Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)

Reading 1 Reflection:

In biblical times, Jerusalem was the center of Israel's life as a nation because the Temple was there. Crowds of people went to Jerusalem from all parts of Israel. Today's first reading describes this holy city as radiating the light of God's presence to all the peoples of the earth.

Israel became a light to all nations. Seeing "the glory of the Lord," other nations recognize the one true God and bring gifts "proclaiming the praises of the Lord."

Reading 2 Reflection:

The author of today's second reading recalls how God's "secret," or mysterious, plan of salvation was suddenly revealed to him when he came to know Jesus Christ. He reminds the Ephesians that all people are called to be one in Christ Jesus and that the gospel must be preached to them.

Because Jesus was a Jew, some of his followers thought that Jesus' message was only for Jews. The early Church gradually came to realize that the message of Jesus was for everyone in the world. This was God's great plan!

Gospel Reflection:

As you listened to the gospel, did you hear any echoes of the Old Testament reading from Isaiah? Perhaps you noticed that in both readings people are being led by a bright light on a long journey. They want to see the Lord's glory and honor him with gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh).

Matthew tells us the story of the astrologers, or magi. They followed a star to find "the newborn king of the Jews." Today's feast is called Epiphany, a word meaning "manifestation" or "shining forth" like a light. We celebrate that day when Jesus, our Light, was first revealed to the nations beyond Israel. Just as light shines forth so that we may see in the darkness, our faith in Jesus shines forth in us.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2009

Two thousand years after the coming of Christ Jesus, the Prince ofPeace, the world He taught to live in harmony still remained teetering in aprecarious search for Peace. The much-sought for tranquil life withdrew farther from the reach of humans because people had put their selfish ambitions and greed first before the possession of the common good of all.

It is not equality that peace looks after, but a sufficiency to own and consume what a noble life needs and what human dignity requires.

If we survey our surroundings and see the poverty around us—the selfish ambitions and the pride, including the degenerate ways of governance bereft of inspiration and good example from leaders, the inhumanity in today’s crimes and the shamelessness in many a crime among irresponsible leaders—the question remains the same as before, “Is peace a possibility?”

Peace, as a required respect and love for everyone, is a reality that has often been beclouded by greed and dishonest behavior. But despite all efforts to stop wars and violence, peace can only begin in the heart of man. When someone desires what is good for everyone including self, peace can become an accepted reality. Peace is not within the grasp of a person whose only interest is self. To make His disciples men of peace, the Lord Jesus trained them to love beyond selfish interest, even to the point of offering the sacrifice of one’s life.

Peace is also the consequence of a good choice, whether the choice is to have enough to eat or to select a man who will honestly lead others to progress. “…Peace will come to everyone who does good” (Romans 2:10). Any person, who performs real good, no matter how imperceptible that good act is, will inevitably bring in peace.

The coming year 2010 is the nation’s year of choice for honest, selfless and God-fearing leaders who will serve with honesty, simplicity and humility. Arrogant leaders, who, in the past, thought that the nation could not go forward without them, had always been failures; and they had, unfortunately, brought the country down with them.

The ultimate solution to our election problems does not exactly depend on the automated machines but in the well thought of, more seriously considered, and much prayed for choice (vote), regardless of money or favor, but considered only for the good of everyone, and not just for the interest of a few (family, clan or group). That looks like an ideal so difficult and so nearly impossible to attain, this side of the present Philippine political practice. This is the reason why we need the reminders of the Lord, who came teaching people the need for discipline and sacrifice (under the expression of the cross) in order to attain the path to peace and success.

With joy, then, we greet the Lord’s coming that in the end we may arrive at a lasting and welcoming peace. Blessings to All!



+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila

9th day of Simbang Gabi, 24th December

In God’s Graciousness


Introduction

Joy fills the airwaves of Christmas season.

Malls are jam-packed with shoppers to buy new things to wear and
funny gifts for their loved ones and godchildren. Houses are decorated
with various Christmas designs and lights. At home, family is busy in
preparing special meals and special gifts. On the streets, Christmas carols
are rendered by the young and adults while gift giving is centered on the
poor. Parishes display different versions of crib where baby Jesus was
likely borne. With all of these material manifestations, we cannot but
celebrate. Christmas is a big celebration, a festivity.
And today marks the 9th day of “Simbang Gabi”. All the efforts
of waking up at dawn, shaking the cobwebs of sleep while at Mass and
trying to complete the novena for a wish to come true are now drawing
to a close. It is worth an effort. We should be rejoicing because we are
able to go beyond our limitation and self-comfort.

These external and internal preparations move our heart into joy.
This is timely and proper as we remember the birth of Jesus, the Savior.

Body

God’s graciousness is beyond measure and imagining; its fruition
to men is nothing else but joy.

David, in the first reading, is blessed with two privileges: he has
chosen by God to be the King of Israel and from his throne, the everlasting
dynasty will reign.

In the gospel reading, the old barren wife gives birth to a child.
Elizabeth’s giving birth to a boy is a source of great joy to all- herself,
Zacharias, relatives and friends. They cannot help but affirm the
miraculous deed of their God Zacharias, meanwhile, rejoices because the long-waited Messiah has now come in their midst and his very son, John is the one who would
prepare the way for Messiah’s coming.

This is what his Benedictus, a song of praise and thanksgiving to God, highlighted; a song that expresses the overflowing joy of an old man who is both a priest and a father.

The name John means God is gracious; the name that God has
ordered to be given to the child and able to describe the gratitude of
John’s parents for an unexpected joy. It reveals who God really is and
what He wants for us. A personal God, He wants his people to be happy
and fully alive. This divine graciousness has made flesh; God’s gift to
the world is himself. The Son of God entered into the world and became
one with us. Through a baby borne in the crib in Bethlehem, man is not
only redeemed but also elevated to divinity. God in man and Man in
God. This is what we commemorate, celebrate.

Joy and divine graciousness are inseparable. Joy is from God
and for us. Like God, let us share the joy received to others.

Conclusion

Let us imitate Him for he is the source and model of joy. Joy to
the world the Lord has come!

Question
How do I find joy in my life?

Reflection shared by:

Fernando L. Sabado, Jr

8th day of Simbang Gabi - 23rd December

WHAT CHIlD IS THIS?

“What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. – Luke 1:66

Last year, my caring group, composed of Kerygma preachers and their wives, gave me a baby shower a few weeks before our first baby was born. Aside from the outpouring of love and practical gifts, our daughter, Charlize Gabrielle, was the recipient of many spiritual blessings that each of them pronounced upon her.

Health, happiness and holiness. Love and divine protection. A smile that reflects God’s face. The joy and delight of the Lord. Long, straight hair. (OK, that wasn’t too spiritual but it does come in handy, especially since I spend a small fortune on relaxing my hair.) I went home that night thankful for the blessings they had pronounced and believing that my child would indeed grow in the virtues they had bestowed upon her. I can’t wait to see how Charlize will live out her calling and be a blessing to the world.

As Christmas draws near, we are confronted with the coming of the Christ Child. What He will be we already know. The question is, are we allowing Him to be all that He is in our lives?
This season, let’s strive to know this Child in a deeper way. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

REFLECTION:

As you celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas, what does His coming mean to you at this time in your life?

Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One, manifest Yourself to me in a personal way this Christmas season.

6th day of Simbang gabi - 21st December

THREE WORDS

In today's Gospel reading we hear the story of 2nd Joyful mystery - The visitation of the Blessed Mother to her cousin Elizabeth. Mama Mary who was also pregnant hurriedly went to her cousin when she knew that she was also pregnant. Imagine someone who is pregnant "in a hurry" . . . Let me share with you three (3) words to reflect in relation with our Gospel for today's simbang gabi.

The first word is "COMMITMENT". God fully commited with His love for humanity sent his only Son to save us from sin. God that He was he took a form of a slave, shared the stages of being a child, adolescent and an adult and died for our sins. If God was not commited to us then until now we are still in bondage with sin.

Mary was also commited to the call of being our universal Mother, specially being the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is Mama Mary was not commited then the whole Salvation History would not happen. When Mama Mary when to Elizabeth she was soo commited to visit her cousin who is also pregnant given the fact that she was also pregnant.

Are we commited in our given task? Or we are just commited when the task is easy and we easily give up when it's hard?

The second word is "JOY". When Mama Mary approached her cousin Elizabeth and spoke . . . The baby in Elizabeth womb "leep for joy!" As Mama Mary was commited being our Mother she accompanied it with outmost joy . . . when she said "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. "

St. Elizabeth even in her old age, was full of joy accepting the will of God to be pregnant and bear a son who will prepare the way of the Lord. Zechariah on the other hand, became mute because he did not believe what the angel Gabriel told him but when the baby was delivered he spoke with joy "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he comes to his people and set them free . . . "

The third and the last word is "LOVE". Our salvation history was all because of one word and that is the imense LOVE of God with humanity. It was His LOVE that made him "Commited with Joy."

I remember the story of the Pig and the chicken. They both always see their Master eat his breakfast. One day the chicken told the pig, you know our master likes me because he always eat egg everyday while he just eats luncheon meat sometimes. The pig replied, yes our master doesn't eat pork meat always but there one thing I can say. You just sit there and you produce eggs of which is being used by our master. But as for me I need to butchered before my meat becomes a luncheon meat which he eats sometime.

Let us ask ourselves, are we like the chicken or the pig in the story? If one our loveones needs our life, are you able to offer it for LOVE? If in the near future we may encounter such fate, may we close eyes and somber a prayer that God may help us be commited, full of joy and love!

God loves you more than you know!

RAYMOND SINENSE - MACATANGGA

Lector and Commentator

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Manila Metropolitan Cathedral - Basilica

3rd day SImbang Gabi Reflection, 18th December

Do miracles still happen?

Introduction

Though they were devoted to the temple and the service of God, this old couple seemed condemned to be childless. God seemed neglected their dogged fidelity to Him. On every level, this was certainly a disaster, that in every Jewish family, a child can be a full proof of special blessing. Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years.

We could never really blame them, old and barren, yet can still conceive? What could be your reaction upon seeing a lola walking along in her maternity dress? How would you feel, if one day, you will see your Granny, having stomach pains in the morning and suddenly telling you,“Apo, I am pregnant!”

Body

The announcement of the birth of John by the Angel Gabriel shows us that nothing is impossible with God. It is true! After long years of waiting for a child, the announcement came as a surprise especially for Zechariah, nodding his head in disbelief, as if telling the angel: “Do not add up to our misery. This must have been a joke!”For longs years, they prayed for a baby, they longed to fill-up the empty womb.

Perhaps, they might have sought help just to figure it outhow to have a baby that probably cost them so much, even their lives! It must have been a very painful experience for both of them; no word scan explain the anguish and unhappiness of the state of their married life, for long years, they wept a thousand tears. Luke’s infancy stories are built on a comparison: John the Baptistis compared to Jesus.

First, John is the climax of all the hopes of the Old Testament, and then we see Jesus, even greater than John. Second,there are two annunciations in the Gospel, which we have heard today,that is to Zechariah, and later on to Mary, by the same Angel Gabriel. In both cases, the Angel comes to tell that a son will be born against allhope and all natural means.We can also remember in our first readingabout the appearance of an angel to the mother of Samson. She was alsobarren, when an angel of the Lord Yahweh appeared to her and told her she would conceive and give birth to a son. Our father in faith, Abraham,also received a similar visit from the angel to promise that his barren wifeSarah would bear him Isaac. (Gen 18)What could be the purpose of these stories? It is not merely torelate miraculous happenings. It is not just a simple birth of babies.

That is not the only reason to celebrate. It is celebration of faith, that It is notonly reasons to celebrate, it is celebration of faith, that indeed, miracles still do happen! Perhaps, at the start of the Simbang-gabi, most of us, broughtwith us, certain longings of our hearts: that for a long time, we havebeen praying on bended knees, asking the Lord to grant us our petitions. Perhaps, for healing, for a new job, finding the perfect partner in life,passing board exam, or just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, praying fora child. Let me share with you, three thingsas we all continue to present to God our “special requests.”·

Continue hoping- there is absolutely nothing is impossible with God. God will always be true to His promise, God fulfills Hispromise. The Lord is true to His words. That inspite our infidelity,God continues to be a God of second chances, He continuously allows us to feel His loving concern. That even if seemingly it is only hope that we can cling to.

Do whatever you can- and God will do His part. We canhave the most fulfilling battle of our lives if only we have given allour best. Do not give up. Moreover, after trying and doing all themeans and ways for our problems, it is then we allow God to do His part, ultimately surrendering everything to God. Allow God to surprise you- miracles still do happen. You may not receive the answers to the longings of your heart and the greatest need of your soul, but still in one way or another, the grace of God will always be there to surprise us, if only we have the eyes of faith.

Just when we begin to think it’s going to be the end , the Lord pulls the rug from under our feet to tell us that it isn’t exactly quite over yet. Through faith, we can have the eyes to see the blessings that come our ways. Through faith, we believe that God will never abandon us, even in our need.

Conclusion

There would be times in our lives that God seems to have leftus in a situation where we can see no way out. Let us keep on trustingin His love. No matter how dark the horizon may be, with the help and grace of faith, we know that He is always by our side.

Question

What surprise have you receive from God recently?

Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes, JCD

Judicial Vicar

2nd day Simbang Gabi Reflection, 17th December

Man’s Greatness

Introduction

The genealogy of Jesus proves that the whole human race is wounded yet redeemed, sinful yet grace-filled.

Body

The genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel insinuates three stages.

· First, man was created in the image and likeness. It means that man resembles God but he is aware of his own identity that was not equal to God. In other words, man can enjoy all the privileges that God gave him like intelligence, freedom and capacity to love. However, he must have to recognize also his nothingness before God because without God, he can lose everything he enjoys inlife.

· Second, man gave in to his selfish desires that destroyed hisoriginal closeness to God. Even though God has providedeverything for him, he still desires for more to the extent of wanting to be greater than God. As a result, God allowed him tosuffer the consequences of his folly actions. He became a slaveof his passion and death becomes the ****** of his sinfulness.

· Third, man can regain his greatness. With God’s mercy and love,man is never abandoned to be totally destroyed by his sinfulness. After the prophets, God has sent his only Son with the plan of rescuing man from the slavery of sin so that man will be reunited to Him again. Jesus Becoming Man returns man’s status as createdin God’s image and likeness.

Conclusion

Man is great because God created him in his own image and likeness. There is no way for man not to exemplify this greatness by his faithfulness and goodness to others.

Question:

Am I convinced that I am great since I was created in God’s image and likeness?

How do I exemplify that greatness?



Caster K. Gonsadan
Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe

1st Day Simbang Gabi Reflection, December 16

COMMITMENT TO LOVE

Introduction

Some people find it hard to commit. They are eitherafraid to surrender or see themselves incapable of commitment. No wonder some people are half-hearted with regard to their respective commitments.

Commitment is an active word. We must live it out. We must show it. We must manifest it. Today’s gospel reading on the First day of Simbang Gabi invites us to renew our commitment

TO LOVE.…


Body


LOVING ALL


The Love of Jesus is an inclusive way of loving. It includeseveryone… the poor unlovable, the marginalized, the sinners, thosewho can not reciprocate your love to and for whom He was sent. We are invited to love all who belong to Jesus’ embrace.

LOVING ALL THE TIME


The Love of Jesus chooses no time. Every time is the best timeto love. He was borne and loved at time when there was persecution,denial, betrayal and hatred. We are invited to love all the time even if weare hurting and we find it difficult to love.


LOVING ALL THE WAY

The Love of Jesus never ends. It never gets empty. He gave His all,from Mary’s womb to His tomb. We are invited to love all the way… not to hesitate to love over and over again… not to be afraid to be empty oflove for the more we give love, the more we receive love from Jesus.


LOVING ALL FOR GOD

The Love of Jesus for us is a fulfillment of His Father’s Will. He was sent to proclaim God’s kingdom that we may start experiencingheaven here on earth.

We are invited to love all for God who calls us tolove… who Himself is Love.


Conclusion

To become the living presence of Jesus to others not only throughwords but through actions. In this season, we must concretely manifest our Love for Jesus through our little ways of showing love to others.Christmas is a perfect time to translate love into actions.

To sincerely and humbly acknowledge our unworthiness to becalled brothers and sisters of Jesus, who dwelt amongst us, by allowing Him to restore our dignity as children of God. We must constantly and consistently go back to Jesus’ embrace through reconciling with him inthe Sacrament of Reconciliation.

To start and end this Novena with enthusiasm and excitementfor the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Staying late at night or wakingup early in the morning for one simple reason: We love Jesus! And as aconcrete manifestation of our love, we prepare ourselves spiritually for His Birth through this simple and sincere sacrifice.

Question: How can I concretize my commitment to love all the time......?


REV. FR. MAXELL LOWELL C. ARANILLA
Principal
Our Lady of Gudalupe Minor Seminary

Sunday Reading Reflections:

Third Sunday of Advent
13th December 2009

Reading 1 Reflection:

We could really get into the spirit of this reading if we could sing it and accompany ourselves with musical instruments. Our song would celebrate a renewed relationship between God and God's people.

The time of exile, or separation from God, is over. Now the people can once again feel good about themselves because they are living according to God's will. They sing our their joy, and God sings with them.

Reading 2 Reflection:

This Third Sunday of Advent is sometimes called "Gaudete" Sunday. This is Latin for "Rejoice!" It comes from the first word of Saint Paul's letter for this Sunday. Paul reminds the Philippians that they should not merely rejoice that the Lord is near, and then go about their everyday business.

They must also pray, be grateful, place their trust in God, and be unselfish in their relationships with others. Then they will experience "the peace of God."

Gospel Reflection:

Imagine that you are there, listening to John the Baptist in today's gospel. You hear him advising the people who have already expressed their sorrow for their sins. They are about to be baptized as a sign of their repentance. But they realize that they must also change their lives and avoid sin in the future.

Then the people wonder whether John might be the promised Messiah of God. John tells them that they must look for someone greater than he. We know that he was directing them to Jesus. We can be like John the Baptist when we help others to find Jesus Christ in their lives. Pray today that your joy in knowing Christ will help lead others to him.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent


Reading 1 Reflection:

Perhaps you noticed right away that the author of this reading is a poet. He is filled with hope and joy as he assures the Israelites in exile that God will bring them back to the holy city of Jerusalem. They are suffering very much because they are far from their homeland.

But their return will be such a joyful event that even the mountains, the valleys, and the forests will do what they can to make the journey easier! In this beautiful vision of the future, the people have God¹s "mercy and justice for company." Advent is a time for making progress on our faith journey. Take time to give thanks for God's mercy and justice in your life.

Reading 2 Reflection

In his letter to the Christians at Philippi, a city in Macedonia, Paul makes two things clear. The first is his great love and affection for the Philippians, who have helped him in his ministry. The second is his hope that they will continue to become more and more like Christ. Paul is looking forward to the second coming of Christ.

And he wants to make sure that all Christ's followers will be ready to receive him when he comes. What will you do during this second week of Advent to show that you, too, are becoming more like Christ?

Gospel Reflection:

Why do you suppose Luke makes such an effort to pin down the historical timing of the preaching of John the Baptist? He gives us a complete rundown of Roman and Jewish leaders who were in power. Luke wants us to realize that John, a "common man" chosen by God, is much more important than any worldly ruler, because he is the herald who announces the Lord's coming.

John urges the people to be baptized as a sign of their repentance for their sins. When they do this, they will make the path clear for Christ to come into their lives. Then all people "shall see the salvation of God."