Back To Reality

The WORD today reminds me to get back to reality and proclaim God.

Christmas day is over. After months of preparation and anticipation, it is over. After days of no work (some even a lot longer), Christmas is over. Back to reality indeed. Holiday's over. Even though the holiday season is not over, and there are still a lot of decors and get togethers, Christmas day itself is over, just like that. However, the spirit of Christmas should not go away after December 25. 

We should live Christmas everyday.

It is by no accident that the day after Christmas, we commemorate the feast day of St Stephen, the first martyr. We see his story in the first reading. Like what Jesus told Peter, James and John in the mountain after transfiguration, he too is telling us to go down the mountain, back to reality, back to our daily lives, and continue to live the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of love – and continue to proclaim God. 

God loves us so much, and as we feel that love, we should be moved to love him back.

Stephen died for his faith. He was not forced to. He probably could have run away from the people, but he chose not to. He chose to stand up for his faith. He chose to proclaim God to others, even if it cost him his life. In the same way, we are called to be like Stephen. We do not need to be martyrs to show God we love him, that we appreciate his coming to save us, and that we are grateful. We should, little by little, everyday, make a decision to proclaim him - to honor him and live for him. In the gospel, we are reminded to be firm and faithful, and that God will always be there for us. Wr just need to have faith in Him. 

Christmas day is over but the pandemic is not. It’s far from being over. And after taking a short break, we are called to go back to reality and continue to do our part to be a blessing to others. 

How was Christmas for me? How do I feel right now? Am I going back to work, back to reality? How can I proclaim Him today?

May we be challenged and inspired to live our faith, to go back to reality and stand up for our faith, and proclaim the love and greatness of God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the holidays. Thank you for bringing me back to reality. Thank you for all the gifts which you, the Celebrant, continue to give me. Lord I pray that I have faith like Stephen. May I focus on you and your glory, instead of focusing on and complaining about my pains and difficulties. Help me stand up for and proclaim you everyday. Help me live for you and die of myself, so that you may live in me, and through me. May I make you more real and more alive through my life. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

December 26, 2020

Saint Stephen, First Martyr - Feast

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FIRST READING

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

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ALLELUIA

Psalm 118:26a, 27a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD: the LORD is God and has given us light.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

CHRISTmas 2020

The WORD today reminds me how beautiful and meaningful Christmas is. 

Before the pandemic struck us, they say that Christmas is the longest season here in the Philippines. As early as September, or when the –BER months enter, there are already Christmas decors on display, and some establishments already play Christmas songs - especially malls. And after weeks of preparing and waiting for Jesus, we now commemorate his coming. In the first reading, Isaiah says: For a child is born to us, a son is given us (Isaiah 9:6). Eto na yun. God’s immense love for us made concrete by his sending of his one and only Son to save us from our sins. He even allowed his Son to be born in a manger, with the animals, because he loves us and wants us not to be intimidated by his Son, but be able to relate and feel comfortable with Him. 

There are a lot of Christmas songs. New and the old classics. One of the classics is O Holy Night. I haven’t given much attention to this song before. For me, it was just one of those normal Christmas songs that have been there for ages. However, taking a closer look at the lyrics, this actually encapsulates Christmas: 

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

‘Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

Deep.

Until he appeared and the soul felt its worth. 

Until Jesus appeared. 

Before Jesus entered the world, we were living in sin. We were living far away from God. No sense. No purpose. Jesus brought us salvation. Jesus brought us peace. Jesus bridged our way to God. He stood in the gap from us, sinners, to God the Father Almighty. He made us children of God.

We all have different feeling towards this day. Others may have been blessed by attending the “Misa De Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” every 4AM for 9 consecutive days. Virtual or in person. Others may have been blessed by helping out others, because it gave them an opportunity to serve, help out, and be Christ to others, especially during this pandemic. Others may have been blessed by reading His word, praying, reflecting and taking the sacraments. Those are all great feelings. But how about others? What about those who were so stressed online shopping and preparing gifts, cooking food, arranging virtual get-togethers, that they did not realize it’s already Christmas? How about those who got so engrossed with the year-end responsibilities at work and requirements for a January deadline that they forgot about Christmas? How about those who did their best, prepared spiritually for this, yet do not seem to feel an effect on their lives 

Good news! It’s never too late! Preparing does not end at Christmas Day. More important than preparing for Christmas, it should continue even after Christmas. 

Jesus was born in a stable, probably a dirty one, together with animals. This shows external appearance is not so important to him. What’s important is the owners welcomed them. Are we welcoming him as well? IF you haven’t been preparing, ok lang, never too late. If kulang pa yung preparation, ok lang, never too late. If parang walang epekto, ok lang, never too late, dasal pa. Let us hang on to his promise in Jeremiah:  If you seek me you’ll find me, if you seek me with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

What is important to God is we welcome him, we allow Him to stay in us, no matter how unprepared, no matter how dirty, no matter how unworthy our heart is for Him. IF we allow him to stay, if we welcome him, if we allow him to do whatever he wants, he will use us mightily, and we would glorify God by it, and the more we continue doing these, the more our soul will feel its worth. The second reading reminds us that God grace appeared, saving all. His love and grace and salvation is for everyone. He is eager to cleanse us, to love us, to save us. We just have to let him.

May we continue to prepare spiritually for Christ, and may the spirit of Christmas – which is God’s love made alive and concrete, continue to remain in us and be alive through us.

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for Christmas. Thank you for coming into this world as a little child born in a stable in a little town of Bethlehem. Father, thank you for not being intimidating. Thank you for humbling yourself so we could relate to you. Thank you for your great love for us. Lord, sorry for not doing my best to prepare for Christmas. Sorry for being busy and distracted. Lord, my heart is not so clean. Madumi sya, madami pa kailangang ayusin at linisin. I feel I have not prepared as much, that I am unworthy. But Lord, however unworthy I am, I ask, I beg you to come into my life, into my heart. Make the most out of it. Fill it with your love, that I may always realize how special I am to you. I ask that you grant me the grace to see myself the way you see me – beautiful, worthy of your love, capable of doing good. I ask that you continuously use me to do your work, and this CHRISTmas and always, may I always remember who this is for, who should come first, who my attention and focus should be. Amidst all the fears and worries of this pandemic, technological advancements and worldly distractions, may I never lose my focus on you, on the real essence of Christmas. Help me and use me to make you more alive and more real to others. Amen.

Let’s not forget the REASON for the SEASON and keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!  

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

-g-

December 25 2020

Mass During the Night

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - Mass During the Night

Reading 1IS 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! 

Responsorial Psalm PS 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13

R. (Lk 2:11)  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. 

Reading 2 TI 2:11-14

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good. 

Alleluia LK 2:10-11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I proclaim to you good news of great joy:
today a Savior is born for us,
Christ the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Gospel LK 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Still Prepare

The WORD today reminds me that I should continue my preparation for Christ's coming. 

They say that time flies when you're having fun. That is usually true. But time also flies when you are very busy. Time flies when there are a lot of things to do. Time flies when there are a lot of virtual parties and activities, or probably because of stress and worries. This is what happened to some. Just like that, it's already Christmas day tomorrow. Weeks of preparation seemed to just fly by. 

However, this should not dishearten us. Regardless if we feel we have done our best or not, we should not stop preparing for him. We should not stop today or tomorrow, but be motivated to continue and prepare for his eventual coming. Being a Christian is not a once in a lifetime decision. It is an everyday, continuous decision. We have to constantly choose to follow God. We have to constantly allow God to change us, and to use us.

The readings show us people who continuously allow God to use them. In the first reading, we see David, a former shepherd who was used by God in many ways, and eventually was made a king of his people. In the gospel we see Zechariah’s canticle, his profession of faith and love. After doubting God and being silenced, he eventually gave praises to God with his words, with his life. They both live the psalm – to forever sing the goodness of the Lord.

We should also continue to let God use us and change us. We should continue to allow him to use us to help other people. There are everyday things we should do to improve ourselves - obey the rules and be honest even if other people are not, be generous and selfless even if other people are not, confess and be at peace with God, ourselves and others, even if other people do not. As we do so, God will continue to live through us, and we will be a representation of Jesus to others around us, and He will continue to be present in us and through us.

How have I prepared for Christmas this year? Did I lose sight of the reason for this season? Did I allow myself to get worried, busy and stressed that I did not devote enough time for prayer and sacraments as I prepare for Him? How can I continue to prepare for Jesus’ coming in my life? How can I continue to allow Him to change me? Am I willing?

May we make the decision to continue to prepare not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s eventual coming. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for this reminder. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the love. Thank you for all the guidance and protection. Lord, sorry for being so busy and distracted. Sorry for losing sight of you. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart that would continue to let you use me and mold me to be more like you. Give me a heart that would continue to humble myself before you and allow you to use me in whatever way you want to. Lord, use me. Live in me. Be alive in me and through me. Help me also to never stop preparing, even after Christmas. I pray that in my own little way, you would be able to use me and make me Jesus to others. Amen

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

December 24, 2020

The Nativity of the Lord; St. Peter Nolasco

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Morning Mass

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?

“‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

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ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Purified for Christmas

The WORD today reminds me that although purification is painful, it is important especially as we prepare for Christmas. 

The first reading struck me, as it reminded me of a story I read a few years back. 

For he is like the refiner's fire,

or like the fuller's lye.

He will sit refining and purifying silver,

and he will purify the sons of Levi,

Refining them like gold or like silver\

that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.

The story below helps me understand more the verse. It made me realize that this is God’s way of preparing me, of purifying me. The process may be painful and challenging, but it is comforting and assuring to know that during the entire process, he keeps his eyes on me, reminding me of his promise that I will not be given problems more than I can handle (1 Cor 10:13). I know he will continue to purify me until he can see his face in me, which makes everything well worth it. That is why, no matter how painful it may be, it is very important – for it makes us more and more like Jesus

In the gospel, we see how Zechariah’s purification ended. In God’s perfect time, things became better for him. He may have suffered as Elizabeth was pregnant, but true to the first reading, he was purified so he can offer due sacrifice to God. And when he said that the child’s name is John, he spoke blessing God, and holy fear came to their town. As he was purified, as he became more and more like Christ, he was blessed and his words gave glory to God.

As Christmas comes, may we continue to allow God to prepare us the way he wants to. MAy we continue to allow Him to purify us. This may entail pain, but we should just trust in Him, and know that all he wants is the best for us. Even if we feel pain, let us remember that he is holding us the entire time, and he knows exactly what we can handle, he knows when to take us out... And despite the pain that purification may cause us, may we take inspiration that as we are being purified, we are being transformed to be more and more like Jesus.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for this reminder and inspiration. Lord, I thank you for your protection. And I am sorry for not always acknowledging it. Sorry for forgetting it. Sorry for the times I do not believe it just because things are tough. A lot of times life is be challenging, but I know you are purifying me. And I know the whole time, your eyes are fixed on me, watching me and protecting me, making sure that I will not be subjected to more than what I can handle. I know that all these challenges and these pain will eventually make sense. I know all these, with your guidance, will make me more and more like you. May I be faithful as I allow you to purify me as I focus on the end, when you will be able to see your face in me. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related story:

Malachi 3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what
this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver
and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to
watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for
her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining
Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the
fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one
needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames
were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she
thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and
purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he
had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was
being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the
silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it
was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the
flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith,
'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

December 23, 2020

December 23rd; St. John of Kanty

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FIRST READING

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with doom.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

R. (see Luke 21:28) Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.

R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.

R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.

R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

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ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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GOSPEL

Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”