Tag: Fr. Joel Sulse

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“The Rude Guest” (Luke 14:1, 7-14) by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

…to enrich one’s self and not to think of others is also a crime that we should remind ourselves of every now and then. As Pope Francis said: “Mess yourself up for God!”

The gospel reading this Sunday is part of the critical 14th Chapter, where the action and the setting is mostly set on the Sabbath in the house of a leading Pharisee. The first verse sets the tone… they were watching Jesus closely. Hence, he was invited as a guest. But what type of a guest is he? Verse 3 of this account tells us that he challenged the lawyers and the Pharisees; he lambasted without hesitation those who would like to take the first seats (v.7); and even gave instructions to the host on whom to invite in the next meals (vs. 12-14). One writer says that by any standard, he can be considered as a rude guest.

The thousands of people who attended the “picnic” last Monday in Luneta, including ourselves in the parish, can be considered also rude guests like Jesus. We brought along with us, without hesitation, our firm stand about the issue. We aired out with our presence that enough is enough of the corruption happening in our country, and enough of the greed of those who participated in the horrific crime against our nation and our people. Our presence there is like that of Jesus reminding the Scribes and the Pharisees, but in our case reminding our politicians, to stop the whitewashed tomb prominence incessantly present in our economic, political and cultural systems.

Again, the setting in our gospel is a banquet. This has been part of our life, and is very important. Eating has been an essential element of our existence as human persons. Thus, if one is invited to an occasion, this means that the guest is important, legitimized by his being included in the guest list with a seat assignment. This is the spirituality behind the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Everyone is important in God’s eyes. Everyone has a seat, has a place in the holy banquet of the Lord. It is the only type of banquet where people, standing because the church has run out of pews, are given importance through the holy communion given them. Luke highlighted this meal narrative to give importance to the anticipated role of God inviting everyone “to eat in His Kingdom”. It is in this context that His table becomes an eschatological banquet, where everyone will have his fill, and will always enjoy a sumptuous meal.

There are four incidents that occur in this meal account: (1) the healing of the man with dropsy; (2) the finding of the Council of the Pharisee finding a place in a table; (3) Jesus’ suggestion whom to invite in the meal; and (4) the great dinner parable. Evident however in these incidents is the presence of God who heals, admonishes, exhorts and invites and assures hope to those who are willing to follow his path and his way of life. Jesus may sound like a rude guest but it is the only way to shake a system at hand, whose players are up in an active arena where everyone has a seat to enjoy a very important encounter.

The rude guest therefore has a purpose. It is into this realm of purpose that Jesus opens our minds and hearts into the real meaning of hospitality. That this value is not honorable alone to those who have the capacity to repay goodness with the same chance of inviting them to their future banquets as well. Rather to offer an opportunity to those who have no capacity to repay another person’s good deeds. The Rude Guest urges therefore a type of a social system without reciprocity! What is in the heart of this Guest? It is equality, justice and integrity. These, basically are the reasons why we invited ourselves to the “picnic” in Luneta last Monday. If all the people there will just continue to keep that beautiful and valuable attitude, then we can be like Jesus again, who challenges the social structure leading others to develop a transformative spirit that will bring about change in their lives.

Why did Jesus suggest that the poor, the blind, the crippled and the lame be invited to the banquet? Because they belong to the Kingdom of God! So if we displace them, we would owe God and them the remuneration that they justly should receive. It is like saying, “If we will not do something about the unjust system happening in our times, including that of the Pork Barrel issue, then we have to account for it before God so let us do something while it is not too late yet.”

Therefore, to enrich one’s self and not to think of others is also a crime that we should remind ourselves of every now and then. As Pope Francis said: “Mess yourself up for God!”

as published on September 1, 2013, Parish Bulletin
About Fr. Joel and his reflections

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“The Power of “Ouch” To The Power of Touch” by Fr. Joel

If we can only join hands and solidify our efforts, then, we can alleviate hunger, injustices, economic imbalance, and other man-made calamities that threaten human life and all other life-forms.

Can we really blame God for the sufferings and miseries of people?
This is the desperate dirge that Job asks of God. He felt that he was punished for no reason. He was helpless, totally deprived of hope and living in deep difficulty, hard-pressed and shattered. His three friends told him to ask pardon from God for his past transgressions. But Job couldn’t find any! Is God just? The conclusion however of the book of his life tells us of something – a total redemption. Yet,we were offered by Job an opportunity to examine and address the same most difficult situations and questions we too had asked of God. This is the same attitude that God wants us to adopt and fight the evil which is the root of all the sufferings and miseries we experience here on earth. How did Jesus respond to all these human tribulations in our gospel today?

We were told in the gospel that when Jesus was informed that the mother-in-law of Peter was sick, he immediately goes to her, and “takes her hand, helps her up” until she became well. Is our attitude in this case consistent with that of Jesus? Do we have this kind of patience and compassion? Said expression in New Testament’s expression is for “Resurrection”. And Jesus is giving his disciples a preview of what will transpire in the future to a believer like Peter’s mother.

Mark is teaching us a clear lesson in the gospel story. The woman who is ill is representative of a victim herself who is burdened by inhuman conditions but because of Jesus’ grace, she was healed. Notice how the mother-in-law of Peter begins to serve them
afterwards. It is an indication of total healing and liberation. And this should be the same for us. Therefore, if we have been healed by Jesus, then, we have to work for him and serve others as well. We have to give life to others and share our nicest stories of redemption to others. Who from among us has this power to go back to Jesus and say, “Thank You!”.

As we celebrate Pro-life Sunday, let us remind ourselves of the many
situations where Jesus rescued us, consistently giving us life despite our misgivings. Jesus values our life in total commitinent. Can we be life-givers as well?

The second part of the gospel (v. 32-34) tells us how Jesus cured all the inflicted people brought to him. It was not some kind of a cheap miracle that was performed. There was no sensationalism at all. He even told them not to tell anyone about all these. Let us be aware of the possible sensationalism of “healers and healing powers” happening in our times. We have to be very discerning. We have to pray and center, rather, our attention on Jesus, who alone can heal us. Even the Blessed Mother told us about this.

We know for a fact that Jesus did not solve all the problems of his time. He showed us the way on how we can heal others, and be healed ourselves. His curing the sick people is a clear sign that given this faith of ours, we can heal others too. Remember the many times he told the sick people, “Your faith has healed you”?This is the same scenario that was affirmed in Job. His faith in God helped in restoring everything he had lost, and so much more. If we can only join hands and solidify our efforts, then, we can alleviate hunger, injustices, economic imbalance, and other man-made calamities that threaten human life and all other life-forms.

The last part of the gospel tells us of Jesus who is in constant encounter with the Father through prayer. If we want everything in our life to conform to God, then we have to constantly meet God in prayer. Prayer is uttering our highest regard for God and putting into action the desire of His heart for us. It is not simply requesting Him to perform a miracle of healing for us. It is possessing our hearts with the light of his faith in order for us to withstand the demands of our relationship with Him. Prayer is God, who is moving our life to its greater glory. Job possesses his life with prayer, and he found his reward. Likewise, for St. Paul, it is not in monetary rewards but in the joy that he found helping
many to come into salvation. If we experience so many sufferings, let us always remember Jesus’ power of touch. Let us keep the faith in us.

as published on Feb. 5, 2012, Parish Bulletin

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“Wealth or Kingdom?(Mk 10:17-30)” by Fr. Joel

…a disciple who followed him will receive a hundredfold as much; houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children, and lands, along with persecutions, and in the age to come, life everlasting (v.30). The rewards mentioned by Jesus are a “great reversal” of the sacrifices and sufferings a disciple will endure for a moment, but which will end in the gratifying life that awaits at the gate.

Is following Jesus an easy one? What should be sacrificed? What reward awaits the follower? This Sunday’s Gospel of Mark is part of the second instructions of Jesus to His disciples on their Way to Jerusalem. His teaching is about riches, reminding the disciples on the importance of discipleship. This final section consists of three parts.

The Story of the Rich Man ( v. 17-22 )

This part of the gospel has generated many interpretations down the centuries. Said interpretations have tried to modify this very difficult teaching, that even the rich man left, very sad. The story revolves on the question: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This paved the way for Jesus to remind him of the tenets of the Decalogue that talks on human relationships. But something is demanded from this reminder – radical discipleship. And this entails giving everything that one possesses, which is not limited to material possessions alone.

I guess, the difficulty lies on the aspect of detachment. After all, I am not in my proper frame of mind if I have given myself all these years working for my keep; then, in a sudden turn of events, I will give away what I valued most in life? But this is really the point. “Am I willing to sacrifice?” For truly, wealth can be a hindrance
in following Jesus, but the rewards of his being a disciple are greater than the sacrifices.

Instructions to the Disciples (v.23-27 )

Can mere renunciation of wealth guarantee our salvation? The personal instructions of Jesus to his disciples, which became public,
emphasize the power of God and faith in Him, being the ways to salvation. These two spiritual elements are very important because they will usher the followers/disciples of Jesus to a more
fulfilling life, as servants of God. Renunciation therefore, with reliance on Him as our ultimate Redeemer, will assure us of eternal rewards. With this assurance given us, we need to follow therefore the spirit of Jesus and his ways. We should make it a point in our
lives to have Him at the very center of our relationship. When we make him our guidepost in achieving spiritual ends, we need to redirect our lives in accord to his direction. Jesus is our salvation, and therefore, we should lead others towards him. By making him our model for living, it will surely be easier for us to pass through the narrow gate, for he will be there to widen the gate
for us. Therefore, with renunciation of material wealth comes the follow up responsibility of how we can really give everything to God, including our own selves. This is the way He showed us, how to become more than less, to be a man for God and for others and not
only for ourselves.

Teaching on Giving up Riches (v.28-31 )

What is now the reward for accepting the invitation of Jesus? Jesus gave the response to this query that both in the present and in
the future, a disciple who followed him will receive a hundredfold as
much; houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children, and lands, along with persecutions, and in the age to come, life everlasting (v.30). The rewards mentioned by Jesus are a “great reversal” of the sacrifices and sufferings a disciple will endure for a moment, but which will end in the gratifying life that awaits at the gate.

As our Church launches the Year of the Faith, let us be encouraged by the inspiring words of reminders from Jesus, keeping ourselves focused on how we can journey as a COMMUNITY IN FAITH, willing to undergo persecutions but with hearts open to the gates of HOPE towards HIM. We pray that may our lives continue to witness the FAITH that we have embraced.

published on October 14, 2012 Parish Bulletin

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“Discipleship is Following Jesus on the Way of the Cross ( Mk 8: 27-35)” by Fr. Joel

The prophet Isaiah tells us that a true follower of God is a servant. A servant is a son or a daughter of God who works in accord to His ways.

The context of the gospel this Sunday is on the thematic teaching of Jesus on his suffering through the way of the cross. It is structured through the Paschal Mystery, that is the Passion, Death and Resurrection that He, Himself will experience. Jesus made the prediction in all these happenings in His life but He was misunderstood by the disciples. In the end, He corrected their misunderstandings by offering them an option for living.

Who do people say that I am? (v. 27) This query of Jesus to his disciples about the impression of people about Him is His way on testing and evaluating their faith in Him. While He is interested on what the beneficiaries of His word will tell about Him, it is a strong reminder and an evaluation too on the part of the disciples as regards their responsibility in assisting Jesus in the missionary task in spreading the Good News. Have we ever thought in reading the bible and sharing His words to others? Other denominations in Christian faith has strong inclinations in this, thus, they continue to immerse themselves in the Word of God.

But who do you say that I am? (v.29) The shift in Jesus’ query is highly noticeable. This time he goes personal, “But who do you say that I am?” He is like saying “How much have you known me? Do you really know my mission? Do you know the reason why I call you? Is your life consistent to the witnessing I show you? Jesus is giving his disciples here a guided retreat in order to help them know Him more and help them understand the true value in following his way of life, that is, the essence of His Paschal Mystery. Peter had the best reflection when he answered “You are the Messiah!”. And Jesus affirmed him in his answer for truly, it is the Father who revealed it to him. And since His time has not yet come, He ordered them not to tell anyone who he is.

Get behind me Satan, for thou dost not mind the things of God, but those of men. (v. 33) A great shift happened in this part of the dialogue. It was a shift from Peter’s affirmation of Jesus as the Messiah which by authority, he was given the keys of heaven BUT after a minute of conversation, he was exorcising the presence of Satan in Peter. Jesus reminds us of the vulnerability of the human person especially those in authority. Thus, constant discernment is very must but the challenge is for all on how we can be mindful of our words and actions.

“If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (v. 34) This verse summarizes on the desire of Jesus on how we can wholeheartedly share on the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. It is through this way of life that a disciple of Jesus can truly embrace and lived with meaning the value in following his footsteps.

St. Francis made this as the rallying point in his life. He humbled himself and accepted in total authenticity the way of life of Jesus. (This became the spiritual vision of Francis-the love of the passion aside from the humility of Incarnation.) Having embraced the same, He received the Stigmata in Mt. Alverna, the holy wounds that Jesus received in the Calvary, imprinted in his body. For Jesus, true discipleship is taking up His cross. And everything in us follows.

So what should be the way of life of an authentic disciple of Jesus?
The prophet Isaiah tells us that a true follower of God is a servant. A servant is a son or a daughter of God who works in accord to His ways. The Letter of James reminded us on the importance of faith in action when he said: “Say to whoever challenges you, “Have faith and I have good deeds; show me your faith apart from actions and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act.” (V.18)

In the most recently concluded 12th Franciscan Pastoral Conference in Baguio City H.E. Most Rev. Renato Mayubga,D.D. challenged the Franciscan friars and lay leaders on the importance in knowing Jesus through the Bible, the only source that gives on the ministerial life of Jesus. He said that for us Catholics, we value the Word of God and the Tradition of our Church, taking into consideration as well the saints and the Saints in our Church. He believes and affirms the faithful in their profound experiences of concretizing the Word of God. But he dare say that it will become all the more inspiring and meaningful if we read and study His Word, deepen it in our day to day life through our constant witnessing, and keeping Him in our mind and in our hearts through our faith.”

As we celebrate the National Laity Week this September 23 to 29 with the theme: “Building Up the Body of Christ and Strengthening our Faith through New Evangelization” and honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Patron Saints of the Catholic Laity of the Philippines, let us follow them as they themselves followed Jesus on the Way of the Cross. The mark of the true disciple is on how one finds meaning in the midst of suffering because it is only through the Passion and Death that one will experience the Resurrection.

published on September 16, 2012 Parish Bulletin

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“Pentecost Sunday”, by Fr. Joel

Pentecost is the feast of the Spirit manifesting within the people the will of God. This is a Jewish feast fifty days after Passover. St. Luke recalled in the Acts of the Apostles the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:4). The large crowd that was gathered during the feast were confused and amazed how the disciples expressed themselves in foreign tongues and how the Spirit prompted them to proclaim more boldly the faith in the Resurrected Christ. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that the first Christian Community was born (CCC1301). Acts of the Apostles 2:38 tells us about the answer of Peter to the query of the people. He said “You must reform and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that your sins may be forgiven; then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, the Holy Spirit will
reign in our lives.

How does the Spirit reign in our lives? The Spirit comes in the spirit of nature- wind, fire, even in the stillness of water that brings life during our baptism, even in a form of a dove that signified on Jesus as the Son of God. In all these concrete realities, the Spirit comes into the hearts and minds of the people through their remarkable manifestations – wisdom and rightful decisions carved, a dialogue for peace forged, a healing experienced by human persons either through reconciliation or release from physical pains, speaking in tongues, praises to God, even concrete expressions of joy through a dance, soulful songs, poetry and the like. For this is how the Spirit works if lifted in man’s realm.

The encyclical Lumen Gentium (par.7) tells us the three functions of the Holy Spirit: (1) to give life to, (2) to unify, and (3) to move the whole body. I John 4:8, 16 tell us that this Spirit is the “gift of God” who is Love, and is poured out into our hearts. 2 Cor 3:3 tells us of the Spirit of the living God written on the tablets of human hearts. Thus, mission, renewal and purification form part of the divine indwelling in us through the power of the Holy Spirit manifested to the disciples during the Pentecost. This divine moment moved them to embrace the challenge of bringing the good news of the Risen Lord to the ends of the earth. We were told how they embrace the cross of Jesus, witnessed their lives in suffering, but focused on his assurance- “I will be with you, do not be afraid!”

But what have we done to these gifts of the Holy Spirit freely given
us? Have we shared the fruits of the same to others? How can we make
these gifts as God’s manifestations of love and concern for others? How can we encourage others to walk the inspiration of the Holy Spirit towards God’s kingdom?

The Gospel this Sunday tells us of the meeting of Jesus with His disciples after His Resurrection. It was on this first meeting that Jesus breathed the Spirit on the apostles. This memory is recalled in the church during the celebration of the Chrism Mass when the bishop breathes unto the holy oils which are eventually used as very important elements during the celebration of the sacraments. But the message remains: the Spirit came from Jesus, and His intent is to give us life. If this life is coming from Jesus, then we have to live like Him. We have to pattern our life on Him. We have to continue what He has started. In the first place, we have been mission sent!

But how can the divine moment of the Pentecost transform us? Forgiveness! This is the core of the last sentence of our gospel text. An unforgiving heart brings destruction both in the personal level and on others. This comes at times in a very subtle way like a wind in its swiftness but deep inside the human heart, spiritual destruction buds forth. Thus, sin becomes the rallying point. In this instance therefore, we need to pray to the Holy Spirit to possess our heart and enkindle and rekindle in us the fire of the love of Jesus. This is what we all need. This is what our family, our communities, our country and the whole world needs. Let us help each other keep this beautiful wisdom in our hearts.

As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, let us pray that may the same tongues of fire bring to fulfillment in us to speak of the love of Jesus and inspire us to share the same with others. And may the divine Spirit sealed unto us in Baptism and Confirmation bring to fulfillment in us His Divine Will.

as published on May 27, 2012, Parish Bulletin

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“Good Shepherd Sunday” Fr. Joel

We are celebrating the life of Jesus, His being the Good Shepherd for all of us …. we are celebrating as well His great invitation on how we can truly imitate Him.

Why are we celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday? What are we really celebrating? What makes Jesus a good shepherd for all of us?

Good Shepherd Sunday is a reminder for all of us of the distinct character of the shepherd whose exceptional life is of great value in enhancing to others. He is not too preoccupied inwardly about Himself. He busied His life in total surrender to the will of the Father, doing the great task of giving more, and more, leaving nothing for Himself. He is more after the blessings of the Father for others, thus, He spends most of His time guiding people through His parables, continuously sharing His being a gift to the world.

What are we celebrating in our communities this Sunday? We are celebrating the life of Jesus, His being the Good Shepherd for all of us. We are also celebrating His great invitation on how we can truly imitate Him. But how has He been as a Shepherd for all of us?

First. His way of love. He showed us His sacrificial love. He laid down His life for all of us. He stretched out His hands and showed how much more He is willing to sacrifice. Even in His Resurrection and Ascencion, He wants His spirit of love felt by all!He wants men to live this way of life, promoted to the well-being of others. Jesus’ love being communicated to the family begets in itself a transforming power that, even changes in the course of our life can never withstand that spirit of love.

Is our way of loving others patterned after the Good Shepherd?

Second. His way of life Jesus’ ministry speaks for itself that “giving life” has been His mantra wherever He goes and whenever He performs His ministry. He goes against those that contradict life. He confronts those who oppose and violate life. He is a hardline advocate and promoter of life. He brings in respect and honor for life. It is in Him that life springs forth.

Is our way of life patterned after His?

Third. His obedience to the Father. Jesus wholeheartedly followed the will of the Father for Him. As an obedient son, He remained focused on the instructions of the Father. It was engraved in His heart. Jesus professed His loyalty to the Father, thus, even the last moment of His life, He commended His spirit to the Father. When He died in Calvary, He submitted His being to the Father. And He continues to manifest His presence to us through the sacraments.

Are we obedient to the will of the Father?

As we celebrate this Good Shepherd Sunday, we pray that our communities, especially our families, will continue to show love and respect for life, freely and gratuitously given to us by God. We pray that may the younger generation learn to love, appreciate life and develop the spirit of obedience to the will of God. We pray that they may blossom to become like the Good Shepherd. As we celebrate the spirit of the Good Shepherd also, may the springing-forth of life, the concrete manifestation of God’s love and the proceeding-forth obedience to the Father inspire all our lives to make ourselves like the Good Shepherd.

published on April 29, 2012, Parish Bulletin

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