Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2017)

Luke 2: 16 – 21

(and other Readings of the Mass)

Mary Reflects on Them in Her Heart

“Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

We wonder what she might have reflected on. 

She probably reflected on the events that happened in her personal life.  These were singular events because she alone became the Mother of the Messiah (the appearance and the message from angel, her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, and the words Elizabeth said to her, the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, giving birth to her son in a manger, the visit of the shepherds, the message they heard from the angel…).  She probably pondered what it meant for her to be the mother of the One “who will save his people from their sins,” her own plans for her life, her relationship with Joseph, their future, …. 

She might have also reflected on the events that affected the life of her people at that moment – when they were under Roman rule, that the Roman Emperor at the time had declared himself to be the “savior of the world,” the census that she, Joseph, and their nation were subjected to….  How will her Son be the savior of this kind of a world?

How about the whole history of God’s chosen people – her nation? God’s promise to them through their ancestors and the words of the prophets….  All of these is now being fulfilled in her life.  She must have reflected on that too.

In this passage, we also heard about the shepherds and those who hear the shepherds’ testimony.  Unlike Mary, there is no indication that these people reflect on the events they have witnessed.

“Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

Therefore, it is no surprise that She will be present throughout Jesus’ life, all the way to the cross.

She truly is the bearer of God’s Word. 

Image:  Icon 13th-century Great Panagia from Yaroslavl.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panagia

Christmas 2016

Readings

"The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1: 9, 5)

May the Light of Christ shine forever in our hearts and in our world.

4th Sunday of Advent - A

Commentary

Matthew 1: 18-24

What’s in the Name?

In this Gospel passage, Matthew records two names for the child soon to be born:  Jesus and Emmanuel. 

“Jesus” can be translated as “God saves.”  Or as the angel explains to Joseph, “because he will save his people from their sins”

The remainder of Advent offers us an opportunity to ask ourselves if we truly believe that Jesus is the only Savior.  We can put so much hope and expectations on political leaders, celebrities, star athletes, or in our talents, abilities, resources, money, popularity…. And the list goes on.  But only Jesus saves us from sins.

Emmanuel: “God is with us.”

Our Savior is not a kind of a troubleshooting superhero who flashes in and out when we are in need of help, or in trouble.   

Our Savior is a loving God who desires to be with us.  In fact, the Gospel of Matthew ends with the Emmanuel’s assurance to his disciples, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20).

The Savior who was born to us in Bethlehem is with us always – in each of us, in all people as His brothers and sisters, in all of God’s creation, and most especially in his words and in the Sacraments.

4th Sunday of Advent - A (January 18, 2016)

Readings

Image source:  https://faithlovejoyhope.wordpress.com

3rd Sunday of Advent - A

Commentary

Matthew 11: 2-11

The One Who is to Come

John the Baptist has certain expectations of Jesus.

Jesus, on the contrary, presents the signs of “the one who is to come” that seem to be different than John's expectations. They are “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”

People of our times continue to have their own expectations of Jesus.

What signs of “the one who is to come” do I present to people in my proclamation of Jesus?

3rd Sunday of Advent - A (December 11, 2016)

Readings

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2nd Sunday of Advent - A

Commentary

Matthew 3: 1-12

All

Matthew indicates that “At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to” listen to John the Baptist.

A careful look at the map of the region suggests that the people who listen to John were both Jews and Gentiles.  In fact, Matthew seems to imply that even the Samaritans [1] went to John to be baptized.

John goes on further saying, “God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”

It cannot be more inclusive than that.

The Kingdom of God is open to all. 

John invites everybody to live that reality of God’s Kingdom.

Do I share God’s invitation with the same generosity?  Or do I keep certain people out because of my prejudices?

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[1] http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com/progressive_involvement/2016/11/advent-2-matthew-3-1-12.html

2nd Sunday of Advent - A (December 4, 2016)

Readings

 Image source:  www.wikipedia.com

 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

 

1st Sunday of Advent - A

Commentary

Matthew 24: 37-44

Today is the Day of the Lord’s Coming

One of the lessons Jesus might be teaching us here is the importance of living life with a purpose or an orientation.  It can happen that we can go through life aimlessly.  How often do people do certain things just because “everybody else is doing it”?

That cannot be with the Christian life.

Moreover, for us, Jesus Christ is the orientation himself because he said, “I am the way.”

In this sense, when Jesus refers to the day when he comes, it is not just about a future event.  It is also about the present.  He is already here with us to show us the way. 

Thus, living life with a purpose and an orientation is about living with Jesus each moment of our lives. 

So, Isaiah invites us in the 1^st reading, “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.”  And Paul encourages us in the 2^nd reading, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  

And if we live with him now, we will be ready for when he comes both now and in the future.

1st Sunday of Advent - A (November 27, 2016)

Readings

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Christ the King - C

Commentary

Luke 23:35-43

The King Who Saves Others

As Jesus is hung on the cross, three times, three different people/groups of people either tell Jesus to “save yourself” or expect him to save himself.

The three are the rulers, the soldiers, and one of the criminals.  They seem to be people who are familiar with this kind of expectation of any earthly king.

But this King’s mission is not to save himself.

In fact, from the very beginning, his identity as one who saves others was already given by the angel to Mary.  “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31).  This identity is further clarified by Matthew, “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The one criminal knows and trusts in this King as one who has come to save people like him.

What is my view of this King?

Christ the King - C (November 20, 2016)

Readings

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33rd Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 21: 5-19

“Do Not Follow Them”

The people in this Gospel passage admire the temple's “costly stones and votive offerings.” Their admiration for the temple is limited to the external things.

Do they pay attention to the God who dwells in that temple?

So often, we allow ourselves to be caught up in the temporary and external things, even if they are good. We even put our hopes and trust in things that do not last for ever.

We also put our hopes and trust in people, who are like us, merely God's creatures. They are not the Creator or the Savior themselves.

As a result, we might fail to see the God who gives us all good things and all blessings out of love for us.

33rd Sunday - C (November 13, 2016)

Readings

Image Detail from the Arch of Titus showing the enslavement of the residents of Jerusalem.
Source:  http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com

32nd Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 20:27-38

The Resurrection Matters

The Sadducees “deny that there is a resurrection.” 

At the time of Jesus, the Sadducees happened to be the elite Temple leaders.  They in fact collaborated with the Roman occupiers to maintain the status quo.

Ironically, when the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in A.D. 70, the Sadducees were also annihilated and ceased to exist.   

When a person does not believe in the resurrection and eternal life, this earthly existence can lose its meaning and purpose. 

On the contrary, by now – Chapter 20 in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem.  In two chapters (by the end of Chapter 22), he would be arrested and crucified.  He died.  Then he was raised and became the source of resurrection for all humanity.

His whole earthly life and ministry is oriented towards this moment of his death and resurrection.  His life has a purpose.  He lives for God and others. 

It does matter on what and whom we build this earthly existence of ours.  

32nd Sunday - C (November 6, 2016)

Readings

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31st Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 19:1-10

“I Must Stay at Your House”

In Luke’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus, this event is the last stop on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.  The stop is not a part of his plan since he “intended to pass through the town” of Jericho.

Yet, Jesus makes the unplanned stop.  He practically invites himself to dinner at the house of a sinner.

And Zacchaeus receives him with joy.

He changes his plan to spend time with a sinner.  Truly, he “has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

I can keep Jesus out if I do not have Zacchaeus' attitude.  But no sins of mine can keep Him out. 

31st Sunday - C (October 30, 2016)

Readings

Image source: http://www.reverendfun.com

30th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 18: 9-14

Knowing Self and Knowing God

Last week, we reviewed the four types of verbal prayer (prayer of adoration and thanksgiving, of petition, of intercession, and of contrition).

Today, the Gospel offers us an example of a sinner who knows how to pray a prayer of contrition.  The tax collector knows himself and trusts in God’s goodness and mercy.  Thus, he is able to humbly ask for forgiveness. 

The Pharisee, on the contrary, misses the chance to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.  He has done all the right things, at least according to his list.  But he gives credit all to himself instead of to God.  In fact, he brags and puts himself above “the rest of humanity.”  He really does not know himself, nor does he know God.  Therefore, he fails.  

30th Sunday - C (October 23, 2016)

Readings

29th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 18:1-8

Prayer – More than Asking for Things and Favors

Sometimes, we limit our prayer to asking God for favors. 

There are non-verbal prayers (for example, meditation) and verbal prayers (which can be said out loud or silently).  Traditionally, verbal prayers are put into four categories.
1. Prayer of Adoration (praising God) and Thanksgiving
2. Prayer of Petition (asking for what we ourselves need)
3. Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
4. Prayer of Contrition (asking for forgiveness) [1]

In the Gospel of Luke, which we listen to during this liturgical year, there are examples of all four types of verbal prayer. 

Last week, we learned from the Samaritan leper prayer of adoration and thanksgiving.  Once he was cured, he returned to Jesus, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.”

Today, we have an example of prayer of petition.

Next week, we will learn from a tax collector how to pray for forgiveness.  

At other places in Luke’s Gospel, we also have examples of people who pray for others (for example, the centurion who asks Jesus to cure his sick servant in 7:1-10).

It is important to know that prayer is more than asking God for things and favors.

In addition, in Luke, Jesus teaches us the right attitude of prayer.

 Two weeks ago (27^th Sunday), in Luke 17:5-10, using the image of the servant coming in from the field, and still expected to serve his master, Jesus told us of who we are and who God is, and that God does not owe us anything.  All that we have and all that we are come from God’s gracious love and generosity.  Humility and gratitude are essential in our prayer.

The week prior to that, with the parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus, we learned that prayer cannot be separated from charity and sensitivity to the needs of people around us. 

Today’s parable encourages us to pray with trust because God, who is the opposite of the wicked judge, will grant us what we need for our salvation and wellbeing. 

May the reflection on these Gospel passages help enrich our prayer life, and ultimately, deepen our relationship with God.

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[1]  The classifications of these four categories of prayer may varied.  Sometimes, prayer of adoration and prayer of thanksgiving are separated, but prayer of petition and contrition are combined.  

29th Sunday - C (October 16, 2016)

Readings

28th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 17:11 - 19

What a Reputation.

With the religious leaders of the people, Jesus has the reputation of a trouble maker.

With the people, however, Jesus is known for his teaching with authority (Luke 4:32) and a miracle worker (4:23).

Moreover, the lepers in this Gospel passage of Luke 17:11-19 must have heard of Jesus’ reputation of compassion for the outcasts of society.  Otherwise, they would not have dared to break the law and come near him.  Not only have they heard of his mighty power of healing, they must have heard and believed that he cares for them.  The Samaritan man, recognizing that he has been healed, even goes as far as touching Jesus’ feet as a gesture of humble gratitude.  He knows he would not be rejected. 

His confidence challenges me to trust in Jesus’ mercy and compassion for me, a sinner.

Then, Jesus proclaims God’s mercy by his words, actions, and attitudes.  And that is his reputation.

What reputation do I have as a child of God?  A good question to ask during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

28th Sunday - C (October 9, 2016)

Readings

Image source: http://groupbiblestudy.com

27th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 17:5-10

“Lord, Increase Our Faith”

In Chapter 16 of his gospel, Luke records a number of challenging teachings from Jesus.   He warns the Pharisees for putting their reputation and human esteem before God.  He affirms the validity of the law, that ““It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of a letter of the law to become invalid.”  He assures the validity of marriage and equates divorce and remarriage with adultery.  He also teaches the two parables of the cunning steward and the rich man and Lazarus, which we listened to these past two Sundays. 

Then, Chapter 17 begins with Jesus’ condemnation of those who “cause one of the little ones to sin.”  He also demands that his followers forgive one another even to seven times a day.

After hearing all these challenging and demanding teachings, the Apostles implore the Lord, “Increase our faith.” [1]

The way of Jesus is not easy.

Have I come to realize that I cannot follow the way of Jesus by my own efforts? 

Think of the time in your life that, like the Apostles, you felt the need to ask God to increase your faith. 

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[1] http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com

27th Sunday - C (October 2, 2016)

Readings

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26th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 16: 19-31

Dining Sumptuously

The rich man “dines sumptuously each day.”  Think Thanksgiving (or Lunar New Year for those of Oriental background - Tết cho người Việt).  Imagine dining like that every day.

What if the parable is about each one of us – those who God graces with the feast of the Eucharist?  Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we dine sumptuously at the banquet of heaven.  And it is God’s only Son who serves us his own Body and Blood. 

Let us not take for granted the sumptuous gift of God’s love. 

Let us not fail to share the gift of God’s love – Jesus in the flesh – with the Lazarus at our door.    

26th Sunday - C (September 25, 2016)

Readings

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25th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 16: 1-13

God’s Stewards

“Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,” wrote St. Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians.

Certainly, God is nothing like the rich man in the parable of today’s Gospel.  Scripture commentators often interpret that most likely the owner followed the common practice of the day of levying heavy interests when loaning out money or goods.  This practice was common, though it was against the Law of Moses.  Therefore, the rich man was in a bind when his steward gave away the interest.  The rich man could not take his steward to court or let it be known publically that he had done this to people. 

Our God is nothing like the rich man in this parable.

Our God is generous and full of love and care for all.

As stewards of the generous God, we have been given so much.  Now, it is our turn to share all God has given us so that others may come to know the generosity and compassion of our God.  

25th Sunday - C (September 18, 2016)

Readings

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24th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 15: 1- 32

The Lost and The Seeker

In all three parables of this Gospel passage, those who are lost either do not seek their way back themselves (the sheep, the coin, and the older son) or go back for the wrong reason (the younger son).  

It is the seeker who makes the efforts and takes the initiative to search for and find the lost.

Isn't that the way God deals with us?

It is not because we search for God knowing that we are lost.  And even when we might reach out for God, it can be for the wrong and selfish reasons,  

But it is God who seeks out the lost because God is full of love and mercy.

24th Sunday - C (September 11, 2016)

Readings

Image source: www.agnusday.org

23rd Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 14:25-33

You Cannot Be My Disciples If…

“Great crowds are traveling with Jesus”

Jesus by this time in Luke’s Gospel is on his way to Jerusalem.

It is not likely that everybody in the great crowds knows what following Jesus entails. 

Jesus turns around and gives them three warnings:  you “cannot be my disciple” if

1.    you do not hate your father, mother, wife, children, brother and sister, and even your own life.

2.    you do not carry your own cross and come after me

3.    you do not renounce all your possessions

In the first condition, the word “hate” does not mean the emotional feeling or attitude we connect with the verb to hate in contemporary English.  Moreover, most of us come to know God and God’s love through our parents and the loved ones God entrusts us with.  Jesus is by no means telling us to “hate” them.

These three conditions, taken together, remind us that following Jesus involves sufferings (the cross), and nothing and nobody should be number one in our lives.  God must have primacy.  That is the point.

Interestingly, Luke gives us these conditions of following Jesus immediately after telling the parable of the great feast (Luke 14: 15-24).  In this parable, Jesus speaks of the banquet of God’s kingdom.  There are people who decline the invitation to the great banquet because they choose a field or some oxen over the banquet.  Another person turns down the invitation because he has just gotten married.  To those people, the host said, “None of those who were invited will taste my dinner.”

How about me?  Do I let anybody or anything getting in the way of following Jesus?   After all, it is God who has given me everything, beginning with my life!