Reflection for September 27, Monday Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest: Luke 9:46-50

Gospel: Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company. Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel that you are above all for the reason of the things that you do or for the reason of your achievements and status in life? 

We can’t help but ask, why did the disciples argue as to who among them is the greatest? Perhaps they got carried away with the sudden fame of being with Jesus. That’s why they were arguing as to who was the greatest among them. By being mindful of their egos they forgot that they were with their Lord and Master. 

Jesus knew of their selfish desire for fame thus He took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 

Least in what aspect? Least in promoting oneself as the greatest and least in filling up ones ego. It’s indeed very tempting to use Jesus to enhance our self-image. But reality check first, this is not what Jesus wants for us to become. Jesus desire for all of us is to embrace humility at all times. 

No one is greatest for Jesus but those who are humble. And those who silently give their time to help him advance His teachings. They are the greates in the eyes of Jesus. 

If you give your time for Jesus no matter how little so long as you give it with all your heart. If you give your time for Jesus without the objective to boast and the selfish desire to be popular. You’re already the greatest in Jesus eyes. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday September 26, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

 

Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

At that time, John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. 

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. 

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. 

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 

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 Reflection:

The Story is told about two pastors who were trying to convince the people in their place to join their respective religions. Pastor number one said, nobody can bring you closer to God except me  because others who are preaching about God are fake preachers so don’t listen to them listen only to me. 

Pastor number two said: Aside from listening to me you can also listen to others who are preaching the words of God. One of the members of his religion asked the pastor: Why should I listen to them also? The pastor said: Because I don’t have the monopoly of the words of God.     

In the gospel, a man who doesn’t belong to the group of Jesus was casting out demons using His name. John saw this man, thus he tried to prevent the man from using the name of the Lord (Mark 9:38). However, Jesus told John: Do not prevent him, let him continue using my name for no one who is using my name will speak ill of me (Mark 9:39).       

Was John feeling superior when he prevented the man from using the name of the Lord? Why did John has that mindset of superiority? Because he was with Jesus and he felt that he has the sole possession of the name Jesus? But Jesus did not like John’s display of arrogance. So Jesus contradicted John to send a strong message to His apostles that they don’t have the monopoly of his name.     

Jesus did not want to become an exclusive property of anyone even by those who are very close to Him. As far as Jesus is concerned, He is for everybody.  And for as long as it is for a noble purpose anyone can use His name anytime. 

We must avoid the mindset of superiority over anybody because nobody will like or join us. Instead, we must at all times be humble since its only thru our humility that we can bring our fellowmen  closer to the Lord and to our church. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for September 25, Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:43b-45

Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

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Reflection:

Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus to elaborate His meaningful statement that He is going to be handed over to men? Did they sense that something dangerous is going to happen to Jesus soon? Were they afraid to hear something that would deal with suffering and the cross? Or the disciples were simply used to the image of Jesus as a powerful miracle worker and healer?   

Is it only for His miracles and healings that we follow Jesus? Perhaps yes, many of us are only after Jesus the miracle worker and Jesus the healer. But if we are only after His miracles and healings then this is not true discipleship.  

True discipleship happens to us when we are also ready to suffer for Jesus and when we are also ready to carry our own cross for Jesus. We cannot separate Jesus from suffering because He himself brutally suffered. Thus we cannot also separate ourselves from suffering/s if we truly follow Jesus.  

Nevertheless, let us not be afraid to suffer for our discipleship for Jesus because our suffering for Jesus will not be in vain. There is always something glorious after suffering and carrying our own cross for Jesus. We may not know it immediately but there surely will be glory after we endure our cross and sufferings. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 24, Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:18-22

Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.  

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

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Reflection:

Do you live the teachings of Jesus? 

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” they were unsure, some said that He was John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen. Then He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”  

If Jesus would ask us, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” I don’t know if we would be able to answer at all. Because unlike the disciples who walked and lived with Jesus and who shared and preached the word of God. We may not have preached and shared what we know about the  yet.  

What if He will also say to us, “But who do you say that I am?” Would we be able to reply like Peter who said with conviction, “The Christ of God.”  

These are two simple questions from Jesus that invites us to examine if we have a personal relationship with Him. If we don’t have it yet let us do our part by having that thirst and hunger for the Lord. And surely the Holy Spirit will do its part to bring us closer to Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for September 23, Thursday of the Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest: Luke 9:7-9

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a lady who was always being bothered by her conscience every time she sees a baby.  For it always reminds her of her baby which she aborted. She had no closure with the mortal sin that she did.  

Perhaps the same scenario was occurring in the mind of Herod. He was deeply disturbed by the news about Jesus. And it came to a point that he thought that John whom he ordered killed has been raised from the dead.  

Why is Herod curious about the true identity of Jesus and why have that burning desire to see Jesus? This is for the reason that Herod wants to see if John whom he ordered killed had risen.  

We too should have that curiosity about Jesus not because we want to know if He is John. We have to be curious about Jesus for the reason that we want to have a deeper intimacy with Him. And this desire to know more about the Lord should lead us to a deeper faith and love for the Lord.  

To whom does Jesus always manifest Himself to us during this covid-19 pandemic? He manifest through the poor, the deprived, the hungry and the oppressed. If we want to know Jesus deeply we must exert every possible effort to help and love them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for September 22, Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

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Reflection:

How do you live in this world? Do you live with your trust and confidence in Jesus or you are living with your trust and confidence on yourself and in this world?  

When Jesus sent the twelve apostles to their mission of evangelization He told them this: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic (Luke 9:3). What does this very important statement of Jesus imply to the apostles? Jesus in essence was telling the apostles, rely on no one but me for I will provide for all of your needs!  

Did they rely on Jesus? Yes of course except for Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. The eleven of them relied on Jesus that’s why they were very successful in their mission of evangelization. Majority of them even gave their lives for their mission, faaithfulness and reliance to Jesus.  

This is a good point of reflection for all of us as we continue our journey in this fleeting world. To whom do we rest our lives in this world? Do we rest it on Jesus or we rest it on this world and ourselves? We are in the era of covid-19 in which it tells us about how fragile life is. That we can go out of this world anytime what if we die without a personal friendship with the Lord because of our busyness with the affairs of this world?  

Many of us continue to work so hard to accumulate temporal things. There are even some of us or many of us who even work during Sundays so that we could have what we want. So, we sacrifice our worship for God at Holy Mass in exchange for our accumulation of worldly things. 

Reliance on material things of this world will bring us nothing but emptiness. Even if we accumulate all of the material things of this world we would still not be happy we would still have this very deep feeling of void and emptiness. 

What if we rely on Jesus and we have a personal friendship with the Lord? Then, we are already complete and we are the happiest and most contented person in this world even if we have no material riches.  For the simple reason that Jesus is more than enough than any of the material thing/s of this world.     

We cannot bring to the next life the worldly things that we rely on this world. But if we rely on Jesus and if we rest our lives in Him this would assure us of eternal life in heaven with the Lord someday.  

To whom do you rely? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 21, Tuesday Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

Does Jesus have a soft spot for sinners? Yes Jesus has a soft spot for all of us sinners. For example in our gospel HE called a tax collector and a sinful man named Matthew. After calling Matthew Jesus went to Matthew’s house to dine with tax collectors and sinners.  

All of us are sinners and Jesus is continuously calling upon us to leave for good our sinful lives and follow HIM. The gravity of our sins are not anymore important for Jesus what is important for HIM is we respond to HIS call same as how Matthew in our gospel responded.  

Perhaps you may ask, why is Jesus calling me to follow HIM? Among many other reasons Jesus wants you to be freed from the bondage of sin; HE wants us to be enlightened by HIS grace. And Jesus wants to save you from hell where Satan holds court. These are the reasons why Jesus is calling you to follow HIM.  

Your life will never be the same again once you accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in your family; you will now become averse to commit any form of sin and you will be freed from its bondage.  

Would you respond to the Lord’s call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 20, Monday Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs (M): Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.  

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a long dormant lighthouse that was revived and brightly lighted by the community around it.  The voyagers and fishermen were very happy to see its light once again. For it gave them direction and it made their life easier at sea.  

By virtue of our faith and what we know about Jesus we also have the potential to become a bright lighthouse. That gives direction, inspiration and hope to our fellowmen. This could happen provided we have the courage to live and share Jesus through our words and actions.  

But how many of us have become the living light of Jesus to our fellowmen? How many of us have dared to live and share the teachings of Jesus? If we don’t dare live and share Jesus we simply become an unlighted lighthouse. A lighthouse that is overcome by darkness it doesn’t give hope, inspiration and direction.  

Let us never forget to remember that we can always become a lighted lamp that is placed on a lampstand that Jesus mentions in the gospel. In that way we can bless others by sharing and living our faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Reflection for Sunday September 19, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:30-37

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

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

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who heard an announcement in their parish church about its need for those who would be interested to volunteer as an extra-ordinary minister of the Holy Communion. Thus, he volunteered and he went through the formation process.  

However, he had this thought in his mind that this church ministry is an opportunity for him to be popular in their community. He was already imagining that his being popular would result to him entering politics.   

In the gospel, while journeying through Galilee Jesus heard His disciples arguing, so Jesus’ asked them when they were in a house in Capernaum. “What were you arguing about on the way?” (Mark 9:33) They were not able to answer because they were arguing who is the greatest among them. 

Who is the greatest in the eyes of the Lord? The greatest for Jesus is the one who is willing and ready to serve and not to be served. The greatest is the one who is willing and ready to humble himself amidst the temptation to boast and be arrogant. The greatest are those who silently do their vocation for the Lord without expecting anything in return. 

Many of us love to project power.  We feel that we are above all because we occupy an exalted position in our work, church or community. However, this is without importance in the eyes of the Lord what is important for Jesus is our childlike humility and our willingness to follow Him without expecting anything in return. 

Are you ready to humbly follow the Lord with expecting anything in return? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for September 18, Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:4-15

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

4 When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to him, he spoke in a parable. 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear. 

9 Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. 10 He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that ‘they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.’ 

11 “This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. 12 Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of trial. 

14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. 15 But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

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Reflection:

How do you receive the word of God? For example when you read the words of Jesus in  the bible, do you reflect upon it, discern it and then share it? Or you just read it and then it ends there nothing eventful happened with your reading of the words of God. 

How do you react when you hear the words of God proclaimed during Holy Mass? Do you allow yourself to be moved by it? That it immediately stirs you to do good and live your faith so that you can make a positive Impact on the lives of your fellowmen? 

Jesus words is the seeds that He plants in our hearts and Jesus expectation is always for us to be fruit bearing followers. Where others can learn about Jesus and our faith from us. We must not allow ourselves to become followers in name only who simply absorb the words of God and do nothing.

Therefore, we have to share the words of Jesus. Never mind the time and money that we would be using for doing it. For Jesus will give back to us a hundredfold whatever time and treasure that we invest for the propagation of His teachings. - Marino J. Dasmarinas   

1Reflection for September 17, Friday the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3 

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. 

Accompanying him were the twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

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Reflection:

Do you want to follow Jesus? 

As an itinerant preacher and healer Jesus was always with a group of people: they were His followers and perhaps His logistical support system as well. They were always there for Jesus ever ready to help and support Him in whatever way possible. 

Who does Jesus represents today? It’s anybody who humbly, effectively and truthfully proclaims the teachings of Jesus. He could be your friend, he could be your father, mother, brother, priest, pastor and anyone who faithfully follows Jesus.   

Anyone of us can follow Jesus nobody in fact is being prevented to follow Him. Why? Because when you decide to follow Jesus your life will begin to have a direction. Your perspective about life will change as well! This is the miracle that occurs when someone decides to follow the Lord. 

You will also be cured of anything that ails your most especially ailments about your mind, spirit and emotion. This is the miracle that occurs when a person decides to faithfully follow Jesus. 

Would you faithfully follow the the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for September 16, Thursday Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Saint Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs (M): Luke 7:36-50

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to share his meal, so he went to the Pharisee’s home, and as usual reclined at the table to eat. 37 And it happened that, a woman of this town, who was known as a sinner, heard that he was in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and stood behind him, at his feet, weeping. 

She wet his feet with tears; she dried them with her hair; she kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them. 39 The Pharisee who had invited Jesus was watching, and thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what sort of person is touching him; isn’t this woman a sinner?” 

40 Then Jesus spoke to the Pharisee and said, “Simon, I have something to ask you.” He answered, “Speak, master.” And Jesus said, 41 “Two people were in debt to the same creditor. One owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other fifty. 42 As they were unable to pay him back, he graciously canceled the debts of both. 

Now, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, who was forgiven more.” And Jesus said, “You are right.” 44 And turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? 45 You gave me no water for my feet when I entered your house; but she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 

You didn’t welcome me with a kiss; but she has not stopped kissing my feet since she came in. 46 You provided no oil for my head; but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 This is why, I tell you, her sins, her many sins, are forgiven, because of her great love. But the one who is forgiven little, has little love.” 

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others reclining with him at the table began to wonder, “Now this man claims to forgive sins!” 50 But Jesus again spoke to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace!”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a big time sinner who was contemplating of ending her life. When she was about to take the drugs that would end it all. She suddenly remembered what he read about the infinite love of Jesus. That Jesus loves her dearly no matter who she is and no matter how grave the sins that she committed. 

After that enlightened episode in her life she decided to go to the Sacrament of Confession so that she could be reconciled once again with Jesus and be cleaned from all of her sinfulness.  

Aside from Jesus when have two very interesting characters in the gospel. One is a Pharisee named Simon and the other one is an unidentified woman who was labeled as a sinner. Simon is the self-righteous Pharisee who thinks of himself as a non-sinner. Hence, he detested the woman who humbly went to Jesus begging for forgiveness of her many sins. Did this woman know that Jesus would listen to her plea for forgiveness? Did this woman know that Jesus would give a portion of His precious time for her? 

Yes this woman knew that Jesus would listen to her appeal of forgiveness and yes this woman knew that Jesus will give not only a portion of His precious time but even all of His time so that He could listen to her. 

Many of us do not care to submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession because we have the same mindset with Simon the Pharisee. We are self-righteous and we are quick to judge our fellowmen’s sinfulness but we conveniently forget our own sinfulness. 

But truth be told, nobody is free from sin amongst us for we are all sinful. So what are we going to do? We have to be like the woman who recognized her own sinfulness. The same woman who went to Jesus with an alabaster jar of perfume to pour it on His feet. And the same woman who was so filled with repentance thus she wept unabashedly before Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for September 15, Wednesday Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows: John 19:25-27

Gospel: John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

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Reflection:

Have you feel sorrow in your life?

The Blessed Mother felt it deep in her immaculate heart. It started when Simeon told her that her son will be a sign of contradiction and her soul would be pierced by a sword (Luke 1:34-35). Then it culminated to the point where we are now in our gospel. 

We cannot fathom how the Blessed Mother felt during that time when she was at the foot of the cross looking up to her badly bruised and dying son Jesus. Nonetheless, even if she was deep in her sorrow she still found courage and strength in her son. For she obeyed what Jesus told her that from thereon she would treat John as her son that’s why she went to the house of John and stayed there. 

Do you always find strength and courage in Jesus especially during the sorrowful moments of your life? Do you always ask the Blessed Mother to pray for you to make your faith in Jesus as strong as hers? 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus in the midst of my sorrows, trials and sufferings I pray to you to give me the strength and courage to face whatever sorrows I may go through. Give me the same strength and courage that you gave the Blessed Mother when she was sorrowfully looking up to you at the foot of the cross. 

Please continue to strengthen me Dear Lord Jesus, give me the gift to trust you more than I trust myself.  Amen. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 14, Tuesday Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: John 3:13-17

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

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Reflection:

Do you know the story of the true cross of Jesus?

After the death of Jesus there was an intense persecution of Christians. But during the year 312 AD the church entered a new era and that was when Constantine I, adopted the Christian faith and became the first Christian Emperor of Rome. One of his first edict was to stop the persecution of Christians.

It was said that Constantine I, deputized his mother Helena to gather Christian relics. So she travelled to the Holy Land, while there she discovered the three crosses used during the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves (Dismas and Gestas).

Since there were three crosses her dilemma was to find the real cross of Jesus. So she called on the sick people of the community and let them touch each of the three crosses. Among the three there was one that stood out, because it instantly healed those who touched it. Helena declared it to be the true cross of Jesus.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, unlike other Christians whose cross is without Jesus. Our cross is never complete without Jesus on it.

Often times, our cross symbolizes the burdens that we carry. A young mother who was asked, who is your cross and she instantaneously replied: “It’s my irresponsible husband because he is always with his friends indulging in drinking sprees and whenever he arrives he subjects me to physical and emotional abuse.”

Each and everyone of us has our own cross that makes life difficult for us. Sometimes we may even say: why is it that the more that I go near Jesus the heavier the cross that I carry? The cross that we carry is a test of our faith, we would not be able to fully comprehend the presence of Jesus in our lives without silently carrying and enduring our own cross.

What is important is whenever we carry our cross we invite Jesus to help us carry it and implore Him to journey with us with our cross. Let us not question why we have our cross because the cross that burdens us right now is nothing compared to the cross of Jesus.

The paradox of it all is this: The cross that has given Jesus tons of sufferings became the catalyst in the completion of His mission. This cross is also the symbol of our salvation so long as we believe and look up to Jesus who died for us on the cross. There is no exaltation of the cross without the salvific sacrifice of Jesus.

Are you carrying your own cross or do you have a cross right now? A cross that makes life so difficult for you? Look up to Jesus then close your eyes and humbly ask Him to help you carry it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas