“I have made you a light to the Gentiles...” – Acts 13:47

       I was delighted to join the Facebook page Tiga Chiang Kai Shek College Ka Kung to find former schoolmates. After running out of things to reminisce on, we started posting interesting articles that ranged from technology, parenting, current events, and inevitably, religion.

       CKSC is a non-sectarian school. Many view religion as unnecessary and a few view Catholicism as evil. I’m always the only one willing to clarify why we believe the things we do.

       It can be daunting to explain in a way that will appeal to their logic and not resort to saying, “You need to have faith.” I’m so thankful that God had tested me many times in the past that

I can now stand firm against the onslaught of their arguments. Because of the exchanges, I now have a new barkada (group) composed of an atheist, a Buddhist, and several semi-believers.

       It’s a small step, but I consider it significant that they respect my views and are willing to listen and keep an open mind. The rest is the work of the Holy Spirit. I only need to shine my light. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

Reflection: “You can read to an atheist the whole library where it is proven that God exists, and he will not believe. However, if you witness to a consistent, Christian life, something will begin to work in his heart and it will be your witness that brings him the restlessness on which the Holy Spirit works.” (Pope Francis)

“Lord, may I be a person who thinks like a Christian, who feels like a Christian, who acts like a Christian!” (Pope Francis)

St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

11^ST READING

Proclaiming the Gospel was difficult for Paul. People opposed him, many of whom wanted him dead for what he said. He stirred the faith of those who heard him. We will face opposition, too, when we stand for the truth of the Gospel. It is not always easy to act on our faith in God, but it is essential to our salvation.

44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

St. Athanasius was a holy man and a great theologian who defended the divinity of Christ with fervor and passion. As a bishop, the secular authorities exiled him at least three times due to their heretical beliefs and their hostility to the true faith. Athanasius persevered as the pastor of his people, both in and out of exile. Let us pray for that same perseverance as we follow God’s will.

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

think: It is not always easy to act on our faith in God, but it is essential to our salvation.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Deuteronomy 19-22

FULLY HUMAN AND FULLY DIVINE

The saintly Bishop of Alexandria, whom the Church celebrates today, endured long and painful battles. He is one of the outstanding Church Fathers and was a staunch defender and apologist of the Catholic teachings to combat the rampant heresy of Arianism. Arius, a heretic priest from Egypt, and his followers were taught that Christ was subordinate to God the Father — divine being separated from His humanity. They believed that God the Father created the Son, denying the preexistence of the Son. The two natures of Christ were not one but divided. In other words, there was a time when Jesus was not divine.

         Jesus is true Man and true God. True to His humanity, Jesus thought with a human mind, loved with a human heart, and worked with His hands. In the fullness of His divinity, He gives us eternal life. During Mass, the priest mixes water with wine before the consecration and says, “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.” We are made partakers with Christ in His divinity. Just as the water and wine mixed together has no distinction, so too Christ in His humanity and divinity.

         As we reflect on the life of Athanasius, let us hold on to the teachings of our faith despite the trials that may come our way. We may sometimes struggle with the truths of the faith, but we trust that God has revealed His truth in the Holy Spirit to those given authority, the Magisterial or teaching authority of the Church. With faith in the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we ask Him to enlighten our conscience and assist us in acknowledging, believing and living the truth handed down to us by the Apostles through the Magisterium. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Take a look at the Nicene Creed and pray over it once again.

Do you believe in what you profess or is it merely lip service?

St. Athanasius, pray for us.