Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Galatians 4:22-31
• John 6:1-15

Today is the 4th Sunday of Lent, called the “Laetare Sunday,” where we are invited to reflect on the Introit antiphon from Isaiah 66:10-11: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her, rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.” Laetare means “rejoice” which expresses hope and joy during our Lenten fasts and penances. Our color “rose” today indicates a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at Easter, just before entering Holy Week. Let us take advantage of the richness of our Catholic traditions.

The epistle today is taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. St. Paul is speaking to these Galatians about being under the law, meaning to say that they keep relying on their self-effort to keep the law by maintaining a right relationship with God. Every person must be freed from any kind of slavery or bondage of sins, rather to be free for “wherewith Christ has made us free.” Let us earn approval from God by our own effort to live consistently doing works of righteousness. Our conscious action is to try harder, and that will lead us to happiness, rather than depression.

How can sinners like us stand in a right relationship with the holy God? How can we be in a right relationship with God? We must first believe, repent, and do something good. All good actions result in good realities, and we must begin to live a joy filled, fruitful and comforting life as Catholics.

In today’s gospel Jesus begins to share His kindness with the multitude of people by being sensitive to their condition. We give keen attention to Jesus’ miraculous sign by feeding everyone. This will help us to understand God’s provision to the chosen people of Israel in the Old Testament and Jesus’ multiplication of bread, which prefigures the Eucharist. Today, though, we are going to look at the miracle that sets on this gospel pericope in John 6:1-15.

First, Jesus said: “Make the men sit down,” to provide them food to eat. It is an amazing gesture of Jesus’ care and love for His people, which is also at the same time a clear message and sign of how He cares for them in all eternity. Through that boy with five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus took the loaves and the fish, He blessed them and gave thanks, and “they were filled.” I believe that our insignificant contribution, like that of the little boy, and if presented generously and wholeheartedly to Christ, makes it possible for a miracle to happen.

Second, this story about the multiplication of bread and fish is about the power of Jesus, not only to fill our own physical needs, but to sustain us to continue glorifying God. Receiving the miracle that happens at every mass doesn’t only comfort us temporarily, but suffices our desire to have that joy and eternal happiness to rest on the heart of Christ our Savior.

Third, it’s a story about God’s unlimited and powerful provision. We must believe that with Him all things are possible because He perfectly knows what we need. Our consideration is to accept our insufficiency apart from God.

In the Christian life, we must humble ourselves to accept our own weakness and powerlessness. We must remember that everything Jesus does takes us to that low place because the low place is where the abundant grace of God starts to manifest.

Jesus would like to remind us that He is actually doing the role of God in the Old Testament when He provides everything for the chosen people. Jesus is doing what God does because there is no one else to do so, especially our need of sustenance for our journey towards eternal life.

In conclusion, Jesus says, “Philip, do you remember how God gave the bread from heaven in the desert? It is a perfect way to test Philip and us. Will you rely on Jesus to trust and have faith in Him? The miracle of the multiplication of bread and fish is indeed an invitation to believe, not to cling to our opinion that it is impossible, but that it gives opportunities to grow and to be nourished by His body and blood. Jesus gives His very own life for all of us. Let us rejoice!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 17:3-7
• Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
• Romans 5:12,5-8
• John 4:5-42 

Today we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Lent. Today we will witness the first scrutiny for our newly “Elect” who are ready to receive the adult initiation. We will witness three consecutive Sundays with a gospel reading taken from St. John. This is a powerful practice in the church beginning in 500 AD for the Elect to have that expected transformation, repentance and conversion as they prepare to accept Jesus Christ as their light who brings life to them. This scrutiny calls the Elect into the living water of Baptism, to the light of holiness and to a new life in Christ through His resurrection. The congregation will continuously pray for them so that they may be cleansed and protected from evil, which we witness in the exorcism part. This is also for you to heed the call to new life and healing.

As we continue to focus on our spiritual relationship with God, today’s reading redirects us to avoid all kinds of distractions caused by so many unnecessary concerns, like felt emotions, and to focus on our human response to a sincere love and worship of the Divine.

In the first reading today, taken from the book of Exodus, we heard about the grumbling attitude of the chosen people against God. They were complaining despite God’s walking with them in the wilderness to freedom from oppression in Egypt. The goodness of God for them was not enough, for they expected instant fulfillment of their needs and desires. Today, we must carry out the attitude of humility, obedience, and respect for the presence of God. God has worked in our lives; therefore, we must be submissive to a real invitation to have an orderly life. Doesn’t everyone live like that?

The 2nd reading, from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, tells us that just as Adam was the source of humanity that could not resist and avoid sin, Jesus Christ is the source of humanity freed from obedience to sin. We are called to be human in Christ, freeing ourselves from the slavery of sin. We have been righteous, having been justified by faith and good works, where there is freedom to be all that God created us for, to be free to know God’s love and to love God. This is our state of grace now which has been given to us by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Today’s gospel reading, taken from St. John, is a story about the “Samaritan Woman at the Well.” This is a special gospel reading for the first scrutiny to put emphasis on the Samaritan woman meeting Jesus travelling to Galilee from Judea with His disciples passing though Samaria. Let us find inspiring thoughts about their encounter:

First, there was a Samaritan woman who came at that time to draw water from the well. There may have been reasons why she came in the heat of the day to draw water, perhaps to avoid other women from town. Jesus broke down the barrier between the Jew and the Samaritan for they cannot see eye to eye. Jesus approached her and asked for water to drink. Jesus initiated the move to reach out to the woman without animosity and racial discrimination. Despite Jesus’ knowledge of her being married 5 times and living in sin, He was gentle and put no judgment upon her. This is Jesus’ way to accept us, being unmindful of our past and embracing us with much love and compassion because He wants to draw us closer to Him.

Second, Jesus says something to the woman that puzzled her, that, “if she knew who He was, she would ask Him for living water, and He would give it to her.” At this point, Jesus was not talking about the water in the well which the people drink but still thirst again. The Samaritan woman expressed her interest in the water spoken by Jesus to free her from toil of fetching daily from the well. However, she did not realize that the “living water” being offered by Jesus is something supernatural, which is His divine grace referring to the water of Baptism.

Third, the conversion of the Samaritan woman came after she gains understanding of the truth of herself and her experience of an encounter with Jesus, whom she believes to be a prophet. She then tells Jesus that the Messiah is coming and “He will tell us everything.” Jesus replies, “I am He, the one speaking with you.” Without wasting time, after hearing the word of Jesus and believing Him, she returned to her village telling her story and converting her town to Jesus.

This is a remarkable story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well offering her living waters and promising eternal life. The woman sees sincerity and truth about herself, seeing God face to face. She was not afraid and instead she embraced the freedom from all the burdens of her past life with no condemnation, and as a result, there is healing and new life.

To our beloved Elect, this scrutiny is meant to uncover yourselves from sinfulness, weakness and bring healing to your heart. You will be receiving the exorcism to deliver you from the power of sin and Satan. The Baptism of water purifies you. This indicates that God wants to purify you and is offering you eternal life, as shown in the stories of the Israelites and the Samaritan woman at the well. We look forward to Easter with intense prayer and preparation.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma, Año B

• Éxodo 20:1-17 o Éxodo 17:3-7
• Salmo 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
• Romanos 5:12,5-8
• Juan 4:5-42 

Hoy celebramos el Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma, seremos testigos del primer escrutinio de nuestros nuevos “elegidos” los cuales están listos para recibir la iniciación adulta. Seremos testigos de tres domingos consecutivos con una lectura del evangelio tomado de San Juan. Esta es una práctica poderosa en la iglesia que comenzó en el año 500 D.C. para que los elegidos tuvieran la transformación, el arrepentimiento y la conversión, esperados mientras se preparan para aceptar a Jesucristo como su luz que les trae vida. Este escrutinio llama a los elegidos al agua viva del bautismo, a la luz de la santidad y a una vida nueva en Cristo, a través de su resurrección. La congregación ara oracion continuamente por ellos para que sean limpiados y protegidos del mal, del que somos testigos en la parte del exorcismo. Esto también es para que prestemos atención al llamado a una nueva vida y sanación.

A medida que continuamos enfocándonos en nuestra relación espiritual con Dios, la lectura de hoy nos redirige a evitar todo tipo de distracciones causadas por tantas preocupaciones innecesarias como las emociones sentidas y a concentrarnos en nuestra respuesta humana a un amor y adoración sinceros a lo divino.

La primera lectura de hoy está tomada del libro del Éxodo, escuchamos sobre la actitud de queja del pueblo elegido contra Dios. Se quejaban a pesar de que Dios caminaba con ellos en el desierto hacia la libertad de la opresión en Egipto. La bondad de Dios para con ellos no fue suficiente porque esperaban la satisfacción instantánea de sus necesidades y deseos. Hoy debemos llevar a cabo la actitud de humildad, obediencia y respeto a la presencia de Dios. Dios ha obrado en nuestras vidas; por tanto, debemos ser sumisos a una invitación real a tener una vida ordenada. ¿No todo el mundo vive así?

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos nos dice que así como Adán fue la fuente de la humanidad, no pudo resistir y evitar el pecado, Jesucristo es la fuente de la humanidad liberada de la obediencia al pecado. Estamos llamados a ser humanos en Cristo, liberándonos de la esclavitud del pecado. Hemos sido justos y justificados por la fe y las buenas obras, donde existe la libertad de ser todo por lo que Dios nos creó, de ser libres para conocer el amor de Dios y amar a Dios. Este es nuestro estado de gracia ahora que nos ha sido dado por Jesucristo nuestro Señor.

La lectura del evangelio de hoy tomada de San Juan es una historia sobre la “Mujer Samaritana junto al pozo”. Esta es una lectura especial del evangelio para el primer escrutinio que enfatiza la mujer samaritana que se encuentra con Jesús viajando a Galilea desde Judea con sus discípulos pasando por Samaria.

Tres puntos para que nos ayuden a meditat sobre su encuentro:
Primero, había una mujer samaritana que vino en aquel tiempo a sacar agua del pozo. Puede que haya habido razones por las que vino en el calor del día a sacar agua, tal vez para evitar a otras mujeres de la ciudad. Jesús rompió la barrera entre el judío y el samaritano porque no pueden verse cara a cara. Entonces Jesús se acercó a ella y le pidió agua para beber. Jesús inició el movimiento para alcanzar a las mujeres sin animosidad ni discriminación racial. A pesar de que Jesús sabía que ella se había casado cinco veces y vivía en pecado, Él fue gentil y no la juzgó. Así es como Jesús nos acepta, sin pensar en nuestro pasado pero abrazándonos con mucho amor y compasión porque quiere acercarnos más a Él.

En segundo lugar, Jesús le dice algo a la mujer que la desconcertó: “Si conocieras el don de Dios y quién es el que te pide de beber, tú le pedirías a él, y él te daría agua viva”. En este punto, Jesús no estaba hablando del agua del pozo que la gente bebe y tiene sed nuevamente. La mujer samaritana expresó su interés por aquella agua pronunciada por Jesús para liberarla del trabajo diario de ir a buscar al pozo. Sin embargo, no se dio cuenta de que el “agua viva” que ofrece Jesús es algo sobrenatural que es su gracia divina refiriéndose al agua del Bautismo.

En tercer lugar, la conversión de la mujer samaritana se produjo después de que ella obtuvo una comprensión de la verdad de sí misma y de su experiencia de un encuentro con Jesús, a quien ella cree que es un profeta. Luego, le dice a Jesús que el Mesías viene y “Él nos dará razón de todo”. Jesús responde: “Soy yo, el que habla contigo”. Sin pérdida de tiempo, después de escuchar la palabra de Jesús y creerle, regresó a su pueblo contando su historia y convirtiendo a su pueblo a Jesús.

Esta es una historia notable de Jesús y la mujer samaritana junto al pozo ofreciendo agua viva, prometiendo vida eterna. La mujer ve sinceridad y verdad sobre sí misma y ve a Dios cara a cara. Ella no tuvo miedo, sino que abrazó la libertad de todas las cargas de su vida pasada, sin condenación, como resultado, hay sanación y nueva vida.

Para nuestros amados Elegidos, este escrutinio tiene como objetivo descubrirse del pecado, la debilidad y traer sanidad a su corazón. Estarás recibiendo el exorcismo para liberarte del poder del pecado y de Satanás. El Bautismo de agua te purifica e indica que Dios quiere darte, te purifica y te está ofreciendo la vida eterna, como lo muestran las historias de los israelitas y de la mujer Samaria junto al pozo. Esperemos la Pascua con intensa oración y preparación.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Ephesians 5:1-9
• Luke 11:14-28 

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Lent. We hear that Paul was addressing the Christians in Ephesus. He told them that they must imitate God. Just as a child imitates his father, so must the believer imitate God. We imitate the attitude of Jesus by being pure in body and soul. This is our own calling, not just the early Christians exhorted by Paul to follow the Lord, and not just simple imitation, but walking in the love of God. It is in righteousness and purity of life that we offer a sacrifice to God which is pleasing to God. Our love and faith must give rise to a life which is in accordance with the will of God, rather than to do things as pagans live and do.

There are many occasions when we claim to be Catholics and yet put ourselves in danger by maintaining our sinful lifestyle. This is the reason why St. Paul warns his people concerning this error. He was warning them not to ridicule Christ by living contrary to His teachings. How dangerous it is to ignore God’s commandment and continue to live their lifestyle with immorality, which is also common even to this day. Covetousness or greed too are totally out of place among believers for we are called to be imitators of Christ. We know that Christ‘s offering of redemption for us changes every aspect in the here and now. Our minds, thoughts and our whole body and actions must be pure, and we must consecrate ourselves to God whose gift we receive to enrich us and for us to give thanks.

The gospel today led us to have an understanding that Jesus is more powerful than the evil one, and “the multitudes were in admiration at” what Jesus did after casting out the devil. His power continues to allow us to have been safe guarded against all kinds of temptations.

Our society forces us to believe that we have the freedom to do whatever we want to do and have the right not to be constrained, and no one can ever dictate or tell us what to do. This we seek for personal freedom; therefore, we must go against Christian religious belief. This is indeed a serious evil with which we are being confronted nowadays, not to be obedient to keep the will of God and not to follow the guidance of our Holy Church. The very idea of obedience is belittled and in question. However, we must listen to the eternal word of God speaking to us through Jesus Christ saying, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” I do believe that THE GREATEST BLESSINGS, JOY AND PEACE, are found in a life of obedience to Christ.

Our obedience to Christ is not just some optional lifestyle for us, but to genuinely live in total dependence on God who gives us the security, comfort, and satisfaction we need. All of us are part of a human journey to accept that there is a Divine being greater than us, and so we pour out our adoration and worship to this Loving God. We cannot afford to be controlled by something dark and evil.

We see here the validity of Jesus’ argument that driving out the demon means jeopardizing Satan’s kingdom and accusing Him of being the “prince of the devils.” What a ridiculous idea! Jesus says, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The expression “by the finger of God” here evokes the remembrance of the Exodus experience of the chosen Israelites from the slavery of Egypt. The people were able to live through the plagues and survive from all their sufferings through Moses, which the Egyptian magicians could not imitate and discredit because they were clearly ‘the ginger of God’ to those held captive to the evil power of Pharoah. This gospel reveals that Jesus Himself manifested and intervened to challenge Satan by bringing healing and freedom to the dumb and possessed man.

This is a good illustration that even now we have been experiencing infestation of evil spirits. Satan is keeping us away from God. The devil is always trying to say that we are his, and not God’s, because many times we ignore and deny God through our continuous sinfulness. When will we be free from Satan’s deceptions?

I would like to conclude with these beautiful ideas of CS Lewis, (Clive Staples Lewis 1898-1963), a Briton, who was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and a most influential writer, even up to this day. He was a lay Anglican who wrote 40 books, many of them on Christian apologetics, or books on the defense of Christianity, saying that there are two equal and opposite errors when it comes to “devils.”

First is to ascribe too much fascination and fear of the power of Satan. We have to be very careful that as humans, we are complex beings whose emotional, mental and spiritual lives intertwine. We are emphasizing too much about demons being in everything and everyone.

Second is the opposite of the first error, to think that Satan has little power over our spiritual realities. We tend to be very materialistic and deny the need to be prayerful. Remember that we are at war against Satan. We are always advised to guard ourselves from evil’s destruction, lies and temptations. Do not allow ourselves to be caught off guard.

Therefore, we must always put Jesus Christ in the equation. If we take Jesus out of the equation, not believing in His power and authority, we certainly leave ourselves more vulnerable than ever to Satan’s domination. Let us accept Jesus, our Lord, in our hearts to rule over us. To have Jesus in our life is an enormous blessing and freedom from the clutches of evil.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
• Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
• Romans 8:31b-34
• Mark 9:2-10

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. As we journey through Lent, it seems that there are so many things to learn from these readings. We focus on how we build and maintain a deeper relationship with God and know what those obstacles are that lead me away from God. St. Augustine, after his conversion, realized that the goodness of God is manifested through His creation, and it helped him find God’s love by appreciating the beauty of nature, the whole universe, and his remarkable understanding of God’s word. He discovered the true beauty of God by clinging to his new life with Him which led him to live in freedom under grace.

The first reading from the book of Genesis is a story about the testing of Abraham’s faith in God, that is, to offer his only son, Isaac, as his sacrificial offering ready to be slaughtered, but a messenger from heaven intercedes and Abraham is rewarded for his firm faith and obedience. The messenger from God tells Abraham, “ . . . because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly . . .” Our human mind cannot comprehend God’s way to test Abraham because it seemed that it caused him much anxiety, anguish, and stress. Many readers of this story feel that there is no need to test Abraham because God knows his heart, God knows how devoted he is to Him. Was the test for Abraham or for us? The test is certainly for us to understand completely that when we act on holding on to anything, even our most well-loved person, I believe that blessings wouldn’t be that great.

In the second reading from the letter to the Romans, St. Paul writes to the community that, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” It means that we do not defend ourselves from anybody’s condemnation but have God who is worth trusting. God’s presence with us is so great that we feel totally secure in Him. There is no need to
be afraid knowing that He is holding on to us constantly.

The gospel today narrates to us about Jesus’ transfiguration as witnessed by his three apostles, Peter, James, and John. During the transfiguration, Jesus was talking to Moses, representing the Law, and to Elijah, representing the prophets. The three apostles were delighted to see the appearance of Jesus radiant with light and his clothes dazzlingly white. They knew that Jesus had conversation with Moses and Elijah. They were called to believe, which challenged their knowing, and then to move on to a relationship walking back down the mountain in faith.

How many of us have realized what surfaced during that transfiguration in the life of Jesus as it relates to our Lenten journey?

First, this transfiguration in the life of our Lord is for us to take some time to reflect on God’s calling us for transformation. Is there anything holding us back from being open to the love of Christ which will transform us if we allow ourselves to witness and listen to Him? I believe that with our two senses, seeing Christ’s radiating light so that we could enlighten our path that leads to true life and the clarity of life’s purpose, and listening to Him in prayer so that our desire for the Word of God allows us to center on His Words. This kind of spirituality of Lent calls us to a faith and a listening which leads to our trusting God.

Second, Jesus’ transfiguration was an exceptional experience for the three apostles to witness His glorification and to give them hope. It also increases His disciples’ courage for what was to come. Hence, we receive the call to climb the mountain of transformation with Jesus, our Lord, which brings change, not only in our external appearances, but wholly able to change our interior life.

Third, as we descend from the mountain of transformation, let us share our faith stories with one another. We need to proclaim our experiences with God so that others may hear them. Maybe some people would appreciate our own perspective and grasp a different image of God. It is a grace though. In the scripture Jesus says, “charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,” which means it is not stopping us to say something but to wait until the “Son of God had risen from the dead.” I believe that the Resurrection of Jesus adds to the full understanding of the story of the Transfiguration of Christ. As believers, however, we need to confidently validate our faith in God and His continuous love for us as experienced by Abraham as well.

This season of Lent, we must acknowledge that we cannot transform ourselves alone. Jesus is the only one who can change us, for His grace is sufficiently given to us with our sincere cooperation. Let Abraham serve as our inspiration and model, the “Father of Faith to all Nations.” Just as Abraham was willing to offer his only son, Isaac, in the same manner, God, the Father Almighty, offered His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that the grace of salvation continues to flourish on earth, even up to this day, as God’s marvelous blessing!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma, Año B.

• Génesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
• Salmo 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
• Romanos 8:31b-34
• Marcos 9:2-10 

Hoy es el Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma. A medida que avanzamos en la Cuaresma, hay muchas cosas que aprender de estas lecturas. Nos enfocamos en cómo construimos y mantenemos una relación más profunda con Dios y sabemos cuáles son esos obstáculos que nos alejan de Dios. San Agustín, después de su conversión, se dio cuenta de que la bondad de Dios se manifiesta a través de Su creación y lo ayudó a encontrar el amor de Dios al apreciar la belleza de la naturaleza, el universo entero y su notable comprensión de la palabra de Dios. Descubrió la verdadera belleza de Dios aferrándose a su nueva vida con Él que lo llevó a vivir en libertad bajo la gracia.

La primera lectura del libro del Génesis es una historia sobre la prueba de la fe de Abraham en Dios, es decir, ofrecer a su único hijo, Isaac, como su ofrenda de sacrificio listo para ser sacrificado, pero un mensajero del cielo intercede y Abraham es recompensado por su firme obediencia y fe a Dios. El mensajero de Dios le dice a Abraham: “…. porque obraste como lo hiciste al no negarme a tu amado hijo, te bendeciré abundantemente. . .” Sin embargo, nuestra mente humana no puede comprender la manera en que Dios puso a prueba a Abraham porque parecía que le causaba mucha ansiedad, angustia y estrés. Muchos lectores de esta historia dicen que no hay necesidad de probar a Abraham porque Dios conoce su corazón, Dios sabe cuán devoto es para Él. ¿La prueba fue para Abraham o para nosotros? La prueba es ciertamente para nosotros, es que comprendamos completamente que cuando actuamos aferrándonos a cualquier cosa, incluso a nuestra persona más amada, creo que las bendiciones serían abundantes.

En la segunda lectura de la carta a los Romanos, San Pablo escribe a la comunidad: “Si Dios está a nuestro favor, ¿quién estará en contra nuestra?” Significa que no nos defendamos de la condenación de nadie, sino de tener esa imagen de Dios en la que vale la pena confiar. La presencia de Dios con nosotros es tan grande que nos sentimos totalmente seguros en Él. No hay por qué tener miedo sabiendo que Él se aferra a nosotros constantemente.

El evangelio de hoy nos narra la transfiguración de Jesús, presenciada por sus tres apóstoles, Pedro, Santiago y Juan. Durante la transfiguración, Jesús estaba hablando con Moisés, que representaba la Ley, y con Elías, que representaba a los profetas. Quedaron encantados al ver la aparición de Jesús radiante de luz y sus vestidos se volvieron de un blanco deslumbrante. Sabían que Jesús tuvo una conversación con Moisés y Elías. Fueron llamados a creer, lo que desafió su conocimiento, y luego pasar a una relación con Jesus, caminando de regreso de la montaña en fe.

¿Cuántos de nosotros nos hemos dado cuenta de lo que surge durante esa transfiguración en la vida de Jesús en relación con nuestra jornada en esta Cuaresma?

Primero, esta transfiguración en la vida de nuestro Señor es para que nos tomemos un tiempo para reflexionar sobre el llamado de Dios a la transformación. ¿Hay algo que nos impide estar abiertos al amor de Cristo, que nos transformará si nos permitimos testificarlo y escucharlo? Creo que nuestros dos sentidos, como ver la luz radiante de Cristo, podrían iluminar nuestro camino que conduce a la vida verdadera y a la claridad del propósito de la vida. Escucharlo en oración para que nuestro deseo por la Palabra de Dios nos permita centrarnos en Sus Palabras.
Este tipo de espiritualidad de la Cuaresma nos llama a la fe y a la escucha, lo que nos lleva a confiar en Dios.

En segundo lugar, la transfiguración de Jesús fue una experiencia excepcional para que los tres apóstoles fueran testigos de Su glorificación y tuvieran esperanza. También aumentó el valor de sus discípulos para lo que estaba por venir. Por eso, recibimos el llamado a escalar la montaña de la transformación con Jesús, nuestro Señor, que trae cambios no sólo en nuestras apariencias externas sino totalmente capaces de cambiar nuestra vida interior.

En tercer lugar, mientras descendemos de la montaña de la transformación, compartamos nuestra historia de fe unos con otros. Necesitamos proclamar nuestra experiencia con Dios para que otros puedan escucharlas. Quizás les ayuden a fortalecer su fe y puedan captar una imagen diferente de Dios. Aunque es una gracia. En la Escritura, Jesús les mandó que no contaran a nadie lo que habían visto, lo que significa que no nos impide hablar algo, sino esperar hasta que; “El Hijo de Dios haya resucitado de entre los muertos”. Creo que la Resurrección de Jesús contribuye a la comprensión completa de la historia de la Transfiguración de Cristo. Sin embargo, como creyentes, debemos validar con confianza nuestra fe en Dios y Su amor continuo por nosotros, como también lo experimentó Abraham.

En este tiempo de Cuaresma, debemos reconocer que no podemos transformarnos solos. Jesús es el único que puede transformarnos, porque su gracia nos es dada suficientemente con nuestra sincera cooperación. Dejemos que Abraham sirva como nuestra inspiración y modelo, el “Padre de la fe para todas las naciones”. Así como Abraham estuvo dispuesto a ofrecer a su único hijo, Isaac, de la misma manera Dios Padre Todopoderoso ofreció a su único Hijo, Jesucristo, para que la gracia de la salvación siga floreciendo en la tierra hasta el día de hoy, ¡como bendición maravillosa de Dios!

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

 

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
• Matthew 17:1-9

  Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. St. Augustine, after his conversion, realized that the goodness of God manifested through His creation, and it helped him find God’s love by appreciating the beauty of nature, the whole universe, and his remarkable understanding of God’s word. He discovered the true beauty of God by clinging to his new life with Him which led him to live in freedom under grace.

  The epistle, taken from the 1st letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, informs us of the guidance of St. Paul to his people who accepted Jesus in their lives that they should be sanctified. He calls them to live in purity and possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God. When sexual immorality becomes part of a society, it hurts people and the church. There is a need for sexual self-control and discipline, which allows everyone to love one another genuinely and to love your spouse faithfully, rather than use each other. We need to listen to St. Paul exhorting us that, as believers, we must live in holiness to continue walking with Jesus and do things to please God, which in turn brings contentment and joy to our soul, rather than being deceived by the world’s attractions in order to satisfy our sexual cravings. As believers, we have been freed from the slavery of sin; therefore, seek Christ this season of Lent so that we too may experience transformation.

  The gospel today narrates to us about Jesus’ transfiguration as witnessed by his three apostles, Peter, James, and John. During the transfiguration, Jesus was talking to Moses, representing the Law, and to Elijah, representing the prophets. They were delighted to see the appearance of Jesus radiant with light and his clothes dazzlingly white. They knew that Jesus had conversation with Moses and Elijah. They were called to believe, which challenged their knowing, and then to move on to a relationship walking back down the mountain in faith.

  How many of us have realized what surfaced during that transfiguration in the life of Jesus as it relates to our Lenten journey?

  First, this transfiguration in the life of our Lord is for us to take some time to reflect God’s calling us for transformation. Is there anything holding us back from being open to the love of Christ, which will transform us if we allow ourselves to witness and listen to Him? I believe that with our two senses, seeing Christ’s radiating light so that we could enlighten our path that leads to true life and the clarity of life’s purpose, and listening to Him in prayer so that our desire for the Word of God allows us to center on His Words. This kind of spirituality of Lent calls us to a faith and a listening which leads to our trusting God.

  Second, Jesus’ transfiguration was an exceptional experience of the three apostles to witness His glorification and to give them hope. It also increases His disciples’ courage for what was to come. Hence, we receive the call to climb the mountain of transformation with Jesus, our Lord, which brings change, not only in our external appearances, but wholly able to change our interior life.

  Third, as we descend from the mountain of transformation, let us share our faith stories with one another. We need to proclaim our experiences with God so that others may hear them. Maybe some people would appreciate our own perspective and grasp a different image of God. It is a grace though. In the scripture Jesus says, “charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,” which means it is not stopping us to say something but to wait until the “Son of God had risen from the dead.” I believe that the Resurrection of Jesus adds to the full understanding of the story of the Transfiguration of Christ. As believers, however, we need to confidently validate our faith in God and His continuous love for us as experienced by Abraham as well.

  This season of Lent, we must acknowledge that we cannot transform ourselves alone. Jesus is the only one who can change us, for His grace is sufficiently given to us with our sincere cooperation. Let Abraham serve as our inspiration and model, the “Father of Faith to all Nations.” Just as Abraham was willing to offer his only son, Isaac, in the same manner, God, the Father Almighty, offered His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that the grace of salvation continuous to flourish on earth, even up to this day, as God’s marvelous blessing!

  God bless you.

  Fr. Arlon, osa

• Genesis 9:8-15
• Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Peter 3:18-22
• Mark 1:12-15

Today, we enter a new liturgical season, the first Sunday of Lent. We are called to give much time to our daily meditation, sacrifices, and fasting for the remission of sins. We must do some kind of penance for personal, communal and our constant omission of the practice of Christian values. We are called to focus on the spiritual redirection of our lives towards God.

Last Sunday, some of us were unable to fulfill our Sunday obligation because of the snowstorm. There were 10 to 12 inches of snow on the ground, and most of the roads were hardly passable for the commuters. Drivers experienced the difficulty to see their own direction because of heavy snow. This is an image of our own burden and the sins we carry for so long that we lose track of our own direction. We don’t realize to stop, look, and listen to signs and warnings available to us to know where we are in our relationship with God and others.

Today is an opportunity to heed and listen to the Words of God to journey around here on earth with confidence and determination to reach our destiny to eternal life with God.

The 1st reading from the book of Genesis reminds us of how God created heaven and earth, and God saw that it was good. However, humanity failed to be faithful to God and rebelled against Him because of selfishness and disrespect. There was excessive flooding where humanity suffered because of disobedience. And after the great flood, God said to Noah and to his sons with
him, “See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you…….so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all mortal beings.” God promised a “bow in the sky,” meaning a rainbow, as a reminder of the promise that He would continue redemptive creation through God’s everlasting love and mercy.

The 2nd reading from the first letter of Peter is a reminder about the prefiguration of the waters of Baptism to cleanse us. (v.21) Peter mentioned in his letter that Noah was saved from waters of destruction by being in the ark, and those who have been baptized in the floodwater, which means the waters of Jesus Christ, are certainly saved by being in the Ark of Christ.

The gospel of St. Mark 1:12-15 narrates to us the new beginning on the part of our Lord Jesus Christ’s public appearance. What lessons could we get from this gospel pericope as we journey through Lent?

First, the evangelist Mark tells us, “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert.” Though Satan tried to temp Him, he was not successful in deceiving Jesus for He is the new breed of humanity faithful to listen to the voice of God. Being driven by the Spirit, who was guiding Jesus into this experience of temptation. Jesus came out victorious by the fact that He was prepared by the Spirit to encounter and to face temptations, the enemy of God. Jesus never succumbs to temptations even during the most vulnerable moment before His passion when Satan seduced Him to abandon His mission; however, Jesus placed Himself in His Father’s hands, completely keeping His Father’s will.

Second, the gospel of Mark states that “Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God,” to His fellow Galileans making His first public appearance calling them to, “Repent and Believe in the gospel,” because He was committed to bring about the coming of God’s kingdom. It had been His primary focus to preach the Goodnews of salvation.

Third, Jesus earnestly proclaims, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus prepares everyone to be faithful to God’s covenant by observing the path of holiness He preached.

We must be pleasing to God by believing in the Good News and taking to heart seriously, through our actions, all the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus, the Son of God, had been pleasing to the Father Almighty, we cannot displease God Himself.

Today, in this first Sunday of Lent, we have found ourselves having our own experience of desolation and darkness of our souls, maybe in the form of doubts, fear, sickness and death, and all kinds of difficulties in life; however, we are given hope and profound encouragement not to succumb to all these wild beasts of pain and struggles that create brokenness. Instead, we must be firm and constant in faith so that staying close to God, the Spirit will always lead us to the right decision and the right path.

Be ever faithful to God who loves us, I pray that God would manifest His love so that I can keep Him in my heart and for me to overcome and let go of all the things that hinder me to become closer to the Lord.

St. Augustine has these words to reflect on during his First Sunday sermon. He said that days of Lent are not only to be spent but to remember that it is mystically signified. What we have deprived ourselves by fasting, like committing sins of adultery, fornication, and any other forms of unlawful immorality and corruptions, be solicitous and generous to the alms you give and dedicate yourselves to purity of prayer. Let us practice new patterns and Christian ways and indulge in the serious business of making ourselves significantly attend to the call of conversion, enough to begin realizing again our identity as His disciples. Let us always seek Jesus and listen attentively to Him, not Satan.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón
Primer Domingo de Cuaresma, Año B

• Génesis 9:8-15
• Salmo 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Pedro 3:18-22

Marcos 1:12-15

Hoy entramos en un nuevo tiempo litúrgico, el Primer Domingo de Cuaresma. Estamos llamados a dedicar el más tiempo posible a la oración y meditación diaria, a los sacrificios y al ayuno para la remisión de los pecados. Es necesario hacer penitencia por la omisión personal, comunitaria y practicar los valores cristianos. Estamos llamados a centrarnos en la redirección espiritual de nuestras vidas hacia Dios.

El Domingo pasado algunos de nosotros no pudimos cumplir con nuestra obligación dominical, debido a la tormenta de nieve. Había entre 10 y 12 pulgadas de nieve en el suelo y la mayoría de las carreteras eran difícilmente transitables para las personas mayores. Los conductores tuvieron dificultades para ver la dirección debido a las fuertes nevadas. Esta es una imagen de nuestra carga y de los pecados que cargamos durante tanto tiempo que perdemos el rumbo. No nos damos cuenta de que debemos detenernos, mirar y escuchar las señales y advertencias disponibles para saber dónde estamos en nuestra relación con Dios y los demás.

Hoy es una oportunidad para atender y escuchar la Palabra de Dios para caminar por aquí en la tierra con confianza y determinación para alcanzar nuestro destino de vida eterna con Dios.

La primera lectura del libro del Génesis nos recuerda cómo Dios creó el cielo y la tierra, y vio que era bueno. Sin embargo, la humanidad no pudo ser fiel a Dios y se rebeló contra Él por egoísmo y falta de respeto. Hubo inundaciones excesivas donde la humanidad sufrió a causa de la desobediencia. Y después del gran diluvio, Dios dijo a Noé y a sus hijos: “Mira, ahora estoy estableciendo mi pacto contigo y tu descendencia después de ti… para que las aguas nunca más se conviertan en un diluvio para destruir a todos los seres mortales”. Dios prometió un “arco en el cielo”, es decir, un arco iris, como recordatorio de la promesa de que continuaría la creación redentora mediante el amor y la misericordia eternos de Dios.

La segunda lectura de la primera carta de Pedro nos recuerda la prefiguración de las aguas del bautismo para limpiarnos. (v.21) Pedro mencionó en su carta que Noé fue salvo de las aguas de destrucción al estar en el Arca, y aquellos que han sido bautizados en el agua del diluvio, que significa las aguas de Jesucristo, ciertamente están a salvo mientras en el Arca. de Cristo.

El evangelio de San Marcos 1:12-15 nos narra el nuevo comienzo por parte de la aparición pública de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. ¿Qué lecciones podríamos obtener de este pasaje del evangelio a medida que avanzamos en la Cuaresma?

Primero, el evangelista Marcos nos dice: “El Espíritu empujó a Jesús al desierto”. Aunque Satanás intentó tentarlo, no logró engañar a Jesús porque Él es la nueva generación de humanidad fiel a escuchar la voz de Dios. Siendo impulsado por el Espíritu, quien estaba guiando a Jesús a esta experiencia de tentación. Jesús salió victorioso por el hecho de que fue preparado por el Espíritu para encontrar y enfrentar las tentaciones del enemigo de Dios. Jesús nunca sucumbe a las tentaciones, ni siquiera durante el momento más vulnerable antes de su pasión, cuando Satanás lo sedujo a abandonar su misión; sin embargo, Jesús se puso en manos de Su Padre, cumpliendo completamente la voluntad de Su Padre.

En segundo lugar, el evangelio de Marcos declara que “Jesús vino a Galilea proclamando el evangelio de Dios”, a sus compañeros galileos haciendo su primera aparición pública llamándolos a “arrepentirse y creer en el evangelio”, porque estaba comprometido a lograr la venida del reino de Dios. Su objetivo principal había sido predicar la Buena Nueva de salvación.

En tercer lugar, Jesús proclama fervientemente: “Este es el tiempo del cumplimiento. El reino de Dios está cerca”. Jesús prepara a todos para ser fieles a la alianza de Dios observando el camino de santidad que predicó.

Debemos agradar a Dios creyendo en la Buena Nueva y tomando en serio, a través de nuestras acciones, todas las enseñanzas de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Así como Jesús, el Hijo de Dios, había agradado al Padre Todopoderoso, nosotros no podemos desagradar a Dios mismo.

Hoy, en este primer domingo de Cuaresma, nos hemos encontrado teniendo nuestra propia experiencia de desolación y oscuridad de nuestras almas, tal vez en forma de dudas, miedo, enfermedad y muerte, y todo tipo de dificultades en la vida; sin embargo, se nos da esperanza y un profundo aliento para no sucumbir a todas estas bestias salvajes de dolor y luchas que crean quebrantamiento. Al contrario, debemos ser firmes y constantes en la fe para que estando cerca de Dios, el Espíritu siempre nos lleve a la decisión correcta y al camino correcto.

Sean siempre fieles a Dios que nos ama, oremos para que Dios manifieste su amor para que pueda tenerlo en mi corazón y superar y dejar ir todas las cosas que me impiden acercarme más al Señor.

San Agustín tiene estas palabras para reflexionar durante su sermón del Primer Domingo. Dijo que los días de Cuaresma no son sólo para pasarlos sino para recordar que tiene un significado místico. Aquello de lo que nos hemos privado por el ayuno, como cometer pecados de adulterio, fornicación y cualesquiera otras formas de inmoralidad ilícita y corruptiva, ser solícitos y generosos con las limosnas que den y dedicarse a la pureza de la oración. Practiquemos nuevos patrones y maneras cristianas y entreguemos la seria tarea de hacernos atender significativamente al llamado de la conversión, lo suficiente para comenzar a realizar nuevamente nuestra identidad como Sus discípulos. Busquemos siempre a Jesús y escuchémosle atentamente a Él, no a Satanás.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
• Matthew 4:1-11

Today, after our pre-Lent program, we are celebrating the first Sunday of Lent. We are called to give much time to our daily meditation, sacrifices and fasting for the remission of sins. We must do some kind of penance, personal and communal, and for our constant omission of the practice of Christian piety. We are called to focus on our spiritual redirection of our life towards God.

On the first Sunday of February, February 4th, some of us missed fulfilling our Sunday obligation because of the snowstorm. There were 10 to 12 inches of snow on the ground, and most of the roads were hardly passable for the commuters. Drivers experienced the difficulty to see their own direction because of the heavy snow. This is an image of our own burden and the sins we carry for so long that we lose track of our own direction, and we don’t realize to stop, look, and listen to signs and warnings available for us to know where we are in our relationship with God and others.

Today is an opportunity to heed and listen to the Words of God to journey around here on earth, with confidence and determination, to reach our destiny of eternal life with God.

The epistle today, taken from the 2nd letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, begins by calling the people, including us, to work together and that the grace and love of God, which St. Paul has been preaching, is not to be in vain. One way of doing this is to be reconciled with God and others. St. Paul quotes from the prophet Isaiah (49:8): “In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” Right now, he tells us, is an acceptable time; the day of our salvation is right here. God is bestowing favor and salvation at this very moment as he addresses his letter to us too.

This epistle relates also to our experience of finding joy, happiness, and peace in the midst of hardship, pain, rejection and persecution. There is always peace that Christ bestows upon us, which no one can take away. More importantly, our common experience that living out the gospel of love and peace overcomes those difficult and threatening experiences of hatred and violence. If we compare ourselves with St. Paul, most of us will find that we give up too easily in the face of crisis. I believe that Christ has been present in every experience. Our sufferings are indeed, as were for him, a privileged time to share in the sufferings of his Lord.

The gospel of St. Matthew narrates to us the temptation of the Lord as part of his public appearance. Satan tempted Jesus in three specific ways: (1) to turn stones into bread, (2) to cast himself off the temple, and (3) to worship him. We are often tempted in similar ways. What lessons could we get from this gospel pericope as we journey through Lent?

The evangelist Matthew tells us, “The Spirit led Jesus out into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” Though Satan tried to tempt Him, he was not successful in deceiving Jesus, for He is the new breed of humanity, faithful to listen to the voice of God and being driven by the Spirit, who was guiding Jesus in this experience of temptation. Jesus came out victorious because He was prepared by the Spirit to encounter and to face temptations from the enemy of God. Jesus never succumbs to temptations, even during the most vulnerable moment before His passion, when Satan seduced Him to abandon His mission; however, He placed Himself in His Father’s hands, completely keeping His Father’s will.

Satan challenged Jesus to prove His divinity and, in doing so, meet his own need for food. Satan said, “Tell this stone to become bread.” Temptation takes advantage of the situation of Jesus meeting His physical need; however, Jesus trusts His Father despite His own ability to perform a miracle.

Jesus is not teaching a spirituality which overlooks physical need. Jesus declared that man does not live by bread “alone.” Of course, we need food to live, but there are other needs of man besides food. This broadens the scope of temptation to all material things, like desires for money, cars, wealth, and other possessions. While it is fine to have and enjoy those luxuries, it is our attitude towards them that counts. Where is our heart? Jesus sets the right priority. We are simply called upon to trust God to provide our needs in His time, in His way, and with His result. Fulfilling the Will of God and being obedient to Him is more important than food and other attractions to material things.

Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and asked Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple to show that God had been watching over the care of His Son. Satan was demanding the fulfillment of the promise. This is also our temptation when we jump into a task or position in our community to appear that we are doing God’s work, and we become presumptuous and unwittingly fall prey to Satan’s temptations.

Satan took Jesus to a very high mountain and shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.” Satan added, “All these I will give Thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me.” Satan has temporary power as an enemy of God, but the kingdoms of the world absolutely belong to God and Christ, His Son. Thus, Satan builds on deception and false claim to gain power through idolatry. When we continue to worship other things or people and offer wrong allegiance with our hearts and affection, other than to God, to gain power is idolatry, which will result in our spiritual disaster.

As we journey deeper into this Lenten season, may we be attentive to the inner and outer voices that shout their false promises. Let us seek out Jesus, even in deserted places. May this gospel give clarity that we worship God alone by following Christ’s example.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Joel 2:12-19
• Matthew 6:1-21

Today is the beginning of our journey towards this season of Lent. It begins with the blessing of ashes and the imposition of blessed ashes on our forehead to remind us of who we are, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) It means that we should humble ourselves and seek and follow God, for our time on earth is too short as compared to eternity.  Prophet Joel says, “Rend your hearts, not your garments and return to the Lord.” (Joel 2:13) Another formula we hear, “Repent and believe the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15) It implies that by renewing our faith in God, believing in the gospel, and obediently proclaiming His gospel through our lives for His glory, are all our serious business.  Our own conversion is urgent before it is too late. 

The gospel today, taken from St. Matthew, speaks about the three pillars of piety, Almsgiving, Fasting and Prayer. Some are good at fasting from food or giving up something, but Lent is more than just fasting from things we like to eat. It is serious dedication to prayer and the work of charity. 

I have learned that medical terms with the suffix “itis” come from the Greek adjective for inflammation or disease, for example, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), arthritis (inflation of joints), hepatitis (virus that attacks the liver which causes inflammation), etc.  We also have a spiritual disease which causes inflammation of ego, and that is “perfectionitis.”  People suffering from this spiritual malady have no cure.  Why? It is because of a person’s belief that the season of Lent is just a Church’s tradition, and there is no expectation for change at all.  Today’s liturgy for Ash Wednesday is geared towards a decision about our spiritual and relational lives. 

We must grow in understanding the riches of Christ’s teachings and our goal for Lent.  We ask that we might pursue the effects of those riches by worthy conduct. We can do this through prayer and fulfilling our Lenten discipline.

It is an invitation for total renewal of our hearts. Our hearts will be renewed to the degree that we open them to God, seek God’s grace, turn away from our sins, and embrace the good news proclaimed by Jesus. 

Are we ready to start our journey of Lent by preparing ourselves to reflect on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in how we relate ourselves to God and His creation and others?  This Lenten journey is not about giving up things to deprive our appetite and desires, but it is to aid us to return to God and to believe in His goodness, love, and mercy.   Lent is indeed both a holy and a joyful season, more than Christmas, because God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The middle four letters of the word, “Valentine” are LENT.  It is obvious that the word lent means, “springtime”.  It is a new beginning of a more meaningful love and relationship.  Here is a story of young adults….

Katie said to her mom, “Mom, my brother has a new girlfriend, and her name is Helen.”  Then Katie’s brother, Dominic, responded, “No, mom: she is not.”  Katie asked, “Why?  You told me awhile ago.”  Dominic again responded: “Well, I have given her up for Lent.” Happy Valentine’s Day to all.  God loves us all.  Let us pray:

Lord, thank you for giving us this time to become freer, to get closer to you, and to love others with your own heart. Keep showing us your love so we can trust enough to let go of whatever it is we cling to, instead of you. Let us enjoy more quiet, more space, and less distractions, so we can begin to identify how we can better be your generous servants and your faithful disciples.  Amen.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El Dictado del Corazón

Miércoles de Ceniza, Novus Ordo y Forma Extraordinaria, TLM

• Joel 2:12-19
• Mateo 6:1-21

Hoy es el comienzo de nuestra jornada hacia la cuaresma. Comienza con la bendición de las cenizas y la imposición de ellas en nuestra frente, para recordarnos quiénes somos: “polvo eres, y al polvo volverás”. (Génesis 3:19) Que significa que debemos humillarnos, buscar y seguir a Dios, porque nuestro tiempo en la tierra es demasiado corto en comparación con la eternidad. El profeta Joel dice: “Rasguen sus corazones, no sus vestidos, y vuelvan al Señor”. (Joel 2:13) Otra fórmula que escuchamos es: “Arrepiéntanse y cree en el Evangelio”. (Marcos 1:15) Implica que renovar nuestra fe en Dios, creer en el evangelio y proclamar obedientemente Su evangelio a través de nuestras vidas para Su gloria. Nuestra conversión es urgente antes de que sea demasiado tarde.

El evangelio de hoy tomado de San Mateo habla de los tres pilares: Limosna, Ayuno y Oración. Algunos son buenos ayunando de comida o renunciando a algo. La Cuaresma es más que solo ayunar de cosas que nos gusta comer, sino una dedicación seria a la oración y la caridad.

He aprendido que los términos médicos con el sufijo “itis” provienen del adjetivo griego para inflamación o enfermedad como, por ejemplo, encefalitis (inflamación del cerebro), artritis (inflación de las articulaciones), hepatitis, el virus que ataca al hígado que causa inflamación), etc. También tenemos una enfermedad espiritual que causa inflamación del ego, es decir, la “perfeccionitis”. Las personas que padecen esta enfermedad espiritual no tienen cura. Porque, debido a la creencia de una persona de que la temporada de Cuaresma no es más que una tradición de la Iglesia y que no hay expectativa de cambio alguno. La liturgia de hoy está orientada a una decisión sobre nuestra vida espiritual y relacional.

Debemos crecer en la comprensión de las riquezas de las enseñanzas de Cristo y nuestra meta para la Cuaresma. Pedimos que podamos perseguir los efectos de esas riquezas mediante una conducta digna. Podemos hacer esto a través de la oración y cumpliendo con nuestra disciplina de Cuaresma.

Es una invitación a la renovación total de nuestro corazón. Nuestros corazones se renovarán en la medida en que los abramos a Dios, busquemos la gracia de Dios, nos alejemos de nuestros pecados y abracemos la buena nueva proclamada por Jesús.

¿Estamos listos para comenzar nuestra jornada de Cuaresma, preparándonos para reflexionar sobre la vida, muerte y resurrección de Cristo, en la forma en que nos relacionamos con Dios, su creación y con los demás? Está jornada de Cuaresma no se trata de renunciar a cosas para privarnos de nuestro apetito y deseos, sino de ayudarnos a regresar a Dios. Creer en su bondad, amor y misericordia. La Cuaresma es en verdad una temporada santa y alegre, más que la Navidad, porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su único Hijo, para que todo aquel que crea en él, no perezca, sino que tenga vida eterna. (Juan 3:16)

Las cuatro letras del medio de la palabra “San Valentín” en Ingles son LENT que significa CUARESMA. La palabra cuaresma significa “primavera”. Es un nuevo comienzo de un amor y una relación más profunda.

Esta es una historia de un joven….

Catalina le dijo a su mamá: “Mamá, mi hermano tiene una nueva novia, se llama Elena”. Entonces el hermano de Catalina, Domingo, respondió: “No, mamá. No es.” Catalina dijo: “¿Por qué? Me lo dijiste hace un tiempo. Domingo respondió: “Bueno, la he dejado por la Cuaresma”. Feliz Día de San Valentín a todos. Dios nos ama a todos. 

Oremos:

Señor, gracias por darnos este tiempo para ser más libres, para acercarnos a Ti y para amar a los demás con tu propio corazón. Sigue mostrándonos tu amor, para que podamos confiar lo suficiente como para dejar ir aquello a lo que nos aferramos, en lugar de a ti. Disfrutemos de más tranquilidad, más espacio y menos distracciones, para que podamos comenzar a identificar cómo podemos ser mejor tus generosos servidores y tus fieles discípulos. Amén.

Dios los bendiga

P. Arlón, osa

 

• Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
• Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
• 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
• Mark 1:40-45

On January 31, 2024, I was invited by one of my parishioners to go skiing with him at Mt. Rose Ski Resort. I was challenged to try that sport on a windy and freezing day, overcoming all sorts of fears as a neophyte. The following day I could hardly walk because of sore leg muscles. However, my consolation that moment was to admire the beauty of the mountain where I struggled to manage being humble following my instructor’s advice and lessons for the skills to learn faster and for me to easily navigate alone skiing with much enjoyment. I remember the words of St. Paul today, “whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” I am grateful to God that I was not hurt despite the experience of falling several times, and I said to myself, “I have achieved a new height of success at my age.” Thus, we are called to overcome fears in life and all sorts of sickness, only to seek the Lord, and glorify Him.

Today is the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. In life we learn many things that give us consolation for the things we do. We have beautiful readings today that would inspire and guide us. The responsorial psalm today affirms that we must “turn to the Lord in times of trouble and to fill us with the joy of salvation.” (Ps. 32).

The first reading today, taken from the book of Leviticus, cites to us that leprosy is a dreadful disease. The people with leprosy are treated by segregation and are faced with shame even up to this day in time. Moses dealt with a response to the people, that anyone who has skin scabs, which appear to be the sore of leprosy, “he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest or to one of the priests among his descendants.” It was the priest who determined whether a person had the disease. Just imagine, a man with the disease would be ostracized and it was announced to all that he is unclean.

This book of Leviticus deals mostly with laws contributing to proper order in the life of the Hebrew people resulting from God’s direct word through Moses and or Aaron.

The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians reminds us that we must follow Paul to imitate Christ. We need to avoid offending people, acting not for self but for others, and doing everything for the glory of God. Our concern for the marginalized of our society and the church is to act on their behalf, not to assert our rights, but to be true to the name we are called, Christians!

The gospel today narrates to us about Jesus, the healer. The leper came to Jesus with his profound act of faith, saying, “If you wish you can make me clean.” Jesus touched the leper, considered to be “unclean,” saying, “I will do it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately. According to the law, Jesus told the man to go and show himself to the priest who would declare him clean. He also told him to keep the healing a secret. Jesus wasn’t ready for people to get king or Messiah ideas about him. Sadly, the man didn’t listen to Jesus and spread, not the disease of leprosy, but the good news, which is the story about Jesus’ works of healing which he had received.

Who would dare to touch a leper? Only Jesus. Jesus doesn’t follow the norm of avoiding a leper, and instead He shares His righteousness and holiness which made the leper be restored to his well-being. Jesus took the man’s suffering, pain, and shame into His own merciful heart.

It is an inspiring story to know that no matter how dark our life is, we trust Jesus to remove those spots of darkness and sins as He did top the man with leprosy. We just approach Jesus with our simple hope and faith. Literally, Jesus has the power to cleanse us from physical and spiritual illness, but more importantly He brings us back into a relationship. We must surrender and allow ourselves to be touched by His tenderness and His love to make us whole and holy.

If we cannot simply approach Jesus, our leprosy might be our pride and arrogance. Therefore, we would be missing that opportunity to be healed. Today, during this celebration of the eucharist, let us encounter Jesus, then come to Him, kneel down and after admitting the truth about ourselves, Jesus constantly expressing His desire to cleanse us. “I do will it,” is His way to embrace us for our integral healing. We pray with honesty for the grace to be reached out by Jesus so that we won’t be alienated again.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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El dictado del corazón
Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

• Levítico 13:1-2, 44-46
• Salmo 32:1-2, 5, 11
• 1 Corintios 10:31-11:1

Marcos 1:40-45

El 31 de enero de 2024, uno de mis feligreses me invitó a ir a esquiar con él en Mt. Rose. Me desafiaron a probar un nuevo deporte en un día ventoso y helado, superando todo tipo de miedos como principiante. Sin embargo, mi consuelo cuando estaba en la cima de la montaña fue admirar la belleza de la naturaleza, donde me esforcé por ser humilde y tratar de seguir los consejos de mi instructor, quien me enseñaba habilidades para aprender más rápido y poder navegar solo, esquiando con facilidad. Al día siguiente apenas podía caminar, me dolían los músculos de las piernas. Lo disfrute Mucho. Recordé las palabras de San Pablo hoy: “Hagas lo que hagas, hazlo todo para la gloria de Dios”. Agradezco a Dios que no me allá lastimado a pesar de la experiencia de caerme varias veces, luego me dije: “He alcanzado una nueva altura de éxito a mi edad”. Por lo tanto, estamos llamados a superar los temores en la vida y todo tipo de enfermedades, sólo para buscar al Señor y glorificarlo.

Hoy es el Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. En la vida aprendemos muchas cosas que nos dan consuelo por las cosas que hacemos. Las lecturas de hoy son hermosas y deberían inspirarnos y guiarnos. El salmo responsorial de hoy afirma que debemos “A ti recurro, Señor, en el tiempo de angustia, y me llenas del gozo de la salvación.” (Sal. 32).

La primera lectura, tomada del libro de Levítico, nos cita que la lepra es una enfermedad terrible. Los enfermos de Lepra son tratados con desunión y avergonzados incluso hasta el día de hoy. Moisés dio una respuesta al pueblo, que cualquiera que tuviera una costra en la piel que pareciera ser una llaga de lepra, “será llevado al sacerdote Aarón, o a uno de los sacerdotes de su descendencia”. Era el sacerdote quien determinaba si una persona tenía la enfermedad. Imagínense, un hombre con una enfermedad sería condenado al destierro y se anunciaría a todos que era impuro. Este libro de Levíticos trata principalmente de leyes que contribuyen al orden apropiado en la vida del pueblo hebreo como resultado de la palabra directa de Dios a través de Moisés o Aarón.

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Corintios nos recuerda, que debemos seguir a Pablo para imitar a Cristo. Necesitamos evitar ofender a las personas, actuar no por nosotros mismos sino por los demás y hacer todo para la gloria de Dios. Nuestra preocupación por los marginados de nuestra sociedad y de la iglesia es actuar en su nombre, no para hacer valer nuestros derechos, sino para ser fieles al nombre que somos llamados, ¡cristianos!

El evangelio de hoy nos narra sobre Jesús, el sanador. El leproso se acercó a Jesús con su profundo acto de fe, diciéndole: “Si quieres, puedes limpiarme”. Jesús se compadeció de él, y extendiendo la mano, lo tocó y le dijo: “¡Sí quiero: ¡Sana!” La lepra lo abandonó inmediatamente. Según la ley, Jesús le dijo al hombre que fuera y se mostrara al sacerdote, quien lo declararía limpio. También le dijo que mantuviera la sanación en secreto. Jesús no estaba preparado para que la gente tuviera ideas de rey o de Mesías sobre él. Lamentablemente, el hombre no escuchó a Jesús, pero no difundió la enfermedad de la lepra sino la buena noticia, que es la historia de las obras de curación de Jesús que había recibido.

¿Quién se atrevería a tocar a un leproso? Sólo Jesús. Jesús no sigue la norma de evitar a un leproso, sino que comparte Su justicia y santidad que hicieron que el leproso recuperara su salud. Jesús tomó el sufrimiento, el dolor y la vergüenza del hombre en Su propio corazón misericordioso.

Es una historia que debe inspirarnos, saber que incluso cuán oscura es nuestra vida, confiamos en que Jesús eliminará esas manchas de oscuridad y de pecado, que le hizo al hombre con lepra. Simplemente nos acercamos a Jesús con nuestra sencilla esperanza y fe. Jesús tiene el poder de limpiarnos de enfermedades físicas y espirituales, pero lo más importante es que nos devuelve a una relación. Debemos rendirnos y dejarnos tocar por Su ternura de Su amor para hacernos íntegros y santos.

Si no podemos simplemente acercarnos a Jesús, nuestra lepra podría ser de orgullo y arrogancia. Por lo tanto, estaríamos perdiendo esa oportunidad de ser sanados. Hoy, durante esta celebración de la eucaristía, encontremos a Jesús, luego acerquémonos a Él, arrodillémonos y, después de admitir la verdad sobre nosotros mismos, Jesús expresa constantemente su deseo de limpiarnos. “Yo sí lo quiero”, la forma en que Jesús nos abraza para nuestra sanación total. Oramos con honestidad para que Jesús nos alcance la gracia para que no seamos impuros nuevamente.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
• Luke 18:31-43

Today is the Quinquagesima Sunday, a Sunday before the 1st Sunday of Lent in the Extraordinary Form. I pray that the three consecutive Sundays Pre-Lent have provided opportunity to prepare well for the observance of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. It makes sense having a PRE-LENT preparation to process our hearts and minds to plan out our spiritual journey which needs more focus and attention. There are many disruptions like the 58th National Football League game with so much cursing and derogatory words that come out of our mouths or from hearing other people’s untamed tongues.

Today’s epistle is taken from the famous letter of St. Paul to the 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13:1-13. The love has been beautifully described poetically by Paul to stir the hearts of the many readers. But this passage is good to our ears, simply warming our hearts, because it speaks about love, but it is also a challenge by calling us to repentance. It also helps us to understand this important knowledge of Love.

First, love, or charity, is our priority (vv1-3). I believe that when we go to the pearly gate of heaven, St. Peter would not ask us how much knowledge we have about the bible, whether we have that faith, or if we come to church daily, or how much money we have in the bank; rather, the most important question he would be asking is how faithful are you loving God and neighbor by concretizing that love. St. Paul says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” He further said that even giving all our possessions to the poor, if there is no love it is nothing. Love must be there in all we do. I guess the people of Corinth were very proud of themselves which I think mirrors our own present attitude. Hence, St. Paul reminds us that without love all our spiritual gifts, talents and qualities are useless. We have gifts to build our community and church, not to boost or nurture our personal pride. Let love motivate our own behavior.

Second, we must know Love’s properties and what it looks like. (vv.4-7) St. Paul is direct to say that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking…..always trust, hope and persevere.” This gives us a clear scenario about the people of Corinth being proud rather than humble, being rude and unforgiving, and some were taking others to court rather than reconciling their differences amicably. Thus, the behavior of the people of Corinth was falling far short of the standard of love that Paul was expecting from them. We too are guilty of pride rather than humility, of impatience rather than patience, and of evil rather than doing good according to the standards of God.

Third, from this passage we know that love is permanent. (vv.8-13). We are preparing for Valentine’s Day on Ash Wednesday. I heard that the imposition of ashes can be done by making the “Heart” symbol on your forehead. Well, it can be done in place of the Cross because Jesus Christ died for us because of His love. We also believe that “Love never ends.” St. Paul says, “Charity never falleth away.” (v.8) It means it will last forever. It is a virtue that never ends, and love or charity will always remain because it is a serious business to get to heaven. We will enjoy the love of God and the love of people, if we imitate the way Jesus loves us and His Church. The life of Jesus shows us the perfect example and encouragement to practice what He did.

The gospel narrates to us the willingness of Jesus, together with the 12 apostles, to go up to Jerusalem so that all things shall be accomplished. Jesus needs to fulfill the plan of His Father to save the world. Why? Because of His love, offering Himself completely was the only way to save us. He was not afraid or distracted. He was focused on His wisdom and love rather than being threatened by the opposition of many.

Our life with Jesus is to be like Him, to keep ourselves focused on the offering of our time and sacrifices in this coming season of Lent. By focusing on Jesus, then we will surely overcome all sorts of challenges. Be receptive of the Words and Sacraments as means to sanctify and heal us. The blind man said to Jesus, “I want to see.” It was a statement of Faith in the Lord. He believed Jesus could respond to his need in a situation of utter desperation.

Like the blind man, we are all beggars in front of Jesus, who is willing to meet our need for love, acceptance, forgiveness, purpose, and a new beginning. For by the grace and mercy of God, we too can see and grow in love.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa