Today's Gospel - January 8, 2012 with Reflection

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

1^st READING - Isaiah 60:1-6

P S A L M - Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

2^nd READING - Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

 

Matthew 2:1-12

1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” 9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

SABBATH

MODERN EPIPHANIES   Epifanio delos Santos is a famous name in the annals of Philippine history. His name has been made more famous because a major thoroughfare in Manila, which used to be called Highway 54, was named after him. This road rose to international fame because of the bloodless revolution that took place along that very highway in 1986. When the famed EDSA revolution reached its peak on February 25, this road teemed with millions of people. I remember hearing this from a radio commentator during those perilous times. It was reported that soldiers from above (in choppers, perhaps) have already been given orders to crush the revolution. But what they witnessed from the sky prevented them from starting an assault — the throngs of people along EDSA and Santolan Road formed a cross. And it just made those soldiers shudder with the thought that they would attack the cross formed by those people fighting for freedom. I recall vividly how the radio announcer described the experience, “It was a real Epifanio delos Santos or Epiphany of Saints. Those people came in droves and formed, albeit unwittingly, the symbol of their liberation. In their zeal to topple the forces that oppress them, they have manifested the forces of the good, the forces of the saints.” Today we celebrate the greatest of all epiphanies, God’s manifestation of the God-self to humanity. And just as we marvel at how divine epiphanies can effect change, we pray that God will see us worthy to behold His divine countenance as we truly strive to be drawn by His manifestation to an authentic transformation of our own lives. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTION: How has the Lord manifested Himself to you lately?   When I am down and out, Lord, please manifest Yourself to me. And when someone is in need of Your presence, let me manifest You to him.

Today's Gospel - January 6, 2012 (1st Friday of the month) with reflection

1^st READING - 1 John 5:5-13

P S A L M - Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.

Mark 1:7-11 (or Luke 3:23-38)

7 This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

SABBATH

THE MEANING OF JESUS’ BAPTISM John the Baptist’s testimony about himself (John 1:19-28) presents some remarkable facts about how baptism is understood during the time of Jesus. The line of questioning in those verses reveals how the Jews understood who can only administer baptism: the Messiah, Elijah or any of the prophets. Granting that he was given the freedom to exercise  such “ministry” unopposed (by the religious powers that be), why did John the Baptist baptize Jews knowing fully well that such practice was exclusively administered to “converts” (Gentiles converting to the faith)? Jews already belong to God and so they did not need to be “cleansed.” Gentiles had to be immersed in water through baptism if they are to belong to  the chosen ones of God. Astounding! But what is even more remarkable is Jesus’ decision to submit Himself to this baptism. Jesus is a Jew. As the unblemished One, He has no sins to repent of. That baptism was unnecessary as far as Jesus, the only begotten Son of God (thus, the sinless one) and Son of Mary (thus, a Jew) is concerned. His baptism, therefore, should be understood in a different light. For Jesus it was a baptism that ushered in His public ministry. It was His commencement exercise. After that He would go full blast in attending to the affairs of His Father. By virtue of His baptism, man is able to begin his ascent to God. And Jesus, being true man, identifies with man in this journey of turning away from sin and turning to God. His baptism introduced Him to the ones He would save. Just as His Father laid claim on Him, His real identity was revealed as the Father’s “beloved Son on whom He was well pleased.” Because of that baptism, we now fully see how God marvellously commenced His redemptive work for man — how He, the Emmanuel, is truly with us in our journey towards the Father and how we are to accept our Lord who has been revealed to us, no less, by His and our Father. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes REFLECTION QUESTION: Now that you know what Jesus’ baptism really means, do you accept and trust that He is with you in your journey to the Father? Thank You, Lord Jesus, for becoming man and identifying with us so that we may be saved.

BECOMING A PEACE MAKER

1^st READING - 1 John 3:11-21

P S A L M - Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5

GOSPEL- John 1:43-51

SABBATH

The prophet Micah prophesies about the Lord’s universal reign of peace. He mentions how the Lord will settle disputes during His reign and swords will be hammered into plows, and spears into pruning knives. “Everyone will live in peace among their own vineyard and fig trees” (Micah 4:4a). The book of Kings mentions the kind of reign Solomon has on his people. It mentions the prosperity that he and his subjects enjoy. He is not just regarded as a good ruler of his people — he was as good to the neighboring countries as well and was at peace with all of them. “As long as he lived, the people throughout Judah and Israel lived in safety, each family with its own grapevines and fig trees” (1Kings 4:25). These are some references quoted by scholars that provide background for today’s Gospel. The short exchange of words between Jesus and  Nathanael is a little puzzling, if not understood, in the above context. For the Jews, a fig tree always signifies peace. Peace is when a man is able to sit undisturbed in full tranquility under a fig tree. This is what Jesus saw in Nathanael. He was the kind of man He was looking for to be part of this small clique of learners (disciples) that He was starting to organize. He needed Nathanael to put flesh to His teaching about the blessedness of those who work for peace. Someone like Nathanael could pacify the likes of Peter who would cut the ear of the soldier intending to take his master away. He was the kind of man who would surely rejoice in the company of angels heralding His coming, singing, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on Earth!” Is there a Nathanael in me? Will I be worthy to be called by Christ for I, too, can sit peacefully under my fig tree?  Fr. Sandy V. Emhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTION: What will it take for you to be a Nathanael, a peacemaker?   Divine Potter, mold me and make me a lover of peace like Nathanael. May I be a source of peace for others, too.

SHARING WHAT WE HAVE DISCOVERED

1st READING - 1 John 3:7-10

P S A L M - Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9

GOSPEL - John 1:35-42

SABBATH

“Behold the Lamb of God,” John the Baptist said to Andrew and another disciple of John when he brought them before the presence of Jesus. After hearing those words, they started to follow Jesus. Since Andrew began to follow Jesus, we see him doing some very interesting things as His disciple. In John 1:42, we find Andrew bringing his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, this after initially proclaiming to him that  they have already found the Messiah. Next, we see him on top of a hill together with the other disciples. People were starting to mill around Jesus in hundreds and thousands. As it reached five thousand, not counting women and children, Jesus asked Philip, “Where are we to get food for all these people?” As Philip saw the impossibility of responding to the situation by saying, “Seven pounds worth of bread is not enough to give each of them a little to eat,” Andrew found a lad with five barley loaves and two fishes. Andrew brought the lad to Jesus (John 6:8-9), and the rest, as we say, is history. In John 12:20-22, we read, “There were certain Gentiles among those who went up so that they might worship on the feast day.” They went to Philip and requested that they be allowed to see Jesus. Philip relayed the request to Andrew and the two of them brought the Greeks’ request to Jesus. We see in Andrew the enthusiasm of a man who has  discovered something or someone so great that he cannot just keep it to himself. And so, he brings people to Jesus and shares Him with them. Here lies the greatness of this disciple who found perfect fulfillment by bringing people to the One whom he has discovered, the One he serves. That should also mark our own discipleship. We should not keep to ourselves the joy that we have in finding Christ. We need to bring more people to Him so that they, too, would discover what we have come to see as we “behold the Lamb of God.”Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTION: Identify at least five people whom you want to bring to Jesus. Start praying for their openness to receive Jesus and for your courage to share Him with them.   Lord Jesus, accompany me with Your Holy Spirit as I try to share You with others.

THE POWER OF AN EXAMPLE

1st READING - 1 John 2:29-3:6

P S A L M - Psalm 98:1, 3-4, 5-6

GOSPEL - John 1:29-34

SABBATH

“You brought me to Jesus!” This is perhaps the greatest compliment that a Christian can get. Because of how you live as a father or mother, or how you witness to your faith in God through your conscientious performance of your job, or how you preach and walk your talk, or how you live out your faith — others are drawn to Jesus. You can never discount how our good and noble lifestyle attracts others to our faith. I recall hearing this story from someone. A young Christian man works in a country that is predominantly non-Christian. He works hard to support the young family he is raising back home. His work ethic and graciousness towards everyone endear him to most of his colleagues — Christians and non-Christians alike. Vacation time comes and his boss, wanting to reward him for his exemplary virtue, doubles his take-home pay. The man, instead of taking everything for himself, shares with his fellow workers the unexpected fortune. As each one comes to him to receive their share, they thank him no end, delighted by his magnanimity. But the last person, a non-Christian, surprises him by aying, “I do not want your money.” “But why? I just wish to share my blessings,” he said. The man continues, “What I want is that which made you share those blessings to us.” You never know how much your life as a good Christian affects other people. Your witnessing can draw people to Jesus.  Your goodness will make people want to have your faith. Your life itself will be like John the Baptist directing people to “Behold the Lamb of God.” So persevere in doing good and become a sign directing people to Jesus. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you think your present lifestyle is affecting the people around you? Are you drawing them to or away from your faith?   Give me the boldness, Lord, to proclaim my faith not only through my words but, most importantly, through my lifestyle.

MISSING THE REAL ONE

1st READING - 1 John 2:22-28

P S A L M - Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

G O S P E L - John 1:19-28

SABBATH

“Come on, join us in this life raft!” his neighbors prodded him as he stood in knee-deep water on his front porch. But he would hear nothing of it. “My Lord will save me and I shall wait till He comes and rescues me,” he told himself. The rains continued to pound their town. The floodwaters rose steadily and he had to climb up the stairs to reach higher ground. A much larger boat came filled with the last remaining evacuees of the town. The head of the rescue team pleaded with him, “Come on, this will be our last trip back to gather the remaining people of this town. There won’t be anyone else to come back for you. Join us now or you will perish in this deluge.” But he held his ground. He shouted back, “Worry not, I trust in my Lord. He will save me.” And that became his last conversation on earth. He was a good man so he reached heaven soon afterwards. He asked the Lord, “I thought You’d come and save me. Why did you let me perish?” Then the Lord said, “I did. Twice! But you ignored Me.” The Jewish people’s questions about Jesus’ identity reveals something about their knowledge of all that was happening. They knew that a messiah was coming — someone who would bring about peace over all the earth, lift them up to their real stature before men and before God, save them and restore them as a chosen race. The awaited One came alright, but they failed to notice Him. And so until now they wait for the time when the One sent by God would come and visit them. He came and it was us, Christians, who noticed. Now, if only we would recognize how privileged we are for having noticed His coming, for not dismissing Him, for heeding His invitation to “ride His boat.” Then the regretful sigh on John the Baptist’s words, “There is one among you whom you do not recognize,” will be no more. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How sensitive are you to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you welcome Him or do you dismiss Him?   May I be ever attuned to the work of Your Spirit in me, Lord God.

Today's Gospel - January 1, 2012 with Reflection

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

1st READING - Numbers 6:22-27

P S A L M - Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

2nd READING - Galatians 4:4-7

G O S P E L

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

 

Luke 2:16-21

16 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 19 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 21When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 

 

SABBATH

JUST AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD   You are certainly thankful you have reached this point in your life. You wonder how things would have been had you not listened to your parents. Their words still reverberate in your mind, “Just focus on the good that awaits you. Don’t allow the distractions of the present to take your mind away from what is essential and important. You’ll see — all your hardships will pay off in the future.” And so now you’re here — your heart overflowing with gratitude to the ones who saw you through. “I told you so,” your mom enthuses. You just smile in agreement, for your heart cannot contain the joy of seeing yourself with all these blessings at your fingertips just as you have been told. Imagine the joy of the shepherds seeing the Infant Jesus lying in the manger. They have been told all these by the angel — the personages, the dimly lit cave, the animals, the lights, the star, the angels, the melodic sound coming from above. They all marveled at these, for they are exactly how the angel had told them. The joy of a promise fulfilled — a vow kept, a pact realized, a covenant faithfully followed. There is no explaining how much joy there can be in the hearts of those who have seen these realized in their own lives. But the story in today’s Gospel is no ordinary story. It is an account of the beginning of God’s redeeming act. The promise of salvation has long been told. And in these events they gradually unfold just as it has been told. Just imagine how things would be when our vindication happens — to the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven; to the meek, the earth; to the mourning, consolation; to the hungry, satisfaction; to the merciful, mercy; to the pure of heart, beatific vision; to the peacemakers, divine sonship. How our hearts will be filled with joy, when all these are realized, at the end of our life’s journey, just as we have been told.Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you still waiting for the fulfillment of a promise made to you — either by God or another person? Don’t lose hope — it may happen this year.   Lord Jesus, thank You for the new year. May this year bring us renewed hope and trust in the fulfillment of Your promises to us.