HOLY IN ALL SIMPLICITY... That's the Family!

Dec. 30, 2011

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY: JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

Gn 15,1-6.21,1-3  or Hb 11,8.11-12.17-19

Lk 2,22-40

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This day is usually celebrated in the Philippines as Rizal Day, the day when the great Philippine patriot died a martyr's death for the independence of our country. Call him a masonic heretic or whatever, we can still examine his early life as a Catholic and see that he grew a really splendid childhood in the guidance of his parents, Don Francisco Rizal and Doña Teodora Alonso. From the basic Latin Catholic prayers under his mother's tutelage to the first schooling in Biñan upon his father's decision, we can see Jose grow in Christian and scholastic wisdom thanks to the help of his parents. Perhaps without Teodora and Francisco, we could never have the great man in history as Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal.

As we ponder much on the nationalism brought about by this day, we also look on our faith and see that we are also celebrating the Feast of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the humble and simple, yet sanctified Family of Nazareth. The three main characters of this family show how God chose to save the human race, that is through the basic unit of society, the family. Beyond the usual glam and pomp of families and clans of the old ages and even of the present era, especially those of 'royal' lineage, we see these three people in all their simplicity: Joseph the silent carpenter, Mary the hardwoking mother, and Jesus the one subject to their guidance on Earth. Nothing can be seen in them as special, except the fact that they work and pray in God's favor.

The Gospel episode for today, the last Friday of 2011, revolves on the presentation of the infant Jesus to the temple. In order to fulfill the demands of the law, Jesus' parents took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God, along with their sacrifices so that Mary may be purified in the sight of the Jews. As we may hear, it is the custom that every male which opens the womb is to be consecrated to the Lord. This is one important event in the life of the Jewish family, and we can imagine the immense joy that a couple has in offering the firstborn male as a sign of gratitude to God who created them and gave them everything they need.

He who is God-made-flesh is presented to God, in order to confirm his saving mission which he had from the moment of birth. Mary who is ever-virgin is cleansed in the sight of the law, confirming the maternal mission entrusted to her of taking care of her Son who is Emmanuel. Joseph, as we may realize, is silent in this episode, as in the other Gospel accounts; he is the one who carefully ponders in his heart the wonder of God which is taking place in his wife and son. Through this, Joseph himself is becoming sanctified with God's wonders.

What's more in this episode? We see two witnesses confirming the child's saving mission in the years to come. Simeon the old man who cradled Jesus in his arms and proclaimed, Now Lord, you may take your servant! My own eyes have seen the salvation you prepared for us!  Anna who also came in that  moment telling the passers-by that the salvation has come. It is clear to these two Jews, as we hope we do know, that this family has something special to do for our sake: Jesus, the destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, Mary, whose heart shall be pierced with a sword, and Joseph the silent witness and guardian of the Holy Mother and Child.

Though they appear to us a simple and humble people, they still have a special role in our salvation. In order for Jesus to fulfill his saving act, he must first undergo the tutelage of his parents. Without their guidance, Jesus would never grow up as we know him. He would grow radical, not as a holy man but rather as a barbaric person. We may not even know Jesus at all! 

See, Joseph and Mary has much to do to make Jesus who he is. As parents, they had the hard role of molding him and making him a worthy person and favorable in the eyes of God. Parents as they are, they fulfilled their prime responsibility, and of this they are venerated and acclaimed.

Look at our families today, and ask ourselves: As parents, do we still guide our children to the right path of life? As children, do we still show respect to our parents? As a family, do we still work and pray and guide each other so that we can still consider ourselves as a family God wants us to be?

As we draw the year 2011 to a close, this may be a proper call for all families to reflect on the wonder of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Simple as they are, they still showed their  great participation in God's plan of salvation. This may also be our challenge in the coming New Year and everyday, that we grow within our family the everlasting love of God. Let us never be afraid to proclaim to the world that our families are also favored by God in work, prayer, and love for LIFE and one another.

Pasko: Hirap tungo sa Luwalhati!

Dis. 25, 2011

PASKO NG PAGSILANG NG PANGINOONG HESUKRISTO

Misa sa Hatinggabi:

Is 9,1-6  . Ti 2,11-14

Lc 2,1-14

Misa sa Maghapon:

Is 52,7-10 . Heb 1,1-6

Jn 1,1-18

===

Verbum caro factum est, et  habitavit in nobis!

Kakaiba ang indayog ng mundo ngayon. Malamig ang hangin, madilim sa labas, nang biglang sumilay ang liwanag mula sa isang pakainan ng mga hayop.

Mula rito'y may isang sanggol na sumilang. Mahirap ang gabing iyon. Walang magpatuloy sa kanyang mga magulang sa bahay sa paligid. Walang makakasilay sa kanyang mga unang  sandali kundi ang hamak na asno, tupa at baka lamang. 

Subalit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito ay nagkaroon ng di-magkandahulilip na kaligayahan sa buong mundo. Sa madilim na langit ay suminag ang isang malaki at maninging na bituin. Sa ihip ng hangin ay lumilipad ang koro ng mga Anghel na nagsisiaiwitan ng mga papuri ng Diyos. At doon sa pakainan ng mga hayop ay nagisnan ng mga magulang ng sanggol ang isang banayad na kapangyarihan na nagmula sa sanggol na bagong silang.

Hindi lang naman kasi siya isang ordinaryong sanggol. Siya ang Anak ng makapangyarihang Diyos. Siya ang katuparan ng lahat ng mga propesiya at ng mga batas. Siya ang manunubos at tunay na tagapagligtas ng sangkatauhan. Siya ang Emmanuel - ang Diyos na sumasaatin!

Sa abang kahirapan, nakikita at  nasasaksihan ng isang tao ang kapangyarihan at pagmamahal ng Diyos. Imbis na sa kadakilaan masilayan ng sanggol na ito ang unang mga sandali ng buhay, pinili niyang sa sabsaban lamang unang marinig ng mundo ang kanyang uha. Imbis na magagarang gamit at damit ang ipambalot sa kanya, ay hamak na basahang-lampin lamang ang mas ninais niyang ipambalot sa kanya. Maaari namang mayayaman ang unang maglingkod sa kanya, subalit mga hamak na pastol ang unang nakakita at  nakasumpong sa kanyang mapagmahal na mukha.

Bakit?

Dahil nais niyang maramdaman ang hirap ng ating abang buhay. Upang maunawaan niyang lubos ang pangangailangan ng tao. Nang sa gayon ay maitindihan natin ang pagmamahal ng Diyos na hindi sinukat ang ating kaabahan bagkus ay mas pinili pang yakapin ito at isabuhay ng buong-buo.

Ito ang Pasko: Ang salita ay nagkatawang-tao at nanahan sa piling natin! Pinili niyang tanggapin sa unang Pasko ang hirap ng pagiging isang tao, upang sa makalawang Pasko ay maipakita naman niya sa atin ang kanyang mapanligtas na kapangyarihan. Mula sa buhay na hamak ay tinanggap ng Sanggol na ito ang dakilang atas na ialay ang buhay para sa ating kaligtasan. Mula sa ating pagkasadlak ay nakikita natin ang Sanggol na ito na lumaki, naging marunong at di-naglaon ay iniligtas tayo sa pamamagitan ng krus at kamatayan.

May mga nag-iisip sa atin na ang Pasko ay para sa mga mayayaman lamang, na hindi kailan man naipadama ng Diyos ang kanyang pagmamahal, na siya ay hanggang salita lamang.

Subalit ito nga ang hamon ng Pasko: Sa gitna ng rangya ng makabagong mundo, silayan natin ang isang sanggol sa gabing mahimbing na ubod ng hirap, dahil dito sa gitna ng kahirapang ito, masisilayan natin ang isang Diyos na mas piniling maging kaisa natin sa kahirapan upang maiahon tayo mula sa sabsaban ng paghihirap tungo sa liwanag ng buhay na walang hanggan!

MALIGAYANG PASKO PO SA INYONG LAHAT!

Mula sa Ur Dose

I am here! I will do it!

Dec. 18, 2011

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16  . Rm 16,25-27

Lk 1,26-38

===

I was sitting quietly

doing house errands and busy with chores

When an unexpected visitor came

Who gave me shrills and thrills.

He is not a human; he is a supernatural!

I was surprised, and I don't know what to do.

Shall I take him out of my house?

Shall I hide somewhere safe?

(No, I can't hide; he's somebody else remember?)

But he perhaps saw the fright on my being

When he said, 'Kecharitomene!'

I''m full of grace of every kind,

I'm blessed amongst all women.

It's not fright anymore; it's much of curiosity

What is he talking about?

What is his visit for?

Would he take me to Heaven now?

(No; I can't leave, I remember Joseph...)

But he proceeded with his holy speech.

'Behold, you shall be with Son,

He will be glorious

You shall name him Jesus.

'Have no fear, Mary;

This will be, for you have God's favor

Elizabeth is also pregnant now,

with God there is nothing impossible!'

'How would this be,' I replied.

'Joseph loves me, he can't move me that early.

I do not know any man except him;

How can you say that I shall be pregnant?'

'The powers of the Highest will overshadow you;

You shall bear somebody holy.

Have no fear, Mary

Open yourself and God will take charge.'

I am puzzled. What if this is a hoax?

What if these are unreal?

What will happen to me and Joseph?

Would it end this early?

But I listen further, and I hear

no sound of fear or guilt;

I can hear the sound of angels

The majestic silence and calmness.

I resolved. There is nothing to fear.

This is God's will, I am his servant.

I am here, I shall never be alone.

There is no problem; I will do it!

The angel is waiting for my response;

I am sure of what I said:

'Ecce ancilla Domini,

Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum!'

The angel left me, again alone

but did he leave me lonely and confused?

NO! I am sure of what' to happen...

I will open myself - and my womb - to my God and creator.

Now, after nine months of bearing,

I feel the labor and the pain.

He is coming, he surely must be delivered!

Everything will be alright, of this I'm sure.

Rejoice!

Dec. 11, 2011

Third Sunday of Advent

Is 61,1-2a.10-11 . 1Thes 5,16-24

Jn 1,6-8.19-28

===

The Third Sunday of Advent comes to us as a sign that Christmas is not far away from coming. We are called by today's Holy Liturgy to be glad, Gaudete! Indeed, we are challenged to be  glad over what the world of sadness, betrayal and loneliness. We are challenged to wait in joy as the Light will dispel the darkness of our hearts.

This light, born in a stable, is the greatest of all lights, is the one announced by John in the Jordan. He who was not the Light came to testify to the Light. While everyone of his time saw him as the coming Messiah, he boldly admits, I am not the Christ! I am The voice... Prepare the Lord's Way!

We continue to see the image of John in the course of the season, and he continuously tells us to prepare our lives and hearts over the coming Messiah. We are always anxious of what to prepare for Christmas; nevertheless, we always forget what is really to be prepared.

So, what should we do? 

This is just a quick dose, but always remember... If you feel much joy in waiting, then you're on your way to Christmas!

And so... REJOICE!

IMMACULATE NOW AND ALWAYS

Dec. 08, 2011

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Principal Patroness of the Philippines

Holy Day of Obligation in the Philippines

Gn 3,9-15.20 . Eph 1,3-6.11-12

Lk 1,26-38

===

In Malabon City, December 8, 9 and 10 are considered "Blue Letter Days" because of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and the ritual feasts of the place. The picture beside this reflection is the Canonically-crowned image of Our Lady under the title La Inmaculada Concepcion. This image was believed to be in existence for maybe 300+ years. 

Because of its miracles and wonders done to the whole Barrio Concepcion (currently a Barangay) and nearby areas, Pope John Paul II through a Papal Bull, decreed that the Image be canonically crowned. This was done in December 07, 1986 by the Late Jaime Cardinal Sin. 

Yesterday, December 07, the Parish Community celebrated its 25th Year of the Canonical Coronation, a symbol of the unwavered thanksgiving and praise due to the Mother of God.

I admit, the Immaculate Conception is my most admired title of Mary. Aside from the fact that I'd studied in a catholic institution in Malabon City named after this title of Mary, I've grown up to be a servant from her guidance and inspiration. I became a part of the school choir, and from that time on, I began my service as a lay minister. I always say, Kung hindi dahil kay Maria, wala ako sa kung nasaan ako, at sa kakayahan ko ngayon. Si Maria ang may dahilan ng lahat, at siya ang nag-uudyok sa akin na lumapit sa kanyang Anak.

Okay, let's go back to holy business.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary's Conception today, we may ask, Why do we need to celebrate this? What could be the main importance of the celebration?

We need to celebrate this because for one, this is our thanksgiving day. This is the Solemnity of the archipelago's Principal Patroness. And we go to church today to give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings He bestowed upon us, especially for the gift of the faith, of Mary and of her Son, Jesus.

Now, we go back to the History of the Church, back to the First Marian Dogma Ineffabilis Deus, which was defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854, to wit:

We declare, pronounce and define that the doctrine which holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the first instant of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace of the Omnipotent God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind, was preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin, has been revealed by God, and therefore should firmly and constantly be believed by all the faithful.

Being the Mother of the Word Incarnate, Mary is never considered to be conceived with sin. It is impossible for God to dwell in a sinful temple. Mary is found to be sinless, fair, and incorrupt from the first moment of conception, that's the main reason why God chose to dwell in her.

As from Eve came sin and death (First Reading), through Mary came salvation and Life in Jesus Christ. We listen to Gabriel's words: Hail, full of Grace! The whole heavenly assembly call Mary full of Grace. Mary is conceived without sin; for this, to her was given the privilege of being the God-bearer,Theotokos in greek.

Because she was Immaculate, that's why she was taken to Heaven, body and spirit. As we pointed out, God does not will that the body of Mary experience corruption, being the Holy Mother of the Savior.

All these privileges because of her very special role to the History of Man's salvation. Being conceived without sin makes Mary that holy and gentle woman of all ages. That makes her hailed among all humankind. That makes her our Mother at the cross. That makes her receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. That makes her the Mother of the New Man now and always!

For this, we are called to celebrate this day, the beginning of the dawning of salvation of Man. We pray to the blessed Virgin, Immaculately Conceived, our beloved Patroness and protectress. that we may have the strength to live in total holiness and surrender to Jesus Christ. Like her, may we continue to strive for a pure and holy life, and defend the sacredness of life anytime and any where.

...And don't forget to go to church today! It's a Holy Day of Obligation.

REGINA SINE LABE CONCEPTA, 

Ora  Pro Nobis!

NARITO NA ANG NAGPAUNA!

Diciembre 04, 2011

Ikalawang Linggo ng Adbiyento

National AIDS Sunday
Is 40,1-5.9-11 . 2Pd 3,8-14

Mc 1,1-8

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Hindi kumpleto ang Panahon ng Adbiyento kung hindi maririnig sa liturhiya ang isang prominenteng tao sa panahon ni Hesus. Nakasuot ng balat ng kamelyo na may sinturong balat, pulut-pukyutan at balang ang kanyang pagkain. Sa bigla niyang paglitaw sa ilang at sa kanyang ginawa sa Ilog ng Jordan, ay naging instant hit siya. Maraming  dumagsa, nakibalita at inalam kung ano ang mensahe ng taong ito.

Aba, nagbibinyag siya! Nakakatuwa na nakakapanibago. Aniya, ito raw ay para sa ikakapagpatawad ng ating mga kasalanan. Nais daw niyang tuparin ang pahayag ni Proopeta Isaias, Ihanda ang daraanan ng Panginoon! Nais niyang ihanda ang daanan ng isa pang darating, isang tao na mas makapangyarihan at malakas kaysa sa kanya.

Ang kanyang pangalan: Ioannes.

Pero siya nga ba ang darating? Hindi! Malinaw niya itong pinahayag, May darating na mas higit pa sa akin. Napakadakila niya na ako man ay di karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang panyapak! Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, subalit ang darating ay magbibinyag sa inyosa Espiritu Santo at apoy!

Aba, may darating pa daw! Sino siya? Nakaka-intriga naman ang panahon nila, puro mga blind item. Tao ba ito? Hari ba? Makapangyarihan ba? Mesiyas ba?

Oo naman! Wag nating kakalimutan na kahit marinig natin ang pangalang Ioannes o Juan sa buong panahon ng Adbiyento, ay may mas matindi pang taong darating. Di ba nga, sinabi sa pasimula ng Ebanghelyo ngayon,

Initium evangelii Iesu Christi Filii Dei.

Ang persona ni Juan Bautista ay hudyat ng isang paparating na mas dakila, mas banal, mas makapangyarihan. Hindi siya ang talagang manunubos, subalit tagapaghanda lamang siya ng landas. Sa pagdating ng Panginoong Hesus, mapapansin na ulit nating nawawala na sa eksena si Juan dahil natapos na ang kanyang atas na gawain, ngunit gayunpaman hindi niya iniwanang hindi tapos ang kanyang misyon.

Patuloy tayo sa pagbagtas ng daan ng Adbiyento. Sinisindihan na natin ang ikalawang kandila sa korona, tanda ng ating paghahanda. Nananatili pa rin ba tayo sa ating adhikain na linisin ang bakuran ng ating pagkatao para sa haring kakatok at papasok sa Pasko? Tulad ni Juan, kinikilala ba natin ang Panginoong Hesus bilang mas makapangyarihan at Panginoon sa ating buhay? 

Mahirap nga ang ituring ang sariling munti  sa harap ng Diyos, subalit hindi nga natin ito magagawa sa sarili nating lakas lamang. Humingi nga tayo ng pagsaklolo sa Tagapanguna, si Juan Bautista upang atin ngang matugunan ang tawag ng Adbiyento: Ihanda ang daraanan ng Panginoon!