2nd Sunday of Easter - B (April 8, 2018)

Jesus Shows the Disciples his Hands and his Side

John 20:19-31

When Jesus appears to the fearful disciples, “he shows them his hands and his side” and he said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Jesus’ pierced hands and side brings us to the moment of his crucifixion.

The Cross is indeed the summit of God’s love for humanity.   There, the price of our salvation.  In the Cross, and only in the Cross, we receive God’s gift of peace and forgiveness.

Image: Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, wikipedia.org

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Go and Tell

Mark 16:1-7

The Easter message to the women was, “Go and tell.” 

This was the command to the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.  They were afraid, anxious, confused, and lost. 

Yet, they took that command to heart.  As a result of their message, we heard of the good news of Jesus’ victory over death.

This command, “Go and tell” must continue with us today.

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Image source:  William-Adolphe_Bouguereau, Holy Women at the Tomb.  Wikipedia.

5th Sunday of Lent - B (March 18. 2018)

Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus

John 12:20-33

“Some Greeks … came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, ‘Sir, we would like to see Jesus’.”

This identification of Philip is significant.  And like Philip, Andrew was also from Galilee and had a Greek name.  

By the standards of the Jews who were from Judea, Philip and Andrew would be considered a kind of third class Jews.  Judean Jews looked down upon Galilean Jews.  Worse, their Greek names suggest that their parents or ancestors must have either lived for a time outside of Palestine, or had adopted some gentile cultural practices. 

Yet, what certain people might have considered inferior helped Philip and Andrew bring outsiders to Jesus.  Those Greeks must have felt comfortable with Philip and Andrew.  The two had names that they could relate to.  Besides, Philip and Andrew probably spoke their language. 

Isn’t it an example of the last shall be first?

Or is it a case of “the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies and produces much fruits”?

Lent offers me a chance to have a clearer understanding of my true self, to die to what is superficial, and allow Jesus to use me, with all I am, as his instrument to draw others to him. 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

4th Sunday of Lent - B (March 11, 2018)

Summit of God’s Love

John 3: 14-21

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”

Out of love for us, God gave his only Son.  Jesus came among us so that we might come to know God.  

He was “lifted up” so we might have “eternal life.”

The death of Jesus is thus the summit of God’s love.  There, God gave us his only Son so we sinners might now live as God’s children. 

3rd Sunday of Lent - B (March 4, 2018)

Temple of His Body
John 2: 13-25

Jesus “was speaking about the temple of his body.”

Through baptism, we have become parts of the Body of Christ, and therefore, temples of God.

Lent offers us a chance to review how we live as individual temples of God.  In addition, Lent calls us to live more faithfully to our communal call to be the Church - the Temple of God.

Thus, Jesus remains our model God’s Temple, in whom God dwells among God’s people.

2nd Sunday of Lent - B (February 25, 2018)

“My Beloved Son”

Mark 9: 2-10

We have completed exactly 10 days, which is a quarter, of Lent. 

Today’s Gospel offers us a chance to evaluate our Lenten journey.  It is not about how good a job we have been doing with our Lenten practices.  It is about how much we are becoming truer to our identity as children of God.

This identity is the gift that Jesus, the “beloved Son” of God shares with us by his death on the cross and his resurrection.  The vision of the transfiguration of Jesus calls us to be mindful of the same transformation God has begun in us with our baptism. 

  

At the end of this Lenten journey, as we celebrate the gift of the new and eternal life, may we become more like Jesus Christ, the “beloved Son” of God.    

 Image:  Carl Bloch, Transfiguration of Jesus.  www.wikipedia.org

First Sunday of Lent - B (February 18, 2018)

“The Kingdom of God is at hand”

Mark 1: 12-15

While in the desert, Jesus confronted the power of Satan and of wild beasts. 

Then, “after John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment.  The kingdom of God is at hand’.”

In this short and to-the-point style, Mark introduces the new age proclaimed by Jesus.

Here, Mark also presents a stark contrast of two authorities.   One authority relied on control and power that unjustly arrested John who was sent by God.  The other is the authority of God’s kingdom.  [1]

Lent gives us the time for self-examination – am I building and relying on anything that is not of God’s kingdom?  Then, Lent affords us the time to reorient ourselves to the way of God’s kingdom.  

Image source: www.agnusday.org

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[1] John Petty, www.progressiveinvolvement.com

6th Sunday - B (February 11, 2018)

 A Leper Who Breaks Protocols 

Mark 1:40-45

“A leper came to Jesus” and spoke to him.

He was breaking social and religious protocols. 

He must have heard of Jesus and his mercy.  What he heard about Jesus must be so consoling that it gave him enough courage to come to Jesus and speak to him.

And Jesus did not disappoint him.  He was “moved with pity” for the man.  Not only did Jesus speak to him, he even “stretched out his hands and touched him.”

We are the Body of Christ in our world today.  Who is the Jesus that we are presenting to people in our thoughts, attitudes, words, and action?  How powerful is Jesus’ mercy that others see in us?

Image source:  http://www.freebibleimages.org

5th Sunday - B (February 4, 2018)

Availability

Mark 1: 29-39

Jesus is available to people, especially those who are in need.  He heals the sick even on the sabbath.  (Last week, we learned that it was a sabbath when he went to the synagogue, and now, he goes to the house of Simon and Andrew from the synagogue).

He makes himself available to God in prayer.  In this way, he also is available to himself and his needs.

And he is available to the mission that God has given him, not allowing success or popularity to tie him down.  Mark recognizes that in this way, Jesus has already accomplished so much while we are still in Chapter 1 of his Gospel. 

Jesus could be so available because of his singlemindedness about God-given mission.  “For this purpose have I come,” says Jesus.

Image source:  www.agnusday.orgwww.agnusday.org

4th Sunday - B (January 28, 2018)

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Mark 1: 21-28

We Are The Presence of God’s Kingdom

The presence of Jesus in the synagogue of Capernaum is the presence of God’s Kingdom.  And that presence is intolerable for the evil spirit [1].  In fact, the evil spirit cries out on its own and thus betrays itself. 

The Kingdom of God is present in our midst.  With Jesus coming into the world, we now and will always live in that presence. 

Moreover, Jesus entered the synagogue with his disciples who he had just called (last week’s Gospel).  They become a part of God’s Kingdom when they are with Jesus.

It is still the case with us.  We are the presence of God’s Kingdom now.  The closer we are to Jesus the stronger we make present the Kingdom of God, and the more effective we are in dispelling the evil spirits in our world. 

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[1] Francis J. Moloney. The Gospel of Mark, A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2002; p. 53.

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

3rd Sunday - B (January 21, 2018)

Mark 1: 14-20

This is the Time of Fulfillment

Earlier in the same Chapter 1, Mark summarized the mission and message of John the Baptist.  “John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (1:10)

Now, exactly ten verses later, we learned that John had been arrested.

Guess what Jesus does now.  He arrives on the scene and continues exactly what John had prepared the people for.  He calls people to “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Jesus also gives the reason for his mission and his message.  “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.”

We are now living in this time of fulfillment.  We are living in God’s kingdom. 

Like John, Jesus gave his life for this mission.  He gave his life so that we might live in God’s kingdom

How do I treat his message?  Do I appreciate the gift of being in God’s kingdom that Jesus gave me by his death and resurrection?

 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

2nd Sunday - B (January 14, 2018)

John 1: 35-42

“What are You Looking for?

Jesus asks the two disciples, “What are you looking for?”

He is asking us the same question today.  In fact, every day we need to reply to that question because the answer gives the direction to our lives.

We look for all kinds of things.  We also look for direction from all kinds of people.  We follow celebrities, athletes, writers, philosophers, political leaders….  Most of us also have followers, whether in our children, people who look up to us, or people who follow us on social media, etc.

But we know that only in following Jesus do we find life in its fullness, both in this life and in eternal life.  Thus, St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power” (2^nd reading).

It is not what we should look for, but who. 

Let us strive to look for Jesus each day.  

 

Image source:  www.qumran2.net

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Dec. 31, 2017)

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Luke 2: 22-40

God’s Salvation Among Us

Simeon was a man who has been “awaiting the consolation of Israel” his whole life.  This life-long yearning was satisfied the moment his eyes saw God’s salvation.

And who brought him this experience of God’s salvation?  A simple and ordinary couple who fulfilled their responsibilities with God – observing what required of them as people of faith at that time, and their responsibilities as parents – doing what they knew as best for their son.

The mystery of the Incarnation, God-with-us, continues in the ordinary moments of life, and in the fulfillment of our daily responsibilities.

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

Christmas 2017

Luke 1: 15-20

(This Gospel passage is for Mass at Dawn on Christmas Day) 

The Shepherds – The First

After Mary and Joseph, shepherds were the first human beings to hear of the birth of the Savior.

Because of their work and their living situations, shepherds were social and religious outcasts.  As Pope Francis put it, “They were considered pagans among the believers, sinners among the just, foreigners among the citizens.” [1]

Yet, they were the first to hear the good news of the birth of the Savior proclaimed by the angel.

They responded and went to meet the Savior.  They praised God.  Then shared the news with others. 

They lowly people of the land became the recipients and sharers of God’s salvation.

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[1] Pope Francis, Homily at Mass During the Night, Christmas 2017.

Image:  Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Adoration of the Shepherd, c. 1650, Wikipedia

4th Sunday of Advent - B (December 24, 2017)

Luke 1:26-38

“The Lord is with you”

The angel Gabriel announces Mary’s unique place in God’s loving plan: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

With the Son of God coming into the flesh, we now are all given a share in this grace.  We are all full of grace.  The Lord is with us.

The loving presence of God gives dignity to each human person.

How do I view, treat, and present myself as God’s dwelling place?

How do I view and treat others as God’s dwelling places?

May we live in such a way that each human encounter reflects God’s presence in our world.  

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

3rd Sunday of Advent - B (December 17, 2017)

John 1:6-8, 19-28

“I Am Not”

“I am not…” is not the way that most of us commonly speak of ourselves.

We often emphasize who we are.  And sometimes when I say, “I am…” I might not be truthful, but I would rather avoid saying what I am not. 

It is probably partly because of my self-centeredness, and partly because of the self-promotion that is so valued in our culture. 

Unlike most of us, John the Baptist easily admits, “I am not the Christ,” “I am not Elijah,” and “I am not the Prophet.”  He even professes that he is not worthy to untie the Messiah’s sandal strap.

John knows who he truly is because he knows who Christ is.   

First Sunday of Advent - B (December 3, 2017)

Mark 13:33-37

“In Every Way You Have Been Enriched in Christ”

The Gospel of this First Sunday of Advent includes a parable.  Jesus tells us, “It is like a man traveling abroad.  He leaves home and places his servants in charge.”

“Placing (his servants) in charge” can also be translated as “giving them ability, permission, and liberty of doing as they please.”  In other words, the man gives his servants whatever they need to take his place while he is away.

We are not servants.  We are children of God. 

And as children, St. Paul assures us, reflecting on his own calling, “The grace of God has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind.  … so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2^nd Reading from 1 Corinthians)

As we await and prepare for the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s salvation, may we live as children of God, with the grace that has been given us in Christ Jesus.  In this way, we will be the light and hope of Christ in our world.

Solemnity of Christ the King - A (November 26, 2017)

Matthew 25: 31-46

The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Serving the Son of Man

In the Gospel According to Matthew, today’s parable of “the judgment of the nations” follows immediately “the parable of the talents” that we listened to a week ago.

In that context, one possible interpretation of today’s parable is that caring for others is a way of investing and making profit of what has been given to us. 

Sometimes, we may feel and use the excuse that the needs of the world or of others are so great, and we do not know if we can make a difference.  Remember, the servants were expected to simply work with what they have been given.

And taken the two parables together, it is quite clear that we meet and serve the one who has entrusted his possessions to us (first parable) and “the Son of Man” (second parable) in the least among us. 

May we learn how to share with others what has been generously given to us.

 Image source:  www.agnusday.org

33rd Sunday - A (November 19, 2017)

Matthew 25: 14-30

God’s Generosity and Trust

For the third servant, the master is unreasonable.

The servant fails to appreciate the generosity and the trust his master has in him.  Giving this third servant one talent is no small thing.   It might be worth at least a million dollars.

Moreover, the master knows what his servants are capable of because he “entrusted his possessions to them – to each according to his ability.” 

The master knows his servants, their abilities, and he trusts them.

Yet, the third servant considers him “unreasonable.”

Do I trust that God knows me, after all, it was God who “You formed my inmost being;

you knit me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139: 13).

And God trusts me with God’s divine life in Jesus Christ.

Let us pray for the courage, wisdom, trust, and generosity to share this incredible gift of God’s generosity.  

 Image source:  www.agnusday.org

 

32nd Sunday - A (November 12, 2017)

Matthew 25: 1-13

Commentary

Five Are Foolish, Five Are Wise

A few weeks ago, we listened to another wedding parable, with a king inviting guests to his son’s wedding (Matthew 22: 1-10).  In that parable, the invited guests refused to come.  The king then sent his servants out to “invite to the feast whomever [they] find.  The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike.”

In today’s parable, both the wise and the foolish virgins are included in the wedding. 

God does not discriminate in his invitation.

It is up to us to respond.  

Image source:  http://www.agnusday.org