Category: Reflections

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Reflections

The Homily

The Homily of the Most Rev. Deogracias Iniguez, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Caloocan during the Rite of Dedication of Our Lady of the Angels of Porziuncula Chapel:

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“ The dedication of this chapel is significant as every year it will become a part of this Christian community. It is a solemnity every year of the dedication of Our Lady of the Angels of Porziuncula. This is a place where the proclamation of God’s word is made, where the Eucharist will be celebrated. This is a significant place of our worship. The structure of the material church is a very important symbol of the living church, of the community of faith. It is a symbol of the living stones together with Jesus Christ the living stone. This communion with God takes place in the church, when we accept Jesus as our savior. The church is us. The sprinkling of holy water not only on the material church but on the people and the anointing of chrism done on the altar and the walls of the structure and on us also – baptism is confirmed, the sending of the Holy Spirit. Sacraments left to us by Jesus. We celebrate the Eucharist here. It is the greatest expression of our unity and bond with Jesus and wit one another. We the people of God, the living church, are called to be aware of our special place in the saving love of God. This is God’s gift to us.”

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Reflections

Faith Sharing of the Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua for Fiesta Novena Mass Day 6

We are featuring a series of nine Faith Sharing of Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua that were presented during the fiesta 9-day novena masses. This will temporarily replace the Sunday Gospel Reflections; after which the Gospel Reflections will return.

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VISITING THE PRISON
by RJ Limpo

My name is RJ Limpo and I am one of the SYA volunteers who serve in the Makati City Jail. I recently learned that St. Anthony is the patron saint of prisoners. And the story goes. During his time, there was tyrant duke in Italy named Eccelino III who was the son in law of the Emperor. St. Anthony went to him to plead for the release of prisoners from Verona who the duke was holding. That is why he is the intercessor of prisoners.

It has only been a little over a year when I was asked to be part of the cathechism group that gives classes every Monday night at the Makati city jail. And I am quite sure.. that just like me, a lot of you here would cringe at the mere thought of visiting a penitentiary / jail compound such as the Makati city jail.
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I found it very easy or perhaps convenient to shun myself from any affairs that pertained to reaching out to prisoners because in my mind every time there is talk about prison or prisoners for that matter, it is often spoken of with much prejudice, judgment and fear. And it is not unusual for people to disregard any or all affairs regarding jail matters. It is often perceived as a dead end of sorts. A mere detention for people who have committed crimes (or at least been accused of doing so)

Then I remembered the final words of Jesus to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew: When I was sick did you visit me? And When I was in prison did you visit me? And those words opened my mind just as if God sent me a key to open my heart.

Even so, I would still fear going to the Makati city jail because of the stigma that is attached to it which deeply affects a typical “unexposed to jail” citizen of the world. But later on, as I got used to the routine of giving classes every Monday, my apprehensions and my defense mechanisms slowly diminished. And I found that there are only a few things consistent with my preconceived notions of a jail inmate and the presumed demeanor of a so called criminal or accused.

My biggest realization would be that a lot of the people inside the Makati city Jail are actually nicer than the people I meet outside the jail compound. And really, I often would think to myself, how far am I from finding myself at the predicament of these people? Behind bars. After all, I know that I am a sinner just like all of them. And while they got caught while doing their offenses I.. did not. So how far am I from them? Hmmm.. Perhaps I am but a wall away. . . literally and figuratively.

Lets try to give it some thought.. All of us here tend to act according to what our environment presents us. If we are agitated, we get angry. If we are nurtured we are gratified.
In my time with the inmates I realized that the biggest obstacle of MOST inmates is that they are poor. They cannot afford education, wisdom and counsel. And in hunger they commit a mistake and cannot afford to pay bail let alone be represented by a lawyer.

Let me share with you a story of one inmate:

Jose is from the Pangasinan. There he was a baker earning a meager wage. And he like many, in search of greener pastures took the leap of faith to blindly relocate to Manila in the hope of attaining a better life. Here he found a job as you would guess a baker somewhere in San Andres, Manila. Without any relatives or knowledge of Manila’s streets or dealings, Jose spent days and nights in the bakery and even his day offs honing his craft. As he knew nothing better to do. Soon after his co workers became envious of him as he had an apparent talent in what he was doing. Jose soon became victim of company politics / intrigue and was insinuated to have an affair with the bakery owners wife.

Instead of exacting physical revenge on a helpless Jose, the bakery owner instead schemed to lead Jose out of his bakery and into the streets of Manila which he knew nothing of. Without money, food, change of clothes, much less a bed to sleep on. Jose found himself distraught and helpless. And this lasted for 7 days. Even if he tried to apply to every bakery he would see on the road, his now hideous appearance made him appear more sketchy than competent.

This prolonged agony led Jose to contemplate on taking his life. And in his desperate attempt to do so, he one day decided to dart himself onto a cruising taxi. His attempt however failed as the taxi driver was more skillful than he was. In his frustration Jose resorted to smashing the windshield of the taxi and damaging even other parts of the vehicle. As the people on the streets saw him behaving this way, they mobbed him, beat him up till he fell to the ground leaving him with a broken nose, a fractured arm, and a beat up face. Then the taxi company owner filed charges of malicious mischief with property damage on Jose and soon he landed in the Makati City Jail. This perhaps was the biggest break to come Jose’s way.

In the MCJ infirmary, Jose was diagnosed with sever psychotic trauma and was asked to go through psychotic and physical therapy. And soon after stabilizing, his baking talent was discovered and there he became the master baker. Creating different kinds of pastries and eventually enabling the jail personnel to go into business by selling his pies.

Later on, he got acquitted. But without any knowledge of the family he left behind in Pangasinan due to partial amnesia from the trauma, the workers at Caritas Manila took care of him and are still taking care of him at their foundation where he again is baking.

End of story.

Pope Francis came up with an inspirational book this year entitled Evangelii Gaudium wherein he encourages all of us in the church “to make the gospel known to others” and to “touch human misery”. My response to this call was to say yes to the weekly Catechism classes that I teach along with my SYA friends. We make the gospel known to them but in return we are enriched by victories like the story of Jose the baker.

I have seen the face of Jesus in the inmates many of whom I know by name, and I pray that through me they see a face of Jesus that tells them to be hopeful and know that God cares. Right now we are about midway through the lessons of the reference material we use for the classes. And I must say that although my duty is to teach. I am at the realization that I am the one learning the most from this experience.

And that biggest lesson I have learned.. is that we simply have to learn to forgive ourselves from our faults and allow Gods infinite love and mercy to permeate through our beings. Whether we are inside a prison cell or otherwise. This perhaps is the reason why St. Anthony never tired of petitioning to free the prisoners of his time.

As a parish community, I ask you to pray for those who are in prison and are seeking justice. Remember their families as well who wait for the day that they are united. Share your blessings, you will be surprised at how something as simple as a bar of soap is so appreciated in prison.

And since St. Anthony is also the patron saint for lost items. Let us pray for his intercession to our Heavenly Father, to bring back these lives that were lost in evil crimes, into the grace of forgiveness, reconciliation and hope.

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Reflections

Faith Sharing for Fiesta Novena Mass Day 4

We are featuring a series of nine Faith Sharing of Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua that were presented during the fiesta 9-day novena masses. This will temporarily replace the Sunday Gospel Reflections; after which the Gospel Reflections will return.
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Lost Article
by Edmund Lim

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My Name is Edmund. Last October just right after the 2013 Francis fest, I had time to reflect on my two years as head of our Music and Worship ministries. It was a busy two years serving here in our parish. While challenging, the job was not without its joys and excitement. How time flies. I am extremely grateful to our past parish priest Father Joel and our past PPC President Mike Limpe for giving me the opportunity to serve our parish in both roles and with this chance, grow my faith in Christ. I would also like to thank Mrs. Abella for teaching me ever so patiently all the Liturgical celebrations and traditions in our parish.

At the end of my two year service, my mother requested that I accompany her to visit Lisbon and Fatima in Portugal. I leapt at the chance to visit a sacred pilgrimage site for our Blessed Mother and what’s more, have a chance to see the birth place of our patron saint Anthony of Padua. Yes, while our patron saint is known to be of Padua, he was actually born in front of the Cathedral in Lisbon and was Portuguese and a Lisboan. In this pilgrimage, I planned to thank St Anthony for all the blessings and answered prayers.

Upon arriving in that cold October day in Lisbon, we set off to attend mass at the birth place of St. Anthony. Praying ever so deeply, my mind started to wonder about the next PPC term. As the last PPC term ended, speculations about the new one began rising as it normally does. I kept hearing my name pop up as a person who can be part of this next PPC. While serving in church is rewarding, the prospect of two more rigorous yeas filled with more responsibilities is not exactly my cup of tea. I saw how our hard our past presidents worked and it is not without fear and apprehension that I look towards the next term with dread. should I be chosen. I prayed hard that day to saint Anthony, to intercede and minimize my church responsibilities. I pleaded with him that since I am here every day serving and attending Mass, singing and praying, lecturing and commentating, and being a Eucharistic minister, there is no need for me to take up more responsibilities. Now I know that this is a selfish request.

After a few pleasant days spent in Portugal, our trip continued on to Santiago de Compostela and on to Paris for a few days of vacation. While on the flight to Paris, all of our group’s luggage got lost en route. Being angry at the airline, a dreadful thought came to my mind. I just went to the birth place of St Anthony, the saint of lost articles, the saint who helps find things which have been lost. Why did he allow my luggage to go missing? Is it because of the selfish prayer I made while in Lisbon? Did he want me to serve more in his church? Could this be why our articles got lost?

At first I refused to believe this idea and set it to the back of my mind. After 2 days, something inside me (it must be the Holy Spirit) made me go to a church. In that church luckily there was a statue of St Anthony. I lit a candle right there and then and prayed once more. This time, I asked for forgiveness –for my selfish request. My prayer at that time was “thy will be done” and “if called I will serve with all my heart and with all my soul”. The bags showed up within 12 hours after that prayer.

From that moment on, I thanked St Anthony for reminding me that we do not choose to serve. We are called to serve. He did find something which I have lost. It was not a bag. That day he found my will to serve, picked it up from the ground where I discarded it out of fear and apprehension and he gave it back to me. In giving my spirit of service back to me, Saint Anthony also protected something more important from getting lost. My FAITH. So here I am, continuing to serve with a Franciscan heart but also with a Benedictine motto of Ora et Labora ringing in my mind. Today being Pentacost, I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide me in the next year and a half and I also pray that if the Holy Spirit ever inspires any of you to serve here in our Church in whatever, shape or form, I and all of us here in the Liturgical ministries will welcome you with open arms.

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Reflections

Faith Sharing for Fiesta Novena Mass Day 2

We are featuring a series of nine Faith Sharing of Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua that were presented during the fiesta 9-day novena masses. This will temporarily replace the Sunday Gospel Reflections; after which the Gospel Reflections will return.

Peter Soo picture 2

Peter Soo
CARING FOR THE SICK

peter soo

Good Evening. I am Peter Soo and I represent the hospital ministry more specifically the Philippine General Hospital outreach program. We still have one of the original members Mrs. Maria Clara Canoy. We serve the pediatric charity wards 9 & 11 and the orthopedic ward. Our mission is to be able to serve the poorest of the poor, Giving HOPE BY GIVING them treatment or medications for their illness. This is not just a dole out. The regular visits, interaction with the parents and children show them THAT SOMEONE CARES. We also pray with them, reminding the parents that they should not lose hope, that the Lord will provide and can work miracles as their faith will heal them.

WE ALWAYS REMEMBER ONE OF THE BEATITUDES OF OUR LORD DURING THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT WHEREIN HE SAID “BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY…..JESUS REMINDS US THAT WHATEVER YOU DID TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME (MATTHEW 25: 31-46) AND PART OF THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY IS TO VISIT THE SICK.

As a cancer warrior myself, seeing these children smiling when we visit them makes me stronger and that I am a living proof that when you have cancer, it is not the end of the world. I make it a point to tell the children that the belief in the cure comes from within and having the faith and that they are not the only one suffering as the Lord suffered for them and you offer it up as I do with my visits to them.

It is not easy visiting and seeing these sick children. PGH is hot, especially in the summer heat with only a ceiling electric fan trying to cool the ward. What is more difficult though is seeing the conditions of the children in the wards, with their illnesses and in pain, with the bare comfort that a ward bed which is made in the hospital can give. Sometimes, it is even hard to look at some of the children because of the physical deformities brought about by their severe condition. Or having a makeshift incubator made from plywood and fluorescent lights to heat the baby as there is not enough in the hospital. These are the ones who need comforting the most.

I learned about the Hospital Ministry through my friend and classmate Vince Pacheco, he saw my name one time in the parish newsletter seeking prayers for illness. He has been an active leader and member of this ministry for years and he knew I wanted a way to give back and help the less fortunate.

We are just a small group but we are committed to bringing whatever comfort and hope we can to these patients in need. And my joining is to thank the community for the prayers you offer for us in need.

The population of PGH is happy that we from the Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish go out of our way in helping them.

Membership is voluntary and donations help in our effort to give these children the chance of having a new leaf in life. Parishioners are most welcome to join us. Our parish is a blessed one and our ministry is here to provide an avenue for everyone to be able to serve and share in their blessings with the less fortunate.

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Reflections

Faith Sharing for Fiesta Novena Mass Day 1

We are featuring a series of nine Faith Sharing of Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua that were presented during the fiesta 9-day novena masses. This is the first in the series, which will temporarily replace the Sunday Gospel Reflections; after which the Gospel Reflections will return.

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JJ Yulo
FEED THE HUNGRY

I work in the world of food, and one of the things that people in food know all too well is that at the end of the day, it’s not just about the food and eating, but it’s about nurturing people and contributing to their general well being. It’s about making people happy.

These thoughts crossed my mind when I was given “feed the hungry” to reflect on, but of course in my mind, I knew it had to go deeper than this.

Was it my work as one of the Heads Of Calamity – an infamous title amongst thosein the Parish Pastoral Council, often drawing snickers when I introduce myself as such? Sure, it definitely fits in. I got this job after helping round up people during the days after Ondoy – it seems we did a good enough job despite our being entirely grass roots that I merited a leadership role should the need arise again. I often tell people that I wish they would never call me – because calling me meant people were suffering. Sadly, I’ve been called to service practically every year since, with Yolanda bringing the craziest times.

It’s not a job that gives you “satisfaction,” as some people think it does. For one thing it’s quite literally back breaking work, and I have to be annoyingly persistent in asking people to come aboard and help. But more than all that, it’s the fact that these people we send aid to have lost so much. It’s this thought that I believe keeps me (and I’m sure everyone else) from feeling any semblance of self-satisfaction. I cannot possibly be satisfied when all in my mind before passing out every night is whether or not we did enough that day. If we had more people, if we had more donors, if we had more trucks to help us transport things.Always if.

I do know in my heart, however, that it’s what I’m supposed to be doing, and it’s an honor to be of service in that sense. If there is any way of showing love for your fellow countrymen, this is it. Our volunteers work hard, and they work unconditionally.
But even deeper than this is probably my work with Antioch, one of our parish youth groups, which I joined myself many years ago. Im still with them now as one of their adult leaders.This is where I know we are truly “feeding the hungry” – not physical hunger, but the hunger for finding meaning in their live, the hunger to find God and make Him real, and to walk in His steps.I’ve literally seen small miracles happen here – lives changed, doors opened, hearts put ablaze with love. I’ve seen troubled ones fall, only to be helped up by their friends in the name of doing the right thing. Deep inside I firmly believe that through the hundreds who pass through our doors, the world can become a slightly better place, even in our own little corners of it. The desire to pass it on, to spread the Good News through compassion and through everyday deeds – that will surely satisfy the hunger of many.

There is a reason why Antioch is called such – it was the place where we were first called Christians. To me, it’s where we learned to put Christ at our center. Ultimately, it is the light of Christ that is our daily food – may we always be open to allowing that light to feed our souls. And as this is a parish whose patron is St Anthony – someone who loved the poor and the needy – let us all challenge ourselves as a community to be that light for others around us as well: those who are searching, those who are lost, those who are needy, those are shunned, cast aside, ostracized, we all have the capacity to feed the hungry. Such is the heart of our faith.

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Fr. Jesus Galindo Pastoral Team Reflections

“THE MOST BLESSED TRINITY: A Mystery of Love, Not of Numbers”, A Sunday Gospel Reflection by Fr. Jesús Galindo, OFM

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” These are about the first words we learn about God in early childhood–a proclamation of the greatest mystery of our faith: the Most Blessed Trinity. It is linked to the sign of the cross precisely because the cross is the symbol of God’s love for us: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son…” (Jn. 3:16)

If the mystery of the Trinity does not particularly excite us it is partly due to the way in which it was explained to us in school. It was presented as a mystery of numbers: “Father, Son and Holy Spirit: three persons but only one God. How can that be?” The teacher would use different devices, such as a triangle, or a branch with three little twigs, to help us understand the mystery; only to conclude by saying that, anyway, no matter how hard we try, we will never be able to understand the Blessed Trinity because “it is a mystery.”

Christianity is the only religion that believes in a triune God. It was Jesus who revealed to us the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—without mentioning the word Trinity: “The Father and I are one” (Jn. 10:30). “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (Jn. 14:11) “The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send you in my name will teach you everything.” (Jn. 14:26) Jesus speaks of the Blessed Trinity, not in terms of numbers but in terms of persons–Father, Son, Spirit, among whom there is communion, love and unity in diversity. The Blessed Trinity is family. The Blessed Trinity is community.

Hence the best thing to do in order to understand something of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity is to look into God’s own image: Man and woman. We are God’s image—not the triangle, not the branch. God has created us into his image and likeness and has placed within us something of himself: his love. It is love that drives husband and wife to join their lives forever and to build a home. It is love that keeps friends in each other’s company for hours… Love unites and makes one: “That is why a man leaves father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” (Gen. 2:24) Hence it is God’s infinite love that makes it possible for the three divine persons to be One God.

Seen in this light, the Blessed Trinity is no longer an abstract mystery of numbers but a mystery of love in which we ourselves are involved. At baptism we have become sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and sisters of Christ the Son, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Our task is not so much to explain the mystery of the Blessed Trinity through visual aids and comparisons but rather to live it out by leading a trinitarian life marked by love, respect, unity, and acceptance despite differences.

We can (and should) play the role of God the Father/Mother (God is both) by giving love, attention, quality time and warmth to our children. We can (and should) play the role of God the Son by giving love, respect, and assistance to our parents, grandparents, the elderly and the sick. We can (and should) play the role of God the Holy Spirit by giving hope, encouragement and inspiration to the hopeless, the helpless, the depressed and the confused, especially among the young. Thus the Blessed Trinity is no longer a mystery of numbers but rather a program of life that brings hope and life to the world—through us, who have been baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

About Fr. Jesus and his reflections.

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Reflections

“Pentecost Sunday,” A Gospel Reflection by Fr. Efren Jimenez, OFM

“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit…”

Thus, we read in ACTS 19:2
Today, many Christians may have asked the same question. But strangely sometimes the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in a wonderful way. This happened to Dr. Joel Jimenez, M.D., my cousin who works and lives with his family in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He is not a religious person, but simply works hard as he is committed to his medical profession. He testified in the opening words in the book he wrote May God Bless You (Xlibris Corp. 2010).

“ One night, I suddenly had an inner indescribable feeling I had to write something. Some thoughts entered my mind as if someone was telling me to do something. I was afraid I would hear voices and be labeled with a psychiatric condition. Thank God I didn’t hear any voices but suddenly my mind and body were guiding me to look for a pen and paper.Instantaneously, without my control, with a pen in my hand, I started to write words, phrases and sentences, which I think were divinely-inspired. I was totally aware of what was going on. With several thoughts entering my mind, my hand started to write, ”I am God talking to you. Don’t be afraid for I am using you to spread the Gospel in the modern world. People have forgotten to pray. They even deny my existence. They no longer respect me – their creator. I’ll use you to tell people I love them unconditionally…that this world would be a better place to live in if there is less greed and less hatred. Tell them to show more love and respect to one another. Tell people to share their wealth because they can’t take it with them. I’m a loving and forgiving God. I want people to be happy and have a sense of humor. I’m not vengeful but I could show my anger if I want to. Most of the human misery and suffering are from their own making.”

“So, I was asking myself and God what was the significance of all this? Then in the Fall of 2009, an idea came out of nowhere when I started writing and typing some Bible passages. I used the idea similar to acrostics, highlighting certain letters in some Bible passages, indenting the words and phrases, aligning those letters vertically and creating inspirational and powerful messages or themes. I researched the word acrostic and surprisingly found the symbol for Jesus Christ was a fish acrostic. The initials ICHTHYS (IX0YE) is the Greek word for fish i.e. Ieous, CHristos, THeou, Yios, Soter, hence the frequent use of the fish as a symbol for Jesus Christ from the early days of Christianity to the present time.”

Matthew 28: 16-20

Then the eleven disciPles went to Galilee, to the mountain wheRe Jesus had told thEm to go. When they sAw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus Came to tHem and said, “All authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Therefore Go and make disciples Of all nationS, baPtizing them in the namEof the Father and of the Son and of the HoLy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age. (Preach the Gospel.)

Matthew 5:1-12

Now when Jesus saw THE crowds, He went up on a mountainside and at down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, and saying: Blessed arE the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heAven. Blessed are Those who mourn, for they wIll be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for They will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hUngeranD thirst for rightEousness, for they will be filled. BlesSed re the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (The Beatitudes)

1 John3:16-24

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our Brothers. If anyonEhasmateriaLpossessIons and sees his brothEr in need but has no pity on him, how can the loVe of God bE in hIm? Dear childreN, let us not love in words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belonGto the truth, and hOw we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts conDemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pLeases him. And this is his cOmmand: to belieVe in the namE of hissOn, Jesus Christ, aNd to love one Another as he commanded us. Those who obey his cOmmands live in him and he in Them. An tHis is how we know that he livEs in us: We know it by the spiRit he gave us. (Believe in God, love one another.)

If you want to order the book contact: Xlibris Corporation, 1-888-795-4274, http://www.Xlibris.com, orders@Xlibris.com

In these examples, the author was able to “read” the hidden theme or thought behind the scripture passage. It is by the motion of the Holy Spirit that guided how the message was revealed in few words. Amazing indeed!

About Fr. EJ and his reflections

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Articles Pastoral Team Reflections

“GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS, IN THE DISCIPLES AND IN THE SAINTS,” By Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM, Sunday Gospel Reflection for 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A

The gospel passage on the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A underscores, among others, the link between love and obedience and the presence of God in the person who loves.

Love is the very motive for and the essence of the Father’s sending of Jesus into our midst. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is also the fundamental message of Jesus’ life and ministry. In Luke 10:17, Mark 12: 30-31 and Matthew 22:37-39, we find Jesus summarizing all the commandments into the love of God and neighbors. John underlines the very nature of God as love. He writes, “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

But the love that Jesus commands is a demanding love. It is a sacrificial and sacrificing love, one that is patterned after the very love of Jesus himself. Jesus says that only those who follow His example and obey His commands can be said to genuinely love. Thus, we find here that love is obedient.

In Christian life, obedience is not a prerequisite for love; it is rather the result or the consequence of love. If we, as disciples, truly love Jesus, then we obey Him and His commands and follow His example. Jesus Himself has shown us this obedient love. Because He loved the Father and He loved each and every one of us, He was obedient to His Father even to the point of laying down His life on the cross for our salvation.

Jesus made a promise to those who obey His commands out of love for Him. He will ask the Father to send to them the Spirit of truth, Who will not leave them despite Jesus’ return to the Father (ascension) but will remain with them until the end of time. It is this Spirit of truth that will make the disciples witnesses of love in the world.

If love is God’s very nature, therefore anybody who loves, especially after the example of Jesus, manifests God’s presence in the world. As one line from a Les Miserables song states, “To love somebody is to see the face of God.” We dare to add, “Anybody who loves reflects the face of God.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says that Jesus has revealed the face of God. He writes in his Jesus of Nazareth, Volume 1: “The great question that will be with us throughout this entire book: But what has Jesus really brought, then, if He has not brought world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has He brought? The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God! He has brought God, and now we know His face, now we can call upon Him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God, the truth about where we are going and where we come from: faith, hope, and love.”

Jesus, as the human face of God, is the face of a compassionate, unconditional, boundless and obedient love. He is the Incarnate love of the Father.

The saints, in a powerful and special way, reveal the loving and living presence of God in our midst. Having just visited and prayed before the incorrupt body of the Franciscan Capuchin Stigmatist St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina at the San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy as part of our recent pilgrimage itinerary (May 3-19, 2014), I am reminded of what Pope Paul VI remarked of St. Padre Pio. Pope Paul VI said: “See what fame he had! What a world-wide clientele gathered around him! But why? Was it because he was a philosopher, because he was a learned man, because he was a man of means? It was because he said Mass humbly, because he confessed from morning to evening, and because, difficult as it is to say, he was a marked representative of the Lord” (Pope Paul VI, February 30, 1971).

Jesus, the disciples and the saints have revealed and continue to reveal the loving face of God. What about us?

More about Fr. Robert and his reflections.

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Articles Pastoral Team Reflections

“I am the Gate of the Sheep” by Fr. Jesus Galindo, OFM, A Sunday Gospel Reflection on the 4th Sunday of Easter (A)

Most of the images of Jesus we see in our churches are those of the Sto. Niño, the Sacred Heart and Christ the King — all with crown and scepter, symbols of power. We seldom see an image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, carrying a lamb on his lap or on his shoulders, or leading his flock. Yet this is how Jesus described himself — not as a mighty king but as a humble shepherd; not in terms of power and prestige but in terms of love, service and sacrifice.

The shepherd image is very much a part of the Old Testament. Yahweh is often called the “Shepherd of Israel.” One of the most beautiful and best known psalms in the bible is psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” A shepherd differs very much from office or factory workers; the latter handle tools, machines, computers, and telephones—all of which they leave behind after office hours. A shepherd, however, deals with sheep—living creatures. He cares for them, feeds them, protects them day and night, and treats them almost as if they were human beings: “They hear my voice… and follow me. I give them eternal life.”

Today’s gospel is part of Jesus’ Good Shepherd discourse (Jn 10:1-30). Jesus describes himself as the gate of the sheepfold. He sets himself in contrast to “those who came before me who were thieves and robbers.” Jesus is a good shepherd and a good leader because he feeds and cares for the sheep; while the false shepherds and leaders feed on the sheep, exploit them and take advantage of them for their (the leaders’) own profit. Jesus is the gate leading to fullness of life and salvation.

Today’s gospel is particularly relevant and challenging for all of us who exercise leadership roles in the Church or in society: priests, parents and public servants. Jesus sets himself as the model we should strive to imitate. We priests (and bishops, of course) should ask ourselves: Am I a good shepherd, or just a good administrator, a good manager, a good fund raiser and a good constructor? Where do I spend most of my time and resources, in feeding the sheep or in putting up structures? More often than not, promotion in the ranks is based on a priest’s ability to raise funds or build churches rather than in his work of visiting the sick and the poor or in building basic ecclesial communities.

Parents should also ask themselves: Are we good shepherds or just good providers? Quite often, parents, especially in well-to-do families, think that their main role is to provide for the material needs of their children. “Why do you complain?” they ask their children. “We give you everything you want. You are enrolled in the best school, have the best car, computer… everything.” Yet the young need more than money, cars and computers. They need their parents’ care, affection and quality time. Students in the best schools (who have every gadget) are often victims of psychological problems, drug addiction, etc. So, parents, by all means, be good providers; but, above all, be good shepherds.

As for public “servants,” it is only during electoral campaigns that we hear the word “servant,” when candidates woo their constituents, shake hands, caress children, and issue motherhood statements and unbelievable promises: ”Give me a chance to serve you and I will remove poverty, hunger, unemployment, etc.” Once in office, however, it is an entirely different story; instead of feeding the flock, they feed on it. Anyone who has had to transact business in a government office knows this. It is our task, therefore, to discern and to pray, so that we may find truly good shepherds who will look after the welfare of the sheep and not after own profit.

Good Shepherd Sunday is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations—a day to pray for the increase of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. It is no secret that vocations all over the world, most especially in first world countries, are dwindling. Smaller families, wider range of options open to the youth, and the tarnished image of priests as a result of the sexual abuse controversy are some of the contributing factors. Parents play an important role in sowing the seed of vocation in their children. The Christian community must be made aware of its responsibility to provide shepherds to minister to the flock. Today, while attending Mass and praying for vocations, the members of every parish assembly might look at the Mass presider and ask themselves: “How many priests has our family, or our community, given to the Church?” May the Lord fill the hearts of parents and children with the spirit of service and generosity.

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Sunday Gospel Reflection by Fr. Efren Jimenez, OFM

The Road to Emmaus – How to get There
From Jerusalem, to Nablus, turn left at kilometer 9 (Nablus is a flourishing town, Center of Samaria district, known for its soap made from olive oil).

Following the road for another 4 kilometers you hit a sleepy Arab Muslim Village called EL Qubeibeh, Emmaus.

There are three Christian neighborhoods there – the German Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, the German Hospice, and the Franciscan compound composed of a Sanctuary, the Convent of friars, and a school.

The name EL Qubeibeh (Little Dome), possibly got its name from a dome (Parva Mahomeria) of the Crusaders. The Franciscans took care of the property since their arrival in 1335 for the custody of the Holy Land, and began a pilgrimage there. Unfortunately, Emmaus is out of the way for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. But it is worth visiting the place because of its truly biblical significance.

Franciscans Archaeologists made several excavations there throughout the years and they have confirmed the existence of the village at the time of Christ. The Franciscan built a sanctuary there in 1861, in the spot where the Byzantine Community stood from 3rd to 6th Century.

At present visitors may enter a wide gate leading to the Square in front of the Church, the ubiquitous Jerusalem Cross emblazoned on the iron gate. The road leading to the sanctuary is filled with ancient pines and olive trees so that you really feel the welcome invitation on the gate, “Lord, stay with us!”

On a clear day, standing 800 meters above sea, the city of Jerusalem can be seen, and further toward the sea the ancient city of Jaffa, where the imposing church of St. Peter stands at the edge of the Mediterranean sea. (It is in this monastery of St. Peter where I have lived for sometime.) Inside the church at the left side, is a constructed rectangular place, which according to tradition is the place of the “house” of Cleopas, one of the disciples who entertained the Divine Messiah after his resurrection.

The Road to Emmaus – Our Story
Luke’s story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is our story. It is a beautiful post Resurrection story of life’s journey. This story is so profound in its message that studies on stages of human growth in the aging process considered this episode as corresponding to spiritual passages experienced by those celebrating midlife journey.

In the course of this journey on the road to Emmaus, the disciples move from despair, disorientation, and new beginnings. The two disciples are leaving Jerusalem because they have experienced the death of Jesus and not the resurrection. They had believed in him and his cause and gave themselves to him and his work. Now he was dead and gone and they were in a state of disorientation. We can imagine what they said to one another, “Conversing about all the things that had occurred.” “(Luke 24:14)

The midlife experience recognizes some shock received of an unexpected inner or outer event in one’s life. Both small and great events can be the cause of one’s kingdom tumbling down. The infidelity of a spouse, the death of a spouse, divorce, demotion, a child on drugs, unwanted pregnancy, health problems – any of these can be the cause of someone asking, “Is this all there is?”

The two disciples asked, “We were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel.” How much this reflects the person moving to the end of the first half of life. “I had such hopes,” one cries internally.

In the wake of a broken relationship, shortened dreams, mental or physical collapse, lost joy and lost soul, painful betrayal and darkness never before imagined, one finds oneself without hope or expectation of a new life, resurrection.

But Jesus puts light on the bigger story. Jesus enlightens the disciples by showing the deeper meaning of what had occurred in the suffering and death of Jesus, “As he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.” (Luke 24:27) The person in midlife rises up out of the ashes. The disciples got up immediately and returned to Jerusalem where they found the Eleven and the rest of the company assembled. They shared all that caused their sorrow, they had been dead, and now they lived.

There is a call to growth, a call to spiritual growth in each of us, a call to the significance and meaning of our own suffering and pain and of life itself, a call to intimate relationship with Christ the Beloved, a call to the transpersonal and to love and liberation of each other; a call to true wisdom and redemptive love of Christ.

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