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Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Zep 3:14-18a / Is 12 / Phil 4:4-7 / Lk 3:10-18
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Today, on the Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a day of joy and rejoicing as Christmas draws near. The rose-colored candle of the Advent wreath, known as the Shepherd’s Candle, reminds us of the joy proclaimed to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a deep and abiding sense of hope rooted in Christ. Let us explore the joy found in today’s readings and what these readings mean for us in our world today.
The prophet Zephaniah, in our first reading, exhorts the people of Israel to rejoice: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” This is a remarkable declaration, as it follows chapters warning of judgment and exile. Yet, Zephaniah concludes his prophecy with a vision of restoration. God promises to be in the midst of His people to renew them in His love and to banish fear and despair. This reminds us that joy is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of God. In the hardships of life, whether personal trials or global crises, we can find joy in the assurance that God is with us, rejoicing over us with gladness. Mother Teresa said, “Joy is an act of love by which you can catch souls.” When we live in the joy of God’s presence, we share His love with others.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians continues this theme of joy: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” Writing from prison, Paul’s exhortation carries profound weight. His joy is not tied to external circumstances, but to his relationship with Christ. He reminds us that the Lord is near and encourages us to bring our needs to God in prayer, trusting that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. In our current world, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Paul’s message is particularly relevant. How often do we let fear and worry rob us of joy? Yet, as Paul assures us, when we entrust our burdens to God, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will fill our hearts. Joy rooted in faith becomes a powerful testimony to others, drawing them toward the hope we have in Christ.
In today’s gospel, John the Baptist calls the people to repentance, emphasizing the tangible expressions of faith: sharing with those in need, practicing integrity, and avoiding exploitation. When asked what we should do, John provides practical guidance for living a life aligned with God’s will. His message is both a challenge and a promise, as he points to the coming Messiah who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
There was a little boy, praying and shouting to God in a synagogue, that he might be given ten silver coins because his mother was sick. It also happened that a tax collector, who was also praying, heard the prayer of the little boy. The problem was, he had only seven silver coins, not enough to meet the needs of this child. Regardless, he gave these to the boy by putting them near the altar. When the boy saw the coins, he said to the Lord, “Thank you Lord for giving me the coins, but next time, don’t show the tax collector. I’m sure he got the other three coins.”
St. John shows us that we should be honest in our way of life, that we should not try to take advantage of others. He tells us that even if we see that someone is trying to take advantage of us, even when by doing good, we will be thought of as fools, we should still share. We should not be discouraged; we should always be willing to continue to help others.
John’s call to action reminds us that true joy comes, not from self-centered pursuits, but from living in love and service to others. In a world often characterized by greed and division, this gospel invites us to embody the spirit of generosity and justice. As Mother Teresa beautifully put it, “A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.” When we love as Christ loves, our joy becomes a light for those in darkness. As we reflect on the theme of joy this Gaudete Sunday, we are reminded that true joy is not found in our circumstances, but in our trust in and surrender to God.
There is a story of the life of Blessed Chiara Badano, a young Italian girl who offers a profound witness to this truth. Born in 1971, Chiara grew up as an ordinary teenager who loved her family, friends, and sports. Her life took a dramatic turn, however, when she was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 17. While many would understandably despair, Chiara’s faith allowed her to transform her suffering into a profound encounter with Christ. Even as her body weakened and her pain became unbearable, Chiara radiated an inner joy that inspired everyone around her. She embraced her illness as a way to unite her suffering with Jesus, often saying, “If this is what you want, Jesus, so do I.” Chiara never lost her smile and insisted that her room be filled with light and love, as she wanted to bring hope to her visitors. She believed that her suffering was a way to serve others spiritually and her faith only grew stronger. Chiara’s life was a living testimony to what St. Paul teaches, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Her joy, rooted in her relationship with Christ, reminds us that true joy is found, not in avoiding hardship, but in allowing God’s love to transform it.
As Catholics preparing to celebrate Christmas, this gospel challenges us to examine how we are living our faith in practical ways. John’s instructions: to give generously, act justly, and avoid greed, reflect the heart of the Christmas message, God’s love made manifest in the gift of His Son. During this Advent season, we are reminded that Christ’s coming calls us to transformation. Just as the shepherds shared the good news with others after encountering Jesus, we, too, are called to be a witness to His love through our actions. Moreover, the image of Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire speaks to the renewal and purification that Christ’s coming brings. Christmas is not merely a commemoration of a past event, but an invitation to allow Christ to transform our lives today. The joy of the season lies in aligning our hearts with His, living out the values of compassion, justice, and generosity.
The common message in today’s readings is the call to rejoice because of God’s presence and promise. This joy is deeply connected to trust in God, prayer, and acts of love. It is a joy that sustains us through trials and empowers us to be agents of hope and transformation in the world. In our contemporary world, marked by conflict, economic disparity, and environmental crises, today’s message is a beacon of hope. Our Church invites us today to trust in God’s plan for restoration. Like the Philippians, we are called to bring our worries to God and embrace His peace. Like the crowds in the gospel, we are challenged to live out our faith in practical ways, sharing joy through acts of love and justice. As we light the pink candle of the Advent wreath, let is remind us of the joy that Christ’s coming brings to our hearts and to the world. May we, like the shepherds, share this joy with others, proclaiming the good news of God’s love through our words and actions. Let us rejoice always, for the Lord is near.
KEEP READINGSecond Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Bar 5:1-9 / Ps 126 / Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 / Lk 3:1-6
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Today we light the second candle on the Advent wreath, known as the “Bethlehem candle.” It symbolizes peace, preparation, and faith. The Bethlehem candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, a journey marked by faith and trust in God’s plan. It points to the peace that Jesus’ birth brings to the world, a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s love and salvation.
As we light the candle, we are invited to reflect on how we are preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming. Are we making straight paths in our lives for Him? Are we embracing the peace that His birth promises? Just as Mary and Joseph trusted God’s plan amidst uncertainty, we too are called to walk in faith and prepare ourselves to receive the Prince of Peace.
The Second Sunday of Advent invites us to embrace the hopeful preparation that Advent entails, a season that bridges the promise of the past with the fulfillment of the future. The readings today converge on the themes of restoration, preparation, and hope in the Lord. They call us to live in the present, as a place of encounter between what God has done and what He’s about to do.
The reading from Baruch paints a picture of Jerusalem being restored to its former glory. The people are urged to cast off their sorrow and wear robes of righteousness, for the Lord is leading them in joy. This restoration is not just physical but spiritual, signaling God’s unyielding faithfulness. This is a song of hope and restoration. Baruch encourages Jerusalem to rejoice, because God is about to deliver His people from exile and lead them back home in glory.
The imagery of God leveling mountains and filling valleys symbolizes His power to remove obstacles in our lives, making a straight path for His salvation. It reminds us that Advent is a time to trust in God’s promise to bring about renewal and joy.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians complements this, with an invitation to gratitude and confidence. Paul, writing from a prison cell, radiates joy as he reflects on the Philippians’ faith journey. He reminds them of their faithfulness and asks that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion. Paul’s letter reflects his gratitude and a deep affection for the Philippians. He is confident that the good work God has begun in them will be completed.
This reading emphasizes the themes of growth in love, knowledge, and righteousness. It calls us to trust in God’s ongoing work in our lives and to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Christ.
In the gospel, John the Baptist’s voice cries out in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. He calls for repentance and readiness to receive the salvation that God is bringing. The gospel introduces John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ. His call to prepare the way of the Lord echoes Isaiah’s prophecy and challenges us to repentance and renewal. John’s message is a reminder that Advent is a time to clear the obstacles of sin and indifference in our hearts, so that we can fully receive the Lord.
Together, these readings remind us that God’s salvation is both a promise fulfilled and a work in progress. We are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His ongoing work of restoration.
Reflecting on Paul’s imprisonment, we see a profound example of living in the present as a convergence of past gratitude and future hope. Despite being in a Roman jail, Paul’s letter is filled with joy. He’s grateful for the Philippians’ faith and confident in God’s plan for their future.
Christmas is only three weeks away. Hospital workers report that hospital wards are practically empty at Christmas time. No one wants to spend Christmas in the hospital, much less in jail. Christmas is a time of joy, and there’s no fun in a hospital bed or in a prison cell. Yet, Paul’s most cheerful letter to the Philippians was written from a prison cell. Paul was in detention in Rome, awaiting trial. Neither the uncomfortable conditions in the prison cell or the uncertainty of the outcome of the trial was enough to rob Paul of his joyful and cheerful disposition.
What was the secret of Paul’s unflagging optimism? No doubt, it was his faith in Christ. This faith is expressed in important attitudes: an attitude of gratitude in regard to the past and an attitude of confidence in regard to the future. This was the key to Paul’s cheerfulness even in the face of the present predicament.
We often talk about the virtue of living in the present, but what do we mean by the present? Is it this year, this week, this day, or this minute? The fact of the matter is that the present is a fleeting split second such that, before we get to think of it or mention it, is already passed into the past. We cannot freeze the present in order to live in it, because the present is always passing us by.
Maybe it is better to think of the present as the meeting point between the past and the future. Then we shall begin to realize that the way to seize the moment and to discover happiness in the present is to cultivate a positive attitude toward the past and toward the future.
Paul’s optimism resonates with St. Ignatius of Loyola’s insight, when he said, “Act as if everything depended on you. Trust as if everything depended on God.” Paul acted in faith, encouraging, teaching, and praying, while trusting entirely in God’s providence. This is the balance Advent calls us to: preparing actively while trusting fully.
Today’s world is filled with its own wilderness, uncertainty, divisions, and challenges. Like Jerusalem in Baruch’s prophecy, we long for restoration and peace. John’s call to prepare the way of the Lord is as urgent as ever. It invites us to clear the obstacles of sin and indifference, making room for God’s grace.
Like Paul, many find themselves in circumstances that seem to contradict joy. How can we be joyful in such moments? By embracing the attitudes Paul exemplified: gratitude for God’s past faithfulness and confidence in His future promises.
To live in the present means to recognize it as the meeting point of God’s past deeds and future promises. Gratitude connects us to the past, anchoring us in the moment, in the memory of God’s goodness. Confidence connects us to the future, trusting that He who began a good work in us will complete it. Together, these attitudes cultivate a joy that transcends circumstances: the joy of the Lord, which is our strength.
As we journey through Advent, let us heed John’s call to prepare the way. This preparation involves repentance, yes, but also active gratitude and hope. Let us, like Paul, find joy in the midst of our wilderness. Let us, like Jerusalem, cast off sorrow and wear the robe of righteousness. And let us, in the spirit of St. Ignatius, act with faith while trusting in God.
As we prepare for Christmas, may we clear the paths of our hearts, so that God’s glory may shine through us, for the God who began a good work in us is faithful and will see it through to completion.
May Jesus Christ be praised.
KEEP READINGFirst Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Jer 33:14-16 / Ps 25 / 1 Thes 3:12–4:2 / Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical calendar, a new beginning for us and for the family of the Church. It is a time of hope, of preparation, and of anticipation of two comings of Christ – His birth in Bethlehem and His glorious return at the end of time. These weeks before Christmas are rather a spiritual renewal, where we are called to wake up from spiritual complacency and return our hearts to the Lord. As Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”
The Advent season is a season of hope and courage as we prepare to encounter Christ anew, in our lives, our world, and in eternity. We do not pretend that Advent is without joy. On the contrary, it is a season of joyful hope, because it points us to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all our longing. Advent is a season to reorient our lives to this fulfillment, living with the expectation of His presence both now and in the future.
The readings for this first Sunday of Advent invite us to prepare with vigilance, hope, and faith. From Jeremiah, we hear God’s promise to send a just and righteous savior to lead His people. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to increase in love and holiness, as they await the coming of the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus warns of cosmic signs and urges us to stay alert and prayerful, so that we may stand firm before Him.
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God’s promise of a savior who will spring from the line of David. This righteous branch will establish justice and integrity in the land, fulfilling God’s covenant with His people. In Jeremiah’s time, the people of Judah faced turmoil and exile. This promise of restoration gave them hope amidst despair. For us today, it points to the coming of Christ, both in His incarnation and at the end of time. Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise, the King of justice and peace, who brings salvation to all who trust in Him. Jeremiah reminds us that God’s plans never fail. Advent invites us to anchor our hope in this promise and to live as citizens of His kingdom, marked by justice and righteousness.
In our second reading today, Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them to abound in love for one another and to live lives pleasing to God. He encourages them to prepare for the coming of the Lord by growing in holiness and love. This reading highlights an important aspect of Advent. Advent is not just a preparation about waiting, but about action. Love is at the heart of this preparation. Paul challenges us to reflect on our relationships with God and with others, and to increase in love and virtue.
In our current world, where individualism often overshadows community, Paul’s words are a powerful reminder of our call to be witnesses of God’s love. Advent is a time to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s will, striving for holiness as we await Christ’s return.
In the gospel, Jesus speaks of cosmic signs and the distress of nations as signs of His return. While the apocalyptic images may evoke fear, Jesus tells us to stand up and raise our heads, because our redemption is drawing near. This emphasizes vigilance and hope. The signs of the times are not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to awaken us to the reality of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus warns against becoming distracted by the anxieties and pleasures of life, urging us instead to stay awake and prayerful.
We can see these signs in the challenges that our world faces: environmental crises, social unrest, and personal struggles. Yet, Jesus calls us to hope and persevere. Advent reminds us to keep our eyes on Christ, the source of our redemption, and to live each day with faith and trust in His promises.
The overall message of today’s readings is the call to anticipation with active preparation. God’s promises are trustworthy, and we are called to respond by living lives that reflect His kingdom. Advent is not passive waiting. It is a dynamic journey of hope and renewal. Advent challenges us to actively prepare for Christ’s coming, not just through external practices, but through an internal transformation. It is a time to strengthen our faith, deepen our love, and root our hope in the Savior who is both near and yet to come.
As we reflect on these readings, we see how profoundly they speak to our current circumstances. The world is marked by uncertainty, division, and anxiety. Whether it be political tensions, climate crisis, or personal struggles, the gospel’s imagery of roaring seas and distressed nations feels strikingly relevant. But Jesus does not leave us in despair. His words are a beacon: “When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28)
This message of hope reminds us that we are not alone in the storms of life. God’s promises endure. Jeremiah’s prophecy of a savior assures us that God remains faithful, even when circumstances seem bleak. As Catholics, we are called to bring this hope into the world through our actions, reflecting God’s justice, mercy, and love. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians offers practical advice for living out this hope: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” (1 Thes 3:12)
In a world often characterized by self-interest, Advent challenges us to live counter-culturally, loving and serving others as Christ loves us. This is the essence of Advent preparation, not just lighting candles or singing hymns, but becoming living witnesses of the Gospel. Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred time to renew our hearts and refocus on what truly matters. It reminds us that Christ’s coming changes everything. We are called to live in hope and readiness, embracing His light in a world that desperately needs it.
As we light the first candle in our Advent wreath, let it remind us of the light of Christ breaking into darkness. Let us leave this season with hearts full of hope, ready to welcome the Savior not only in the manger but in our daily lives and at the end of time. May we, like the vigilant servants in the gospel, stand ready and faithful, with our hearts fixed on the One who is to come. Let us ask the Lord to awaken our hearts this Advent and help us to prepare with joyful anticipation for His coming. May His light shine in our lives and through us into the world.
KEEP READINGThe Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 24, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dn 7:13-14 / Ps 93 / Rv 1:5-8 / Jn 18:33b-37
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which is the closing of Ordinary time. Next week we begin the new Church year with the season of Advent, and the primary gospel will change from Mark to Luke. What is our King speaking to your heart for Advent? Pray, reflect, and act on His request. But for today’s homily, we will focus on Jesus Christ’s kingship in our everyday life and make it personal.
First, let’s get grounded in scripture. Jesus’ kingship is depicted throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis, we see the mysterious figure, Melchizedek, a biblical type for Jesus, for he was a king and priest like Jesus and made offerings of bread and wine. (Gn 14) In today’s first reading, Daniel prophesies about Jesus, “One like a Son of Man received dominion, glory, and kingship.” (Dn 7:13)
Later on, the prophet Nathan told King David that his throne would be firmly established forever. (2 Sam 7:16) God’s promise to King David leads us to Jesus in the gospels. Gabriel told Mary that, “The Lord God shall give [her future Son, Jesus] the throne of his father David and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever.” (Lk 1: 32-33) In today’s gospel, Jesus clarifies that His kingship does not come from this world. In today’s second reading from the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the apostle John writes that Jesus Christ is “ruler of the kings of the earth.”
Scripture is crystal clear that Jesus is King of the Universe. We either give our lives to His service or we give them to the evil one. There are no other choices. Do I really want to serve Jesus the King?
Jeff Cavins suggests that we want to serve the King in His splendor and glory, not in the poor, the stranger, the sick, and imprisoned. Yet, when we intentionally, according to the King’s command, bring His love to others, His compassion, His mercy, and His good news, we are at once seeing and serving the King in them and yet doing so with His grace and with gifts He has given us for that moment.
To help bring home the personal nature of serving our King through others, I want to share something from the Hallow app. They have a Catholic Social Teaching series, and one of the reflections is on homelessness. Blake Brouilette, Director of Christ in the City, a missionary formation and homeless outreach program in Denver and Philadelphia says, “Homelessness is a person to encounter.” He goes on to share that we see the poverty and brokenness of the homeless, but that Mother Teresa saw more. While visiting the United States, she observed: “There is a poverty in your country that is just as severe as our poorest of the poor. In the West, there is a loneliness, which I call the leprosy of the West. In many ways, it is worse than our poor in Calcutta.”
Blake added that “By looking deeper at poverty, we see a common thread in the homeless and the poor which can be traced back to broken relationships. This rupture of relationships is with others, society, God, themselves, and creation – and it results in isolation. The absence of genuine connection is our deepest form of poverty.”
This leprosy of loneliness and absence of genuine connection is what our King is asking us to heal by being saints. Fr. Mike Schmitz identified a common characteristic of saints that really gets at the heart of this, and you likely can have it with just a little effort. Saints are available when needed, just like their King when He walked this earth. It is easy to overlook this simple disposition, necessary for us to be saints.
When Jairus asked Jesus, who was speaking with the crowds, to come and save his dying daughter, Jesus did so. The same happened when Mary and Martha asked Him to come save their brother. In another case, no one had to ask, He just spontaneously reached out in compassion. This was when He happened upon the widow mourning her only son, and He stopped to help. In all three cases, he raised a person from the dead and restored a family’s wholeness. The lonely and disconnected need our time, our presence, and our testimony, so they can be restored. By our being available to them, they become genuinely connected with our King and His family.
What robs us of our availability? The Jews said, “We have no king but Caesar.” Jeff Cavins suggests we ask ourselves a tough question using this verse: Where have I, by the way I live, said, “I have no king, but (fill in the blank.)” What goes into this blank are our excuses and sins.
Regarding excuses, we have many. Some we overcome, some we do not. But our King is patient. He called me for years to be a deacon. My excuses for saying no were twofold. I was too unhealthy and too sinful. How did I get to the point of saying yes? Even though I could not see how it would work, I kept praying and reflecting on it. I kept the door open. And for His part, the King sent me affirmations through others, and He illuminated a scripture verse to ease my concern about my poor health: Ps 92: 13-16. He even moved a class start date an entire month when I was hospitalized just two years into formation. Had He not done that, I would have been at risk of dropping out. As a deacon I have been blessed with opportunities to serve our King through those in need.
Regarding sins, filling in the blank “I have no king but…” Is anything in my life where I say “no” to my King and “yes” to something He has commanded I do not do, or when I say “no” to something He has commanded that I should do? Sin makes us unavailable, because it imprisons us in a dungeon of selfishness.
Therefore, serving our King begins with confessing our sin to Him, so that He can set us free to be available. In a talk on people who oppose the King by rejecting His kingdom (think Catholic Church), Fulton Sheen said, “The basis for our opposition to the Catholic Church is our moral life, or immoral life.”
Speaking of our sin, Fulton Sheen shared a metaphor. “If I try to open a can with a pencil two things happen. I will fail to open the can, and I will ruin the pencil. So it is when I use my gifts in a way that is against [the King’s] will. Two things happen: I fail to achieve whatever happiness I thought I would gain, and I hurt myself.”
To illustrate this, he goes on to tell a story of a fallen-away Catholic actress who had fame and beauty and three men in her life; i.e. she was hurting herself. She agreed to meet him at the church, if he promised not to ask her to go to Confession. He promised. She arrived at the church as planned, and as they were walking down the side aisle of the nave to show her a painting, he pushed her into the confessional, thereby keeping his promise to not ask her to go to Confession. She confessed her sins and experienced true repentance, a radical reorientation of her life. The King set her free from the dungeon of sin and selfishness, freeing her to follow His command to be available for those in need. She became a nun and was happier for it.
We, like that actress, see a lot of temptations in this world, but we cannot insulate ourselves from those evils by hiding in the church and Christian homes. Our King said as much to His Father, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15) To protect us from the evil one, our King doesn’t have to do battle per se. His presence in us casts out all darkness. We simply need to ensure our King lives in us. How? The King said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23)
Our King’s promise is not an abstraction or warm fuzzy feeling for Christians who are Catholic! It is the reality of our King coming to us in the Sacraments. He cares for our sickness in Holy Anointing. He visits us imprisoned by sin, freeing us in Confession. He feeds our hungry souls in the Eucharist. His availability in the Sacraments frees us and strengthens us to be available for those in need, and then He and His Father make our soul their home. In essence, when caring for others, we free them from the leprosy of loneliness and give them genuine connectedness, for we visit them with their King and His Father.
Let’s close with words from our King’s lips that sum up all of this. Close your eyes and echo this prayer in your heart. Make it personal. Jesus, my King, in me may “thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as in heaven.” Amen.
KEEP READINGThirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 17, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dn 12:1-3 / Ps 16 / Heb 10:11-14, 18 / Mk 13:24-32
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Today’s readings are filled with powerful imagery and words about the End. We hear a familiar message running deep in today’s readings: the reality of the End Times and the call to live in hope while awaiting God’s promise fulfillment.
We are approaching the culmination of the liturgical year, and the Church calls us to reflect on the End of Time and history. On the 24th of November, which is next Sunday, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This is a reminder that Christ is to reign over all creation. Soon after this is Advent, which is a time of expectation of Christ’s coming.
In our readings today, the prophet Daniel talks of “a time unsurpassed in distress,” but at the same time, the hope for deliverance of those “written in the book.” The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the uniqueness and completeness of the sacrifice of Christ for salvation and forgiveness, once for all. In St. Mark’s gospel, Jesus speaks about the sun and the moon being upset and a new world order, ultimately God’s plan. Let us consider, as we face today’s challenging readings, three messages they offer us: hope, readiness, and trust in God’s sovereignty.
In the book of Daniel, we hear about a time of suffering; however, it also promises that “the wise shall shine brightly,” and that those who lead others to righteousness are “like the stars forever.” The merit of hope carries deep conviction in the words that no matter how much chaos exists, the justice and mercy of God will always prevail. As Pope John Paul II said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.” This is an invitation for us to have hope, even in the face of adversity or suffering. This is essential to our faith. The promise is that, for those who remain faithful, the darkness of distress will give way to the light of God’s presence. As Easter people, we are called to carry this hope, not only for ourselves but to light the way for others.
The Letter to the Hebrews brings us back to the reminder that through Christ’s one perfect sacrifice, we are forgiven and set free from sin. Jesus’ sacrifice has already secured our salvation. This is something in which we should have immense confidence and peace, as we await the culmination of God’s Kingdom. Although we may not know the day or the hour, we do know God’s plan is one of love, mercy, and salvation.
The world we live in today is usually distinguished by political, environmental, and social confusion. Many are uncertain about, or anxious for, their future. Yet today, we are called upon to put our trust in God’s sovereignty. As Pope John Paul II said, “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly, knowing that I am with you. Therefore, no harm can befall you. All is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.”
In the gospel reading from Mark, we hear Jesus speak of signs in the heavens, and He assures His disciples that His words will not pass away. This can seem unsettling, yet Jesus intends to wake us up from complacency, reminding us to be vigilant and ready for His return.
In the next few weeks, we will start Advent. Advent is a season of preparation, not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also for His Second Coming. The season reminds us to live in readiness with hearts open to God’s grace.
C.S. Lewis, in his book, The World’s Last Night and Other Essays, says, “Precisely because we can’t predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments.” No one actually knows the day or the hour except God. The quote from C. S. Lewis captures the essence of Christ’s call to readiness, urging us to live faithfully every day knowing that Christ’s return will come unexpectedly. This thought encourages us to view each day as an opportunity to prepare our hearts for the fullness of God’s kingdom.
It is so easy to focus on the temporary: our daily routines, our immediate goals, the here and now. But these readings challenge us to live our days, every day, asking ourselves if we are spiritually prepared for Christ’s coming. Are we aligning our lives with His teachings, living every day as if it may be our last? God invites us to re-center our lives on Him, to live each day with purpose, and to nurture a readiness that is grounded in trust and faith.
Sometimes we ask ourselves: Will I see the end of this world? It would be rather interesting if that happens. Yet, our readings today do not give us the answer to that question. They do tell us, however, what the end will be like, even though we may not live to see it. They tell us that many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awaken. Some shall live forever, and others will be condemned and cast into everlasting horror and eternal disgrace.
We should not fear the End of Times. The important thing for us to remember is that God is our Father, and that Jesus, His Son, came to save us. This is a reality that no one should be able to hide from us. Each human being, while he or she is here on earth, should try to be more perfect every day. This earthly life is a preparation for the kingdom that God has prepared for us. We should ask to see God, to see His face, and for Him to show us His glory. This is the destiny that God wants for you and that He wants for me. That is why He has given us the Holy Spirit, so that we can actually one day see Him. I hope that day comes for all of us.
Today’s readings remind us of the certainty of Christ’s victory over darkness, sin, and death. The End Times Jesus speaks of should not fill us with fear, but rather a sense of anticipation and purpose. We are called to live in the light of the Resurrection, and to share this hope with a world often overshadowed by despair. As we move closer to the Solemnity of Christ the King, let us see Jesus as our king, not only in words, but in the way we live our lives. His kingdom is one of truth, mercy, and justice, and by following His ways, we prepare our hearts for Advent and His eventual return. Let us hold onto hope, live with readiness, and trust deeply in God’s sovereignty. In doing so, we will stand ready, as people of the promise, confident in God’s enduring love and mercy.
As we await the great day of the Lord, let us remember Pope John Paul II’s words, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of our Father’s love for us.” With that truth, we can face any future, whether in this world or the next. May we live this hope, confident in Christ’s promise, as we journey together toward the coming of the Advent season, and prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior.
KEEP READINGThirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2024 — Year B
Readings: 1 Kgs 17:10-16 / Ps 146 / Heb 9:24-28 / Mk 12:38-44
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Our readings today call every one of us to think about and reflect on genuine generosity, trust, and humility. The Church shows us that authentic giving is not a matter of abundance and high status, but a heart surrendered to God. The poor widow in the first reading, the teachings from the letter to the Hebrews, and the praise of Jesus towards the widow’s action in the gospel, encourage us to ask ourselves about the meaning of true and genuine giving from the heart.
In today’s first reading, we have the story of the widow from Zarephath, a woman who humanly speaking, literally has almost nothing in this world. Then she receives a visit from the prophet Elijah. She is in the process of gathering her last bit of food to eat with her son, when Elijah approaches her and asks for some food. This becomes a response of faith and obedience on her part, whereby God proceeds to bless her with an inexhaustible fountain of flour and oil. She shows trust. This act of kindness surely will bring even greater blessings, and so it does.
Most of the time we find ourselves in the same situation as the widow of Zarephath. We often think that we only have enough for ourselves. This could be true in our human world, as most of our priorities revolve around jobs, seeking wealth, entertainment, or leisure activities. Elijah shows us a different picture. The first thing in our lives must be faithfulness to God. We might say, “No. I must be busy with other things like feeding my family, educating my children, and allowing time for pleasurable activities.” Elijah might agree with us but would probably begin the conversation by saying that those activities are fine and should be part of our lives, but first we should make our God “a little cake” and bring it to Him.
Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gave not only from His earthly life, but also from His very being. Christ’s offering was perfect and complete in that He did not stop at public display of duty but showed selflessness rooted in love. This text points to the deepest part of generosity wherein heart and soul are fully committed toward service to others.
Finally, in the gospel, Jesus contrasts the conduct of the scribes with that of the poor widow who, without any show, drops two copper coins in the temple treasury. The rich are giving out of their plenty, but this woman gives all she has for her livelihood. Jesus sees her act as a profound witness of faith and love, not because of the amount she gives, but because of the heart with which it is given. The poor widow received the praise of Jesus because she put in her last money, though she was poor. As Jesus said, she gave all she had to live on. The message of Jesus is very clear. Every person is capable of sharing, no matter how poor or needy he or she is.
Some people give because they want something in return. Jesus tells us today that genuine giving must be sincere. It must come from the heart. If we expect something in return, it is no longer considered giving, but rather a transaction. If we think of helping a person now, while in the future expect that person to return the favor, it is not helping or giving, but rather a debt. The real value of giving is not measured by the amount given. If this is the case, then everyone can afford to do this. But real giving is the generous giving of oneself, a sort of sacrifice on the part of the giver.
The readings today share a common message of sacrificial giving and trust in God. It is a trust by which our authenticity leads to generosity. We give, not from our surplus, but from the sincerity of our hearts. In fact, Saint Ignatius of Loyola once said that love is shown more in deeds than in words. Deeply inherent in today’s readings, each character shows faith and love in their actions, not merely with words.
Sacrificial giving generally runs counter to the culture of material wealth, social status, and appearance in this world. The accumulation and guarding of resources are usually rewarded by society, while true acts of love and trust are mostly ignored. This gospel reminds us, however, that God sees and values those acts of the heart. The widow’s offering, indeed, had a small monetary value but was great in its spiritual value.
We are called beyond surface level generosity into the understanding of what it means to give in a way honoring God. In financial resources, time, or love, each one of us has something we can give, even if it feels small or insignificant. As we look at these examples of trust and selflessness, our own lives have to be considered. Is our giving sacrificial, or do we simply give when it’s convenient? Do we give only when it is easy, or are we willing to give when it requires faith?
Such trust and sacrificial giving are exemplified in the life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who is known for her service to the poorest of the poor. Perhaps the following story about her is most fitting in reflecting on today’s gospel message. The story goes that one day, a woman came to her with a small bundle of rice, her only food for the day, and offered it to help the needy. Mother Teresa was deeply moved, seeing in this woman’s gift the same spirit as the gospel’s widow: to give, not from her abundance, but from her very sustenance. As Mother Teresa once said, it is not how much we give that is important, but how much love we put into giving. Like the widow in today’s gospel, so too, this woman’s offering in material terms was trifling, but was great in faith and love. Mother Teresa knew that it was in such little offerings of self that God’s love is most deeply revealed. She often exhorted her sisters to give until it hurts, not because pain is the end, but because true giving often requires a willingness to go beyond what is comfortable or convenient.
As we continue to reflect today, we are called to consider our own generosity. Are we like the wealthy in the gospel who give only what doesn’t disrupt their comfort? Or is there courage deep within us to give in ways that require trust in God’s provision for us? Today’s message is not only about money, but about all kinds of giving: the giving of our time, attention, and kindness. In this busy world, sometimes the best thing we can give is the gift of our presence. Like the insignificant two coins of the widow, time spent comforting a friend or helping a stranger may be unimportant, but for God these are priceless.
Let us pray that we may obtain a heart similar to that of the widow, to trust, to give liberally no matter how humble our offerings may seem. Let this example teach us that acts of love serve to display God to the world. May the teaching of Saint Ignatius be remembered, to manifest our love by deeds rather than words.
KEEP READINGThirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 3, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dt 6:2-6 / Ps 18 / Heb 7:23-28 / Mk 12:28b-34
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Brothers and sisters, our readings today show us a common theme of wholehearted love for God and neighbor. They highlight that true faith is rooted in all-encompassing love. True faith directs both our devotion to God and our relationship with our neighbors.
In the first reading, from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites to love God completely. This love isn’t a mere feeling. It is a command to orient our lives toward God. This teaching underlines that our love for God isn’t just an aspect of our life. It is our life. When Jesus calls us to love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, He is calling us to a love that pervades every part of our being, guiding our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.
Moses calls Israel to love God “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This love is a foundational command, intended to guide the entire life of the people. It is not a selective or partial love. It is a love that integrates all aspects of one’s life, reminding us that our relationship with God demands every part of who we are.
In the second reading, from the letter to the Hebrews, we see Jesus as the perfect high priest. Unlike the priests of old, who are limited by sin and death, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. He mediates for us not with offerings of animals but with His own life, showing us the ultimate example of love. In this sacrificial love, we glimpse the fullness of what it means to love God with all we have. Through Christ, we are given not only the command to love, but also the means to love, drawing from His example and grace.
This passage builds on this theme, showing Jesus as eternal high priest, who embodies the perfect love for God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, Jesus displays love in its fullest form, bridging the gap between God and humanity. His example demonstrates that love is willing to sacrifice for the beloved, underscoring the depth and constancy of divine love.
In the gospel, Jesus is approached by a scribe who asked, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus responds by quoting the Shema of Deuteronomy: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He then adds, “The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus weaves together love for God and love for neighbor, teaching us that the heart of our faith is love.
Most of us create or interpret laws in a complicated and sometimes funny way. Some of these laws are as follows:
Some of these laws likely originated as humorous exaggerations or myths that have since been debunked or repealed, while others were real but are now outdated or barely enforced.
In our gospel, Jesus simplifies and unites the Ten Commandments by declaring the two greatest commandments: to love God fully and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus highlights that authentic love for God naturally extends to others. Thus, the theme of wholehearted love is complete when it flows outward, encompassing not just our relationship with God but also our commitment to caring for others.
Reflecting on these words, we find a timeless call to deepen our love for God and for others. Bishop Fulton Sheen once said, “If you do not live what you believe, you will end up believing what you live.” This statement captures the heart of our readings today. When we live in a way that truly reflects love for God and neighbor, our faith becomes not just something we believe but something we live. It transforms us and those around us.
Jesus’ words in the gospel offer us a practical and profound way to live out this command: to love God with our whole being is to bring every aspect of our life in harmony to His will. This means that our thoughts, our words, our actions, and even our ambitions are all shaped by our desire to serve God. And the second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, flows naturally from the first. We cannot claim to love God if we are indifferent to the needs of others.
Brothers and sisters, our readings call us today to begin each day by asking God to open our heart to His love. Before we can love others, we must receive love from God. Take time to pray. Read the scriptures in order for us to encounter God’s love, allowing it to shape your heart and actions. Let our love for Him flow into every aspect of our lives: relationships, work, and even leisure. As Bishop Sheen implied, when we let faith influence our actions, we are actively living what we believe.
In every encounter, let us remind ourselves that each person we meet bears God’s image. This may be especially challenging with difficult relationships, but Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond convenience and comfort. Look for ways to serve. Listen and care for others as you would want others to care for you.
Let us also integrate love into our actions. Love is more than words. It is shown in what we do. This can be as simple as offering a kind word or lending a helping hand. It can also mean dedicating time to those in need; offering compassion to the suffering; listening to the lonely; or praying for those who are struggling.
The scribe’s response in today’s gospel reminds us that understanding God’s commandments is only part of the journey. Living them is the goal. Jesus commends him, saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” For us, too, the kingdom is close whenever we choose to love, whenever we respond with a yes to God’s call, both in our devotion to Him and in our care for our neighbors.
Our readings this Sunday remind us that love is the essence of faith. A love that involves the entirety of one’s heart, mind, and actions, transforming our relationship with God and the way we treat others. As we go forth, may we not only believe in the love of God but live it fully, becoming living witnesses to the greatest commandments, and in doing so, draw closer to God and His kingdom.
May Jesus Christ be praised.
KEEP READINGSolemnity of All Saints
November 1, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 / Ps 24 / 1 Jn 3:1-3 / Mt 5:1-12a
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Last night at the Vigil Mass for All Saints Day, there was a boy who was wearing a costume of a saint, maybe a pope or a priest. And I smiled when he fell in line for Communion, and I gave my appreciation to the boy after Communion before the final prayer, simply because one meaning of Halloween is the eve of the holy, and if it’s the eve of the holy, what costume should our children be wearing? It should be costumes for saints, not those scary things. In fact, I mentioned it last night; yes, it’s only for fun, but it’s not something proper for that day, if we truly observe the eve of the holy, because it’s like inviting those unkind or evil spirits. And once that evil spirit enters our homes, we call the priest.
This reminds me of when I was in my previous parish. There was a Baptist lady who came to our church and asked for a blessing for her house. I told her she needed to go to her pastor, and she said that her pastor did not know what to do and told her to go to a Catholic priest. As a priest, even though the person does not belong to your congregation, you help. When people need help, we just have to help. That’s our job as Christians, not only as Catholics, as Christians.
Brothers and sisters, we know that every November 1 we celebrate All Saints Day. What is the purpose of the Church in celebrating All Saints Day? The Church celebrates All Saints Day simply because this reminds us of our vocation to be holy. By virtue of our baptism, Christ called us to follow Him, to become holy, to become saints. A French Catholic novelist, Leon Bloy, said the only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life is not to become a saint. True, although in life, we have many failures. When we were children growing up, we had some failures – we disobeyed our parents, or in school we experienced failures. These are part of life, in jobs, and in everything. But at the end of our lives, the only thing that matters is our salvation. To become a saint is the only thing that matters at the end of the day.
If we fail to become a saint, to be the person whom Christ expects us to be, then we fail in life. That is why, brothers and sisters, if we understand this kind of thinking, our perspective in life will surely change. The many things that we value a lot in life, we will realize that they are just trivial and that they are not really important. The important thing in life is to become a saint, because one day all of us desire and dream to be in heaven, and we can only be there if we become a saint. That’s why Leon Bloy was right that the greatest failure we have in life, the only failure that we will regret for the rest of our lives is not to become a saint. That’s why when we realize this kind of thinking, we will have that wisdom in our lives. Wisdom is having a sense of what is really important in life and what is secondary or less important.
We will start to realize that many things in this world are just not really important. What is truly important are the things that help to bring us to our salvation and make us a saint. Wisdom is the ability to discern what is of lasting value and what is of passing concern. Yes, we may become popular, we may become a mayor, a governor, a president, priest, a nun, a deacon, or a bishop. We might become rich and powerful. But if we do not become righteous or a saint, everything is useless. We don’t want to regret at the end of our lives that we failed to do that.
What is it to be a saint? When we hear the word saint, we think of people who are perfect beings. We think of people who are not tempted, people who never get angry. These are the misconceptions that we have about saints. Saints are actually human beings like us. They also get angry, they fall in love, they have flaws and shortcoming in life. Sometimes they also commit sin. Pope Francis once said that saints are not superhumans; they are people who love God and who share this love with others. And that is a saint. We experience the love of God and we want to share that love of God with others.
In all ways, in all aspects of life, we just have to share that love with others, loving even those people who are difficult to love. Saints try to follow the two commandments – love of God and love of neighbor. Love your neighbor as yourself. That’s why this beautiful quote is helpful for us: Saints are sinners who never stop trying to do good. That’s a real saint. Saints are sinners who never stop trying to become better persons. That’s what Mother Teresa tells us.
God does not call us always to be successful. He always calls us to be faithful. Every time our weaknesses resurface, our shortcomings will come out. All we have to do is ask the Lord’s forgiveness and start all over again. That’s the kind of life the saints have.
Bishop Robert Barron once said: “To be a saint is simply to become a friend of God.” This means allowing God to live in us. If we become friends of God, then we allow him to penetrate our whole being. Saint Paul tells us, in his letter to the Galatians (Gal 2:20), “It is no longer I who live, but Jesus who lives in me.” That’s very important; if we become true friends of our Lord Jesus Christ, we allow Him to enter into our being. That’s why every time we go to Mass and receive Communion, it is a good reminder for us that before we receive Jesus, we believe that is Him – not a symbol of Jesus. But that is Him that we are receiving. He said, “This is my body.” So that is Him that we receive. That is why that every time we partake of Him, He becomes part of our being. And by consuming Him, we pray and we hope that we think and we speak and we act like Jesus.
That’s very important. Make that act of faith or prayer; do that prayer. “Lord, I’m going to receive You right now. I’m going to consume You. And You are going to become part of my system and of my body. You go to my stomach, and You will be distributed to all the parts of my body. And I want You to transform me to become like You, so that everything that I think, everything that I will say and do and think will be like You.
But brothers and sisters, perhaps we may also ask the question about whether becoming a saint means that we lose our individuality. Does becoming a saint mean that we also lose our personal life? The answer is no. In fact, it is surrendering of ourselves to Christ. We discover ourselves and our true happiness. Look at the saints; when they started to offer their lives to Christ, they became peaceful and happy. They found meaning in their lives. Why? That’s just the grace of God. We cannot explain that. The world cannot give that kind of grace, that peace, that meaning in life to us. Only the Lord can give that to us. That is why, when Christ reigns in our lives, what will disappear? In us, first our ego, our pride, our self-centeredness, our worldliness, and our greediness. They will all disappear. If Christ reigns in our lives, all of that will go away. We won’t use our pride anymore to defend ourselves. We remain humble in everything that we do. So, in Christ we can truly be free.
So, who are the so-called saints? One of the beautiful things in the Catholic Church is that are a variety of saints. We know that there are saints who are both male and female. There are saints who are both rich and poor. Some are educated, and some are innocent. Some are old, and some are young. There is a variety of saints, and there is no one single type of saint; rather there is a wide variety of personalities with different styles and backgrounds and education. But what do they have in common? They all became friends of God. They allowed Jesus to influence their lives. They allowed Jesus to reign in their lives. That’s why in everything that they do, they speak in reflection of the things that Jesus taught them. There’s no saint that expresses the fullness of God; rather, each of the saints in his or her own unique way expresses something of the goodness of God. True. Only Jesus reveals to us the fullness of God, but the saints reveal only something or part of the goodness of the Lord.
That’s why many saints have many different ways of expressing the goodness and the love of God. That’s why nowadays, Pope Francis canonized few saints. One of them is St. Titus Brandsma. He died of lethal injection in a concentration camp, and one of his famous sayings is, “Do not yield to hatred. We are here in a dark tunnel, but we have to go on. At the end, an eternal light is shining for us.” Amazing! Despite the threat to his life, despite the difficulty and challenges that he faced, he remained trusting and having faith in God.
That is very important for us, especially when our faith is being tested. I hear a lot of people questioning whether God really exists, with all the troubles of the world: “I’m worried about myself, I’m worried about my children. What will happen to the world? The church is being attacked. God must not have seen what’s going on in the world.” Of course, the answer is no. If we think about persecution of the Church, the Church has experienced a lot of persecutions. Remember those Dark Ages. Remember those times when the Church was being suppressed by emperors and kings. Those mighty powers with great powerful kingdoms – where are they all now? They’re all under the ground. But how about the Church that they were persecuting? The Church has no guns or armies; it only relies on God’s grace and power. It continues to grow even larger. And that’s the face of God. Perhaps, if we were in that time when the persecution happened, we would have said that God does not exist; he allowed my brother or my family member to be murdered, to be fed to the lions. Perhaps we would have that kind of thinking that God does not exist. Do you think those people in that time would believe in how the Church is growing today? If they saw how the Church is growing right now, those people would likely have said that is impossible, and we would never think that the Church would continue to live.
But the grace of God works differently. That’s why the scripture remains always true. God will always humble the proud. Those of you who pray the breviary every day know that plan. And even Jesus is always true to His word – I will be with you until the end of time. That is very true up to now. Worrying about what’s going on in the world, God sees everything. Trust and have faith in Him, and you will be free of anxiety and depression. Yes, it doesn’t mean that the problem will disappear; it will still be there, but it will not lead you to succumb to the depression and anxiety. Because we know that there is a God who sees everything, and He can do anything He wants in this world. He can transform anything in a split second. All you have to do is to trust His will in our lives.
Another saint that we need to remember is Blessed Carl Acutis, who is the first millennial to be beatified by the Church. In his short life of fifteen years, he showed to the world that he was a normal person. Like any other young man or woman who likes to use a computer, he knew how to use the internet and social media. But despite all this, Carlo Acutis loved God. And he said that he used his skills to spread the good news. In fact, he made a website that tells us of Eucharistic miracles that have happened in different parts of the world.
So, brothers and sisters, what should be our challenge today as we celebrate All Saints Day? I think it would be very good for us to choose a saint to imitate. Choose a saint that you can relate to, or one whose life you could follow. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, because she was a saint who loved to take care of the neglected and the poor. Or whatever saint you would want to imitate. And pray for that saint and ask that saint to help and intercede for you. I hope, brothers and sisters, despite your busy schedules, or the things that you enjoy in life, I pray and I hope that you will become friends of our Lord Jesus Christ. And let us not forget the only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life is not to become a saint.
KEEP READINGThirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 27, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Jer 31:7-9 / Ps 126 / Heb 5:1-6 / Mk 10:46-52
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon
Today I will continue to preach on the theme of evangelization in accord with the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, which is focused on mission. And since part of our mission is to vote in harmony with our Heavenly Father’s will and purpose, I will take some time to look at the upcoming elections through God’s eyes.
In today’s gospel, “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’” (Mk 10:49) Jesus is ever on the move, but He stops when someone calls out to Him in humility: “Have pity on me.” He also commands us to bring those people to Him: “Call him.” Is Jesus commanding you to call someone to Him? If so, will you “spring up” and follow Jesus that way?
Your answer to these questions has much to do with whether or not you are aware of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you received at your baptism and to the degree that you have intentionally opened the Holy Spirit’s gifts that were given to you in Confirmation. Let’s start with the gift of Knowledge.
The gift of Knowledge is to truly know God. Jeremiah reveals God’s heart to us in today’s first reading. God speaks tenderly to His people, whose country has fallen into ruin. “I will gather them from the ends of the world…They departed in tears, but I will console them…I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road… (and those astonishing words) for I am a father.” (Jer 31:8-9) As Chris Tomlin’s song says, “You’re a good, good Father. It’s who You are.” Knowing this is true and remains true even when we have messed up terribly, enables us to emulate Bartimaeus, to hear Jesus’ call and to spring up and follow Him when we do.
Two other gifts of the Holy Spirit can be seen in Psalm 126, Wisdom and Fortitude. Psalm 126 speaks of God’s people, “Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing.” (Ps 126:8) Through the Holy Spirit, we can persevere through difficulties, tiredness, and fears that can bring us to tears. This is Fortitude.
Fortitude enables us, in trying situations, to hang in there, so that we can use the gift of Wisdom. Wisdom helps us to see others as God the Father sees them. We see this playing out in the gospel. Jesus told his followers to call Bartimaeus. But they were only able to do so, because Jesus removed their blindness first, so that they could see Bartimaeus as God does, not as an annoying blind beggar on the side of the road, but (gift of Wisdom) as a beloved child. And because they evangelized as Jesus commanded, God opened Bartimaeus’s eyes, and he began to follow Jesus too. In the Spirit, we sow the seed of the good news of the gospel. And when those people who hear us, like Bartimaeus, join our faith family here, that is a great day! This Psalm shows the hope of us as evangelists, carrying God’s Word to a hurting and lost world.
When evangelizing, as Jesus commanded his followers to do in the gospel saying, “Call him,” we should combine the Spirit’s gifts of Wisdom and Understanding. Understanding helps us to share the Faith’s truths with confidence and humility. The reading from Hebrews says, “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness…No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God.” (Heb 5:2) This is not written only for deacons, priests, and bishops, but for all the baptized.
The gospel too speaks of being called. Mary Healy describes chapter 10 of Mark’s gospel as being “all about Jesus opening the eyes of His disciples to His messianic mission and their call to follow Him.” (Healy 210) Bartimaeus shows us how to hear Jesus’ call in five steps:
1) Hang out where Jesus will be (Mass & Bible).
2) Call out to Him with humility as a beggar (Prayer).
3) Seek the help of His followers (Parishioners).
4) Repent and let Him change you (Confession & Eucharist).
5) Spring up and follow Him (Care for those in need and call them to Jesus…words are necessary).
The purpose of our Catholic faith is mission: a mission to evangelize, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He has given the baptized and confirmed seven gifts that enable us to share our faith effectively. (Is 11:1-2) However, for us to effectively evangelize inside and outside these walls, we must be free, which brings me to the upcoming elections.
They are important, because our freedom to follow our God-given conscience is being eroded (Little Sisters of the Poor vs. State of New York). I am not going to tell you who to vote for, but I am going to speak from the wisdom and heart of the Church, so that our votes are informed by our conscience, where the Holy Spirit speaks to us.
It is said that we should not vote on a single issue. Using the Holy Spirit’s gift of Understanding, which enables us to see through falsehoods, I would call that a false teaching. Here is one way to think about it. If a doctor discovers you have cancer, does that doctor dilute their treatment of it so that they can also focus on your bunions and allergies? No. They focus everything on that cancer, because they know it can spread and damage organs and bones and eventually bring death. So too, there is a single issue that spreads like cancer in our society. It is secular humanism.
Secular humanism is a deadly belief that we can solve all our problems, that there is no God, that we are accidents of evolution. This means there is no absolute moral standard and that human beings are not made for an amazing purpose by a loving God. Laws have been passed, are being passed, and are being proposed that impose this falsehood on our society.
Within secular humanism, humans, like gods, decide who lives and who dies…when people are too weak to defend themselves. The list of these defenseless people includes babies, prisoners, the elderly, the sick, and the despairing. These unjust laws communicate that human life is not sacred, that people are tools to be used as long as they are productive and can give us what we want, and that some people cannot be redeemed from the wrongs they have committed.
This secular-humanistic belief spreads from legalizing the taking of human life to other parts of society like cancer spreads to other organs and the bones. Secular humanists say, “If we can take human life like God, then we, like God, can define marriage. It can be between two men or two women.” They are blind to how all of creation cries out that is false.
Marriage is to society what bones are to the human body. It gives society a foundation upon which communities grow strong and thrive. In marriage between one man and one woman, society becomes life giving (children), and within a family people learn to serve out of love for one another.
When secular humanists define marriage as being two people of the same sex, they open the door to redefining what a man or woman is. They say to themselves, “If we can define marriage to be between two people of the same sex, then why not choose our sex?” Thus, this cancerous belief spreads through laws that support this choice. Maybe no other choice more explicitly declares that God does not exist, and that if He does, He makes mistakes. And, not only can a person choose their sex, but they can punish those who follow their God-given conscience and refuse to recognize and celebrate that lie. Again, all of creation cries out that the ability to choose your sex is a false teaching.
Our votes need to support those who will best protect the truth that God is God, and we are not, that He alone decides when a person’s life is over, that He alone decides if we are male or female, that He alone defines marriage, and that He defined it as between one man and one woman. We see these truths throughout creation. We do not need a bible to know they are true. (Rom 1:20)
We can kind of sum this up like this: God is a good, good Father. And His children vote for life not death, for fruitful love not sterility, and for the wonderful gift of our manhood and womanhood, not confusion and despair.
You see, cancerous beliefs like secular humanism are not the only thing that spreads. Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. (Rom 5:20) Love, life, and truth spread so much more effectively than falsehoods, for all people are made for Jesus, who is the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6) So be bold in hope and share your faith and vote for the truth. We were made by God and for God, and it is only in our relationship with Him that we find true joy and peace. Amen.
Citations
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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 20, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Is 53:10-11 / Ps 33 / Heb 4:14-16 / Mk 10:35-45
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
The readings for this Sunday, the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, show us a common theme of sacrificial service and humility as the path to true greatness. The readings together point to the idea that true greatness and leadership in God’s eyes are marked by humility, compassion, and willingness to sacrifice for the good of others. The past few Sundays’ gospel readings from Mark and our reflections have gradually developed a consistent theme: discipleship, humility, and the course of following Jesus.
When you watch a TV series, before the start of the show, you will see a brief recap of the previous episodes. So, allow me to give you a brief recap of the recent Sundays, and how they connect to this Sunday.
On the 27th Sunday, Jesus spoke about the sanctity of marriage and welcomed children, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God, like a child. The readings highlighted humility, particularly in terms of recognizing our need for God and others, the openness and trust seen in children, and the servant-hearted attitude that Jesus speaks about this Sunday.
On the 28th Sunday, Jesus encounters the rich young man and teaches about the challenges of wealth in following Him, saying, “Go. Sell what you have and give to the poor.” The focus is on detachment and radical discipleship, putting God first above all possessions. The theme of detachment continues, as Jesus calls His disciples to detach themselves from the culture of royalty and fame.
Today, the theme culminates in Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership. The disciples, particularly James and John, are still thinking in terms of worldly power and honor. Jesus redirects them to understand that His mission and kingdom are based on humility and self-giving love.
Over the past few weeks, Jesus has been preparing His disciples to embrace a life of humility and service, warning them against attachments to wealth, status, or power. Today’s teaching makes this call really clear and definite. True greatness in the kingdom is found in becoming a servant, even to the point of sacrifice.
In today’s gospel, we witness an audacious request from the apostles, James and John. They ask Jesus for positions of honor in His glory. They want to be seated at His right and left, envisioning power and prominence in a kingdom they imagine Jesus will soon come to reign. The request shows their misunderstanding of what Jesus is about to accomplish. They are still thinking in worldly terms of greatness and power, while Jesus is about to demonstrate that His kingdom operates on an entirely different foundation: self-sacrifice and service.
Jesus responds to the request with a profound lesson: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” (Mark 10: 43-44) This teaching flips our understanding of greatness upside down. Instead of power and control, Jesus tells us that true greatness is found in humility and in serving others.
This message is reinforced by our first reading, from the prophet Isaiah, which speaks of the suffering servant, who, through his suffering and offering his life, brings healing and salvation to many. “By suffering, My servant shall justify many.” (Isaiah 53:11) Jesus embodies this prophecy. He is the suffering servant who gives his life as a ransom for many, showing us that love reaches its fullest expression in sacrifice.
Our second reading reminds us of the compassionate nature of Jesus as our high priest. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way.” (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus is not distant or aloof from our human condition. He knows our struggles and our sufferings because He has experienced them Himself. He knows the cost of service and the pain of sacrifice.
I’d like to quote what Mother Teresa said, which perfectly captures this spirit of humble service and love. “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
In our lives, we may not be called to the kind of great sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, but we are called to serve in small ways with love and humility. It is in these small acts of kindness: listening to someone in pain, comforting a friend, caring for the needy, that we participate in Christ’s mission of love.
The apostles wanted greatness, but Jesus shows them that greatness is not about status or recognition. It is about serving others without counting the cost. This call to service is not limited to extraordinary moments or grand gestures; it is lived out in the everyday moments of our lives, when we choose to put others before ourselves, when we act with compassion, and when we seek to love as Christ has loved us.
So, the question for us today is: How can we live out this call to service in our own lives? First, we must remember that Jesus calls us to humility. This means recognizing that we are not above anyone, whether it is your family, friends, or strangers. We are called to serve them, as Jesus serves. We can begin by asking ourselves: How can I serve the people around me? What small acts of kindness can I offer today?
Second, we can imitate Jesus in His compassion. As the letter to the Hebrews tells us, Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, because He understands them. In our interactions with others, we should strive to be compassionate and understanding, recognizing that everyone is carrying their own burdens. Compassion begins by listening and by being present to those who are suffering or in need.
Lastly, let us humbly embrace the opportunities to sacrifice. Sacrifice doesn’t always mean giving up something big. It often means putting aside our own desires for the sake of others. It means being patient when it is difficult, forgiving when it’s painful, and loving when it’s inconvenient. In a world that celebrates individualism and self-promotion, Jesus invites us to embrace a different kind of greatness, one that is grounded in love, service, and humility. As we go forth today, may we take to heart His words: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Let us live this call in our lives, doing small things with great love, knowing that in God’s eyes, they are truly great things.
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