Gospel Notes
Enter by the narrow gate...
What a paradox! Everyone wants to walk by the broad gate, to make a quick entry or exit s a hustle for the smooth flow of traffic. The highways are constantly modified to keep up with the pace in order to avoid congestion on the roads.
However, the entrance to the airport becomes more constricted day by day. Travelers need to be at the aerodrome three hours before the flight takes off. To watch the favorite team play or their latest hero, fans push each other to enter by the narrow gate. US government has passed the law to put a fence on the border, consequently making the entry of aliens to the United States by the narrow gate.
Our human nature is to make an easy way out. When restrictions are imposed we detest, and numerous complaints follow. Yet, our empirical experience shows us that without such restrains, there would not be a smooth flow of life. Therefore, to stride by the narrow door is vital for our success and wellbeing.
The invitation of Jesus to the people of the New Testament is to walk by the narrow gate. What does this mean? Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you; if someone slaps you on the cheek turn the other as well. The Beatitudes: blessed are the poor... blessed are those who are persecuted... blessed are pure... The teachings of Jesus turns the world upside down and makes the path very narrow to tread.
To be politically correct, which is the broad gate, we shut our mouths against injustice, immorality, and allow the degradation of the society, as well as the faith in the Almighty. St. Peter responded politically correct, "God forbid, this shall never happen to you", to the announcement Jesus made about His impending passion and death. Jesus did not think politically while reacting to Peter's answer: "Get behind me, Satan!"
People in great numbers follow those faiths, which compromise the "in thing" with modern society. Catholic Church is looked upon with frown because it would not bend to the pressure and make the gate broader and easier for people to walk through. More than half of the Catholic population do not attend mass, because they feel that the cross of Christ is too heavy for them to carry.
Walk by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed. then you will find yourself saying:"we once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets, but he will reply, "I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!" Yes, there are those now last who will be the first, and those now first who will be last.
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, pastor. St. Timothy Church, Chicago, Illinois)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
On living what we say ...
Ponder on these words of the Blessed Mother Teresa, "Be holy because the God who created you is holy and He loves you."
True to her words, she believes in what she says and lives on what she believes. She shuns the cloak that people of holy stature wear, so to speak, and wear daily the habit of love.
I am appalled to witness people who tell us to follow what they say because of the nature of their position, but don't do what they preach. But Mother Teresa is a unique mold, a one of a kind. She was offered a nice vehicle; she refused to take it. When asked why she lives on the place where the poor, the beggars, the sickly, the refuse of society stay, she replied, " because in them I see God."
I was fascinated when I read about Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk.
Ponder on these words of the Blessed Mother Teresa, "Be holy because the God who created you is holy and He loves you."
True to her words, she believes in what she says and lives on what she believes. She shuns the cloak that people of holy stature wear, so to speak, and wear daily the habit of love.
I am appalled to witness people who tell us to follow what they say because of the nature of their position, but don't do what they preach. But Mother Teresa is a unique mold, a one of a kind. She was offered a nice vehicle; she refused to take it. When asked why she lives on the place where the poor, the beggars, the sickly, the refuse of society stay, she replied, " because in them I see God."
I was fascinated when I read about Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Note on the Hawaiian night
Make a joyful noise...! By: Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
Indeed, it was a joyful noise! No... no, it was melodious voices, accompanied with perfect orchestra gave a rousing performance past Saturday, the 7th of August. St. Timothy hosted its annual "Summer Dinner Dance." It was incredible to behold the parish hall with striking distinction. The whole ambiance carried us to a distant land of sunshine and exotic beauty, "Hawaii." The decorations truly resonated the theme of the event, Hawaiian Dance."
All those who came, left the place with a smile and jubilation, only with an intent to return next year to recreate the fun and fellowship, which they have truly cherished. There were close to two hundred people, and the hall was almost packed to its capacity. Thanks to the "Novena Group", who donated two "air conditioner" units, which kept the place from burning into flames, as the people danced to the rhythm of the night. Mike Gallen, our ace carpenter, in a timely manner fixed these two units permanently on the windows in the main hall.
The organizing committee left no stone unturned to make this event a success. It was purely and sincerely their handwork, not for any selfish motive, but to make St. Timothy parish a vibrant community. They put in time and resources to make this event a success, in order to allow the guests to enjoy the evening to the fullest.
Many of our parishioners participated in the event, but most of the participants were guests from outside our parish. It was little disheartening, but not to be discouraged. We have hope, and we are people of hope.We have to keep moving forward to bring people together to celebrate our faith and to strengthen the bonds that bind us together, as one body of Christ.
I express my sincere thanks to the organizing committee for "your dedication, devotion, and determination" to build this community. We have to acknowledge, that we are a diverse community, and we have to learn to participate in all the events, "as parish events." and not of any particular group. In a very special way, I would like to thank, Mr. and Mrs. Nestor and Helen Bongabong, although they live in Joliet, they love our community and selflessly share their time and talent.
Make a joyful noise...! By: Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
Indeed, it was a joyful noise! No... no, it was melodious voices, accompanied with perfect orchestra gave a rousing performance past Saturday, the 7th of August. St. Timothy hosted its annual "Summer Dinner Dance." It was incredible to behold the parish hall with striking distinction. The whole ambiance carried us to a distant land of sunshine and exotic beauty, "Hawaii." The decorations truly resonated the theme of the event, Hawaiian Dance."
All those who came, left the place with a smile and jubilation, only with an intent to return next year to recreate the fun and fellowship, which they have truly cherished. There were close to two hundred people, and the hall was almost packed to its capacity. Thanks to the "Novena Group", who donated two "air conditioner" units, which kept the place from burning into flames, as the people danced to the rhythm of the night. Mike Gallen, our ace carpenter, in a timely manner fixed these two units permanently on the windows in the main hall.
The organizing committee left no stone unturned to make this event a success. It was purely and sincerely their handwork, not for any selfish motive, but to make St. Timothy parish a vibrant community. They put in time and resources to make this event a success, in order to allow the guests to enjoy the evening to the fullest.
Many of our parishioners participated in the event, but most of the participants were guests from outside our parish. It was little disheartening, but not to be discouraged. We have hope, and we are people of hope.We have to keep moving forward to bring people together to celebrate our faith and to strengthen the bonds that bind us together, as one body of Christ.
I express my sincere thanks to the organizing committee for "your dedication, devotion, and determination" to build this community. We have to acknowledge, that we are a diverse community, and we have to learn to participate in all the events, "as parish events." and not of any particular group. In a very special way, I would like to thank, Mr. and Mrs. Nestor and Helen Bongabong, although they live in Joliet, they love our community and selflessly share their time and talent.
A Vatican Visit in Perspective...by Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Sharing One-Priesthood in Christ!
Indeed, what a moment! The gathering of thousands of priest from around the world in Rome to show solidarity, to pray and witness to sharing of One-Priesthood in Christ in the Catholic Church, under the leadership of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, the XV1, the Vicar of Christ here on earth. The whole atmosphere filled us with awe and wonder, even in the midst of present crises in the church.
The first two days priests gathered in the Basilica of St. Paul for a meditative talk from Cardinal, followed by Eucharistic adoration. The first talk was on reconciliation. Cardinal reminded over twelve thousand priests gathered together, the need for confession. What would you prefer,"a loving and forgiving embrace from God in the sacrament of confession, or standing alone with self-righteousness-claiming I have no sins? The latter attitude has wide spread, which is a cause for many of our maladies. The prodigal son preferred the embrace of the father, rather than to stay away from Him with pride. It was encouraging to see so many priests standing in line to receive the sacrament of confession.
The second day, the meditation was on the nature of Priesthood. Cardinal Marc Ouelette reminded that the gift of priesthood is for service. At the prayer vigil in the evening at St. Peter's Basilica, five questions were posed to the Holy Father by five priests from five continents. Questions mostly related to priesthood and priestly ministry in the world. Holy Father promptly answered the questions as a theologian and as a pastor.The vigil ended with Eucharistic adoration, benediction and solemn blessing.
In the backdrop of the sex scandal, the Pope in his homily had this to say to all priest. "Had the Year for Priests been a glorification of our individual human performance, it would have been ruined by these events. But for us what happened was precisely the opposite: we grew in gratitude for God's gift, a gift concealed in "earthen vessels" which ever anew, even amid human weakness, makes his love concretely present in this world. So let look upon all that happened as a task which we bring to the future and which makes us acknowledge and love all the more the great gift we have received from God. In this way, his gift becomes a commitment to respond to God's courage and humility by our own courage and our own humility."
I am truly fortunate to be part of this great gathering of the priests on the occasion of the 150th death anniversary of St. John Mary Vianney. This is a first such gathering in the history of the church. This would not have been possible for me to attend, if not for St. Timothy parishioners, who generously contributed to my trip to Rome. In a very special way, I would like to thank Pat Johnson, and the Liturgy Committee who initiated this process. I am humbled by your love, generosity, and faith. Pray for me that I may be able to serve the Lord in a worthy manner, and be a humble servant to His people.
Sharing One-Priesthood in Christ!
Indeed, what a moment! The gathering of thousands of priest from around the world in Rome to show solidarity, to pray and witness to sharing of One-Priesthood in Christ in the Catholic Church, under the leadership of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, the XV1, the Vicar of Christ here on earth. The whole atmosphere filled us with awe and wonder, even in the midst of present crises in the church.
The first two days priests gathered in the Basilica of St. Paul for a meditative talk from Cardinal, followed by Eucharistic adoration. The first talk was on reconciliation. Cardinal reminded over twelve thousand priests gathered together, the need for confession. What would you prefer,"a loving and forgiving embrace from God in the sacrament of confession, or standing alone with self-righteousness-claiming I have no sins? The latter attitude has wide spread, which is a cause for many of our maladies. The prodigal son preferred the embrace of the father, rather than to stay away from Him with pride. It was encouraging to see so many priests standing in line to receive the sacrament of confession.
The second day, the meditation was on the nature of Priesthood. Cardinal Marc Ouelette reminded that the gift of priesthood is for service. At the prayer vigil in the evening at St. Peter's Basilica, five questions were posed to the Holy Father by five priests from five continents. Questions mostly related to priesthood and priestly ministry in the world. Holy Father promptly answered the questions as a theologian and as a pastor.The vigil ended with Eucharistic adoration, benediction and solemn blessing.
In the backdrop of the sex scandal, the Pope in his homily had this to say to all priest. "Had the Year for Priests been a glorification of our individual human performance, it would have been ruined by these events. But for us what happened was precisely the opposite: we grew in gratitude for God's gift, a gift concealed in "earthen vessels" which ever anew, even amid human weakness, makes his love concretely present in this world. So let look upon all that happened as a task which we bring to the future and which makes us acknowledge and love all the more the great gift we have received from God. In this way, his gift becomes a commitment to respond to God's courage and humility by our own courage and our own humility."
I am truly fortunate to be part of this great gathering of the priests on the occasion of the 150th death anniversary of St. John Mary Vianney. This is a first such gathering in the history of the church. This would not have been possible for me to attend, if not for St. Timothy parishioners, who generously contributed to my trip to Rome. In a very special way, I would like to thank Pat Johnson, and the Liturgy Committee who initiated this process. I am humbled by your love, generosity, and faith. Pray for me that I may be able to serve the Lord in a worthy manner, and be a humble servant to His people.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
08/13/10, Friday
Lector: Transfiguration Church/ Novena of Jesus of Nazarene ( A Quiapo, Manila style)
Every Friday of the week in the north side of Chicago at Transfiguration Church there is a 7:00 pm Rosary followed by Novena of Jesus of Nazarene then Mass. This is a devotion particularly activated by Filipinos who have taken roots in Illinois. This ethnic group had glued themselves to the true religion which was rammed to them by the Spanish conquestadores and missionaries. This devotion has its origin based at the heart of Manila which is Quiapo.This Quiapo Church which is the hub of human traffic hold masses almost very hour unceasingly due to the influx of Filipinos from all over the Philippines Archipelago ( Visayas and Mindanao) to the capital of the Philippines to study, to work, to visit or to be permanent residents.
This quest for the improvement of life goaded them to seek shelter in the city's progress, and the promise of tempting opportunities in all aspects of human endeavor.
And when their provincial shoes touched the metropolitan pavement, their first instinct is to be grateful for the safe journey leading them to seek a refuge which is no other but the House of God. The people flock where the flow is. Not all are Roman Catholics but they pray to God, nevertheless.
On Wednesdays, the flow veers to Baclaran for the devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help. Meanwhile on Thursdays, it is St. Jude devotion.
Lector: Transfiguration Church/ Novena of Jesus of Nazarene ( A Quiapo, Manila style)
Every Friday of the week in the north side of Chicago at Transfiguration Church there is a 7:00 pm Rosary followed by Novena of Jesus of Nazarene then Mass. This is a devotion particularly activated by Filipinos who have taken roots in Illinois. This ethnic group had glued themselves to the true religion which was rammed to them by the Spanish conquestadores and missionaries. This devotion has its origin based at the heart of Manila which is Quiapo.This Quiapo Church which is the hub of human traffic hold masses almost very hour unceasingly due to the influx of Filipinos from all over the Philippines Archipelago ( Visayas and Mindanao) to the capital of the Philippines to study, to work, to visit or to be permanent residents.
This quest for the improvement of life goaded them to seek shelter in the city's progress, and the promise of tempting opportunities in all aspects of human endeavor.
And when their provincial shoes touched the metropolitan pavement, their first instinct is to be grateful for the safe journey leading them to seek a refuge which is no other but the House of God. The people flock where the flow is. Not all are Roman Catholics but they pray to God, nevertheless.
On Wednesdays, the flow veers to Baclaran for the devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help. Meanwhile on Thursdays, it is St. Jude devotion.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
On vanity...
This world is full of that vanity- conceit, excessive pride in oneself.
This is a period of my life that I saw different signs in the walls of time. People young and old paint their bodies, adorn them bodies with diamonds even their tongues.
Near a diamond store in the mall, a man approached me to buy diamond as his wife is a salesperson.I told him that diamonds are forever luxuries what we need are necessities. Look at me, I said to him, I don't have a watch what for when I have a cellphone that tells time and offers me my needs of infos ...
This world is full of that vanity- conceit, excessive pride in oneself.
This is a period of my life that I saw different signs in the walls of time. People young and old paint their bodies, adorn them bodies with diamonds even their tongues.
Near a diamond store in the mall, a man approached me to buy diamond as his wife is a salesperson.I told him that diamonds are forever luxuries what we need are necessities. Look at me, I said to him, I don't have a watch what for when I have a cellphone that tells time and offers me my needs of infos ...
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Vanity of vanities.... all is vanity!
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx)
This is a beautiful Phrase, but also a hard reality, which challenges the status-quo of our thought process, and the world-view we hold so dearly. Indeed, the empirical world is nothing but, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.Philosopher Heraclitus coined this world's outlook with another startling chapter, " You cannot step in the same river twice." change is constant, and change is here to stay. How do we perceive this reality in our universe? Does it have any effect in the way we conduct our life knowing that we are just pilgrims? These are vital questions to discern wisdom and find true meaning in our existence.
Such a reflection of this beautiful expression allows us to put things into proper perspective. However, if not rooted in God, it could lead to despair and anguish.If the empirical realities constantly change, the supernatural beings exist beyond the realm of change and exist for eternity. the human body is subject to change, the soul belongs to the supernatural realm, and it continually struggles to reunite to the eternal substance. This struggle determines our purification and true holiness.
The author of the book of Ecclesiastes had this thought in mind to impart wisdom, by sighting the profound truth of the empirical reality. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!" Therefore, do not cling to the worldly things, they will all pass away. It seems grat injustice that a man, who has labored wisely, skillfully, and successfully, must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it all. Therefore, we hsve to learn and use the faculties of the soul-knowledge of first cause and principle (we commonly understand as God) grown in faith, hope and charity.
Fool! This very night the demand will be made, we will have overcome overcome the ignorance; otherwise, ignorance will lead us to eternal darkness. Now is the time to decipher life's code, and live in wisdom-detachment from worldly things, and joyful embrace to the faculties of our soul. St Paul writing to the Christians of Collossae reminds them, "since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is sitting at God's right hand."
Because we have been imparted with wisdom, we have to work hard to rid everything that belongs only to earthly life: fornication, impurity,guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed, which is the same thing as worshiping false gods. In Christ, we have been stripped of our old self, and put on new self, which will progress towards true knowledge the more it is renewed in the image of its Creator. The philosophers of old sought this wisdom; we sre given it for free in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not take it for granted, but give God thanks always, and conduct your life with wisdom.
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx)
This is a beautiful Phrase, but also a hard reality, which challenges the status-quo of our thought process, and the world-view we hold so dearly. Indeed, the empirical world is nothing but, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.Philosopher Heraclitus coined this world's outlook with another startling chapter, " You cannot step in the same river twice." change is constant, and change is here to stay. How do we perceive this reality in our universe? Does it have any effect in the way we conduct our life knowing that we are just pilgrims? These are vital questions to discern wisdom and find true meaning in our existence.
Such a reflection of this beautiful expression allows us to put things into proper perspective. However, if not rooted in God, it could lead to despair and anguish.If the empirical realities constantly change, the supernatural beings exist beyond the realm of change and exist for eternity. the human body is subject to change, the soul belongs to the supernatural realm, and it continually struggles to reunite to the eternal substance. This struggle determines our purification and true holiness.
The author of the book of Ecclesiastes had this thought in mind to impart wisdom, by sighting the profound truth of the empirical reality. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!" Therefore, do not cling to the worldly things, they will all pass away. It seems grat injustice that a man, who has labored wisely, skillfully, and successfully, must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it all. Therefore, we hsve to learn and use the faculties of the soul-knowledge of first cause and principle (we commonly understand as God) grown in faith, hope and charity.
Fool! This very night the demand will be made, we will have overcome overcome the ignorance; otherwise, ignorance will lead us to eternal darkness. Now is the time to decipher life's code, and live in wisdom-detachment from worldly things, and joyful embrace to the faculties of our soul. St Paul writing to the Christians of Collossae reminds them, "since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is sitting at God's right hand."
Because we have been imparted with wisdom, we have to work hard to rid everything that belongs only to earthly life: fornication, impurity,guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed, which is the same thing as worshiping false gods. In Christ, we have been stripped of our old self, and put on new self, which will progress towards true knowledge the more it is renewed in the image of its Creator. The philosophers of old sought this wisdom; we sre given it for free in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not take it for granted, but give God thanks always, and conduct your life with wisdom.
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