November 28, 2021*First Sunday of Advent*Be Prepared

Sis. Mariefe. I Revollido, Aglipay Central Theological Seminary , Faculty

https://catholicreview.org/advent-a-time-of-preparation-begins-dec-2/

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9,10,14

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thess. 3:12-4:2

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

The season of Advent is a time and season of hope and expectation. The old liturgical year ended, and the new one has begun, with our calling to mind the Lord’s final coming at the end of time, as we joyfully wait with anticipation, not with fear. We expect the divine to come anew into our world, and God has expectations for us and for our world. The writer of Psalm 25 pleads “Make me to know your ways, O Lord.” Though a personal plea, it becomes a communal intercession when the community sings these verses in worship. In the final verse (22) the psalmist resituates the prayer from the realm of personal guidance to national repentance. “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.” We remember that in advent God’s presence make known itself in the public sphere as well in our personal lives.

On our readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah, it reminds us, that political leaders have an important role to play in executing justice. In this passage God promises a good King (33:5) who will one day rule over Judah. It states that justice will characterize the good Kings’ rule to such an extent that the very name of the land will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.”

On this First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year.  It is the season that reminds us to be alert, to be watchful and to watch the countless ways Jesus comes daily into our lives.  However, the Gospel reading for this first Sunday of Advent is a bit unsettling.  In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and waves.” Jesus tells his disciples: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and glory!  Be attentive!  These signs will tell you that your redemption is at hand!”  He then cautions his disciples: “Do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness or the anxieties of daily life.  If you do so, that day may catch you by surprise!”  Jesus’ words are spoken in an urgent tone of voice.  Clearly, he hopes we will be alert and awake to his coming, not only at the end of time but today and every day.

Being Prepared and Vigilant

As we read and reflect today’s Gospel (Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36), it tells us that at the return of Jesus there will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon and the stars. We read in this passage that Jesus’ followers are to be alert at all times, keeping watch for the One who is coming. It tells us that, we live and wait and hope; that those of us found living His message will experience great joy and triumph. The message is direct, frank and wholesomely disturbing, ‘now is the acceptable time’, ‘now is the day of salvation’, ‘be prepared’. To help us better understand the urgency with which we should anticipate the Lord’s return, Jesus compares us to servants awaiting their master’s return but not knowing exactly when it will occur. This uncertainty should not leave us dreading the future. It should impel us to live in such a way that whenever Jesus returns, we will be found ready and waiting.

For in sending His Son, the Father staked on the possibility of faith and behavior characterized by gratuitousness and by a response to the demand that justice and peace be established. It is for us to find time and ways with which to prepare us and others while waiting for the coming of the Lord anew. Being ready and prepared means that, our task here is to find the words and actions with which to talk about Christ in the midst of the uncertainties and starvation of millions, the humiliation of races regarded as inferior, discrimination against women, especially the poor, systematic social injustice and those that are deprived of their freedom, the sufferings of peoples who are struggling for their right to live. Urging and assertively awakening us in how we practice our rights as true image of God, our common humanity. Thus, it is but our right to be vigilant in the coming election, choosing leaders who could bring themselves to solidarity with the poor and suffering of the Filipino people. Challenging them to heed the call and be attuned to the sufferings of others and be more sensitive to persons in conflict and confusion than to the ‘order of the day’. The Philippines believes and upholds democracy, in democratic rule, but the government still has the responsibility to establish justice for the people. As Filipino citizens, we have both the ability and responsibility to remind, denounce and help our leaders understand the adverse effects of injustice, oppression, marginalization and the causes of poverty and hunger and the act to eliminate them. When history’s ‘losers’ follow in the footsteps of Jesus, they are seeing to it that the Lord wins his wager. As St. Gregory the Great says: “the cry of Jesus will not be heard if our tongues keep silent about what our souls believe. But lest his cry be stifled in us, let each of us make known to those who approach him the mystery by which he lives!”

 The Coming of Christ: To be always alert and ready

Also in this week’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to prepare for His second coming. He advises us to “be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly” (Luke 21:34), as when Christ returns. He desires us to be in a place of abundance and peace. It is so easy to get caught in the whirlwind of events and current of our daily routines; the social, economic and religious situation is instantaneous with unexpected turns and often leads to a loss of stability, it becomes extremely difficult to remain present in our aspirations and ministries. Physical, mental, and spiritual drowsiness weighs heavy on one’s heart, preventing doing natural awareness.

A compliant heart that is free from the chains of anxiety does not form on its own. It requires us to invite God into our struggles and trust that He will provide us with the strength and desire to keep living a life that reflects His love. “Be alert at all times and praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36). As Advent begins, we are invited to draw close to God, allowing Him to prepare our hearts to receive His son. He desires for us to confidently rest in His abundant nature and surrender our fears and anxieties that prevent our service from reflecting His truth. God floods our hearts with a love that is refreshing and sustaining. When filled, our hearts will overflow and inspire a life of service. Hope and anticipation, must be a force that will give us the strength and energy that will impel us to do social justice that requires strong individuals with a heart that is refreshed and energized. The temptation to succumb to disappointment and anger is so strong in today’s society. The lie and fake news, oppression, suffering, greed, historical revisionism that beseech our society is a wall that we are called to tear down. Trusting in the providence of our Lord, and the constant spirit in seeking justice, peace, freedom and human fulfillment in harmony with the earth, we can stand up to injustices with receptive hearts and use our privilege to speak up for those without a voice.

We must be vigilant at all times and to pray for strength. To be always watchful and alert is also a weapon against those who create aggression, pessimism, sadness and hardship. The yearly remembrance of Advent celebrates God’s desire to become immersed in every aspect of the human experience and in our response to his call and yearnings, we will find Christ. One saint said that life should be lived in ‘attentive expectancy’, just like the way one waits for the phone call and messages/chat, for your child, or a spouse or friend and the doctor to call. We cannot make that call ourselves. All we can do is to be ready, and as Hamlet said, ‘The readiness is all’.

November 21, 2021*The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe* A King for His People

Silay Diloy-Ramos, PCPR

https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/pontius-pilot-ring-0011073

Psalm 93:1-2,5

Daniel 7:13-14

Revelation 1:5-8

John 18:33b-37

A Question to Ponder and an Escapist Answer

“Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me?” It was Jesus’ response to Pontius Pilate when Pilate asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered Pilate’s question with another question. It didn’t mean Jesus was not aware of what Pilate was thinking…that what he meant was a king on this earth. Jesus’ question to Pilate hoped to invoke Pilate’s awareness if he had any idea that God revealed Godself to a man, a Savior. Jesus also hoped to summon Pilate for a deeper reflection and self-examination, if he had his own judgment or just being swayed by others’ perception of Jesus.

But Pilate also answered with a question, “Do you think I am a Jew?” It is an escapist reply showing disinterest, and implying, “I am not one with you.” Of course, because he’s a Roman with no real concern with Judea where he was assigned to govern then. It was said that Pilate provoked both Jews and Samaritans to riot. What would we expect from a leader governing not his own people?

When a nation’s leader prioritizes foreign interests, family interests, own interests, and cronies’ interests, he is a Pontius Pilate. He is not one with the people, so distant from his constituents. When Duterte says, “Mahirap kayo? P..I..magtiis kayo sa hirap at gutom. Wala akong pakiaalam!” and “Shoot them dead” and many many more apathetic, misogynist, sexist, brutal, fascist comments, he clearly depicts Pilate’s characteristics and style of leadership.

Tyrannical and Oppressive Regimes Fall

Britannica reports a legend that states that “Pontius Pilate was ordered back to Rome to stand trial for cruelty and oppression, particularly on the charge that he had executed men without proper trial. As a result, Pilate killed himself on orders from the emperor Caligula”.

Oppressive regimes and leaders will surely fall. It will be crushed down!!! Just like Daniel’s dream in the book of Daniel in chapter 7 about four beasts described as four empires succeeding each other. And the fourth beast which was the most terrifying of all, crushed its victims and then trampled upon them. But this fourth beast was subsequently killed and thrown into the flames and destroyed. And on chapter 7 verses 13-14, “a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and, men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed”.

We are Summoned to Reflect and Act

May Jesus’ question to Pilate, “Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me?” also invoke us to reflect on the true kingship of Jesus. Not a tyrant “uhaw sa dugo” kind of leader, but rather the one who is ready to shed their own blood to save His people.

As the elections is fast approaching, may we choose those who would really sacrifice and have genuine concern for the poor, oppressed and marginalized. May our decisions be based on facts not hearsays or fake news. May it be backed up with proper and deeper analysis of the situation, and serve only the interest of the people, and the country’s genuine development for all.  

May Pilate’s reply, “Do you think I am a Jew?” be NOT our response. This escapist attitude is common to many who want to play safe and stay in the middle. Some don’t want to identify themselves with others and don’t want to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. It’s just like the “washing of hands” as Pontius Pilate did. But the washing of hands in the midst of a struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor is not being neutral, instead, it favors the oppressor. It is our Christian imperative to be in solidarity with the poor, oppressed and marginalized.

Just like in Daniel’s dream, may we become instruments in crushing the oppressive regime and pave the way for the reign of God of justice and peace here on earth, the King of the Universe, the Alpha, and the Omega!

November 7, 2021 *Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time *Watch Out

Dss. Rubylin G. Litao, Rise Up for Life and For Rights

https://thealternatepath.org/tag/poor-widows-mite/

Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Kgs 17:10-16

Heb 9:24-28

Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

“As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Today’s gospel reading gives us a picture on how Jesus described the rich people and the poor widow’s style of offering.

“Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.” (Mark 12:41-44). Large amounts was given by the rich people and yet Jesus told his disciples that the poor widow who gave a few cents gave more than those rich people did. It is a common interpretation that the poor widow who gave all what she had showed her sacrifice and faith in God, unlike the rich people who gave large amounts from the bounty they still have. For sure the poor widow experienced hunger after giving everything she had. It is most likely that the widow’s family was born out of poverty, and that they remain poor for the rest of their lives. Thus, offering all what she had is really an act of faith.

I would like to believe that Jesus made an amend to the poor widow’s act of faith. And that is to ask his disciples to extend help to the poor widow. After all, we know Jesus’ teachings about serving the poor people.

The ministry with the poor a continuing challenge to all people who have faith in God: “Ministering among people and communities who are struggling in poverty is core to our identity as Christians. Jesus-anointed to ‘proclaim good news to the poor’- made clear that when we encounter the poor, the hungry, the prisoner and the stranger, we encounter Christ himself.” – UMC, GBCS. 

In May 2022, the Philippines will have its national elections. For many Filipinos, this is a sacred time to change our situation, by electing  credible officers that are going to serve the interests of those poor majority. And as early as now, we are witnessing how those who are running for national elections are doing so that they can prove that they are worthy to be the next leaders for the country. For sure, the urban poor communities will be visited by these candidates for their votes, luring them with money promises for good life. But time and again, these promises remain to be empty. As one of the mothers said in our community gathering, “I voted four times in my life and yet nothing changed, we are still poor” – a situation where the poor remains to be poor and the rich become richer.

Being in ministry and solidarity with the poor does not only mean that we cater services to the poor. But it means that the church people should be on the lookout of those that do not truly serve the interest of the poor majority, and, expose them. Just like what Jesus told in the parable. “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make the prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” (Mark 12: 38-40).

Therefore, let us be inspired with the declaration of the Psalmist: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free,  the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.” Psalm 146:7-8