3rd Sunday - C, Sunday of the Word of God (January 23, 2022)

 

Today, in Nazareth

Luke 1: 1-4, 4: 14-21

 

Nazareth was not much of a place.  Even the people of Nazareth did not think much of it.  While they were “amazed” at Jesus’ preaching, they did not think he got it because he is one of them (Luke 4:22).  Other people did not think much of Nazareth either.  Nathanael expressed it when he said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

 

Yet, in the way of God, it was in Nazareth,

 

It was “today,”

 

Jesus proclaims, “This Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

 

So it is for us. 

 

Wherever our Nazareth is, today, God’s Good News of salvation is fulfilled for us and in us. 

 

2nd Sunday - C (January 16, 2022)

 

“They have no wine.”

John 2: 1-11

 

What do we do when we realize our limitations, shortcomings, and sins?

 

There is a natural tendency to hide or to deny them. 

Moreover, we are often told that we must overcome them – with our own efforts and strengths.  Successes and achievements receive greater praise when they are accomplished against greater odds. 

 

The Gospel passage of the wedding at Cana teaches us that the realization of our limitations, shortcomings, and sins is itself a blessing.  When we do not know ourselves, we might be tempted to think that we do not need God.  On the contrary, self-knowledge is God’s gift.  It teaches us that we need God.  It gives us the opportunity to see God’s great power and love for us. 

 

That’s the response of the disciples.  Having witnessed the power of Jesus, and that he took it upon himself to help the couple, the disciples “began to believe in him.”

 

It is also consoling that Mary, God’s perfect creature, was the first to notice that “they have no wine.”  She teaches us that God knows our limitations, shortcoming and sins even before we know them. 

 

And God does not use such knowledge to punish us.    

 

Out of love for us, God sent God’s only Son to save us, who otherwise, cannot save ourselves.  

 

 Image source: www.agnusday.org

 

Baptism of the Lord - C (January 9, 2022)

 Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

Background image: Maliz Ong, www.publicdomainfiles.com

Christmas

 

In Bethlehem, a Savior Was Born to Us

Luke 2: 1-14

 

As we read/listen to this familiar Gospel passage of the birth of Jesus, let’s compare three details.

 

First, the names of Caesar Augustus and Jesus.  Augustus defeated his opponents through military conquests and became the first Roman emperor.  He even called himself “son of God.”  Jesus, as we know, was born in poverty and obscurity, to an ordinary couple. 

 

Second, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem, or Rome.

 

Third, the news of the birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds, not celebrities or important people of the society.

 

May we know the presence of our Savior in the ordinary moments, events, and people of our life.

 

The Savior has been born to us.  

 

 

Image source: Fray Juan Bautista Maino - Adoration of the Shepherds,

commons.wikimedia.org

 

4th Sunday of Advent - C (December 19, 2021)

 

“Blessed”

Luke 1: 39-45

 

Mary “believed what was spoken” to her by the angel at the Annunciation.  The angel told her that “the Holy Spirit will come upon” her, “the power of the Most High will overshadow” her, and that she “will bear a son.”

 

Mary believed that God is with her.  Consequently, her greeting alone brought the Savior’s presence to Elizabeth and her son, John.

 

Likewise, Mary has brought God to us, who continues to be with us.  How blessed we are!    

 

How conscious am I that I can, like Mary, bring God into the world?

 

 Image source: www.agnusday.org

3rd Sunday of Advent - C (December 12, 2021)

John Preached Good News to People

Luke 3: 10-18

 

John the Baptist called people to prepare the way for the Lord.  They asked him, “What should we do?”

 

John’s instruction seems to call for basic decency.  Those who have share with those who have less.  And people are to act according to what they are supposed to be. 

 

John did not tell tax collectors and soldiers to quit.  This has an important implication since tax collectors and soldiers at that time served illegitimate rulers.  Besides, they had the reputation of corruption. 

 

How do I live John the Baptist’s invitation today?

 

Image source: www.agnusday.org

2nd Sunday of Advent - C (December 5, 2021)

The Word of God Came to John

Luke 3: 1-6

 

St. Luke begins this passage with a list of important people.  It was to none of them, but to John did “the word of God” come.

 

And through John, one who was not important by human standards, “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 

 

Let us be thankful to God for the gift of God’s word.  May we embrace the same mission that was given to John, to share God’s salvation with all people.  

 

 Image source: www.agnusday.org