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THE WORD

Zec 2: 14–17 (or Rv 11: 29;12: 1–6.10) / Lk 1: 26–38 (or Lk 1: 39–47)

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

IN OTHER WORDS

For many who have just been told of, say, the presence of a tumor in one’s body, the news of death of a loved one in his/her prime, the devastation brought about by calamities and tragedies, the painful experience of marital separation, and the infidelity of friends and partners – the angel’s assurance that “nothing will be impossible for God” would be very difficult to understand, much more accept. Mary might be aware of the negative and even “deadly” implications of her Yes to the invitation of the Lord, yet she totally surrendered herself to God. We know that Mary was not spared from pain and suffering and yet she continued to hope that God would fulfill His promise. Yes, even if at times it doesn’t make sense at all, the season of Advent continues to remind us and assures us that He will not abandon us and that He will come to us and be one with us even in our pain and suffering. Faith in God is the foundation of hope, and charity is the expression of hope. May we rediscover and deepen our faith, hope and charity in the midst of our human condition.

  • Fr. Anthony Salas, SVD (USC, Cebu City)

The Word in other words 2015

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.

 

THE WORD

Is 48: 17–19 / Mt 11: 16–19

Jesus said to crowds, “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Can anybody please everybody? The answer is a loud and clear NO. As a parish priest I had many co-workers who helped me a lot to realize our pastoral programs, but I also received criticism from others.

As a teacher I experience the same. When, at the end of the school year, I get the evaluation of my students, there are always many positive and encouraging words – but there are inevitably also negative evaluations, especially from those who fail in their exams.

As we read today’s gospel passage, we find that the great prophet John the Baptist experienced also both praise and criticism. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was not able to please everybody.

We feel the frustration in Jesus’ words, and yet, he went on; he did not give up; he had come with a mission and did not give up until his mission was accomplished.

Negative criticisms are only too common wherever we are. Of course, if we do something wrong, a negative criticism is valid. And, in such a case, it would be good to listen, reflect and honestly realize that what we did or say was wrong and even harmful. Then the critic would have helped us to change, grow and mature.

Often, however, a negative criticism is the result of envy, anger and unresolved personal problems. Such an unwarranted criticism can discourage and bring us to the point of giving up what we are doing. Here the example of John the Baptist and Jesus will help us, for they encourage us not to give in to such negative reactions. When we face our critics, we will do well to reflect as objectively and honestly as possible whether what is said about us is true or not. It can help us to realize the mistakes we have made and then to change – or else we should disregard criticisms which are unwarranted and then move on – as John the Baptist and Jesus did.

  • Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD (CKMS, QC)

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

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.

 

THE WORD

Is 41: 13–20 / Mt 11: 11–5

Jesus said to the crowds, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

IN OTHER WORDS

Why was John great in Jesus’ eyes? Obviously he was a prophet; but above all, only John witnessed the emergence of Jesus – the promised Messiah. Then why did Jesus add that “the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”? We can understand this with the note that “greater” here takes the tone of “privileged and honored.”

What then makes us more fortunate than John? It is because, although John prophesied the coming of the Messiah, prepared His way, witnessed Jesus’ glory during His baptism, and even pointed Him out as the Lamb of God, still John didn’t live long enough to witness the outpouring of God’s love on Calvary. John might have seen the tree and its flower-buds, but not the ripening of the fruit. For inasmuch as Christ prayed, taught and worked miracles, it was by His love on the cross that we were redeemed. This is what we have over John; we witness God’s love in its fullness, a love that we continue to celebrate and recall, every time we gather for the Eucharist. Let’s hope we never fail to treasure and live up to such privilege, fortune and honor.

The Gospel also reminds us that John’s mission can also be our calling. Ten years ago, while serving as a supervisor in a primary school, the principal told me: “Father, surprise! Six teachers have just been baptized after two years of instructions.” I was really amazed; they had never mentioned anything about it to me earlier. Later, as we reflected on this blessing, I asked, “Where did you first encounter the faith?” Everyone answered that they initially came to know Christ and the Church while attending the Catholic schools. And one even jokingly said, “I suppose my teacher then could never have imagined that the naughty boy in the class was actually listening and that the seed of faith was being effectively planted there.” From then on we had a better perspective in relating with our students. Like the prophets, the Lord needs us to scatter the seeds of faith. May we never tire of doing so, even if the harvest may not seem to happen soon enough.

  • Fr. Midas, Tambot, SVD (Hongkong)

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

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.

 

THE WORD

Is 40: 25–31 / Mt 11: 28–30

“Come to me,” Jesus invites us, “all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

IN OTHER WORDS

A Japanese unbeliever was saying to a Filipino friend, “You Catholics are very lucky. If you are happy, you have Someone to thank for. If you have problems you have Someone to carry to.”

This is a fitting description of the followers of Jesus. Our God is not up there nor down under. Our God is close to us; in fact, he became one of us to search for those who have gone astray in life to bring back to the Father in heaven. He ate with us, he touched us and healed us.

Even when he had finished his task on earth, he promised to be with us until the end of time. So he sent us his Spirit and left us a community that will bring his presence concretely among us.

Although his passion was to make us love him, he left us free to respond to his love. In the Gospel today he invites, “Come to me.” In effect he says, “If you are happy, I’ll share with your joy. If you are crushed by problems or sickness, I’ll be with you; so you won’t be alone.”

Advent is a preparation for his coming. He comes to give “strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound.” (1st reading)

A good Advent prayer would be “Lord, come and be with me always.”

  • Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD (DSWT, Tagaytay City)

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

The Word in other words 2015

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.

 

More Articles ...

  1. December 8, 2015 Tuesday
  2. December 7, 2015 Monday
  3. December 6, 2015 Sunday
  4. December 5, 2015 Saturday
  5. December 4, 2015 Friday
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