Do you need a physician?

Jesus said to them in reply, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. Luke 5:31

Humility.

That's it.

I can't think of anything else that the gospel teaches us today, from the first reading all the way to the gospel reading.

God's Word for You Today, February 28, 2008
Saturday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:1-2,3-4,5-6
Response: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Yeah, there are rewards for that.

But what is humility?

Why are you fasting?

Time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, then they will fast. Matthew 9:15b

I have a confession to make. Until recently, the reason for fasting was a bit hazy to me. I thought it was about cleansing your body from toxins and clearing up your mind so you can think better.

I was close, but still short.

God's Word for Us Today, February 27, 2009
Friday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4,5-6,18-19
Response: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Fasting in the Lenten Season is incomplete without the other two pillars of the Season: prayer and almsgiving. The three pillars are inseparable.

Get rich, but don't forfeit yourself

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself Luke 9:25

Luke 9:25 is a common excuse among Filipinos for not striving to be someone better than themselves. Lame excuse, man. Lame excuse.

Let's not use the Word of God in vain!

God's Word for You Today, February 26, 2009

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2,3,4,6
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Can one gain the whole world and yet maintain his soul?

Of course yes!

Hey, are you about to pray on a street corner today?

When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Matthew 6:5.

Not many Catholics will like me for what I'm about to say, but I say this with passion:

Today is Ash Wednesday, BUT ...the object isn't the ash on your forehead.

Look deeper!


Don't be late for the Holy Mass today and take note of every word in the readings and the homily.

God's Word for You Today, February 25, 2009

ASH WEDNESDAY

1st Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Psalm 51:3-6,12-17
2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21;6:1-2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Here are the verses that touch my heart:

• "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God." (Joel 2:13)
• "A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit." (Psalm 51:12)
• "Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2 Cor 6:1)
• "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them." Matthew 6:5.

I attended mass at EDSA Shrine (it was close to my office that time) on Ash Wednesday last year. I was appalled by the people who came late for mass, yet insisted on having their foreheads marked with ash. How could they?

Don't do that folks! It's not about the ash, but your heart!

If you arrived late for mass today, then clearly you know where your heart is. Then be guided by what the first reading has to say, "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God" (Joel 2:13).

Take note of the second reading as well, "We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1).

I challenge everyone to be more conscious of what you do, and what you don't do on Ash Wednesday. Whatever that may be, may it bring you closer to God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

So, you wish to be Number One?

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Mark 9:35

What's this gospel about? Is it OK to desire to be the best? the number one? the greatest?

The gospel seems to say, hey, it's OK!

BUT...to be the first, there is one rule to observe: BE THE SERVANT OF ALL.

What a rule!

God's Word for You Today, February 24, 2009

Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Sirach 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:3-4,18-19. Psalm 37: 27-28, 39-40
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Can we see this rule being observed in Philippine politics today?

Uhum. No comment.

However there are home-grown leaders who are recognized for their contribution to society. They have been servants of all, and I wish to salute some of them today...

1. TONY MELOTO - known for his most passionate advocacy for Gawad Kalinga. He's not necessarily the most well-liked person in the Couples for Christ community, but he's definitely an inspiration to many volunteers (like me) in the work for the poor. To me, Tony Meloto is the #1 in Christian service.
2. BO SANCHEZ - founder of Light of Jesus community, force behind Kergyma Feast, preacher, author and entrepreneur. But Bo landed on my list not for these honors, but for his passion for spreading the gospel to as many Filipinos as possible, while being a good provider for his family. To me, Bo Sanchez is #1 in Catholic lay evangelization.
3. JAIME ARISTOTLE ALIP - founder of CARD MRI, a very successful microfinance model operating in Southern Tagalog. His model is now being followed by microfinance institutions across the country. Definitely something Pinoys can be absolutely proud of. To me, Dr. Alip is #1 in providing better access to the poor to financing.
4. GINA LOPEZ - scion of the Lopez family, which owns ABS-CBN, Gina is not known as a media person per se but one who uses media and her personal influence to touch the lives of many people--especially women and children--who are in dire need of assistance. To me, Gina Lopez is #1 in that area.
5. RICHARD DICK GORDON - this guy's a politician, but he lands on my list not because of his being a Senator but because of what he did to the former Subic Naval Base, the tourism industry (WOW Philippines) and what he's doing with the Philippine National Red Cross. I salute his passion for service to the people. To me, Dick Gordon is #1 in affirming to the Filipinos our capacity to move forward.
6. BAYANI FERNANDO - this guy's another politician, and I am very picky about politicians. He lands on my list not because of his politics but because I've been driving around Manila for the last six or seven years, and, to my eyes, Bayani's doing an excellent no-nonsense job. I think he's a good public servant and executive. To me, Bayani Fernando is #1 in no-nonsense public service.
7. POPE JOHN PAUL II - Need I say more? This guy is an icon of love from a human being to others, and an inspiration to many to pursue a holy life, whether as a priest, a member of a religious congregation, or as a member of the laity (like me).

That's my list. I don't know if all of the are devout Christians, but, to my eyes, they definitely exhibit the virtue of service towards as many people as they can, which all Christians ought to do...if they wish to be number one.

Do you have your own list? Do you have people in your mind whom you think are exemplary leaders in the Philippines?

Who are they? and how do we get to know them?

Most importantly, how are you emulating them?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I do believe, help my unbelief

Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

"Help my unbelief!"

That sounds just like me when confronted with challenges that are seemingly beyond my power, if any. I want to believe, yet something nags this belief down to the depths of doubt or unbelief.

Does this happen to you? or just to me?

God's Word for You Today, February 23, 2009

Monday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Sir 1:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1-2,5 -- The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

The man in the gospel was wise. He said he believed in the power of Christ. Yet he admitted he had little faith.

That man took responsibility for the outcome of the episode. He declared that it was not Christ's power that was in question. It was his faith that was in question! And he asked Jesus to help him!

How wise, indeed!

How many of us don't do that? Then how many of later blame God for the outcome?

But we are created in God's image and likeness. "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him" (Genesis 1:27). That makes us equally responsible for the reality around us.

We alter that reality through faith.

Kind of hard to swallow, isn't it?

But isn't it also liberating?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Child, your sins are forgiven

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:5

Faith first...then, voila! Here comes forgiveness!

Is that the message?

Where's repentance in the picture?

The gospel today speaks of a forgiveness for someone who has faith, but was he repentant? It doesn't say.

To whom do we listen?

Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Mark 9:7

There is confusion these days. I think there has always been. Much more so in the early biblical times.

Today we have the internet where people can find information they need. But that does not diminish the confusion. In fact, more information has lead to more questions.

The question most people ask now is, to whom do we listen?

God's Word for us Today (Feb 21, 2009)

First Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7
Response to Psalm 145: I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Gospel: Mark 9:2-13

Questioning what's written in the Bible or what the priests say appears to be taboo among Catholics. "Do we question the word of God?" or so we are told. But to not ask a question is a formula for naivety.

Incidentally, this is what I believe: if we don't ask questions, then we lose the appetite for listening. More so today than before, nobody wants unsolicited advise.

But God says to us today, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." (Mark 9:7)

To me there are three kinds of asking questions:

1. Questioning with an open mind - one that honestly and sincerely seeks answers (Remember Mary during the visitation?)
2. Questioning with a closed mind - one that seeks proof (Remember Thomas? Boy, this Thomas was lucky Christ appeared in front of him in the flesh!)

What kind of questioning do you do?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

You haven't conquered the world yet ?!?

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Mark 8:36-37

It's not alright to conquer the whole world? I believe that's a fallacy. God has created us in his own image and likeness. What therefore stops us from conquering the world?

Today's Gospel Readings (February 20, 2009)

1st Reading - Genesis 11:1-9
Response to Psalms 27 - Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Gospel - Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

Yet why is it that God always stops us right in the middle of our quest for mastery over the entire earth?

Yes, God did that to the Roman empire. God did that to Napoleon Bonaparte. God did that to Hitler.

Perhaps God did that to you too...

What's wrong with the picture?

I believe the key to understanding the question is by answering these questions:

1. At whose expense do we dare to conquer the world?
2. Granting you have conquered the world the way you envision, will you be truly happy?
3. Can you continue your hold over what you have conquered even after death?

Nice questions, eh?

Who's got the guts to share his wisdom?

Are our Traditions grounded on the commandments?

How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!
From the Gospel Today (February 10, 2009), Mark 7:1-13

The first reading of today's gospel reminds me of the whole Genesis. I can't help but ask, what was God's first commandment? and is that commandment still in force?

It appears to me now that the first commandment was, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). Then this commandment was followed by a series of other commandments that defined the Christian view of creation.

Image from the Catholic Conservation Center

Why, weren't the words God spoke during creation commandments? Weren't words that God spoke to get something done commandments?

Ultimately, on the sixth day, these commandments were directed at the creation of man in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) as well as to man himself. God commanded man, first, to be fertile; second, to multiply; and third, to subdue the earth that God created in the first five days.

Are these commandments still in force today? Is man still the image of God? Is man fertile, multiplying and subduing the earth?

For What Purpose Have You Come?

For this purpose have I come.
From Today's Gospel (February 8, 2009), Mark 1:29-39

Why am I here?

At age 40, I've been seeing myself looking at myself in front of the mirror, asking the most penetrating questions. It takes a man to answer most of them. When there's just you and yourself, when there's no one else to judge you but yourself, when there's no else to tell you what's right and what's wrong, what do you declare?

I have watched the animated cartoon movie Prince of Egypt with my son several times, and in that movie, Moses caught himself in a situation wherein he had to redefine himself as a man.

It was a painful exercise. Yes, it was liberating for himself and for the Hebrews, but it was painful and heart-breaking for Moses.

Hasn't your faith saved you?

Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be free of this illness.

- From the Gospel Today (February 3, 2009), Mark 5:21-43

There are those who want Jesus in their lives very badly.

There are those who keep Christ at an arm's length.

There are also those who couldn't care less!

Do we put any effort to put Christ at the center of our lives? If so, how aggressively do we struggle to do just that?

Most of us make the mistake that just because we have faith, we don't have to do anything at all! Everything starts with grace, and faith connects us to that grace.

But unless we act...that faith amounts to nothing, and even the little that you get will be taken away from you. That's what I believe.

Don't you see salvation?

My eyes have seen your salvation.

- From the Gospel Today (February 2, 2009), Luke 2:22-32

What salvation? I'm busy, man! What are you talking about? Give me a brrrreak!
That was what I could almost hear myself muttering back then when I couldn't care less about what those "preachers" in the streets and buses. They would approach you and ask you, "Man, are you saved?" and I would tell them, "What do you think, Dude?"

I was a "cool" guy back then, not to mention a backslider. I was a charismatic in my teen years.

In fact, when someone invited me to join Singles for Christ when I was 28. I laughed out loud and made fun of her. What's worse was, I forgot completely that I did that to her!

When I finally joined the community, by God's grace, we ran across each other again and she told me how she couldn't believe I actually joined the community after all! Well, "Me too!" I said.

I know who you are!

I know who you are—the Holy One of God!

- From the Gospel Today (February 1, 2009), Mark 1:21-28

The devil recognized the Lord and trembled at the sight of him. Wasn't that frightening?

What makes the devil different from the rest of us who believe in Jesus?

Humility.


Image from The Crossroads Initiative, a ministry of Dr. Marcelino D'Ambrosio.

One of the things that the Charismatic movement taught me about the devil is that, he can be almost anything you think a Godly man can be. He can even quote scripture to further his ends. He can even be the nicest and most charitable man on the block.

But there's one thing a devil can never do: being humble.