Daily Reflections - December 23, 2011

Have a CHRIST mas Holy Day

Two days before the whole Christendom celebrates the birth of Christ, our Gospel narrates to us the birth of John the Baptist. The story of His birth is not superfluous to the story of the birth of Jesus. The role of John the Baptist is clear: to prepare the way of the Lord, to point out the coming Messiah.
Just in case you don’t notice, there is in the world right now a subtle yet manifest attempt to conceal the person of Jesus; perhaps not only during Christmas but for all times.
Watch CNN and you will hear the anchors greet you, “Happy Holidays” and not “ Merry Christmas.” They do this out of political correctness. The presence of Christ in the word Christmas might offend the sensibilities of non- Christians watching their program. At the same time last year, the State of Denver prevented their students in a choral contest from singing “ White Christmas” and asked them to sing “White Holiday” instead. And when the students were sent off for vacation, they were told to enjoy not the Christmas holidays but the “winter” holidays.
Make no mistake about it, the subtle eradication of Christ from Christmas has become a blatant political hostility against anything and everything Christian.
Of John the Baptist, the people asked in today’s Gospel, “What will this child be?” He is to be the courageous forerunner, the bold proclaimer of Jesus and His Gospel, to the point of losing his head in martyrdom.
Today let us ask for a little of John the Baptist’s courage. Make a conscious effort to show the world that you are a Christian. Do not abbreviate “Christmas” to “Xmas” even if it means a little more ink and effort in your typing and texting. Better yet, write Christ in bold letters in your Christmas greetings so that your wishes may become not only greetings but an act of faith and proclamation as well. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
Are you looking at these days of Christmas simply as holidays or as holy days?

Pray repeatedly this ancient Christmas hymn: Gaudete! Gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine Gaudete! (Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born of Mary the Virgin, Rejoice!)

St. Dagobert II, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 23, 2011

1st READING

The coming of the Messiah is something that will challenge the status quo and bring about some dramatic changes. He will be like a refiner who purifies precious metals. We see this in Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple when He drove out all the money changers and the animals and made it again a place of quietness and prayer. We see the fierceness of Christ in His challenge to the Scribes and the Pharisees for their pretense and hypocrisy. Yes, His coming will be life-changing if we allow it to be.

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old, as in years gone by. 23 Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day, 24 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.

P S A L M

Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
R: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)

G O S P E L
From the time he saw a vision of an angel in the Temple to the time of the birth of his son, Zechariah had been dumb, unable to speak because he had not believed the angel’s message. Now, all of a sudden his lips are opened and he can speak. One can imagine its impact on the local people. This was a dramatic sign from God that this child had a special mission. Unbelief also makes us unable to speak and proclaim the Good News, so let us be men and women of faith who boldly proclaim the message of God’s mercy and love.

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
Luke 1:57-66
57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 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.
2 Peter 1-3
my reflections
t h i n k : Unbelief makes us unable to speak and proclaim the Good News, so let us be men and women of faith who boldly proclaim the message of God’s mercy and love.


God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Peter 1-3

Daily Reflections - December 22, 2011

A Memo to Parents

When I was a little boy, I was intrigued by a large cucumber I saw in school. It was just an ordinary cucumber but it was in the strangest place. The cucumber was kept inside a bottle on a shelf. This cucumber was many times too large to go through the neck of the bottle and I wondered how it was able to pass through it.
It was a constant puzzle to my young mind and my teacher would always tease the class that it was a magic trick of hers. Until one day, in one of her lectures, my teacher finally explained that when the cucumber was very tiny, it had been passed through the narrow neck and then was allowed to grow while still attached to the vine. It was little but it grew inside the bottle while attached to the vine.
In our readings today, we see two women with their sons. In the first reading, Hannah brings the young Samuel to the temple. In the Gospel, Mary speaks of the Child in her womb. What is common in both mothers is that they kept their “little cucumbers” (read: sons) attached to the Vine of God. Both mothers realized that their sons were not their own. They are bound for great things and thus need to be attached to the Vine of God. Hannah consecrates Samuel in the temple, Mary prophesies the marvels that Jesus will accomplish as Messiah.
My mother practiced a similar principle with me and my siblings. From my earliest recollection, she surrounded me with prayer and instruction and the Gospel. She taught me my night prayers. She showed me how to fold my hands and bend my knees in prayer. She guided me in praying the rosary. Thus, like a little cucumber, I grew up safe inside the bottle of the Church.
A confident parent once wrote, “Give me a child until he is seven and I don’t care who gets him after that.” So self-assured! But I guess if your child is strongly attached to the vine, you will have the same confidence. I pray that this confidence be the Advent grace for all parents reading this. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
Parents, where are your “little cucumbers” at home attached to?

Lord Jesus, You are the Vine, we are the branches. Draw us and keep us close to you. Amen.

St. Hunger, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 22, 2011

1st READING

Hannah had been childless and had prayed fervently to the Lord for a child, which she then dedicated to the Lord and to His service. Recently, a young man in our community made his final vows and his elderly mother attended the service. She told us that when he was a child he had nearly died and she had prayed that if the Lord healed him she would dedicate him to His service. She had never, till that day, told him of this promise. The prayers of a mother are very powerful and can sway the heart of God.

1 Samuel 1:24-28
24 In those days, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a threeyear-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there.

P S A L M

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8
R: My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
1 “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” (R) 4 “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” (R) 6 “The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.” (R) 8 “He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage. (R)

G O S P E L

In her song of praise to the Lord, Mary extols His goodness, mercy and kindness, particularly to the poor and the helpless. God had done extraordinary things in her life in making Mary the mother of His Son, Jesus. Yet it had come at a great cost and Mary was willing to make herself unreservedly available to the Lord and to His purposes. If we, too, want God to do great things for us, we must follow Mary’s example of self-offering and abandonment to God.

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

Luke 1:46-56
46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generation will call me blessed: 49 the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. 50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” 56 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

my reflections
t h i n k : T he prayers of a mother are very powerful and can sway the heart of God.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Peter 1-5

1 Peter 1-5

Daily Reflections - December 21, 2011

Hail Mary!

A Catholic priest was invited by a Christian group to speak in their Church about the Catholic devotion to Mary. Before he began his talk, the pastor reminded him firmly that they were a Bible-based community and they do not say prayers to Mary as they were not “Mary worshippers.”
As the priest began, he invited the congregation to stand and pray. “For our opening prayer, please open your Bibles to Luke 1:28 and let us read it aloud together.” They read, “Hail, O highly favored daughter, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” Then the priest invited the congregation to turn their Bibles to Luke 1:42 and asked them again to read it aloud. They read, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Then he said, “My dear friends, you have just prayed the Catholic prayer, Hail Mary.”
The Hail Mary is not a Catholic invention. It is a Scriptural prayer taken directly from Luke’s account of the Visitation which is the Gospel for today. The first part of the Hail Mary is taken from Luke 1:28, uttered by the Angel Gabriel no less. The second part is from Luke 1:42, a tribute spoken by the lips of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. The angel Gabriel honored Mary and so did Elizabeth. There’s no reason why we should not do the same. A Christian who claims to be Bible based should not feel uneasy with the Hail Mary. Ignoring the Hail Mary is not biblical.
The Hail Mary, or any prayer or doctrine attributed to Mary, is not intended for her alone. Every Catholic doctrine regarding Mary is Scriptural, i.e., from the Bible, as well as Christological, i.e., pointing to Christ. We give loving attention to Mary only insofar as she points our attention to Christ. She reminds every Christian, “Do whatever He tells you.”
In a few days, we shall celebrate the birth of our Lord. Mary is inescapably a part of the Christmas mystery and ultimately, of the Christian mystery. We look to Mary as the highest honor of the human race. We worship the fruit of her womb, Jesus the Emmanuel. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
How well are you acquainted with the Catholic doctrines related to Mary?

In mantra fashion, pray this prayer slowly and with devotion: “Hail Mary, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”

Blessed Andrew Dung Lac, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 21, 2011

1st READING

The prophet Zephaniah tells the people that God will “rejoice over us with gladness and renew us in His love.” This is a wonderful promise and one we can really take to heart this Advent season. If we make time to be with our Lord in prayer, we can allow this wonderful promise to be fulfilled in our lives — to be renewed in His love.

Zephaniah 3:14-18 (or Song of Songs 2:8-14)
14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals. I will remove disaster from among you, so that none may recount your disgrace.

P S A L M

Psalms 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R: Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
2 Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 3 Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. (R) 11 But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. 12 Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, 21 for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. (R)

G O S P E L

Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when she hears the greeting of Mary, the Mother of God. She says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that Mary is blessed because she believed that what had been spoken about her would be fulfilled. We, too, will be blessed if we, like Mary, believe the Word and promises of God for our lives and persevere in faith until we see their fulfillment.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

my reflections
t h i n k : We, too, will be blessed if we, like Mary, believe the Word and promises of God for our lives and persevere in faith until we see their fulfillment.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR James1-5

Daily Reflections - December 20, 2011

Generation “Me”

While driving one time, I noticed the bumper sticker of the car in front of me. It said, “Everyone is entitled to MY own opinion.” It is a satire of the well-known original, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” But more than a funny satire, I believe it is an illustration of how our world has become what sociologists call the “Generation Me.”
In May 2010, a study came out about the level of empathy among young people. It studied generations of students in the US and revealed a significant drop in the capacity to empathize with others beginning the year 2000. From that year on, the respondents were less attracted and responsive to statements like, “I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective,” and “I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me.”
The study opined that technology that brings the world into the palm of one’s hand may have contributed, among many others, to a generation that has the tendency to be competitive, isolated and comfortable at being alone. Genuine compassion didn’t seem to be an attractive value as the findings express.
Pity is different from compassion. When one sees a street child, one can feel pity and write a check to an orphanage. Compassion is more than pity. It comes from the Latin cum (with) and pati (to suffer). Therefore compassion is to suffer with. It is a desire to be an equal to the one who has less or is lesser. It moves one to maybe spend a day with the orphans, feeding and taking care of them or volunteering in the soup kitchen project of one’s parish.
Today’s Gospel is the Annunciation. At the greeting of the Angel Gabriel and after Mary’s fiat (i.e., “Let it be done unto me…), God, who in Himself is complete and self-sufficient, deigned to be made flesh — to be with humanity, to be among humanity. Christmas is not about a God who felt pity for humanity. It is about a God who is compassion — the God who deigned to be with the people He loves, to suffer with the people He loves. That is what we celebrate at Christmas. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
What characterizes your feeling towards the less fortunate, — pity or compassion?

Lord Jesus, slowly, draw me and help me to grow in compassion. Amen.

St. Julius, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 20, 2011

1st READING

The word Emmanuel is one that we often associate with Christmas as it means “God is with us.” This is what God has intended from the foundation of the world — that He would be a God who dwells among His people. It is not God who has changed but us. Sin has separated us from God and made us want to hide from His presence. Let us make afresh a place in our heart to welcome Emmanuel, the God who wants to be with us always.

Isaiah 7:10-14
10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” 13 Then Isaiah said: “Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

P S A L M

Psalms 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)

G O S P E L

It may seem to come as a surprise that the angel says to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Here we see that Mary is like us, afraid of this supernatural and wondrous being who has suddenly invaded her life. She is no doubt thinking, “What could he want?” For Mary, the coming of the angel was unexpected and jolted her out of her usual routine. His message was going to totally turn her life upside down. It is then not surprising that she felt some fear and apprehension. Mary is our Mother; she understands our fears as well and can ably support us with her love and prayers.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

my reflections
t h i n k : Sin has separated us from God and made us want to hide from His presence.


God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Hebrews 9-13

Daily Reflections - December 19, 2011

Pleasure and Purpose

Both readings for today allude to the Jewish spiritual practice called the Nazirite vow. A Nazirite vow is a practice of self-discipline that Jewish males undergo as a form of consecration to God or to a higher and noble purpose. It includes, among others, refraining from eating anything unclean, avoiding taking strong wine or drink, and keeping the hair untouched by the razor until the fulfillment of the vow. Samson in the first reading and John the Baptist in our Gospel were both consecrated to the Nazirite vow. Later on, in the New Testament, we also read of Paul committing himself to the same vow. The vow is not a statement against food, drink or good grooming. It is a commitment to a divine consecration. The object is to train one’s willpower in order to fulfill a higher goal or purpose in life.
We need this kind of a vow in everyday life. Such a vow helps train the individual recognize a hierarchy of values in his life, to sift through the difference between pleasure and purpose.
Every good thing has two elements of goodness in them: pleasure and purpose. Pleasure brings delight and enjoyment in our pursuit of purposeful things. Purpose gives direction and ethical value in our enjoyment of pleasure. Since pleasure is in the realm of the senses, it’s easy to pursue it independent of purpose. Eating is pleasurable but it has a purpose. Pursue the pleasure alone and you fall into eating disorders. Sleep is pleasurable but has a purpose. Pursue its pleasure alone and you’ll find yourself sleeping through the Mass, in classes or at work. Sex is pleasurable but also has a purpose. Every sexual sin is the result of pursuing the pleasure of sex apart from its natural and God-ordained purpose.
We no longer hear the Nazirite vow nowadays, but we need it more than ever. We no longer call it Nazirite vow. We can call it asceticism and self-discipline. These values have always been the character of great men and women. It defined Samson, John the Baptist and Paul. It should define us as well. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
Make a self-evaluation and ask yourself: Are you pleasure-driven or purpose-driven?

Lord Jesus, grant me the prudence and willpower to live a purpose-driven life. Amen.

St. Bernard Valeara, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 19, 2011

1st READING

It is often out of poverty and weakness that God chooses to reveal His strength. This is seen in this story of a barren woman married to Manoah. Yet God answers her prayer, grants her a son and then uses him to deliver his people from their bondage. Let us bring to God, as Manoah’s wife did, our poverty and barrenness so that He can fill it with His divine life and power and make it fruitful.

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
2 There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. 3 An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. 4 Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. 5 As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” 6 The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. 7 But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’” 24 The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; 25 the Spirit of the LORD first stirred him.

P S A L M

Psalms 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17
R: My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. (R) 5 For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R)

G O S P E L

This story reveals a similar pattern to that of Manoah’s wife and her child Samson. God chooses a barren woman, Elizabeth, one advanced in years, to be the mother of the herald of His son. One of the reasons God does this is to show that we can do nothing to save ourselves, that it is all His work and a gift of His grace and power. Let us not doubt the wonderful power of God, which can bring life out of death, fruitfulness out of barrenness, joy out of sorrow.


ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 1:5-25
5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was deeply disturbed upon seeing him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us not doubt the wonderful power of God, which can bring life out of death, fruitfulness out of barrenness, joy out of sorrow.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Hebrews 5-8

Daily Reflections - December 18, 2011

GOD IS WITH US

Last October, a friend invited me to preside over the blessing of his new house, a beautiful and modest one that took almost two years to build as the construction was not planned and the fund was scarce and intermittent. They were among the victims of Ondoy, the powerful typhoon that adversely affected a great number of Filipino families in September 2009.
After the blessing, he showed me photos of their old house and his family that he managed to take with a cell phone as Ondoy ravaged their community. One photo caught my attention. They were on the second floor, and the whole family was on top of a table (there were four of them), half submerged in flood water, hoping and praying it would not rise any higher. With a half smile and moist eyes he told me, “Father, I lost everything in that typhoon, but thank God, I still have my treasure.”
I remember now an old parable. A man lost everything he had in a terrible typhoon. Distraught, he approached a monk and told him, “I lost everything!” “I’m sorry to hear you lost your faith,” the monk responded. “I did not say I lost my faith,” the man corrected. “Oh, I’m sorry then that you lost your hope,” the monk continued. “I did not lose my hope either,” the man volunteered. The monk then said, “You still have your faith. You still have your hope. Then you did not lose everything. You still have something upon which everything can be built.”
My friend’s treasure was his family. I would like to add more. His treasure is his faith and his hope in God. In the midst of a storm, his faith was strong. God was with him.
Today, we read from Luke the story of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the “the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a son, and they shall call Him ‘Emmanuel,’ a name which means ‘God is with us.’” Let us hold on to this truth. There will be times this will be challenged or will not be evident. But like Joseph and Mary, let us act on this assurance — He is Emmanuel, God with us.Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
My friend’s treasure is his family and his faith. What are yours?

Pray this in mantra fashion: “The virgin shall be with child and give birth to a son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel.”

St. Moses, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 18, 2011

1st READING

King David, having established his kingdom and palace, desires to build a house for the Lord, a Temple on the holy Mountain of Zion. Yet God speaks to him through the prophet Nathan that he is not to be the one to build this temple. Rather, God will raise up from David an ancestor who will reign over the Davidic Kingdom forever. This promise was fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah Jesus who is the new and eternal king.

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
1 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” 3 Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” 4 But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in? 8 “’It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. 9 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. 10 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, 11 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. 12 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. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’ ”

P S A L M
Amos 4-6
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1 [2] The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant. 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.” (R)

2nd READING

In this final benediction, St. Paul entrusts the Roman Christians into the hands of the eternal Father who has brought about our salvation through the coming of His Son. God, says St. Paul, is the one who can strengthen us. The power at work in us is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and overcame all the power of the enemy. Let us confidently place our lives and problems in the mighty hands of God who is always there to save and help us.

Romans 16:25-27
25 Brothers and sisters: To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

G O S P E L

When the angel Gabriel reveals to the Virgin Mary that she would become the mother of the Savior of the world, she asks how can this come about. Mary, it seems, had made a vow to remain a virgin even though married to Joseph, so she could not see how God would want her to break this solemn promise. God however honors her vow of virginity and brings about Jesus’ conception not through a human agency but by the power of the Holy Spirit. What may seem impossible to us is not impossible for God, so let us not limit God to our own human perspective.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 1:26-38
26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

my reflections
t h i n k : What may seem impossible to us is not impossible for God, so let us not limit God to our own human perspective.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Hebrews 1-4

SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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Daily Reflections - December 17, 2011

FORTUNE TELLING, FORTUNE DOING

Even now, when I meet old friends and classmates at get-togethers and reunions, I always receive comments like, “I really can’t believe you’re a priest today.” And until now, I still don’t know what to make of it. Do I take as a compliment or an insult?
Seriously, I don’t really blame them. No one in the family tree has been a priest or a religious. And if you knew me back then, you’d be a good fortune teller if you predicted I’ll be a regular churchgoer.
Today we read of the Genealogy, the family tree of Jesus: Generations and generations of people comprising the lineage from where the promised Messiah would come. If a fortune teller looks at that family tree, he would have no second thoughts dismissing the idea that the Messiah would spring up from that stock of people. I don’t really know everyone in that list, but Scripture scholars tell us that men and women of ill repute are included in that list. Included are some adulterers, prostitutes and even scheming murderers. And yet, that is the undeniable truth. The Messiah, the Son of God, did originate from that line of people.
The Genealogy of Jesus can teach us something about how to look at the past and the future.
First, the past does not necessarily determine the future. Freedom to correct and learn from the past is always the gift of the present moment. We are not creatures of chance. We are creatures of choice. It is not by chance that I found myself in the priesthood. It is my choice, despite a past that doesn’t seem to point to it.
Second, one does not “tell” the future. We make our future. It will do us well to remember what the sage says, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” I was not born a priest; I underwent formation to become one. Ten years of formation to be exact. And my formation continues until now. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
What is your attitude towards your past? Are you resigned and passive about what the future holds for you?

Jesus, in Your Name, I declare freedom from whatever enslaves me in the past and courage towards what frightens me in the future. Amen.

St. John of Matha, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 17, 2011

1st READING

At the point of his death, Jacob called his 12 sons to his bedside and bestowed on each one a message and a blessing. Here, we hear his message to his son Judah. He prophesies that from the tribe of Judah the Kings of Israel will arise and ultimately their Messiah. This we see fulfilled in the fact that Joseph and Mary were of that tribe such that Jesus is called the Son of David. This is one of the many prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus.


Genesis 49:2, 8-10
2 Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father. 8 “You, Judah, shall your brothers praise — your hand on the neck of your enemies; the sons of your father shall bow down to you. 9 Judah, like a lion’s whelp, you have grown up on prey, my son. He crouches like a lion recumbent, the king of beasts — who would dare rouse him? 10 The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him, and he receives the peoples’ homage.”

P S A L M

Psalms 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17
R: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
1 O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; 2 he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. (R) 3 The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice. 4 He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor. (R) 7 Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. 8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. (R) 17 May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. (R)

G O S P E L

The Gospel according to Matthew begins with this long genealogy concerning Joseph, the husband of Mary. This is to demonstrate to the Jewish readers that Jesus is truly of the tribe and line of David from whom the Messiah was said to have come. Even through the Jewish exile in Babylon, God continued to look after His people so that the promises made about the coming Messiah would be fulfilled. Many times this line was threatened with extinction, but God’s hand was upon it to ensure that it was preserved for the coming of Christ.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 1:1-17
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, 6 Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 8 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 12 After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile
to the Christ, fourteen generations.
my reflections
t h i n k : Even through the Jewish exile in Babylon, God continued to look after His people so that the promises made about the coming Messiah would be fulfilled.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Titus and Philemon

Daily Reflections - December 16, 2011

How Great Thou Art!

When the Pope goes around Rome or visits neighboring cities in Italy, a Swiss guard drives him in a papal car with a special plate and a Vatican state flag.
Here’s a fictional story about Pope Benedict XIV. One day, he decided to sneak into the papal car and drive it himself. Excited, he stepped on the gas pedal and cruised at a very high speed. An Italian police flagged him down and when the Pope rolled down the window, the police immediately called his superior. “Give him a ticket. I don’t care who it is. The law is the law,” the superior said. “Sir, we have a situation here. I caught someone over-speeding, but I think he’s more than a VIP.” “Why, is it the President of Italy?” the officer dared. “No, I think it’s God,” the officer countered, “because his driver is the Pope.”
If you are human, there will be someone higher than you. Yesterday, Jesus gave John the greatest tribute ever given to man. But even with the highest of compliment, John is still a man and someone is higher than him — Jesus.
Today, Jesus puts things in perspective. Still speaking of the witness of John, Jesus paints him as the light that illumines the people who are in darkness. But John is described by Jesus in the Gospel only as a lamp. A lamp by itself is useless. It needs a flame to set it burning. By saying that “I have a testimony greater than John,” Jesus sets Himself as the flame that sets the lamp burning. Jesus is greater than John, and John knows this. Of Jesus, John can only say, “Someone greater than me is coming. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandals.”
Every Christian is called to be a lamp that lights. Just like John the Baptist, we are called to be light — not a spotlight but a flashlight. Spotlights call attention to the individual. Flashlights are always pointed away, illuminating the way for others.
Yes, God wants us to flourish and to shine, and we are to shine not like spotlights but flashlights. Let us call attention, not to ourselves but to Christ and His message of love. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
In what areas of your life is self-glorification a very strong temptation? Do you have what they call “diva” moments?

“Lord what is man that you care for him? Mortal man that you keep him in mind? Man who is merely a breath, whose life fades like a passing shadow?”

Blessed Raynald de Bar, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 16, 2011

1st READING

In this passage, God tells His people that those who are not of the Jewish race will also become the people of God and offer Him sacrifices that are pleasing to Him. We see here God’s universal plan of salvation. Yes, the Jews were His specially chosen people and through them the Messiah has come into our world, but now God is revealing to His people that His plan is bigger than they ever imagined it to be.

Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8
1 Thus says the LORD: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, the son of man who holds to it; who keeps the sabbath free from profanation, and his hand from any evildoing. 3 Let not the foreigner say, when he would join himself to the LORD, “The LORD will surely exclude me from his people.” 6 The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants — all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, 7 them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their holocausts and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. 8 Thus says the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel, others will I gather to him besides those already gathered.

P S A L M

Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R: O God, let all the nations praise you!
1 [2] May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 2 [3] So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 4 [5] May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 6 [7] The earth has yielded its fruits; God, our God, has blessed us. 7 [8] May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)

G O S P E L

John the Baptist was a voice crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He was a signpost pointing to Jesus, the Word Incarnate. Jesus was not a Word of God, nor did He give us the messages of God like the other prophets. No, Jesus was the Word of God made flesh. He embodied the whole revelation of God to us. Hence, Jesus can say, “I have a testimony greater than John’s.” Not only that, but Jesus does the works of His Father in heaven and these bear testimony to Him and His divine nature.

John 5:33-36
33 Jesus said to the Jews: “You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Come, Lord, bring us your peace that we may rejoice before you with a perfect heart.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
my reflections
t h i n k : Jesus embodied the whole revelation of God to us.
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Timothy 1-4

Daily Reflections - December 15, 2011

The Greatness of Humility

There was an accident and a man lay unconscious by the road. As the crowd gathered around, a gentleman approached, trying to see what he could do to help the man. Then from behind, a woman’s voice was heard, “Step back, everyone. I know CPR. I’m the one he needs right now.” The gentleman gave way and said, “I’m glad there’s someone who could administer CPR here. By the way, I’m a doctor. If you need my help, I’ll be right behind you.”
It’s a paradox that those who have little knowledge are the ones who think they know everything. And those who know so much are the ones who understand that they still know too little. Just think back when you were still a teenager. Oh, I remember the arrogance of my youth. Just at the threshold of discovering new things, I thought I knew everything. I remember reading someone defining adolescence as “that time of our life when you wonder why everyone is wrong and only you get it right.” I resented that definition so much that I still remember it today. But now, far beyond my adolescent days, I can only nod in embarrassed agreement.
When I was ordained in 1996, I felt I was ready to conquer the world and offer it the fresh wisdom of a newly ordained. Fifteen years into the ministry, I realize I have offered so little and there is still much to learn.
Today, Jesus pays tribute to John the Baptist. Reading the Scriptures, it seems like he knew so little. Unlike Paul and the other Evangelist who wrote extensively about Jesus, John didn’t have much going for him. And yet we can see from Scriptures that he knew enough — he knew that which matters. He was the first one to recognize and point out to Jesus as the Lamb of God. No wonder Jesus reserved for him the greatest tribute ever said of man by God, “No man born of woman is greater than John.” Like the doctor in our story, let us strive to be knowledgeable. Like him and John in the Gospel, let us be humble, for only the humble recognizes that which is worth knowing, and that there is always much to learn in this life and beyond. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
Rice grains, when empty, stand straight and tall. Those which have something inside are the ones that are bowed down to the ground.

Lord Jesus, Emmanuel, born poor and yet a King, inspire me to aspire for the greatness of humility. Amen.

St. Nino, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 15, 2011

1st READING

God promised His people that even though they may be barren and without a husband, He will be the one to satisfy their deepest needs. We often long for many things and at times feel disappointed when God does not grant us exactly what we ask for. Let us be open instead to what God wants to give us and not always demand what we want as though we are the ones who know what is ultimately best for us.

Isaiah 54:1-10
1 Raise a glad cry, you barren one who did not bear, break forth in jubilant song, you who were not in labor, for more numerous are the children of the deserted wife than the children of her who has a husband, says the LORD. 2 Enlarge the space for your tent, spread out your tent cloths unsparingly; lengthen your ropes and make firm your stakes. 3 For you shall spread abroad to the right and to the left; your descendants shall dispossess the nations and shall people the desolate cities. 4 Fear not, you shall not be put to shame; you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced. The shame of your youth you shall forget, the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember. 5 For he who has become your husband is your Maker; his name is the LORD of hosts; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth. 6 The LORD calls you back, like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, a wife married in youth and then cast off, says your God. 7 For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back. 8 In an outburst of wrath, for a moment I hid my face from you; but with enduring love I take pity on you, says the LORD, your redeemer. 9 This is for me like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah should never again deluge the earth; so I have sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you. 10 Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

P S A L M

Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
R: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
1 [2] I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. 3 [4] O LORD, you brought me up from the nether world; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. (R) 4 [5] Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 [6] For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing. (R) 10 [11] “Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper.” 11 [12] You changed my mourning into dancing; 12 [13] O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks. (R)

G O S P E L

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Jesus proclaims that there has never been a prophet greater than John the Baptist. He never worked any miracles or performed any signs and wonders to amaze the people and His ministry, in a way, was unexciting and uneventful. All he did was call people to repentance in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. John’s greatness lies in the one who was to follow and to whom he gave witness with his very life. He was the forerunner to the Son of God and the last of all the prophets as now God Himself had come to be with His people.


Luke 7:24-30
24 When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see — a reed swayed by the wind? 25 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 26 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom scripture says: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; 30 but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)

my reflections
t h i n k : G od promised His people that even though they may be barren and without a husband, He will be the one to satisfy their deepest needs.



God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Timothy 4-6

Daily Reflections - December 14, 2011

I’m so Excited!

For centuries it has been prophesied that a Messiah will come to bring liberation to Israel. What kind of Messiah and what kind of liberation He will bring was not easily apparent in the prophecies. In our Gospel reading today, we see a sense of curiosity among the people regarding the person of Jesus. News about this newcomer from Nazareth have been brewing in the Galilean countryside and we feel among the people a sense of excitement regarding Jesus and His connection with the prophecy of old.
John the Baptist sent two disciples of his to Jesus to ask Him, “Are you the one who is to come or do we look for another?”
“Do we look for another?” At this time of the year, I usually take a two- or three-day self-imposed retreat before the start of the Christmas season and the Simbang Gabi(dawn Masses). I do not necessarily go off to a secluded place and be by myself, but I do put off and put out anything that I feel clamors for my attention unnecessarily. These self-imposed Sabbath days include no TV (except the news, EWTN and TV Maria), no Internet and only periodic use of the cell phone. In their place, more time for silence and reflection.
The Christmas season is a very exciting and busy season and I can easily be distracted. In this season, the question of the disciples is actually my question, too: “Are you ‘He who is to come’ or do we look for another?” I know Jesus is the One but it’s easy for me to get excited and
look for another. A sage once said, “When someone points at the moon, only a fool looks at the finger.”
As we plunge into these exciting days of Christmas, I invite you to make your own Sabbath day for “He who is to come.” Let us avoid the foolish temptation of looking for another and at our finger. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
What Sabbath preparation are you willing to do to dispose yourself for “He who is to come?”

Pray this in mantra fashion, “O come Emmanuel, come. Maranatha! Lord Jesus.”

Sts. Justus and Abundius, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 14, 2011

1st READING

God reveals Himself as the Creator and the One in whom the destiny of all people lie. We see in this text that the world is God’s and we are merely here as caretakers. God’s purpose will ultimately prevail in our world and all those who put their hope and confidence in Him will not be ashamed.

Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25
6 I am the LORD, there is no other; 7 I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things. 8 Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the LORD, have created this. 18 For thus says the LORD, the creator of the heavens, who is God, the designer and maker of the earth who established it, not creating it to be a waste, but designing it to be lived in I am the LORD, and there is no other. 21 Who announced this from the beginning and foretold it from of old? Was it not I, the LORD, besides whom there is no other God? There is no just and saving God but me. 22 Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other! 23 By myself I swear, uttering my just decree and my unalterable word to me every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, 24 saying, “Only in the LORD are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. 25 In the LORD shall be the vindication and the glory of all the descendants of Israel.”

P S A L M

Psalms 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R: Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.
8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD-for he proclaims peace to his people. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)

G O S P E L

When we see John sending two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah or should he expect another, we see that even a great prophet like John had times of uncertainty and doubt. Jesus does not rebuke or criticize John for his uncertainty but instead tells John’s disciples to look at what He is doing: healing the blind, making the lame walk and proclaiming the Good News to the poor. John can be confident that Jesus is the awaited Messiah since His works prove that He is truly the Anointed One foretold by the prophets.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Raise your voice and tell the Good News: Behold, the Lord God comes with power.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 7:18-23
18 At that time, John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 20 When the men came to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” 21 At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. 22 And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 23 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

my reflections
t h i n k : God’s purpose will ultimately prevail in our world and all those who put their hope and confidence in Him will not be ashamed.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Timothy 1-3

Daily Reflections - December 12, 2011

Either/Or — Why not And?

Which do you prefer: a complete family without love, or a broken family where there is peace and love?
Would you rather have someone you love but doesn’t love you, or someone you don’t love but loves you?
In the Gospel today, Jesus poses the same riddle. Which do you prefer? A son who says “yes” but does not do your command, or a son who says “no” but eventually does what you command.
Contrast and separation is a rabbinic style of teaching that stresses the importance of distinguishing between options. The principle we need to remember is this: We separate only for distinction, not isolation. It’s important to distinguish, but we do not have to isolate. When we distinguish, we clarify; when we isolate, we confuse or settle for less.
It doesn’t always have to be “either” or “or.” When possible it should be an “and.” Jesus in the Gospel does not teach us to say “no” to our elders and then obey afterwards. He separates only for distinction, not isolation. I’m sure Jesus still prefers that we say “yes” and then do what our elders ask us to do. When Jesus teaches somewhere else in the Gospel, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven but only those who do the will of the Father in heaven,” He is not saying don’t call God “Lord,” but just do the will of the Father. He would still prefer that we say “Lord” and do what He requires.
“Either/or” is only the minimum. “And” is the call of perfection. Our problem sometimes is we make the minimum as the norm. People tell me, “Father, I’m not religious, but I’m spiritual.” Friend, you can be both religious and spiritual. They are not opposed to each other. Others say, “I don’t read the Bible but I talk to God.” Friend, when you read the Bible, you’ll talk better to God. Still some others say, “ I don’t go to confession, but I’m sorry for my sins.” The list can go on and on. Jesus calls us to “be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect.” Don’t settle for the minimum.
It doesn’t have to be either/or. It can be and. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
In what area of your life do you manifest a tendency for isolation, for settling for the minimum?

Jesus, I take to heart today Your call and challenge: “Be perfect, as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Amen.

Sts. Einhildis and Roswinda, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 13, 2011

1st READING

God promises to remove from His people those who are proud and arrogant and to leave those who are humble and peaceful of heart. So much human conflict is caused by pride, which is the deadliest of all sins. In fact, it is the root of all sins. If we are to abide in the love of God, we need to humble ourselves and avoid all lies and deceitful practices. Let us ask our Lord who was meek and lowly of heart to give us a heart like His.

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
1 Thus says the LORD: Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city! 2 She hears no voice, accepts no correction; in the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near. 9 For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, that they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord; 10 from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North, they shall bring me offerings. 11 On that day you need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; for then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, and you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain. 12 But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD; 13 the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.

P S A L M

Psalms 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23
R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
1 [2] I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 16 [17] The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 22 [23] The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. (R)

G O S P E L

Jesus uses the story of the two sons to illustrate to the chief priests why God was pleased with the tax collectors and prostitutes and displeased with them. It must have seemed outlandish and incomprehensible to these pious men that God could accept and even be pleased with people who had sinned grievously. Yet as Jesus tells them, even though these may have initially ignored His Word, they repented and later obeyed Him. In contrast, the chief priests were always saying their prayers but not obeying God’s Word.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Come, O Lord, do not delay; forgive the sins of your people.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Are you like the chief priests who were always saying their prayers but not obeying God’s Word?

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Daily Reflections - December 12, 2011

Life is Beautiful

Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, secondary patron of the Philippines and Patroness of the Pro-life Movement.
Abortion continues to be the modern-day scourge of the Pro-life advocacy. Many countries have long legalized abortion. With the passage of the Health Care Reform in America, the scope of abortion is expanded and even given increased Federal funding in the U.S. and beyond. The worldwide effort to pass the Reproductive Health Bill (which is nothing but a universal password for the right to abortion), especially in countries where abortion is still illegal, remains atop the agenda of many lawmakers.
In line with this, I remember an experience I had several years ago. I was in the U.S. and a friend of mine brought me to the beach. I noticed a secluded area with a warning sign, “No Trespassing: Restricted Area, protected by Federal Law.” I learned from my friend that the area was where turtles lay their eggs. It is punishable by law if you step on them even inadvertently.
Something was not right. Federal law protects turtle eggs while human infants are legally aborted. Proponents of abortion even lobby for partial birth abortion, arguing that an infant not yet fully delivered is technically not yet a person and thus is still outside the scope of the protection of the law on the basic right to life. They even go to the extent of challenging pro-lifers to prove that the infant has a soul. But how do you prove the existence of a human soul which is a spiritual reality? Philosophically and theologically it can be proven but not in the empirical sense that abortion proponents want. And if we pretend that the infant aborted does not have a soul yet, how come a turtle egg, which obviously will never have a soul, gets federal protection?
GK Chesterton prophesied about this contemporary malady so accurately. He said, “Whenever there is animal worship, there will surely be human sacrifice.” That trees, dogs, cats and other mammals nowadays get more federal protection to live than the human infant, is a perfect confirmation that this prophesy has come to pass. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
In what way can I support and promote the culture of life?

May Mary, pro-life patroness, continue to inspire us and the pro-life movement in promoting the consistent ethic and Gospel of Life.

St. Corentin, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 12, 2011

1st READING

The Apostle John sees a vision of heaven and there sees the Virgin Mary giving birth to Christ. He sees that Satan attempts to kill the child, as did King Herod who slaughtered all the infants in Bethlehem in a mad effort to kill the child Jesus. So it was through the simplicity and weakness of a woman that God thwarts the evil intentions of Satan and brings about His own reign and kingdom. In a similar way, when the Virgin appeared to Diego, she also destroyed the pagan religion there and established the reign of Christ among the people.

Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10 (or Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17)
19 God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. 12: 1 A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. 4 Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. 6 The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.

P S A L M

Judith 13:18-19 (or Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9)
R: You are the highest honor of our race.
18 “Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth. (R) 19 Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God. (R)

G O S P E L

When Mary, pregnant with the child Jesus, greets Elizabeth, the child in her womb leaped for joy and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a wonderful image of the ministry of the Virgin Mary. Her presence in our lives enlarges the Word of God in our hearts and enlivens our faith and joy in receiving it. Let us journey each day in the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is our spiritual mother.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 1:39-47 (or Matthew 21:23-27)
39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

my reflections
t h i n k : The Virgin Mother’s presence in our lives enlarges the Word of God in our hearts and enlivens our faith and joy in receiving it.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Thessalonians 1-5

Daily Reflections - December 11, 2011

SHOUT FOR JOY — NOW!

The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for rejoice. As Christmas draws near, the Church encourages us to rejoice not only because Christmas is near but because joy is an attitude of life. St. Paul in the second reading today commands us, “Rejoice always… render constant thanks.” How could joy be commanded? How can someone tell another how to feel?
Friend, you’re right. We cannot be commanded how to feel. But I think Scriptures “command” us to be joyful because joy is not only a feeling. Joy is a state of mind and being, a product of the will, and a decision to focus on what is right and not only on what is wrong in our lives. Let me illustrate.
One of the most amazing and inspiring persons I know (actually, read about) is Tony Melendez. Tony has sold millions of inspirational albums. He plays the guitar with gusto and passion, with his feet. Yes, you read right, with his feet. Tony was born with no arms. When he was born, his parents thought he was an alien of sorts. But growing up, Tony refused to focus on what he does not have. He focused on what he has and made good use of it. In one poignant interview he said, “Growing up, I’ve often asked God to give me a miracle. Until I realized that I am a miracle.” Truly, as a guitar player myself, I consider it a miracle how one can play chords with one foot and pluck, not just strum, the guitar with the other the way Tony does.
How many among us, with complete hands and feet, fret at the slightest inconvenience? How many among us curse the alarm clock instead of thanking God for the gift of hearing? How many among us curse the sunlight that interrupts our sleep instead of thanking God for the gift of sight? How many of us curse, sitting in our car through traffic and not appreciate the fact that we own a car? The list could go on and on.
L e t Gaudete Sunday fill you today with the gift of joy. Or maybe better, the will to be joyful. Have a joy-filled Sunday! Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
Ponder on this: I lament the fact that I have only a pair of worn-out shoes until I saw a man with no feet.

Lord Jesus, remind me of the blessings that I take for granted. Cleanse my heart of the inconveniences I give too much focus on. Amen.

Pope Saint Damsus I, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 11, 2011

1st READING

This text was read out by Jesus when He first began His ministry in the synagogue of Nazareth. At that time Jesus said, “This scripture is being fulfilled even as I read it.” We see that God foretells in a marvelous way what He is going to do even 600 years before it comes about. Nothing takes God by surprise and He is always working to see His plans fulfilled, no matter what men may conspire to thwart. This should give us a deep and abiding confidence in all the promises of God. He will surely make happen what He had said.

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, 2 to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God. 10 I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.


P S A L M

Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
R: My soul rejoices in my God.
46 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generation will call me blessed: (R) 49 the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. (R) 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to helped of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promised of mercy. (R)

2nd READING

St. Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians to rejoice always. This is not always easy as many things happen to make us sad and cause us pain. Yet we know that in all things God is at work for our good and, on the basis of faith in God’s love and care for us, we can rejoice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.


G O S P E L

John the Baptist knew that he was not the Messiah but rather the forerunner to Him. God gave Him a particular mission to prepare the people for the coming of Christ and to baptize them as a sign of their repentance of their sins. He did not think he was even worthy to be a servant of the Messiah and did not want to draw people to himself but to direct them to Christ. May we be humble like John and not seek fame and popularity but rather direct people to the source of life, Christ Jesus.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

John 1:6-8, 19-28
6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

my reflections
t h i n k : May we be humble like John and not seek fame and popularity but rather direct people to the source of life, Christ Jesus.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Colossians 1-4


SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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Daily Reflections - December 10, 2011

AN ODE TO THE AGED

Let me share with you some lines from a forwarded email entitled “You Know You’re Getting Old When…”
· Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you’re barefoot.
· You’re suffering from Mallzheimer’s disease. You go to the mall and forget where you parked your car.
· When you find yourself in the middle of the stairs and you can’t remember whether you’re going up or down.
· Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.
In today’s first reading, Sirach remembers the old figures of the former covenant, particularly Elijah. Elijah is considered to be one of the greatest prophets of old. It was said that every pious Jewish family still reserves a seat in the dinner table in case Elijah suddenly comes back. This sentiment is echoed in today’s Gospel when the disciples question Jesus as to why the people seem to equate Him with the coming of Elijah. But what I find heart-warming is the deep affection and reverence with which Sirach remembers his ancestor Elijah. The whole reading is virtually an ode of tribute to the place Elijah occupies in the hearts and collective consciousness of the Jewish people.
Do we look at the senior members of our family, community or Church with the same reverence? Admit it, most of the times, we relate to them simply with a respectful silence that is actually a masked indifference. The late Archbishop Fulton Sheen calls it “the chronological arrogance of the present times.” This is an attitude which considers everything and everyone that is old as old-fashioned, useless and irrelevant, and conversely, everything new, modern and chic as significant. But think of the wealth of knowledge that the old has and still can contribute. An old Chinese proverb reminds us aptly, “If you want to know what lies ahead up the road, ask those who are already on their way back.” Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
In what ways do I manifest in my attitude the “chronological arrogance” of the young?

Lord Jesus, it was the old man Simeon with Anna that recognized You even as a baby in the temple. Help me see the treasures in the Simeons and Annas in our midst. Amen.

Blessed Julia Merida, pray for us.

Daily Bible Readings - December 10, 2011

1st READING

In the Book of Sirach as well as in the prophecy of Malachi, it is foretold that the prophet Elijah would return to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. This coming was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner to Christ. Those who accepted John’s words were truly blessed as they were the ones who accepted the message of Christ and able to enter into eternal life through faith in Him.

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
1 In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. 2 Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; 3 by God’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. 4 How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? 9 You were taken aloft in a whirlwind, in a chariot with fiery horses. 10 You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. 11 Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.

P S A L M

Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth 3 Rouse your powers. (R) 15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R) 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (R)

G O S P E L

The disciples are aware of the Old Testament promise that Elijah had to come before the coming of the Messiah, and they ask Jesus about this. Jesus tells them that this promise was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist. But the people did not recognize that this was the case. No doubt they were expecting a prophet different from John. May we, too, not miss what God is doing because it does not fit in with our preconceived ideas of what should happen.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Matthew 17:9, 10-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

my reflections
t h i n k : May we not miss what God is doing because it does not fit in with our preconceived ideas of what should happen.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Philippians 1-4

Daily Reflections - December 9, 2011

DYING FOR, NOT DYING OF

An honest and decent man died suddenly and was met by an angel guarding the check-in counter of the pearly gates of heaven. The angel was a substitute for the day so he was quite unfamiliar with the ins and outs of entrance into heaven.
After getting the man’s name, he asked when he died. “Just this morning,” the man quipped. The angel took out a black book called Liber Defunctorum (Latin for “Book of the Dead”) and searched for the man’s name. Not finding it, he asked again, “Did you say you died today? Your name is not in this book. Neither is it on the dates before today.”
Noticing the commotion, Jesus approached the angel and volunteered, “You will not find his name there. That is the book of the dead. Those bound for heaven are in the Book of the Living. They are forever alive in my presence.” With that, the man was ushered into heaven.
Today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah encourages the righteous man and woman who walk in the way of the Lord. Those who live godly lives are to savor the presence of the Lord. The reading ends with the blessed assurance, “their name (will) never (be) cut off or blotted out from my presence.”
Christian theology recognizes two kinds of death. There is what we call terminal death. As the term terminal implies, it is the end of everything — the end of a life wasted and spent for less than significant things. It is a kind of death where the only thing people attending the wake talk about is, “What did he die of?” Not only is it the end of one’s earthly life, it could also be the end of a possibility of life lived with God’s beatifying presence. It is an eternity of separation from God’s beatitude.
But there is a paschal kind of death. Paschal suggests dying to self which is Jesus’ invitation to carry one’s cross. It suggests a life lived in self-donation and self-giving. It is that kind of death where people attending the wake do not ask, “What did he die of?” Instead they ask, “What did he die for?” It is a life of purpose, meaning and significance. That’s why for God, they are “never cut off or blotted from My presence.” Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:
There are two kinds of people. Some bring happiness wherever they go. Others, whenever they go. To which do you belong?

Lord, make my today, and always, a day lived in self-donation. Amen.

St. Balda, pray for us.