FAITH IS A GIFT AND A TASK

 

FAITH IS A GIFT AND A TASK

There are a lot of messages we can get from today’s Gospel. It was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Emphasis was given to the anawims, Gentiles, oppressed, poor, widows, etc. Luke presents Jesus as the Messiah for sinners, with preferential option for the marginalized in the community where he belonged. Be that as it may, the message was not only for a certain group of people, particular place, or specific time. The message of salvation is for all, with priority for the marginalized.

Jesus cited what the prophets Elijah and Elisha did to the widow and Naaman the leper, respectively. The Jews may have been the chosen people and, according to the economy of salvation, were to be the first beneficiaries. But the faith of the Gentiles and the sick were not left unheard and unattended. God’s prophets brought to life the son of a widow and cured a man with leprosy. This will be the recurring theme of Luke’s Gospel. The goal is to attain a jubilee year—actually a jubilee for all time because we have an all-forgiving and loving God.

We, therefore, should not be drowned by entitlement. Being a member of the Catholic Faith provides us with the teachings of Jesus both from Scriptures and Traditions. Being baptized and recipients of other sacraments make us disposed to God’s sanctifying grace. We are graced to be a member of this Faith, but it does not end there. We need to live out our faith. Miracles need faith in order to happen. Sacraments need faith as a response. Faith is our response to God’s loving invitation to His Kingdom. Faith is what will unite us with God. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

How do you value your faith? What role does it play in your life?

Thank You for the gift of faith, Lord Jesus. May I be able to live it out fully. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________

ALL FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY

 

ALL FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY

In today’s Gospel, Jesus rebuked Peter for asserting his will against God’s will. It was clear that Peter did not fully understand the import of his profession of Jesus as the Son of God, as told in last Sunday’s Gospel. Then Jesus proceeded to teach them about the value of earthly life vis-a-vis eternal life. The former must be at the service of the latter.

Jeremiah in the First Reading realized it. God assured Jeremiah of His assistance if he would obey God’s Word. Jeremiah had doubts about obeying God’s Word but he felt it burning in his heart and imprisoned in his bones. He could not endure holding it in. He had to proclaim it. He did, but suffered so much, death threats included. He wondered where God was and if he was duped. He felt alone and so many were chasing him. He was afraid and experiencing the consequence of His obedience to God.

St. Paul in the Second Reading also had the same fate. Once converted, he offered his life as a living sacrifice pleasing to God. He counseled us to discern well and not live according to the dictates of this world. It is God who ought to prevail in us. In doing so, we leave nothing to ourselves. Everything is offered to God. It is not selfishness on God’s part, but the way for us to salvation.

Thus, it boils down to what our standards are. Jesus pointed out Peter’s standards and quickly exposed them. While we live in this world, we are not of this world. We are pilgrims on our way to eternal life. We ought to be in this world proclaiming the Good News. We are expected to Christify this world as Jesus did. We proclaim His words through our actions. In everything we say and do, we adopt God’s standards and not ours. Fr. Benny Tuazon

 ---------- REFLECTION QUESTION -----------

How do you contribute in the proclamation of the Good News in today’s world?

Lord, make me bold enough to proclaim Your Word in season and out of season. Amen.

LIVE THE FAITH WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST

 

LIVE THE FAITH WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST

Today’s Gospel gives us an account of the passion of St. John the Baptist, particularly his beheading. It was a short stint for John, but he fulfilled his mission to prepare the way for the Lord. His death was tragic because it was the prize for a dance of a girl whose mother had an axe to grind against John. John accused Herodias, the mother of the girl, of having an illicit relationship with the king. Herodias was married to the brother of the king. Herodias took the opportunity to eliminate John and silence him for good.

Can truth be really silenced by killing the messenger? History shows it cannot. Christianity progressed even after Jesus’ death. The Filipinos became more courageous and vocal at the death of Ninoy Aquino. The Philippine Revolution became more intense at the death of Jose Rizal. Tyrants, dictators, despots, and other abusive leaders never learned their lesson. The truth comes alive when messengers are silenced. The message becomes even louder.

That is the life and call of a Christian. To fearlessly proclaim the Good News in season and out of season is part of the mission and vocation of every baptized Christian. We tremble in fear for that mission and call, but God will give us the grace to go through those challenges. Like the saints, we will have the grace to fight and die for the faith. While we will not all be called to die for the faith, to die for oneself will definitely be required of us.

As we remember St. John the Baptist and all the Christians who offered their lives for the faith, let us pray for today’s Christians to respond to the call to proclaim the Good News at whatever cost. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

How are you being like John the Baptist today?

Grant me the courage of John the Baptist, Lord, that I may be Your voice in today’s wilderness. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________

BE PREPARED

 

BE PREPARED

Today’s Gospel talks about the parable of the ten virgins. The groom was taking more than the expected time to arrive. Meanwhile, five of the ten virgins were running out of oil for their lamps. They first begged for oil from the others but they were not given any for obvious reasons. Thus, they were forced to leave their place and try to find oil. Unfortunately, while they were out looking for oil, the groom came and they were left out of the celebration.

The groom here represents Jesus. It is about His Second Coming. It tells us that we need to prepare when He comes. We ought not to be caught “without oil,” which means “not in the state of holiness.” And we do not know when He will come. This is interesting. Why would it be a surprise? Is Jesus playing games with us? No, Jesus knew the human psyche perfectly. He knew that if we were told of His coming, we will cram and we will only prepare when the end is near. Complacency will be the order of the day. But if we do not know when, we will always prepare. Some may gamble but, eventually and hopefully, they will also prepare.

We live knowing that tomorrow may never come. We are aware that judgment will certainly come. It will be wrong to stake our salvation by believing that the hour has not yet come. We are encouraged to be vigilant and to be worthy always. Like the ten wise virgins, we will be there when the Lord comes and receive with joy the salvation He merited for us. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

How are you preparing for Jesus’ Second Coming?

Make my heart always ready for Your Second Coming, Lord. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ______________________________

LIVE IN VIGILANCE

 

LIVE IN VIGILANCE

Jesus introduces the faithful servant who remains vigilant while his master is away. The servant is entrusted with the master’s property because he was found responsible. Jesus also describes the wicked servant who was found bullying his fellow servants and eating and drinking while the master is away. The latter servant is punished for being imprudent and irresponsible.

The parable is meant to refer to the leaders of the Church—then and now. The issue is not really about having been carried away by the events but in easily resting on some laurels or being defeated by some failures. Spiritual life is a marathon, not a sprint. We run a lot of races and we need to win them all. The devil is always there to tempt us to be complacent and satisfied with one or two victories. We need to sustain our holiness and good moral standing. Holiness is not only a goal. Holiness is a way of life.

The past teachings of the Lord tell us that the devil can strike anytime. Once we are caught flatfooted, we can never elude it. It is partly why God did not tell us when the end time is or when Jesus will come again. It is certain that He will return. It is certain that Judgment Day will come. The best preparation is to be vigilant.

Let us see each day as the last day of our lives. Let us treat each day as the day of reckoning. When we do, we need not be afraid. The faithful child of God anticipates the coming of the Lord with joy and enthusiasm. The child of God is excited and looks forward to that glorious meeting. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

If today is the last day of your life, how will you live it?

May the cares of the world not distract me from what’s most important —meeting You on the day of reckoning, Lord. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________

AUTHENTIC BEFORE THE LORD

 

AUTHENTIC BEFORE THE LORD 

Jesus continues to address the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in today’s Gospel. Here, He enumerated two: their concern for external outlook and their worship of their ancestors who were despised in their time. Like Jesus’ other examples, they reveal the inconsistencies of their faith and life. Their faith should provide the foundation for their lives. Their lives should witness to their faith. Unfortunately, these two were disconnected and discordant.

The hypocrisy must stop. It must be replaced by commitment and witnessing. We may be able to fool others, but we cannot fool God and ourselves. Hypocrisy benefits no one and amounts to nothing. We wonder how people can live with it. The good news is, we all have the faith and the capacity to live out what we believe. Every person possesses those gifts and abilities. We came from God and we have hearts capable of living and loving authentically. Faith and life have to find each other in us. It is clear that we cannot just have principles devoid of concrete actions. Our faith needs to be enfleshed in our whole person.

Furthermore, our goal is not to satisfy others. We made have been made to serve others, but it does not mean always satisfying them. It is God to whom we are answerable. It is God whom we must obey and satisfy. It is God to whom we must bare ourselves. He is the one who understands us and always willing to guide and help us. He knows what’s in our minds and hearts. It would be a big mistake to try to deceive Him. Having a good relationship with God entails living authentically.

Let us then purify ourselves by filtering our motives, intentions, and goals. Holiness and belonging to the Kingdom should be reflected in our words and actions. Let us show off to God and not to men. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

How can you live out your faith more authentically?

Purify my interior life, Lord, and help me align it with my outer life. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ____________________________

LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE

 

LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE

Jesus continues His teaching against the leaven of the scribes and Pharisees. They were very much wanting in their essential practice of the laws. They lacked witnessing in what they taught. The laws were relegated to mere compliance rather than being life-changing and spiritually-uplifting commands from God.

These are old sayings—words must be put into action; beliefs must be lived; walk the talk; mean what you say and say what you mean. Yet, they are difficult to fulfill. Life is not just about words. Words are symbols which represent realities, and those realities must be lived.

Compliance is a detached application of the law. It may be externally good but internally amounts to nothing. Unfortunately or fortunately, God’s commandments are not concerned with mere compliance and externals. They are meant to make us good and holy. They help us attain salvation. Thus, they must not only be heard and uttered; they must be enfleshed.

Christian life is neither easy nor hard. It is about living what is believed. Christian faith is a relationship with God. He is not just an idea. God is a Spirit and once became a person in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make our faith a relationship and not mere compliance. Let us relate with God. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Which among Christ’s teachings do you find hard to follow?

Make me faithful to Your teachings, Lord, that I may truly live. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ________________________

FAITHFUL TO THE FOUNDER’S TEACHINGS

 

FAITHFUL TO THE FOUNDER’S TEACHINGS

Today is the feast of St. Bartholomew. Jesus meets Nathaniel, who is also traditionally believed as St. Bartholomew. Nathaniel doubted Philip’s statement that Jesus was the one Moses and the prophets talked about. It is mainly because Jesus was known to have come from Nazareth, a place known for its notorious people. However, Nathaniel was convinced when Jesus said that He knew him even before Philip was introduced to Him.

The Apostles are our links to Jesus. In faith and religion, it is important that what are being taught and lived are what the founder had entrusted. The true religion attributed to the founder does not only depend on the proven link but more of faithfulness to the teachings of the founder. In the Catholic Church, we are assured of this. The deposits of faith which the Lord Jesus entrusted to the Apostles have been received by the Church. Our claim of being the religion which the Lord Jesus has founded is based on what we have received from the Apostles—what they saw, heard, and experienced.

Surely, those who followed Jesus and suffered martyrdom because of their faith cannot be construed to have been fooled or deceived. The truth is, they saw deeper. This is what we should try to discover, too. For them to die for the faith only testifies to the truth and reality of what Jesus had said and done for us. The Apostles had that responsibility and opportunity. As baptized, we share the same responsibility of propagating the faith through witnessing to the words and deeds of Jesus. We may not be given the grace of martyrdom, but we definitely are given the task to proclaim the Good News. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS -----------

Do you have any doubts and/or reservations about the Church’s teachings? Talk to an elder of the Church now and be enlightened.

Help me to deepen my appreciation of my religion and its teachings, Lord, for I know they came from You. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________

LET US LOVE THIS CHURCH

 

LET US LOVE THIS CHURCH

Peter recognized and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of the Living God. It was a revelation gifted by the Father to Peter. Through this revelation, Jesus instituted the Church under the leadership of Peter, the Rock on which it will be founded.

It is a good opportunity for us today to understand the Church—the one founded by the Lord and does not refer only to the building but to the members and leaders as well. The members are the baptized and the leaders are those who were ordained according to Church traditions dating back to the time of the Lord Jesus. The Church is us—with our leaders and Jesus. The proclamation of the Good News, according to Jesus, for the salvation of souls is Her main purpose. The Church is the Sacrament of Jesus’ presence. She performs Jesus’ threefold function: prophetic, priestly, and kingly.

She is both sinful and holy, hypocrite and authentic. She is sinful and hypocrite because Her members are human beings with limitations and weaknesses. She is holy and authentic because of the presence of the Lord. The Church has existed and served since Peter’s designation as Her leader. She has her ups and downs, successes and failures, scandals and glories, due to human weakness. But she persisted and continues to exist because nothing, not even the gates of hell, can prevail over Jesus, the Son of God.

It is for this reason that we ought to trust the Church, Her members and leaders. Her many years of experience through history should attest for Her knowledge of the truth. Coupled with the guidance of the Spirit of Jesus, the Church, through the pope, is infallible. This is what the Church leaders, bishops, and priests, teach us. They are not free to teach their own knowledge and understanding of what Jesus taught. The Church’s Sacred Scriptures and Tradition combine to provide us with the truth and the context in which Jesus taught.

Let us love this Church. Jesus gave this to us. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Do you trust that the Church will prevail despite the current wave of persecution and attacks from evil forces?

Thank You for giving us the Church, dearest Father. Through Her, we find refuge. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________

HAVE FAITH, WILL SAVE

 

HAVE FAITH, WILL SAVE

In today’s Gospel, Feast of the Queenship of Mary, Jesus reveals the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They teach something but do another. Religion has become so heavy with small details while forgetting and abandoning the meaning for those rituals. It has geared too much on ex opera operato, which assumes effectivity as long as the actions are done and prayers are said.

Rituals are important. They are external actions which signify what is happening internally and spiritually. But they must be done always with faith. Otherwise, they will just be utterances similar to magic words like abracadabra, open sesame, or eureka. God’s commandments have spirit. They have intentions based on God’s purpose. Ministers do not only perform rites and let God do the rest. Ministers celebrate those rituals, believing God is present through their words and actions.

For example, what are candles for? Why do we have oil, water, flowers, hosts, images, etc. in some of our rituals? What about gestures like the sign of the cross, kneeling, standing, bowing, etc.? They have secular meanings, but they have special meaning in our faith. Our liturgies are beautiful, meant to lead us into the significance of the rites. But if we do them just for the sake of doing them, then we lose their meaning and benefits.

We celebrate today the Queenship of Mary. It was not a concession given by Jesus to Mary. We recognize the sincerity and effort of Mary to be a good and perfect disciple of Jesus. She did not bank on her motherhood to be automatically merited with eternal life. She lived her motherhood and discipleship. For that she was recognized and declared by the Church as the Queen of Heaven. Furthermore, since her Son is the King, Mary is the perfect Queen. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

What is your favorite Church ritual? Why?

Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your Mother to be our Mother, too. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________

LOVE SAVES

 

LOVE SAVES        

Jesus was asked which is the greatest of the commandments. The context was, since the time of the Ten Commandments, many other laws were created to make them relevant to particular situations. Jesus, in order to show that all commandments were important, summarized them into two: love of God and love of neighbor.

Love here is not the romantic kind or fascination for somebody. It is a decision to be faithful, patient, kind, forgiving, caring, and all other life-giving and Gospel values toward God and others. It is offering one’s whole self to God—heart, strength, soul, and mind. It is what Saint Ignatius meant in his prayer, “Take and receive, O Lord, my liberty, memory, will, and mind.” We claim nothing anymore for ourselves. We put ourselves in God’s care.

Thus, what is great for God is when we are concerned for others and have a good relationship with Him. But it must be clear that while our love is directed to both God and neighbor, our love for God is the anchor. It is the very basis of our love for neighbor. Unless we establish our love of God, love of neighbor is futile. We find reason to love others by our love of God. But love of God is foundational. When we love God, love of neighbor becomes a lifetime apostolate. But without that love of God, loving our neighbor has limits and can be tiring and frustrating.

Finally, this love is salvific. There is no other reason or purpose for this kind of love. It is not only meant to fulfill our wants and needs on earth. It is to fulfill our true destiny, which is the fullness of life with God in eternity.

When we love, we see God. When we love, we seek eternal life with God. God is love. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION -----------

How has your love for God translated into love of neighbor?

I love You, Lord, and I need You. Amen.

DRESS YOUR SOUL FOR THE KINGDOM

 

DRESS YOUR SOUL FOR THE KINGDOM

Today, Jesus portrays the Kingdom as a wedding banquet where many were invited but not everyone responded to the invitation. Even the one who responded was rejected because he was not “dressed for the occasion.” This says that entry into the Kingdom is not automatic for those who want to enter; it requires a certain status or condition. To be invited means to be chosen as part of God’s family. To be invited is to respond with faith and obedience to God. The dress here is not a garment but a condition of the soul.

There is no question about those who rejected the invitation. They made their decision to separate themselves from God, or worse, reject Him. But those who decide otherwise must still fulfill certain conditions. They must be repentant and resolve never to offend God anymore. They must constantly communicate with God and show their dependence and obedience to Him. They must do acts of charity toward their neighbor. In other words, they must be good disciples. The meaning of the garment worn in baptism must be imbibed in their lives. The soul must be properly dressed, too, in a manner of saying.

Did God want only a few to be saved? Definitely not. When Jesus died on the cross, He died for all. God loves all His creation. His plan was to unite all creation in Jesus and welcome them to His Kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus wants to give us a positive warning. He communicates His Father’s love. He must have seen how people responded to wedding invitations then. He saw the analogy. He hoped that the message comes across loud and clear.

Let us bear in mind that the Kingdom is a far more serious concern. Jesus wanted to be certain His audience understood Him so that they will not miss the opportunity to enter the Kingdom. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Are you ready for the Kingdom? Are you “dressed for the occasion?”

Dearest Father, thank You for dying for us and for opening Your Kingdom to us. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________

GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

 

GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a moving, intriguing, and provoking story about the vineyard owner who hired laborers at different times. To the surprise of those who were hired first, they received the same wage as those hired late in the day. They expected that since they worked relatively longer, they would receive higher wages. But they did not, and so they complained. The owner claimed he did not shortchange them. He gave them a wage according to their agreement.

The point of the parable is to make us accountable for everything God has given us. He has been generous to all of us. He gave us gifts in terms of time, talent, and treasure. God does not compare us with others, in the sense that we are not measured against each other. It will be unfair for us to be measured with Saints Francis, Anthony, Therese, etc. In terms of accountability, to each his own. God will not expect us to accomplish things beyond our capacities.

Comparison subjects us to a lot of complexities. There is always somebody below or above us. God wants us to avoid that. He is fair to us based on what we were given. This does not mean that we are not connected with each other. We are all complimentary. But measuring ourselves against others is a great mistake. Just like in the parable, we will be tempted to cry “unfair.”

On another level, the invitation to work was an invitation to repent and gain the Kingdom. Our wish is that all respond to God’s invitation to repentance at the same time and with alacrity. For God, what is important is to go back to Him. Salvation is not partial. Salvation is always full. On our part, we must appreciate it rather than cry “unfair!” We must do so not because we will also benefit from it but it is God’s nature.

Let us call to mind the father’s response to the elder son who complained about his father’s warm welcome to his prodigal brother: “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”(Luke 15:31-32). Such is our God! Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Do you tend to compare yourself with others? What does today’s Gospel tell you?

You are a just God, Lord, and I have no right to complain. You have blessed me more than I deserve. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________

GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

 

GOD IS GENEROUS, NEVER UNFAIR

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a moving, intriguing, and provoking story about the vineyard owner who hired laborers at different times. To the surprise of those who were hired first, they received the same wage as those hired late in the day. They expected that since they worked relatively longer, they would receive higher wages. But they did not, and so they complained. The owner claimed he did not shortchange them. He gave them a wage according to their agreement.

The point of the parable is to make us accountable for everything God has given us. He has been generous to all of us. He gave us gifts in terms of time, talent, and treasure. God does not compare us with others, in the sense that we are not measured against each other. It will be unfair for us to be measured with Saints Francis, Anthony, Therese, etc. In terms of accountability, to each his own. God will not expect us to accomplish things beyond our capacities.

Comparison subjects us to a lot of complexities. There is always somebody below or above us. God wants us to avoid that. He is fair to us based on what we were given. This does not mean that we are not connected with each other. We are all complimentary. But measuring ourselves against others is a great mistake. Just like in the parable, we will be tempted to cry “unfair.”

On another level, the invitation to work was an invitation to repent and gain the Kingdom. Our wish is that all respond to God’s invitation to repentance at the same time and with alacrity. For God, what is important is to go back to Him. Salvation is not partial. Salvation is always full. On our part, we must appreciate it rather than cry “unfair!” We must do so not because we will also benefit from it but it is God’s nature.

Let us call to mind the father’s response to the elder son who complained about his father’s warm welcome to his prodigal brother: “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”(Luke 15:31-32). Such is our God! Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Do you tend to compare yourself with others? What does today’s Gospel tell you?

You are a just God, Lord, and I have no right to complain. You have blessed me more than I deserve. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________

TO WHOM ARE YOU PRESENT?

 

TO WHOM ARE YOU PRESENT? 

The rich young man in today’s Gospel wanted to know what good he must do to attain eternal life. He had been faithfully observing the commandments. But when Jesus told him to sell everything, give the money to the poor, and follow Him, it was too much a condition for the man because he had too many possessions. He went away preferring his possessions than following Jesus and attaining eternal life.

Jesus once taught, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul?” The material world is limited. It has a definite lifetime. Why would we want to be attached to it?

The man was more present to his possessions. He had grown to love and treasure them. Presence strengthens relationships. His brief meeting with the Lord was not enough for the man to part with the possessions that he must have worked hard for. Maybe for him, the pleasure, prestige, and power that his possessions provided were more real and satisfying than eternal life. The Gospel account said that he went away in response to Jesus’ challenge. Had he stayed and tried to know Jesus more, he might have changed his mind.

Human experience teaches us that presence brings us closer to the person we spend more time with. We discover many things about ourselves and the other person. It applies too with God. When we start going to Mass more frequently, spend more time in prayer, visit the Blessed Sacrament, regularly read Scriptures, consistently follow His commandments, and always be aware of His presence, we will know Him more and eventually love Him more. And in loving Him, we will strive to serve Him. It follows that the more experience we have with Him, the more we will know, love, and serve Him. Soon, our possessions will come second to Him and we will come to a point when all we want is to be with Him—in the eternal life. Eternal life is where we want to always be in God’s presence. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Putting yourself in the shoes of the rich young man, what would you have chosen—your possessions or following Jesus?

Keep me always focused on the eternal life, Lord. Amen.
Today, I pray for: ___________________________

A FAITH JESUS COULD NOT REJECT

A FAITH JESUS COULD NOT REJECT

In today’s Gospel, we have a Canaanite woman, a member of the Gentile community, asking the Lord Jesus to help her daughter who was being tormented by a demon. Jesus did not bother to address her plea. He clarified His non-action: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

The plan of God was to begin the work of salvation in Israel, of which Canaan was not a part. Places outside of Israel were called Gentiles while Israel was referred to as the Chosen People. Jesus, in effect, was telling the Canaanite woman that it was not yet their time. After the deliverance of Israel, they would receive the grace of salvation.

But the woman was persistent. Jesus told her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” He went as far as comparing the woman and her child to a dog, hoping it would dissuade her from pursuing Him. She did not. She loved her daughter too much to be easily discouraged even by a harsh statement from the Lord. Her response floored Jesus: “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

She was, in a way, saying, “Call me a dog or whatever you want. Certainly, there are scraps that would not affect the nourishment of the Chosen People.” She respected Jesus’ mission. Any help was enough for her. She had faith!

It did not escape Jesus. He saw her determination to free her daughter from the demon. She believed in Jesus. She resorted to persistence, hoping Jesus would spare something for her daughter no matter how minute. To a person with great faith, even an iota of grace is enough.

“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” She got what she wanted. Her persistence and determination were proof of her faith. It should be clear that God does not need to be pressured. He gives grace to everyone at all times. But worthiness is necessary. Faith makes us worthy of God’s grace. In this case, the woman expressed her faith through her persistence and determination. Jesus did not miss it. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Do you have a prayer that has remained unanswered? Let the Canaanite woman’s example inspire you to deepen your faith.

Lord Jesus, may my faith make me worthy of Your grace. Amen.
Today, I pray for: ___________________________

IN MARY, WE HAVE A REASON TO HOPE

 IN MARY, WE HAVE A REASON TO HOPE

Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her life became the basis of the Church to declare this feast in her honor and as a fruit of her relationship with the Lord Jesus. Let us go back to November 1, 1950 and re-read the Bull of Pius XII, Muneficentissimus Deus:

“The remarkable unanimity of the Catholic Episcopacy and faithful in the matter of the definability of the Lady’s bodily assumption into Heaven as a dogma of faith shows us that the ordinary teaching authority of the Church and the belief of the faithful which it sustains and directs were in accord, and thereby proved with infallible certainty, that the privilege is a truth revealed by God and is contained in the divine deposit which Christ entrusted to His bride the Church, to be guarded faithfully and declared with infallible certainty.”

This feast points us to her greatness as a fellow human being and as the one chosen by God to be the Mother of her Son. Mary shows us the way. She gave us an example and inspiration to be good Christians. She was the first and perfect disciple. Discipleship leads to glory. Being a true Christian brings us to our true home in heaven.

It is a dogma, something we believe as Catholics. Without belief in it, we are not Catholics. It is not just a decision of the Church hierarchy. It was already, in truth, being lived by the faithful. These are testimonies that it was revealed by God. When something comes from God, we believe it.

While we glorify Mary on this day, we should be aware that all Marian feasts cannot stand by themselves. They are all anchored on the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Assumption of Mary was a fulfillment of the promise of the resurrection which Jesus experienced. It was due to the death and resurrection of Jesus that we have the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the end, the feast is essentially the glorification of Jesus, the Son of God.

Hope we must, hope we have, hope fulfilled. Thanks to Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, we have heaven as our home. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

What is Mama Mary’s role in your life?

Continue to intercede for us, Mama Mary. We love you. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________

GOD AT THE CENTER OF MARRIAGE

 GOD AT THE CENTER OF MARRIAGE

Can two people really live with each other as husband and wife till death? The present generation would say it’s not possible based on the numerous separations and unsuccessful marriages. Because of this, many countries have legalized divorce. The demand was just too much. But is it a matter of numbers? How about those who have stayed together and are considered “successful in their marriage?” In reality, they outnumber those who have separated.

As a priest for twenty-eight years, I have officiated countless marriages and, so far, there are only two couples who came back and told me that they were contemplating on separating and applying for annulment. For what reason were they separating? They lied to me when I interviewed them prior to their wedding. Had they told me everything, I would have advised them to think twice about their decision before they plunged into marriage.

So, what do we say about those who have been married for twenty-five, thirty, forty, and fifty years or more? They are ordinary people who love each other and have God at the center of their married life. Unfortunately, today, good marriages are considered exceptions rather than the rule. The truth is, there are still many who stay married; only a few are either divorced or separated but they are just noisier. Marriage, as the Book of Genesis and the Gospels teach us, is sacred and cannot be dissolved by whatever legal or human way.

Couples can work out their marriages—not without much difficulties but with much help from God. Of course, there will be exceptions. There may be couples who could not really and essentially be reconciled. But they are very rare and should be the exception rather than the rule, so why legalize it? Legalizing and providing divorce as an option comes as an easy way out.

Marriage is not merely a secular union that adorns families with children but also a spiritual one which enriches the Church with members. It is a vocation to serve humanity through the family. It is a salvific action which results from obedience to God’s commandments. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

What role does God play in your marriage or family life?

Dearest God, protect our marriage and family from all evil attacks. Amen.

THE GOD OF UNLI-FORGIVENESS

 

THE GOD OF UNLI-FORGIVENESS 

Jesus tells His Apostles not only to forgive seven times but seventy-seven times. It means we must forgive without limit. This is a radical teaching because revenge or getting even is the order of the day during Jesus’ time. If ever forgiveness is given, maybe once or twice is enough. Thus, the seven times suggested by Peter in the Gospel is already a generous one. But Jesus takes advantage of the situation to reveal His teaching on forgiveness. His reason is obvious—He does not want anyone whom God entrusted to Him to be lost. He believes that goodness is inherent in everyone and we all have the capacity to change.

In the Gospel, the servant was forgiven by his master, but he did not do the same to his fellow servant who had a lesser debt. The Lord’s Prayer says: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Unfortunately, we believe we deserve to receive forgiveness but others do not.

This is one sickness that ails our society today. We set different standards on people. We fail to heed Jesus’ call to love others as we love ourselves. We believe that some people must be forgiven while others deserve to be punished and not forgiven. It even becomes more one-sided when the one involved is a loved one, a friend, an acquaintance, or ourselves. Can you imagine if God will render to us the same measure? We ought to be thankful that God plays no favorites. There is no sin He cannot and will not forgive. God reminds us that we change not because of the punishment but because we are loved. And one expression of His love is forgiveness.

Finally, we should see forgiveness as an opportunity to do good rather than a burden. If we think about it, how many times have we really made an act of forgiveness? For if we had really forgiven, we would always welcome the opportunity to do so. It does not only produce a good feeling but is also a great privilege to be an agent to put an end to division, share God’s mercy to others, and be appreciated for being compassionate like God. Fr. Benny Tuazon

----------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive again and again? How does it feel to do so?

Thank You for Your unending forgiveness, O Lord. Amen.