June 27,2021 *THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME*

Prog. Jerry Imbong, Religious Discernment Group(RDG)

Psalms 30: 2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13 (2a)

Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24

Second Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15

Mark 5: 21-43

https://www.theursulines.org/2018/07/01/a-cry-from-the-deep/

Sickness and death have become a common occurrence since Covid-19 wreaked havoc early last year. Seeing a person suffering from sickness is unbearable, especially if he or she is a close friend, a relative, a loved one, or a member of the family. Our parents died last year (our mother in June and our father in December). Their death was not due to Covid-19 but still it was unexpected and a shock for us. Indeed, death comes, unexpectedly.

Just recently, I witnessed the death of two significant persons: one, an 80-year old former priest and NDFP consultant Fr. Rustico Tan and the other a former president of the country, Benigno Aquino III or Pnoy. The former, served most of his life serving the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized; the latter belong to a wealthy political clan and landed class in Tarlac. Fr. Tan was brutally murdered by unknown assailants in Pilar, Camotes, Cebu. Pnoy succumbed to kidney failure due to diabetes according to family members. Nevertheless, their deaths also came as a surprise. Who would want to kill an old former priest who spent the remaining days of his life with poor farmers and a bunch of fisherfolks in a small island? Pnoy’s death likewise puzzled me. His death caused some divisions among the people. Undoubtedly, an overwhelming majority of Facebook friends expressed sadness and grief over the loss of a former president whom they describe as an “icon of democracy” and a “true servant of the people”, Apparently, they believed that Pnoy continued his mother’s legacy of “restoring democracy” in the country. On the other hand, his death elicited a series of resentments among “the victims” of his presidency. Death comes, death goes. But what matters most, and what will be remembered is not how you died but how you lived.

Interestingly, our gospel for today is not about death but about life. However, a closer look at the main persons involved in the gospel narrative reveal seemingly contrasting figures: Jairus, the father of a young girl is a leader of a synagogue, most likely wealthy and powerful, male and head of the family. The other figure is a hemorrhaging woman, having a menstruation for 12 years, considered perpetually unclean according to Jewish Levitical laws. According to Mark, “she suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” From this, we could surmise that she was an outcast and a victim of medical exploitation. Moreover, Jairus (a male) was called by his name while the other was simply referred to as “a woman”. Both Jairus and the unnamed woman showed strong faith in Jesus: Jairus professes his faith verbally/outwardly and the woman silently—and both experienced miracle in their lives. The woman was liberated not only from her bleeding and affliction but from the “uncleanliness” and the social stigma that comes from it. The miracle that happened is not just physical healing but a restoration of life. Jesus has the power to alter our inhuman conditions.

The woman’s illness is associated with blood. In some cultures, blood is a symbol of life, while in some, it connotes impurities and death. Blood has been closely associated with the Duterte regime. His “kill, kill, kill orders” have resulted to thousands of deaths, mostly victims of extra-judicial killings. His war on drugs targeted mostly people from poor communities. Consequently, the tokhang-style drug war extends to individuals and groups critical of the Duterte administration. The so-called drug war evolved from targeting suspected drug personalities to silencing political dissenters.

Under the Duterte administration, the color red has become a symbol of death: the so-called “red-tagging” among activists, human rights defenders, union leaders, and peasant organizers have become synonymous with death. Indeed, red-tagging has become a prelude to death. At present, more than 150 activists and Lumad land and rights defenders were killed since Duterte assumed power in 2016.

The color red is also a color of hope and resistance. It is an reassurance that through collective effort, people have the power to change their condition, that people can bring healing into their troubled circumstances. Our gospel today invites us to profess our faith and live out courageously. Like Jairus, we Christians are summoned to express our faith vocally, i.e., announce the good news of justice and freedom and speak out against/denounce unjust socio-political and economic structures. Like the woman, we are likewise challenged to act courageously in the midst of tyranny.

Our country is stained with blood of innocent martyrs. Killings continue on a daily basis, with the perpetrators go unpunished. There is a time to mourn to honor the victims and there is a time to continue what the martyrs have started. And, as Jesus said to the little girl: “Talitha Koum!” (“Little girl, I say to you, GET UP!”), it is also time for us Christians and disciples of Christ to get up. Our ministry is firmly built upon the defense of hope which cannot be carried off unless it includes unconditional solidarity with and action on behalf of those who suffer, those whose hope is most endangered; a hope that must be accompanied by unwavering faith and radical action.

20 June 2021* TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME*Of Fears and Courage

Ms. Divine Gonzales-Naoe, United Methodist Church

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/345299496409895962/

Psalms 107: 23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 (1b) 

Job 38: 1, 8-11           

2 Corinthians 5: 14-17           

Mark 4: 35-41

A couple visited us last Sunday, intentionally, to conduct a traditional way of healing. This practice has always been part of our family’s treatment plan every time we experience mild symptoms of chronic illnesses. We do not shun away from western medicine, though, as we always submit ourselves from laboratory tests and seek doctor advises for medical treatment. We always start our conversation by sharing major significant happenings since the last time we had seen each other, and delved more on our experiences with non-members of our church. My brother, who happened to be a volunteer pastor for a small church in Pangasinan, had his fair share of ‘miraculous experiences’ by receiving love gifts on unexpected occasions that he badly needed it. According to him, there were times that he could not get home for there is no single penny left on his pocket, he has no idea where the next meal could come from, or could not rent a place to lie his back from a very tiring day. Though fearful of the consequences, he often pray for sustenance and indeed, there were people who handed him an amount that’ll suffice his needs. During the conversation, I realized that I can’t remember an instance that I’ve encountered the same miraculous experiences, it would have felt nice. I asked myself, what are the roles of these miracles in strengthening my faith and that of others? What message does this story of Jesus calming a storm mean to me and to the people nowadays?

          This story of Jesus calming the sea, depicting two (2) major experiences from two (2) different people- receiver of the miracle and the one who initiated the miracle. This scenario has its own unique settings which might illuminate significant lessons: first, when Jesus asked His disciples “to cross over the other side of the lake”; Second, the presence of the storm that endangered their lives; third, Jesus was sleeping while the storm was ravaging their boat, and lastly, the people’s feeling of awe after Jesus stopped the storm.

The first scene of the story started when Jesus told his disciples to cross over the other side of the lake. Prior to this, Jesus already had performed several miracles and used parables to teach people, amazed, they began to follow Him. The events happened  in the western Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee going to the eastern Gentile side. An opportunity to be on guard avoiding leadership bubble, when a leader only want to do what he/ she sees and hears .  His teachings were favored and most loved that’s why Jesus was being followed by the people. A scenario that can inflate the leader’s ego. When people start to believe the leader, people are more likely to please and listen more attentively and agree to what the leader has to say. Any experiences that will make us feel good and make us comfortable can feed our ego which might cause one to change our perspective and or twist our values and or worst we might develop “hubris syndrome,” a disorder of the possession of power, particularly power which has been associated with overwhelming success, held for a period of years as defined by a neurologist Dr. David Owen and psychiatry professor in Duke University Jonathan Davidson. Leading to go to the other side of the lake, means, having a break to our comfort and facing another challenges that will lead a leader for selflessness, reflection and courage.

Another event that I think necessary for us to ponder on is the presence of the storm and that feeling of fear. Let’s take note that the Sea of Galilee is not actually a sea but a lake. This part of the lake was found to be the deepest part of the northern Jordan rift with 700 feet below the sea level surrounded by steep cliffs and mountains except in the southern parts. It was also found out that the ecological make-up of the lake has made it prone to experience storms, high winds that create thirty feet high waves (Lockyer as cited in the sermon writer biblical commentary) that can overturn any boat built by that time. A phenomenon that the people living near that place should know. Storms in that lake, were phenomena that they should expect, but, not a hindrance for them be connected to the people in the other side of the lake. Just like the naturally occurring calamities that shaped our lands and waters, people are also shaped by the various experiences which strikes them every day. People may either learn love or feel hate, may either feel secure or fearful, satisfied or depressed. These experiences can solidify and become his/ her understanding of one’s self. Given this conception, it can be gleamed that one’s idiosyncrasies should be seen as a contribution of the community where an individual’s molded, thus, the assurance that change and or progress can only be attained through opportunities provided for the person. If we see it that way, we’ll have a deeper compassion to people whom we know have had experienced distressing conditions. It isn’t a condition to be pitied but a condition which we need to address by providing opportunities for growth. Something that we can work and learn together.

   We can actually perceive a storm as a natural product of the synergies of the elements present in a certain area, this precept can also be adopted in understanding humanity.

How can we understand fear then? Is there a clear explanation why Jesus reminded His disciples to hold onto their faith? I want to think and reflect on this based on the researches made on fear. In an article that I read, by Nicole Roberts (2020), we can develop fear responses to dangerous situations in order to survive. This makes us understand why those disciples became fearful when they met a storm along their way to the Gentiles. Those people in that boat might had several experiences of the big waves and or might heard people drowned. Jesus knew their fear, got up and ordered the wind to be still and the storm stopped. After giving the command, Jesus asked his disciples, why are they frightened, and asked them, don’t they have faith yet. Jesus’ approach to help his disciples overcome their fear, according to the contemporary researchers, was the most effective approach. Jesus understood why these people who were with him became fearful. In another commentary, Jesus was aware of the storm, and waited for His disciples to call his attention. If Jesus stood up at once and commanded the storm to stop, the disciples had not experienced how they should supposed to overcome fear. Based on the research, it’s necessary that fear-based memories should be employed to overcome fear. Facing fears help you overcome them (Goldfarb, 2019). When Jesus waited for His disciples to experience fear, he’s actually providing them the best intervention to overcome fear and that’s to face your fear. In this case, Jesus showed His power over the one that caused His companions to feel fearful. Understand the sequencing of the events, the people on board got frightened, Jesus calmed the storm and asked about having faith. Jesus had shown  to them how they should supposed to respond, Jesus had shown to them how a person who have faith should supposed to react on situations that might impair them to think and act accordingly.  God has special purpose why some times we have miserable experiences, those which we do not want to recall or even think about it. We’re given the best opportunities to recover from our previous distressing experiences. It’s amazing that the best solution to our life’s struggles can be learned even from the time where no neuroscientist existed to explain that God’s works for the people are considered the best that even the greatest scientists nowadays could attest. When God responds to our needs, all is attended carefully and served well.

The last scene pictures the respond of the people while experiencing the power of Jesus to stop and calm the sea. In the last verse  it says, “⁴¹ Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

A friend sent me a message about the significance of having the feeling of wonder, a feeling of awe. I was so surprised that I don’t need to feel guilty of spending sometimes scrutinizing the creative works of well-known people in our country. I admit, I can only appreciate arts but I have not had any opportunities to create one. Maybe when I lived during the time of Jesus, I am sure I’ll have first-hand encounters of all the wonders He made. For I’ll be among those people who’ll climb a tree just to see His miracles, will pour a bottle of perfume on His feet so as to show my gratitude and will ride on the boat even I know anytime we’ll be meeting a storm on our way. This feeling of wonder had played a significant role in the lives of the people during His time. Jesus  didn’t stop with ensuring that his disciples and other people on that boat recovered from an experience which might impair their ministerial work to people but He also allowed them to experience the feeling of wonder and enjoy all the benefits of the emotion. According to Dastagir (2021) this awe feeling can contribute to people’s well-being, allowing them to become humble, become more selfless and service-oriented people.

Our journey with this faith has taught us the best of everything that life could offer. Jesus taught us how we should respond to people- the faith that creates liberating movement of wonders that never stops.

June 13,2022*Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time*STAND FIRM IN FAITH

Lilian Hazel C. Navarra, MIDM (UCCP)

https://www.deviantart.com/penacka/art/mustard-seed-parable-122149449

Psalms 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16 Ezekiel 17: 22-24 Second Corinthians 5: 6-10 Mark 4: 26-30

Jesus speaks in parables. I went to a Protestant school in Silliman University, and I remember trying to understand these parable passages in religion class.  Even when I hear these passages at sermon or read them on my own today, I still don’t fully understand them. These parables are often about customs or ideas that were unique to the culture and time of the people that Jesus was speaking to. 
Today we hear the parable of the mustard seed.  I couldn’t tell you what a mustard seed is, so reflecting on these passages from Psalms 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16 Ezekiel 17: 22-24 Second Corinthians 5: 6-10 Mark 4: 26-30; I decided to do some research about it. A mustard seed is like a weed; once you plant one, it grows and grows until it overtakes any living vegetable or flower in a garden.  

Did you notice the relationship between the mustard seed and the birds? The mustard seed transforms into the shrub that allows birds to nest in its shade. This relationship teaches us an important lesson about the kingdom of God.  
Our capacity to be strong, and the ability to be grounded and firm are indicators that in the midst of many engagements, we know that we can find assurance and protection. WE have faith , though it started to be young and simple, yet wen we ground our selves and take the roots on the solid ground, we can be like in the mustard seed in the parable of Jesus .

Just like when we assert our territorial sovereignty. When we have faith like the mustard seed, we know we can carry on the mission and the assertion.

In observation of the 123rd Independence Day, the Philippines is confronted with grave tension on the West Philippine Sea dispute with China. The West Philippine Sea again became a frequent topic of discussion came after the Philippine Coast Guards and the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported spotting hundred of Chinese ships in line formation near the Julian Felipe Reef in Zambales.

Filipinos need to stand firm against the encroachment of China on the Philippines, because the country’s sovereignty and our independence is at stake. Our future as Filipinos is at stake. Giving up on the country’s rights and sovereignty to the disputed sea would greatly affect our economy, our people, especially to the lives of the fishermen in Julian Felipe Reef. This means that the Philippines and the Filipinos are going to possibly lose alternative source of energy and other resources. And that would also mean another invasion from imperialist country. Our heroes have fought bravely so that we can achieve a free Philippines. We should not let this intrusion happen. Our history would tell us that our ancestors have fought long, and hard, with their life so that Philippines When we just give up lightly, we deprive our whole country of independence and sovereignty, where Filipinos are able to live freely and enjoy their rights. As Filipinos, we should not compromise our national interest. Relations with other countries must be based on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty. China as a powerful emerging nation should not be coercive. When others make unreasonable demands that hurt or compromise our national interests, we need to state our position and stand our ground, in a firm and principled manner.

My final thought in the parable of the “Mustard Seed” helps us see that nowhere does the parable mention that the mustard seed needs any help growing.  Its journey from the smallest of seeds to the largest of shrubs is one that it does all by itself. Usually, when we try to be great shrubs of blessing, we are really just trying to make ourselves look good.  We really aren’t living for others; we are just secretly living for ourselves. We get ourselves in trouble when we try to be great.

It is really hard to press on when big nations keep on blocking small nations. Yet Jesus tells us this in Matthew 17:20: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” That faith, even if what.”
Truly, stand firm in faith. God has never failed in fulfilling His promise. With God’s help, Filipinos can move mountains. Rise up and take back what’s ours. Amen.

June 6 2021 *THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Solemnity*Most Precious Body and Blood

Ms. Patis Mungcal, NCCP

Artwork of Sr. Eleanor Llanes, ICM .

Exodus 24: 3-8
Psalms 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18 (13)
Hebrews 9: 11-15
Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

We are reminded, once again, to commemorate the solemnity of the most holy body and blood of Christ. This is the celebration of a very important aspect of our Christian lives – that Christ came to earth, felt the suffering of humankind, and offered his body and blood for the eternal salvation of the people.

This is rooted to the beliefs of the people of God, thousands of years way back, on the sanctity of blood. In the time of the early believers, blood of animals was sacrificed as an act of worship and surrender to God. They proclaim in their sacrifices, “We will do everything the Lord has said! We will obey!” (Exodus 24: 3-8). Meanwhile, in the New Testament, Christ himself became that sacrifice to save the people from eternal suffering. Christ’s blood meant “eternal

redemption” (Hebrews 9: 11-15).

Growing up as a Baptist, this was an abstract gesture for me. Sacrificial blood, salvation, eternal suffering, among many others, are concepts that took time for me to comprehend. Thankfully, Christ used bread and wine as an image, a symbolic observance, so that people won’t ever forget the solemnity and sanctity of the body and blood. I remember back then appreciating how practical the symbols were, because bread and wine are important elements for celebrations and are accessible enough to be served in special occasions.

And now, I look at my surroundings, observe the life around me through the news and social media, community discussions, and personal reflections. I can’t help but ask, “How did we get here?” How did we reach the point when life – body and blood – slowly loses its value?

Let us remember the body and blood of 37,000 Filipinos who were coldly murdered in the name of the sham Drug War of the Duterte Administration. Let us put in our memory, too, the innocent citizens who were wrongfully gunned down by abusive cops and authorities. Here are thousands of bodies and bloods that were unjustly shed. These aren’t just bodies. Their deaths left thousands widowed and orphaned.

Let us remember the activists and rights defenders that were killed in Southern Tagalog. Let us remember Dandy Miguel who championed the rights of ordinary workers. Let us remember the Evangelista couple who defended the rights of fisherfolk communities in Batangas, and their 10-year-old child who witnessed the murder of his parents. Let us remember all those who were killed for fighting for the rights of their people, for taking a stand against the ruling Empire, and for speaking out against injustices.

Let us remember those who perished because of the coronavirus pandemic. Those who didn’t get the chance to be medically attended, those who were at the frontlines of the crises, and those who were victimized by criminal neglect in the pandemic response.

The symbolic observance of the holy communion has become especially painful nowadays. It seems like the cruel world is taking away the meaning of body and blood. We have undergone recently dark times when many lives were lost in the hands of executioners devoid of mercy, compassion, and humanity. In sharp contrast to the biblical times, lives lost today were unholy sacrifices to the altar of greed, corruption (abuse of power), and injustices. These aren’t celebrated, but mourned. These aren’t lifted up to the skies, but buried with the heaviest burdens in our hearts. These aren’t dignified, but vilified and minimized.

Where do we go from here? In today’s commemoration of Christ’s body and blood, we are reminded and called to uphold the precious value and sanctity of each one’s life (Psalm 116). Christ has already died for our sins and suffering, in a way that no other person could do, for eternal redemption. The shedding of the most holy body and blood of Christ exemplified the ultimate act of compassion and love – the very elements that we are called to remember and practice in the darkest of times.

Thankfully, Christ has already shown us what compassion and love means in a cruel and suffering world. Also, thankfully, there are still people today who selflessly (and dangerously) follow suit the example of Christ to extend love and compassion, pursue justice, and serve their communities.

Today, as we commemorate, the body and blood of Christ, let us commit ourselves to remember and practice his life and ministry, and his body that suffered in the cross in love. Today’s call includes taking on that radical act of compassion and love and to boldly stand with and serve those who are suffering, just as Christ did.

May this be our united prayer and mission until we witness “on earth as it is in heaven”.