the real presence of God. As Catholics, we adhere to the fact that our celebration today is to be one and in union with God thru this sacrament. Thus, we are happy to recite the responsorial psalm, “Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.” This longing is not remote; it is happening right now with the Lord appearing thru the Liturgy of the Word and in the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist.
Today, our careful reading of the scriptural passages is an opportunity to savor the sweetness of His words and spend time to digest its message which should not remain in our intellect but in our hearts to challenge us to pay attention.
The over-all theme of the three readings points to death and resurrection. The first reading from the Book of Maccabees narrates the story of seven brothers and their mother who are arrested and tortured for their faith in God. They have lived the laws and customs as a Jewish family. However, the family resisted the domination of King Antichus IV who wanted them to worship the Greek god of all gods. The king and his commanders witnessed how the seven brothers were tortured without fear. They were witnesses of being faithful Jews believing in the true God and, despite the ongoing torture, they recited prayers of hope as they suffered and died. They have forsaken earthly life and chosen life to come with God of their ancestors as their future. They challenge the King’s authority and his own eternal destiny for they believe that they will rise and live after the terror and death. One of the brothers being tortured expresses his abiding faith by exclaiming: “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him” (2 Mac 7:14). St. Paul, in today’s second reading, calls on the Thessalonians and us that we must be delivered from perverse and wicked people for not having faith in the living God. It is only the Lord who will strengthen and guard us from the evil one.
In today’s gospel, St. Luke focuses on the Sadducees who deny there is a resurrection. Maybe some of us are not open to accept faith in the Lord, who promises resurrection after our death. Let us journey together to understand this passage:
First, let us be honest about ourselves and ask, what is the purpose of life? If there is no resurrection after death, then we are just like fallen leaves during this time of autumn. Leaves fall and get dry and what remains is a barren tree. We believe though that there is hope our garden will be beautiful again when spring comes. This is simply the message of nature about life’s purpose. It is in God that we trust, and the very foundation of life is love. Therefore, our death on earth is truly related to the promise of Christ’s resurrection.
Second, Jesus confronted the Sadducees regarding their wrong teaching. The Sadducees thought they had found an opportunity to trap Jesus by their foolish argument. Try to contemplate how Jesus was able to answer them directly. “The children of this age marry and remarry, but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.” This is a very clear response that in talking about the future life with God, our resurrection completely changes our own perspective.
Third, the end of the gospel has these compelling words; “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him we are all alive.” Maybe our view of life has been dominated by our material concerns and limited to the idea of this physical world we live in; therefore, we have that difficulty to accept the teaching of Jesus.
Thus, having difficulty to accept the teaching of the “Resurrection”, we have conflicts between the present life and the “after-life,” which we need to address. What must we do here during our earthly life to be part of the resurrection? We must be open to seek spiritual guidance, get into prayer, meditation, reflection and fully embrace the Spirit of Enlightenment.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
El dictado del corazón: Trigésima segunda semana del tiempo ordinario, año C
2 Macabeos 7:1-2, 9-14
Salmos 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
2 Tesalonicenses 2:16–3:5
Lucas 20:27-38 o Lucas 20:27, 34-38
La Diócesis de Reno, encabezada por el obispo, los sacerdotes y los facilitadores que representan a cada parroquia, se reunirán el 17 de noviembre de 2022 para discutir cómo implementaríamos en toda la diócesis el proceso para estudiar juntos el significado de la Misa a partir de una base parroquial. Discusión en pequeños grupos que crea la oportunidad de una comprensión más profunda de la Eucaristía, para promover la comunión con Dios y aumentar el conocimiento del Sacramento de la Sagrada Eucaristía, como cumbre y fuente de nuestra vida como católicos. El proceso esperará resultados de un aumento de devoción y un amor profundo a la Eucaristía.
Hoy es el Trigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario. La Santa Misa es un sacramento de la presencia real de Dios. Como católicos, nos adherimos al hecho de que nuestra celebración debe ser una y en unión con Dios a través de este sacramento. Por eso, nos alegramos de recitar el salmo responsorial: “Señor, cuando aparezca tu gloria, mi gozo será completo”. Este anhelo no es remoto, pero está ocurriendo ahora mismo que el Señor se aparece a través de la Liturgia de la Palabra y en la liturgia de la Sagrada Eucaristía.
Hoy, nuestra lectura, cuidadosa de los pasajes de las Escrituras, es una oportunidad para saborear la dulzura de la palabra de Dios y dedicar tiempo a digerir su mensaje que no debe permanecer en nuestro intelecto sino en nuestro corazón, para desafiarnos a prestar más atención.
El tema general de las treslecturas apunta a la muerte y la resurrección. La primera lectura del Libro de los Macabeos narra la historia de siete hermanos y su madre que son arrestados y torturados por su fe en Dios. Han vivido las leyes y costumbres como una familia judía. Sin embargo, la familia se resistió al rey dominante Antichus IV que quería que adoraran al dios griego de todos los dioses. El rey y sus comandantes presenciaron cómo los siete hermanos fueron torturados sin miedo. Fueron testigos de ser judíos fieles que creían en el Dios verdadero, a pesar de la tortura continua, recitaron oraciones de esperanza mientras sufren y mueren. Han abandonado la vida terrenal y eligen la vida para ir con el Dios de sus antepasados. Desafían la autoridad del Rey y su propio destino eterno porque creen que se levantarán y vivirán después del dolor y la muerte. Uno de los hermanos torturados expresa su fe exclamando: “Vale la pena morir a manos de los hombres, cuando se tiene la firme esperanza de que Dios nos resucitará. (2 Mac 7:14). San Pablo en la segunda lectura de hoy llama a los tesalonicenses y a nosotros a que debemos ser librados de las personas perversas y malvadas por no tener fe en el Dios vivo. Solo en el Señor nos fortalecerá y nos guardará del maligno.
En el evangelio de hoy, San Lucas se enfoca en los saduceos que niegan que haya una resurrección. Quizás algunos de nosotros no estemos abiertos a aceptar la fe en el Señor, quien promete la resurrección después de nuestra muerte. Caminemos juntos para comprender este pasaje:
Primero, seamos honestos con nosotros mismos y preguntémonos, ¿cuál es el propósito de la vida? Si no hay resurrección después de la muerte, entonces solo somos vida y hojas caídas durante esta época de otoño. Hojas secas y lo que queda es un árbol estéril. Pero creemos que hay esperanza de que nuestro jardín vuelva a ser hermoso cuando llegue la primavera. Este es simplemente el mensaje de la naturaleza sobre el propósito de la vida. Es en Dios en quien confiamos, y el fundamento mismo de la vida es el amor. Por tanto, nuestra muerte en la tierra está verdaderamente relacionada con la promesa de la resurrección de Cristo.
En segundo lugar, Jesús confrontó a los saduceos con respecto a sus enseñanzas incorrectas. Los saduceos pensaron que habían encontrado una oportunidad para atrapar a Jesús con su argumento. Pero trata de contemplar lo que Jesús es capaz de responderles directamente. “Los hijos de este siglo se casan y se vuelven a casar, pero aquellos que son considerados dignos de alcanzar el siglo venidero y la resurrección de los muertos no se casan ni se dan en matrimonio.” Esta es una respuesta muy clara de que hablar de la vida futura en Dios, nuestra resurrección, cambia completamente nuestra propia perspectiva.
Tercero, el final del evangelio tiene estas palabras convincentes; “Él no es Dios de muertos, sino de vivos, porque para él todos estamos vivos. Tal vez nuestra visión de la vida ha estado dominada por nuestras preocupaciones materiales y limitada a la idea de este mundo físico en el que vivimos; por lo tanto, tenemos esa dificultad para aceptar la enseñanza de Jesús.
Así, teniendo dificultad para aceptar la enseñanza de la “Resurrección”, tenemos conflictos entre la vida presente y la “vida después de la muerte” que debemos abordar. ¿Qué debemos hacer aquí durante nuestra vida terrenal para ser parte de la resurrección? Debemos estar abiertos a buscar guía espiritual, entrar en oración, meditación, reflexión y abrazar completamente el Espíritu para que nos ilumine.
When we labor for God, we expect support and help from others or our community. Even Jesus appointed the 12 Apostles to collaborate with Him in preaching the Goodnews. It is not about who is better or popular, but being united with the same goal. We need to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share in order to keep us on the path to Christ and with Christ.
In today’s reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, we heard Paul is making an appeal for steadfastness and unity in the Christian community in Philippi. He was praising them for their continued support in his ministry; however, he emphasized that it is not about being self-sufficient but, most importantly, to be grateful to everyone. His relationship with them is not sustained or defined by just receiving gifts from them. It isn’t just about material exchanges of goods and services in times of need. It is about the sharing of spiritual gifts, but with the riches in Christ Jesus. When we give, we give to God and when we receive, we receive from God. Hence, it is a relationship with utmost respect and encouragement for each other.
In today’s gospel from St. Luke, Jesus instructs His disciples that whatever we have acquired, like material things, we must use it to advance the gospel and the work of God. It means that our effort is always towards the fulfillment of the Kingdom and our stewardship of service for others.
Jesus could not be silent about making statements for the Pharisees who loved or served material wealth. Perhaps some of us are blinded too that instead of appreciating the material blessings afforded to us by God, we become greedy and prioritize financial gain and personal comfort without giving thought that all material gain is a sign of God’s reward for our good behavior.
Now, I realize that all material blessings on earth given to us are not to multiply them for our consumption or to make us richer and be justified as someone better than others. I believe that whatever is entrusted to us should be used in order to serve God. We should not seek success on this earth with material bliss. True wealth is not money, but what is in our hearts.
Dear Lord, please take from me my pride. Touch me that I may rely on You, not wealth, because You provide all we need. Let us do good. Let us be with God, for “Blessed the man who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 112)
Today we have St. Charles Borromeo’s feast day. He was an Italian bishop in the 1500s. He was a dedicated priest, who worked in collaboration with his parishioners. He was also a holy bishop with great power, but he used it with all humility to renew the church during his time. He is the patron of learning, in particular, the formation of seminarians. He is the patron of Priests, Bishops, Cardinals and Catechists.
Being a missionary and a priest, I pray that as I serve the faithful, like St. Charles, I need to live with unselfishness to do my duty and to do good things wherever I am. I may not understand the plan of God for me, but I completely understand well that God loves me.
Reading the gospel today, I have many things to learn so that I would understand God’s Words. This gospel is the parable of a “Dishonest Steward.” Sometimes reading this gospel, we have disbelief and a sense of confusion. Let me help you be able to understand this particular parable.
First, the rich man commended the dishonest steward because he had written down the amount falsely which was different from the actual amount borrowed. He reduced the amount of the debts which is tantamount to malversation of funds. He was creating a benefit for the debtor, and thus was smart and prudent preparing his future. The reason for the master’s commendation is that this dishonest steward knows better how to take care of himself, and it was not about his act of dishonesty.
Second, this last verse, “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” Well, it is obvious that the present preoccupation of most of the people in the world is chiefly motivated by their desire to acquire material blessings thru dishonesty. This is what we call the product of false riches. We accumulate things for our self-satisfaction and prestige, consequently leading us away from the plan of God. God always invites us “to go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
Third, speaking about “The children of the light” refers to those who are motivated by and follow the teachings of Jesus. The steward was clearly motivated by taking care of himself. He helps others to ensure his life after his master kicks him off. His “generosity” to the debtors was not to right an injustice, or to better their condition, but to achieve his personal interest to save face.
What is critically challenging to us is understanding the hidden message of the gospel. I believe that taking into consideration our being clever on choosing how to get all spiritual riches and to prepare for our future with God as He calls us “Children of Light.”
Let us avoid acquiring false riches which surely lead us away from God. We must do something for the greater good, that is to be faithful to the Lord. Saving face is not the priority at this time but being children of light; thus we must examine how we need to conscientiously work for our salvation.
As an Associate Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, I have initiated an annual gathering of Knights to offer mass for our deceased members of the Order. This is to remind us that our work in the Order is not ended in death, but is our continuous love and fraternity beyond death. Today we gather at the St. Therese of Little Flower Catholic Church for a memorial mass for their eternal repose.
Today we also remember the feast of St. Martin de Porres. He was born in 1579, in Lima, Peru. Martín was considered an exception and became a Dominican lay brother in 1610. He was a friar noted for his compassion and humble service to the sick and those who were in need. He was very prayerful and had great devotion to the eucharist, and he was a Dominican brother who attracted every one with his kindness and charity as a humble “Porter,” the one whose duty is to open the door and accept visitors to the monastery. . He died on November 3, 1639, and he was beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962. The life of St. Martin inspires us to look to Jesus as our model for the one to imitate.
In today’s gospel, St. Luke tells us one of Jesus’ most well-known parables about the lost sheep. A man had 100 sheep, and he lost one. We cannot understand the logic of a man leaving the 99 to go after the one that is lost. How could it be, abandoning the many for the sake of one? This is the wonder of God’s wisdom and love. Of course, God loves all but He is also concerned with the one that strayed.
In today’s first reading Paul gives witness to the fact that “whatever gains I had; these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.” It means that whatever St. Paul’s accomplishments were, according to what the world valued, meant less than nothing once he encountered Jesus and realized what He meant to the world. His whole understanding of life is importantly geared to this encounter. God will do much to seek the lost and rejoice for the one who is found as reason for giving us Hope.
Our Christian hope is not purely sentimental, but rational. We must be very smart choosing the way of the Good Shepherd, who always gives preference to those who are lost and seeks them in order to be restored. This is His important mission to rebuild the Kingdom of God. “Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord” (Ps105).
Today, we celebrate All Souls Day. Many Protestant brethren believe that after death, there is no way to alter the fate of those who died. They believe that at the point of death, one’s eternal destiny is confirmed. Either he is saved through faith in Christ and is in heaven where he is experiencing rest and joy in God’s presence, or he is in torment in hell. No amount of prayer would deliver them from damnation. Whatever the state of one’s soul, that’s it. They say, “once the person is gone, they’re gone.” Hence, no more prayers would aid the soul for salvation. Death is final, and after that, no amount of praying will avail a person of the salvation he has rejected in life. I believe this is a very sad perspective, thinking that our prayers would be completely futile. That is the reason why they don’t pray for the dead; they believe that their prayer service is to help the grieving family. Their dead are completely on their own, no more hope or more love. Let them find their way, others would say.
Catholic faith is totally different. There is always room for our deceased brethren to be saved by God’s mercy. We remember them every November 2nd, offering prayers for their salvation every All-Souls’ Day. We offer novenas on their death anniversary in order to gain eternal repose, and the highest form of prayer is to offer mass for our departed brothers and sisters. To justify this religious practice is connected with keeping the chief commandment of God, “Love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is not only shared with those who are living. Our love for our neighbors is beyond death and an integral part to practice charity towards our neighbors. Jesus did not say love only those who are alive. Therefore, our love is forever, as long as we live. There is no stopping the manifesting of love for each other.
We cannot make any judgment of any person who has died, even knowing how much they had done bad things. We must remember that every person does something good in life. If we now think that our prayer won’t help because you have known someone to be an evil person, just believe that God’s mercy is immense.
It is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead (2 Mc 12:44-45). Those in heaven or in hell don’t benefit from our prayers, because the souls that are already in heaven are enjoying the eternal bliss of God, and those in hell are already condemned. However, we need to understand that not everyone immediately goes to heaven or hell after they die. Therefore, when we pray for the dead, we must be praying for people in some other place usually called “purgatory,” which other religions cannot accept this teaching. As Catholics, we accept that there is a state of purging and purification. If the souls we are praying for are destined to hell, we believe our prayers won’t be wasted because of the idea that there is the “treasury of prayers” which would be applied to those poor souls who have no one to pray for them.
As early as first century Christians, in catacombs and other graves, they put an inscription, “ PAX TIBI, SPIRITUI TUO, IN AETERNUM, TIBI CUM ANGELIS, CUM SANCTIS.” All these words were written and uttered to signify prayers for the dead.
Today’s Scriptural readings give us great comfort for accepting our own mortality. The Book of Wisdom expresses consolation into our hearts, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God.” In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.” We are supported by God’s words and encouraged in hope. We do not fully comprehend this reality, but we know that it is something greater and more powerful than anything else we have known, the great love and mercy of God. For Him, no one is lost.
Then, St. Paul prayed for the Dead, 2 Timothy 1:16-18 “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me, may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day – and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
Today, let us spend time praying for all our departed Brothers and Sisters who have died so that their souls will be in the hands of God. Being with God, no torment can touch them. There is no more suffering, pain or worries because we believe that God takes good care of them and comforts them as well. They are at peace.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen.”
