Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

Is 49,1-6 / Ac 13,22-26 / Lk 1,57-66.80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

IN OTHER WORDS

The central theme of the Gospel today is the birth of John the Baptist. John popularly means

God’s Grace or God is gracious. Obviously he was a gift from God to Zechariah and Elizabeth to whom an angel made reference during that annunciation to Mary that she would be the mother of the son of God. The angel said,” And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:26-38)

John was the name and was already destined to be the forerunner. The question “What, then, will this child be?” became moot and academic. Still, the process of gradually understanding the very grace that was granted to the old couple would be a challenging task ahead.

As we celebrate the birth of the great prophet John the Baptist, we are likewise ushered in to reflect the value of human life. That life is all a gift from God, a grace that understandably solicits expression of gratitude, just like what Elizabeth and Zechariah exhibited by naming the son John, something that was not culturally practiced. How often do we pause and re ect on the value of our life and the task embedded in us by God, just like destiny carved already for John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Savior Jesus Christ?

• Fr. Jun Javines, SVD | USC, Cebu City

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

2 Kgs 24,8-17 / Mt 7,21-29

Jesus said to his disciples, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

IN OTHER WORDS

In his book, Healing Wounded Emotions, Fr. Martin Padovani SVD sharply distinguishes between obedience out of conviction or as an act of the will and obedience out of guilt, fear or shame. When one has made the firm decision to comply with a command, especially from a parent, he/she can then forego and handle reasonably, with faith, whatever emotions that may consequently surface.

But the basis for compliance is feelings – pleasant when the order/command is suitable, or unpleasant when it goes against one’s wishes – then that kind of obedience will neither last nor have much value. For many sons, obedience to the father can be a real test of the will given, as Sigmund Freud theorized, the “Oedipus complex” lurking in our psyche.

Initially the two sons in the gospel story showed different attitudes to the father, different reactions to the order their parent had given. One, at the start, said “yes” but did not go and comply with his father’s command, the other son said “no” but, after thinking it over did obey his father.

Overcoming his initial emotions and attitude, the second son made arm determination to obey.

If we look at Jesus as “the parable of the Father,” we will see in him the ideal son: a combination of the best of the two sons. Jesus said “yes” and he, overcoming his emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane, obeyed. His was obedience even unto death. And his obedience ful lled what the voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The obedience of the Lord brought infinite good to this world.

Not only will wounded emotions be healed, but by perfect obedience, the world itself will be healed or reconciled to the Father, Fr. Padovani claims.

• Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD | U.S.A.

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

2 Kgs 22,8-13; 23,1-3 / Mt 7,15-20

Jesus said: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or gs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the re. So by their fruits you will know them.”

IN OTHER WORDS

There are plenty of mango trees in Palawan. During the fruiting season beautiful and big mangoes are a common sight. However, people may not take any mango fruit or seedling out of the island province because the trees are infected with weevil. A ripe mango fruit is likely to have weevil larvae embedded inside. Weevil larvae are very destructive to plants and grains.

“See, how they love one another!” This was a beautiful description of the first Christians made by those who observed them. People saw how they loved and served one another. Certainly, the first Christians were known by their fruits, their acts of love and service to one another and to others.

Church leaders, both the hierarchy and the laity, have been harping on the importance of family and family values. Unfortunately, many parents have been remiss in their responsibility of rearing their children according God’s plan. To some extent, parents have abdicated their role as models to their children. Now, we see many children who turn out to be problematic because of lack of parental guidance. Parents are supposed to act as prophets to their kids, but sad to say, some have become false prophets, false teachers to their kids because of their bad example As we honor today the two martyrs, St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, we would like to ask for their intercession, that, like them, we may be able to act as true prophets to the world, resisting anything contrary to the will of God.

• Fr. Antonio O. Pegon, SVD | Tagaytay City

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

2 Kgs 19,9-11.14-21.31-35.36 /Mt 7,6.12-14

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.  “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Dogs and pigs were loathsome animals in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Both animals were relegated among the degraded species of creation.

In verse 6 Jesus warns his apostles not to throw what is holy to the dogs and the pigs. What is holy refers to his teachings that he was handing on to his apostles (and eventually to all his followers).

Dogs and pigs refer to the Pharisees and scribes who always maligned with brazen malice whatever Jesus said and did. Jesus might as well be teaching us that when our human dignity is being trampled upon, as his opponents did to him, we have to stand up rmly as long as we are on “solid ground.”

In verse 12 Jesus states positively that we should do to others what we want others to do to us.  This could be Jesus’ practical warning to his apostles and to us against pharisaical behavior.

In verses 13-14 Jesus tells us that those who want to follow him should “enter the narrow gate and walk the rough road.” No more, no less!

When Pope Francis was in the Philippines countless people walked many miles, stood long hours along the streets under the rain; multitudes passed the nights sleepless in the open air just to have a glimpse of the Holy Father. Thousands gave up their comfort when following where the Pope went to relish the Vicar of Christ’s captivating smile and blessing. And their sacrifices paid off ! In like manner, our lifetime striving to “enter the narrow gate and walk the rough road” is not only a glimpse of a fleeting view of a great personality but to gaze at a permanent beatific vision of the Triune God forever in heaven.

• Sr. Angelita Roferos, SSpS | CHS, Manila

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2015 Society of the Divine Word