The Key to Heaven

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”A man in today’s gospel (Mk 10:17-30) asks Jesus this question.  He wants to know the key to heaven.  And right there and then, Jesus shows him the key.  Jesus inquires whether he has been observing the commandments: God’s Ten Commandments.  After the man assures Jesus that he has been observing all these commandments from his youth, Jesus points out what is lacking: That the man has to go and sell all his belongings and the money he will give to the poor to earn a treasure in heaven; and only then he can come back to follow Jesus.With that, the man walks away sad, for he is very rich.We don’t know what happens after he walks away.  For henceforth, there is no more mention of this man in the gospel.  Did he follow what Jesus commanded?  We can never know.  But I guess that man can be anybody else.  He can be you or me.  In a word this gospel reading is addressed to all of us.  It seems that the Lord has been very demanding to the man.  How could he just sell all his belongings and give to the poor?  It was really a tall order.  Very difficult to do what Christ has commanded.  But there is one thing in this gospel text that strikes me.  While saying this tall order, Jesus looks at the man with love.  It is a look of love.  Wow!What is the feeling when somebody looks at us with love?  It does feel great, doesn’t it?  We probably are in cloud nine.  And if we are loved, we cannot help but love the other in return.  Love is reciprocated.  How attractive the love of Christ?  It impels us.  How lovable he is?  And loving him brings us to the heart of his commandment: to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength; and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.With love everything is possible.  Virgil puts it: “Omnia vincit amor” (Love conquers all).  So that if you are in love everything is easy.  What seems to be a tall order in the Lord’s command to the man in the gospel can be done.If we love God, we love our neighbors as well.  And in loving we do everything.  If the man in the gospel reading felt this love of Christ and how it was very compelling, he could have gone home and do what Christ wanted him to do.  Then heaven was for him.Only in loving Christ that we can give up everything and start following him.  Only in loving Christ that one can sell all his belongings and give to the poor.  Only in loving Christ that one can truly give.  This is what we lack in our country.  We don’t really love our fellow Filipinos.  Corruption happens because there is no love.  I remember this story told by a doctor that one time the Japanese government donated to a group of doctors a 4D ultrasound machine.  And when it was operational, the doctors charged the patients for only P1,000.00.  It was cheap considering that it was already an advanced type of technology.  Realizing that many patients were coming for check up, the doctors raised the fee to P2, 000.00.  When the Japanese donors knew about this they commented that we Filipinos had no love for our fellow Filipinos.  The ultrasound machine was given for free and these doctors charged a big amount for their patients.  Because we don’t really love our neighbors; and yet we call ourselves Christians.  St. John says that if we claim that we love God but not our neighbors then we are liars.  We often forget that it is better to give than to receive.  And the more we give the more we receive.  That is why it is not surprising that at the end of today’s gospel text we read: “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”Love indeed is the key to heaven.       

A Word from Albert Einstein

In my Facebook inbox I have this forwarded video that recounts the young Einstein’s rebuttal of a professor who does not believe that God exists.  You can check from the video posted on my wall.  Hence, I was inspired to post this few lines from Einstein from a book on my shelf entitled Albert Einstein, The Human Side: New Glimpses from His Archives.  This little book is a collection of Einstein’s letters.  It was known that Einstein, because he was famous, received many letters; and that he answered these letters.  So we can find from this book glimpses of those letters.  I will share one short letter in this post.  I recommend you also to watch the video posted on my Facebook profile.

Einstein writes, thus:

“Our time is distinguished by wonderful achievements in the fields of scientific understanding and the technical application of those insights.  Who would not be cheered by this?  But let us not forget that knowledge and skills alone cannot lead humanity to a happy and dignified life.  Humanity has every reason to place the proclaimers of high moral standards and values above the discoverers of objective truth.  What humanity owes to personalities like Buddha, Moses, and Jesus ranks for me higher than all the achievements of the enquiring and constructive mind.

What these blessed men have given us we must guard and try to keep alive with all our strength if humanity is not to lose its dignity, the security of its existence, and its joy in living” (pp. 70-71).

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), Readings

We have beautiful readings today.  I decided to post them here instead of giving my poor commentary.

Reading 1
Wis 2:12, 17-20

The wicked say:
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8

R. (6b)The Lord upholds my life.
O God, by your name save me,
and by your might defend my cause.
O God, hear my prayer;
hearken to the words of my mouth.
R. The Lord upholds my life.
For the haughty men have risen up against me,
the ruthless  seek my life;
they set not God before their eyes.
R. The Lord upholds my life.
Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord sustains my life.
Freely will I offer you sacrifice;
I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness.
R. The Lord upholds my life.
Reading II
Jas 3:16-4:3

Beloved:
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars
and where do the conflicts among you come from?
Is it not from your passions
that make war within your members?
You covet but do not possess.
You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;
you fight and wage war.
You do not possess because you do not ask.
You ask but do not receive,
because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Gospel
Mk 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,
he began to ask them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?”
But they remained silent.
They had been discussing among themselves on the way
who was the greatest.
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.”
Taking a child, he placed it in the their midst,
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me.”

A Spiritual Talk

THEME: “Walking in the Legion Wonderland towards Holiness”

Spiritual Talk by Fr. Jose Conrado A. Estafia

It is my joy to be a part of this Legion Congress.  Your theme “Walking in the Legion Wonderland towards Holiness” reminds me of a Christmas song that goes this way:
 

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in the Legion Wonderland

We will try to reflect on this phrase.  As I understand being a Legionary is not a walk in the park.  A Legionary is a soldier of Mary.  Am I right?  A wonderland is like Disneyland or Star City.  In it we find Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Cinderella, those roller coaster rides, and more.  It is a world of fantasy and fairytale.  The Legion is not like that.  Since you are soldiers, you are in for a battle.  So your walk as Legionaries is not a walk in the wonderland, but a walk in the battlefield.This battle is a “spiritual warfare,” as St. Paul calls it.  As Legionaries, you are many; and I hope many young men and women will enlist in the Legion and be part of the battle.  But a word of precaution: never underestimate your enemy.  Don’t forget that in the Gospel, the name given to the devil is “legion”, meaning many devils (Mk. 5:9; Lk.8:30).  And they are not just many but are exceedingly fierce (Mt. 8:28-34).  Hence, the Legion is not a walk in the wonderland.  It is a walk in a battlefield.  Mary’s Legion is fighting against Satan’s legion.

Now how will you win this battle?  Since this is spiritual, what will be your weapon as legionaries?The answer is found in your theme: holiness.  In winning over the devil our weapon should come from God, not from ourselves.  Holiness comes from God.  It is a holiness that is not just “towards” but “actual.”  Certainly it is the goal of every Christian.  We can only defeat our enemy, the devil, if we live a holy life.  How can we be holy?  Remember that holiness is not achieved through our human effort.  We don’t merit it.  It is a gift.  But our Lord has given us the means to it.  We have the sacraments, where there is an abundant of God’s grace.  Your faithfulness to attend daily masses gives you strength.  Your daily rosaries are your best weapons against the devil.  I always admire your zeal for apostolate and for your constant corporal works of mercy.  Keep it up.  And one thing: don’t miss your legion meetings.

The battle is not yet over, my dear Legionaries.  And every time you say this prayer, say it with all your heart.

Confer, O Lord, on us, Who serve beneath the standard of Mary, That fullness of faith in you and trust in her, To which it is given to conquer the world.  Grant us a lively faith, animated by charity, Which will enable us to perform all our actions From the motive of pure love of you, And ever to see you and serve you in our neighbor; A faith, firm and immovable as a rock, Through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast Amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life; A courageous faith which will inspire us To undertake and carry out without hesitation Great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls; A faith which will be our Legion’s Pillar of Fire – To lead us forth united – To kindle everywhere the fires of divine love – To enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death – To inflame those who are lukewarm – To bring back life to those who are dead in sin; And which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; So that – the battle of life over – Our Legion may reassemble,  Without the loss of any one, In the kingdom of your love and glory. Amen (Legio Mariae Handbook, pp. 134-135)

My dear Legionaries, bear in mind that the battle is not yet over.  But you need not worry!  The Blessed Mother is by your side.  One day when the battle is over, you will reach the prize of your sacrifice – heavenly life; and this is more than any wonderland…

Delivered during the Legion Congress at Our Lady of Loreto Curia, Sampaloc, Metro Manila on 30^th of August, 2009. 

  

 

 

  

SEC Duly Approved Send A Soul to School Movement, Inc.

CEO27511

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, CEBU EXTENSION OFFICE CEBU CITY COMPANY REG. NO. CN200931025

KNOW  ALL  PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:

This is to certify that the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of: SEND A SOUL TO SCHOOL MOVEMENT, INC. were duly approved by this Commission on this date upon the issuance of this Certificate of Incorporation in accordance with the Corporation Code of the Philippines (Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, and copies of said Articles and By-Laws are hereto attached.

Approved Aug. 18, 2009 by LINDEZA ROGERO-GAVINO, Acting Director SEC CEBU OFFICE.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 August 2009

Do you remember Lucifer?  He was once an angel of God.  His name comes from the Latin word “lux”, which means light.  Or Lucifer comes from a Latin word which means “light-bearer.”  Originally, it comes from the Hebrew word “helel,” which means brightness.  Isaiah presented him as the “morning star” or “star of the morning” or “bright star.”  Lucifer’s downfall was an account of pride.  Here is how the prophet Isaiah pictures him: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!  How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!  You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly on the heights of Zaphon; I will ascend to the tops of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:12-14, NIV).   Lucifer was a former angel who has chosen to reject God by saying: Non serviam (I will not serve).  He has chosen not to serve the Lord.  How contrary Lucifer’s position to what Joshua proclaims in today’s first reading: “As for me, I and my household will serve Yahweh” (Jos 24:15).  Joshua reminds the Israelites not to abandon Yahweh by serving other gods.  He warns them that if they do that, punishment and destruction will be their lot (Jos 24:20).Hence in this Sunday’s readings we are called to serve the Lord.  But how do serve the Lord?  Is it total or just partial?  In the second reading (Eph 5:21-32), it is mentioned that wives should submit themselves to their husbands.  The husbands are the heads of the family.  This analogy points to Jesus Christ as the head of the Church.  Therefore to belong to Christ is to submit totally to him.  There is no partial here.  It is either or.  It is to serve or not to serve.  It is a choice.  I am always convinced that religion is a choice.  In today’s gospel many of the Lord’s disciples turned away and stopped following him (Jn 6:66).  Then Jesus asked the Twelve: “Will you also go away?” (v. 67)  This was a challenge.  Maybe it was the same challenge the angels in heaven were confronting and it led to the downfall of Lucifer.  But Simon Peter replied: “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68).Can the world apart from Christ bring us eternal life?  Today we speak of secularization.  We regulate laws undermining God’s revelation.  We want to be in control of our lives.  Maybe we want to be like the superman of Nietzsche.  We are proud.  When we are healthy and strong, we forget God.  Material prosperity leads many rich countries to turn away from God.  I heard this from one foreigner who told me that he does not believe in God.  And I cannot blame him for he comes from a rich country.  Money and material success can oftentimes blind us from seeing God.  Material things cannot truly make us happy; and if they do, never forget that it is part of the devil’s lie.  Lucifer’s lie.  Lucifer’s ambition to be like God.  We put it this way: if on earth we only rely on material satisfactions, how about one day when these material supports crumble, where shall we go?  I know someone who was not really religious.  He went to Church just to comply his obligation.  He just smoked outside the Church during the mass.  He gambled and was not a faithful husband.  He was rich.  One day, he was diagnosed with cancer.  And how things had changed.  From then on he went to attend mass every morning.  He said the rosary every day.  He suddenly became religious.  Medications were no longer possible.  Chemotherapy was already very painful, so he just took only once.  There was no more earthy power to turn to.  Only with God, he could find strength and hope.  There was nobody to turn to.  When one is already approaching death, one can ask: What then?  To whom shall we go?  Only Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life…