Dictate of the Heart | Fr. Arlon, osa

• Job 7:1-4, 6-7
• Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
• Mark 1:29-39

Today is the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.  We are invited to reflect on the readings today, which guide everyone to understand our life’s situation, and no matter what situation we are in we just acknowledge the power of God. We are healed by God in so many ways which according to psalm 147 states, “The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Therefore, after we are healed, there is a task we need to do, and that is our willingness to collaborate for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

The first reading, taken from the book of Job, is a story of a man with much suffering in his life. He had a hard time more so than anybody else. The devil claimed that when Job was confronted by human sufferings and discomfort, he would give up his faith, become pessimistic, and think life is unfair. These are the most natural responses to human sufferings. However, in the case of Job, the devil says that he is a man of faith because he stayed faithful to God, even to the point that he lost everything except the value and meaning of his personal life and that of all humankind.

In the second reading from the 1st Corinthians, St. Paul attests to the fact that what gives meaning to his life is the mission given to him to preach the gospel. Preaching the good news and sharing it with others intensifies our freedom from condemnation through Jesus Christ. St. Paul had done the unusual interior work of hearing, believing and preaching what he had heard about Jesus.

The gospel, taken from St. Mark, continues to present the healing miracles of Jesus as He works hard to establish the Kingdom through preaching, healing, expelling demons, and good deeds. He liberates men from all sorts of diseases that impede them from doing their usual tasks. Let us recall the actions of Jesus in this gospel pericope.

First, Jesus went to Simon Peter’s house with Andrew, James, and John after a long day’s ministry. Probably, Jesus wanted to pay a visit and to have private time with the family of Peter. However, Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed because of a fever. Jesus told her to rise, and He grasped her hands. The gesture of the Lord seizing her hands speaks of His resurrection, giving her back something good for her well-being.

Second, after sunset, many people brought to Him many who were ill with various diseases or were possessed by demons. They were cured both physically and spiritually and were made well. He spends most of the day healing the sick, and they keep coming and coming while Jesus keeps on serving the people. However, Jesus felt the need to rest in prayer.

Third, the next morning, before anyone else was up, he went to a deserted place to communion with the Father. Simon and other disciples were looking for Him. Upon finding Him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus responded, “Let us go to the nearby villages that I may preach there also.” This is the urgency of Jesus’ mission to evangelize and to minister to other people as well. Jesus could have hidden and disappeared from those people who are waiting for Him, and yet He simply wants to serve and respond to ease the misery of the people for He is merciful.

Today we are all reminded that when Jesus extends His healing hands upon us, we must not stay in bed. We are called to do something for the Lord and His Church to serve Him in gratitude. Just as Job and the mother-in-law of Peter and Paul had received from God another chance of knowing the meaning of their lives and the “purpose of their beings,” they never lost HOPE. They became remarkable people and, in the end, they remained humble servants of God.

I would like to say that in no inch of a doubt, God works through you and me. Let us faithfully follow Jesus’ style of service, commitment, and prayer so that we may resist our tendency of seeking self-satisfying arrogance and conceit. We pray that the graciousness of our inspiring life, and the growth given and sustained by God through the words we have heard and the Sacraments we have received, will form us to be an integral part of Christ’s Body.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

—————————-

El Dictado del Corazón
Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año B

• Trabajo 7:1-4, 6-7
• Salmo 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• 1 Corintios 9:16-19, 22-23
• Marcos 1:29-39Hoy es el Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Estamos invitados a reflexionar sobre las lecturas de hoy, que guían a todos a comprender la situación de nuestra vida, no importando la situación que nos encontremos, simplemente reconocemos el poder de Dios. Dios nos sana de tantas maneras que, según el Salmo 147, dice: “El Señor sana a los quebrantados de corazón y venda sus heridas”. Por lo tanto, después de ser sanados, hay una tarea que debemos hacer, y es nuestra disposición a colaborar para avanzar al reino de Dios.La primera lectura, tomada del libro de Job, es la historia de un hombre con mucho sufrimiento en su vida. Él pasó momentos difíciles. El diablo afirmó que cuando Job se enfrentara al sufrimiento y la incomodidad humana, abandonaría su fe, se volvería pesimista y pensaría que la vida era injusta. Éstas son las respuestas más naturales al sufrimiento humano. Sin embargo, en el caso de Job, el diablo dice que es un hombre de fe porque se a mantenido fiel a Dios, hasta el punto de perderlo todo menos el valor y el sentido de su vida personal y de toda la humanidad.En la segunda lectura de 1 Corintios, San Pablo da testimonio de que lo que da sentido a su vida es la misión que le ha sido encomendada de predicar el evangelio. Predicar la buena nueva y compartirla con otros intensifica nuestra libertad de condenación a través de Jesucristo. San Pablo había realizado el inusual trabajo interior de escuchar, creer y predicar lo que había oído acerca de Jesús.El evangelio, tomado de San Marcos, continúa presentando los milagros curativos de Jesús mientras trabaja duro para establecer el Reino mediante la predicación, la curación, la expulsión de demonios y las buenas obras. Libera a los hombres de toda clase de enfermedades que les impiden realizar sus tareas habituales. Recordemos las acciones de Jesús en esta perícopa evangélica.

  Primero, Jesús fue a la casa de Simón Pedro con Andrés, Santiago y Juan después de un largo día de ministerio. Probablemente, Jesús quería hacer una visita y tener un tiempo privado con la familia de Pedro. Sin embargo, la suegra de Simón estaba en cama debido a la fiebre. Jesús le dijo que se levantara y le tomó las manos. El gesto del Señor tomando sus manos habla de su resurrección, devolviéndole algo bueno para su bienestar.

  En segundo lugar, después de la puesta del sol, muchas personas le trajeron muchos que padecían diversas enfermedades o estaban poseídos por demonios. Fueron curados tanto física como espiritualmente y sanaron. Pasa la mayor parte del día
  sanando a los enfermos, y ellos siguen viniendo y viniendo mientras Jesús sigue sirviendo al pueblo. Sin embargo, Jesús sintió la necesidad de descansar en oración.

  En tercer lugar, a la mañana siguiente, antes de que nadie se levantara, fue a un lugar desierto para tener comunión con el Padre. Simón y otros discípulos lo buscaban. Al encontrarlo, le dijeron: “Todos te buscan”. Jesús respondió: “Vayamos a las aldeas cercanas para predicar también allí”. Ésta es la urgencia de la misión de Jesús de evangelizar y ministrar también a otras personas. Jesús podría haberse escondido y desaparecido de aquellas personas que lo esperan y, sin embargo, simplemente quiere servir y responder para aliviar la miseria del pueblo porque es misericordioso.

  Hoy se nos recuerda a todos que cuando Jesús extiende sus manos sanadoras sobre nosotros, no debemos quedarnos en la cama. Estamos llamados a hacer algo por el Señor y Su Iglesia para servirle con gratitud. Así como Job, la suegra de Pedro, y Pablo habían recibido de Dios otra oportunidad de conocer el significado de sus vidas y el “propósito de sus seres”, nunca perdieron la ESPERANZA. Se convirtieron en personas extraordinarias y, al final, siguieron siendo humildes servidores de Dios.

  No tengo duda de que Dios obra a través de ti y de mí. Sigamos pues, fielmente el estilo de servicio, compromiso y oración de Jesús. Para que podamos resistir nuestra tendencia a buscar ser servido, la arrogancia y la vanidad. Oramos para que la gracia de nuestra vida inspiradora y nuestro crecimiento dado, sean sostenidos por Dios a través de las lecturas que hemos escuchado. Y los Sacramentos que hemos recibido puedan formarnos para ser una parte integral del Cuerpo de Cristo.

  Dios los bendiga

  P. Arlón, osa

• 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9

Luke 8:4-15

Today we are celebrating Sexagesima Sunday, one of the Sundays as part of the pre-Lent program of the Extraordinary Form. This is important to warn us of the need to place ourselves well disposed to the time allotted for us by the Church as we prepare to enter the season of Lent.

From the epistle today taken from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul narrates to us an account of his labors and sufferings. This was not to boast about the struggles he had been through, but to give honor to God, who enabled him to endure for the cause of Christ. St. Paul’s account of his dangers and hardships, his endurance, perseverance, and diligence paid off compared to all the trials due to his faithfulness to the Lord. Here we learn from St. Paul that by our utmost diligence and devoted preparation during this pre-Lent observance, we strictly keep the truth of being disciplined and increased mortifications intended, not only for ourselves, but by our constant desire to glorify God who would bless us forevermore. In our journey, we succumb to temptations and perils of all kinds, weariness, hunger and thirst, in fasting and nakedness, but St. Paul was being told that anything he asked to be removed from his life won’t be removed for the strength God gives is sufficient and enough. We remember that His grace is always enough, and it’s the power which finds its expression through our weakness. When we are weak, we always sense more deeply the mighty power of God. Our resilience like St. Paul comes from our reliance and trust in God, in spite of the circumstances we are going through, that enable us to walk stronger in faith. It is because of God who holds us and keeps us from falling. In this you must greatly rejoice!

The gospel today taken from St. Luke 8: 4-15 is the parable of the Seed and the Sower. We are familiar from our own hearing about this parable, and sometimes, we always presume that the homily of the priest is just recycled ideas and teachings. I hope that this gospel will lead you to an inspiring message to intensify your spiritual life and love for the Word of God.

In this parable today, Jesus is the Sower, the Word of God is the seed, and the different types of soil are the dispositions of every human heart. We need to think about it more deeply.

Jesus told His disciples, “To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” After these words, Jesus explains the parable. There is a hidden spiritual meaning and moral lessons embedded within His parable. Those who were not disciples of the Lord may look and see but not perceive, hear, and understand. They must be totally on board and on the same page as Jesus. Oftentimes, they were lost regarding the mysteries of Christ’s life. I believe this may also contribute to the understanding of Jesus depending on the level of faith.

Jesus today still challenges us to comprehend His Word within the context of our lives and our own human experiences. God continues to sow the Seed in our hearts so that it may grow. How do we prepare our hearts for God’s continuous action of sowing the seeds? What He wants is to sow the Seed on fertile soil in order to produce more good fruits. Jesus wants us to look beyond with more understanding and ability to relate and often depending on our faith in Him. Are we willing to apply the Word of God to our life?

I want to share the wonderful thought of Henri Nouwen, who was a Dutch Catholic priest who lived from 1932 to 1996. He was also a professor at Harvard, a writer, and a renowned theologian. Fr. Henri says that we need to create an atmosphere in which we can listen to God through His Word in the scriptures, and an atmosphere of silence and solitude that is conducive to deep thought without distractions. He further describes this in his book entitled, “The Way of the Heart,” saying, “not speaking, but listening to God and solitude as, not being alone, but being alone with God.” It is indeed true that we need to find the right time and place to contemplate His Word which is critical to cultivate it to grow in the fertile soil of our hearts.

St. Augustine wrote these words in his Confession, “With Your word You pierced my Heart, and I love you.” (10,vi.8) He was gratefully thankful to God for the opportunity with Him in that moment. Thus, we need to open our heart in prayer so that the Holy Spirit guides us through the grace of understanding His Word as we read and reflect upon it. Take a deeper chance to receive God’s unique revelation in order to grow in virtue and holiness and to become a better and faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us condition our soil to make it more fertile. Jesus shows us the way!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Deuteronomy 18:15-20
• Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
• 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
• Mark 1:21-28

Today is the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. Many people are calling me about someone who is being possessed. The evil spirit continues to disturb our sanity, especially our existence here on earth, with no one who can heal and have the authority to expel demons and the unclean spirit except Jesus, who demonstrates his teaching and his power over them. Do we really know and abide in the Truth of Who Jesus is?

I invite you to reflect on the readings today which I believe would change our views and our lives. Our own way to accept the Lord’s teaching and power is not from learning new ideas we heard and read, but by being immersed in a personal encounter with God through events that impacted our lives to make decisive change.

In the first reading today from the book of Deuteronomy, we hear from Moses’ warning about listening to sorcerers and other kinds of fortune tellers. The people of that time did these things. Moses tells them that a prophet will arise from their ranks to speak on God’s behalf, and they should listen to him. This prophet will speak for their guidance because his authority comes from God validated by how he lives and his lifestyle. They must listen to him, and false prophets shall not be tolerated because if he isn’t the prophet who speaks God’s message then, as a result, he would be punished. How do people know he is a real prophet? Moses gives a concrete reply. If he is a fake prophet, all his uttered messages would fail, and the true prophet would amaze the people because what he has spoken would be fulfilled.

In the second reading from the 1st letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Paul is not giving a treatise here on marriage and singleness. He is giving pastoral advice to a particular spiritual guidance for the people of Corinth, but he is doing so while drawing from true and godly principles. Again, this is what we need to discern if we are going to apply this passage to our own lives and earn new insights when St. Paul says, “I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.”

The gospel from St. Mark narrates to us about a man with an unclean spirit. The demons listen to Jesus and obey. There are action moments in the gospel on which we need to reflect in order that we are moved to carry us through deeper contemplation.

First, the unclean spirit cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” In this story, the unclean spirit identifies the miracle working Jesus and His authority to defeat this evil which is the enemy of God.

Second, the man further said, “I know who you are – the Holy One of God.” This evil spirit reveals Jesus’ identity. The unclean spirit makes a surprising declaration about the presence of the eternal Good, Jesus the Holy One of Israel. However, Jesus’ desires to announce His real identity for the good of His followers must not come from the unclean spirit, but from the righteousness He does and from the Father’s will glorifying Him as the Son of God, the Messiah.

Third, Jesus said, “Quiet! Come out of him.” In the later gospel of Mark, we encounter the story about Jesus and His disciples crossing to the other side of the lake when strong winds rock their boat. The disciples were frightened while Jesus was asleep. Jesus woke up and commanded the sea and the wind to calm down when He uttered, “Quiet”. He calls out to nature with such authority and power. This is an event to recognize Jesus as being the Anointed. Hence, Jesus is calling out the unclean spirit not to continue attacking the man. The unclean spirit was no match for Jesus’ commands and words, and by His mere words the evil spirit vanished; He had destroyed the evil one.

Fourth, people were amazed and asked one another, “What is this?” A new teaching with authority. The people are amazed at this, and the voice of Jesus is powerful. This is a manifestation of God’s creative love who wishes to restore our human dignity and be freed from the domination of the unclean spirit of possession and disruption. People who witnessed made statements of faith saying, “He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Today, this gospel reveals to us the message of St. Mark who wants to evidently pass the truth to accept Jesus as the Son of God, Savior and Lord. I do understand that the fullness of God’s revelation is to follow the death and resurrection of Jesus. This story allows us to accept Who Jesus is, One Who speaks with new authority and power.

We admire the teachings and miracles of Jesus. But do we really abide in the truth about Who He is? Jesus is not merely a “good man,” but the Holy One of God. He is more than a prophet of the olden times, for He is God. May our personal encounter and experience of His presence be our consistent way to fully accept this Truth, that would change our lives. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

————————————

El Dictado del Corazón: Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B

• Deuteronomio 18:15-20
• Salmo 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
• 1 Corintios 7:32-35
• Marcos 1:21-28

Hoy es el cuarto domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. Mucha gente me llama por alguien que está siendo poseído. El espíritu maligno continúa perturbando nuestra cordura, especialmente nuestra existencia aquí en la tierra. Nadie puede sanar y tener autoridad para expulsar demonios y espíritus inmundos excepto Jesús quien demuestra su enseñanza y su poder sobre ellos. ¿Sabemos y permanecemos en la Verdad de Quién es Jesús?

Los invito a reflexionar sobre las lecturas de hoy, que creo cambiarían nuestros puntos de vista y nuestras vidas. Nuestra manera de aceptar la enseñanza y el poder del Señor no es aprendiendo nuevas ideas que escuchamos y leemos, sino al estar inmersos en un encuentro personal con Dios a través de eventos que impactaron nuestras vidas para lograr un cambio decisivo.

En la primera lectura de hoy del libro de Deuteronomio, escuchamos la advertencia de Moisés acerca de escuchar a los hechiceros y a otro tipo de adivinos. La gente de aquella época hacía estas cosas. Moisés les dice que un profeta se levantará de sus filas para hablar en nombre de Dios y que deben escucharlo. Este profeta hablará para guiarlos porque su autoridad proviene de Dios, validada por su forma de vivir y su estilo de vida. Deben escucharlo, y los falsos profetas no serán tolerados porque si él no es el profeta que habla el mensaje de Dios, entonces sería castigado. ¿Cómo sabe la gente que él es un verdadero profeta? Moisés da una respuesta concreta. Si es un falso profeta, todos sus mensajes pronunciados fracasarían, y el verdadero profeta asombraría al pueblo porque lo que ha dicho se cumpliría.

En la segunda lectura de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios, Pablo no da aquí un tratado sobre el matrimonio y la soltería. Está dando consejos pastorales y una guía espiritual particular para el pueblo de Corinto, pero lo hace basándose en principios verdaderos y piadosos. Nuevamente, esto es lo que necesitamos discernir si vamos a aplicar este pasaje a nuestras propias vidas y obtener nuevas ideas cuando San Pablo dice: Les digo todo esto para bien de ustedes. Se lo digo, no para ponerles una trampa, sino para que puedan vivir constantemente y sin distracciones en presencia del Señor”.

El evangelio de San Marcos nos habla de un hombre con espíritu inmundo. Los demonios escuchan a Jesús y obedecen. Hay momentos de acción en el evangelio sobre los que debemos reflexionar para sentirnos impulsados a llevarnos a una contemplación más profunda.

Primero, el espíritu inmundo gritó: “¿Qué tienes con nosotros, Jesús de Nazaret? ¿Has venido a destruirnos? En esta historia, el espíritu inmundo identifica a Jesús hacedor de milagros y su autoridad para derrotar este mal que es enemigo de Dios.

En segundo lugar, el hombre dijo: “Sé quién eres: el Santo de Dios”. Este espíritu maligno revela la identidad de Jesús. El espíritu inmundo hace una sorprendente declaración sobre la presencia del Bien eterno, Jesús el Santo de Israel. Sin embargo, el deseo de Jesús de anunciar Su verdadera identidad para el bien de Sus seguidores no debe provenir del espíritu inmundo sino de la justicia que Él hace y de la voluntad del Padre glorificándolo como el Hijo de Dios, el Mesías.

En tercer lugar, Jesús dijo: “¡Silencio! Sal de él”. En el evangelio posterior de Marcos, encontramos la historia de Jesús y sus discípulos cruzando el otro lado del lago cuando fuertes vientos tostaron su bote. Los discípulos se asustaron mientras Jesús dormía. Jesús se despertó y ordenó al mar y al viento que se calmaran, a lo que Él pronunció: “Tranquilo”. Él llama a la naturaleza con tanta autoridad y poder. Este es un evento para reconocer a Jesús como el Ungido. Por lo tanto, Jesús llama al espíritu inmundo, los mandatos y palabras de Jesús no tienen rival para que el espíritu maligno continúe atacando al hombre. Por sus simples palabras había desaparecido y destruido al maligno.

Cuarto, la gente estaba asombrada y se preguntaban unos a otros: “¿Qué es esto? Una nueva enseñanza con autoridad. La gente está asombrada de esto y la voz de Jesús es poderosa. Esta es una manifestación del amor creativo de Dios que desea restaurar nuestra dignidad humana y ser liberados del dominio del espíritu inmundo, de posesión y perturbación. Las personas que presenciaron, hicieron declaraciones de fe diciendo: “Él manda incluso a los espíritus inmundos, y ellos le obedecen”.

Hoy, este evangelio nos revela el mensaje de San Marcos que quiere transmitir la verdad para aceptar a Jesús como Hijo de Dios, Salvador y Señor. Entiendo que la plenitud de la revelación de Dios seguirá a la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Esta historia nos permite sugerir Quién es Jesús, que habla con una nueva autoridad y poder.

Admiramos las enseñanzas y milagros de Jesús. Pero ¿permanecemos en la verdad acerca de quién es Él? Jesús no es simplemente un “buen hombre” sino el Santo de Dios. Él es más que un profeta de los tiempos antiguos, porque Él es Dios. Nuestro encuentro y experiencia de Su presencia sea nuestra manera consistente de alcanzar plenamente y aceptar esta Verdad, eso cambiaría nuestras vidas. “Si hoy escuchas su voz, no endurezcas el corazón”.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

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

Last Sunday we were celebrating the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, and today we celebrate the Septuagesima. Most probably we are scratching our head understanding the liturgical cycle of the Extraordinary Form. In the Novus Ordo, we have the “Ordinary Time” which the Latin calls it the “Time after Epiphany” and “Time after Pentecost”.

Septuagesima begins today. The liturgical seasons in the 1962 Extraordinary Form include a Pre-Lent season called Septuagesima. It is an extra season and the shortest season in the 1962 Extraordinary Form. The word Septuagesima is Latin for “seventieth.” Pre-Lent consists of 3 Sundays with particularly numbered names, Septuagesima (seventieth), Sexagesima (sixtieth), and Quinquagesima (fiftieth). These numbers do not really reflect that number of days before Easter, as their names suggest. The titles seem to be arbitrarily chosen, since the 1st Sunday in Lent was called Quadragesima (fortieth), and the three Sundays before Quadragesima were named after the nearest round figures, 70, 60 and 50.

The Septuagesima season was to help people into Lent as a kind of a preconditioning program. Liturgically, it looked like Lent because the Gloria and Alleluia are no longer allowed, which set the tone of penitential with a purple vestment that I am wearing. It is more interesting to be more familiar with the Liturgical calendar and the season we are celebrating.

Aside from knowing the liturgical calendar, there is another event that we are looking forward to, the 58th Super Bowl game this year in Las Vegas. To win in any sports game, there must be teamwork, determination, sacrifice, discipline, perseverance and fitness. We heard from St. Paul how “athletes exercise self-control in all things” (1 Cor 9:25) to get a victory. It is necessary also for all Christians, exercising our faith, that we should strive to be like that victor. The medal is not the prize we aim for, but the imperishable reward in heaven is what we strive for. Our aim is proclaiming the good news to others (V.23) because we are motivated to heed His call. We cannot do this alone but as brothers and sisters bound up in community of faith brought together by God. According to St. Paul, the journey of faith is not easy but demands us to endure and to await the reward of eternal life which is immaterial, yet richly present now.

The gospel today from St. Matthew narrates to us a parable of the Tenants. At the very end of the parable, the owner of the vineyard uttered these words, “Are you envious because I am generous? So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (vv.15-16). There are moments that we are part of the story as laborers, who worked the whole day. However, the way the master of the vineyard deals with us on how he would pay us was always under his discretion, unless we have agreed upon an amount for the service we render. Here are some reflective points to ponder:

First, the logic of God is incomprehensible and unfathomable. Our human mind is different from Jesus’ point in this parable. We focus on what is fair and what we deserve and obscure our minds to understand God’s generosity. Please get rid of that mindset. When you work harder than someone else that does not mean you will get paid more. Sometimes other workers receive an insurmountable amount of tips from the customers.

Second, this parable also has a deeper spiritual meaning just like Jesus‘ other parables which connote rich teachings about life and our relationship with God. Think of the many occasions when we are late coming workers being called and hired, and yet we have earned an enormous amount of grace and mercy from God than the others.

Third, sometimes we earned it or perhaps it was given gratis or free! But some will still not be satisfied because they think they won’t have enough. We must be always grateful to God. There are many stories in the gospel that surprise us because the undeserving ones become recipients of God’s grace. God’s grace overturns everything which we think isn’t aways fair. But none of us have earned it.

I don’t always share jokes. I seldom do that but when it is related to the gospel I do because I want to put emphasis on my point. So here it is. A man dies and meets Peter at the pearly gates of heaven. Peter said, “Before I accept you to enter heaven, please convince me and present 300 point credits of good things you have done on earth.” “Well,” the man said, “I was married once and faithful to my wife and family.” Peter said, “You earned 3 points. What else did you do?” The man continued, “I was a hardworking person who treated my co-workers fairly with love and respect.” Peter said, “Acceptable good work, you get another 2 points.” He continued with St. Peter’s encouragement and replied again, “I earned lots of money and I regularly pay my church tithing, but I thought it was enough without being charitable to those who are in need and to my pastor.” St, Peter said, “Good but you earned only 2 points because of your neglect and being unmindful to becoming generous. You only need two hundred and ninety-three more.” The man responded, “What?” Peter says, “yes!” Then, the man continued, “But that’s impossible! It will only be by the grace of God that anyone earns that many points.” Peter says, ‘You are correct!” and immediately opens the pearly gates to let him enter the kingdom of heaven.

St. Augustine says, “Too late have I loved you, O Beauty and so ancient and so new. Too late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside myself and there I sought you! In my weakness, I ran after the beauty of the things you have made. You were with me, and I was not with you.” (Confession book 10: Chapter XXVII)

It is true, too late have we loved God. We cannot imagine how God is generous to give us the grace we don’t really earn. No one deserves what God has given us; we’ve only to realize that at the end of our journey we receive a full day’s wage. This is what the parable reminds us all.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

• Jonah 3:1-5, 10
• Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
• Mark 1:14-20

Today is the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. St. Mark wrote the shortest gospel compared to the other evangelists; however, if we concentrate with full attention to St. Mark’s writings, he wrote with many details of every event. I believe that St. Mark has in mind to present to his readers the life of Jesus so that we may appreciate the continuous invitation of God for us that requires an affirmative response.

In the first reading from the book of Jonah, God called Jonah and sent him to Nineveh to announce repentance and faith in God, or they would all be destroyed. Jonah did as God wants for his people to repent. The whole city of Nineveh repented, and God changed His mind and spared the city and its inhabitants from destruction.

In the 2nd reading from the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says, “The present form of this world is passing away.” Paul wants to emphasize that the coming of Christ has already effected a change in our lives. The values and attitudes in accordance with our faith in Christ must become operative as believers. Our old attitudes toward everyday life and its affairs must be transformed; thus St. Paul is calling us to a radical understanding of our relationship to the world. This new attitude is to benefit ourselves, those close to us, and all those whom Jesus saves to make the world more as God desires it.

The gospel of St. Mark narrates to us the beginning of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. Jesus announces the “kingdom of God is at hand,” which is demanded of us to heed the call to repentance, a change of heart or “metanoia.”

Today, we are invited to reflect on God’s faithfulness to us in his unconditional love that keeps constantly, but gently, inviting us towards Him with the necessary response: To repent, to believe and to embrace the coming of the kingdom of God. There are three important progressions of Jesus’ calling:

First, St. Mark has mentioned that John was arrested. John directly put direct consciousness to his rightful place being the precursor of the Lord. The evangelist Mark presented Jesus as the “Son of God,” and led us to focus attentively to Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Second, this gospel proceeds to the first two Apostles, Simon and Andrew, called by Jesus. They were attracted quickly to His call, to be His friends and brothers to form a new way of fishing, not about their former lifestyle of fishing, but becoming “fishers of men.”

Third, the third call and response was made to two more brothers, James, and John. Those fishermen did not have the luck to get more catch, not having been too successful that day and instead they mend their nets to clean up. They heard the invitation of Jesus, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” Without question or further thought, they surrendered everything to follow Jesus. Why did they respond?

From Mark’s gospel, he introduces to us about Jesus, as the Son of God. Jesus himself is the message and the messenger for us to believe in the Goodnews that He is bringing. Those apostles who heard Jesus’ invitation is the very life that only God can give. This invitation has been granted to us by God to assure us of the fullness of “Life” which is continually coming to us and inviting response from us.

Let us be open to move into a deeper relationship that includes the promise that God won’t ever abandon us. When we respond to God’s calling, our trials and difficulties won’t end; instead we become true to ourselves, being ready to grow into a person whose values and commitment perfectly reflect as redeemed children of God.

May the words of Jesus fill the emptiness of our souls so that we respond to be well-informed and committed disciples of Jesus.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

———————————-

El Dictado del Corazón
Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, año B

• Jonás 3:1-5, 10
• Salmo 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• 1 Corintios 7:29-31
• Marcos 1:14-20

Hoy es el tercer domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Año B. San Marcos escribió el evangelio más corto en comparación con los demás evangelistas, sin embargo, si ponemos atención en las escrituras de San Marcos, él escribió mas detalladamente los eventos, San Marcos tenía en mente presentar a sus lectores la vida de Jesús para que apreciemos la continua invitación de Dios para nosotros que requiere una respuesta afirmativa.

En la primera lectura del libro de Jonás, Dios llamó a Jonás y lo envió a Nínive para anunciar el arrepentimiento y la fe en Dios o todos serían destruidos. Jonás hizo lo que Dios quería que su pueblo se arrepintiera. Toda la ciudad de Nínive se arrepintió, y Dios cambió de opinión y salvó a la ciudad y a sus habitantes de la destrucción.

En la segunda lectura de la primera carta a los Corintios, Pablo dice: “La forma actual de este mundo está pasando”. Pablo quiere enfatizar que la venida de Cristo ya ha producido un cambio en nuestras vidas. Los valores y actitudes acordes con nuestra fe en Cristo deben hacerse operativos como creyentes. Nuestras viejas actitudes hacia la vida cotidiana y sus asuntos deben ser transformadas, por eso San Pablo nos llama a una comprensión radical de nuestra relación con el mundo. Esta nueva actitud es para beneficiarnos a nosotros mismos, a quienes están cerca de nosotros y a todos aquellos a quienes Jesús salva para hacer el mundo más como Dios lo desea.

El evangelio de San Marcos nos narra el inicio del ministerio de Jesús en Galilea. Jesús anuncia que “el reino de Dios está cerca”, lo que exige que prestemos atención al llamado al arrepentimiento, a un cambio de corazón o “metanoia”.

Hoy, estamos invitados a reflexionar sobre la fidelidad de Dios hacia nosotros en su amor incondicional que nos mantiene constante pero gentilmente invitándonos hacia Él con la respuesta necesaria: arrepentirnos, creer y abrazar la venida del reino de Dios. Hay tres progresiones importantes del llamado de Jesús:

Primero, San Marcos mencionó que Juan fue arrestado. Juan puso directamente la conciencia directa en el lugar que le corresponde siendo el precursor del Señor. El evangelista Marcos presentó a Jesús como el “Hijo de Dios” y nos llevó a centrarnos atentamente en Jesús, el Salvador del mundo.

En segundo lugar, este evangelio continúa hasta los dos primeros apóstoles, Simón y Andrés, llamados por Jesús. Rápidamente se sintieron atraídos por Su llamado, a ser Sus amigos y hermanos para formar una nueva forma de pescar, no por su antiguo estilo de vida de pesca, sino por convertirse en “pescadores de hombres”.

En tercer lugar, el tercer llamado y respuesta se hizo a dos hermanos más, Santiago y Juan. Esos pescadores no tuvieron la suerte de conseguir más pesca, ya que no tuvieron mucho éxito ese día, sino que remendaron sus redes para limpiarlas. Escucharon la invitación de Jesús: “Síganme y haré de ustedes pescadores de hombres”. Sin dudar ni pensar más, entregaron todo para seguir a Jesús. ¿Por qué respondieron?

En el evangelio de Marcos, nos presenta a Jesús, como el Hijo de Dios. Jesús mismo es el mensaje y el mensajero para que creamos en la Buena Nueva que Él trae. Aquellos apóstoles que escucharon la invitación de Jesús son su propia vida que sólo Dios puede dar. Esta invitación nos ha sido concedida por Dios para asegurarnos la plenitud de la “Vida” que continuamente llega a nosotros e invita a nuestra respuesta.

Estemos abiertos a avanzar hacia una relación más profunda que incluya la promesa de que Dios nunca nos abandonará. Cuando respondemos al llamado de Dios, nuestras pruebas y dificultades no terminarán; en cambio, nos volvemos fieles a nosotros mismos y estamos listos para convertirnos en personas cuyos valores y compromisos se reflejan perfectamente como hijos redimidos de Dios.

Que las palabras de Jesús llenen el vacío de nuestras almas para que respondamos a ser discípulos de Jesús bien informados y comprometidos.
Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Romans 12:16-21
• Matthew 8:1-13

Today is the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. When we completely go through all the liturgical festivities, we tend to be strong in our faith. The grace from God is enormously flowing to recreate us according to His own image. May God, who is merciful and kind, slow to anger and abundant in love reflect the way we treat others.

The first reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans narrates to us how Paul continues to call for the good behavior for those who receive the renewal of mind and spirit as their rightful response to God’s mercies. Paul exhorted them to, “Think the same thing toward one another; do not think highly of yourself, but associate with the lowly; do not become proud in your own estimation.” Paul echoes Jesus in calling attention to love as the key moral norm for God’s people. He assumes that his audience knows that they are to love; he exhorts them to make their love for each other genuine. Paul begins his exhortation to “let love be genuine” (verse 9), and then shows what this love looks like. Generally, true love is summed up like this: Hate what is evil and cling to what is good (v9b). Those who have offered their bodies as a living sacrifice and renewed their minds may discern what is good (vv1-2).

In this context, Paul’s purpose is to press Christians to live in the light of God’s mercies, not future vindication. Our primary job is to show love, not to act as judge. Paul showed what happens when people pass judgment on others: they end up falling under judgment themselves (Romans 9:12:21). We must show mercy by tending to enemies in need. By treating opponents like family, then opponents are shamed (Proverbs 25:21-22a). The image of the heaping of burning coals on the enemy’s head suggests making him red in the face. In doing so, we overcome evil with good, showing that if we “cling to what is good,” we are expressing the definition of true love.

The gospel from St. Matthew reminds us that Jesus Christ has authority over everything; thus we are to live our lives in total submission to His will. It is only through humble resignation to Him that we can experience the healing power we seek from Him. This is what happened to both the leper and the Centurion. There are two stories in the gospel today.

First, Jesus heals and transforms a leper. In the Book of Leviticus, lepers were considered “unclean” because leprosy was a feared disease. They were considered marginalized people, people in the periphery. They were outsiders. However, a leper came to Jesus with humble expression of faith, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” It was from his heart, expressing his genuine need and dependence on Jesus. That was an act of poverty in spirit. Jesus responded, “I WILL. BE THOU MADE CLEAN.” Jesus’ gesture touching the leper was “a contagious touch of His holiness.” He was not afraid of being infected with the leprosy. The leper was made clean.

This leper who was an outsider taught us to be direct in asking Jesus about any of our needs because of his humility and faith. Also, the world today needs Jesus’ touch. It is through us that we effect any kind of change to other people who are suffering from various problems and diseases by leading them to Christ. Authentic Christian service communicates love through contact and identification with others. It requires our loving tender touch.

Second, Jesus welcomed the request of the Roman Centurion to heal his servant. The Centurion felt unworthy to even have the Lord come into his house. However, his profession of faith amazed Jesus when he uttered these powerful words, saying, “Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should enter under my roof; but only say the word and my servant shall be healed,” This is a clear recognition of Christ’s authority, which is sufficiently enough to effect the healing he expected without being present. This is a strong affirmation of his faith as compared to any other person. Being a Roman Officer, he did not impose or demand something, but he came in a spirit of humility and confidence in the Lord for his servant. One good thing, the centurion threw himself on God’s mercy. Hence, Jesus made this Centurion a model of faith for us.

Some of us lack humility and genuine faith. Jesus today reminds us that for self-righteous people it is difficult to experience a miracle of healing. Proud people seem to ignore that we need Jesus’ healing and intervention and fail to perceive our own unworthiness. Relying too much on personal effort, prayer may or may not happen because there is no genuine recognition of God’s presence and grace which we desperately need.

May we learn from these two stories Christian values and acknowledge our own dependence upon God as believers and followers! Let us be open to be healed and to heal others, especially the least among us.

God bless you!

Fr. Arlon, osa

• 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
• Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
• 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
• John 1:35-42

  We are back to the Ordinary Time of the Church’s liturgical calendar. With the freshness of our mind and spirit, we are given the graces of Advent and Christmas in order to strengthen us in our journey of faith. We increase our love by knowing Jesus more and more. We are back to the color green which symbolizes growth and maturity. Today we are invited again to reflect deeply on the messages of the scriptural readings, which have been a source for the nourishment of our spiritual life. I know that sometimes we experience resistance from the outside and within us, but we are hoping to be responsive through His grace.

  The first reading from the book of Samuel narrates to us the story about God calling him. He does not understand until after three times running towards Eli, he was instructed to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Eli was able to encourage young Samuel to be open to the word of God, which guided Samuel throughout his life.

  In the second reading from the first Corinthians, St. Paul says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? Therefore, glorify God in your body.” It is very clear that our “body is a temple.” We must avoid desecration of our body by exploiting it or exposing it to evil and darkness, particularly to immoral sexual practices. With clarity, St. Paul says, “avoid immorality.” This challenge is for all so that we will appreciate the grace of new life in Jesus and indulge ourselves with purity of mind and heart. Pray and be worthy of our calling as children of God.

  The gospel, taken from St. John, is about the calling of Christ’s disciples to have an open heart to listen quietly to the powerful word and invitation from God for us to respond like the young Samuel, ready to listen and accept God’s desire.

  First, John the Baptist was “standing with two of his disciples.” He said to them, “Behold the Lamb of God” when he sees Jesus. John wants to help them find a life changing experience with the Lamb of God. His disciples were open to his guidance and trusted him as they were introduced to Jesus, the true Messiah.

  Second, the two disciples asked, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and you will see.” They stayed with Jesus who had come to teach them. There are many things which Jesus teaches that have changed the quality of life. Jesus keeps offering himself to us. What makes us receptive to learn is our humility to embrace His words. Jesus is the anointed, the Christ, who speaks to us every day because we need a Savior.

  Third, Andrew said, “We have found the Messiah: Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.” Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two early disciples of the Lord, who was excited to introduce Jesus to his brother, Peter. It is the faith and trust in Jesus that brings his family member to follow Jesus too. We also must be like Andrew and bring more people to Jesus, our Lord. This is our mission and our vocation, to be inspired and to fulfill our great disposition to work for a greater harvest for Christ.

  Today I am inspired to look for opportunities to be a spiritual guide to others. When can I invite someone to hear God’s call? Let us be willing to teach others about the “Lamb of God.”

  God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

———————————

El Dictado del Corazón

Segundo Domingo del Tiempo ordinario, B

• 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
• Salmo 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
• 1 Corintios 6:13c-15a, 17-20
• Juan 1:35-42

Volvemos al Tiempo Ordinario del calendario litúrgico de la Iglesia, con frescura de mente y espíritu. Se nos dan las gracias del Adviento y la Navidad para fortalecernos en nuestro camino de fe. Aumentamos cada vez más nuestro amor y conocimiento de Jesús. Volvemos al color verde que simboliza crecimiento y madurez. Hoy estamos nuevamente invitados a reflexionar profundamente sobre lo que las lecturas bíblicas nos hacen, que han sido fuente de alimento en nuestra vida espiritual. Sé que a veces experimentamos resistencia externa e interna, pero esperamos ser receptivos a través de Su gracia.

La primera lectura del libro de Samuel nos narra la historia de que Dios lo llama. No lo entendió hasta que después de correr tres veces hacia Elí, se le indicó que respondiera: “Habla, Señor, porque tu siervo escucha”. Elí pudo animar al joven Samuel a estar abierto a la palabra de Dios que guió a Samuel durante toda su vida.

En la segunda lectura de la Primera de Corintios, San Pablo dice: “¿No saben ustedes que su cuerpo es templo del Espíritu Santo, que han recibido de Dios y habita en ustedes? No son ustedes sus propios dueños, porque Dios los ha comprado a un precio muy caro. Glorifiquen, pues, a Dios con el cuerpo.”. Está muy claro que nuestro “cuerpo es un templo”. Debemos evitar la profanación de nuestros cuerpos explotándolos o exponiéndolos al mal y a la oscuridad, en particular, a prácticas sexuales inmorales. Con claridad, dice San Pablo, “eviten la inmoralidad”. Este desafío es para todos para que apreciemos la gracia de la nueva vida en Jesús y nos entreguemos a la pureza de mente y corazón. Orar y ser dignos de nuestro llamado como hijos de Dios.

El evangelio está tomado de San Juan y trata sobre el llamado de los discípulos de Cristo. Con el corazón abierto para escuchar en silencio la poderosa palabra e invitación de Dios para nosotros. Responder como el joven Samuel, dispuesto a escuchar y acoger el deseo de Dios.

Primero, Juan el Bautista estaba “de pie con dos de sus discípulos”. Él les dijo: “He aquí el Cordero de Dios” cuando ve a Jesús. Juan quiere ayudarlos a encontrar una experiencia que les cambie la vida con el Cordero de Dios. Sus discípulos estuvieron abiertos a su guía y confiaron en él cuando conocieron a Jesús, el verdadero Mesías.

En segundo lugar, los dos discípulos preguntaron: “Rabí, ¿dónde vives? Jesús dijo: “Ven y verás”. Se quedaron con Jesús que había venido a enseñarles. Hay muchas cosas que Jesús enseña que han cambiado la calidad de vida. Jesús sigue ofreciéndose a nosotros. Lo que nos hace receptivos al aprendizaje es nuestra humildad para abrazar Sus palabras. Y Jesús es el ungido, el Cristo que nos habla todos los días porque necesitamos un Salvador.

En tercer lugar, Andrés dijo: “Hemos encontrado al Mesías: Jesucristo, que nos trae la verdad y la gracia”. Andrés, el hermano de Simón Pedro, fue uno de los dos primeros discípulos del Señor, que estaba emocionado de presentarle a Jesús a su hermano Pedro. Es la fe y la confianza en Jesús lo que lleva a los miembros de su familia a seguir a Jesús también. Nosotros también debemos ser como Andrés para acercar más personas a Jesús, nuestro Señor. Esta es nuestra misión y nuestra vocación de inspirarnos y cumplir con nuestra gran disposición de trabajar por una cosecha mayor para Cristo.

Hoy me siento inspirado a buscar oportunidades para ser una guía espiritual para los demás. ¿Cuándo puedo invitar a alguien a escuchar el llamado de Dios? Estemos dispuestos a enseñar a otros sobre el “Cordero de Dios”.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Romans 12:6-16
• John 2:1-11

Today we are celebrating the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany. This mass that we offer reminds all of us that we constantly respond to an invitation to renew our minds and hearts with humility, which excludes self-importance in our relationship with others. We must be faithful to discharge our duties to contribute to the greater good of our community and the whole Church.

In today’s epistle from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Paul illustrates the different gifts we have received and the different ways to use them. These gifts are extraordinary and supernatural which God bestowed freely to the person without receiving them on account of personal merits, like prophecy, ministry or service, teaching, exhorting, giving, mercy etc. These gifts are not for personal spiritual advantage but for the benefit of the whole Church. God gives with fairness, and one should be content with the gift he has received and not desire that of another. The word here, “with simplicity,” means not seeking one’s own interest, but only the welfare of his neighbor for God’s sake. St. Paul also mentioned the word, “Charity,” which is the excellent gift of God to our soul. It means that our brotherly love among ourselves should prompt us to be eager to exhibit mutual signs of respect. Our own interior life must shine through our own external demonstrations of our actions. St. Augustine animates that spirit of investigating and knowing our interior life with much fervor.

The gospel today narrates to us the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding at Cana. Jesus took advantage of that ordinary wedding occasion, though having second thoughts, but it was an opportunity to act, to perform a miracle to provide wine. The miracle was a sign.

There are reflection points we must consider understanding the message.

First, the occasion of the miracle happened in Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus, together with His disciples, was also invited to the wedding. Many of the other miracles of Jesus took place along the way to Jerusalem. This event was an unplanned wedding party just like an ordinary event; however, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was there simply engaged in life and saw the need of that moment.

Second, the wedding needed more wine and so the family needed an intervention to free themselves from embarrassment. Therefore, they needed help. Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to Him expressing the unexpected problem. During that time, the wedding feast celebrations lasted for seven days according to Jewish custom. Mary simply says to Jesus, “They have no wine.” She expected Him to do something.

However, Jesus seems to be rejecting his mother’s desires, when He commented, “My hour has not yet come.” In the heart of His Mother Mary, she knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Doing something would provide a good opportunity to announce His own identity, but the timing of His revelation of His Messianic identity was an internal struggle for Him.

Third, the performance of the miracle was an outcome of Jesus seeing the problem and providing a concrete solution. Jesus told the servants to “Fill the waterpots with water.” They quickly obeyed. Then Jesus said, “Draw it out now, and take it to the headwaiter.” Once again, the servants obeyed. They drew some of the liquid out of the waterpots, put it in a smaller vessel, and took it to the headwaiter, who tasted it. John says, he “tasted the water which had become wine.” The miracle had happened! However, the headwaiter did not know that a miracle had taken place. He did not know where the wine came from. The servants did, but he did not.

Fourth, the significance of the miracle. This story should challenge us to believe in the Lord and to give Him glory. Clearly, miracles provide a witness, I guess, and all the guests were in awe by the consistency of the good wine. Jesus performed a miracle in obedience to His mother, who did not understand that the final glorification of her son would come through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Brothers and Sisters, Jesus meets our needs. We must be obedient like the wedding waiters because a miracle may still be needed, but we must do what He asks. We often pray for financial needs, cure of an illness, seeking counsel from Him, but we need to listen carefully and let the Holy Spirit guide you into knowing a course of action that will produce a result for you. Have we listened carefully to what the Lord is telling us? When Jesus answers our prayers, we often are surprised by both the quality and quantity of His provision. He came that we might have “abundant life.” Jesus is present to sustain us. Begin listening now!

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa

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

I am happy to celebrate my birthday today. I thank God for the gifts of life and vocation. A birthday is not just an event to celebrate; it is an opportunity to express gratitude to God for these gifts. It is an opportunity to look back on the events that have transpired in the recent past and to evaluate and plan to improve relationships with God and others. Things that happen to us are just manifestations of God’s presence and love.

On January 2, 2024, a man came to me for counseling. He claimed to be an “agnostic”. He accepts that there is a being higher than us, but he never questions his existence. During our conversation, he relates to me that his mother was a Catholic, and his previous relationships were also with faithful Catholics, which gave him the opportunity to attend masses. The priest who officiated at his wedding imprinted a good memory upon him even to this day. I told him that those experiences he had revealed show how mysterious God is, manifesting His presence and calling him to be open to His grace. He consented to attend mass and come to our RCIA program as an auditor. People who are led to the church for a reason is for me a clear sign of God’s manifestation. There are so many people out there who are waiting to be invited to a new level of a relationship with God shown by our kindness, love, and compassion.

Countless people have a “restless heart” and continue to seek without finding concrete answers. I know that it is the movement of the Holy Spirit that stirs their hearts. They too are looking for a star to show them the road to Jesus in the manger. Let us help them draw out the desire, for God is present in every heart.

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. This word came from a Greek word, “Epiphaneia.” It is a revelation that Jesus Christ is the light to all nations and to all the people of the world, represented by the Magi, or the Wise Men.
The first reading from the book of Isaiah states that, “The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness.” (v.3) I believe that for the Prophet Isaiah, he had foreseen this glorious acceptance of Christ by the many nations, which is a providential event in the 8th century BC.

The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians reminds us that during the preaching of St. Paul to the Gentile nations, they responded overwhelmingly, entering the house of faith, the Church. In the reading to the Ephesians, Paul was rejoicing that, “The pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are part of the same body, and that the same promise is made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the gospel.” (vv.5-6)

The gospel from St. Matthew narrates to us the story about the three Magi from the East, who journeyed to pay homage to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, being guided by a star. It is a beautiful story, not only for children, but for us because it was the manifestation of a great King, Jesus, to bring justice and peace to the world as prophesized by so many prophets throughout the centuries. How do we understand this event clearly?

First, the Magi, or Wise Men, were seekers who were willing to undertake a long and hazardous journey. They wanted to pay homage and find the fullness of truth and love in Jesus, who is the Light of the world.

As we began our journey in this year 2024, it is just like the journey of the Magi in the East, illuminated by the light of Christ that brightens their way. The light of Christ reveals, through His creation and the scriptures, that we need to be open to see signs that manifest God’s guidance. What is important is that we be attentive, alert and listen to Him who speaks to us.

Second, the Magi seemed to teach us that we should not be deceived by appearances, by what the world considers great, wise, and powerful, but we must be attracted to Jesus, who is good, true, and beautiful. We seek the light and keep the faith and focus on our journey by following the example of the three Magi.

There are so many forms of deception in this modern world that we should be on guard, which I believe is necessary to overcome the darkness and heed the voice of God so that we all will be filled with love and faith. To go to see the gentle baby Jesus in a manger teaches us simplicity and commitment to the King of the universe.

Third, the Magi presented to Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in order to express the nature of Jesus, being a Universal King and Lord of Creation (Christ’s Kingship), Eternal High Priest (Priesthood) and the Suffering Servant (Christ as Messiah). They have found the true King in a humble dwelling in Bethlehem. They listened to His voice and returned taking a different route.

All this has something to say to us today. What gifts can we offer to Jesus? Let us listen to the voice deep within us and seek the signs God offers us. The light that comes from the face of Jesus is the revelation of the face of His mercy and love; thus, we present Him gifts of our definitive decision to follow JESUS with our understanding, goodness, and love. Let us follow the Light which draws to itself every individual in the world along the path of peace.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, osa
——————————-

El Dictado del Corazón
La Epifanía del Señor

• Isaías 60:1-6
• Salmo 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
• Efesios 3:2-3a, 5-6
• Mateo 2:1-12

Estoy feliz de estar celebrando mi cumpleaños hoy. Un cumpleaños no es sólo un evento para celebrar sino una oportunidad para expresar gratitud a Dios por el don de la vida y la propia vocación. Es una oportunidad para mirar retrospectivamente los acontecimientos que han ocurrido en el pasado reciente, para evaluar y planificar para mejorar las relaciones con Dios y con los demás. Lo que nos sucede son manifestaciones de la presencia y el amor de Dios.

El dos de Enero del dos mil veinticuatro, un hombre vino a verme en busca de asesoramiento. Se declaró “agnóstico”. Acepta que existe un ser superior a nosotros, pero nunca a cuestionado su existencia. Durante nuestra conversación, me contó que su madre era católica. Sus relaciones anteriores eran con católicas, lo que le permitía asistir a misa. El sacerdote que ofició su boda le dejó un buen recuerdo aún hoy. Le dije que esas experiencias eran Dios manifestando Su presencia y llamándolo a estar abierto a Su gracia. Aceptó asistir a misa y asistir a nuestro programa RICA como auditor. Las personas que son guiadas a la iglesia por una razón son para mí una señal clara de la manifestación de Dios. Hay muchísimas personas que esperan ser invitadas a un nuevo nivel de relación con Dios mediante nuestra bondad, amor y compasión.

Infinidad de personas tienen un “corazón inquieto” que sigue buscando sin encontrar respuestas concretas. Sé que es el movimiento del Espíritu Santo lo que conmueve sus corazones. Ellos también buscan una estrella que les muestre el camino hacia Jesús en el pesebre. Ayudémosles a sacar a relucir el deseo de que Dios está presente en cada corazón.

Hoy celebramos la epifanía del Señor. Esta palabra proviene de una palabra griega, “Epiphaneia”. Es una revelación de que Jesucristo es la luz para todas las naciones y todos los pueblos del mundo representados por los Magos o Reyes Magos.
La primera lectura del libro de Isaías dice: “Las naciones vienen a tu luz y los reyes a tu resplandor del amanecer”. (v.3) Creo que el profeta Isaías había previsto esta gloriosa aceptación de Cristo por las muchas naciones, que es un evento providencial en el siglo VIII a.C.

La segunda lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Efesios nos recuerda que durante la predicación de San Pablo a las naciones gentiles, ellas respondieron abrumadoramente entrando a la casa de la fe, la Iglesia. En la lectura a los Efesios, Pablo se regocijaba de que “los paganos ahora comparten la misma herencia, que son parte del mismo cuerpo, y que la misma promesa les es hecha, en Cristo Jesús, por el evangelio. (vv.5-6)

El evangelio de San Mateo nos narra la historia de los tres Reyes Magos de Oriente que viajaron para rendir homenaje al niño Jesús en Belén guiados por una estrella. Es una hermosa historia no solo para los niños sino para nosotros porque fue la manifestación de un gran Rey, Jesús para traer justicia y paz al mundo como lo profetizaron tantos profetas a lo largo de los siglos. ¿Cómo entendemos claramente este acontecimiento?

En primer lugar, los magos o sabios eran buscadores y estaban dispuestos a emprender un viaje largo y peligroso. Querían rendir homenaje y encontrar la plenitud de la verdad y del amor en Jesús, que es la Luz del mundo.

Al comenzar nuestro jornada en este nuevo año, es como el viaje de los Reyes Magos en Oriente iluminados por la luz de Cristo que ilumina su camino. La luz de Cristo se revela a través de Su creación y las Escrituras, a las que debemos estar abiertos para ver señales que manifiestan la guía de Dios. Lo importante es que estemos atentos, alertas y escuchemos a Aquel que nos habla.

En segundo lugar, los Reyes Magos parecieron enseñarnos que no debemos dejarnos engañar por las apariencias, por lo que el mundo considera grande, sabio y poderoso. Pero debemos sentirnos atraídos por Jesús, que es bueno, verdadero y hermoso. Buscamos la luz, mantenemos la fe y nos centramos en nuestro viaje siguiendo el ejemplo de los tres Reyes Magos.

Tantas formas de engaño en este mundo moderno que debemos estar en guardia lo cual es necesario para vencer la oscuridad y escuchar la voz de Dios para que todos seamos llenos de amor y fe. Ir al dulce niño Jesús en un pesebre nos enseña sencillez y compromiso con el Rey del universo.

En tercer lugar, los Magos le presentaron a Jesús regalos de oro, incienso y mirra para expresar la naturaleza de Jesús, siendo un Rey Universal y Señor de la Creación (la Realeza de Cristo), Sumo Sacerdote Eterno (Sacerdocio) y el Siervo Sufriente (Cristo como Mesías). . Han encontrado al verdadero Rey en una humilde morada de Belén. Escucharon Su voz y regresaron por una ruta diferente.

Todo esto tiene algo que decirnos hoy. ¿Qué regalos podemos ofrecerle a Jesús? Escuchemos la voz profunda dentro de nosotros y busquemos las señales que Dios nos ofrece. La luz que surge del rostro de Jesús es la revelación del rostro de su misericordia y amor, por eso le presentamos los dones de nuestra decisión definitiva de seguir a JESUS, nuestra comprensión, bondad y amor. Sigamos la Luz que atrae hacia sí a cada individuo del mundo por el camino de la paz.

Dios los bendiga.

P. Arlón, osa

• Colossians 3:12-17
• Luke 2:42-52

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We must also remember our own families and for us to consecrate all the members of our family to God. God gives and sustains family life because it is the sacrament of His holy presence by the manner of how the love, respect and honor is shown by children to their parents and for parents to be the first teachers of faith to them.

In the gospel passage from St. Luke, Jesus manifests His Jewish culture and humanity of His time to unfold the importance of family relationships. They come together to keep their religious traditions by relating to the supremacy and holiness of God. Through a yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem on the feast of the Passover to recall God’s saving Israel from the slavery of Egypt is their sacred past.

After the celebration of Christmas, we are invited to focus on the Holy Family and learn from them. Luke gives us a glimpse of how Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived their faith and love.

First, Jesus, Mary and Joseph went to the Temple in fulfillment of the Jewish traditions worshipping and honoring God. It is God who is the center of their relationships. At His early age, the young Jesus was familiar with the festival and how He would spend His time at the temple. He engaged in the sharing of the word with the experts of the scriptures, questioning the religious leaders and observing His religious tradition of family reverence and authority.

Second, after three days, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus, the twelve-year-old lad, was not among the returning caravan. They could not find him with other relatives, and they must have panicked. This event is an experience of being troubled and anxious, and they needed to move quickly to find the lost child. Life for Mary and Joseph was not a bed of roses, and life was not perfect for them either. Instead they had been through rough times in their life just like any other family we know; however, what stands out is their perfect and total faith in God as they walked into the mystery with their questions and with their aspirations to let the child grow and to watch over Him with their loving care.

Third, Jesus was found inside the temple surrounded by religious elders and discussing things of the law with the teachers. He had a short conversation between His parents and Himself, and then Jesus returned to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, faithful to the customs of the family and being obedient to them.

I personally thank my parents for guiding me to the basic Christian principles of giving value to friends and family relationships. Today, it’s my birthday, and I thank God for the gift of life which I am extending to you the joy of having a spiritual family. My siblings, with their coordination with my relatives and friends in Reno, are planning a surprise birthday party late this afternoon. Somebody told me accidentally, and that’s how I learned it. How I wish to invite you all to that party.

Our purpose for living is to be an instrument to reverse the human experience from shame and sin to holiness of life. Jesus apparently saves us from death so as to redeem us for God. Almost every person, family or group Jesus would eventually meet was so we would know Him better for our change and transformation. Our human relationships, either family or church community, belong to a family of God which reminds us of our constant conversion. Holiness has to do with being so human that each of us knows our need for forgiveness and for forgiving.

Husbands and wives are bound together to confront themselves of their weaknesses and strengths and accept themselves by relating to each other in faithfulness and love. Children should enter the process of support, respect, and love of their parents with gratitude by way of their good manners and humble attitudes, promoting each member of any family who lets God’s grace form its ways. Living with Jesus’ peace in our hearts will make it much easier to be compassionate to all family members, especially families who are struggling right now.

We belong to a family, and we are not alone. Let us trust God to learn our worth which begins with our own family. The family that knows how to love knows that love heals, and then comes our strength to face the demons that destroy us because when we call, God answers us because God exists amongst us. When we open up to God, our labor of love flourishes from our family, church, and country. Surely, we cannot tolerate the “culture of walls” that divide us because it rejects love itself. Let us allow ourselves to be open and available to accept the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us.

Fr. Arlon, osa