The Word God Spells

Luke 1: 39-56
Zep 3:14-18 or Rom 12:9-16 / Is 12:2-6

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
(Luke 1:42)

For all abortions men performed
All the angels in heaven mourn;
May all – by God’s will be transformed -
Rejoice for every baby born!

In those days Mary went with haste to a hilly town of Judah to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? For behold, when your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Reflection

Mary travelled a great distance to visit her elder cousin Elizabeth. She wasted no time because she could not contain her joy, knowing that both of them were greatly blessed by the Lord, both principals in God’s great salvation plan. But upon reaching the house of Zechariah, and greeting her cousin, a strange thing happened. The six-month old baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped with joy. Elizabeth and her unborn child, John were even happier than Mary. Why? Because they were in the presence of the Almighty, the promised Redeemer of the world, the King of kings. Yes, a mere fetus just a few days old, but nonetheless a Presence that the babe in Elizabeth’s womb (through the Holy Spirit’s power), recognized as the Reason for its existence and purpose. We recall that the angel Gabriel told Zechariah that John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Spirit even while in his mother’s womb (Lk 1:15). This meant that he would be God’s messenger “preparing the way before Him” (Mal.3:1) even while still in the womb by jumping with joy in the presence of his Messiah.

This brings a strong case against those who profess that a fetus a few days or weeks old is not yet a human being. This encounter between the baby (John the Baptist) in Elizabeth’s womb and Jesus, the Word made flesh newly conceived in Mary’s womb is biblical proof that at the moment of conception, the life growing in the mother’s womb is a sacred creation of God, a person He has destined to be born for a purpose.

We once had a helper who was impregnated by her boyfriend, whom she eventually married. Being her family’s breadwinner, our helper was pressured by her mother to have her baby aborted. The boyfriend also tried to convince her, and even made her take some pills to terminate the pregnancy. When we learned about her predicament, my wife strongly reasoned against her family’s plan, convincing her that abortion is a very grave sin that she would regret all her life. Reason and grace prevailed, and fortunately the baby boy was born healthy without any deformity. Everytime our helper paid us a visit, her little boy would run to my wife Ollie and embrace her legs. It was as if he wanted to express his gratitude for being given a chance to live.

Dear God, may Your message of life convince all women, whatever circumstances are prevailing in their lives that what has been conceived in their wombs is Your sacred creation, and has the basic right to be born. Amen.

Mark 10: 32-45
Sirach 36:1,5-6,10-17 / Ps. 79: 8-9,11,13

Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.
(Mark 10:43)

Jesus showed us how we must serve
As the essence of true leadership;
By sacrifice we will deserve
The commission of God’s stewardship.

On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus began to tell the twelve what was to happen to Him, saying, ‘See, we are going to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death; they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, spit upon him, flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.’

James and John, sons of Zebedee, came forward to ask this favor from Him: ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right and one at your left, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’ When the ten heard this, they were angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not to be so among you; whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

Reflection

Early on, Jesus had already told His disciples, “The first shall be the last” (Mk.10:31), but it seemed even His closest apostles were not listening, but were more concerned about their future position in His kingdom. He had shown them the value of sacrifice as the essence of love, even emphasizing His own impending passion and death, but it seemed as if His message was not getting across to them.

The message that Jesus was trying to impart to His disciples and to us is about the difference between the divine and the world’s perspective on leadership. In the eyes of the world, leadership means lording it over one’s followers or subordinates. But in the Christian point of view, leadership means servanthood, to be “the slave of all.”

This distinction often blurs in the world of Philippine politics. We hear of politicians swearing to be a ‘servant of the people’, but their palatial homes, gas guzzling SUVs and junkets abroad belie their empty avowals. Even some members of the clergy and spiritual leaders of Charismatic movements may not be following the example set by our Lord when they indulge in expensive luxuries and material comforts. The Christian perspective may seem impractical and outmoded in today’s highly technological and materialistic society, but the words of Jesus will always remain the same for all eternity: to be first and greatest, we must be the last and the least. The way to glory can only be through genuine service in the example of Jesus Christ.

We seek to be Your leaders, Lord God, by serving others in our community. Grant that we may never be overcome by self-importance whenever we accomplish the mission You set out for us to do, remembering always that we are merely servants doing what is expected of us to do, all for Your glory. Amen.

Mark 10: 28-31
Sir 35:1-12 / Ps 50:5-8,14,23

No one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this life… and in the age to come eternal life.
(Mark 10: 29,30)

To those who serve unselfishly,
God’s blessings flow abundantly;
With grateful hearts let’s strive to be
His channels of generosity.

Jesus had just told His disciples how hard it was for men to enter the kingdom of God without God’s assistance when Peter began to say to him, “Lord, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this life, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

Reflection

Our Lord’s message in today’s Gospel of Mark is that those who are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others or for a worthy cause will certainly reap greater rewards in this life and in the eternal life to come. Even the persecutions that come with one’s giving will bring forth a miracle or manifestation of God’s goodness.

When I accepted the job of heading the operation quick-count of election returns in our city, there was no assurance of adequate funding to support the volunteers in the field and in the computer and tabulation centers. It was purely out of trust in God’s providence that we believed assistance would be forthcoming. On the day before the elections, a member of our running club gave the moral and financial boost that we needed when he pledged to donate 600 dinner packs from his fastfood restaurant. Another member supplied all the distilled water for coffee and drinking that we needed, and still another member provided a big supply of 3-in-1 coffee. But I believe it was the Lord Himself who gave the greatest reward for our efforts – the little miracle of accomplishing 80% of the tabulation and remittance of the election returns in less than a week after the elections, way ahead of the Comelec and all the other provincial chapters of the National Movement for Free Elections. We were the last chapter of Namfrel to be organized, but we were one of the first to finish the job.

It is not money or material resources that assure the success of whatever mission we are appointed to do. It is our full trust in God, Who will reciprocate our faith with a miracle that will enrich that faith even more. For it is when we are “poor in spirit” that we become rich in God’s glory. “As for the rich in this world, tell them not to be proud, and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth, but rather on God, Who richly furnishes us with all things to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, liberal and generous, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, that they may win the life which is true life indeed.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Thank you, Father for the little miracles that You manifest in our lives; they increase our faith in Your Providence, and draw us closer to You and Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Mark 10:17-27
Sir 17:19-27 / Ps 32

It is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
(Mark 10:25)

As I ponder life’s mystery,
Its deepest question comes to me:
What good would all the world’s riches be
If I don’t gain Eternity?

Jesus was about to set out on His journey when a man ran up to ask him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the laws.” And Jesus enumerated them. “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus then lovingly told him, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At that his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had great possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!… It is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” His disciples were astonished, and they asked Him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus replied, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mk. 10:17-27)

Reflection

This Gospel narrative gives us pause to reflect: What is our greatest treasure in life? Isn’t it ironic that the greatest treasure we can have is the very thing that most people are afraid to acquire because they refuse to give up lesser treasures that corrode and corrupt? Observe that rich young man. Jesus saw the goodness in his heart, looked at him lovingly, and offered him His fellowship. Only a few among thousands that followed our Lord were given the same invitation. Jesus even hinted that He was indeed God when He said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” And yet he could not give up his temporal wealth in exchange for eternal prosperity, even if that was what he said he was seeking in the first place.

Why is it “easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle” than for rich people to earn a place in God’s kingdom? It is because excessive wealth is the strongest drug of addiction that can imprison a man’s spirit. Jesus clearly marked the boundaries of earthly wealth and His kingdom when He said, “No one can serve two masters… you cannot serve both God and mammon.” (Mt. 7:24) In fact the very first prohibition in the Ten Commandments of God is: “Thou shall not have strange gods before me.” In most cases, rich people put more importance on their wealth before God. They play golf, poker, ‘sabong’ or other recreational activities rather than go to Sunday mass.

Your blessings are more precious than the fleeting pleasures of wealth; Your Spirit satisfies the deepest longing in my heart… Lord Jesus, You are my greatest treasure. Amen.

John 21:20-25
Acts 28:16-20.30-31 / Ps 11

‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?’
(John 21:22)

When called, why look over your shoulder?
Accept the responsibility . . .
Don’t pass your mission to another
When you hear His Words, “Come follow me.”

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!’ So the rumour spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?’ This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Reflection

John and James were the second set of brothers that Jesus called to be His apostles. The first were Peter and his brother Andrew, who were also fishermen. These brothers were Jesus’ closest friends. While Peter was the recognized leader, John was more intimate to Jesus, seated by his side during their meals. He was not only privy to all the affairs and activities of the Master, but even heard His most private conversations. Which is why the Gospel of St. John is the most personal among the four evangelists who wrote about the life and lessons of the Messiah.

St. John the apostle and evangelist did remain as the longest surviving apostle of Jesus, but only because God’s primary purpose for him was to write down the intimate thoughts, teachings and prayers of His Beloved Son.

St. John deferred to St. Peter as the leader of the early Church. He knew his role, and early on gave moral support and companionship to Peter, affirming his leadership. He knew that Peter needed that support for the sake of the early church. In spite of his firm faith in Jesus, Peter at first had only a vague understanding of the mission and the work that the Lord had planned for him. John, the closest to Jesus, provided him the guidance he needed, as we see him accompanying Peter after Jesus’ ascencion into heaven. Writing in the third person, John said, “It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that His testimony is true.” (Jn.21:24)

Each one of us has a unique destiny to fulfill in God’s design. Let us not look behind us to see how others are doing, but look straight ahead to what the Lord is leading us to accomplish. Don’t worry, God will provide us with a companion or community to make sure that we will succeed in our life’s mission.

Grant me, Lord, a companion like St. John, resolute in mind and will, but gentle of heart. With such a friend to guide me, I will not be afraid to take on the tasks You have set for us to do, or places You send us to. Amen.

John 21: 15-19
Acts 25:13-21 / Ps 103

“Take care of my sheep.”
(John 21:16)

Have we led God’s sheep in meadows green?
Spread His Word for which we’re called?
Let’s ask ourselves if we have been
Worthy shepherds of His fold.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered again, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Reflection

Jesus emphasized Peter’s role as His head shepherd by telling him to “Feed my lambs” (Jn. 21:15), “Tend my sheep” (16), and “Feed my sheep” (17). Our Lord always referred to Himself as the ‘Good Shepherd’, but now that He was going back to the Father, He was transferring the mantle of leadership to Peter.

Jesus is telling us in today’s Gospel that unfaithful or disobedient behavior can never be a trait of God’s leaders. Three times our Lord emphasized this to the leader of His apostles. Jesus set a very high standard for His leaders’ moral values. The moral failure of Peter revealed a lack of love. But our Lord transformed it into a moral triumph, and this led to the flourishing of Peter’s love for Jesus. In the end, his genuine love for his Master made his own martyrdom a privilege and great joy.

The tasks of a ‘shepherd’ is never done. Like St. Peter, we may have failed our Lord a few times in the past. But our God is a God of second chances. If we have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit for such a mandate, and the brothers and sisters in our community have affirmed this mantle of leadership that has been given us, then we must rise from our mistakes and strive again to serve as God’s shepherds. We can do no less to answer the Lord when He asks us, “Do you love me more than these?”

Bless all the shepherds of your flocks, Mighty God, so that they may wisely lead Your faithful ones to the green meadows of Your kingdom. Amen.