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“Blindness and Power Play” by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

“You were born a sinner and now you teach us!”

This remark by the Pharisees to the man-born-blind is a very paralyzing and belittling statement. This is borne out of a certain bias against him since they believe that his physical disability is a product of a curse or a sin done by his ancestors. The blind man suffers all the more from this merciless cultural bias.

I have been ministering to a few thousands of inmates in my ten years as a priest. I became close to them that I have often seen the others going back and forth to the penitentiary even though their cases had already been dismissed. One of the compelling realities I have discovered which has really surprised me is the common remark from the inmates. I have known of the sad state that they have encountered outside. They have experienced the most difficult and most trying moments in convincing people and the company they apply for in seeking a job. One inmate said “Applying for a job is very difficult than having policemen catch us.” They said it was double agony on their part experiencing rejection from the society where they belong. The bias is so enormous that the rejection is like a two-edged sword slashing them to the bone. Even their closest friends and their families have developed the same kind of prejudice against them. Too sad to think but indeed it is a reality happening every minute of the day in their lives.

The experience of the man-bornblind and the inmates I have known are in no way different. They tell a story of power play at work in our society. The sad thing is that this power play of authority is mostly present in the human heart. It pierces through the brain of every human individual and dictates us to commit and develop a more biased culture amongst us. The reason why Jesus healed the man-born-blind is to shake the authority of the Pharisees regarding their on-going neglect in understanding the very essence of the Sabbath Law, and that is to give and nurture life and not to curtail one’s freedom to experience God’s mercy and compassion. Who is really in control of the situation? To which type of authority do we belong? What other related biases have we done?

Jesus in the gospel would like us to recognize that the spiritual blindnessof the Pharisees is a serious crime far greater than the physical blindness of a person. What is so inspiring in the story is the challenge asked by Jesus to the man-born-blind, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” And the response He got was “Lord, I believe!” And we were told that he worshiped Him. Indeed “Blessed are the lowly for they will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Superiority separated all God’s creation beyond human imaginings. It divided the world into countless groups. Differences were solidified that instead of experiencing the universality of the innateness in each one of us, it penetrated into the instincts of human and other living beings. It became a culture, and thus, the sufferings of the world are but products of this enormous mistake. Superiority has always been the problem. But a solution has been offered to us in the humanity of Christ himself…that though He is a God, He did not deem equality with God. Rather, He emptied himself and took the form of a slave. This is the humility of God shared to help humankind understand that there is another way to become great in His eyes.

Can we stop belittling others and stop subscribing to the offers of being superior to others? What about choosing the path of the man-bornblind? He believed and worshiped Jesus! Let us continue to move on to this meaningful Lenten journey.

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“Manifestation of God (in our Beloved Pope and in Us)” (Mt. 2:1-12), by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

Jesus is now the evident manifestation of the Father who wants to share His unconditional love and faithfulness with all of us.

This first Sunday of the year is designated by our Church as the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. This means the manifestation of our God to us. How did this revelation come about?

The letter of Paul to the Ephesians (3:2-3a, 5-6) tells us that God’s revelation come to us as a grace which can only be understood through faith, and in our belongingness to the body of Christ Himself. This means that all are called to a universal salvation, Jews and the Gentiles alike. This has been offered by God for all of us since we are all important in Him, and He wants us to be dignified all the more by experiencing his salvific grace.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah 60:1-6 affirms in our memory about the coming of the Light. This Light will transform the world and will draw back the whole humanity to Yahweh, our source of life. It will help all peoples restore their identity back to God through their faith in Yahweh. Following this, we are all challenged to be the light to our world as well.

How can the salvific grace enrich us? How can we become a clear light for others? How can God be manifested in us?

Matthew brings us back to the memory of the great event that happened in Bethlehem years ago. This event opened the doors of our faith beyond the Jewish backyard. This was actually the purpose of the manifestation of God. This is part of His mission. He wanted us to realize that He is for all. He wanted us to know that He did not come for a limited community only. He wants us to experience the universality of His love. This love is manifested in our faithfulness to his will. And this results in unity, peace and respect for one another and for all.

How can the Wise Men become our guide in deepening our faith? What basically are the attitudes of these men? They are from Persia – experts in astrology with the capacity to interpret dreams. Why are they persistent in seeing the child? In other words, there is that sense of openness and sincerity in them. Why are they interested? It is because they are convinced that there is something in this baby. There is therefore that evident manifestation in their hearts coming from that enthusiasm and commitment burning deep inside them. We were told that the Star in the East guided them to Bethlehem through King Herod. Why is this so? Again, there must be a reminder for Herod.

One can notice that the divine will guided the search of the wise men for a purpose. The divine hand is present every inch of the way, orchestrating the event as it unfolds. And finally, seeing the child in a lowly, smelly manger, they brought in their gifts fit for royalty. Why do they have to accord Him with the gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh? The gifts tell of who the child is and was, and his destiny.

We were told that King Herod was so disturbed. He was deeply trouble especially when the Magi did not send him any word and went the other way. His unease created a vacuum of fear and jealousy that resulted in his plotting to kill the children who are a threat to his kingdom. The imperial kingly attitude of “power hunger” blossomed in his greedy heart. His dubious intent overpowered him, thus, the killing of the infants and children. But the Magi and the the non-Jews paid homage and worshipped Jesus. They paved the way in Matthew’s special narrative: “make disciples of all nations.” They lived their faith, and followed its demands beyond reproach.

The whole story of the visit of the wise sages revolves on Jesus, an affirmation of His being the true King of Israel. And that salvation of Israel and the world comes through Him. The end of the story is a shift of us being invited like the Jewish disciples to go out to the world and bring the good news of salvation. Jesus is now the evident manifestation of the Father who wants to share His unconditional love and faithfulness with all of us.

The Magi are reminding us that we too can bring the same gifts to Jesus. They are telling us that we have that capacity as well to find “the Christ” if we have the diligence and the sincerity to look for Him. The light has been provided to us already. We just have to follow the light and faithfully manifest Him as well in our day to day living.

As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, let us pray to God that His gifts to us be manifested by the way we live, like our beloved Pope. Let us continue to manifest ourselves as FAITHFUL GIFTS for our family, for our community, for our country, for the Church, and for His Kingdom. Happy Feast Day of the Epiphany!

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“Solemnity of Christ The King: The King Who Saves”, By Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

The underlying spirituality here is despite our wickedness and misgivings, the love of Christ will always be overflowing in us. But like the repentant thief in the gospel, we need to recognize in faith the kingship of Jesus and His holy operations and intents.

We celebrate this Sunday the Solemnity of Christ the King. The gospel during this celebration bears a royal motif narrative. It relates the political charges against Jesus that he puts influence against the Jewish nation, advocates a revolt against Rome through its tax imposition and personally claims himself as the “Messiah and King.” These claims are like provisions to a death certificate that he has signed.

Following through the words of the leaders (v.35), the soldiers (v.36- 37), and the unrepentant criminal (v. 39) as well as the inscription on Jesus’ cross (v.38), one can comprehend the very nature of the kingship of Jesus. And this kingship is being challenged by the very words of the criminal “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”(v.39) Such challenges call for Jesus to change his vocational identity. Such is a temptation to him to become a different sort of a King (a political one) very much distinct from the call that His Father wants him to do and live.

But it is good to dwell on how Jesus agonizes on the cross. He did not think of himself alone. He rather offered salvation to the repentant thief. We see here a God who suffered much, yet, still had that capacity to save others.

The current situation in the Visayas mirrors the many faces of the suffering Christ. Despite the difficulties they have encountered and the loss of loved ones, their faith remained strong. It helped them keep their sanity. It is nice seeing victims themselves sharing the relief goods in order for their families to survive. It is good to see the “rebuilding” spirit in them, helping their families build their “makeshift” or temporary shelter. It is so nice to see smiles on their faces despite the difficulties they have encountered during the typhoon. It feels good that despite the tribulations experienced, they remain committed to start once again; to give hope to others. We can see here the face of the suffering Christ, who “in his helplessness has that power to save!” He even asked the Father to forgive those who have crucified and tormented him, even promising the repentant thief that he will be with him in Paradise (v.43).

The continuation of this gospel text tells us that “when all the people who have gathered saw what had happened, they all returned home beating their breast.” Such is an indicator of a faith inside a person who realized that there is really something in Jesus. It is a clear and evident sign of a repentant spirit who recognized the compassionate and forgiving heart of Jesus. And for sure, their story will not stop from there.

“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (v.43)!” The verse is a clear indication of a forgiveness granted exceeding the prayers of the repentant thief. Jesus granted him what he asked for. The underlying spirituality here is despite our wickedness and misgivings, the love of Christ will always be overflowing in us. But like the repentant thief in the gospel, we need to recognize in faith the kingship of Jesus and His holy operations and intents. May the compassionate and forgiving heart of Jesus, the King reign in our hearts as well. Onwards to the Paradise assured us by Jesus. Amen.

As published on November 24, 2013, Parish Bulletin
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“The Real Security” by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (v.15)

The international media absorbed it right in their headlines, “The Pope Urges Us to denounce materialism!” This emotional plea by our beloved Pontiff became like a dewfall, leaving young people, especially those who were in the World Youth Day, with the desire to be more serious about it this time. He even encouraged young people to “make a mess” in their dioceses by sharing their faith in the streets. This radical call which has shaken the whole world is Pope Francis’ way of introducing a reform in the Church, which will make more people aware of the call of Christ to follow him in his
way of living the Gospel.

The story this Sunday begins with an anonymous person in the crowd asking Jesus to tell his brother to share the inheritance they had received from their family. It is an open invitation for Jesus to become an arbitrator to the land and money that they have inherited. But Jesus went straight to tell the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (v.15)

The statement of Jesus is clear. He reminds us of the danger of greed and power to accumulate possessions. Jesus wants us to take note of one of the erroneous ideas confronting people today, that wealth and power are signs of God’s approval. He wants to correct this attitude in us too. He exhorts all of us not to be lured by the passing splendor of materialism and greed. He is giving us a warning signal about the selfish demands of the same, and the danger attached to all these.

Why did Jesus insert the parable of the Rich Fool? He wants to emphasize that security can never be assured by building larger barns to accommodate our possessions. It is like saying that security can never be assured by the increasing amount of our deposits in the bank or by increasing our investments on something that promises us more returns or profits. He is inculcating in us the value of real security, which can only be attained in our relationship with God and with our neighbors. He wants us to recognize the true value of the real treasure deep inside us that moth, and robbers, and marauders can never destroy.

But what are the implications of being materially secure? Well, there is the presence of happiness and joy, and peace but we can notice that we are not perfectly content. There is something that is lacking. Oftentimes, arrogance and pride are roots of these possessions. Enslavement even of ourselves, as our desire to have some more, forces us to go against our good nature. Thus, Jesus wants us to see the other perspective of this reality. We need to transcend our human understanding of these possessions around us.

I am oftentimes awed with such realizations as: “It could have been better if we didn’t have this inheritance. It divided our family!” “I wouldn’t have suffered much from this turmoil, if my family had given me the best inheritance, not money!” “Money becomes immaterial if confronted with the realities of the real dangers of death.” “My properties made me a slave, and made others slaved by me.” “I am under the spell of my possessions!” “How I wish I could live in the quietness of the moment, thinking of God, and not of something else.” All these realizations can lead to a very positive light. And that is by heeding the reminders of Jesus in our Gospel story.

Pope Francis has this to say: “No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in this world.” Let us begin anew to plant the seeds of social justice that don’t affirm riches for one’s own sake. Rather, let us invest our best efforts in the real security that can assure us of eternal joy and peace. May the foolishness for Christ discovered by St. John Marie Vianney,
be endowed unto us so that graced by God, we can become rich with Himself as our only valued-possession. “There can never be a secured life except with God!

as published on August 4, 2013, Parish Bulletin
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“Personal Queries” by Fr. Joel

“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it.”

Let’s imagine Jesus being physically present m our contemporary times. Let’s imagine further himself posting a comment in His Facebook or Twitter account: ‘”Who do people say that I am?”. Then, reposting His comment to His close friends or to people who befriended Him in the social network: “But who do you say that I am?” These queries are very interesting because this concerns an individual who is so interested in others, and their impressions about him. Jesus is not afraid of what people will tell Him. He wants to know their impressions about Him. He is more interested in listening to their comments and not just clicking the ”LIKE” box in His network page.

One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of His disciples, He put this question to them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” (vs. 18.)This query clearly tells us that it is a product of Jesus’ discernment. The scene is in a very serious mode. The situation is ”He was praying alone.” It seemed that when He asked His disciples this question (whatever was in His mind), the consciousness or mindfulness of His disciples was being challenged. Jesus was developing in them the ability to use their “senses” in following Him. Perhaps, He is developing in them that “role-modelling” attitude. Be that as it may, the tone of Jesus was felt in the immediately following queries when they answered: “John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others one of the ancient prophets come back to life.” These are good people, role models in the practice of the faith, and perhaps, this is really what Jesus was driving at.

The query of Jesus however was reduced into a very personal question: “But you,” He said ”who do you say I am?” This response of Jesus is an invitation to know Him all the more. He wants his disciples to know him deeply – his aspirations, dreams, indepth impressions about him, about his life. When such query is reduced into a very personal level, this means that there is an established relationship that was already developed There is a very close encounter – heart to heart, mind to mind, soul to soul- that has transpired. It is like “I am close to you now. I am ready to listen to your affirmations and admonitions.” Imagine a husband and wife in their old age talking about their beautiful experiences in the past, over a cup of coffee. Imagine best friends who have not met for years reminiscing their past. Imagine a boyfriend and a girlfriend under a tree, holding hands together, praying that God will have a better future in store for them. It is through these instances that the encounter becomes personal and up close, that the spirit of knowing ”the other” leads to a closer tie, a deeper relationship.

Jesus is very interested in us. In the first place, we are the reason for His coming. We are the reason for His sacrifice, for His dying on the cross. And we are the reason for His coming again. Every now and then, He reminded His apostles about this. But some of them, if not most of them are not keen in knowing him more. That is why He would tell them” How slow you are in understanding all these things.” The Scripture says that ”they were able to realize many things only” after His Resurrection. Itwas only Peter who spoke up when Jesus queried them about Himself:” You are the Christ of God”. (vs 20) But He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this. Why? Because He doesn’t want them to do a “shortcut” on the very purpose of His coming. He doesn’t want them to miss the whole script of His life written through the will of the Father. Jesus wants us to learn every inch of His story. Thus, the reason why He is very interested in letting the apostles know ”Who He is” as the God, made-man. “The Son of Man” He said “is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.” This is the Paschal Mystery, the story of Jesus that He wants us to know and participate in. It is through this mystery that the wholeness of our being can experience the life of our Saviour. So, why should we complain if there are sufferings in our midst? Why should we lose hope when everything seems to be lifeless? Why should we worry when we are assured that there is more to this life of ours after death?

Then Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him
renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. (vs 23) I guess these are clear conditions that Jesus is reminding us of. If we want to become his authentic followers then we have to find a way how we can abide by these conditions and thus develop meaningful lives.

Nowadays, the Roman Catholic Church in the country is bombarded with many issues regarding inconsistent faith practices of both the clergy and the faithful. These experiences are in no way different from the same issues thrown at the face of our Church. And for these, we should repeat time and again the words: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.”

“For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it.”

Have we done something good for our Church and have we defended our faith? Have we ever followed the advise of Jesus when faced with the same difficulties? Do we really know Jesus?

as published on June 23, 2013, Parish Bulletin

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“Habilin” by Fr. Joel

“Repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all the nations. You shall be witnesses to this. I will send you what my Father promised. “(v.47-49)

After graduating from high school in Samar, I was determined to pursue my theological studies and readied myself to enter the diocesan seminary in our place. Since my Dad didn’t like me to pursue my dream as a priest, he encouraged me to enroll in a pre-law course in Manila. He was the one who accompanied me, making sure that I would not be going somewhere else. The night before we left, I very well remember my Mom telling me only one thing: “You will always be in my prayers. Let God do the rest for you!” This has always been my Mom’s reminder to me.

Ascension Day is a time given to the faithful to reflect on the very inspiration left by Jesus to his disciples. It is the best time of the year to reflect as well on the missions of our Church and the very inspiration attached to it – the role of the Scriptures or the words of Jesus, and the importance of worship in fulfilling the missions entrusted to us by Jesus.

What was the advice received by the disciples before he finally was ascended into heaven? “Repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all the nations. You shall be witnesses to this. I will send you what my Father promised. “(v.47-49) This is Jesus’ commissioning to his disciples urging them to go first to Jerusalem, and wait because because something would happen there. They followed him, and returned to the Temple in Jerusalem, the place of worship, their place of waiting.

Biblical scholars believe that the antecedent of “you” in the context of the gospel refers to either “the disciples”, “the Jewish community”, or to a broader community including ourselves. We are all encouraged not to be mere participants in a stage drama unfolding in our midst but to be active protagonists able to fulfill our roles.

Have you noticed the holy intent of Jesus? It is part of God’s plan that His intention will be completed and the divine strategy will work. This is the reason why one of the repeated themes in the context of this gospel is the understanding of the Messiah and His destiny. It is his valued mission that justicethat justice and peace may reign in humankind so much so that the Kingdom can be inaugurated. This started when they came to realize and recognize Jesus when he opened their hearts and minds about the many things he had told them, and the numerous advice he gave them.

The last part of the narrative tells us that instead of experiencing the so called “separation anxiety”, we are told that they experienced the joy of Jesus’ ascension. It was coming from the blessing given by Jesus himself (v.51). This moved them to worship him and He was their inspiration and the reason why they frequented the Temple, giving praises to God. It is in this context that we affirm the presence of God in the Holy Eucharist. We pattern our worship on this spiritual experience of the disciples. We sing hymns, recite our prayers as one community, expose the Word of God, share the holy inspiration of the Word, break and share the bread together because this was what our forefathers in faith had done. But while practicing all these, a faithful follower of Christ should not neglect the true value of being a good witness. And a good witness shows an evident presence of Christ in everything that he/she does. Likewise, a good missionary is one who possesses a virtue.

The way the mothers care for their children is one evident sign of being a true disciple of Jesus. Mama Mary championed this. Let us pray as we celebrate Mothers’ Day this Sunday, that we honor our mothers for showing us the way to become a true follower of Christ through their unblemished dedication and service to us. What is the best inheritance/advice or inspiration that we can keep in our hearts coming from our parents? It is no other than to witness the Gospel or Kingdom values that they have lived by and deeply nurtured in us. Let our lives be possessed by the same.

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“Resurrection: Heart of Faith”, John 20:1-9, by Fr. Joel

The closer we are-to Jesus, the more we can be assured of the resurrection in the afterlife that we will all experience.

The Resurrection of Jesus is an event prefigured by himself in the many subtle encounters in the gospels. The apex of which happened after His unbearable suffering and cruel death. How can people do this to a man whose desire is to give life? Still this is the enigma that was left of the drama that transpired but in the very end,
redemption had it all!

Mary Magdalene
She was the first one to discover the empty tomb. But she concluded
that the body of Jesus had been stolen. Her shock moved her to quickly bring the information to Peter and the beloved disciple. Mary is encouraging us that when there are doubts in us, and when we are in need of a community, we can run to Peter and the beloved disciple, the latter being very close to Jesus himself. She is representative of so many, who are so enthusiastic about Jesus, but in need of guidance as regards faith. Taking into account the personality of Mary Magdalene, she is an epitome of a converted soul, ready to bring the good news to many others who are lost.

The Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is the silent witness of the best miracle that has
transpired in all human history. Jesus is truly risen! He is not in the tomb! What better sign can we· ask for? The presence of the burial shroud is a remnant of an old self that has been renewed through the glory of Christ. Jesus vanquished death! Therefore, it is now our responsibility to announce to the whole world that true to His promise, He was truly risen!

Peter and the Beloved Disciple
Both of these disciples were very close to Jesus. Maybe the reason why they were invited to the grace of the resurrection, being the first ones to know it, is a confirmation of their experience when Christ himself was transfigured. I believe that this is a reminder of spiritual proximity. The closer we are to Jesus, the more we can be assured of the resurrection in the afterlife that we will all experience. Scripture scholars though debated why the name of the beloved disciple was not mentioned? Many believed that the reason why it was not mentioned is because it represents a believer, like us, who is invited to experience the resurrection of Jesus himself. With the Church, represented by Peter himself, we can progress in our understanding of the Resurrected Christ and be assured of the same immense joyful expenence.

Faith is in the heart of Resurrection. The invitation of Jesus is wide open if we want to experience the same joy He had. Keeping the faith therefore is the key towards the victorious Christ whose peace and goodwill overflows to humanity despite their sinfulness and
hardness of hearts.

Christ opens the door of salvation for all of us. The victorious Christ offers us hope that the glory of God will be given us when our time comes. Just as the stone was rolled back, may our hearts be opened to see the Resurrected Christ from within us, and thus experience His heavenly presence.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

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“Palm Sunday and the Story of the Other Palms”, by Fr. Joel

Following Jesus’ example of laying down His life for his loved ones, we may attain the fullness of His love to us by doing the same example – He lived for others.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion is a day of invitation for us, the faithful, to enter into the paschal mystery of Christ. It also depicts the solemn entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, proclaiming the passion that He is about to undertake. While the people are shouting “Hosanna to the King!”, what is behind those voices that reverberated through the hills and the gardens of Jerusalem?

The gospel this Sunday is from Mark 14:1-15:47. This is Mark’s version of the passion narrative of Jesus, which is considered the oldest written version that exists about Jesus’ suffering and death. It is believed and is accepted by biblical scholars that Luke’s and Matthew’s version of the narrative are all coming from that of Mark. Further, they said that it is the closest to the original, hence, not the original itself; and the narrative in itself is considered the core or the most important part of the whole gospel.

Following the events narrated in the gospel, one can notice how the many facets of the story mentioned are all interconnected to each other, and each event is adding more and more color, in its distinct capacity, to the over-all picture of the whole passion story. Beginning with the anointing of Jesus ( v.3-9), to His celebration of the Last Supper (the Passover-v.12-31), to His contemplation in the Garden of Gethsemane (v. 32-42), up to Peter’s denial (v.54,66-72); then to the centurion’s musings (15.21-41), and finally to His burial (v.42-47), all capture a symphonic nostalgia bringing the whole scene into the center of understanding, the reason behind Jesus’ selfless offering of His life for all.

In our celebration of this Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the “many other palms” which can speak of the whole narrative of the passion and suffering of Jesus. Let us remember the palms of those hands that anointed Jesus’ feet before He celebrated the Passover. It is good to remember the palms of the hands that clasped with the voice that said: “Take away this cup from me … “. We remember the palms of the hands that held the sword that struck the other ear. We remember the palms of those hands that helped Jesus carry the cross. Blessed are those palms that worked in the fields first, and held the
cross of Jesus sharing the burdens of human weight. Blessed are the palms of the centurion, that touched the body of Christ and the palms of the hands of Joseph of Arimathea, that brought the linen cloth and that which took down Jesus from the cross and the very palms of the hands that touched and wrapped Jesus’ body, as well as those palms that laid Him on the tomb. The story of the different palms other than the palms raised during that entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem is like a symphony, weaving the notes to a beautiful music, pleasing to man’s heart. And truly, such spirit is rooted on the very reason why Jesus allowed Himself to suffer and die – and that is LOVE.

Today is also Alay Kapwa Sunday. We are all reminded of the love and the life we can sacrifice for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Alay Kapwa involves self-giving, like those palms of the many hands willing to do their share, as reiterated to us in our gospel. Following Jesus’ example of laying down His life for his loved ones, we may attain the fullness of His love to us by doing the same example – He lived for others.

Today is also World Youth Day. Let us keep in mind our brothers, the many young people in our world today, who find it difficult to offer their time and best effort to God and to others. WE need to pray for their conversion. We need to accompany them realize their goals, not limited to one’s boasting of personal ego and pessimism and passivity. We need the palm of their hands willing to work for His kingdom.

The rites during the holy week which include the blessing and procession of palms, the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s passion on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil in all parish churches should be worthily done. The faithful should be instructed on the meaning and structure of these celebrations and should be encouraged to actively participate in order to experience the fruits of the encounter. It is good to give our hands to all these activities and volunteer to make the same more meaningful for us and for others. Let us join hands together and usher our community to this holy season of grace.

as published on April 1, 2012 Parish Bulletin

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“The ‘Flesh’ for Others”, by Fr. Joel

My great salute to our young people in the parish and those who came to volunteer for our relief efforts. It is the spirit of Jesus, the body and blood poured out for many that was evidently felt by our young people.

John 6:51-58
For these past Sundays, we have been introduced to the Eucharistic gospel, the Chapter 6 of John. Jesus has subtly introduced himself as the “bread of life”. This time however, Jesus has his bold claim, “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever. The bread I shall give is my flesh and I will give it for the life of the world.” (v.5l-52). As he has presented himself this way, the Jews all the more questioned his claim. They cannot fully comprehend what Jesus is claiming. Thus, their question: “How can this man give us FLESH to eat” (v. 53)?

In the Jewish tradition, “flesh” means “the whole person.” So they find it very scandalous for Jesus to invite them to be the “flesh” for others and to eat him. But this invitation was provoked all the more by Jesus’ additional statement: “Truly I say to you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (v, 54). What is Jesus telling us in this profound declaration of himself? This leads to his explanation of what the Eucharist is all about.

Jesus is telling us that he is giving himself to us as the bread and wine that will give life to others. The primary reason for his sacrifice is to be the LIFE FOR OTHERS. In this invitation of Jesus, we are personally drawn to the life-giving instincts that we need,
to shape and reshape our lives. When we share ourselves as the life for others, like Jesus totally abandoning himself for us, then, it is very easy to share, easy for us to give ourselves for others. This is the essence of the Holy Eucharist. Can we feel this essence in concrete terms?

I would like to share with you a recent personal experience. When we were at the height of all our worries about the monsoon rains that forced thousands of families out of their homes, I was informed by our Calamity Core Group in the parish that we have to start a relief operation. I was not surprised why they had this urgent concern because it is imbedded already in the hearts of our parish youth. The message in their Facebook and Tweeter accounts has this to say… “Spread love through our relief efforts in the parish.” In just a matter of two hours, the young people came, goods poured in, and many hands prepared goods that responded to the needs of close to 15,000 families. Relief goods, positive responses, Bayanihan spirit that moved everyone to prepare the goods and share them with families in the affected areas (unloading them even at 3am with no traces of qualms from a hungry soul, who thinks of others rather than himself), singing community songs while loading the goods- these are concrete signs in “flesh and blood” being shared with others. That is Jesus feeding the hungry crowd of thousands, healing and giving life to downtrodden souls. My great salute to our young people in the parish and those who came to volunteer for our relief efforts. It is the spirit of Jesus, the body and blood poured out for many that was evidently felt by our young people.

“As the living Father has sent me, and as I live because of the Father, so he who eats me, he also shall live because ofme”( v.59). This verse presents a fact that Jesus was coming from the living Father, the compassionate Father who responded to the hungry crowds in the desert. So whoever accepts him in his “wholeness” shall live, and will have life. “Eating the flesh and drinking his blood” connote salvation. Thus, whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup will surely have life in Him as Jesus had told us. True to the expression “the living Father”, the “living bread” goes with it, and so if we stay with Jesus, the “living bread”, we also will live forever.

Can we consistently be the Eucharist, the living Jesus for others?

as published on August 19, 2012 Parish Bulletin

Categories
Articles Pastoral Team

“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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