Inspirations at your Fingertips!

True offering Matthew 9:1-8 We are following the book of Genesis.  The story is about offering.  Even if it takes his son to be offered, Abraham succumbed to God's will.  He said, "My son, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering."  These words marked the quality of a true offering: it is not the gift that is the core of the offering, but our total resignation to God's will, knowing full well that God provides for all our needs. In our gospel, Jesus cured the paralytic.  Seeing him in a pitiable state, he said, "Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven."  Total resignation to God also means he cures us in our totality; he cures us inside and out, and not just according to our expectations.  This is also the quality of Jesus' offering coupled with our own - we are cured entirely, from relationships to actual situation. Thus, when we give, give just as Jesus did and what God has in mind - everything.

God's power; God's mercy Matthew 8:23-27 The real live drama of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah reveals the awesome power of God to destroy and carry out justice. But his mercy also manifested, in his love of Abraham and his brother Lot.  Meanwhile, Lot's wife was not spared as she disobeyed God and looked back, she turned into a pillar of salt. Jesus also manifested his power over all created things, particularly, the winds and the sea.  Must we continue doubting Jesus? Two things come to mind regarding God's power:  first, he rules the world with justice and second; he rules with mercy and compassion. Jesus came to rescue us from sin and death.  Stop doubting God.

The true companion   Matthew 5:13-16 Who is St. Barnabas?  Saint Barnabas was born in Cyprus. He was one of the early converts in Jerusalem and vouched for St Paul when he appeared before the elders there. He accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and later went to Cyprus with his cousin John Mark (Mark the evangelist) to preach the gospel there. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02300a.htm) Who is the "companion" today?  He can be a "co-journeyer"; a friend to stay with us in our journey. He is a "co-discerner"; someone who thinks with us in making the right decision. And here's my favorite theme in my formation in the seminary; we are "co-responsible" for our formation.  A companion joins us in our formation to perfection in God so we can realize what we are supposed to do in this world. Such is St. Barnabas.  And we can be companions too if our task is to lead others to heaven.

A ministry of love John 15:9-17 We are waiting as Jesus said before going up to heaven in the gospel of Luke (44, 49).  He will send to us the Holy Spirit. But we are also celebrating the Feast of St. Matthias, the apostle, the one who completed the 12 and carried out the ministry entrusted by Jesus. There is a ministry that we have to continue; a ministry started by Christ.  Our lives are a continuation of that ministry to proclaim the forgiveness of God. The Holy Spirit enables us to continue the ministry and link all generations to Jesus. It is a ministry of forgiveness; it is a ministry of friendship.  It is a ministry of love according to the heart of Jesus. It is ministry of fruitfulness, producing generous hearts and leading souls to God. It is the story saving work of Jesus in our generation.

Even though Jesus is not here   John 16:5-11 At this time in the liturgy, Jesus is getting ready to ascend to heaven. But he is giving his last minute instructions before his last departure. He is not going to leave us as orphans.  Rather, he will send the Holy Spirit; then we shall understand what is right and what is wrong. In the first reading, Paul and companions are experiencing what Jesus also experienced in his life - rejection.  On the other hand, they are also experiencing the miracle of being free. What constitutes real freedom?  Freedom is intimately connected with knowledge and life of truth.  Truth is what we learn from Jesus to help to be truly free. Even though it's 2000 years from the time of Christ's life, we continue to experience his truth as if Jesus were near us.  Only through the Holy Spirit can we say that Jesus has not abandoned us; and he continues to work in the world because he is with us.

Unity and division  John 15:9-11 The Church has always found itself in conflict - with principles, personalities and beliefs. But it also has its way of uniting peoples, especially for God. The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reflects a resolution; there would not be any circumcision, but there would not be eating of food from animals offered to idols.  Christianity now focuses on internal dispositions and not outward expressions. The gospel emphasizes the result of unity and a united heart - love.  Love comes from the Father and the son.  Love enables us to follow Jesus.  True joy comes in loving rightfully the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We should stop looking for things that divide us.  Instead, look for things that unite us in love.

50th Wedding anniversary Gospel: John 15: 12 - 16 I have been privileged to facilitate the renewal of marriage vows of Ching and Mar who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. It is the dream of all dreams of the children to see their parents walk up the aisle again and renew their eternal love which now we all know is a direct replica of God's love. I haven't had the privilege of the length of  days to journey with this lovable couple; nevertheless, I would want to reflect on their marital relationship as reflected on their chosen readings - from the book of Tobit and St. Paul to the Collosians. From the book of Tobit, already advanced in age and deported to Niniveh, sends his son Tobias to Medias to collect a debt.  Tobias meets and marries Sarah in the process as they now continue to serve his father who dies of old age. This story is famous for a young man's total love and dedication to his father as well as his wife, which is solidifies the conce...