Thursday, June 28, 2007

Sunday Reflection: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Rejection: To be rejected is one the most hurtful feeling that we can encounter in life. And the normal reaction of a rejected person is to fight back and hurt the other who rejected us. This is a normal defense mechanism as we want to seek revenge. This is a normal human reaction. This was exactly the reaction of the disciples James and John in the gospel when they uttered such reckless words as to "bid fire come down from heaven and consume" the Samaritans for their denial to receive Jesus in their town.
However, Jesus, in the gospel, teaches us the christian way of dealing with rejection.The christian-like reaction is not to get angry or to seek revenge but by being humble. Jesus has all the right to be angry to the Samaritans for rejecting him, when they should have received the Son of God with open arms. But he did not.
Here we see the difference between being a christian and being just a human being. Today's gospel challenges us to be christian-like in our reactions and behaviors and in living our daily lives. Being a christian is not easy, it takes a lot of inner strength that comes from prayer and contemplation on the life of Jesus. Being a christian means forgetting our human-self and pursuing our spirtual-self geared toward love of God and neighbor.


teresabandal

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Reflection: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist


Who is John the Baptist? Every Catholic knows that he is the one called Prophet of the Most High whom is set to come three months ahead before the Lord and to prepare the way for Him!

His birth is the fulfillment of his name "God is Gracious". Imagine the shame and neglect of his parents experienced during their time where barren people are a disgrace to the society and couples who have many children ore even has many cattles to feed are said to be more lucky and influential. But God has fulfilled his promise rewarding their commitment to serve each other as husband and wife til' they grow old and to continue serving the people of Israel thru prayers to grant them salvation. And so in this remote corner of the world the Good News begin with elderly and childless couples shall we say the neglected individuals in the society, because NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD but first we must learn to wait and believe in His promises! John the Baptist is destined to bring light to the world beginning with those whom are hopeless sinners and the poor....

There is a time for us to seek the truth, to discover what our major duties are and to become esssentially human.....

God Bless us ALL!!!!

ate mhye
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Friday, June 22, 2007

The Nativity of John the Baptist - Luke 1:57-66, 80

Reflections of the Sunday Gospel - June 24, 2007

Mining the gospel gold:


The Office of Liturgy, in collaboration with the Office of Communications, offers a reflection each week for the Sunday gospel reading at Mass. It is hoped that this reflection is helpful to preachers and laity alike.

Reflection:


We celebrate the birth of John the Baptist solemnly today because he is the last and greatest of the prophets who prepared the way for the ministry of the Messiah. John is a bridge between the old and new covenants. Jesus once said, "I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John; yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he." (Lk. 7:28). John then belonged to the old order; he never became a disciple of Jesus. That may seem strange to us because the Kingdom of God is for us being a disciple. Jesus can speak of the least in the kingdom being greater than John in the sense of Jesus' ministry and call to discipleship is the fulfillment of all the law and prophets proclaimed.

With the birth of John, God's new activity among mankind happens in accordance with the words of the prophets, the promises made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the covenant made with Israel at Sinai. The divine plan reaches its climax in the arrival of the Messiah's messenger. God has been and is everlastingly faithful in spite of the faithlessness of his people. Israel's history moves forward to its goal of being bearer of salvation to all the nations of the earth.

Elizabeth has conceived this child in her old age. Old age means a time beyond normal child-bearing and given the life span of these people we can guess that Elizabeth was perhaps 35 or 40 years old at most.

The name, in Jewish tradition, was given by the father and it revealed the character and nature of the bearer. The mother Elizabeth surprises those present by giving a name that is new to the family. (Remember the father Zechariah could not give the name because he was struck dumb at his seeming disbelief at the revelation he received in the temple.) John is our English form of Jehohanan which means GRACIOUS GIFT OF GOD. The choice of name is seen as a grateful act to the unexpected goodness of God to these parents in their old age.

Because of Elizabeth's insistent departure from family tradition in giving the name and Zechariah's sudden dramatic recovery from his loss of speech, the divine guidance is perceived by those present. When God gives a name He determines the destiny of that man and John is certainly set apart for a unique mission. Luke then speaks of "fear coming on all the neighbors." This fear is not fright in the presence of danger but the awe at the marvelous works of God.

The gospel concludes by speaking of John's growth in the spirit in the WILDERNESS; the wilderness is the home of prophetic inspiration and activity. Here John will proclaim the new Exodus event in the person of Him "whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."

John was a gracious gift of God -- let us follow the courageous and self-denial life style of John in proclaiming Jesus to be a model for ourselves.

-Archdiocese of Denver Liturgical Office

Friday, June 15, 2007

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Luke 7:36-50

The penitent woman in today's Gospel, who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, touches us deeply. Those, however, who witnessed her doing these things were deeply shocked!
The homes of the wealthy, like this Pharisee named Simon*, were built around an open courtyard, and in the warm weather, meals were eaten outdoors. It was customary that when a rabbi (teacher) was at a meal in such a house, outsiders were free to come in and listen to the wisdom of the law propounded by the teacher.

Guests reclined at table - they lay on low couches, resting on the left elbow, leaving the right arm free for eating. During the meal the sandals were removed from the feet which were stretched out over the lower edge of the reclining couch. The woman begins to weep at His feet - her tears touched His feet and she wipes them with unbound hair. For a Jewish woman to appear in public with hair unbound was an act of serious immodesty. The woman is oblivious to all but Jesus. The fact that the woman is well known and has a bad reputation, coupled with her unbinding her hair in public, shocks the by-standers. Simon, the Pharisee dinner host, thinks to himself that if Jesus was a prophet (that is, one intimately close to God), He would have known who and what kind of person this woman is who keeps touching Him! A scrupulous observer of the law of Moses would NEVER have allowed a sinner to touch Him even once and Jesus allows this woman to keep touching Him!
Jesus then tells a simple parable involving two extremes of debt - large and small -and a master who forgives both debts. Who will be more grateful for forgiveness? - obviously the one who received the greater favor.Jesus then draws a contrast between the supposedly gracious host, Simon the Pharisee, and the intruding sinful woman.

When a distinguished guest entered a house such as Simon's, the host placed his hand on the guest's shoulder and gave him the kiss of peace. This would never have been omitted in the case of a visit by a distinguished rabbi like Jesus. Since the roads were very dusty and sandals were only thin pieces of sole held in place by straps across the foot, cool water would be poured over a guest's feet to cleanse and refresh them. Then, a pinch of sweet-smelling incense or a drop or two of some fragrant perfume was placed on the guest's head. Please notice that this was considered ordinary good manners and Simon had done none of this for Jesus.
Jesus then points out to Simon in conclusion of the parable that this seemingly evil woman had graciously treated Jesus in a manner worthy of His person. She has washed His feet, not with water but with the tears of repentance. She has kissed His feet in expression of love and gratitude for forgiveness. She also anointed Him with fragrant perfume.

Jesus claims her many sins forgiven and bids her go in peace for her faith has saved her. The contrast between this woman and Simon is remarkable. Her need for forgiveness was great and, prompted by that need, she opens herself completely to the Lord. Simon was interested in Jesus and His teaching, but not much beyond that for his failure to perform the normal welcoming for a distinguished guest shows him to be unready for any depth of acceptance of Jesus' message.
The "Simon" of this Gospel is one of the Pharisees and should not be confused with Simon Peter.

-ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER: LITURGY OFFICE

Thursday, June 07, 2007

SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST



This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ or better known as Corpus Christi. As St. Mark records that, at the Last Supper, Jesus "took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them: "Take this, this is my Body" (Mk 14:22). That word blessed in Greek is eucharistesas, from which the Eucharist derives its name.

Three of the four Gospels record the institution of the Holy Eucharist: Matthew 26:25-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-23. St. Paul also records it in First Corinthians 11:23-25.
From the Holy Scripture we see the foundation of the Holy Eucharist. At every mass we hear the words of the priest during consecration, the same words Jesus spoke during the Last Supper. For us Catholics, we do believe that during consecration the bread becomes the body of Christ, the water and wine becomes the blood of Christ.

As Catholics this faith is one the foundation we hold dear since the times of the apostles. Experience God in the Holy Eucharist through communion or in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Express yourself. Tell him how you feel.
In my personal experience try going into your room at night, lock it, turn off your lights, light a candle, position yourself in the most comfortable manner and then speak to God. Talk to him as if like a friend. Be open to him, and afterwards be silent. Listen to God in the silence of the night. End it by prayer.

Prayer my dear brothers and sisters is our communication with God. Let us not forget to pray, thank him for every blessings we receive especially the gift of life. Ask forgiveness for our short comings. But let us not forget our fellowmen, let us also include them in our prayers. In the words of the Servant of God Fr. Patrick Peyton “The family that prays together, stays together and a world at prayer is a world at peace.”

Let us be grateful to God for his presence in the Holy Eucharist. His way of showing his love for us. As I always say “God loves you more than you know!”


Raymond Sinense - Macatangga
June 07, 2007

MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER: POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:

http://www.hyscience.com/archives/Pope20Benedict20XVI_1.jpg

SEPTEMBER 2010


The Word of God as Sign of Social Development

General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

The End of War

Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

RCAM NEWS:

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CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Parents of Priests' Day

PARENTS AND FAMILY OF PRIESTS
(On the Year for Priests)

Archdiocese Recognizes Parents of Priests

Photogallery
*************************************************** Source: www.rcam.org

LITURGICAL NEWS:

Ministry of Liturgical Affairs
121 Arzobispo St. Intramuros, Manila


ON-GOING FORMATION FOR EMHC 2010

ON-GOING FORMATION FOR LECTORS AND COMMENTATORS

ALC CIRCULARS


Liturgical Music Module
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On-going Formation for Altar Servers
Read


Schedule of Basic Formations
Read


Seminar-Workshop on Proclamations Skills for Lectors
Read


PROPORMAS

Application for Basic Seminars
click here


Letter of Acceptance
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Letter of Endorsement
click here


Performance Appraisal for Lay Liturgical Ministers
click here


Recommendation
click here


Please see below link:


Archdiocese of Manila (a 3-year Plan for 2008, 2009 and 2010


POSTER on Proper Attire in Church


Circular on Proper Attire in Church


LITURGICAL BOOKS (Ministry of Liturgical Affairs)


Source: http://www.rcam.org/

About Us:

Philippines
"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD ..." (John 1:1) The Word service proclaims, not only the contents of the readings, but also the bigger reality that God speaks continually to his people that we are called to a dialogue with God and with one another. To proclaim their inspired content in the midst of the worshipping community is a ministry entrusted to a few. The manner of proclamation is important for the delivery of the message in order to enable the community to enter into the spirit of the Word. The magnificence of this ministry cries out for the excellence that the Word of the Lord deserves. As lectors at the Mass we transmit that Word to human hearts and minds. The readings remind the people of the vision of the Christian community . . . of the things that truly matter.