Rejoice! Gaudete Sunday!

A homily by Fr. Bob way back 2005 at Sto. Nino Chapel, Greenbelt, I always reflect on every year’s Gaudete Sunday…

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. It is Gaudete Sunday. The imperative verb Gaudete, means “Rejoice”. It comes from the Latin noun, gaudium, which in English is “joy”. Gaudare is “to rejoice”. Gaudete is “Rejoice!”

It strikes me and I request you to note that gaudete is neither a noun nor an adjective but a verb. More so, it is an imperative verb. Thus, it is a command. It does not describe an actual state of being or a present condition of things. It does not say that everything and everyone are jumping with joy. Gaudete Sunday is not “Joyful Sunday”; it is, rather, the Sunday that commands us to be joyful.

But can we command joy? Can anyone of us simply jump with sincerely overflowing joy at anyone's command? We can teach the heart, but can we order it to experience what emotion to feel? Can we really, possibly order the heart so that the heart automatically and sincerely follows what we command it?

The heart normally searches for at least one reason to feel what it feels. It is never sad for nothing. It is never happy for no reason. There is a reason for every tear and a cause for every smile. What is the reason for today's command for us to rejoice?

Jesus -- the reason for the season.

Life may be harder for us this year and there may be so much frustration, pain, and fear in our hearts, but through all the onslaughts of our daily living we can find joy in the gift of God to us: His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, who is Emmanuel, “God-With-Us”. He is the joy that never fades. He is the Joy that does not depend on whatever happens around and inside us. He is the Joy of the world yet the Joy that the world cannot give nor take away. He is the Joy that raises us up no matter how down we are:

“When I am down and all my soul so weary,

when troubles come and my heart burdened be,

then I am still and wait here in the silence

until you come and sit awhile with me.

“You raised me up so I can stand on mountains.

You raised me up to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong when I am on your shoulders.

You raised me up to more than I can be.

“There is no life, no life without its hunger.

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly.

But when you come and I am filled with wonder,

sometimes I think I glimpse eternity”

(You Raised Me Up by Josh Groban)

Gaudete! Rejoice! The Church tells us today, “Rejoice!” We command our hearts today, “Rejoice!” We tap our loved ones on their backs and say to them, “Rejoice!” We reach out to the downtrodden and raise them up, saying, “Rejoice!” The First Reading today (Is 61:1-2, 10-11) proclaims, “I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God....” The Psalm today (Lk 1) sings, “My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” The Second Reading today (1 Thes 5:16-24) commands us, “Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus.” But John the Baptist in the Gospel today tell us that thought Jesus, our Joy, is already in our midst we fail to recognize Him.

Failure to recognize Jesus in our midst is the reason for sorrow. If we cannot rejoice with the Church, with the liturgy and the readings today, with the Advent season, and with those who are rejoicing, it will help us to know why by reflecting on the presence or absence of Jesus in our life. Have we forgotten the reason for the season? Have we exchanged Him for Sta. Clause instead? Do we recognize Jesus in our midst? If we do then we know that the joy of life, not only of Christmas, is truly in giving rather than in receiving, in loving rather than in being loved, in serving Jesus in one another rather than being served by others.

As we light the pink candle for the third Sunday of Advent, may the Light to which John the Baptist gave witness enlighten each of us and see it burning in our hearts and in the hearts of all. Like John the Baptist, may we speak for that Light by becoming joy in the lives of everyone.

Gaudete! Be happy the Lord is Emmanuel, “God-With-Us”. Rejoice! Be the happiness of others. Give them Jesus, only Jesus, always Jesus.

Pandemic Ngalay of the Faith

 There's a filipino word, "ngalay", which translates to "numbness". It occurs when a body part gets stuck in a position for a very long time that it almost feels like it hardened already. The same can be said of most people's faith nowadays.

Maybe it's because of the pandemic, and everything has been online for more or less two years that people have become used to their "online church". But everything has practically opened up, and statistics do show that things have pretty much been back to normal. So why are churches and prayer meetings not filling up?

Cardinals, bishops and priests have been calling the faithful to go back to the pews. Religious communities have been asking their members to attend face-to-face. Yet a big number of people remain in their couches or beds for religious activities, while readily going out without fear and discomfort when going to malls or other public places.

Fear of covid is hardly the reason for the poor attendance, as the same people have no qualms going out on a gallavanting spree even with people they hardly ever met. At one point, one may say it's probably because they don't know the difference between online and face-to-face, but I'm sure they know online dates are way different than actually being with each other. E-numan (or people drinking together via video conferencing) will never be the same as sharing drinks and grub at the same table. Our greatest feast in the Eucharist will never be the same in youtube or facebook!

So maybe it is ngalay! People have become numb to their faith, downgrading it significantly as lesser priority over many other things. Yes, they will still declare God as their top love, but they can't be bothered to make the effort to stand up, fix themselves, and go to Church.

It is said that a sign of life is growth. If you're not moving up, you're already dying. Maybe it is just ngalay, and not death. But if we get too used to not moving, we're as good as dead. When our love for God doesn't move us to make an effort for Him, maybe our love for God is dead, transformed to a fake one without us even noticing.

The cure to ngalay is to start moving. The sign of love is joyful sacrifice. But all of this is not up to God... Does the person want the cure? Does the person still love God?

Where does God want you to go? Stop making excuses and go already!

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Lent 2022 Reflections // Day 03

 

Lent 2022 Reflections // Day 02

 

Lent 2022 Reflections // Day 01

 

the one thing lacking despite obedience // 2022.01.28

 Jesus tells the rich man who has followed all the commandments since youth that the one thing lacking is for him to sell what he has and give to the poor. Mortification, to subdue ones desires, ensures God is number one in our life. If we can't let go of our favorite things, then God can't fill us with joy. It's not because God is selfish. There is nothing we can do or give that will add to Him. It is because we need Him, and He wants to fill us with His presence. The beauty is that it is His grace that will allow us to let go. Have an attachment you can't let go? Lift it up to Him with trust and obedience, and realize how that is nothing compared to what He offers.

prayer and fasting against road rage and more // 2022.02.21

The spirit of gentleness is far from roadragers like me. I guess that's my sign that I have a loooong way to go to becoming a saint. It's a scary thought actually, since St. James tells us that these come from not-so-friendly devils. Extra scary to think that the devils in me are partying for a long time already. Thankfully, Jesus assures us in St. Mark's Gospel that prayer and fasting can kick out even the persistent ones. Admittedly, I am not praying enough, and by the looks of what I see in the mirror, I'm doing quite the opposite in the eating department. What to do is obvious. How about you? Any persistent devils? How's your prayer and fasting from the things of the world going?

working out the not-so-impossible // 2022.02.18

Faith without works is dead! These words pierce me every time, aware that I fall short of what I believe in, much more of what I speak of. I love what Jordan Peterson said... when we say we believe, our mind and body have to show it. If you're like me, you know that's next to impossible. But that's the only way. The world is nothing compared to a life in Christ. So, let us persevere, and like the saints, prove that nothing is impossible with God's grace.

maybe you need to ask, too // 2022.02.11

Hush hush! We read many instances when Jesus asks people to keep quiet about Him healing them. Almost all the time, they couldn't keep quiet. That's what His love can do. It's hard not to share it. Silent about God? Maybe you need to be like the man in today's Gospel, and ask God that you may hear and speak. He did say, ask and you shall receive.

the scrap that's better than anything else // 2022.02.10

Imagine Jesus calling you a dog, and probably a stray dog at that. The Syrophoenician woman in today's Gospel (Mk 7:25-30) got it for real, but she did get more than an extravagant meal with how she responded. Jesus challenged her faith and humility, and she passed with flying colors. Many Christians fail to receive God's grace, not only because they are asking for the wrong things, but more because they think God owes them. Friends, we may be getting it the other way around. It is us who owe God, and honestly, there is nothing we have or nothing we can do to turn that around. Fortunately, our God who favors the humble, gives to them without limit. Let us, like the Syrophoenician, rejoice in knowing that even "scraps" from God is infinitely more than what this world can offer.

peer pressured to the wrong decision // 2022.02.04

Head on a platter usually means a serious intent to commit crime. Yet Herod was quite unsure when he ordered his men to execute John the Baptist. What happened? How could a man who view John as good man, suddenly asked for his head on a platter? He put the people's opinion first, rather than putting what is right first. I propose that majority of our wrong decisions are results of us prioritizing how people will see us, versus how God will see us. You know what's right or wrong. Choose the right one.

the pandemic of our spirit // 2022.02.01

Many people are afraid to die. That's why COVID was a serious business, especially at its beginning. Thankfully, it's starting to slow down. But I've never heard of people declaring a pandemic over spiritual sickness. People have significantly lowered the morality bar, and more people are ignoring God. How ironic that we literally ignore the pandemic of our spirit, when it is more important than anything else? Declaration or none, it remains a serious threat. Have yourself vaccinated... go to the sacraments, pray, and deepen your relationship with Him.

share your mustard seeds // 2022.01.28

I hated mustard when I was young, but have learned to love it as I grew up. So when Jesus used it as a metaphor for God's kingdom, it was fascinating for me. Imagine a small seed becoming a tree! Even a small gesture borne from your love of God can change the world! But we're afraid, aren't we? We might get judged and rejected. But just as I hated mustard and grew to love it to the point of not being able to live without it, trust that those who may hate your "mustard seed" at first, will grow with a love of God bigger than a mustard tree! I wouldn't have grown to love it had no one kept pushing me to eat one, right? Maybe that person looking for God, but hates Him right now, is just waiting for you to share God even in your own small way. Poco-a-poco!

a wager that wins exponentially // 2022.01.27

Blaise Pascal penned his famous wager... if God exists and you lived as such, you gain joy on earth and heaven in the afterlife; if God does not, but you still lived as such, you lose nothing. Today's readings give more perspective to Pascal's wager... if you give to God, you receive more than you gave, but if you give none, you lose even what you already have. There's a clincher though... that you give with love, and not merely as an "investment". Sounds like a tyrant to some, but when you give loving God a try, you'll find out it's the farthest from tyranny.

a backing towards bravery // 2022.01.26

How in the world could just a few people deemed unlearned stir the world and make Jesus' teaching influence it the most? St. Paul teaches St. Timothy, "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord." He speaks to us, too! Speak up! Take action! You have God backing you up!

***

People immediately assume I'm one of the holy ones, but the first thing I did when waking up was check my phone, and go through all the notifications. To think my children call me old. Feeling like it's too late for you? Don't! Join me... let's do a better job at putting God first later and tomorrow!

go! go! go! // 2022.01.25

"Now, why delay?" was the next thing St. Paul heard when his eyes were restored and heard about Jesus. There are 1.34B Catholics and about 900K Protestants in the world who, in one way or another, have heard of Jesus and His call to evangelize the world. You're probably one of them. Have you started running with your faith, or are you still delaying? The 5B rest of the world are waiting to hear about God from you!

bigoted, outdated and selfish // 2022.01.24

The Church is bigoted, outdated and selfish. Even I thought that way when I was young. But as Fulton Sheen said, “There are not one hundred people... who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” Sadly, a lot, including Catholics themselves, belong to this group. I dared to dig deeper decades ago, and what I constantly find is Truth and beauty. Riled up by a Catholic position or belief? Dig deep and find that there is actually love in what you find hateful.

crazy Jesus and crazy you // 2022.01.22

Jesus is a crazy man! That's what His enemies would shout even with miracles in front of them, and even with His message of hope and love. They knew what His claims were and saw the proofs. Yet He was still rejected because they refused to follow the teachings that came with accepting Him. Does the world think you're crazy for following Jesus and giving up everything? That's okay. Jesus experienced it, too. Instead, let your joy give witness to why it's all worth it.

the gift of fear? // 2022.01.21

Fear of the Lord. I have always wondered when I was young why that would be a gift. Who wants to have fear? As an adult, I realize fear prevents us from doing something stupid. I wonder how  many people threw away this gift. How about you? Pray that this gift stays with you, and keep you from doing wrong things.

God over your best // 2022.01.20

Saul was in front of David, like a lamb ready to be slaughtered. David's companions urged him to kill Saul, seeing it as God delivering Saul to him. But what makes David a great king is not letting his emotions and anger get the best of him. He spared Saul, and thus earned even the respect of his enemy. In a dilemma? Let God guide you, rather than the desperation of the moment.

from lousiest to greatest // 2022.01.18

King David was the lousiest choice for a king. He was the youngest, the smallest, and most of all, he was late! But he became the giant slayer,  and the king whose kingdom lasts forever! Why? Because his heart was for God, and this allowed God to work through him. Feeling small? Struggling with impossible challenges? In pain? Give your heart to God, and let Him slay your giants and regain the kingdom through you.

let go to get most // 2022.01.17

 Some people fail at growing in their faith, because they are unwilling to let go of what keeps them from moving forward. There is no chastity with a collection of porn, no honesty when you cheat at work or business, no prayer when you soak yourself in netflix or facebook... no love when you do not put others first. Jesus said new wine cannot enter old wineskins. You cannot receive God, if "you" is still in you. The good news is that the new wineskins are free, but we can only get them when we give up our old ones. When was the last time you "Marie Kondo'd" your life? As we move through 2022, let's let go to get more!

i'm a sinner, too // 2022.01.15

I think I'm at my worst when I'm driving, especially when I'm alone, because that's when my dream of being the most patient man shatters. I'd curse those who drive like crazy, and those who drive like they own the road. But why should I easily lose my patience over such petty mistakes? Jesus did say, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” And then it dawns on me, I am a sinner, too, and if Jesus comes for sinners like me, why can't I give myself for those who irk me, too?

taking away the good to stay good // 2022.01.13

Even good things go bad when used for our selfish desires. That is why God will sometimes take away what is good, that you will remain good.

***

The leper that Jesus healed was filled with joy and gratitude that he cannot contain it even when Jesus asked Him to stay silent. This resulted in limiting Jesus's ministry. But that's what joy is; it cannot be easily contained when it is real. Yet at the same time, holding off on good may have its reason. Trust that God has a plan when He asks you to wait.

a question by who's in front of you // 2022.01.12

"He commands even evil spirits, and they follow," they would exclaim. This drew crowds who want to not only get healed, but be cleansed. Many people got healed after showing their faith in Jesus. Yet not everyone during that time recognized what was in front of them, and refused to receive God's grace. Sick? Dealing with habitual sins? Jesus is right in front of you, but will you surrender and believe He can heal you?

a thin line between counterfeit and authenticity // 2022.01.08

Faith becomes counterfeit when its focus is yourself, rather than God. Are you happy that you were able to be Jesus to others, or that others see you as "holy"? There's a thin line, but the difference is huge. How about you? Is your faith real or fake?

what we need wherever in the roller coaster // 2022.01.07

In Jesus's high and low, prayer was at the center of everything, even retreating from what most would consider more important. But He is consistent even with His words to Martha and Mary. Busy? Hands full? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Jesus reminds us that nothing can be more important than prayer. When was the last time you really prayed? Why not do it now?

with the lunatics // 2022.01.03

Mankind has a habit of calling God's commands crazy. The people laughed at Noah for building an ark, at Moses for asking to free the Israelites from slavery, at David for trying to subdue a giant with just a sling and without any armor,  at Samson for trying to break the main pillars despite being weak for ages, and many more. Jesus asks us to be faithful and give our lives totally to Him, yet in a way, the world laughs at that with the banner of "this is the modern time already". Noah was saved by the ark, Moses freed the Israelites, David defeated Goliath, Samson broke the pillars. The world may be laughing at what your faith asks you. You can join the crowd that drowned, or will you be like our heroes who stayed faithful despite the world's shouts of lunacy, and succeeded with flying colors?

our daddy and mommy // 2022.01.01

The feast of Theotokos reminds us that we are adapted children of God. Today's reading from Paul tells us, "As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God." This calls us to live as children who love the Father with full trust and abandon... trust that He looks after our best, and abandon that we serve Him not as His workers, but as His children. And, of course, always at peace that we have our Mother who cares for us and helps us in our walk to God.