Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 31, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Lord is risen, Alleluia!
WITNESS TO THIS ARE:
1. THE DISCIPLES THAT TIME – Mary Magdalene, Peter and John despite the seeming unbelief and fear announced that the Lord is Risen. They came to UNDERSTAND that Jesus is Risen. With faith, may we come to “understand” that the Risen Jesus is with us in all our experiences, except in sin.
2. THE THINGS THAT POINT OUT THAT HE IS RISEN – The rolled stone, empty tomb and linens wrapped in the dead body of Jesus at the side. The disciples of Jesus came to EXPERIENCE Jesus in the proofs that He was Risen. Sacraments especially the Eucharist are visible signs that convey invisible graces, may we “experience” the Risen Christ in the sacraments.
3. THE DISCIPLES THIS TIME – given the fact that the Lord is Risen, let’s have an unwavering faith, if from sins He can forgive us, and from death he can raise us up, be convinced that He could give us all that is best for us. May we come to WITNESS that Jesus is Risen just like the disciples in His time.
Happy Easter everyone!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 24, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I once asked a 3 year old boy in his grandmother’s wake, “Nasaan na si lola?” He answered back, “nasa heaven na po!” Glad to hear a strong statement from a child, such paves the way to have faith in the Risen and Ascended Christ. In our Gospel (Mt. 28:16-20) for this Sunday, St. Matthew accounted the visible Ascension of our Lord, WITH THIS, LET US MULL OVER ON THE FOLLOWING:
1. ASSURANCES FROM JESUS – that He is POWERFUL and He will REMAIN in us. The former confirms our supposed faith in Jesus, because, “all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him” (cf. Mt. 28:18). While in the later, He assures that He will never forsake us by saying “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). With these two assurances, may we experience peace and consolation with Jesus despite all the trials and hardships that we are encountering, especially nowadays with this Pandemic.
2. FOLLOWER OF JESUS – The Risen Jesus gave stress to baptism, He ordered the apostles to make disciples of all nations (cf. Mt. 28:19). Is baptism solely a sacrament? It is not only a sacrament that has to be received, but a way of life that has to be lived by. We are not just sacramentalized, we must be evangelized. After baptism we are called ‘Christians’ which means, ‘followers of Jesus.’
3. WITNESSES OF JESUS – This is the proof of true discipleship, becoming witnesses of Jesus to others. As Jesus ordered His Apostles, “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20) may we be living examples of the goodness and love of God to others. Amen!
A Blessed Ascension Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 17, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As I reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel (Jn. 14:15-21), I cannot help but to remember my late father, Francisco, Sr. What Jesus said and did were in semblance with my experiences with Tatay. We have heard in today’s Gospel the farewell discourse of Jesus and the promise of another Advocate as He ascended in heaven, this prepares us for the next two (2) weeks celebrations, the Ascension of our Lord and the Pentecost.
LET US NOW CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING REALITIES IN JESUS’ FAREWELL DISCOURSE:
1. FAREWELL AND ANOTHER ADVOCATE – After the cancer diagnosis of my father at the age of 45, farewells directly or indirectly became prominent. My father did not say that he will leave us another advocate (he is not God), but his advice, principles and good examples linger until now, like, love one another as siblings, study well for that is the only thing that they could leave us, example of being a public servant, etc… Such for me, is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit is another Advocate for us, He will enlighten and strengthen us, He will teach us how to live life to its fullest.
2. LOVE AND KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS – Less than 30 years now since our father left us, I could still remember his instructions on how to live life, disobedience would mean less consideration and less love to our father. The same as through in Jesus’ invitation, to keep His commandments would mean love and enough consideration to Him if we follow His precepts. As He would say: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me” (Jn. 14:21).
3. INDWELLING AND ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM – Jesus said, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you” (Jn. 14:21). A friend of tatay once said to me, “para kang tatay mo, naglilingkod,” I was really happy hearing such affirmation and comparison, it’s an indwelling so to speak. Just like that if we remain in Jesus’ precepts, Jesus remains in us, as St. Paul would say, “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Living in Christ in the here and now will bring us to live with and in Him in eternity.
My late father tried to live in the promptings of Holy Spirit, thus, this paved way for him to stick on to the precepts of Jesus. With this ‘living in Jesus,’ ‘indwelling’ took place. Witnessing such, I believe (and I pray) that he is now ‘living with Jesus’ in eternity. May this be my/our trend in life in the here and now and in the life to come, Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 10, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Gospels are written without fabrications. There are times we could see how the apostles struggled from their personal weaknesses just like in the Gospel periscope (Jn. 14:1-12) this Sunday, Philip failed to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and Savior (Jn. 14:8) With this, we are given guidelines for us accept Jesus totally in our lives. Jesus said, I AM THE:
1. WAY – This pertains to the WILL, as the saying goes, “it there’s a will, there’s a way.” What keeps us going? Who is prompting us, ourselves and our emotions, bad influences or others that lead us to nowhere? May Jesus and the Holy Spirit spur us to do things so as not to get astray.
2. TRUTH – no one has the monopoly of what is true, only Jesus has. When we talk about truth, we talk about the MIND. Knowing Jesus is knowing the truth. Whenever we are in clash with anyone, go to Jesus and we will be equipped with what is absolutely true and good, for we cannot be all the time hanging with just a bit true and a bit good.
3. LIFE – This pertains to the HEART, the core of our existence. we may be biologically alive but spiritually dead. May Jesus be our life, present in our hearts. If this is so we will be full of love and goodness, it’s a heaven here on earth until it’s full realization. Amen!
A Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Happy Fiesta, Mahal na Poong Sta. Cruz!
Happy Mother’s Day to my Nanay Edeng, and to all the mothers out there!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 3, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There was once an orator who used Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) as his piece, he delivered the said Psalm very well in front of many people. Before the program ended, an old priest was asked to impart a message, at the beginning of his message he also delivered the same Psalm after which he said, “I could no longer deliver with emotion and persuasion.” But the orator on his closing remarks said, “I know the Psalm but the old priest knows the Shepherd. Do we know the Shepherd?
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
1. PROTECTS US FROM THIEF AND ROBBER – Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep” (Jn. 10:7). Gate protects the flock from danger, Jesus used such figure of speech to point out that, “all who came before Him are thieves and robbers” (cf. Jn. 10:8), Jesus is the epitome in leadership, may we always recognize His voice and listen to Him and not to anyone at anything that could destroy us.
2. INSTRUCTS US – Words are said in order to impart something or to communicate. The messages from our Good Shepherd are instructions that ought to be heard and followed. In doing so, we will “have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).
3. OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE – As we journey through life we are not heading nowhere. Jesus our Good Shepherd wants to bring us to greener pasture (Ps. 23:2), if we experience otherwise, we opted for that. Be at peace with Him, despite of what is happening nowadays. Though we are finite and mortal, Jesus who conquered death will raise us up on the last day, Amen!
A Blessed Good Shepherd Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 26, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Are we aware and sensitive enough how the Risen Christ reveals Himself to us? Let us now reflect on how the Resurrected Christ manifests Himself even during these trying times. In our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 24:13-35), 3rd Sunday of Easter, CHRIST MANIFESTED HIMSELF DURING:
1. HARD TIMES – “They (Cleofas and the other disciple) stopped, looking downcast” (v. 17). They were downcast with what had happened to Jesus. The two disciples did not recognize Jesus (Glorified Body) who travelled with them, that’s why Jesus explained everything to them. The same as through with us, there are times we could not see Jesus manifesting Himself specially in bad times, in this pandemic, but in prayers, in the stillness of our hearts, He will explain everything to us. He will enlighten and strengthen us along the way.
2. PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD – the two disciples said: “were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32). The Word of God enables us: to know Jesus more, to feel and experience the blessings and love He has for us, and at the same time see ourselves, our flaws and misgivings vis-a-vis His precepts. May proclamation of the Word of God be an occasion for us to make the Risen Jesus alive in us.
3. BREAKING OF THE BREAD – “While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him” (v. 30). Eucharist is our most intense union with God here on earth. Whenever we attend mass and encounter Jesus, do our eyes and hearts open to the Risen Jesus who loves us? At the moment, we are just having a spiritual communion with Jesus, we are not receiving Him in the sacrament, will this be a reason to be far from Him? May these trying times lead us to seek more the Word of God and envision to be with, for and in the breaking of the bread the soonest. Amen!
A Blessed 3rd Sunday of Easter!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 19, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
In our Gospel (Jn. 20:19-31) for this Sunday, Jesus brings forth to His apostles the following:
1. PEACE – The apostles were not yet sold that Jesus was risen, thus, with clouded mind and heavy heart the Risen Jesus appeared and brought forth peace to them. The same as through with us, amidst these trying times and uncertainties where this pandemic will lead us, hang on to Jesus, He will give us enlightenment and strength so as to be always at peace.
2. HOLY SPIRIT – The apostles abandoned Jesus, despite that, Jesus breathed on the apostles (the same breath that God blew on the nostrils of our 1st parents to have life – Gen.2:7) for new life and continuous mission (through the promptings of the Holy Spirit). New life is with us in the Risen Jesus. Bear in mind that we are not just existing, Jesus wants to put life in our existence, i.e., to live in, for, and with Him.
3. FAITH – This what Thomas professed upon seeing the Risen Christ, “My Lord and my God.” Faith is not solely from us, it is a gratuitous gift from God imbedded in our person. That as God reveals Himself, we respond in faith. Let us acknowledge that everything is from God, may we have a thankful heart and deep faith.
A Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 12, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Lord is risen, Alleluia!
WITNESS TO THIS ARE:
1. THE DISCIPLES THAT TIME – Mary Magdalene, Peter and John despite the seeming unbelief and fear announced that the Lord is Risen. They came to UNDERSTAND that Jesus is Risen. With faith, may we come to “understand” that the Risen Jesus is with us in all our experiences, except in sin.
2. THE THINGS THAT POINT OUT THAT HE IS RISEN – The rolled stone, empty tomb and linens wrapped in the dead body of Jesus at the side. The disciples of Jesus came to EXPERIENCE Jesus in the proofs that He was Risen. Sacraments especially the Eucharist are visible signs that convey invisible graces, may we “experience” the Risen Christ in the sacraments.
3. THE DISCIPLES THIS TIME – given the fact that the Lord is Risen, let’s have an unwavering faith, if from sins He can forgive us, and from death he can raise us up, be convinced that He could give us all that is best for us. May we come to WITNESS that Jesus is Risen just like the disciples in His time.
Happy Easter everyone!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 5, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There are two contrasting/ironical things in today’s celebration, the Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem and the Passion of Christ. These two are opposite, the former commemorates the entry to Jerusalem, that Jesus was accepted by the Jews as they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt. 21:9), while the latter was a rejection and mockery made by the Jews as they said, “Let him be crucified!” (Mt. 27:23). We are invited in our celebration for today to avoid incongruences and ironies, instead let us manifest a faith that is authentic and unwavering. Such will be possible if the following go together:
1. MIND AND HEART – The mind is the one responsible for thinking translated into acting. With our right mind, may we seek and stick on to what is true, thus, coupled with the heart, we are listening to God’s inner voice within us, guiding us what to do and how to do good things.
2. WORDS AND ACTIONS – More often than not, we hear the expression, “easier said than done,” this is true enough to those people who do not have conviction in life, those who do not have backbone to give flesh to the words uttered. May our words be our initial step in translating good actions.
3. RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND NEIGHBOURS – As the First Epistle of John would say, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (4:20). The concrete manifestation of our love to God is our love of neighbours, these two should be inseparable as we tend to be authentic in our faith, such could be practiced in the here and now where needy is immense. Amen!
A Blessed Palm Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 29, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
If we think of an experience that is common to all of us, we could say that, that experience is ‘crying,’ thus, it is also the first experience of each of us. No one can say that he or she hasn’t experienced crying. In the moment of birth, we are expected to cry, something is wrong if we did not. Even Jesus in our Gospel cried for the death of a good friend Lazarus (Jn.11:35). This is a proof that Jesus is one with/among us (He became Man).
What then are the reasons behind crying (phenomenology of crying)?
1. EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL PAIN -The manifestation of physical or emotional pain, more often than not, is crying. This was the experience of Martha, Mary and Jesus in our Gospel (Jn.11:1-45). We may experience external or internal pain/hardship, but let us always bear in mind that we have Jesus, one with us in such experience, and alleviating our pains and problems.
2. REGRETS/ FEEL SORROW OR REMORSE – Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn. 11:32). There are times when we missed chances (nanghihinayang) or feel sorry for something wrong we have done (nagsisisi), we cry. Jesus can do something for us just what He did with Martha and Mary. And if in case we sinned, His forgiveness is always there.
3. TEARS OF JOY – Jesus resuscitated Lazarus as a “prefiguration” of His resurrection and ours at the same time. This for sure brought joy to Martha and Mary. It was not explicitly said if Martha and Mary were still crying, but we could imagine if they do, it was because of joy for Lazarus was brought back to life. This is what Jesus wants, to bring us joy and salvation.
Jesus doesn’t want us to end up crying because of external or internal pain (PAIN OF THE SENSES) and remorse or regrets (PAIN OF LOSS), these two are the experiences in eternal damnation. May we always be positive despite the apparent helplessness brought about by the pandemic, COViD-19, if we have Jesus no virus can take away our lives. What Jesus wants is for us to be truly happy and at peace with Him, we may experience crying, but with Jesus the prevailing reason behind crying is JOY AND HAPPINESS WITH HIM HERE ON EARTH AND IN ETERNITY. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 22, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Have you ever imagine being blind? “May I invite you to close your eyes, what do we see? It’s total darkness, and it’s no joke if we will have it for life.” We often fail to acknowledge what we have until we lose them, e.g., sight, hearing and the likes. In this Sunday’s Gospel we have heard the healing of the man born blind (Jn. 9:1-41). This leads us to reflect on the following HEALING:
1. PHYSICAL BLINDNESS – One of the Messianic signs is healing the blind, thus, Jesus is really the Messiah, a healer. Let us come to Him and ask to stop this COViD-19. In the end, ‘greatest healing’ He could inflict us is to ‘raise us from the dead.’
2. SPIRITUAL/MORAL BLINDNESS –
The man born blind (Jn. 9:1) symbolizes each of us, we are born with original sin. And the healing process of the blind man took place when Jesus commanded the man, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (Jn. 9:7), this pertains to the water of baptism that cleanse us in our spiritual blindness. Along the way, we could have personal sins (spiritual/moral blindness), the good Lord heals/forgives us in the sacrament of reconciliation. May we respond to the primary character of Lenten season, i.e., conversion (penitential character), let’s be sorry for our sins.
3. BLINDNESS OF UNBELIEF – the man born blind was given ‘sight,’ then came the ‘insight’ on who Jesus was, and the last that was manifested was ‘faith’ in the Son of Man, Jesus the Lord (cf. Jn. 9:38). This was more highlighted because of the unbelief of the Pharisees. May we be like the healed blind man growing in knowledge and faith in Jesus our Lord. Amen!
Thus, after all the healing by Jesus, may we have the heart for others especially to those who are in dire need. During these hard times may we see others and do away with BLINDNESS OF INDIFFERENCE. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 15, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
For sure all of us know how is it to be thirsty, and we cannot stand such without drinking the necessary amount of water that we need. From physical thirst, theme in our 1st Reading (Ex. 17:3-7) came the message of God’s providential care to Israelites, and the message that Jesus is the giver of water that gives life in the Gospel (Jn. 4:5-42). The Samaritan woman in our Gospel experienced Jesus the Messiah. With this, let us reflect WHAT TOOK PLACE:
1. ENCOUNTER – In the Gospel, Jesus was a Jewish stranger asking water to a Samaritan woman, He initiated to have an encounter with the woman so as to invite the Samaritan to believe and have faith. More often than not, Jesus is a stranger to us, a God we failed to acknowledge. However, He will always make a way for us to encounter and experience Him. May we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in the occurrences in our lives (not only in good times but in bad times as well), in our neighbor and the likes.
2. ENLIGHTENMENT – After an encounter what comes next is enlightenment – chance to know Jesus more. Such is very evident with the Samaritan woman. At first Jesus for her was just a ‘Jewish stranger’ (v. 9), then she addressed Jesus as ‘Sir’ (v. 11), then a ‘Prophet’ (v. 19), a ‘Messiah’ (vv. 26-26), and finally ‘savior of the world’ (v. 42). Just like the woman from Samaria in our Gospel, may we grow in faith and in the knowledge of who Jesus is.
3. WITNESSING – “… whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (v. 14). The Samaritan woman at this point received Jesus and the living water that He gave, thus, from her sprang Jesus to others, she became witness of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 8, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As I reflect on our Gospel for this Sunday (Mt. 17:1-9 -The Transfiguration), I remembered our 12 hour trekking in going to the Dumagats’ settlements, I have pondered then that our trekking was in semblance with life’s journey. We have reached the highest peak of the mountainous area in DRT (Sierra Madre mountain ranges) called ‘korona,’ only to know that we were just half-way to our destination. The same as through with life, let us not think that if we succeed or happy on a certain instance (or the other way around), that’s the end of it, life has its ups and downs. May these ups and downs in our lives give way to our real destination, i.e., glorified existence with our Lord in eternity.
LIFE IS A JOURNEY TO:
1. MOUNT SAINAI – Let us always be sensitive to God’s precepts and commandments and follow in the name of LOVE and not of fear.
2. MOUNT CALVARY – Let us learn to carry our own crosses in life, with FAITH we can surpass all the trials and challenges in life.
3. MOUNT TABOR – As Christ transfigured (prefiguration of His Resurrection) so do we, let us always put our HOPE in Him, it is not only, “habang may buhay may pag-asa,” but, “habang may pag-asa may buhay.” Amen!
A Blessed Journey with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 29, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As the song goes, “O Tukso, Layuan mo ako,” I don’t think this is true and effective in countering evil because the devil’s work is to ‘insist,’ we may succeed once or twice but Satan is always ‘waiting for opportunities.’ “Devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1Pt. 5:8), with this, it is apt to say, “O Tukso, lalayo/lalaban ako!” We must “resist him, be solid in our faith” (1Pt. 5:9). If the devil ‘insists’ we can ‘resist.’
In today’s Gospel Reading (Mt. 4:1-11), Jesus was tempted. He could be tempted because He is fully human, but He never deviates from His perfect union with the Father. How then could we battle against evil forces?
1. KNOW THE DEVIL AND HIS WAYS – In combating evil forces, we have to know the devil’s ways and strategies, if not we might fall into his trap. More often than not, he is clever and his ways appear to be ‘good,’ but in truth they are all hoax. He could also use people who are near and dear to us to get us easily. Let us be cautious on the devil’s manner of enticing us.
2. KNOW OURSELVES AND OUR WEAKNESSES – We all have weaknesses, with this, let us bear in mind that the devil attacks us on these flaws in our person. It is in our weakness and vulnerability that the devil attempts to get us. Let us have a full grasp of who we are, and in our weaknesses ask God for strength.
3. KNOW GOD AND BE STRENGTHENED – We might think that Jesus won against evil because He is God and we are human, we need not to be like god to succeed, all we need to do is to know and hang on to Him. In our weakness, He is our strength and in our sinful ways, He is our refuge and guide. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 23, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There was a couple, whenever they quarrel they don’t talk to one another, whoever talks first is defeated. One time they had a quarrel, they were quiet over dinner, while watching TV and up to the point that they were about to sleep. The husband remembered that he had a 6am appointment, his wife usually wakes him up, he was on dilemma then, until he found a way, that was to make a note for his wife to wake him up, he placed the note on the table on the headboard near his wife, he said to himself, “you’ll give in, you have no choice but to talk to me to wake me up.” Night passed, the husband slept tight, as he opened his eyes and saw the clock, it was 8 in the morning, he saw a note on the table beside him, “wake up its 5am, you have a 6am appointment.” Hahaha!
As the proverb would assert, “To err is human to forgive is divine,” how then could we respond to the universal call to holiness if we have grudges against others. Hindrance to holiness could be the very self (selfishness) or clash with others. With this, may we hold on to what Jesus says in our Gospel for this Sunday, “love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44).
LOVE CONNOTES:
1. NO REVENGE TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONE WRONG – We can never be in control of what others will do, what we are in control of is ourselves, our reaction. May we try to understand and forgive those who have wronged us, let us be proactive rather than reactive.
2. READINESS TO GIVE ANYTHING TO EVERYBODY – If we are to gauge our love to others, the questions of what to give (value) and to whom we give are insignificant. Could we give regardless of what and to whom we wish to give? May we concretely manifest our love and concern in our life of giving. Our generosity could start (or bring back) a harmonious relationship to others.
3. PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU – A real test of sincerity is when a person let God intercede in whatever differences/grudges he/she has with anyone. Let us pray for their enlightenment and ours as well. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 16, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Days ago we had our Parish first and annual confession form different schools, that is, from grades 3 to 12, such gives me inspiration. Hearing them confess their sins convinces me that they are more sensitive and aware in what they are doing compare to the old ones. I often hear a confession, “nanuntok po ako,” “nanipa po ako,” “nangbatok po ako,” and the likes, he should have only said, “nanakit po ako,” almost all of them itemize the wrong acts toward others. While, old ones, more often than not, find it hard to admit the wrong doings toward neighbors, there are times, they justify. I sometimes hear, “Fr., kaaway ko yung kapit-bahay ko, kasi po ang magaspang ugali n’ya, s’ya naman nauna, etc…” Being sorry for our sins is the only way to follow God. With this, let us now reflect on how to totally obey God and let His will be done.
OUR LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD CONNOTES:
1. A DECISION – This is what the 1st Reading is telling us (Sir. 15:15-20), “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” We are like on a crossroad deciphering what to choose, we are free, but let us note what Sirac said, “No one does he command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin” (v. 20). May we always be free from sins and not enslaved by the sins we are doing, and it is a choice.
2. PROMPTINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – This is the focus in our 2nd Reading (1 Cor. 2:6-10) that “the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God” (v. 10). Obeying God is both our decision and His promptings through the Holy Spirit, all we need to do is to be sensitive to the Spirit in us since our baptism. The Holy Spirit could inspire us – putting in our thoughts God’s wisdom, and enthrone in our hearts God’s will.
3. FOLLOWING THE LAWS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS – Our Gospel (Mt. 5:17-37) for this Sunday talks about the Laws of Moses that ought to be followed, in elaborating the laws by giving their “implications,” Jesus made it clear that He has “come not to abolish (the law and prophets) but to fulfill” (v. 17). Let us not be like the Scribes and Pharisees who are legalistic and minimalistic, they failed to accept Jesus’ teachings for in the first place they did not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. In our life of obeying God we are guided by the Decalogue and the teachings of Jesus our Savior. Amen!
Have a Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 9, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Our Gospel for today (Mt. 5:13-16) speaks about discipleship. What does it take to be a disciple? To be a disciple connotes doing things for the faith such as praying, obeying the commandments, listening to the Word of God, receiving the sacraments and the likes. With this, faith will do something in the life of a disciple. Let us now reflect what will happen, A DISCIPLE COULD BECOME:
1. SALT OF THE EARTH – Salt serves as preservative and it gives taste. Using salt as metaphor, may we as disciples of Jesus, preserve goodness in our lives and eventually affect others to preserve theirs. Such could bring about tasteful existence and harmonious relationship to one another.
2. LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Another symbolic thing is given to us – light. Just like a light that produces rays (light) and emits heat, disciples are expected to emanate light, that we are guided and eventually could guide others, and also manifest a burning love to others.
3. AN AGENT IN GIVING GLORY TO GOD (v. 16) – Both salt and light become unnoticeable after serving their purpose, they do not draw attention to themselves, what is brought to the fore are the taste and light that they bring. As disciples, we must do things solely for God and not to ourselves, to give glory to God. Amen!
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 2, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Today, Feb. 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. What then could we mull over from this Feast? What is it for us with our candles being blessed (as part of the liturgy)?
LET US REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING:
1. FULFILLING THE LAW – Mary and Joseph, being the parents of Jesus, knew the Mosaic law on cleansing about the firstborn son (Lev. 12), they adhered to it. As parents, do you adhere on God’s commandments and Jesus’ precepts so as to bring your children to God? And as children do you follow your parents in their endeavor to raise you as good people/Christians?
2. FULFILLING THE PROPHESY – Simeon and Anna, both were God’s servants, saw in the forty-day old child Jesus the fulfillment of the prophesied messiah. These two aged servants waited, saw and accepted God’s plan of salvation. As Christians, so to speak, do we tend to know and cooperate on what Jesus the Messiah has for us? Salvation is already served, all we need to do is to find and experience Jesus living in, for and with us.
3. THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION (Ps. 27:1) – May our candles (being blessed on this Feast) remind us that Jesus is our light and our salvation. As what Simeon acclaims: “… a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel,” may we always accept Jesus as our Light and share this Light to others through our good deeds. Amen!
A Blessed Feast of the Presentation of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 26, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I asked the congregation to tell the person seating beside him/her: “Ikaw ba’y namumuhay sa kadiliman?” Most of them laughed despite the fact that it could be a possibility. WITH THIS, LET US REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING, THAT:
1. EVIL IS A REALITY – it’s not only in the olden days as with the prophesy of Isaiah in the 1st reading (Is. 8:23-9:3) and the fulfillment in our Gospel (Mt. 4:12-23) that life in the darkness is prevalent but also in the here and now. Thus, awareness on evil as a reality in our life will help us overcome its ploys and allurements.
2. WE NEED JESUS TO BE OUR LIGHT – As the Psalm responsory goes, “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” may we totally accept Jesus as our light and our guide. By the mere fact that we are baptized in Christ, we are called to follow Him just like the 1st four Apostles in the Gospel. The price of following Jesus is brought to the fore in the Gospel, by leaving behind their nets, boat and even their father. We are not to take this literally, but such situations give enough stress that nothing and no one should alter Jesus in our lives, He must be more than anything and anyone in this world.
3. WE ARE CALLED TO BE FISHERS OF MEN – There are significant qualities to become an effective fisherman, thus, these qualities are also needed in becoming fisher of men, these are, patience, perseverance, courage, right timing, know how to use the right bait and the likes. May we acquire these qualities and be equipped with Jesus’ teachings so as to be His instruments in spreading light and salvation. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 19, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I was asked by some members of the youth in Santiago Apostol Parish if I have a Sto. Niño image for they are gathering sacred images to be exhibited, I told them we have one in the house. Day before the exhibit they waited for me to come, only to hear, ‘Di pa kasi naglalakad, Di humabol sa akin’ (hehehe), with the smile on their faces and disappointment I supposed, I felt I should have given kind consideration to their request, but I became negligent. With this, let us reflect on the faith that we have, are we active or negligent?
1. ARE WE JUST SACRAMENTALIZED AND NOT EVANGELIZED? – The first Filipino Christians were baptized way back 1521, King Humabon and Queen Juana received the sacred image of Sto. Niño from Ferdinand Magellan as a symbol of entering Christianity. We are baptized, do what is expected of us, “do this for the faith!” And we are not just baptized/sacramentalized, we must be evangelized, “what does the faith do to us?”
2. DO WE LIKE TO BE BLESSED AND NOT TO BECOME BLESSINGS TO OTHERS? – Each of us wants to be blessed by God that’s why we keep on coming to Him. We have a lot of devotions (Black Nazarene, Perpetual Help, St. Jude, Sto. Niño and the likes) to implore blessings. The question is, are we just receiving blessings or we would want to be channels of God’s blessings? May we, who receive blessings become dispensers of God’s blessings to all the people we meet.
3. WE ARE SAVED, MAY WE BECOME AGENTS OF SALVATION – “The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness… A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us” (Isa. 9:2, 6 – 1st Reading). God became man, for men to live in God. Objectively we are redeemed, what Jesus wants is our cooperation for us to be saved (subjective redemption), may becoming agents of God’s salvation be our endeavor. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Feastday of Santo Niño!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 12, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not that He needs to be baptized, but through His baptism we are given the chance to reflect and understand our being baptized in His name.
In baptism we become:
1. ADOPTED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE FATHER – we are heirs of the Kingdom, death is not an end but the beginning of our real life with Him.
2. BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN/OF CHRIST – due to sin, human race is dispersed, in baptism we are brethren in/of Christ, may Christ unite us in belief and love.
3. TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – we are directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit in us, let’s follow Him.
These are the PASSIVE EFFECTS (what we receive from God) in baptism, the ACTIVE EFFECTS (what we give to God) lie solely on what we do or how we live our lives.
Whenever we make the sign of the cross, may this remind us of the passive effects of our baptism and spur us to endeavor to experience the active effects of our being baptized in Christ. May we share in the Threefold Mission of Christ as Priest, King and Prophet. Amen.
A Blessed Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 5, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
God became man for the reason that He wanted to manifest Himself to all of us. In today’s celebration, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the three Magi in our Gospel (Mt. 2:1-12) represent all of us, just like them let us:
1. Have a personal search for Jesus through our life of prayer, Sunday Eucharistic Celebration is an opportunity to encounter and receive Jesus in the proclamation of the Word and in His Body and Blood.
2. Be sensitive to those God-given-people around us and the occurrences in our lives for they could be God’s instruments and ways in manifesting Himself.
3. Acknowledge Jesus and praise Him, thus, in changing our ways (sinful ways) (Mt. 2:12) we are like the three Magi not wanting to betray Jesus.
May we experience Jesus manifesting Himself to us, Amen!
A Blessed Celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 29, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
There was ones a child who asked his father, “dad, how much do you earn in an hour?
The father replied, “why are you asking? Son, I’m a bit busy, you better go to bed, ok I’m earning 200 pesos per hour more or less.”
The son went to his room.
The father, conscientious of what he did followed his son in the room and asked, “son are you still awake? Would you like me to lend you some amount?”
The son replied: “yes dad, could you lend me a hundred box? I already have a hundred here, COULD I BUY AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME?
TIME is very essential, it means IMPORTANCE and LOVE.
The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph had time for one another, let us imitate that as a family, for TIME SPURS US TO:
1. KNOW ONE ANOTHER – Not just by name and whereabouts, but by how each one feels. Let us try to know one another’s experiences.
2. BE TOGETHER IN KNOWING GOD – Just like the Holy Family who lived with, for and in God, let us be like them having a common experience in knowing and following God.
3. TO EXPRESS ONES LOVE -Spend time with our loved ones, for if we did, time spend to other people would mean sincerity and love.
Have a Blessed Feast of the Holy Family!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 15, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Today is Gaudete Sunday, “Gaudete” means “Rejoice,” Sunday of Rejoicing. There’s this experience of rejoicing because we are half way in our Season of Advent, the coming of the Lord. Thus, let us mull over on FAITH, such spurs us to rejoice. Our Gospel for today (Mt. 11:2-11) speaks about the “faith” of St. John, his disciples and people that time and this time as well.
HAVING FAITH CONNOTES:
1. PEOPLE WHOM GOD USED – St. John sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Mt. 11:3) It’s not that John is in doubt about Jesus, but he wanted his disciples to go to Jesus and have an encounter with Him. God uses people as instruments to impart faith. They could be our parents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, friends, priests, nuns and the likes. Let’s be thankful to God for them. And also, may we endeavor to become God’s instruments for others to have faith.
2. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE DIVINE – Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see…” (Mt. 11:4). This is a personal experience of Jesus that convinced them [disciples of John] who to follow. Do we already have a personal experience of Jesus? We need not to search, we just have to look into our lives, we are created, and the sole purpose of God is to share His love to us. We are not just created, we are sustained. As the saying goes, “the best things in life are often given for free,” we received everything that we need out of God’s love and concern. Let’s be grateful.
3. NOT JUST ASKING BUT DECIPHERING WHAT GOD ASKS FROM US – “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he [John]” (Mt. 11:11), PAGTALIMA so to speak. In doing so, our faith is whole, not lopsided. That we are not just asking from God but sensitive enough to what God asks from us. Being “least” is the key to following, for such depicts humility. Only a humble heart could contain what God wants.
Prompted by FAITH in Jesus, may we keep on REJOICING. Amen!
A Blessed Sunday of Rejoicing!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 8, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
If we are to give a gift to a birthday celebrant, we will always consider if our gift fits/suits or is appropriate to the person, we will not give a toy to an adult celebrant nor a dress or something for an adult to a child celebrant. This Christmas season we are celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ, do we know what fits Him and what gift He wants? In our Gospel (Mt. 3:1-12) for this 2nd Sunday of Advent, we are asked to prepare for the coming of our Savior (this coming is of two senses, Jesus’ 2nd coming and His birth more than 2000 years ago), either or, what gift can we give to Christ who is coming. St. John Baptist in our Gospel is inviting us to be prepared and this could be our present to Jesus. The following could be our presents to Jesus, may we LET JESUS:
1. TOUCH OUR PRESENT LIFE – to live in Him so as to share Him. Let us not think that the time of Jesus is yet to come, in our time, He could be with us and we could be with Him.
2. FORGIVE OUR PAST LIFE – to call in mind our sins and be forgiven. This is the preaching of the Baptizer, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (v. 1). Forgiveness is always there we are the ones (sinners) that turn our back to Jesus and his Merciful Love.
3. GUIDE OUR FUTURE LIFE – to be with God and others in eternity. This is the aim of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if we experience otherwise, we disregarded Jesus’ plan of salvation. As the Gospel would say, “Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (v. 10).
A Blessed 2nd Sunday of Advent. God bless us!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 24, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
In an overnight vigil, around 1:30am, I saw a group of kids, I asked them, “are you not sleepy? You sleep now or else you won’t grow,” they answered, “di po Fr., babantayan namin si Kristong Hari.” I was overwhelmed and happy by this encounter with the kids, they may not fully comprehend Christ as King, but they are convinced that He is such.
When we say Christ the King, what’s the first thing that comes into our mind? Maybe in conceptualizing this reality, we are thinking of an earthly king or a politician, a person with power, grandeur and wealth, but Christ’s Kingship is totally different. His being a King CONNOTES:
1. ETERNAL REIGN – he is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, He wants to inflict us His mode of existence, i.e., Eternal. From ‘chronos’ He will bring us to ‘kairos,’ grace-filled or opportune moment with Him.
2. NO BOUNDARIES AND TERRITORIES – He encompasses not just time but also space, He is the King of both heaven and earth, who else but Christ is the only King who has everything.
3. THE POWER OF TRUTH AND LOVE – sustain His Kingship, not the military or economic power. He let people follow Him (the truth) in the name of love and not of coercion.
May we let Christ rule our lives for He’s our King!
A Blessed Solemnity of Christ the King!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 17, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Our readings for this Sunday (Mal. 4:1-2a – 1st Reading and Lk. 21:5-19 – Gospel) prepare us for next week’s celebration, the Solemnity of Christ the King. We will be reflecting on the ‘eschata’ or the ‘end times,’ not to frighten us but to endeavor to make Christ the King of our lives.
What will transpire on the ‘end times’ according to our Gospel are the DISTRACTION OF THE:
1. WORLD OF RELIGION – The edifices (churches) are part of this physical world, they are subject to deterioration or even distraction just like the temple in Jerusalem cited in the Gospel (cf. vv. 5-6). In the life to come we will no longer belong to the Militant Church but to the Triumphant Church. However, before the physical distraction of our church’s edifices, we are given the warning in the Gospel not to be swayed by false prophets and follow them (cf. v. 8), such would ruin our perception and our belief on the Church established by Jesus Himself.
2. PHYSICAL WORLD – “There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky” (Lk. 21:11). We may not have a full comprehension of these occurrences as of the moment, but we could suppose that these could lead us to what is best for us, for this is God’s project, there will be ‘new heaven and new earth.’ We may be at peace and contented with what we have right now, but for sure what will come is better than what we have right now, no more suffering, sickness, death and the likes. What we will be experiencing is peace, love and life everlasting.
3. WORLD OF RELATIONSHIP – Truth is always in clash with hoax, and so with goodness with bad and love with indifference or hatred. If this is so, no-holds-barred, let us always choose to be on the side of Jesus, on the side of truth, goodness and love. May truth, goodness and love not to be compromised. Relationships between family or to anyone may be destroyed (cf. vv. 12-17) as we choose to be on side of Christ, but different kind of relationship awaits in the next life, i.e., we are one family of God experiencing love and peace. As Jesus would say, “by your perseverance you will secure your lives” (v. 19).
A Peaceful Day with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 10, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Jesus died with us for us to live with Him. With this, we should say and hold on that death is a ‘doorway to eternal life.’ This is what the Gospel for today (Lk. 20:27-38) is teaching us, the resurrection of the dead. With the Sadducees’ question regarding Moses’ levirate law, i.e., “If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother” (v. 28), THE FOLLOWING WERE BROUGHT TO THE FORE:
1. THERE IS RESURRECTION – “They can no longer die” (v. 36a). We are finite and mortal, thus we cannot hold on to our lives nor with what we have in this world. Given this reality, may we hang on to Jesus who will give us eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection is a blueprint of what will happen to us in the future, in His Second Coming.
2. DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP – “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage… they are the children of God” (v. 34-36). On earth, we have particular spouse or family, but in the next life, Jesus is very clear that different relationship awaits, we are one family of God, loving one another. As we are bonded by love for our biological family here on earth, we will also be bonded by love to God and to all His children. May we persevere to attain this kind of relationship.
3. DIFFERENT MODE OF EXISTENCE – “They are like angels” (v. 36b). From being finite and mortal, Jesus will give us an immortal mode of existence, eternal life with Him. From the passing time here on earth (chronos), we will have a ‘grace-filled time with God’ (kairos). Death will no longer have power over us for we have succeeded worldly things and selfish interests. Amen!
Have a Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 3, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
In the past two weeks we are reflecting on prayer, that we come to Jesus persistently and not insistently and we come to Him with humble heart. This Sunday, we could say that prayer is an encounter with Jesus, it is always a dialogue. Thus, true encounter connotes words and actions from us and from Jesus, just like what is happening in the Eucharist (the highest form of prayer). In line with this, let us mull over on Zacchaeus’ encounter and interaction with the Savior (Lk. 19:1-10):
1. Zacchaeus “climbed a sycamore tree”(v. 4).
Jesus said, “come down quickly”(v. 5)
Zacchaeus’ effort was not meaningless, he gave in to Jesus’ inspiration to search and explore about the Savior. The sycamore tree could mean “God’s mercy” that Zacchaeus (and us) needed to climb, and the stature of Zacchaeus was a symbol of being small in front of God and the people because of sins. May we always be sensitive to God’s inspiration so as to search for Him and be consoled by His mercy. Let us climb and step on God’s merciful love and not stay in our sinful ways.
2. Jesus said, “today I must stay at your house”(v. 5).
Zaccheaus “received him with joy”(v. 6)
If you are visited by someone, it means you are important (brotherhood), and more so, if he/she dine with you that could mean love and concern for you are already sharing in one of the basic needs of a person to live (fellowship). In the Eucharist, we are visited by Jesus who wants to be with us so that we will be with Him. Hence, we are partaking in His Body and Blood for us to have the nourishment of our soul to live not only here on earth but in eternity, may receive Him with joy.
3. Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house”(v. 9).
Zacchaeus said, “Behold, half of my possessions I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times” (v. 8)
This is what Jesus wants for each of us, to bring salvation. If we experience otherwise, we are not doing what Zacchaeus did. Zacchaeus realized the importance of charity (love), as he wanted to give to the poor half of his possessions. And not only that, in the injustices he did, there was restitution, giving back what was ought to others and even more. May we be like Zacchaeus who know how to love and give to others what is due to them.
Have a meaningful encounter with Jesus and with one another. Amen!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 27, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Stepping on the very place where our Lord Jesus Christ stood was an enriching experience. Hence, the most memorable and meaningful site for me in our pilgrimage to Holy Land, was the tomb where Jesus was laid, the Holy Sepulcher. When I saw the slab of rock where He was laid, I just said, “thank you and I am sorry.” I felt that I don’t deserved what He did, I’m unworthy. This was the experience of the Publican (tax collector) in our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 18:9-14), it was a coming to Christ persistently though not worthy. In this instance, a humble heart in approaching the Lord was brought to the fore. This was in contrast with the Pharisee’s attitude, a personification of a haughty heart in front of God.
A humble heart before the Lord admits HIS/HER:
1. UNWORTHINESS IN FRONT OF GOD – Who is worthy in front of God? No one! God’s goodness and love could soften our heart and make us humble. Hence, let us not fail to acknowledge His goodness and love, for us to always have an occasion for self-introspection and eventually make good our ways.
2. NEED FOR GOD – “Who is like God,” as the name “Michael” (the Archangel) would mean. We, creatures, need our creator. We are not self-sufficient by the mere fact that we are just created. More often than not, because of ‘what we have’ and what ‘we can,’ we become proud, not considering that everything comes from our good Lord. Let us not be like the Pharisee who before God attributes things to himself and not to God.
3. GRATEFULNESS TO GOD – This comes after experiencing the love of God and the need for God. The former, enables us to be overwhelmed, while, the later, keeps us to feel great because we have God. May we be thankful to God not only in some instances in our lives, but always be thankful to God for everything. Ironically, even in an unpleasant thing that comes our way we have to thank God, for what comes next is our experience of God unfolding His LOVE. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Encounter with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 20, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
(A Filipina with her Chinese husband)
Wife: “let us pray the rosary.”
Husband: “ok, sweethalt”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: holi mely mothel of God…”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: holi mely mothel of God…”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: “paleho lang… Paleho lang…”
Hehehe…
“Persistence in prayer” is the common thing in our 1st Reading (Ex. 17:8-13) and the Gospel (Lk. 18:1-8). When we say, “PERSISTENCE,” it is the “MANNER” of coming to God, while, when we say “INSISTENCE,” it is the “MATTER” of coming to Him. Thus, we are taught today to come to Him persistently and not insistently. How then could we come to God with persistence (just like Moses in the 1st reading and the widow in our Gospel)?
1. UNWAVERING FAITH -Just as gold is tested in fire so as with faith. Is our faith to God dictated with what is happening to us? In both pleasant and unpleasant occurrences in our life, may our faith in God stand firm.
2. HOPE – Who else and what else do we need? If we have God, we have everything. Let us not put our hope on things of this world nor people with popularity or power, all of these are ephemeral, only God lasts.
3. HUMILITY – It takes a humble heart to approach God and seek for help. We are finite, He is infinite, we are mortal, He is immortal, may this reality spur us to come to Him with humility. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 13, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
(St. Peter orients a newly entered soul in heaven)
Soul: “St. Peter, what is this place? Angels here seem to be so busy that they keep on moving around.”
St. Peter: “this is the ‘receiving department,’ supplications are received here.”
Soul: “ah ok! How about that place? They are not that busy!”
St. Peter: “that is the ‘processing department,’ petitions and prayers are being processed there! For not all the prayers are granted.
(As they continue their tour, the soul saw a lonely angel sitting on corner)
Soul: “how about that angel? What is he doing?
St. Peter: “that is the ‘acknowledging department,’ that angel is receiving the thanksgiving prayer of the people and only few go back to God to thank Him for the all the blessings.”
I remember this story as I reflect on our Readings for this Sunday. Let us now reflect on three important things found in our Readings:
1. HEALING – When we talk about healing it is not just physical but healing of our whole person. In our 1st reading, Naaman was healed from leprosy (2kgs 5:14-17). Hence, God made used of instruments in bringing healing to Naaman, the slave and prophet Elisha. The same as through with us, our parents, family members, teachers, doctors, priests, friends and the likes are God’s instruments for us to be a holistic person. Through these God’s instruments we are healed in all the aspects of our lives such as emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects.
2. THANKSGIVING – This was the common experience of Naaman, St. Paul (2nd Reading – 2Tm. 2:8-13) and the Samaritan (Gospel – Lk. 17:11-19) in our Readings. They were all grateful to God. Gratitude is the memory of the heart. Why then do we fail to thank God in everything? Saying ‘thanks’ is just one syllable, no speech impediment would hinder us to say so, but only a defective heart. Do we have a haughty heart, proud that we couldn’t say ‘thank you’ to God and his instruments?
3. FAITH – Naaman and the Samaritan were not just healed physically, but more so, spiritually. They were both pagans, but when they happened to experience God and His love, they responded in faith. God reveals Himself to us in many ways, it’s just that we are preoccupied with so many things that we fail to acknowledge God, may we, like Naaman and the Samaritan respond in faith.
Have a Blessed Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 6, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
There was an active member of a charismatic group who one time got home late after their evening fellowship. Their house was in a far-flung barrio, where he will pass by a dark and rugged terrain. On a cliff, he suddenly fell, lo and behold he grabbed a tree branch. While hanging, he kept on shouting for help for almost an hour but no one heard his voice. After which he summoned God, “Are you there? Then help me!” God responded, “Yes I’m here, let go of the branch!” “No, I will not, I don’t want to die!” he said.
He waited (hanging) until morning, only to find out that, his feet was just 5 inches away from the ground. Hehehe…
Where is his faith?
In our Readings for this Sunday, FAITH could be the central theme. Hence, let us reflect on FAITH VIS-À-VIS:
1. PATIENCE – is a virtue needed not to be easily dismayed with what is happening around. This is the focus in our 1st reading by the prophet Habakkuk (1:2-3; 2:2-4). Let us not be disheartened if all is not doing well, in our society, community and family. As the Lord told the prophet, “Write down the vision clearly… so that one can read it readily.” (v. 2), as if the Lord is saying, “learn from it and let others know (write down) so that they too will learn.
2. PERSEVERANCE – is what St. Paul is teaching Timothy in our 2nd reading (2Tim. 1:6-8. 13-14). “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” (v. 7). Faith is perseverance to live in Jesus, and eventually inspire/encourage others to do the same, no holds barred.
3. SERVICE – is a concrete manifestation of faith. Thus, our parable in the Gospel (Lk. 17:5-10) teaches us what authentic service is. For what reason are we observing God’s laws and living out Jesus’ precepts? “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘we are expendable servants; we have done what was our duty'” (v. 10). Are we doing something good so that we could receive something good in return? Let us solely serve God and neighbor and not the self. Amen!
Have a Blessed and Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
September 29, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
ST. PETER: “Your name is not included in the book of life.”
MAN: ” But why? I did nothing?”
ST. PETER: That’s it, you did nothing!”
The rich man in the parable (Lk. 16:19-31) “did nothing” to uplift Lazarus’ terrible condition (hunger and sickness).
With this, let us reflect on the THREE PARALLEL-THINGS IN OUR FAITH:
1. SIN OF COMMISSION AND SIN OF OMISSION – It is not enough just to follow the laws like the Pharisees (legalism), instead, have an extra step in being holy through charitable acts. We may not be doing something wrong in the law, but are we doing something right especially to those who are in dire need? Who are the ‘Lazaruses’ in our life?
2. PAIN OF THE SENSES AND PAIN OF LOSS – These two are the images of the experiences in the netherworld, “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames” (v. 24 – pain of the senses). “The rich man… from the netherworld… raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side” (v. 22 – pain of loss). We are not being threatened, but enlightened that if we experience these, we opted for these.
3. OBJECTIVE REDEMPTION AND SUBJECTIVE REDEMPTION – In reality, our names are already written in the ‘book of life,’ we are the ones erasing our names whenever we choose to live sinful and worldly life. Objectively, we are already redeemed, what Jesus needs is our cooperation (subjective redemption).
A Meaningful Day of Bonding with the Lord and with your Loved Ones!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
September 22, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
The Word of God is alive. Let us not think that the Bible is a collection of past events, a historical book that has nothing to do with our present life and situation. As the letter to the Hebrews (4:12) would say, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Our Readings for this Sunday, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, give us opportunity to mull over on the following:
1. Is our life COMPARTMENTALIZE?
This is what our 1st Reading is telling us from the book of the Prophet Amos (8:4-7). Some people that time observed Sabbath, but did not know what justice was all about. It’s just like, “a good father and husband but a dishonest businessman.” If this is so, we are like a chameleon, changing color depending on where we are at. That we might reserve Sunday for God and all other days are for worldly things.
2. What do we PRIORITIZE?
We are having a compartmentalize life if we do not have a priority. Hence, we will be out of track or focus. What then is our priority? I remember what St. Augustine once said, “Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” We are invited by St. Paul in our 2nd Reading (1Tim. 2:1-8) to continuously be in connection to God who saves us in Jesus by means of prayer, thus, we are to pray not only for ourselves but for our brethren, for our community. Let God be our priority and all will be well.
3. Where are we HEADING?
Is it to be successful or to be faithful? This is what our parable in the Gospel (Lk. 16:1-13) tells us. The parable is about the dishonest steward. We could be like him if we forget that we are just stewards of God, and can own nothing. With what we have (material wealth) and what we can do (abilities and talents), may service to others be brought to the fore.
Have a Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
September 15, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Suppose you found a crumpled, torn and dirty 1000 peso bill, what will you do? Will you get it and consider that it has still value? I think, Yes.
This is how Jesus treat us, with great VALUE. He loves us so dearly that’s why His mercy is abounding. This could be the central theme in our Readings for this Sunday.
In line with this, let us reflect a GOD WHO IS PARTICULAR TO:
1. SOMEONE PRECIOUS IS LOST – God is omniscient, He knew the Israelites’ sin of idolatry (Ex. 32:7-8 – 1st Reading). He knew Paul’s persecution of Christians, that’s why when Paul found Christ in his life, he was really grateful (cf. 1Tim. 1:12-17 – 2nd Reading). And in our Gospel, the parables of the lost and found (Lk. 15:1-32). Before our repentance is God’s acceptance of who we are. He knows if we are going out of track, and precious as we are, He wants us back.
2. THOROUGH SEARCH TO THE ONE WHO IS LOST – God will do everything to make us realize something. It could be on our own that He will enlighten us that what we are doing is wrong and we must change our ways. He could speak in circumstances of our lives for us to change or He could make use of people to make us realize our sinful ways. Let us be sensitive to Him who searches.
3. JOY IN FINDING THE ONE WHO IS LOST – This is what our parables in the Gospel are telling us, rejoicing to the one found. How then could we experience God who rejoices? It is through our own experience of peace and happiness of being freed from sin. His rejoicing will be our rejoicing, because we are no longer living for ourselves but for and with Him. Amen!
Have a Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
September 8, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
“One time on a plane going to Tokyo, I was praying my breviary. When I put it down, a passenger to my right, a Japanese, asked whether I was reading a Bible. I answered, ‘Yes.’ Then he asked again, ‘are you a Christian?’ I replied, ‘yes,’ then in turn I asked him, ‘are you?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘though I would like to become one.’ ‘Then why don’t you become one?,’ I continued. ‘Because I am a businessman, and it is hard to become a businessman and a Christian at the same time. Maybe when I grow old…’ was his final answer.”
(Story told by Bishop Teodoro Bacani)
The Japanese knew what is the price of being a Christian, how about us?
As huge crowd followed Jesus, in our Gospel (Lk. 14:25-33) for this Sunday, Jesus did not deceive those people that time (and us now), in telling that it’s easy to follow Him, instead, He clearly taught how is it to follow Him. HENCE, FOLLOWING HIM CONNOTES TOTAL DETACHMENT FROM:
1. FAMILY MEMBERS (Lk. 14:26a) – We are not to take this verse (26a) literally, it’s a hyperbolic language to give stress that whoever hinders our following Jesus even the nearest and the dearest should be opposed. Thus, loving and following Jesus could make our other relationships harmonious. Let us make Jesus not just the ‘no. 1’ in our lives but the ‘only 1,’ for other relationship will surely be enhanced.
2. OWN SELF (Lk. 14:26b) – There are two plans in life, God’s plan and our plan, what then is important to us? Is it “my plan working with God” or “God’s plan working with me?” SIN could be an abbreviation: ‘S’ for ‘self,’ ‘I’ for ‘interest’ and ‘N’ for ‘now,’ ‘self interest now.’ To follow Jesus is to forget about ourselves, our interests, and give way to what Jesus wants.
3. POSSESSIONS (Lk. 14:33) – What we have (material blessings from God) are important for us to be sustained in this life, but the Giver is far more important than the gifts, for He gives sustenance not just for our life here on earth, but life in eternity. “Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not! There is nothing he can give to regain his life. ” (Mt. 16:26).
A Blessed Sunday to all!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
September 1, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Our life connotes relationship. With this, let us always be watchful on how we relate, is it stagnant or developing? RELATIONSHIP could be the central theme in our Readings for this Sunday.
A PERSON IS IN CONSTANT RELATIONSHIP WITH:
1. GOD – Our 2nd Reading (Heb. 12:18-19, 22-24) tells us that in Jesus we have a new alliance with God. It’s no longer a God who manifests Himself in a thundering way: blazing fire, gloom, darkness, storm and trumpet blast (vv. 18-19). No more intermediaries, but God Himself in Jesus Christ. Is it not overwhelming on our part, that God initiates and makes the first move in letting us experience His love? He comes to us, do we come to Him? He loves us, do we love Him?
2. HIMSELF/HERSELF – Do we have a healthy self image? That is, to know ones strengths and weaknesses. This is the only way to humility. With our strengths, let us attribute and thank God, and with our limitations, let us be truthful to ourselves and to others. Humility comes from the Latin word, ‘humus,’ which means ‘ground,’ that we ‘keep our feet on the ground,’ Filipino translation is very appropriate, ‘mababang-loob.’ To be humble is the point of our 1st Reading (Sir. 3:17-18, 20, 28-29) and our Gospel (Lk. 14:1,7-11). This is the mother of all virtues.
3. OTHERS – How are we connected to others? Is it on the matter of what to get or what to give? The last 3 verses in the Gospel pericope (Lk. 14:12-14) teach us that generosity is not reciprocity. If it is so, we are not really giving, but bartering. If we give, be sure that we are not on the receiving end, but those whom we offer something. Let us be in constant relationship with others, not because ‘from them we are getting something,’ but ‘for them we are giving something.’
A meaningful Sunday of bonding with God and with one another!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
August 25, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Our Readings for this Sunday, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, teach us the following:
1. God’s ENCOURAGEMENT – Let us not be bothered by the ‘figure,’ ‘narrow gate’ or think that there are only ‘few’ who will be saved, rather, may we see that there is already a passage way to heaven. Because of sin, man’s access to God was lost, and because of God’s love this access was restored in Jesus Christ. God encourages all of us to come to Him. Thus, He says: “I will come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory” (Is. 66:18-1st Reading). “And people will come from the east and the west.. in the Kingdom of God” (Lk. 13:29-Gospel). Much as God loves us, He wants to save all of us.
2. Man’s PERSEVERANCE – With the question in the Gospel, “will only a few people be saved?” (Lk. 13:23), Jesus did not answer, “yes, only few will be saved,” for we will be disheartened, nor say “no, many will be saved,” for we might have an attitude of laxity, instead He said in reply, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Lk. 13:24). It’s not really the ‘gate of heaven’ which is narrow (for it is already open for us), but the ‘gate of our hearts’ in letting Jesus enter into it totally. In the name of love, God encourages us to be saved, in the name of love, let us persevere in translating Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives.
3. Life offers HAPPINESS AND PEACE – Happiness and peace here on earth and in eternity. That as we live in Jesus, “all discipline… brings a peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it” (Heb. 12:11-2nd Reading). Sins cause us sadness and distress, may we live in Jesus so as to live in happiness and peace, an experience of heaven here on earth till we reach eternity. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
August 18, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Decision is always part of our lives. That eventuality in life is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. We are what we make it!
In line with this, let us reflect on our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 12:49-53). Jesus seemed to be harsh in our Gospel for today, thus, it is noteworthy to explain and understand what does He mean. HE USED IMAGERY/SIMILE SUCH AS:
1. FIRE – “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Lk. 12:49). Is He going to cast punishment and burn us alive? Is this the fire of hell? In the Old Testament, God promised that, “Never again will all living things be wiped out by the waters of a flood; never again will a flood destroy the earth” (Gen. 9:11). With this, Jews think that it is fire that would destroy them (2Pt. 3:12). It is not that, for “fire” here refers to Jesus’ Word/Teachings that could be so blazing that amidst injustice, fire of truth will prevail, amidst sinfulness, fire of goodness and holiness will scatter. May we choose to be enveloped with Jesus’ teachings so as to LIGHT UP others’ lives.
2. BAPTISM – “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” (Lk. 12:50). “Baptism” means immersion and Jesus in this verse pinpointed His immersion be in the waters of death. Just as Jesus was immersed in the waters of death, may we who were immersed in the water of baptism die in our old self and live in Him. Baptism is not a one time decision, it’s a SERIES OF YESes in following Jesus.
3. DIVISION – Among family members (cf. Lk. 12:51-53), this sounds surprising for Jesus is the Prince of peace, why did he say this?” Bad will always be against good. If we choose to be good we will always be against those whose words and works are bad and vice-versa. May Jesus rule our lives so that PEACE will be IN us and AMONG us. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
August 11, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
There was once a priest talking to his sacristan.
Priest: I want to go to heaven, what will I do?
Sacristan: (nodded)
Priest: if I request to be assigned in poor country and take care of the poor and sick people there, will I go to heaven?
Sacristan: no Father!
Priest: if I devote my self to intense prayer everyday, will I go to heaven?
Sacristan: no Father!
Priest: then what shall I do?
Sacristan: you must die first, Father!
Hehehe…
Logical indeed!
More often than not, we perceive death as the only occasion in meeting and experiencing Jesus. Our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 12:32-48) gives us insights on this matter. Three parables are presented to us so as to reflect on how Jesus comes to us and vice versa:
1. AT THE END OF TIME – This is the focus of the 1st parable (Lk. 12:35-38). Do we look outwardly (signs/changes in the order of nature) when we talk about end times, thus, we are invited to look inwardly, to prepare ourselves. The former casts fear, while, the latter gives peace whatever happens. It is said that for those who are prepared will recline at His table, it will be an eternal peace and happiness with Him.
2. AT THE MOMENT OF OUR DEATH – Death is like coming of a thief, no one knows when, this is the picture of the 2nd parable (Lk. 12:39-40). Parable is comparison, hence, it could either be in similarity or in contrast, of course, Jesus is not like a thief who is bad, what is given emphasis here is the manner of coming, i.e., unpredictable. At the moment of our death, He will come to us not to ‘snatch’ our lives but to ‘save’ our lives.
3. IN THE HERE AND NOW – In response to Peter’s question, Jesus on the 3rd time used a parable on the two kinds of stewards: the faithful and honest steward vis-a-vis the lazy and arrogant steward (Lk. 12:41-48). It is in faithfulness and honesty that we come to meet and experience Jesus, not the other way around. Much is given to us for us to live in Him. May we, like St. Paul, experience Christ in the here and now, and utter, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
We want to go to heaven and be with Jesus? Let us die to our own selves, the sacristan is true with what he said, “you must die first, Father!” (different sense).
A Blessed Day of the Lord po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
August 4, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Suppose one late and dark evening, while waiting for a ride a thief approach you and said, “pera o buhay?” What will you choose? For sure you’ll be choosing life. With this, let us reflect on our readings for this Sunday, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, with the central theme on wealth. Let us answer and reflect on the following:
1. What is wealth?
Wealth is a blessing from the Lord. We are compensated with what we do, our work. Thus, we work not just for wealth but more so for service. As Qoheleth would assert in our 1st reading, “all things are vanity” (Eccl. 1:2), meaning ’emptiness and meaningless’ if we focus ourselves on ‘what to gain’ and not on ‘what to give.’ We need wealth to sustain our needs and our service as well.
2. How do we accumulate wealth?
It is in work/service that we gain something. Is it on a just manner? Too much focus on wealth might compromise what is good and just. We are reminded in our 2nd reading to be a person who has been born anew in Jesus. Let us be possessed by Jesus and not by possessions.
3. Where do we use wealth?
God is giving us all that we ‘need,’ but not necessarily all that we ‘want.’ If we have enough, thanks be to Him, do we tend to satisfy ourselves with what we want well in fact others have none? May this be our principle, “the gift that we received give it as a gift.” Let us not be fool (hangal) who store up things for ourselves but not rich in what matters to God (cf. Lk. 12:21 – Gospel).
“Pera o buhay?” For sure you’ll be choosing life. Let us choose life not just here on earth but life in eternity through making use of what we have.
A Blessed Sunday to all!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
July 28, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
It is proven, the 1st prayer a person could memorize and recite or sing and the last prayer a person could remember and utter is the Lord’s Prayer. I have witnessed this in my 15 years in the ministry. There are children, though they still have defective speech and incapable of comprehending the words of the prayer manifest their familiarity to the prayer as they sing or recite Our Father. Their parents have to be commended for this. In the same way, there are aged and sick (I visited for Anointing), though afflicted with sickness such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and stroke cases and the likes, though hard for them, recite the Lord’s Prayer. This is how effective the teaching of Jesus as the apostles asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk. 11:1-4).
The Lord’s Prayer is the most BEAUTIFUL and COMPLETE prayer of all the prayers, in it we could see the supposed theological virtues that we must have:
1. FAITH – “Father, may your name be honored” (Lk. 11:2). Calling Father as “our” Father implies common patrimony as baptized, thus, individualism is left behind. Together, let us profess our faith to Our Father.
2. HOPE – “may your kingdom come” (Lk. 11:2). Beyond anything/anyone else is our Lord and King, let us endeavor to be with Him and He in us not only in the future but in the here and now.
3. LOVE – “may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). Following could either be out of fear or out of love, may the latter be the driving force in our lives.
And the said prayer in its completeness covers our whole life:
1. PRESENT LIFE – “Give us each day our daily bread” (Lk. 11:3). This is what God is doing, He is giving us not just material food for our physical body, but spiritual food as well to nourish our soul.
2. PAST LIFE – “forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Lk. 11:4). Acknowledging our sins/imperfections and that of others’ is the start of self purification and harmonious relationship with others.
3. FUTURE LIFE – “and do not lead us into temptation” (Lk. 11:4). We need God in battling against evil, for in our weakness, God is our strength. Amen!
A Blessed Day of Prayer to All!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
July 21, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
A 7year old child asked his father, “dad, how much do you earn in an hour?”
The father replied, “why are you asking son? I’m a bit busy working, you better go to bed, ok I’m earning 200 pesos per hour more or less.”
The son went to his room.
The father, conscientious of what he did followed his son in the room and asked, “son are you still awake? Would you like me to give you some amount?”
The son replied: “yes dad, could you give me a hundred box? I already have a hundred here, COULD I BUY AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME?”
This is a reality in some families, parents become so busy that they forget what is essential that is to spend enough and quality time with the children they love.
I remember this story as I read our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 10:38-42) about Mary and Martha. Mary, is a symbol of our ‘contemplative/prayer life,’ while, Martha symbolizes our ‘active life’ as Christians. Both are important, they must go hand in hand as we follow Jesus in our lives. Let us now take note of the following process (purpose of our life):
1. To KNOW Christ – “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what He said (Lk. 10:39).” Knowing Christ is possible if we have time to listen to Him through: the Scriptures, personal or communal prayers and meditation or contemplation. To ‘listen’ is to be ‘silent’ (different words, but same letters are used), they are synonymous.
2. To LOVE Christ – The only way to Love Christ is to know Him, and the only way to manifest this Love is to serve Him. Love of Christ is the core of our contemplative and active life.
3. To SERVE Christ – Martha is an epitome of active service as she “was distracted with all the preparations she had to make (Lk. 10:40).” We are all called to serve, this is the concrete manifestation of our intense prayer and love for Jesus. It is not that ‘we give to a need’ but ‘we need to give.’ We (giver) are at the receiving end in our giving/service. Lets thank the people whom we help for without them we could not experience true peace and happiness.
Such process of knowing, loving and serving Christ leads us ‘TO-BE-WITH CHRIST’ here on earth till its full realization in heaven.
A Meaningful Day of Prayer and Service!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
July 14, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
The Gospel for this Sunday is about the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37). Another word for “parable” is “comparison,” Jesus used this method in imparting His message easily and effectively.
Let us now reflect on the three characters in the parable, a character-based reflection:
1. PRIEST – Did nothing for the victim, for he was afraid to touch a dead body (though not sure if dead), such will make him unclean (Num. 19:11). More than what the heart could dictate, he listened to what the law says. Religion for him was just a game of rules. Are we like the priest in the parable, ‘looking good’ and ‘feeling good,’ but not really good?
2. LEVITE – Did nothing for the victim, for being the procurator of the temple he holds the principle, ‘safety first.’ Having in mind that such could be a ploy of the bandits, he did not care to help. Are we like the levite who hold on to the principle, “why will I give? My family also needs it” or “I don’t want to be abused,” etc… ‘safety first’ so to speak. Let us always bear in mind that the basis in loving others is how we love ourselves.
3. SAMARITAN – Did everything to help the victim, his help is not just a one-shot-deal, but a long-term help. What he did manifest his great love to his fellowman, regardless of anything. Could we do the same?
To whom do we see and compare ourselves?
Have a Meaningful Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
July 7, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
I remember a story in a 1st communion rehearsal, a religion teacher was having a hard time telling the first communicants to make straight the line as they received the communion. The communicants, excited, confused and anxious kept wobbling, for each of them wanted to see the person in front, to see what that person was doing. A bright idea came into the mind of the teacher, that was, to tell the communicants to look at the crucified Jesus on the the altar for them to be given the small cookie that served as the host. Such became very effective.
Are we like the 1st communicants in the story who do not know what to do and keep wobbling? As Christians, let us fix our gaze on Jesus so as not to wobble on His path.
In our Gospel for today, Jesus commissioned the seventy-two disciples (Lk. 10:1-12). ‘Seventy-two’ is symbolic of all nations and all people, all of us are commissioned to everybody that we meet. THUS, FIXING OUR GAZE ON JESUS WILL ALLOW US TO:
1. WORK HARMONIOUSLY WITH OUR FELLOW DISCIPLES – This is the implication of sending the disciples by pair (cf. Lk. 10:1), for team work. As priest, to our fellow ministers, not just with brother priests but with lay leaders as well. For those married, team work between husband and wife, parents and children and between siblings. Team work in our local community and in our work place.
2. GIVE MORE IMPORTANCE TO THE GIVER AND NOT JUST TO THE GIFTS – As Jesus would say, “carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals” (Lk. 10:4). It is not that we don’t need material wealth, we need them that is why Jesus is giving us such. We need material sustenance, but that is not all that we need. For if we give too much focus on material things, good things and relationship to Jesus might be compromised.
3. BRING PEACE TO ALL THE PEOPLE WE MEET – “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household’” (Lk. 10:5). We are to bring peace not just to those who reciprocate, but also to those who do not. Let us spare ourselves from committing sin by being proactive (not reactive) on those people who are not lover of peace.
Have a Blessed Sunday focused on Christ and on people we encounter and serve!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
June 30, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
“One time on a plane going to Tokyo, I was praying my breviary. When I put it down, a passenger to my right, a Japanese, asked whether I was reading a Bible. I answered, ‘Yes.’ Then he asked again, ‘are you a Christian?’ I replied, ‘yes,’ then in turn I asked him, ‘are you?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘though I would like to become one.’ ‘Then why don’t you become one?,’ I continued. ‘Because I am a businessman, and it is hard to become a businessman and a Christian at the same time. Maybe when I grow old…’ was his final answer.”
(Story told by Bishop Teodoro Bacani)
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk. 9:51-62) gives us an insight what it takes to follow Jesus. Thus, in the Gospel there are those who:
1. REJECTED CHRIST – “On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk. 9:52-53). Samaritans failed to give the necessary hospitality to Jesus and His disciples as they passed by Samaria going to Jerusalem. This is also true nowadays, according to survey 80% of our population in the Philippines are Catholics, but only 15% are active, where are the others? When are we going to fully accept Jesus in our lives?
2. REACTED NOT LIKE CHRIST – “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (Lk. 9:54) asked by James and John, they were hot headed. Jesus’ time is no longer time of aggressiveness and fanaticism just like in the old times (Prophet Elijah – 2Kgs. 1:10) and even in the preaching of John the Baptist (Lk. 3:9, 17). Jesus sends forth the Holy Spirit to cast fire in our hearts, for our strength and enlightenment to follow Him.
3. WERE CALLED TO RESPOND TO CHRIST (Lk. 9:57-62) – Three instances were brought to the fore regarding the call to follow Jesus, and stress was given that it should be whole heartedly. May ‘nothing’ and ‘no one’ hinder our pursuit to respond to His call. If Jesus is ‘the only one in our lives,’ everything will be okay and will fall into its proper place, as St. Augustine would say, “Love God and do what you will.” Amen!
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
June 23, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
I remember a story after my 1st communion, we went to Antipolo to hear mass, I was very excited then to receive the Body of Christ, but I was not allowed by the priest, I failed to respond “Amen,” he asked, “sino ang tatangapin mo?” I just nodded. Being at the shoes of that priest at this point, I would like to hear the ones receiving the communion, “AMEN,” for it means “I do believe” or “it’s true.” Do we know who we are receiving whenever we hear mass? In Eucharist we come to experience and encounter:
1. CHRIST HIMSELF – This is His real presence, He instituted the Eucharist, may we come to experience Jesus that we received. “We become what we eat.” May we become like Christ that we receive, an “alter-Christus.”
2. ONE ANOTHER – The feeding of five thousand is also called the miracle of sharing, may we come to share what we have and who we are.
3. OUR WOULD-BE-DESTINATION – In Eucharist, we are experiencing the “foretaste of eternal banquet.” In as much as it is an encounter with Christ and with one another, it is an experience of heaven here on earth, let us maximize this loving encounter.
A Blessed Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
June 16, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
The Mystery of the Triune God can’t be totally comprehended by our limited mind. How then could we believe? It is through experiencing this God in Three Persons that we come to accept this mystery and believe. We may experience Him in:
1. Baptism – We enter into His life by virtue of baptism that we received. We become adoptive sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and sisters in Jesus and temples of the Holy Spirit.
2. Imitating Their Unity (Immanent Trinity) – The Three Persons are the epitome of unity and love, that in our experience of such, that is our experience of the Triune God.
3. Acknowledging what these Three Persons are doing to us (Economic Trinity) – The Father created us, the Son saves us and the Holy Spirit sanctifies us. These are the experiences of the Triune God, but the question is, are we just recipients? We could let these experiences of God be translated in our dealing with others. We may be created for others, save with others and sanctify others.
Let us not look at the Trinity as mere doctrine to be believed in, but it is also a life to be lived by.
A Blessed Trinity Sunday to all!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
June 9, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
As I reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel (Jn. 14:15-16, 23b-26), I cannot help but to remember my late father, Francisco, Sr. What Jesus said and did were in semblance with my experiences with Tatay. We have heard in today’s Gospel the farewell discourse of Jesus and the promise of another Advocate as He ascended in heaven, and on the 50th day of His resurrection, He became true to His promise, the Holy Spirit was sent to the Apostles and to us. Let us consider the following realities in Jesus’ farewell discourse:
1. FAREWELL AND ANOTHER ADVOCATE – After the cancer diagnosis of my father, farewells directly or indirectly became prominent. My father did not say that he will leave us another advocate (he is not God), but his advice, principles and good examples linger until now, like, love one another as siblings, study well for that is the only thing that they could leave us, example of being a public servant, etc… Such for me, is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit is another Advocate for us, He will enlighten and strengthen us, He will teach us how to live life to its fullest.
2. LOVE AND KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS – More than 20 years now since our father left us, I could still remember his instructions on how to live life, disobedience would mean less consideration and less love to our father. The same as through in Jesus’ invitation to keep His commandments, such would mean love and enough consideration to Him and to the Father and the Holy Spirit would spur us to follow Jesus’ precepts.
3. INDWELLING AND ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM – Jesus 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 abode with him” (Jn. 14:23). A friend of tatay once said to me, “para kang tatay mo, naglilingkod,” I was really happy hearing such affirmation and comparison, it’s an indwelling so to speak. Just like that if we remain in Jesus’ precepts, Jesus remains in us, as St. Paul would say, “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Living in Christ in the here and now will bring us to live in Him in eternity, Amen!
A Blessed Pentecost Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
June 2, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Today we are celebrating the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven.
I asked the congregation:
“For those who want to go to heaven, pls. clap your hands, they all clapped!”
And I asked again:
“For those who want to go to heaven NOW, pls. clap your hands, no one clap, instead they laughed!”
One has to die in order to go to heaven, for death is the doorway to eternal life, this was the experience of Christ ascended to heaven.
As Christ Ascended, He left His Apostles and is leaving us the following:
1. MISSION – Though they (Evangelists) accounted different ways of the visible ascension, one thing is common among them, i.e., the mission left to the apostles (ascension was not a historical fact, but a catechetical lesson). We are also left with the same instruction, to continue the mission of Christ, to our families and to our communities.
2. SPIRIT – who will give us enlightenment and strength. We are not left unaided, the Holy Spirit will spur us to do what is right, true and just; and the same Spirit helps us go through life’s difficulties.
3. SALVATION – Christ’s resurrection is a blue print of what lies ahead after death, and His ascension to heaven is an indication of our would-be-destiny. We are already saved, all we need to do is to cooperate.
A Blessed Ascension Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 26, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
I remember our late father, when he is saying something that we, his children ought to follow and we do otherwise, he will say: “Palit na kaya tayo, kayo na ang ama, ako ang anak!”
I remember this as I read the Gospel (Jn. 14:23-29) for this Sunday, “Whoever loves me will keep my word” (v. 23). This is the test of our love to God and to our parents, to keep their words. LET’S REFLECT ON WHAT JESUS GIVES IN THE NAME OF LOVE:
1. HIS WORD (v. 23) – These are precepts that have to be followed, if we do so, there is an ‘indwelling’ of Jesus in us, the expressions are true if we live in Him, “maka-Diyos ka!” or “hulog ka ng Langit!”
2. HIS SPIRIT (v. 26) – This is Jesus’ promise as He ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit is our compass, moral radar our guide, let us listen to His promptings.
3. HIS PEACE (v. 27) – To live in Jesus is to live in peace. We may find comfort with what the world gives, but peace does not necessarily follows. May we search for Jesus who will give us peace in its truest sense.
My father is true in saying that if I do not follow him, “palit na tayo!” With all that Jesus is giving us in the name of love, if we don’t live in Him, we are making ourselves gods.
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 19, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
In our Gospel for today (Jn. 13:31-33, 34-35) we can find three (3) important phrases that could capsulize our reflection:
1. MY CHILDREN (v. 33) – instead of calling them brothers, this address pinpoints Jesus’ farewell and there is this ‘last will.’ Let us always decipher God’s will, that’s what He wants and all will be well with us.
2. NEW COMMANDMENT (v. 34) – why called ‘new’? Is there an old commandment? Stated in Leviticus 19:18, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said to His disciples “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn. 13:34), the basis on loving others is not just on how you love yourself but on how Jesus loves each of us, that is, to the point of offering oneself. Let us be overwhelmed by His love and let this love flow to our brethren.
3. YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER (v. 35) – Living in Christ is living in love, this is the identity of a true follower of Jesus.
Have a Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 12, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
There was once an orator who used Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) as his piece, he delivered the said Psalm very well in front of many people. Before the program ended, an old priest was asked to impart a message, at the beginning of his message he also delivered the same Psalm after which he said, “I could no longer deliver with emotion and persuasion.” But the orator on his closing remarks said, “I know the Psalm but the old priest knows the Shepherd. Do we know the Shepherd?
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
1. OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE (cf. Jn. 10:28) – As we journey through life we are not heading nowhere. Jesus our Good Shepherd wants to bring us to greener pasture (Ps. 23:2), if we experience otherwise, we opted for that. Though we are finite and mortal, Jesus who conquered death will raise us up on the last day.
2. INVITES US TO ‘HEAR’ AND ‘FOLLOW’ (cf. Jn. 10:27) – Words are said in order to impart something or to communicate. There are messages from our Good Shepherd that ought to be heard and followed. In doing so, we are like sheep in the flock who know, listen and follow our Shepherd unlike the Jews in our 1st Reading (Acts 13:14, 43-52).
3. GATHERS US TO BE THE SHEEP OF HIS FLOCK (Psalm Response) – This is the project of our Good Shepherd, to gather us as His flock. This is not just an occurrence in the future as the vision in our 2nd Reading would say (Rev. 7:9, 14-17), but it could be a reality in the here and now, to be harmoniously united with others and with God. Amen!
A Blessed Good Shepherd Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 5, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
I remember we had an outing with brother priests, we were on an island hopping, I jokingly asked the bangkero, “do you go for an outing?” We both laughed. It’s a silly question.
I remember this story as I read our Gospel for today (Jn. 21:1-19), the Apostles (down and out with Jesus’ death) went back to what they usually do (but not the only thing to do), i.e., fishing, the Risen Christ appeared to them and commissioned them to continue being fishers of men.
In our Gospel, we could see 3 Ms offered by Christ:
1. MEAL – It’s not only material food that is offered to the apostles and to us, but the spiritual food for the nourishment of our soul. As we attend the Eucharist, it’s an encounter with Jesus and with one another – maximize the opportunity. Eucharist is our most intense encounter with Jesus in the here and now.
2. MISSION – They caught many fish, 153 kinds, this figure is said to be the varieties of fish that time (acc. to Greek zoologists) suggesting that all people be evangelized. As Christ would say to Peter (and to us), “do you love me?… feed my sheep!” (Cf. Jn. 21: 15-18).
3. MARTYRDOM – this is the consequence of being a disciple of Christ (Cf. Jn. 21:18-19 – prediction on how Peter will die). Following Jesus is no joke, there are many challenges and struggles along the way, this is the way of the Cross, the way to holiness and salvation.
A Blessed Day of the Lord to all!