December 16, 2017

John 5: 33-36

Bringer of Light

The gospel speaks about Jesus who was talking about John the baptizer. As in the prophecies about the
coming of the Messiah, John was the bringer of the light or as Jesus has described him, a burning and
shining lamp. But Jesus’s testimony was greater than John’s and this is the testimony of LOVE. Jesus
came to us more than just to suffer but most specially to show the real essence of love, an unconditional
one that shines even brighter than any light that’s being shown or given to us. May we live out this kind
of light and not keep it for ourselves but share it to others that they may also experience God’s
tremendous love for us. And, just like John the baptizer who was beheaded for bringing this light, may
we be ready for the hardships that will come as well.

December 17, 2017

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Knowing Your Role

In the gospel, John the baptizer is being introduced as the one who cries out in the desert, make straight
the way of the Lord. Here, John does not pretend to be somebody he is not. He even denies that he is
the prophet or the Christ. In the end, he introduced the real Messiah whose sandal’s he claims he is
unworthy to untie. This bold proclamation is ironically a statement or a testimony of humility. The
gospel calls us not to brag about the things we do not have or somebody we are not. However, we
should at the same time be aware about our role in our society, in our school and in our family. Being
aware of our role allows us to limit ourselves only to what we can do. This way, you will not steal the
role of others and at the same time participate on activities that will make our lives more productive.
This is John’s testimony – he knows his role in salvation history and he is proud of it. Ironically this is one
of the qualities of a humble person.

December 18, 2017

Matthew 1:18-25

YES

The gospel narrates the story of how Jesus’ birth came about. In this story two important persons are
being presented, Mary, our blessed mother and Joseph, Jesus’ foster father here in earth. This couple
have one thing in common and it’s something worth reflecting upon – their YES to God. We all know the
scene of annunciation where our blessed mother without question obeyed the Father’s will. At the same
time, Joseph, as hesitant as he was also obeyed and followed directions to protect his family. YES, is a
three letter word but it’s accompanied with a lot of challenges. Following God isn’t a walk in the park.
It’s a rough road and only the ones who endure can enjoy the fullness of love. But what gives us
strength? It’s the God’s promise, sure fire victory in the end. If we say yes, hold on and keep the faith –
we will reap our rewards in the end, just like Mary and Joseph.
December 19, 2017

Luke 1: 5-25

The Messenger

The gospel speaks about angel Gabriel revealing to Zechariah that he will have a son with Elizabeth
whom they will call John. Of course what the angel announced came about and we know the story.
However, what we should reflect about is the name Gabriel. What does it mean? It means God’s
messenger or the bearer of God’s message. He has been around since the old testament revealing and
delivering God’s word to the prophets and important characters in the scriptures. This is also a calling
for us. Let’s be God’s messenger in our own way. No we don’t have to be an angel. We simply have to
see God in every way and share it to other people. In fact, let’s be more than just God’s messenger, let’s
be God’s message ourselves. And what is this message? The message of love. Through our acts of
kindness, humility and living out the gospel that Jesus taught us, we can surely reach out and touch lives
in our own simple ways.

December 20, 2017

Luke 1: 26-38

The Opposite Of Faith

The gospel today speaks about the account of Mary’s FIAT to God’s message – that she was to conceive
a son who will be called Emmanuel. We all know that Mary’s yes turned the world upside down. Mary’s
attitude towards this command really is worth appreciating. Just imagine if she said no. But everything
goes according to plan as God has already seen it. Faith was restored when these three-letter-word was
uttered by Mary. She is the new Eve – the greatest example of disobedience. Mary’s yes, symbolic of her
tremendous trust to God elevated her from a nobody to the mother of God. Disobedience is the
opposite of faith. May we truly follow the example of our Blessed Mother and be example of faith to our
neighbors.

December 21, 2017

Luke 1: 39-45

Leaped for Joy

The baby in Elizabeth’s womb – who later became Jesus’ baptizer, John – leaped for joy when the
Blessed Mother visited her. What’s in Jesus that brings joy to even those who aren’t born yet? Perhaps
the feeling of security, perhaps this feeling of hope, perhaps this feeling that somebody has come to
redeem us from all the sins. We just can’t imagine the joy that we will experience when we are already
in God’s company. Our gospel for today teaches us to be joyful amidst all the problems that we face. We
should leap for joy not because we are commanded to do so but we should exude happiness because of
the guaranteed victory that Jesus brings into our lives. And we should not keep this joyfulness for
ourselves, we should in fact share this joy to others.
December 22, 2017

Luke 1: 46-56

Giving Thanks

The magnificat or Mary’s song of praise is perhaps one of the most beautiful prayer that every Catholic
should really look at. It’s not just a song of praise. It’s not just a song of exalting God but it’s a song of a
grateful heart. It’s a song of thanksgiving for the wonders God has done, God does and God will do in
the future. If you look at it, Mary’s life isn’t an easy one. She grew up in a culture where women are
second class citizens, they aren’t as respected as they are today. She was almost stoned to death
because of being pregnant without a husband. She would later experience a tremendous amount of pain
a mother could only feel – seeing his beloved son persecuted, scourged and nailed on the cross. But still,
her heart was full of thanksgiving. Perhaps she was aware that behind the pain, there’s a great reward
that would come. This is a call for us to always be thankful not only to the good things we have but most
especially when we are under siege by our problems and struggles. May Mary’s magnificat be our song
as well.

December 23, 2017

Luke 1: 57-66

When In Doubt

If we trace back the account in our gospel for today, we will read that Zechariah, because of his doubt
wasn’t able to speak when it was announced that he will have a son. Doubt is a huge hindrance to our
beliefs as Christians. Doubt is a sign of mistrust to the one who promised something. Yes, we feel the
same too especially when things seem impossible. It is part of our human nature to be doubtful at times
especially when all seems to fail. But doubt should not be replaced with disobedience. Yes, we entertain
our human nature but we should put in mind that it is God who promises not man so when He says He
will do something, He will do something about it. When in doubt, it’s important to pray for guidance
because at that right moment, God will manifest his power. Doubt should lead to prayer and not
disbelief.

December 24, 2017

Luke 1: 26-38

Amazing Grace

Unmerited favor – that is what grace is all about. We don’t deserve it but God still opens His arms to
embrace us. He still continues to love us. Despite our weaknesses He still continues to provide for our
needs. We deserved death and condemnation but because of his love, God sent His only son to suffer
for us. More than that, Jesus left us with a Church that was given His authority. This is the Church that
established the sacraments which are visible signs of grace. Jesus established a Church that is not for the
well but the sick. Again, we don’t deserve it but still God with his love gave it all for us. As the song says,
Amazing Grace.