“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” – Luke 12:51

       What would have been a pleasant exchange of Christmas greetings turned out to be a severe reprimand. Pope Francis, in his address to the Roman Curia last December 22, 2014, said that the Curia, “like any human body, is also exposed to diseases. They are diseases and temptations which weaken our service to the Lord.” He gave them a “listing” of the 15 diseases that plague them, like “terrorism of gossip”; “indifference to others”; “excessive planning” that tries to box the movement of the Holy Spirit; “spiritual Alzheimer’s”; “careerism and opportunism… thinking only of what they can get and not of what they should give,” etc.

    He did this to help them in their examination of conscience in preparation for Christmas, saying that “healing comes through an awareness of our sickness.”

       Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom is a purifying fire. His message will either be accepted or rejected and will be a source of conflict and division. There is no middle ground with Jesus. It’s either you are for Him or against Him. Which one will it be? Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

Reflection: When was the last time you were convicted of your sins and weaknesses through a Bible verse, a homily or a loving correction from someone? How did you respond?

Lord, grant me the grace to humbly admit my sins and resolve to correct them. I only want to please You.

 Let us meditate on this beautiful doxology (a prayer to God’s glory). Paul has outdone himself in describing the wonders and glory of God. It is a fitting end to the first part of his letter about the magnificence of the Lord. Let us preserve this sense of wonder at the greatness of God.

14 Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 11 But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. 12 Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. (R) 18 But see, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R)

Jesus knows that His suffering will set us free. He knows that His proclamation of the Gospel is incomplete until He has accomplished this. Only after His passion and death will Jesus rest more easily. His resurrection will empower us to become His disciples.

I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

49 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! 50 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

think: Let us preserve this sense of wonder at the greatness of God.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR  Zechariah 5-8

THE SOUND OF BELLS

A little boy about three years old tagged along with his mom to church to attend Mass. During the consecration, the bell rang. Excited, the boy grabbed his mom’s hand. He said in a soft voice, “Mom, ice cream!”

       Filipinos and bells have their own stories to tell. Whenever we hear the sound of a bell, two things usually come to mind: church and ice cream.

       After attending a Eucharistic celebration, parents would often bring their kids to the plaza where colorful balloons and cotton candies were sold, along with delightful scoops of ice cream. But nowadays, the story is becoming more about the plaza or mall versus the church.

       The Church has almost been torn apart regarding the passage of the Reproductive Health Law in the last couple of years. When asked to give an explanation as to why they voted in the affirmative, lawmakers would insist on the bill being given a chance rather than discussing its merits. Some even said that the law could be repealed anyway if it does not work.

       Many people are often tempted to engage in illicit activities because it is easy and convenient rather than hold on to their principles, as this proves to be more arduous. Because of man’s tendency to choose the easy path to ruin, others unfortunately would follow suit.

       But our Savior reminds us that on the day of judgment, the worthy will be separated from the unworthy while drawing the line between the believers and unbelievers. And for those who believe in Him, He will continue to purify and inflame their hearts. However, like Jesus who experienced immeasurable pain and mockery on the cross, we too will experience a kind of baptism that will test our fidelity to Him if we choose to follow Him.

       If only a bell would ring to remind us of the sacrifice made by Jesus every time we are tempted to sin, certainly we will not fail. And may the next sound of the bell we hear be that of the reward from God — just like the ice cream we get after the Mass. Fr. Sonny Cotiamco

REFLECTION QUESTION: What does the sound of the bell remind you? Next time you hear one, especially in church, may it bring you excitement to meet Jesus in the Eucharist.

Lord, may Your sacrifice on the cross be forever in my mind so I won’t be tempted to sin again. And may Your resurrection give me hope to return to You every time I fall. Amen.