Shepherd for the shepherds

May 15, 2011

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Ac 4,8-12 . 1Jn 3,1-2

Jn 10,11-18

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Sometimes, we say that the religious life or the priesthood is one of the most out-of-this-world occupations this time around. Aside from being old school in terms of ways, appearance and demeanor, there are some priests (NOT ALL!...) whom people can't just take because of their 'Padre Damaso' behavior: suplado, maldito, pintasero, and sometimes medyo bastos. When one priest or religious does something wrong, expect it to be on the broadsheets the next day; when another priest is given a significant award or citation, expect nothing in the news tomorrow. We can't blame it. They are considered by the significant majority as weirdos, as people who are not in with the modern norms, as an evidence of a civilization which is almost in its 'doom,' as others do say. 

But for us Christians, we consider the religious life as a blessing, a gift of God to the Church. Their consoling words, their unending prayers, and their friendly company make up for the loneliness, emptiness and sadness which we usually experience through everyday. Isn't it true that when we talk to a priest, brother or nun, the burden seems lessened, the problem lightened, and our view more illuminated? As shepherds in their own little way, they fulfill the task entrusted to them by the Lord to lead the flock to the Father.

I am the good shepherd,

and I know mine and mine know me,

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;

and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus used every means possible to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to all of us here on Earth. He healed the sick, cast out demons, exhorted some good people, fed the thousands,  raised some dead people, and preached the Gospel throughout Israel and Judea. More than the credit he gained, he gradually led his believers to the fulfillment of God's Will in due time.

I am the Good Shepherd. 

A Good Shepherd lays his life down for the sheep.

Jesus showed a perfect example of offering his life for the sake of all of us. As he was hung upon the Cross, he showed the ultimate end of being a Savior. As he dies, he drew everyone to himself, and offered them back to the Father as a sign of the fulfillment of every written prophecy. He left no one behind, as everyone is included in the plan of God's salvation. 

This is why the Father loves me,

because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.

I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.

But as he gives his life, he takes it up again! In his resurrection, Jesus shows that he has all the power to conquer sin and death, which separated us from his Father. He lives for us, the sheep, as he once died for our cause. He never dies, for he is risen over death and expiration has no more power over him. He continuously guide us towards the green pastures, which is Heaven alone.

This mission of the Lord is continued by the ministers of His Church. It is really consoling to see its clergy and religious continuing Christ's task of shepherding the flock. Yes, they have flaws just like the rest of us, but despite this, we can still see clearly the mark of God's loving compassion. They continue to shepherd us In persona Christi capitis, and we are more imbibed by the presence of Jesus in them.

But during the course of time, shepherds come and shepherds go. As our elder heads retreat from the ministry, new ones come and take their place. As I said earlier, these shepherds of ours are considered by the modern world as weirdos and out-of-this-world citizens. Yet, how sweet it could be when among the people of our society, one stands differently and decides to follow Christ's call! How great it is when we lead the people of God in praising his Holy Name and celebrating the Holy Banquet of salvation!

Vocations, though scarce, can lead us to something great! And it is our task, as the Church, to continuously pray for it. Jesus calls us ultimately, by name, to partake in his mission of leading the people of God towards the Kingdom, and it is more than better if we respond with a big Amen instead of saying pass and regret it later. If we can follow the shepherd, we can certainly be shepherds ourselves!

Let us pray for more vocations as we observe today's celebration. We can help somebody discern deeper with our spiritual support, which is prayer. Let us not turn out heads back at this need of the Church. As Jesus offered his life as the Good Shepherd, so we should also ask his grace to call among his children to follow his steps.


The world needs more shepherds. We can ask them from no one else but the Shepherd who is the Lord and Master of all Shepherds!

Nasugatan para Magpahilom

Abril 22, 2012

Ikatlong Linggo ng Muling Pagkabuhay

Gw 3,13-15.17-19 . 1Jn 2,1-5a

Lc 24,35-48

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Minsan, sa aking buhay estudyante, naranasan kong masaktan sa mga desisyon na pinili ko. Maraming sumita sa akin; ayon sa kanila, hindi daw ganoon ang nararapat kong gawin kundi ganito. Dapat ay inisip ko munang malalim ang lahat ng galaw ko upang mas maipakita ko ang aking kakayahan. Subalit nagpakita ako ng katatagan sa desisyon na aking ginawa, na 'mali' para sa kanila. 

Marami pa akong naranasang paghihirap dahil sa aking mga ideya, subalit sa bandang huli naranasan ko ang tamis ng tagumpay bunga ng aking pananaw. Akala ko ay hindi ako makaka-survive, subalit kay bait ng Diyos! Naramdaman ko rin ang suporta ng mga taong tunay na tinuring akong isang kasama at di ako pinabayaan sa gitna ng kawalan. Lagi ko iyung binabalikan ngayong wala na ako sa buhay-kolehiyo, at naiisip ko na kailangan ko nga sigurong pagdaanan ang persekusyon ng mga taong tinuring kong umiintindi sa katayuan ko subalit di pala, upang makita ang realidad at ang matamis na pagtatagumpay na bunga ng aking pagsusumikap.

Muli ngang nabuhay ang Panginoon! Napakita kay Simon! Ito ang unang naratnang pangungusap ng dalawang alagad galing Emaus bago nila ipahayag ang kanilang pagkakita kay Hesus noong hinati niya ang tinapay. Kahit na sila ay may diskumpiyansa, nakakapagtaka na nakita ng iilang tao ang Guro na alam naman nilang namatay sa Krus at sa pagkapahiya... na buhay! Na kapiling nila! Na binabalikan sila upang patunayan ang katuparan ng lahat ng kasulatan!

At sa sandaling ito napakita si Hesus sa piling nila. Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! Lubos na di makapaniwala ang mga alagad, na wari'y nagdududa o namamalik-mata dahil ang isang patay na ay di na mabubuhay. Subalit si Hesus, na nakasama nila sa mahabang panahon, ay hindi lamang tao... SIYA'Y DIYOS! Sa kamatayan niya sa Krus, nagapi niya ang kamatayan, at sa kanyang pagkabuhay binigyan niya tayo ng pag-asa na hindi na rin tayo mamamatay kailanman basta tayo'y nakatangan lamang sa kanya.

Nabatid ni Hesus na kailangan pa nila ng pruweba at alam niya ang pinakamadaling paraan ng pagpapatunay na siya nga ay buhay at kapiling ng kanyang mga alagad... May makakain ba diyan? Sa pagbigay nila ng inihaw na isda, kinain niya ito sa harapan nila. Dito nabuksang tuluyan ang kamalayan ng mga alagad. Hindi nga sila namamalik-mata.... BUHAY NGA SI HESUS! Ang Hesus na nakita nila noong isang malaking sugat na tinubuan ng katawan, ang Hesus na nagbata ng hirap, ang Hesus na pinako sa Krus, ang Hesus na itinakwil ng buong Israel, ang Hesus na namatay, ay narito... Buhay at kumakain ng isda!

Nabuksan ang kanilang pisikal na mata sa pagkakita sa Panginoon na buhay; at sa sandaling iyon hinayaan nila si Hesus na buksan ang kanilang mata ng diwa sa mga bagay na patungkol sa kanya, ang katuparan ng lahat ng mga isinulat sa kautusan ni Moises, sa mga aklat ng mga Propeta at mga awit tungkol sa akin (...) Kailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Anak ng Tao at muling mabuhay sa Ikatlong Araw. Ang pagsisisi at ang kapatawan ng mga kasalanan sa kanyang pangalan ay dapat ipahayag (...)!

Batid ng Panginoon na kailangan nga niyang pagdaanan ang mga bagay na ito upang maluwalhati ang Diyos at mailigtas tayong mga makasalanan. Sa kabila ng matinding hirap, siya ay nagtagumpay, at dahil dito ay malaya na tayo mula sa kamandag ng kasalanan. Sa kanyang pagtatagumpay, walang ibang makikinabang kundi tayong mga iniligtas niya sa Krus. Dinanas niya ang kamatayan, upang tayo ay mabuhay na kasama niya! Nasugatan siya ng lubha upang hilumin ang ating ketong bunga ng pagkakamali ng una nating magulang.

Nagawa na ni Hesus ang kanyang bahagi; ngayo'y pinapaalala niya sa atin, Saksi kayo sa mga bagay na ito. Ano man ang ating pinagdadaanan, mga minamahal na kasama, pinapaalala sa atin ng Panginoon na tayo ay mga saksi sa kadakilaan ng kanyang Paskwa, ng kanyang pagtawid mula sa dilim ng kamatayan tungo sa liwanag ng buhay. Saksi tayo, at tungkulin nating ikalat sa mundo ang kanyang kabutihan sa ating lahat!

Sa panahong ito ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay, isang paanyaya ang umaalingawngaw, ang makita natin sa pagsubok ng buhay ang misteryo ng kamatayan at pagkabuhay ni Kristo. Sa kabila ng mga pangungutya at panunuya ng iba, tinatawagan tayong maging katulad ni Kristo na tahimik at walang imik na tinanggap ang mga masasakit na paggawad ng kanyang kapwa, sa pag-asang tayo ay magtatagumpay tulad niyang bumangon mula sa libingan sa luwalhati ng kanyang pagka-Diyos. 

Huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa, basta patuloy lamang tayong kumapit sa kanyang kagandahang-loob. 

Hayaan nating buksan ni Hesus ang ating diwa; at ialay natin ang lahat nating kakayahan sa kanya. 

At sa sandaling nakita na natin ang tagumpay sa pagsubok nating pinagdadaanan, hamon sa atin na ikalat sa mundo kung paanong ang Diyos ay maunawain at mahabagin sa katulad natin.

Nasugatan siya upang mahilom ang ating mga sugat. Nagtagumpay siya upang tayo ay mabigyan ng pag-asa. Saksi tayo sa mga bagay na ito; ikalat natin sa daigdig ang kadakilaan ng Diyos!

MERCY TOWARDS PEACE

April 15, 2012

Second Sunday of Easter

Divine Mercy Sunday

Ac 2,42-47 . 1Pt 1,3-9

Jn 20,19-31

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Jesus comes amid closed doors and, as he presents the wounds of his passion, declares, Peace be with you! The Father has sent me, so I send you.

Blessed John Paul II declared the Second Sunday of Easter as the Divine Mercy Sunday, as he emphasized the need for us to understand the whole message that the Word of God is giving us on this day. In his homily during its institution in 2000, he presented the connection of the messages of the Lord to Saint Faustina to his words to the apostles in today's Gospel. 

Jesus once told St. Faustina, On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. He wants the Church to recognize this day not only as the Octave day of Easter, but as a feast which puts more emphasis on his mercy which springs forth from the sacred blood and water which flowed out from the side of Jesus. The blood and water, symbolizing the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, is the greatest instrument and manifestation of God's mercy for us.

His mercy leads us to peace! We examine the Image of the Divine Mercy and it resembles that apparition which happened on Easter night to the Apostles. As they were gripped with so much fear, Jesus shows himself and declares peace among the troubled followers. He sends the Spirit of peace among them as he sends them to the world to forgive and proclaim the Good News. He shows his resurrected glory to those whom he loved, and  their belief were more deepened with trust.

Trust is the key for the Doubting Thomas. We see the signature of the Image saying, Jesus, I Trust in You! We can't help but look back at the eight night after the Resurrection when Thomas, full of doubt upon what his brothers saw, wanted to place his hand and fingers on the sacred wounds of the Lord. But upon seeing the Lord first-hand, he fell to his knees and declared, Dominus meus et Deus meus! Through this declaration, Thomas trusted already that the Lord is already alive. At this the Lord declares, Blessed are those who do not see yet believe. 

We contemplate today on the Divine Mercy of Our Lord, and it is indeed a grace for all of us especially now that we are facing a lot of crises in and out of the country in general and of our persons as individuals. As we encounter lots and lots of challenges in our everyday life, we are called by the Lord to trust all the more in His Mercy. Where could we indeed find peace if not in God's infinite Mercy?

We should only open ourselves to His heart of infinite Mercy. he knows all our needs, but we just need to recognize first that it is his mercy that we should attain first before everything else. We can find artificial peace in the things of the world, and yet see it wither after some time. 

Let us dwell ourselves in the Mercy of God. He can only provide us the real peace and serenity, the peace the world cannot give. Let us trust in God's compassion for his wounds led us to the healing of our souls. Let us declare, Dominus meus et Deus meus! Iesu, in te confido!

Let us now pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Gabing Naliliwanagan

Abril 07, 2011

PASKO NG MULING PAGKABUHAY NG PANGINOONG HESUKRISTO

Dakilang Bihilya sa Gabi ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay

Gn 1,1-2,2 . Gn 22,1-18 . Ex 14,15-15,1 . Is 54,5-14

Is 55,1-11 . Bar 3,9-15.32C4.48 . Ezk 36,16-17a.18-28 . Rm 6,3-11

Mc  16,1-7

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Mula sa isang liwanag, pinagpasa-pasahan, hanggang sa maliwanagan ang mundong balot sa kadiliman... 

Ang pagdiriwang ng sagradong gabing ito ay isa sa mga hinihintay ng Sambayanang Kristiyano sapagkat inaalala natin ang dakilang katuparan ng pangako ng Diyos. Ngayong gabi, tuluyang sumambulat ang luwalhati ng Panginoon, at pinawi nito ang mapang-aping kamandag ng kasalanan at kamatayan sa ating mga nakatakdang tumanggap nito.

Sa mga pagbasa na ipapahayag, mababanaagan kung paano ang Panginoon ay nanatiling tapat sa kanyang pangako, mula noong lalangin niya ang tao bilang kanyang kalarawan at kawangis. Sa katapatan ni Abraham ay  nagkakaloob ang Diyos ng biyaya sa mga taong patuloy na nananalig sa Diyos sa kabila ng kadiliman ng mga pagsubok na dumarating sa kanila (Ikalawang Pagbasa). Sa kanyang pangunguna sa pagtawid ng bansang Israel mula sa pagkaalipin sa Egipto ay pinakilala niya ang kanyang dakilang lakas na siya rin nating sandigan sa ating patuloy na paglalakbay patungo sa kaluwalhatian (Ikatlong Pagbasa).

Sa kabila ng lahat ng unos, lagi siyang tapat at hindi kumakalimot sa anumang kanyang bitawang pangako, dahil sa kanyang pag-ibig sa atin (Ikaapat na Pagbasa), at sa pamamagitan ng mga biyayang ating natamo sa Sakramento ng Binyag, tayo ay nalibing sa kamatayan ni Kristo at muling nabuhay sa kanyang dakilang pagbangon mula sa dilim ng libingan (Sulat ni Pablo).

Nagtagumpay si Hesukristo at ito nga ang totoo! Sa pagkakita ng kababaihan sa libingang walang laman, kanilang nasaksihan ang katuparan ng pangako ng Diyos. Nadatnan sila ng takot na baka ninakaw ang bangkay ng Guro, subalit sa mga salitang binitiwan sa kanila ng misteryosong lalaki sa tabi ng libingan, kanilang natanto ang kaluwalhatiang naganap sa gitna ng gabing ubod ng kadiliman.

Wala na siya rito - Siya'y Muling Nabuhay! Sa wika ng Anghel, tumatag ang kalooban ng mga kababaihan na noo'y may hapis na dinadala dahil sa kamatayan ng kanilang guro. Akala nila, iyun na ang katapusan ng buhay ng taong itinuring nilang Panginoon at Tagapagligtas, subalit ito pa lang pala ang simula ng kaganapan. Lalong tumibay ang kanilang pananalig at lumakas ang kanilang pagkasigasig na ipahayag ang Kristong nabuhay sa lahat ng panig ng daigdig.

Patuloy tayong nahihirapang lumakad sa gitna ng kadiliman ng mga pagsubok sa buhay. Madalas nating sinasabi, wala bang Diyos? Bakit lagi na lang ganito ang pinagdadaanan kong problema? Wala na bang katapusan ito? May mga nagpapakamatay pa nga dahil sa bigat na di na daw nila makayanan. Madilim na buhay ang kanilang kinasasadlakan, madilim na hinaharap ang patutunguhan, lalo na kung wala ang Diyos sa kanilang buhay.

Subalit sa libingang walang laman, dumarating ang pag-asa sa mga nawalan na nito! Muling nabuhay si Hesus para sa ating mga patuloy na nadidiliman ng mga problema! Muli siyang nabuhay para bigyan ng liwanag ang ating mga walang-katapusang gabi. Dumarating siya sa piling natin ngayong gabi, at sa bawat araw ng buhay, upang iparamdam ang pagmamahal niya sa atin, na hindi niya tayo pinababayaan, na patuloy niya tayong pinalalakas upang ating maharap ang dilim ng ating mga 'gabi:' mga pagsubok sa buhay!

Isang mainit na imbitasyon sa atin ngayong gabing naliliwanagan ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon: Manatili tayo sa kanyang liwanag! Natapos na ang biyaheng Kuwaresma natin, at panahon na upang magpista sa dakilang liwanag handog ng Pagkabuhay ni Hesus. Huwag na sana nating talikdan ang biyayang buhat sa Diyos, sa halip ay lalo nating buksan ang ating sarili para sa biyayang nagbubuhat sa Gabing ito na naliliwanagan ng luwalhati ng Panginoong Hesus!

CHRISTOS ANESTI! ALITHOS ANESTI! 

ALLELUIA!!!

Maligayang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay sa inyo!

From: UrDose.blogspot.com

PAGMAMAHAL NA WAGAS

April 06, 2012

VIERNES SANTO SA PAGPAPAKASAKIT NG PANGINOON

Is 52,13-43,12 . Heb 4,14-16.5,7-9

Jn 18,1-19,42

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GOOD FRIDAY sa inyo!

Tulad ng sinabi ko sa pagninilay ko noong isang taon, BIYERNES SANTO PO NGAYON! Ito ang araw na nagninilay tayo sa dakilang pag-aalay ni Hesus ng sarili sa Krus. Karamihan sa atin ay tunay na nagninilay sa katahimikan ngayon, subalit di pa rin maisantabi ang ingay ng mundo na abala sa kabila ng pagiging banal ng araw na ito. Kailan nga ba tayo matututo? Kailan nga ba natin mauunawaan ang tunay na halaga ng Biyernes Santo sa ating buhay, na isang tao ang nag-alay ng buhay nang dahil sa pag-ibig, samantalang patuloy natin siyang binabalewala?

Paano mo nga ba bigyan ng pagsasalarawan ang pag-ibig?

Madalas sa mga nagmamahalan, ang pag-ibig ay nasa paglalaan ng oras sa isa't isa, sa mga regalo na naibigay, sa mga date na pinagkagastusan, sa mga matatamis na salitang binitiwan, at sa iba't-iba pang mga paraan na naipapakita natin ang ating pagkalinga at pagnanasa.

Sinasabihan tayo na di-tapat sa ating pagmamahal, pakipot, o balat-kayo pa nga, subalit sa bandang huli naipapakita pa rin at nabibigyan ng pansin ang damdaming nananaig, ang pag-ibig na wagas at walang katulad. Kailangan nga lang itong pag-ingatan sapagkat kapag ito ay nasira, wala nang ibang madaling paraan upang maisaayos ito. Masira lang ang pagmamahal, parang di ka na kilala ng taong pinatutungkulan mo nito.

Ito ang pag-ibig ng tao. Madaling idaan sa salita, sa bola, sa kyeme, subalit mahirap patunayan lalo na sa mga sandali ng paghihirap sa buhay. Mahal kita ngayon, pero quits rin tayo mamaya kapag dumating na ang problema. Mahal kita ngayon, mahal kita bukas, pero sa susunod na araw, kung wala ka nang sweldo, di na kita love. Magmamahal tayo kung may balik sa atin ang isang bagay, ngunit paano kung wala? Ano'ng gagawin natin? 

Ito ang pag-ibig na naranasan ni Hesus sa mga tao sa paligid niya sa mga huling oras niya bago ang kamatayan sa Krus. Ang mga taong dati niyang pinaglingkuran, minahal, at pinagaling, ngayo'y tinatalikdan siya, kinukutya at pinapatay. Higit sa mga sugat sa katawan, ang sakit sa kanyang diwa ang higit na nagpabigat sa kanyang nararamdamang hirap. Naramdaman ni Hesus kung paano talikuran ng bayan na kanyang kaisa sa lahat ng bagay liban sa kasalanan, at kahit ano'ng salita ng konsolasyon ay hindi makakasapat sa naramdamang kabiguan niyang ito.


Gayunpaman, hindi pa rin tumigil si Hesus na mahalin ang tao hanggang sa huling sandali. Samantalang siya'y pinapatay, higit niyang pinapakita ang kanyang pagmamahal sa pamamagitan ng pagtahimik at pagtanggap... 

sa halik ni Hudas at pagtakbo ng mga Apostol palayo,


sa masasakit na salita ng taumbayan, 


sa bawat yurak sa kanyang mukha, 


sa bawat sipa at hampas, 


sa bawat tinik na tumutusok sa kanyang ulo, 


sa Krus na mabigat na kailangan niyang pasanin papuntang Golgotha, 


sa mga maruruming pako na tumagos sa kanyang palad,


at sa huling paghihirap na naranasan niya bago ang kanyang kamatayan.


Tinanggap nga niya ang lahat, at ipinahiwatig sa atin na habang patuloy sila sa pagkutya, patuloy rin siya sa pagtanggap at pagmamahal. Nais niya tayong mailigtas kaya ginawa niya ang lahat. Nais niya tayong mapabanal, kaya siya namatay ng kamatayan ng isang kriminal. Hindi naman talaga niya dapat gawin ang lahat ng ito, pwede pa niyang piliing tumakbo at kalimutan ang plano nila ng Diyos Ama, ngunit nagpatuloy siya dahil ang higit na mahalaga ay ang ating kaligtasan.


GANYAN KA NIYA KAMAHAL. TUNAY NA WAGAS! ISANG PAGMAMAHAL NA WALA NANG MAKAKAHIGIT SA LUPA MAN O SA ILALIM NG LUPA!


At ano ang ating balik sa kanya? Patuloy tayo sa pagkakamali at pagkakasala, na parang walang nangyari halos 2000 taon na ang nakakaraan. Mistulan na ngang walang kumikilala sa paghahain ni Kristo ng buhay para iligtas ang sangkatauhan. Ang panahon natin ay puno na ng ateismo, sekularisasyon, modernismo, komunismo, tahasang pagtama sa mga maling bagay, at iba pang pakana ng diyablo na tinatangkilik ng tao at sinusuportahan kaysa sa mga tunay na diwa ng ating pananampalataya. at higit pa nating nais ang paggawa ng kasalanan at makamundong alalahanin - kahit na umabot pa yan ng ilang oras - kaysa sa maglaan ng ilang minuto upang magnilay sa pagmamahal na wagas na ipinakita ni Hesus.


MGA WALANG UTANG NA LOOB!!! Hanggang kailan tayo magpapatuloy sa pagpatay kay Hesus? Uulitin ko, pwedeng di niya gawin ang mga bagay na ito subalit tinanggap pa rin niya dahil sa pagmamahal sa iyo at sa akin, subalit paano natin ito pinahahalagahan? Hanggang Semana Santa lang ba? Hanggang sa pagsisimba lang ba? Wala na bang pagkakataon na mailaan talaga natin ang ating sarili sa Hari na namatay para sa atin para sa paglilingkod sa kanya, at pagmamahal sa ating kapwa? Sa aba ng mga taong nakakaalam na namatay si Hesus para sa kanila subalit di naman nila ito tinutugan ng pagmamahal sa kanilang kapwa.


Naganap na ni Hesus ang kanyang atas na misyon sa pagyukayok ng kanyang ulo at pagkamatay sa Krus. Ibinuhos na niyang ganap ang kanyang pagmamahal sa atin na makasalanan. Subalit di pa nagaganap at natatapos ang ating atas na tungkulin na ipahayag siya sa buong mundo na tumatalikod sa kanya. Inaanyayahan tayong maging masigasig sa pagtitiis ng hirap at paggawa ng mabuti. Wala pa iyan sa kalinkingan ng tiniis ni Hesus, kaya masasabi talaga nating makakayanan natin kung tayo rin ay magpapasaklolo sa kanya.


Ang pagmamahal ng tao, lumalamig, lumalamlam at nakakalimutan.


Tingin ka lang sa Krus. Ayan ang pagmamahal ng Diyos. Pagmamahal na pangmagpakailanman. Pagmamahal na bumubuhay sa gitna ng tiniis na hirap at kamatayan. IYAN ANG PAGMAMAHAL NA WAGAS!

Do as I do

April 05, 2012

HOLY THURSDAY

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper

Ex 12,1-8.11-14 . 1Cor 11,23-26

Jn 13,1-15

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We are always asked to do what is said of us. In a classroom setup, the teacher demonstrates something in front of the students. She discussed certain words and asked her students to repeat them. At first, she felt troubled at how the kids respond to her command, but through practice they had gradually mastered the pronunciation of words. Later on, during the oral exam, almost all students got a passing mark, and the teacher was well-pleased.

On the first day of the Paschal Triduum, Jesus is presented as somebody who leaves an example for his apostles to follow. During the Passover meal, Jesus takes his outer garments off, took some water and basin, and washed his disciples feet. This may be a new scene for the disciples, yet Jesus took the opportunity to set yet another striking example of humble service to his followers. For Jesus, to become a leader, you must be the servant of all. As you lead, you do not boast your achievements; rather you keep your humble self at all times.

Jesus said, If I do not wash your feet, you will never have an inheritance of me. 

We see the hesitant image of Peter who doesn't wish his feet to be washed, yet consented to his Master's desire. For somebody whose life is full of himself as the leader of the pack, being served by his Master at the lowest point is somebody else. But only Divine Grace made him able to understand what Jesus wanted to teach him, and this made him convert from the three denials at the Temple Court to the thrice expressions of love by the Sea. This made him brave as he led the Church and face his cruel death at Rome. This made him revered as the Rock in which the Church is set.

As they were eating, He took bread and said, Take this, all of you and eat of it, for THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN FOR YOU. 

Jesus washed his disciples' feet on the same night that he instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As he gives his Body and Blood for us to consume, Jesus reminds us that we should live as humble as possible through a holy and truly Christian life. His Body is consumed as our spirit's strength to overcome the numerous temptations, and to become a real image of Christ to everyone around us.

Jesus said, I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should do also. 

This is very far from the servants we know of today, who are full of themselves and desire of nothing but money, power and death to their enemies. The definition of a servant-leader becomes blurred once love of self enters the soul of the person. We have seen many politicians who were self-proclaimed as mabait, matulungin sa kapwa, may paninindigan, but in reality, they do not wish the good of their constituents but desires things which could give them benefits.

If Jesus wants servants who are willing to serve wholeheartedly, then why don't we follow him? Through the washing of the feet, he says implicitly the expected traits of a leader, somebody who is still willing to give up his pride and give in to his neighbor's needs. He challenges us through his death to show our love to all, not only a few or some. He invites us to die of ourselves and provide more for others. And to the person who does this, the reward is so great that man can never estimate it.

We can be more worthy of the Eucharist we celebrate if we are able to serve others wholeheartedly. We are gathered every Sunday to praise the Lord and take part in his sacred banquet, though our hearts and minds are full of dirt and grime of sin. At the end of the Mass, we are called to go in peace and proclaim the Gospel with our own lives. Many of us neglect this message, as they return to their old way of life after the Mass. What a waste of time and effort for these people.

Wala na ngang mas sasarap pa sa pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya, lalo na kung pagkatapos nito ay isinasabuhay natin ang ating naririnig at nakikita. As we are blessed, we are called to become a blessing to other people in word and deed. We become strengthened by his Body and Blood, so we should become the strength of other people. We are served with the Heavenly Bread of Life, so we should also become like bread for others to partake in, willing to offer our lives for the sake of the Good News.

The Lord leaves us an example; we are challenged to do as he does. As we have a date with the Lord in the Altar of Repose tonight, let us ask him for continued grace to do as he did for us. Let us indeed ask him to stay with us throughout life's journey, that we may always serve our needy brethren rather than be served to our own luxury. Let us console him, so that we in turn may be consoled in times of trouble. Let us ask his grace to open up ourselves for the welfare of all, for only in his guidance we achieve our ultimate goal: to have an inheritance of Christ.

BLESSED BE GOD 

IN THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT!!!

Truly, this is the Son of God!

April 01, 2012

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION

The Beginning of the Holy Week

Alay-Kapwa Sunday

World Youth Day

Blessing of Palms

Mk 11,1-10 or Jn 12,12-16

Mass

Is 50,4-7 . Phil 2,6-11

Mk 14,1-15,47 or 15,1-39

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And so let me proclaim with all reflection bloggers out there: TODAY WE BEGIN THE HOLY WEEK! With Palm Branches on our hands and songs of praise on our lips, we once again enter the Holy City with Jesus as we commemorate his saving act for us: his passion, death and resurrection. We dwell again on our acts of piety on one hand and come with the church community for the liturgical rites on the other. The supposed end: a renewed person in us as we celebrate Easter next week.

Last year, we reflected on our response as the people saved by Christ's death on the Cross: Hosanna or Crucifige? We looked at ourselves and asked if we lived a life of praise for the blessings granted upon us, or a life of remorse and bitterness because of so much negativities. We hope that the reflections provided helped all of the readers in the rightful observance of the Week that changed History.

Let us go fast track to the moment when Jesus breathed his last. In total submission to his Father's will, he dies on the cross in the sight of the cruel mob and a few people who stayed with him until the end (PS: John doesn't show his presence in today's Gospel, but let's presume.). He shouts a heavy cry, a cry that encompasses time and place and gave his spirit back to His Father.

While everyone enjoys the view of watching the 'blasphemer' die of his own sins against their religion, a gentile discovers his salvation. As Jesus dies on the Cross, the Roman Centurion who is in-charge of the battalion witnesses the events which unfolded, and on-the-spot, he declares, Truly, this man is the Son of God!

This great Roman Official, who doesn't know Jesus at all, except for what he had heard from hearsay, is among the people who made Christ experience the most cruel execution man can ever give his God. Being the head of the execution team, he spearheaded the death of Our Lord, thinking that he is just a crazy guy which is wanted dead by the Jews.

But upon the death of the Lord, his ideas changed on-the-spot! As he witnesses the darkness of the skies, and the quaking of the Earth, he fell unto his knees, and, looking at the guy he considered as insane at the onset which is now dead, he declares, Truly, this man is the Son of God!

Dear friends, we once again enter the Holy Week with our superficial attitudes. Admit it, some of us practice our popular acts of piety using our mouths and not our hearts. We do penitential acts - some of  which are not recommended by the Local Church - and believe in superstitions - still not recommended by the Church - and yet we do not know Christ deep in our hearts. We perform our 'obligations' and it's all over. Like wearing a uniform, we enjoy doing our practices this week only to take it away next week and perform it again this time next year. How convenient!

But when we are stricken with problems, we often hear ourselves shout, Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachtani? The belief is lost, and what's remained is anger and dissatisfaction over a God who 'did not listened' to our prayers. Is this what we call faith? We depend on our 'acts' and thinks that God is contented with that he is receiving, without seeing the empty space deep in our hearts. We usually replace authentic faith with what we do, that we forget to do the real thing.

And yet, to someone who is in a middle of the sharks the sea of chaos, yet sees himself miraculously saved return to shore safe and sound, God is really there. To someone who thinks that it is the end, yet sees ways to overcome the trials, God is really there. To anybody who is stricken by disease of terminal status, yet miraculously healed, God is really there. To someone who welcomes another day with a smile on his lips despite the troubles of work and school, and ends it with a simple prayer of thanksgiving, God is really there.

In other words, to somebody who believes that God will take care of his life no matter what, God is really there. He does wonders, and we are amazed to the point of declaring, Truly, God is here with us! And he is more worthy to carry Palm Branches and shout out, HOSANNA!!! as Jesus passes by.

Indeed, we bear Palm Branches and declare our praises to the Son of David; and so we know and see God in the midst of the chaos of our life. Sometimes he is hard to find because of our human frailties, but guess what, HE IS THERE! He knows us, he sees us, he loves us until death. And so who are we to forget this love, and share it with others? 

Holy Week is here again, dear friends. Let us not waste this period of our lives in doing senseless things. Rather, let us reflect more on the love of God for us frail beings. Let us once again glace on the Cross and discover how big is his love for all of us! With this, like the Roman Centurion, we may shout out, Truly, this is the Son of God!!!

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I would like to invite you to read and reflect on the Reflections on the Gospels of the Paschal Triduum from April 05-08 here in http://urdose.blogspot.com. This is an opportune chance for everyone to read and reflect on what God has in store for us on these three days of Salvation.

God bless and have a meaningful Holy Week ahead! :)