Where in my life do I need the light of Jesus to shine? - Daily Reflections December 31,2013

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

 

As the year draws to a close, we contemplate the first chapter of St. John in our meditation. I am reminded of the Easter candle that is marked by the priest at the beginning of the Easter vigil, the great Service of Light. The markings are made in the current year, signifying Jesus as the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega; all time and all ages belong to Him. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

       The readings of this seventh day in the Octave of Christmas remind us that Jesus is unchanging. His mercy and love endure forever. In these days of the Octave, our hearts and minds have been contemplating the gift of God manifested in the Child born for us: Jesus. The same light that we celebrate through the lighting of the Easter Fire is the same light that has come into the world in these days of Christmas.

       For the Jewish person, everything is light. Darkness does not exist. In fact, darkness is that void in which light has yet to penetrate.

       John states that Jesus is the light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness cannot overpower. He is the light that desires to enkindle in us a holy fire, a fire of God s love. He is Jesus, the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

       In these last hours of the year, let us contemplate this light that never fades. Some of us will witness the joyous displays of fireworks as we are united in festivity. As we contemplate the beauty of the skies illumined with color and loveliness, let us turn to Jesus, whose light enlightens all people. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Where in my life do I need the light of Jesus to shine?

 

Lord, I rejoice in the light of Your presence. Thank You for this past year of blessings and challenges. Because of You, I look to the New Year with confidence and hope. Amen.

 

How can I be drawn to Jesus? In my prayer, service and worship, am I being drawn to a deeper love for the Lord? - Daily Reflections December 30,2013

CLOSER TO GOD

 

The birth of a child draws many. Families gather around to dote over the newborn. Parents proudly boast of their blessing. Siblings get excited at the wonder of another brother or sister in their midst. It is certainly a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Similarly, the birth of Jesus draws many as well.

       At the manger of Jesus’ birth, shepherds are drawn to witness the event proclaimed by the angels. Wise men come to adore the Christ King. People who may have passed by stop to look and admire the small child born to Mary and Joseph. Even in today’s Gospel, a holy woman, a prophetess, comes to visit the child. The Christmas story is beautiful as it brings out the best in us. Tidings of joy and happiness overflow. Gifts and offerings are brought to celebrate the newborn. Humanity is born again in the birth of the Incarnate Son.

       Anna, whom we are introduced to in the Gospel, is a fascinating character. Luke informs us that she is a widow, 84 years old, a holy person offering prayers and fasting in service to God. We are reminded of the many holy men and women who work in our parishes. They are the ones who are always around assisting the priests. These are the people who are willing to serve in the ministries of the Church. They are the ones who have given their time and loyalty to their community. God continues to raise men and women outstanding in service.

       Anna is able to prophesy over the Child because of her expectation of the Messiah. Many people in the time of Jesus were faithful Jews awaiting the coming of the Messiah, in expectation of the fulfillment of old Scriptures. We are also caught up in these times serving God, anticipating His second coming, awaiting His visitation to us again. Anna exemplifies to us the meaning of service to God — prayer and fasting. We fast and pray, serve and worship God so we might come closer to Him; to know Him more intimately and love Him more tenderly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: CLOSER TO GOD

The birth of a child draws many. Families gather around to dote over the newborn. Parents proudly boast of their blessing. Siblings get excited at the wonder of another brother or sister in their midst. It is certainly a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Similarly, the birth of Jesus draws many as well.

       At the manger of Jesus’ birth, shepherds are drawn to witness the event proclaimed by the angels. Wise men come to adore the Christ King. People who may have passed by stop to look and admire the small child born to Mary and Joseph. Even in today’s Gospel, a holy woman, a prophetess, comes to visit the child. The Christmas story is beautiful as it brings out the best in us. Tidings of joy and happiness overflow. Gifts and offerings are brought to celebrate the newborn. Humanity is born again in the birth of the Incarnate Son.

       Anna, whom we are introduced to in the Gospel, is a fascinating character. Luke informs us that she is a widow, 84 years old, a holy person offering prayers and fasting in service to God. We are reminded of the many holy men and women who work in our parishes. They are the ones who are always around assisting the priests. These are the people who are willing to serve in the ministries of the Church. They are the ones who have given their time and loyalty to their community. God continues to raise men and women outstanding in service.

       Anna is able to prophesy over the Child because of her expectation of the Messiah. Many people in the time of Jesus were faithful Jews awaiting the coming of th-e Messiah, in expectation of the fulfillment of old Scriptures. We are also caught up in these times serving God, anticipating His second coming, awaiting His visitation to us again. Anna exemplifies to us the meaning of service to God — prayer and fasting. We fast and pray, serve and worship God so we might come closer to Him; to know Him more intimately and love Him more tenderly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: How can I be drawn to Jesus? In my prayer, service and worship, am I being drawn to a deeper love for the Lord?

Draw me into Your presence as I contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation — God becoming man for me. Amen.

 

Draw me into Your presence as I contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation — God becoming man for me. Amen.

Are you busy about the Father’s affairs? - Daily Reflections December 29,2013

THE BLESSING OF FAMILY

 

I was at an open air concert many years ago. During the interlude, I noticed a young boy wandering around the park looking for his parents. In a state of angst he cried out, “Mommy,” in the midst of the multitude. In one moment, the whole crowd cried out in pity for the child who had been separated from his parents. Soon, the child was reunited with his mother. The crowd of people cried out in delight and made their relief known through a sudden round of applause. Similarly, the Gospel tells of Mary’s desperation in looking for her Son.

       They were returning from the Passover. Usually, families would gather in groups and head back home. Thus, Mary and Joseph presumed that Jesus was with their cousins going home. To their shock and amazement, Jesus was nowhere in sight. Can you imagine the desperation of Mary as she searched for her child? Any mother will identify with her. Meanwhile,Jesus is unaware of their trouble. Upon finding Jesus in the temple, Mary expresses her concern that she had not known of his whereabouts. Luke comments that Jesus went home with them and lived under their authority.

       Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. We thank God for bringing us into a family, where we can live and learn the ways of God. One of the commandments is that we honor our mother and father, those who have given us life. They are representatives of God, entrusted with the right and duty to exercise care and concern over our lives. We are to submit to their authority during our years of development. The family should be a great school whereby we learn to love and live according to the ways of God. Of course, each family is unique in the eyes of God. Each family has its own weaknesses, sins, secrets and traditions. Through the birth of Jesus, we are born into another family that is the family of God, the Church. We are to submit our lives to God our Father in obedience and faithful love. In God’s family, we learn to be busy with the Father’s business, placing Him above all things. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you busy about the Father’s affairs?

 

Lord, thank You for the gift of my family. Amen.

What areas of our life are in need of the Lord’s love and wisdom? Let us hold nothing back - Daily Reflections December 26,2013

INTO YOUR HANDS

 

Does it seem strange to you that on the day after Jesus’ birth we celebrate the death of Stephen? We are brought into the stark reality that life is so short. Our thoughts have been focused on the joy of birth, the love of God in Jesus’ birth, and Christmas carols being sung at our doorsteps. Yet in the midst of such joy and celebration lies death and violence. I am reminded of Job who proclaimed that if we take happiness, we must take sorrow as well. Oftentimes, the season of Christmas can be the saddest time of the year for many as they remember the loss of loved ones through tragic events.

       Stephen, whom the Church celebrates today, was the first deacon consecrated by God. You will remember that when the Apostles were feeling overburdened by the various responsibilities of mission and administration, they ordained men of wisdom and God filled them with the Holy Spirit. Stephen was included among them. Great persecution followed the establishment of the early Church communities. Stephen was caught up in the time of great upheaval for the Church. He dies in a similar way to Jesus on the Cross — surrendering Himself into the Father’s hands.

       At this time of Christmas, all of us are called to surrender — to give our lives over to Jesus. We are not meant to live for ourselves, but for the Lord alone. Stephen, being filled with the Holy Spirit and God grace, gives us an example. Let us be open to the Spirit at work in us. The love of God, the Holy Spirit, wants to be expressed in our lives. The birth of Jesus, and the death of Stephen, should inspire us — that in life or death, we belong to the Lord. The prayer of Stephen is the same prayed by priests and religious at the Night Prayer of the Church. Before we go to sleep, after our daily work, we offer all things to God. Let the Spirit that inspired Stephen to surrender himself to the Lord be the same inspiration for us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What areas of our life are in need of the Lord’s love and wisdom? Let us hold nothing back.

 

Into Your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit. Amen.

 

Contemplate the baby in the manger. Acknowledge His greatness and humility and power - Daily Reflections December 25,2013

GOD HAS SPOKEN!

 

Merry Christmas to you and may Christ be born again in your hearts!

       St. John of the Cross says that God has spoken His Word; He has nothing else to say. Today, we celebrate the Word made flesh, Jesus who has united His divinity with our humanity. To quote a Father of the Church: “One of us is God.” The author of Hebrews proclaims that God has spoken to us through His Son. Today is the Day of Fire, the Fire of God’s love. Today we are united in the Son, giving glory to the Father for having saved His people through His visitation. We are called sons and daughters of God: You are my son, today I have become your Father.

       In the midst of our celebrations, it would be good to take time to reflect upon God who has taken upon Himself the fullness of humanity. See God’s humility in becoming like one of us, except having sinned. Jesus will grow and mature as a young man. He will live in a small village, learn a trade and study the Scriptures. He will die on a Cross for our salvation, destroying the defilement of sin.

       Jesus wants to be born again in our lives. Just as He was given a place in the stable, we open our hearts and lives to be that place, the throne whereby God takes His rightful place. For many years, we have been under the power of the evil one, who has ruled the world. Jesus, according to the author of Hebrews, is the radiant light of God’s glory, sustaining the universe by His powerful command. He has come to conquer sin and death. We are now reunited to Him since He is at the right hand of the Father; from thence He has taken His place to reign and rule. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Contemplate the baby in the manger. Acknowledge His greatness and humility and power. To us a Child is born, for us a Child is given.

 

Thank You, Father, for remembering Your truth and love for Your people. Amen.

How can I encourage my child more? How can I grow in the affirmation of others? - Daily Reflections December 24,2013

SONG OF AFFIRMATION

 

On this Christmas Eve, we are introduced to the canticle of Zechariah. What a beautiful song by this holy man at the birth of his son, John. This canticle is sung by priests and religious at every Morning Prayer of the Church. It is a joyous song of praising the God who saves. Rich in salvation history and redemption, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zechariah blesses God, then turns to bless his son and his future.

       The song is of two parts. Firstly, God is blessed for having visited His people. He has fulfilled His promise in the House of David, sending a Ruler and Shepherd as in the days of old. The song proclaims a faithful God of the covenant who remembers His people. The second part of the song is focused on the baby, John. He is called as a prophet who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways of righteousness and justice. Through John’s ministry, the people will have knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins. He will be a lamp shining brightly, enlightening others by His words and actions.

       I often imagine the song being sung over the child with great joy and delight. How affirming of his father. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, having spent so much time in silent reflection, Zechariah proclaims with great confidence the truth of his son’s future. The Gospel reminds us of God’s goodness.

       We know that parents have a responsibility to show care and love to their children. Children need affirmation and recognition. Psychologists tell us the first seven years are incredibly significant for the child’s ongoing development and maturity. The first seven years of one’s life are vital in setting the future. God has great plans for our children. Allow the song of Zechariah to inspire within us the praise of God for His awesome kindness and love. The reflection of the song of Zechariah encourages parents to love their children. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How can I encourage my child more? How can I grow in the affirmation of others?

 

Lord, show me the way of Your loving kindness. Teach me to love and affirm others. Amen.

 

What is your name? Find out the meaning of your name. Who are you? - Daily Reflections December 23,2013

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

 

Apart from Jesus and Mary, John the Baptist is the only one whose birth and death we celebrate. The Church considers him a large figure and he looms large as we near the days of our Savior’s birth. We are reminded of the joy of John the Baptist’s birth. What a great blessing to his parents. John will be the great precursor to Jesus and we see him out in the desert preparing the way for the people to receive a baptism of repentance.

       In this Gospel story, we see the horror on the part of the people as they seek to name the child. Traditionally, names were taken after the father in the Jewish custom, or at least from significant figures in the life of the child. The dilemma, then, is that no one in the family has the name John. This name was given to Zechariah by the angel in the Temple. His name will be John, meaning God’s gracious gift. His name signifies the mission he will fulfill as he seeks to call people into the grace and mercy of God — ultimately leading them to Jesus.

       Have you ever thought about the significance of your name? You have a name! You have an identity! You are known by your name. How wonderful is your name, known to God and those closest around you. A name is significant; it evokes security and identity. Look upon your name, find its meaning. Many of us have been called by other names that can be offensive. God loves you and calls you by name: “You are mine,” says the Lord.

       The people who witnessed the birth of John wondered what he would turn out to be. God’s hand was indeed upon him. The hand of the Lord is upon our life, too. Let us rejoice in our names and seek to live up to the names we have. Even more than that, our collective name is Christian and we are disciples of Jesus. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is your name? Find out the meaning of your name. Who are you?

 

Lord, You have redeemed me and called me by a new name. I belong to You. Amen.

What phrase or word strikes your attention? Read the responsorial psalm and practice the lectio divina method of prayer - Daily Reflections December 23,2013

THE GOD WHO SAVES

 

The psalms make good reflection for our meditation since they are hymns and prayers of the common people. In every psalm, we can see our own lives expressed. What we find difficult in expressing, the psalmist has made

known. Psalms can be a fantastic aid to prayer and intimate conversation with the Lord. The Divine Office, or Prayer of The Church, once prayed only by priests and religious, has now been made available for the laity.

       The ancient method of prayer Lectio Divina, or Divine Reading, is an aid to pray the psalms. By taking a key phrase or word, one allows himself to be nourished and enlightened by the Word of God. I often encourage

those I direct to use this method — those who are just starting out in their prayer lives and those who are seeking direction and guidance. The psalm says it all — laments, forgiveness, joy and thanksgiving.

       The Responsorial Psalm or Canticle in the readings today is the response of Hannah, echoed by Mary in the Gospel. Hannah acknowledges herself as part of the people of God whom He has saved. Hannah is invoking God’s assistance and salvation. In a time of praise and thanksgiving, she adds her voice — that the God who saves and exalts the humble has come to her aid.

       On this last Sunday of Advent, we are near to the great celebration of God Incarnate. The Canticle or Responsorial Psalm of today is fulfilled in Jesus. He is the Helper and Rescuer of humanity. He comes to restore the vineyard of God, namely Israel, and now the Church. Truly, we find in Jesus the God who has looked down from heaven and seen the great confusion of mankind. In His loving-kindness, He has rescued His people from danger of sin. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Read the responsorial psalm and practice the lectio divina method of prayer. What phrase or word strikes your attention?

 

Lord, I turn to you in my need. You are my rescue and help. O God, come to my aid.

 

Take time to reflect on the truth that we are “walking tabernacles.” What does this mean to you? - Daily Reflections December 21,2013

WALKING TABERNACLES

 

We are familiar with the Gospel today — the second joyful mystery of the Visitation, celebrated on May 31 every year. We can easily imagine the joyous encounter between these two women, one barren having now conceived, the other a virgin having conceived. We have an amazing God! The response of Mary’s kinswoman, Elizabeth, has been made into a prayer of the Rosary — Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

       To bear a child is a gift of God. Joy and delight are expressed when one has been found pregnant. It is a great achievement that is widely celebrated and a great gift — the gift of children. In these days of Advent, our hearts are also pregnant with hope and expectation as we await the coming of the Lord in our midst. Actually, at every Eucharist we encounter this joyous hope when receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Our hearts can overflow together with the joyous praise of Mary and Elizabeth in meeting the Christ within. In a wonderful way, Elizabeth prophesies of the beautiful fulfillment of God’s promises — He has come to visit His people.

       The story should remind us of the great respect due to every person we encounter. As a spiritual director once said to me, “We are walking tabernacles.” How true and awesome this is! Just as we genuflect upon entering our churches in reverence to the reserved Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, so, too, must we respect the human person who has Jesus dwelling within him. May we come to a deeper awareness of Christ’s gift in this time of Advent and Christmas. St. Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We must flee from all immorality and that which can distract us from this truth. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Take time to reflect on the truth that we are “walking tabernacles.” What does this mean to you?

 

Lord, thank You for visiting us. May we be found worthy of Your presence dwelling within. Amen.

Where in your life is God calling you to say yes to Him? - Daily Reflections December 20,2013

SAYING YES TO GOD

 

The story told by Luke is ancient yet ever new. A virgin is visited by an angel of God and is called to accept the call to be the mother of God’s Son. Artists have given their impression, hymnists have revealed their meditations in poetry and song, and now, we, too, are called to offer our reflections and praise on this providence of God. For a long time, I used to meditate on the scene. Now I find myself reflecting on the response of Mary. How did Mary respond? Luke shows in a very beautiful and progressive way the opening up of Mary’s response to the angel.

       Mary is at first troubled by the greeting. This is lessened as the angel describes Mary as full of grace. She then proceeds to question the angel as to how this will come about. The angel answers the question with the  assurance of God’s will. In the end, Mary responds wholeheartedly to the request made by the angel. God had already begun the work in her. It was up to Mary to willingly respond to the grace at hand.

       The mystery of God becoming man is an affirmation of the angel’s message that nothing is impossible for God. Similarly, St. Paul states that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Jesus, in His conversation

with the rich man, states that nothing is impossible for God. This is what we have to get our heads around. God is God, He alone created the heavens and the earth, He alone suffices the human restlessness — He redeems, He saves and He loves. The annunciation to Mary is redemption and salvation made manifest. Mary’s response should inspire us. We, too, have been called to say yes to the will of God. For some, we are still discovering God’s will. For others, we are fulfilling it right now by our lives and vocations as religious, parent, teacher, colleague in business, etc.

       Let us respond wholeheartedly as was in the case of Mary. We may be overwhelmed with our weaknesses and inability to respond well. But at least we can make a start by saying yes to God. Know and learn that God will do the rest. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Where in your life is God calling you to say yes to Him? In what areas of impossibility is the light of God wanting to penetrate with its mystery of incarnation?

 

Lord, You know I love You. Let Your holy and perfect will be fulfilled in me. Amen.

How can you live out your priestly, royal and phrophetic roles? - Daily Reflections December 19,2013

PRIESTLY -ROYAL -PROPHETIC PEOPLE

 

The whole of our lives, we seek to please Jesus. It is His right to receive all our praise, since what He has done is amazing love. Of course, what Jesus has achieved is a pure gift, i.e. offering His life for us. We have not merited it or even deserved it. It is pure unconditional love.

       Jesus praises John in the Gospel as a prophet. A prophet stands on the truth and is not convinced by false error and the arguments of man. He is not like a reed easily blown away by the wind of false teaching and opinion. Neither, as Jesus tells us, is he like a fine man dressed in all regalia. He is a messenger of God and forerunner to the ministry and person of Jesus. God expects nothing less than faithfulness on our part. Jesus is the faithful one of God. The faithfulness of Jesus, of John, of Mary and of all persons we meet in the Christmas story are examples for us to imitate.

       The Church calls us to be a priestly-royal-prophetic people. Priestly in the sense that we offer our lives to God in a sacrifice of praise, allowing God to reign over our lives, families and society. Royal, in the sense that we are co-heirs of Christ, who is King and Lord of the world, living virtuous lives fit for the Kingdom of God. Finally, prophetic, in the sense that our lives are to be a witness to the love of God.

       By our baptism we are called to dutifully proclaim the Kingdom of God in our daily lives. Others will look upon us and see that we are messengers of God, upholding the truth, respecting the dignity of the human person and loving those in our midst. By way of our priestly, royal and prophetic role we are being faithful to God.

       Today, let us remember that we are a priestly people, a royal nation, a people set apart to glorify the wonders of God. Let us seek the Lord in our advent reflections and be faithful in prayer, sacraments and charity to our neighbor. Let us welcome Jesus with pure and loyal hearts this Christmas. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How can you live out your priestly, royal and phrophetic roles?

 

May I praise You, Lord, with my life and love. Be pleased with this sacrifice I offer You. Amen.

How open are you to God’s work in your life? - Daily Reflections December 18,2013

THE STORY TELLER!

 

We are a week away from celebrating the birth of Christ and today we hear Matthew’s version. Each of us has a story to tell. I wonder how you would narrate your version of the birth of Jesus. Perhaps you can reflect today on how you would tell your story.

       All of us are storytellers; for each of us are living lives pleasing to God. Each of the Gospel writers tells their story according to their community and social background. Let us open ourselves to understand the greatest story ever told, that of God becoming man. I find the expression from Matthew’s Gospel consoling — that of “Emmanuel” or God with us. Since God is with us, we need not fear anything.

       Let us turn to the Lord in this week of Advent and trust in Him. As we gaze on the nativity scene we allow all doubts to disappear. Look at the Infant Jesus. A baby comes to teach us not to doubt but to have faith. A child’s innocence restores us in the love of God who has not abandoned His people. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How open are you to God’s work in your life?

 

Lord, come to me and do not delay. Remove all doubts and fears. Let me live again. Amen

Have you made a genealogy? Look at your family history and seek to invite the Lord into the lives of your family members. Pray for them today - Daily Reflections December 17,2013

FAMILY OF ORIGIN

 

Today, we are given a lesson in pronouncing names. The long list of names in Jesus’ genealogy is read out to us every year and we yawn our way through it. We tend to think to ourselves, “What is the point of all this?”

       Genealogy is important in Jewish thought. It reveals the nature and background of people and families. Interestingly, we meet a few characters in Jesus’ ancestry that are well known as sinners and unfaithful people. God, we notice, writes with crooked lines. Though it might be messy to behold, God is doing a wonderful work in sending His Son and redeeming humanity. It is quite an amazing experience to see your genealogy and family of origin. I myself learnt much when I was exposed to it. We come to a deeper acceptance and understanding of where things have come to be in our lives and are inspired to move forward in the grace of God.

       My work in the parish involves the youth. It is a great joy to see them open up to the love of God. Over a number of years, we have been conducting a summer school of evangelization. God never ceases to amaze me as I watch the young people come to the Lord. By the end of the summer, they are inflamed with the love of God. Their lives have become different from when they first began. I am amazed when I hear their stories of their personal backgrounds. From some very abusive roots, the kids have opened up to the new life God offers them.

       Similarly, Jesus enters into an imperfect world with an imperfect ancestry. Now, that’s humility! All of us want to be seen as having it all together. Yet, as we take a look at our family of origin, we are reminded of the stark reality that we are not perfect. We are a work-in-progress. And that’s alright. Thank God for having Jesus come into the messiness of humanity. There is hope for us as we invite Jesus into our lives and the lives of our loved ones. God has become one of us and fills us with grace to love Him and return to Him who will grant us healing and restoration. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you made a genealogy? Look at your family history and seek to invite the Lord into the lives of your family members. Pray for them today.

 

Lord, thank You for calling me into a family. Moreover, thank You for inviting me into Your family of grace. Amen.

Let us submit to the authority of Jesus, who is Lord and Savior of all mankind - Daily Reflections December 16,2013

WHOSE AUTHORITY?

 

Someone once asked me by what way do I exercise power — by way of love or domination? At first, I thought it was a weird question to ask but then I found myself reflecting. Yes, I do have authority as a priest, but how do I exercise this power? Jesus always seemed to be in trouble with the authorities of the day. He was never at rest from their complaints and suspicions of His power. Whenever they were in contact with Jesus, they were forever seeking to catch Him out for a quick arrest so as to be done with Him. They hated Him and His ways; they detested the sight of Him. As we near Christmas, we are reminded of Him who came as light, yet His own would not accept Him.

       In one way or another, each of us has power — power to dominate or power to love. We find this power at play in teachers, parents, professionals, work colleagues, friends and acquaintances. The question of the elders in today’s Gospel is meant to be a test to Jesus — to catch Him out on what He might say. He replies to their test by way of counter questioning — a popular Rabbinic trait. Since they cannot answer a question concerning the baptism ministry of John, how much more will they misunderstand the authority of Jesus? The same arguments they put in reply to Jesus’ question is the same they will place on the part of Jesus’ authority. In the end, they will be going against God or against the popular response of the people. They themselves become trapped in their own testing.

       Life is often full of misunderstandings. The Cross and Resurrection are a total misunderstanding on the part of the disciples. The same goes for Christmas. This third week of Advent, we are leading up to the greatest mystery of God becoming man. Jesus is the One sent by the Father to be our sacrifice. In a beautiful way, St. John of the Cross states that God has spoken His final word in the sending of His Son. He has nothing else to say. God the Father bestows on Him authority, power and wisdom. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Let us submit to the authority of Jesus, who is Lord and Savior of all mankind.

 

Lord, I believe that You are the Son of God. Rule over my life and save me from my sin. Amen.

Have you claimed your birth right as God’s own child? Do so now - Daily Reflections December 14, 2013

TURN BACK THE HEARTS OF FATHERS

TO THEIR SONS

 

David Blankenhorn saw it coming 19 years ago: America — and the world, for that matter — ran the risk of fostering “fatherless generations.” We saw its effects unfold. Repeatedly. From unprecedented riots of young men in London, burning buildings and wreaking havoc to life, limb and property of innocent people, to drug-crazed youth on the local scene, killing people for no apparent reason other than unalloyed, pure and reckless anger.

       Social psychologists and sociologists were tripping all over themselves trying to find a clue to this bizarre behavior. Last year, we just couldn’t make sense of several deaths of young women, raped and ravaged savagely by otherwise gentle-looking young men. We were shocked when a remote place like Bacolod in Negros also made it to national news on account of a doctor butchered by a gang, while the whole dastardly deed was being filmed for the whole world to see.

       We all can have our own theories about the phenomenon, but one of those that seem to stand out is precisely this: We have produced a spate of fatherless generations in the world. That was a common feature in these cases — absentee fathers, or fathers who were physically present but emotionally absent from the lives of their sons.

       Today is a good day to re-appropriate what is our birth right — the right to be born in a complete, physically and psychologically whole family. While some of us, through no fault of our own, could not and did not have a complete family, it is now ours to claim, by God’s own word and initiative.

       This is what Sirach indirectly tells us: He was sent “to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.” Jesus later built on this, and revealed His Father as our very own Father in heaven. To Him, we now turn in earnest prayer: “Lord, make us turn to You, let us see Your face and we shall be saved.” Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you claimed your birth right as God’s own child? Do so now.

 

Father God, help me to be secure in the love You have for me — now and until the end of my days.

 

Are you following the right course in this game of life? Ask God to guide you today - Daily Reflections December 13,2013

WHERE WISDOM LIES

 

Even carefree children have their own code of behavior in their little games. Innocence does not necessarily translate to ignorance.

       Today, the good Lord once again uses a tinge of humor and local color. He compares his adult listeners to feisty little kids activating their own grievance machinery. One party just could not take it anymore. They did as agreed, and the other party apparently wouldn’t play along, according to the rules.

       Somebody must have gotten tired of the game, at the very least. Or worse, someone must have decided to follow the beat of a different drummer.

       As a priest for three decades now, I am saddened when former star players in the game of life suddenly change course, take off from the field, and follow the fabled “Pied Piper” who turns up to lead them to a mysterious quest via a different road. Like complaining playmates left holding an empty bag, I rail. I rant. I complain to the Lord. What did we do wrong?

       Oftentimes, it happens for the flimsiest of reasons. Misled by malicious information, people jump to conclusions. “Clergymen cannot be trusted.” “The Pope is filthy rich, living in untold splendor in the Vatican.” “The Church is nothing more and nothing less than a male-dominated and chauvinistic organization out to prey on the ignorance of people and the innocence of little kids.” John the Baptist suffered the same fate. He was declared “mad.” But so was Christ the Lord himself, who was judged a “glutton and a drunkard.”

       Three years ago, seven bishops were dubbed as the notorious Pajero Seven by mainstream media. Despite all the facts to the contrary, the moniker remained, courtesy of a biased and manipulative media, from whom nary a whimper of an apology was heard.

       Life is not child’s play at all. We are called to work hard and see where wisdom lies. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you following the right course in this game of life? Ask God to guide you today.

 

Lord, help me to be faithful to following You all the days of my life.

Are you grateful that God loves you — even if you are a “worm” or “maggot,” especially during the times when you sin? Seek His mercy and goodness today - Daily Reflections December 12,2013

HEED CAREFULLY WHAT YOU HEAR

 

Jeanette Twenge et al. recently came up with a most interesting and eye-opening book entitled, The Narcissism Epidemic, that, at least for me, seems to hit the nail right on the head. Narcissism, or the extreme form of self-centeredness, has become an epidemic, all over the world.

       The world may not accept it, but for more than 40 years now, we have been systematically training kids to “pull their own strings,” “be number one,” and never to allow anyone to “put you down.” One has to “assert” oneself, and parents were bombarded with the mantra that they ought to be profusely praising their kids all the time, even if all they really needed is a more realistic dose of plain and simple encouragement.

       How about this to start your day? The Lord comes in as more realistic, even humorous perhaps! In the first reading, Isaiah, speaking in God’s name, calls his people two diminutive, but not derogatory, names: worm and maggot! As cute as they are funny, the two words clash directly with the current culture of excessive praise, and the unbreakable rule of never calling children disparaging names and monikers.

       But at the risk of getting a few comments and complaints from well-meaning readers, let me give in to an attack of humility for today. Believe me, it will do you and me good.

       Like the famous song “Do-Re-Mi,” let’s start from the very beginning, which has everything to do with truth — the truth that vis-à-vis God, we are really nothing but worms and maggots. Could anything be worse than this?

       But I love the contrast, if not the exaggeration. And here’s what we all need to remember for the whole day. It is not really about us being worms and maggots, but God being who and what He is. For us. For certain. Forever! “I am the Lord.” “I will help you.” “I will not forsake you.”

       Who cares about worms and maggots? Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you grateful that God loves you — even if you are a “worm” or “maggot,” especially during the times when you sin? Seek His mercy and goodness today.

 

Lord, may I always be mindful that no matter how “bad” I may be at times, Your goodness shines through.