Reflection for September 11, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
If you lost something of great value and importance, wouldn't you search for it until you found it? The joy of finding a lost loved one, a precious member of your fold, and your hard-earned savings to feed your hungry family are vivid illustrations that Jesus uses to describe God's kingdom. God the Father does not rejoice in the loss of anyone. He earnestly searches for the lost until they are restored and joyfully united with the whole community of heaven. Jesus told these three parables right after the scribes and Pharisees, the religious elite among the Jews, expressed disapproval of Jesus' close contact with people of a bad reputation.
Jesus told another parable about a Father who loses his Son. This parable is a story in three parts. The first part of the story focuses on the restless behavior of the younger Son, who wants to leave home to get away from his father. He offends his Father by demanding that his share of the Father's inheritance be handed over to him right away, rather than waiting for the time appointed for passing on the inheritance after the Father has either passed away or has retired from the management of the family estate.
Abundant life with God the Father through his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The parable of the prodigal Son also contrasts mercy and forgiveness with their opposites - an unwillingness to forgive and to be reconciled. The Father who had been wronged was forgiving and merciful towards the younger Son, who recognized his need for forgiveness. But the eldest Son, who had not been wronged, was unforgiving and refused to be reconciled with his brother. His refusal to forgive turns into contempt and pride. And his resentment leads to his isolation and estrangement from the community of forgiven sinners.
In this parable, Jesus gives us a vivid picture of God the Father and what his character and attitude toward us are like. God is truly generous, kind, and forgiving towards us. He does not lose hope or give up when we stray from him and his commandments. He searches our hearts to show us where true love and mercy can be found, and he leads us back to the way of everlasting joy and happiness (Psalm 139:1, 23-24). God the Father always rejoices in searching out those who have strayed and welcomes them home with open arms. Do you know the joy of your heavenly Father? He welcomes you home to his kingdom of everlasting righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may your light dispel the darkness of sin, deception, and ignorance so that all who are lost or confused may find their way to the Father's home and be united with him in a bond of peace and friendship. Transform my heart with your merciful love that I may point many others to the good news of pardon, peace, and the new life you offer to all who trust in you, the Good Shepherd and Savior of the world.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for September 4, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Why does the Lord Jesus say we must 'hate' our families and even ourselves? In Biblical times the expression 'to hate' often meant to 'prefer less. Jesus used strong language to make clear that nothing should take precedence or first place over God. God, our heavenly Father, created us in his image and likeness to be his beloved sons and daughters. He has put us first in his love and concern for our well-being and happiness. Our love for him is a response to his exceeding love and kindness towards us. True love is costly because it holds nothing back from the beloved - it is ready to give all and sacrifice for the beloved. God the Father gave us his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who freely offered up his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. His sacrificial death brought us to pardon, healing, new life in the Spirit, and peace with God.
Jesus willingly embraced the cross, not only out of obedience to his Father's will but out of merciful love for each one of us to set us free from slavery, sin, and everything that would keep us from his love, truth, and goodness. Jesus knew that the cross was the Father's way for him to achieve victory over sin and death - and glory for our sake. He counted the cost and said 'yes' to his Father's will. If we want to share in his glory and victory, we, too, must 'count the cost' and say 'yes" to his call to "take up our cross and follow him" as our Lord and Savior.
What is the 'way of the cross for you and me? It means that when my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life every day for Jesus' sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and "sweet" for us is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Christ, who cleanses us and makes us a new creation in him. Paul the Apostle tells us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). We can never outmatch God in his merciful love and kindness towards us. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine.
The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or possession above God is a form of idolatry - worshiping the creature in place of the Creator and Ruler over all he has made. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who and what they love first and foremost. We can be ruled and mastered by many things - money, drugs, success, power, or fame. Only one Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, can truly set us free from the power of sin, greed, and destruction. The choice is ours - who will we serve and follow - the path and destiny the Lord Jesus offers us or the way we choose in opposition to God's will and purpose for our lives. It boils down to choosing between life and death, truth and falsehood, goodness and evil. If we decide for the Lord Jesus and put our trust in him, he will show us the path that leads to true joy and happiness with our Father in heaven.
Let us pray together: Lord Jesus, you are my Treasure, my Life, and my All. Nothing in this life can outweigh the joy of knowing, loving, and serving you all the days of my life. Take my life and all I have and make it yours for your glory now and forever.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for August 28, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
Who wants to be last? Isn't it only natural to desire respect and esteem from others? Jesus' parable of the guests invited to the marriage feast probes our motives for seeking honor and position. Self-promotion is most often achieved at the expense of others! Jesus' parable reinforces the teaching of Proverbs: Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince (Proverbs 25:6-7).
What is true humility, and why should we make it a characteristic mark of our life and action? True humility is not feeling bad about yourself, having a low opinion, or thinking of yourself as inferior to others. True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, whereas a low self-opinion tends to focus our attention on ourselves. Humility is truth in self-understanding and truth in action. Viewing ourselves truthfully, with sober judgment, means seeing ourselves the way God sees us. A humble person makes a realistic assessment of themself without illusion or pretense to be something they are not. The humble regard themselves neither smaller nor more prominent than they genuinely are.
True humility frees us from being our true selves and avoiding despair and pride. A humble person does not have to wear a mask or put on a facade to look good to others, especially those unfamiliar with that person. The meek are not swayed by accidentals, such as fame, reputation, success, or failure.
Humility is the queen or foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to view and judge ourselves correctly, the way God sees us. Humility leads to true self-knowledge, honesty, realism, strength, and dedication to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake rather than our own. Paul, the Apostles, gives us the most excellent example and model of humility in the person of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, ...who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). The Lord Jesus gives grace to those who seek him humbly. Do you want to be a servant as Jesus served?
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you became a servant for my sake to set me free from the tyranny of sin, selfishness, and conceit. Help me to be humble as you are and to love freely and graciously all whom you call me to serve.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for August 21, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
What does the image of a door say to us about the kingdom of God? Jesus' story about the door being shut to those who come too late suggests they had offended their host and deserved to be excluded. It was customary for teachers in Jesus' time to close the door on tardy students and not allow them back for a whole week to teach them discipline and faithfulness.
Jesus told this story in response to the question of who will make it to heaven - to God's kingdom of everlasting peace and eternal life. Many rabbis held that all Israel would be saved and enter God's kingdom, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves! After all, God specially chose them when he established a covenant relationship with them.
If we want to enter God's kingdom and receive our entire inheritance, which is stored up for us in heaven, then we must follow the Lord Jesus in his way of the cross through a willing renunciation of our own will for his will - our own life for his life - our way for his form.
Why did Jesus say we must strive to enter his kingdom of righteousness and peace? The word strive can also be translated as agony. To enter the kingdom of God, we must struggle against every force or power of opposition - even the temptation to remain indifferent, apathetic, or compromising in our faith and personal trust in Jesus, our hope in holding firm to the promises of Jesus, and our uncompromising love for God above all else. Paul the Apostle reminds us that our hope in God does not disappoint us because "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5).
The Lord reminds us that when we face difficulties, trials, temptations, and even failures, we do not struggle alone. He knows our weaknesses even better than we know them, and he is always ready to help us in our struggle to overcome sin and wrong-doing. God's grace is sufficient! As we strive side by side for the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27), Jesus assures us of complete victory! Do you trust in God's grace and help, especially in times of testing and temptation?
Let us pray to Lord Jesus; may we never doubt his guiding presence and tender love and mercy towards us. The gift of your Spirit fills us with persevering faith and courage to trust you always in all things and every circumstance we find ourselves. May your love set our hearts aflame with love for You who are our All.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for August 7, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
What is the greatest joy and treasure we could possess? The Lord Jesus promises that those who seek God and his kingdom will not be disappointed. The Lord Jesus offers us the greatest treasure possible - but we must first seek it and make it our true joy and possession above all else. We naturally want to have and keep whatever we think will bring us happiness, peace, and security. Jesus offers a priceless treasure and source of abundant joy and security worth selling all else for.
Jesus tells his followers not to be fearful or anxious about their present lives and future security. He urges them to sell their possessions and give their money to those who need it most - especially those with nothing to provide for their present needs and welfare. This seems to go against our natural instinct to hoard and save for the future.
Jesus warns that money and possessions will not last and can be taken away at any moment by a thief or death itself. But one treasure can never be lost or destroyed because it is kept secure by God himself. What is that treasure? The Lord himself and his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' parable adds an unexpected reward for those who have faithfully served and watched for the master's return. When the master finally arrived home from the wedding feast at a late hour of the night, he did the unthinkable for his present servants to welcome and let him in. He then puts on a servant's apron and tells his servants to be seated at his banquet table.
Once they are all seated, the master personally waits for them and serves them his rich food and drink. Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best he has to offer - a royal feast fit for a king and his loyal subjects. Are you prepared to feast with the Lord at his banquet table?
I invite you all to pray with me:
Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May nothing in this world hold me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever.
Rev. Emilio Sotomayor, Sch.P.
Reflection for July 24, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
Does the peace of Christ reign in your home and in your personal life? Jesus loved to visit the home of Martha and Mary and enjoyed their gracious hospitality. In this brief encounter, we see two very different temperaments in Martha and Mary. Martha loved to serve, but in her anxious manner of waiting on Jesus, she caused unrest. Mary, in her simple and trusting manner, waited on Jesus by sitting attentively at his feet. She instinctively knew that what the Lord and Teacher most wanted at that moment was her attentive presence.
Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving the Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us give him our concerns and anxieties because he is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. Do you seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in your home?
The Lord Jesus desires that we make a place for him, not only in our hearts but in our homes and in the daily circumstances of our lives as well. We honor the Lord when we offer to him everything we have and everything we do. After all, everything we have is an outright gift from God. St. Paul urges us to give God glory in everything: "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him".
When you sit, eat, sleep and when entertaining your friends and guests, remember that the Lord Jesus is also the guest of your home. Scripture tells us that when Abraham opened his home and welcomed three unknown travelers, he welcomed the Lord who blessed him favorably for his gracious hospitality. The Lord wants us to bring Him glory in the way we treat others and use the gifts he has graciously given to us. God, in turn, blesses us with his gracious presence and fills us with joy.
I invite you to pray with me:
Lord Jesus, to be in your presence is life and joy for me. Free me from needless concerns and preoccupations that I may give you my undivided love and attention.
Rev. Emilio Sotomayor, Sch.P.
Reflection for July 10, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
Does the peace of Christ reign in your home and in your personal life? Jesus loved to visit the home of Martha and Mary and enjoyed their gracious hospitality. In this brief encounter, we see two very different temperaments in Martha and Mary. Martha loved to serve, but in her anxious manner of waiting on Jesus, she caused unrest. Mary, in her simple and trusting manner, waited on Jesus by sitting attentively at his feet. She instinctively knew that what the Lord and Teacher most wanted at that moment was her attentive presence.
Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving the Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us give him our concerns and anxieties because he is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. Do you seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in your home?
The Lord Jesus desires that we make a place for him, not only in our hearts but in our homes and in the daily circumstances of our lives as well. We honor the Lord when we offer to him everything we have and everything we do. After all, everything we have is an outright gift from God. St. Paul urges us to give God glory in everything: "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him".
When you sit, eat, sleep and when entertaining your friends and guests, remember that the Lord Jesus is also the guest of your home. Scripture tells us that when Abraham opened his home and welcomed three unknown travelers, he welcomed the Lord who blessed him favorably for his gracious hospitality. The Lord wants us to bring Him glory in the way we treat others and use the gifts he has graciously given to us. God, in turn, blesses us with his gracious presence and fills us with joy.
I invite you to pray with me:
Lord Jesus, to be in your presence is life and joy for me. Free me from needless concerns and preoccupations that I may give you my undivided love and attention.
Rev. Emilio Sotomayor, Sch.P.
Reflection for June 26, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
What do grapes, thorns, figs, and thistles have to teach us about the kingdom of God? The imagery used by Jesus would have been very familiar to his audience. A certain thorn bush had berries which resembled grapes. And a certain thistle had a flower, which at least from a distance, resembled the fig. Isn't it the same today? What we "hear" might have a resemblance of the truth, but, in fact, when you inspect it closely, it's actually false. False prophets or teachers abound today as much as they did in biblical times.
What's the test of a true or false teacher? Jesus connects soundness with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay, or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living - living according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce an easy religion which takes the iron out of religion, the cross out of Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus, and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think lightly of sin.
How do we avoid falsehood in our personal lives? By being true - true to God, his word, and his grace. And that takes character! Those who are true to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God who supplies what we need. The fruit of a disciple is marked by faith, hope and love, justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance. Do you seek to cultivate good fruit in your life and reject whatever produces bad fruit?
Lord Jesus, may I bear good fruit for your sake and reject whatever will produce evil fruit. Help me grow in faith, hope, love, sound judgment, justice, courage, and self control.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for June 19, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
Do you hunger for God and for the abundant life he offers you through Jesus Christ? Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. When the people complained to Moses that they would die of hunger in the barren wilderness, God told Moses that he would "rain bread from heaven" for them to eat. The miraculous provision of bread foreshadows the true heavenly bread which Jesus offers his followers who believe in him. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the "bread of life" and the "true bread of heaven" that sustains us now and for all eternity.
Jesus made himself an offering and sacrifice, a perfect gift that was truly pleasing to the Father in heaven. He "offered himself without blemish to God" (Hebrews 9:14) and "gave himself as a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). Jesus established the Lord's Supper and Eucharist as a memorial of his death and resurrection and he commanded his disciples to celebrate it until his return again in glory.
When we receive from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.
When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist is an intimate union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus, who nourishes and sustains us with his very own presence and life. He is the "Bread of Life" and the "Cup of Salvation". May we always hunger for him and be satisfied in him alone.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for June 12, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
Why do people tend to view the "law of God" negatively rather than positively? Jesus' attitude towards the law of God can be summed up in the great prayer of Psalm 119: "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day."
For the people of Israel the "law" could refer to the ten commandments or to the five Books of Moses, called the Pentateuch or Torah, which explain the commandments and ordinances of God for his people. The "law" also referred to the whole teaching or way of life which God gave to his people. The Jews in Jesus' time also used it as a description of the oral or scribal law. Needless to say, the scribes added many more things to the law than God intended. That is why Jesus often condemned the scribal law because it placed burdens on people which God had not intended.
Jesus made it very clear that the essence of God's law - his commandments and way of life, must be fulfilled. God's law is true and righteous because it flows from his love, goodness, and holiness. It is a law of grace, love, and freedom for us. That is why God commands us to love him above all else and to follow in the way of his Son, the Lord Jesus who taught us how to love by laying down our lives for one another.
Jesus promised his disciples that he would give them the gift of the Holy Spirit who writes God's law of love and truth on our hearts. The Spirit teaches us God's truth and gives us wisdom and understanding of God's ways. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, strengthens us in temptation, and transforms us, day by day, into the likeness of Christ himself. There is great blessing and reward for those who obey God's commandments and who help others, especially the younger generations, to love, respect, and obey the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with a burning love and reverence for God's word so that you may grow day by day in the wisdom and knowledge of God's truth and goodness.
Let us pray together: Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts, minds, and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words, and deeds may be in accord with your Father's law and wisdom. And thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for June 5, 2022
Brothers and sisters:
Do you know and experience in your own life the gift and power of the Holy Spirit? After his death and resurrection Jesus promised to give his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! (John 20:22) Jesus knew that his disciples would need the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The gift of the Holy Spirit was conditional upon the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father. That is why Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Why did they need power from on high?
Just as Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at the beginning of his ministry, so the disciples needed the anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus. The Holy Spirit is given to all who are baptized into Jesus Christ to enable us to live a new way of life - a life of love, peace, joy, and righteousness. The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with the love of God, and he gives us the strength and courage we need in order to live as faith-filled disciples of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, and enables us to grow in spiritual freedom - freedom from doubt, fear, and from slavery to our unruly desires. The Spirit instructs us in the ways of God, and guides us in living according to God's will. The Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness. Isaiah foretold the seven-fold gifts that the Spirit would give: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The gift of Pentecost - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual gifts and blessings of God - are made possible through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus. After his resurrection Jesus "breathed" on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as God breathed life into Adam, so the gift of the Holy Spirit is an impartation of "new life" for his people. With the gift of the Holy Spirit a new creation begins. God recreates us for his glory. Jesus' gift of peace to his disciples was more than an absence of trouble. His peace included the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of everything good.
The Lord Jesus offers each one of us the gift and power of his Holy Spirit. He wants to make our faith strong, give us hope that endures, and a love that never grows cold. He never refuses to give his Spirit to those who ask with expectant faith. Jesus instructed his disciples to ask confidently for the gift of the Spirit: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!".
Let us pray, that our Lord Jesus, who with the gift of Pentecost and for the new life he offers in the Holy Spirit. May he fill us with his Holy Spirit and set our heart ablaze with the fire of his love that we may serve him in joy and freedom.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for May 22, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Do you know the love that surpasses all stronger than death itself? In Jesus' last supper discourse, he speaks of the love he has for his disciples and his Father's love. He prepares his disciples to return to his Father for his imminent departure by encouraging them to prove their love for him through their loyalty and obedience to his word. He promises them the abiding instruction and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
Saint Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love. God's love for each of us is as real and tangible as the love of a mother for her child who gives all for his beloved. God made us in love for love - to know him personally and to grow in the knowledge of his great love for us and to love him in return.
In his farewell discourse, Jesus grants peace as his gift to his disciples. The peace of Christ is more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less.
How can we attain the peace which the Lord Jesus offers his followers? Through the gift and work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, the Lord Jesus shows us how to yield our passions of anger, fear, and pride to him so we can receive his gift of peace. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and strengthens us with his gifts and supernatural virtues, which enable us to live as wise and holy disciples of Christ.
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus, who in love created us and drew us to himself, help us never to lose sight of him nor forget his steadfast love and faithfulness. And may we daily dwell upon his word and give him praise in the sanctuary of his heart, him who is our All.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for May 15, 2022
Brothers and sisters.
There is no greater glory and honor that one can offer than the willing sacrifice of one's life for the sake. This is the true nature of love - the total self-giving and free offering of one's life for the good. A mother who loves her child will do everything to nurture, protect, and save the child's life. A soldier devoted to his country's welfare will endure hardship and suffering and willingly sacrifice his own life to defend his people. God the Father showed the unfathomable depth of his love and mercy by offering his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the atoning sacrifice for the world's sin. To ransom an enslaved person, God gave his only Son. That enslaved person is you and me and the whole human race, bound in sin and death and separation from God.
We were made for glory - the glory that comes from God and lasts forever. That glory can only be obtained on the cross of Jesus Christ. And the price for that glory is the total offering of our lives for the One who loved us first and died on the cross to save us from everlasting death and destruction. God offers us the gift of faith, which enables us to believe in his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who frees us from slavery to sin to live as sons and daughters of God. The distinctive mark of the followers of Jesus is love - a love not bound by fear, greed, or selfishness - but love full of compassion, mercy, kindness, and goodness.
The distinctive mark of every disciple and follower of Jesus Christ is love - a love that is ready to forgive and forget past injuries, to heal and restore rather than inflict revenge and harm. The cross of Jesus is the only way to pardon, peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Every other method will fail or fall short of the glory and victory that Jesus Christ has won for us through his death and resurrection. Suppose we embrace his love and truth and allow his Holy Spirit to purify and transform our hearts and minds. In that case, we will find the inner freedom, joy, and strength we need to love without measure, forgive without limit, and serve without reward - save that of knowing we are helping the One who wants to be united with us in an unbreakable bond of peace and joy forever.
Lord Jesus, your love knows no bounds and surpasses everything I could desire and long for. Fill me with the fire of your love and with the joy of your Holy Spirit that I may freely serve my neighbor with loving-kindness, tenderhearted mercy, and great care for their well-being.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for May 8, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
How secure is your faith and trust in God? Jesus speaks of the tremendous belief in God his Father and the immense trust we ought to have in him because he is our good shepherd. Shepherds were very common in the land of Jesus' time. A shepherd could have hundreds or thousands of sheep under his care. Sheep without a shepherd were vulnerable prey for predators, such as wolves and thieves. If a sheep strayed from the fold, it could easily get lost, fall into a ravine, or become injured. Shepherds had to watch their folds by day and by night constantly. That is why shepherds had to live with their sheep so they could lead them out to good pasture for grazing during the day and bring them to a safe place at night for rest and shelter. Shepherds got to know their sheep well and kept a careful count each evening. They also called their sheep by name so the sheep could recognize the shepherd's voice when he called them to follow him.
God used the image of a shepherd to describe his covenant relationship and care for his chosen people who were called by his name (Psalm 80:1 and 100:3). God called David, who shepherded his father's flock in his youth, to be the anointed king and shepherd for Israel's people (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus, God's anointed Messiah and King, born from the tribe of David, called himself the Good Shepherd of the people whom his Father had entrusted to his care (John 10:29).
Peter the Apostle tells us that the Lord Jesus is our souls' Good Shepherd and Guardian. He keeps a close and personal watch over every sheep his followers (disciples) who belong to him. He calls each of us personally by name to follow him. He promises to be our guardian and protector from the snares of our enemy, Satan, the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. The Lord leads us each day to good pastures - places where we can feed on his word and drink from the wellsprings of living water which is his Holy Spirit. If we provide on his word and drink from the living water of the Holy Spirit, we will find the nourishment and strength we need to live each day for his glory and honor. Do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd and Guardian, who calls to you each day?
The Lord Jesus wants to draw each of us close to himself. He wants us to be united with him and the Father. He teaches us to pray to our Father in heaven and ask for His kingdom to reign in our lives. The Lord Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts and homes (Revelation 2:20) and waits for our response. Will you answer his call and welcome his presence with you?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus, who has the words of eternal life, open our ears to hear his voice and follow his ways. May he give us understanding that we may grow in the knowledge of his great love and wisdom for our life.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for May 1, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Why didn’t the apostles immediately recognize the Risen Lord Jesus when he greeted them at the Sea? John gives us a clue. He states that Peter had decided to return to his home district of Galilee, very likely so he could resume his fishing career. Peter was discouraged and didn’t know what to do after the tragedy of Jesus’ death! He returned to his previous job as a fisherman out of uncertainty about his future. Six of the other apostles followed him back to Galilee. In his third appearance to the apostles, Jesus prepared a breakfast for them and ate with them. Peter’s prompt response to draw near the Lord and eat breakfast with him stands in sharp contrast to his previous denial and distancing himself from his Master during the night of Jesus’ arrest and trial. Why did Jesus question Peter’s love and loyalty three times in front of the other disciples? It must have caused Peter pain and sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times previously. Now Peter, full of remorse and humility, unequivocally stated that he loved his Lord and Master and was willing to serve him whatever it might cost.
When Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me more than these?” he may have pointed to the boats, nets, and other fishing companions. He may have challenged Peter to let go of his career as a fisherman for the task of shepherding the people whom Christ would call to be his disciples. Jesus may have also pointed to the other apostles and Peter’s previous boast: “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33). Peter now makes no boast or comparison but humbly responds: “You know I love you.” He calls each of us, even in our struggles, weakness, and sin, to draw near him as our merciful Healer and Savior. He invites us to choose him as our Lord and love him above all else. What can hold us back from giving him our undivided love and unqualified loyalty (Romans 8:38-39)? Nothing but our sinful pride and stubborn will, and blind fear can hold us back from receiving his gracious forgiveness, loving-kindness, and faithful love. God’s abundant grace (favor and blessing) is a free and unmerited gift, far beyond what we deserve or could hope to obtain through our means. We can never outmatch God in generosity and goodness. He loved us first, and our love for him responds to his exceeding grace (unmerited favor) and mercy.
Jesus wants to draw near to us personally, and he knocks every day on the door of our hearts and waits for our response (Revelation 3:20). Do you recognize the Lord’s presence with you, and do you listen for his voice as he speaks to you in your heart and through the word of God in the Sacred Scriptures? The Lord is ever ready to help us grow in the knowledge of his great love for us and the exceeding richness of his mercies and goodness towards us. Ask the Lord Jesus to rekindle your love for him and to transform your life through the power and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you.
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus inflame our hearts with his merciful love and remove everything unkind, ungrateful, unloving, and unholy that is not in accord with his will. May we always seek to love him and follow him wherever he wishes to lead us?
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for April 24, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Do you know the joy of the resurrection? The Risen Lord Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over some time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus' appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them, he offered proofs of his resurrection by showing them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands, and his side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes us friends of God.
Jesus did something which only love and trust can do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to bring the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to the sending out of Jesus by his heavenly Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through his perfect love and obedience to the will of his Father. He called his first disciples, and he now calls each of us to do the same. Just as he gave his first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.
The last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with him to Jerusalem at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist. When Jesus proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his illness, Thomas said to the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the Lord, he lacked the courage to stand with Jesus in his passion and crucifixion. After Jesus' death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other apostles. He sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of trial and adversity. He doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and challenged his fellow apostles.
When Thomas finally dared to rejoin the other apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him that he had overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was indeed Lord and truly God! We, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God through the gift of faith. He died and rose that we might have new life in him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit so that we may know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of his resurrection. Do you believe in the good news of the Gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring you new life, hope, and joy?
Let us pray together: Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome all the powers of sin and darkness through your victory over sin and death. Help us draw near you and trust in your life-giving word. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit and strengthen my faith in your promises in the power of your resurrection.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for April 17, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
What did the disciples of Jesus discover on the third day of Jesus' death? On Sunday morning, the women who had stood with Jesus when he died upon the cross on Good Friday went to the tomb to pay their last tribute to a dead body. The disciples thought that everything had finished in tragedy. None of Jesus' followers expected to see an empty tomb and hear the angel's message, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day" (Luke 24:5-7). The angel urged them to believe that Jesus had indeed risen just as he had promised. This good news was not easy to grasp because their hearts were still weighed down with grief and doubt. In wonder, they went to share the excellent information with the other disciples.
Is it any small wonder that it was the women, rather than the apostles, who first witnessed the empty tomb and then the appearance of the resurrected Lord (Matthew 28:8-10; Mark 16:9; John 20:15-18)? Isidore of Seville, a great teacher, and bishop, commented on the significance of the women being the first to hear the good news of the resurrection: "As a woman (Eve) was first to taste death, so a woman (Mary Magdalene) was first to taste life. As a woman was visionary in the fall, so a woman was prescient in beholding the dawning of redemption, thus reversing the curse upon Eve." The first to testify to the risen Lord was a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons.
What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to move such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers! This is the first sign of the resurrection. Bede (672-735 AD), a renowned scripture commentator from England, wrote: "[The angel] rolled back the stone not to throw open a way for our Lord to come forth, but to provide evidence to people that he had already come forth. The tomb was closed as the virgin's womb was closed, yet he entered the world through her closed womb, leaving the world through the closed grave" (Homilies on the Gospels 2,7,24). Another early church father, Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD), remarked: "To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts." Do you know the joy of the resurrection?
One thing is sure, and if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is encountering the living Lord and knowing him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over the grave and has won new life for us, give us the eyes of faith to see him in your glory. Help us draw near him and grow in the knowledge of his great love and power.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for April 10, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your home and heart? Jesus went to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited him - betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion. However, the people of Jerusalem were ready to hail him as their Messianic King! Little did they know what it would cost this King to usher in his kingdom. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem astride a colt was a direct fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah.
The colt was a sign of peace. Jesus enters Jerusalem in meekness and humility as the Messianic King who offers victory and peace to his people. That victory and peace would be secured in the cross and resurrection, soon occur at Passover.
Psalm 24 is another prophetic passage that echoes this triumphal procession of the King of glory: “Lift your heads, O gates! and be lifted, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.”
Jesus, through his passion, death, and resurrection, reversed the disobedience of original sin by obeying his Father’s will despite all the devil’s attempts to thwart him. The betrayal of Judas, the abandonment of his apostles, the false accusations, the condemnation, the humiliation, the scourging and crowning with thorns, the torture of crucifixion - all of these sufferings were the devil’s attempts to get Jesus to say “no” to his Father, just as he had gotten Adam and Eve to say “no.” But Jesus defeated the devil. He continued to love, forgive, and obey through it all. And so, he, unlike Adam, unlike every other person in history, can say, “I have not rebelled” [first reading at the Mass]. His obedience establishes a beachhead in this world under the devil’s sway.
Jesus Christ came to bring us the kingdom of God. He is the true King who offers peace, joy, and everlasting life to those who accept his kingship. Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your heart and home? Do your walls echo with the praise of his glory?
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus that be the King and Ruler of our heart, mind, life, and home. May our lives reflect his meekness and humility that he may be honored as the King of glory!
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for April 3, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Are you ready to be changed and transformed in Christ-like holiness? God never withholds his grace from us. His steadfast love and mercy are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can be changed and made fresh in Christ. He can set us free from our unruly desires and passions.
The Gospel accounts frequently describe how Jesus had to face unjust accusations made by the Pharisees, the ruling elders of Israel. They were upset with Jesus' teaching, and they wanted to discredit him in any way they could. They tried to silence him and rid him because of his claim to speak with God's authority. When a moral dilemma or difficult legal question arose, it was typical for the Jews to take the matter to a rabbi for a decision. The scribes and the Pharisees brought to Jesus, a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. John writes that they wanted to "test" Jesus on the issue of retribution so "they might have some charge to bring against him" (John 8:6).
Jesus then does something entirely unexpected - he begins to write in the sand. The word for "writing," which is used here in the Gospel text, has a literal meaning of "to write down a record against someone." Perhaps Jesus was writing down a list of the accusers' sins standing before him. Jesus now turns the challenge toward his accusers. In effect, he says: Go ahead and stone her! But let the man without sin be the first to cast a stone. The Lord leaves the matter to their consciences.
When the adulterous woman is left alone with Jesus, he expresses mercy and strongly encourages her not to sin again. The scribes wished to condemn; Jesus wanted to forgive and restore the sinner to health. His challenge involved a choice - either to go back to her former way of sin and death or to reach out to God's offer of forgiveness, restoration, and new life in his kingdom of peace and righteousness. Jesus gave her pardon and a fresh start in life. God's grace enables us to confront our sin for what it is - unfaithfulness to God and to turn back to God with a repentant heart and a thankful spirit for God's mercy and forgiveness. Do you know the joy of repentance and a clean conscience?
Let us pray together the prayer of Saint Augustine: "God our Father, we find it difficult to come to you because our knowledge of you is imperfect. In our ignorance, we have imagined you to be our enemy; we have wrongly thought that you take pleasure in punishing our sins, and we have foolishly conceived you to be a tyrant over human life. But since Jesus came among us, he has shown that you are loving, that you are on our side against all that stunts life, and that our resentment against you was groundless. So we come to you, asking you to forgive our past ignorance, and wanting to know more and more of you and your forgiving love, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for March 27, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
What's worse than being separated from your home, loved ones, and friends? The pain of separation can only be surpassed by the joy of the homecoming and reunion. When God commanded his people to celebrate the Passover annually, he wanted them to never forget what he did for them when he freed them from oppression and slavery in the land of Egypt and brought them back to their promised homeland, which he gave as a sign of his immense love and favor. At the end of their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, Joshua, the successor to Moses, led the people to celebrate the Passover meal after safely passing over the Jordan to their promised homeland.
Jesus illustrates this Passover from slavery to sin and condemnation to freedom and new life in Christ with the most extended parable recorded in the Gospels (Luke 15:11-32). What is the main point of Jesus' story about two ungrateful sons and their extravagant loving father? Is it the contrast between a grudging obedient son and a rebellious son who had wished his father was dead? Or the warm reception given to a spendthrift son and the cold reception given by the eldest son?
The prodigal could not return to the garden of innocence, but he was welcomed and reinstated as a son who had been missed much and greatly loved by his father. The errant son's dramatic change from grief and guilt to forgiveness and restoration express in picture language the resurrection from the dead, which Jesus makes possible to everyone who believes in him, a rebirth to new life from death.
The parable also contrasts mercy and its opposite - unforgiveness. The father who had been wronged was forgiving. But the eldest son, who had not been wronged, was unforgiving. His unforgiveness turns into spiteful pride and contempt for his brother. And his resentment leads to his isolation and estrangement from the community of forgiven sinners.
In this parable, Jesus gives a vivid picture of God and what God is like. God is genuinely kinder than any of us. He does not lose hope or give up when we stray from him. He is always on the lookout for those who have a change of heart and want to return. He rejoices in finding the lost and in welcoming them home.
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus; may we never doubt his love or take the mercy he has shown to us for granted. Let us ask him that he fill us with his transforming love that we may be merciful as he is merciful.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for March 20, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
What causes suffering or affliction, and what does God teach us through it? The people of Israel suffered greatly under the oppressive rule of Egypt for more than 400 years. Did they suffer unjustly, or was God angry with them? God was faithful to his people Israel even in their affliction and ill-treatment by their Egyptian taskmaster. God in his mercy did not forget them nor forsake them. Throughout their long history of exile and suffering, God made them strong, and they grew in number. God listened to their plea for mercy and freedom. And God raised a savior for them, called Moses, whom he taught and tested in the wilderness until he was ready to hear and obey God's call.
When Jesus preached the coming of God's kingdom of peace and righteousness to his people, he called them to repent and believe in the gospel, the good news of pardon, peace, and new life in the Holy Spirit. His numerous signs and miracles demonstrated the power of God's kingdom breaking into the lives of all who turned to Jesus with faith and obedience. Many recognized that Jesus was the Messiah whom God had promised would come and do even greater signs and wonders than Moses has done.
The real danger and calamity that Jesus points out are that an unexpected disaster or a sudden death does not give us time to repent of our sins and prepare ourselves to meet the Judge of heaven and earth. Jesus gives a clear warning to take responsibility for your actions and moral choices and put sin to death today before it can destroy your heart, mind, soul, and body as well. Unrepentant sin is like cancer which corrupts us from within. If it is not eliminated through repentance - asking God for forgiveness and his healing grace - it leads to a spiritual death which is far worse than physical destruction.
God, in His mercy, gives us time to get right with him, but that time is now. We must not assume that there is no hurry. Sudden and unexpected death leaves one no time to prepare to settle one's accounts when they must stand before the Lord on the day of judgment. Jesus warns us that we must be ready at all times. Tolerating sinful habits and excusing unrepentant sin and wrongdoing will result in rotten fruit, painful discipline, and spiritual disease that leads to death and destruction. The Lord in his mercy gives us both grace (his gracious help and healing) and time to turn away from sin, but that time is right now. If we delay, even for a day, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up. Do you hunger for the Lord's righteousness (moral goodness) and holiness?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus increase our hunger for Him that we may grow in righteousness and holiness. May we not squander the grace of the present moment to say "yes" to Him and His will and plan for our life.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for March 13, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
What can blind us or keep us from recognizing God's glory in our lives? Sin and unbelief for sure! Faith enables us to see what is hidden or unseen to the naked eye. Through the eyes of faith, Abraham recognized God and God's call on his life. He saw from afar not only what God intended for him but his descendants as well - an everlasting covenant of friendship and peace with the living God (Genesis 15:18). Abraham is the Father of faith because he put his hope in the promises of God. Faith makes us taste in advance the light of God's glory when we shall see him face to face.
When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai, the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account, Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles - Peter, James, and John.
What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain, knowing what awaited him in Jerusalem: betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and approved: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his Son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came, the shadow of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you, and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus keep us always alert to him, to his presence in our life, and to his life-giving word that nourishes us daily. Let us see your glory!
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for March 6, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
Are you ready to follow the Lord Jesus wherever he wishes to lead you? After Jesus' was baptized by John the Baptist at the River Jordan, he withdrew into the wilderness of Judea - a vast and primarily uninhabitable wilderness full of danger. Danger from scorching heat by day and extreme cold at night, danger from wild animals and scorpions, plus the deprivation of food and the scarcity of water.
Satan knew that Jesus was embarking on a critical spiritual mission for the kingdom of God. Perhaps Satan saw an opportunity to strike while Jesus appeared more vulnerable in his physically and emotionally weakened condition due to his prolonged fasting and the inner struggle over his particular call and mission. Satan undoubtedly thought he could persuade Jesus to choose his path rather than the path his Father had chosen - a path that required self-denial, humility, and obedience to his Father's will. Jesus had to struggle with temptation, especially choosing his way and pushing aside the way his Father wanted him to go. This is the real temptation that confronts each one of us as well: my way or God's way, my will, or God's will.
Jesus refused to perform any sign that might put God to the test. When the people of Israel almost died of thirst in the wilderness, they rebelled against Moses, and they put God to the test by saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7). Jesus refused Satan's test to prove his divine claim as the Messiah. Jesus quoted once again from the words of Scripture in the Book of Deuteronomy: "It is said, `You shall not put the Lord your God to the test'"(Deuteronomy 6:16). Jesus knew that he would first have to cleanse the temple and then offer his body as the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world. Only after he would be lifted on the cross and be raised from the tomb on the third day would people recognize that the Father had sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save it.
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus, whose word is life and joy for us, fill us with his Holy Spirit that we may have the strength and courage to embrace his will in all things and to renounce whatever is contrary to it.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for February 27, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
Why does Jesus set figs and grapes over against thorns and brambles? The fig tree was the favorite of all trees for the people of Palestine. It symbolized fertility, peace, and prosperity. Grapes, likewise, produced wine, the symbol of joy. Thorns and brambles were only good for burning as fuel for the fire. There's a proverbial saying that you know a tree by its fruit. Likewise, a person will produce good or bad fruit depending on what is sown in the heart. Charles Read said: "Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny." Character, like fruit, doesn't grow overnight. It takes a lifetime.
Jesus connects soundness with good fruit. Something is sound when free from defect, decay, or disease and is healthy—good fruit results from good living according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce an easy religion that takes the iron out of faith, the cross out of Christianity, and any teaching that eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus, pushing the judgments of God into the background and making us think lightly of sin.
How do we avoid falsehood and sour fruit in our lives? By being true - faithful to God, his word, and the grace and help he gives us so we can turn away from evil and wrongdoing. And that takes character! Those faithful to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God, who supplies everything we need to live as his disciples. The Lord strengthens us with the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit - with faith, hope, love, justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance. And we grow in godly character through exercising the gifts and strength which God supplies. Do you want to bear good fruit in your daily life? Allow the Holy Spirit to train you in godliness and the wisdom to distinguish good fruit from bad fruit (1 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 5:14).
Let us pray this prayer together: "O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than criticize, sympathize rather than to discourage, build rather than destroy, and think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for your name's sake." (Prayer of William Barclay, 1907-1978)
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for February 20, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
How do you respond when encountering misfortune, grief, or a tragic loss? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life - pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples, he gave them a "way of happiness" that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude means happiness or blessedness. However, Jesus' way of happiness demands a transformation from within - a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.
How can one find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. The poverty of Spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the Spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin lead to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression.
God reveals the trustworthy source of abundant life and happiness to the humble heart. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus increases our hunger for him and shows us the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May we desire him above all else and find perfect joy in doing his will.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for February 13, 2022
Brothers and sisters,
How do you respond when encountering misfortune, grief, or a tragic loss? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life - pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples, he gave them a "way of happiness" that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude means happiness or blessedness. However, Jesus' way of happiness demands a transformation from within - a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.
How can one find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. The poverty of Spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the Spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin lead to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression.
God reveals the trustworthy source of abundant life and happiness to the humble heart. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
Let us pray that our Lord Jesus increases our hunger for him and shows us the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May we desire him above all else and find perfect joy in doing his will.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for February 6, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
Why did Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish? No doubt the great crowd of people who had pressed upon Jesus had something to do with this miracle. They were very hungry for God and were eager to hear his word. Jesus wanted to use this occasion to teach his disciples an important lesson. Although Simon was wearied from a night of fruitless toil, he nonetheless did what the Lord Jesus told him to do: At your word, I will let down the nets. When you meet disappointment and failure, do you press upon the Lord, like Simon, to hear his word and to receive his command?
This incident tells us the truth about how God works in and through each of us for his glory. God expects of us more extraordinary things than we can do by ourselves. When we cooperate in his works, we accomplish far beyond what we can do independently. Therese of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun who died at the age of twenty-four, wrote to a friend: "Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that he wills that we have a share with him in the salvation of souls. He wills to do nothing without us. The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save other souls redeemed like it at the price of all his Blood."
His kingdom is revealed when God's word is spoken and his power is released. When people respond to God's word with faith and obedience, they are changed and made "a new creation" in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God chooses ordinary people, like you and me, as his ambassadors. He uses the everyday circumstances of our daily lives and works situations to draw others into his kingdom. Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the Gospel. Paul the Apostle says, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere, for we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing" (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Do you witness to those around you the joy of the Gospel, and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love and truth?
Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love and compassion for those who do not know you or follow you. May I be a good witness of your truth and salvation to my family, friends, and co-workers?
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for January 30, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
Do you believe that God wants to act with power in your life today? Ability to set you free from sin, hurtful desires, fear, and oppression. Throughout the Scriptures, we see God performing mighty acts to save his people from death and destruction - from Noah's ark that spared his family from the flood of wickedness that had spread across the land to Moses and the Israelites who crossed through the parting waters of the Red Sea as they fled the armies of Pharoah their slave Master and oppressor.
Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus praised individuals who put their faith in God as they remembered the great and beautiful deeds, he had performed time and again. Jesus even praised outsiders - non-Jews and pagans from other lands who had heard about the mighty acts of the God of Israel. One example Jesus mentioned was Naaman, the pagan army commander from Syria who was afflicted with leprosy - a debilitating skin disease that slowly ate away the flesh (2 Kings 5:1-15). Naaman's slave-girl was a young Jewish woman who had faith in God and compassion for Naaman, her master. She urged him to seek healing from Elisha, the great prophet of Israel. When Naaman went to the land of Israel to seek a cure for his leprosy, the prophet Elisha instructed him to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. Namaan was indignant at first but repented and followed the prophet's instructions. In doing so, he was immediately restored in body and spirit.
When Jesus first proclaimed the good news of God's kingdom to his townspeople at Nazareth, he did not hesitate to confront them with their sin of indifference and unbelief. He started his listeners in the synagogue at Nazareth with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God could receive honor among his people. He then angered them when he complimented Gentiles (non-Jews) who had shown more faith in God than the "chosen ones" of Israel. Some who despised the Gentiles (non-Jews) even spoke of them as "fuel for the fires of hell." Jesus' praise for "outsiders" offended the ears of his people because they were blind-sighted to God's merciful plan of redemption for all the nations. The word of rebuke spoken by Jesus was met with resentment and hostility. The Nazarenes forcibly threw him out of their town and would have done him physical harm had he not stopped them.
The Lord Jesus will set us free from every sinful habit and harmful way of relating to our neighbor if we allow Him to cleanse and heal us. Suppose we want to walk in freedom and grow in love and holiness. In that case, we must humbly renounce our sinful ways and submit to Christ's instruction and healing discipline in our lives. Scripture tells us that the Lord disciplines us for our good that we may share his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). Do you want the Lord Jesus to set you free and make you whole again? Ask him to show you the way to walk in his healing love and truth.
Lord Jesus, teach us to love your ways that we may be quick to renounce sin and willfulness in our life. Make us whole and clean again that we may delight to do your will.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor
Reflection for January 23, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
What does the Gospel of Luke tell us about Jesus' mission and what he came to do for us? Many skeptics question the reliability and accuracy of the Gospel accounts of Jesus. Luke tells us that his performance is utterly believable because it comes from firsthand witnesses. They knew Jesus personally, heard him teach, saw his miracles, and witnessed his atoning death on the cross and his rising from the tomb to everlasting life.
The word "gospel" literally means "good news." The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ and the new life and freedom he has won for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection to everlasting life and glory with the Father in heaven. The Gospel is the all-powerful and all-merciful word of God for us today, as much as it was for the people who first heard it in Jesus' time. It's a life-giving word that has the supernatural power to change, transform, and bring freedom and healing to those who accept it as the living word of God.
Luke tells us that Jesus chose to announce his mission in the synagogue at Nazareth publicly. The people were familiar with Jesus since it was his custom to attend the weekly Sabbath service regularly. Jesus was also known by many in Nazareth as a "carpenter" (Mark 6:3) and "son of Joseph" (Luke 4:21). When the president of the synagogue called on Jesus to read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus chose to read Isaiah's description of what the Messiah would do when he came to restore God's kingdom for the people of Israel.
The Lord Jesus speaks this same word to each of us today - he comes to bring us healing and restoration, pardon and freedom from the oppression of sin, despair, hopelessness, and destruction. Do you believe his word with expectant faith and trust, or doubt and indifference? The Lord will not refuse to pour out his Spirit on all who trust in him. Ask the Lord Jesus to renew in you the joy of the Gospel and the freedom to live each day with trusting faith, joyful hope, and genuine love.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. Through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you bring us truth, freedom, and abundant life. Fill me with the joy of the Gospel and inflame my heart with burning love for you and a deep thirst for your word.
Rev. Orlando Rodriguez, Sch.P.
Pastor