15th Sunday of Ordinary Time: July 11th, 2010

1st Reading from the Book of Deutoronomy, 30: 10-14
-Conditions for Restoration and Blessing-

"You will have to turn to Him with all your heart."

The key to the Book of Deutoronomy lays on this statement: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strenght."

Deutoronomy's Book calls us to the most basic of the Commandments, to love our God first and foremost, with the understanding that, in loving Him, in putting our trust in Him, we shall discover that the path to salvation is easier when we have God on our side. For without him, salvation is nothing but a dream that shall never come to pass.

We are called to love our neighbor as much as if he is a part of us. A basic and simple word: love. It can be a noun or it can be a verb, and either way when we hear the word love, we cannot help from seeing pink, we cannot avoid feeling feathers all over our skin, we cannot ignore the taste of chocolate and champaigne... And who can ignore the butterflies flying all over their stomachs?

Love. It sounds simple and fun, but the reality is a bit more complicated. Because true love is acceptant of others' shortcomings, it is forgiving and it is full of second, third, and fourth chances. Love is a lot of work... With one single exception: God's love.

Dear Lord, may our actions speak on behalf of us, so when we come to you on the day of Judgement, our transition from here to there will be a comfortable one; may we get to experience God's merciful forgiveness so we can understand the real meaning of the word love.

*********************GOD IS LOVE*************************

2nd Reading, from the Letter of Paul to the Colossians, 1: 15-20
-The Person and Work of Christ-

"... (Jesus) is the first-born Son, superior to all created things."

Paul writes a loving and peaceful letter to the Colossians, with the intention of bringing their attention away from earthly confusing theories, and hoping that the Colossians will find their way back to the path intended by God.

So in this fragment of Paul's letter, we are blessed to receive the enlighting words that shows us that we are better-off focusing on Jesus, on his life, work, and legacy, than focusing in any other teaching that might subtly drive our attention away from him.

God gave us his Son, so we could learn from him, about sacrifice and about loving our neighbors. Through Jesus we also learn that we are to love God the Father, and that we must trust his plans and its designs, so we can find our way throughout life.

Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross our sins are forgiven, not just once, but twice, and then again many more times. The fact that we infinite chances to be forgiven, is the measure that we must use when we ask ourselves 'how many times should I forgive that person?'

Christ tells us, via Paul's letter, that "Christ existed before all things", and explains to us that "Jesus Christ is the head of his body, the Church." With words so clear and direct, we are left with no room for confusion. The statement about Christ being with us before the beginning of times, should serve us as a beacon of light that will help us to easily follow God's path on this Earth.

So, in order to lead a life that will grant us a place on God's Heavenly Banquet, all we have to do when facing one situation or another, is to ask ourselves "what would Jesus do right now?", or "how would Jesus handle this particular situation?" The answers should not be too hard to find if we look towards the beacon of light that Jesus represents on our lives.

Beloved Father, we thank you for the present of your Son to us; we thank you because in a world as confusing as this one, you have given us Jesus as our teacher. May we become worthy of being Jesus' students, so we can mature into good examples to others, of how God's children are to live their lives.


*********************GOD IS LOVE*************************

The Gospel according to Luke, 10: 25-37
-The Parable of the Good Samaritan-

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart... and our neighbor as yourself."

On our 21st Century society, if one finds a person distressed on the side of the road, common sense tells us to be cautious because it could be a ruse to take advantage of the helper. Law enforcement personnel are likely to be the first ones to offer aid to a fellow in distress. So what would we think if even a policeman or a firefighter drove by blatantly ignoring the person in need of help?

Such is the situation described on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The beautiful parable that tells us about loving our neighbor. If we pay just a bit of attention and think about the parable's message, we will discover that the parable asks us beyond merely identifying who the neighbor is, because in so many words the parable asks us to become the one who will love the neighbor, all neighbors.

During the times when the parable first saw the light, a Samaritan was the least expected person to be out there offering help to a stranger. The other two men who walked by the mugged man -before the Samaritan walked by-, were the one who common knowledge of the times, suggested would be inclined to stop and offer help. A priest and a Levite walked around the man on the road, both going to the opposite side, avoiding having to offer assistance.

Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as we do ourselves. He does not say choose and pick, or be careful to whom you offer help to; he especially leaves out any words that would suggest to us to be picky in deciding who to help. Jesus' words encourage us to help, no matter who, no matter where, to just help.

So we are called to look the other way, not to ignore the person on the side of the road, but to look the other way ignoring the person's color, race, gender, or general looks. Whether the person looks rich or poor, God asks us to help; because after all anyone who is asking us for help is a branch of the one tree from which we all come from.

Beloved Father, thanks for your infinite patience, and for your never ending love for us. Please help us to be less critical of others and more welcoming towards our brothers and sisters who are in need of our help.

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time: July 4th, 2010

1st Reading, from the Book of Isaiah, 66: 10-14c
-The Lord Judges the Nations-

"The Lord says, "I will bring you lasting prosperity."

On this reading God speaks, clearly offering the people of Jerusalem, a prosperous future. Their journey back to the Promised Land has lasted about 40 years, and they feel emotionally and physically exhausted. Their spirits are starving for reassurance, so God's message to them, is manna from the heavens. The Almighty is giving them confirmation of how much He loves them, and the message is a prophecy of how far in life they will go.

Like the people of Jerusalem, today's migrants hope for words of encouragement, wishing that -at their destination-, prosperity will await for them.

In these hard economic times, when all we hear on the radio and television are government news explaining how bad our situation is, and how much worse it will be before getting just a bit better, we too hope - like the people of Jerusalem- to hear the Good News. Because it is during difficult times like current ones, that we crave for promises of a better and bountiful future. And though we might not be aware of it, deep inside what we most yearn for is something compared to the celestial promise that God gave to Jerusalem when he said, "You will be like a child that is nursed by his mother, carried in her arms, and treated with love."

Dear God, we call onto you, faithful children, trusting you, believing in you, and above all, hoping that our time for prosperity be near.

***************************GOD IS LOVE*****************************

2nd Reading, from the Letter to Paul to the Galatians, 6: 14-18
-Final Warning and Greeting-

Paul letter to the Galatians is a reminder to live a clean life, to cultivate a pure heart that is eager to follow God's path.

The people of Galatia is experimenting disbelief and confusion, and their psychological strenght is so depleted that God's Good News are considered to be "false teachings." So Paul's letter to them is written with the hope that they will be able to see the veritable truth that multiplies in front of them, that external signs of submition do not lead us to be better Christians, but instead that it is only through sacrifice that our cross will become lighter and easier to carry along.

Erroneously, we are lead to believe that we can reach the Kingdom of God by merit of listening to human teachings, that insist on claiming that their message is the only one and the "real" one. As we grow up, the understanding that the truthful servants of God can be identified by their actions and not by their clothes or the symbols they use to adorn their bodies.

Beloved Father, may we be able to become your greatest students, so we are able to help spread your message to many more than just a few.


***************************GOD IS LOVE*****************************

The Gospel according to Luke, 10:1-13, 17-20
-Jesus Sends Out the Seventy Two- & -The Return of the Seventy Two-

"...do not be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven."

Turner and Hooch. Rick Castle and Detective Beckett. FBI agents Mulder and Scully. The mere fact that cops and other law enforcement agents patrol in pairs is an indication of the potential dangers that performing their duties can bring along.

On today's Gospel the 72 are sent out in pairs too, hinting that the same dangers faced by cops on the street could await at the end of their road. The potential for danger awaits every step of the way, and despite this, off they go. Jesus, a good supervisor, instructs them to be prepared because, though some towns will receive them with open arms, some others will be so unwelcoming to them, that the 72 will be rightful in reminding those towns that even their own dust will turn on them when Kingdom comes.

Police force, fire-fighting teams, teachers, doctors... They're never enough of them to supply demand. The lack of having enough laborers to work during harvest time has been announced in this Gospel through Jesus' words to the 72. The anomaly of not having enough hands to do the job remains ever present today in almost every field, from fast-food workers to priests in the Mother Church -especially within our Mother Church which today's anemic numbers signal a great lack of brothers, sisters, and other dedicated religious ministers-.

Upon their return, the emotional 72 share with Jesus stories about their amazing journeys, including tales that include evil spirits obeying their orders. Jesus reply to them is much more than a wake up call, as it redirects them to the fact that the glory attached to their "uniforms" ad to their special powers, are mere glitter without glue that cannot stick to any surface. Jesus reminds them that the real glory given to them lays not on the "special powers" blessed upon them, but on the fact that through their work and their sacrifices their names will be added on to the glorious "list of Heaven."

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time: June 27, 2010

1st Reading, from the 1 Book of Kings, 19: 16b, 19-21
-Elijah on Mount Sinai- & -The Call of Elisha-
It is possible that earlier in life, the majority of us have already faced situations that require us to spring into action at a moment’s notice, without preamble or preparation. Something as simple as choosing a dish from a fast food’s menu, or maybe something more life changing like choosing between the police academy scholarship or the medical school grant. We know as we debate between one and the other, that the opportunity at hand might be a one-time thing. So at the time of getting such call, we hope to have our ears open and to be attentive to the moment when the call rings on our life’s phones.

Today’s first reading brings us to the time when Elijah receives God’s call, instructing him to go to Mount Sinai. Elijah is afraid of God, and though in his heart he wants to serve God, his spirit is weak and, after eating, Elijah falls asleep and when awakened, hides. God comes back to Elijah and sending him in search of Elisha, leaves him with the instructions of instruct Elisha to leave everything behind to follow God.
Elisha himself hears God’s call and his only request is for the opportunity to say goodbye to his parents. Elisha is ready to go. He is focused and understands the importance of Elijah’s request. In Elisha’s heart there is complete certainty of what needs to be done.

God is a very loving father. He is our creator and is aware of our strengths and our weaknesses. When God asks one of his children for something in particular, he knows if the child needs a boost, or maybe even a 2nd call. He knows if the request to say goodbye is coming from the heart or if it is a smoke screen to find an opportunity to avoid complying with his request. As children of God all we have to do is give him our best when our souls hear the celestial ring.

All loving Father, may we be like your son Elisha who heard the call and responded without delay, so we too are able to serve you anytime you call for us.

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2nd Reading, from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians, 5:1, 13-18
-Preserve Your Freedom- & -The Spirit and Human Nature-
During the 70s the younger generations called for freedom from military service. During Dr. King’s time the call was for the black population to be free from society’s shackles and from the banning of seating on the front of the bus. The American Indians fought for their freedom from the white settlers and the white settlers fought for their inalienable right to freedom of religion and the pursuit of happiness.

Humanity has always demanded its right for freedom. For doing as we please feels as natural and normal as breathing oxygen or as the sun setting at night. And yet not always our desires are as pure or as basic as the desires that called for freedom from slavery or from police brutality.

Our heart’s desires can also lead us to trouble.
And so this is how we introduce this fragment of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, when Paul reminds them that they were “called to be free” and that freedom can only be found after surrendering to the Spirit, and not before.

When folks surrender to their human desires, their connection with the Spirit -and thus to God- is lost. Giving in to our human nature drives us away from the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

**********************************************

The Gospel according to Luke, 9: 51-62
-A Samaritan Village Refuses to Receive Jesus- & -The Would-Be Followers of Jesus-
If the Country’s President announced that he would be passing through town, I would be the first one to tidy up my house -inside and out-, just in case he decided to stop by and maybe, just maybe, pay this humble citizen a short visit.

I imagine it is the same for others, whether the visitor is a famous movie star, or a NASCAR pilot, or a World Cup footballer. It is very unlikely that anyone would voluntarily become “occupied” in the event of a potential visit of a public person.
And yet, such anomaly occurred when Jesus passed by a Samaritan Village. Its residents did not open their homes to the Son of Man. Jesus, wisely and always forgiving, chose to continue on with his journey rather than confronting the Samaritans and their poor interest in God’s good news.

As Jesus moved on with his mission different people offered to accompany him on his journey. While one man in particular said “I will follow you wherever you go”, another one offered to follow Jesus after he had said “goodbye to (the) family.” Though some of the excuses said to Jesus seemed reasonable ones -bury a dead parent or simple say goodbye to them-, God could tell that they were nothing but excuses masking a false offer to follow him.

When we hear the call of God we fear the destination where the call will leads us to. We fear what the message within the call is about. We know that God’s path involves sacrifice, pain, and suffering. We know it because we are witnesses to what humanity did to Jesus. And Jesus knew it too, the price of his sacrifice, the cost of his Father’s call. But this knowledge did not deter him from answering with an open heart.

May we follow Jesus’ example, and be ready to pick up when we hear God’s call.

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time: June 20, 2010

1st Reading, from the Book of Zechariah, 12:10 – 11, 13:1
-The Future Deliverance of Jerusalem-
This fragment from the Book of Zechariah delivers a message from God the Almighty.
Prosecuted Jerusalem is given hope about the future. Its oppressors won’t last for too long. Soon the Lord will deliver her from them, and she will be restored to glory. Her people, the descendants of David, will enjoy victory over their enemies, and the victory will be crowned with their hearts being filled with great mercy and compassion for their fallen oppressors.
God not only turns his people into triumphant warriors, but on top of that, gives them the great gift of mercy. The winners will mourn the losers’ faith, and through their pain, “the descendants of David and the people from Jerusalem” will be purified “from their sin and idolatry.”
Forgiving Father, may your mercy be extended to us too just so, like the children of Jerusalem, our sins can be purified and our souls can be free.

2nd Reading, from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians

The Gospel according to Luke, 9: 18-24
-Peter’s Declaration about Jesus- & -Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death-
On this passage of Luke’s Gospel we hear Jesus asking the disciples “Who do the crowds say I am?” From all the different answers that were given to Jesus, it was Paul who said “You are God’s Messiah.”
Once Paul’s heart opened up to God’s good news, Paul had no trouble recognizing Jesus from who he was. Paul understood with mind and soul that the man standing in front of them was the one whom God had told them about.
Jesus, the Messiah, had full comprehension of the demands of His chosen path and thus, asked the disciples to maintain his real identity at bay. For the only way that God’s plan could happen, was if the suffering of the Son of Man took place. Jesus’ pain, his rejection, death, and resurrection, were all intertwined steps in the goal of saving men from their sins.
Jesus asked the disciples to follow him by accepting their crosses and by bearing them every day. For, in giving up their lives for His sake, they would gain an eternity with Him around God’s heavenly table.
Though we are not as fortunate as the disciples, who got to hear these instructions from Jesus himself, we are blessed to have the Scriptures to show us the way. We have the advantage of 2000+ years of education which signals us what to do in order to be able to sit alongside Jesus on the table of plenty.
Not always do we get to hear the good news from people who share our same customs or traditions. Sometimes the flag of wisdom comes from folks who are “different” from us. We must remember that the difference is only external, as inside we are all one in God. Internally we are all the same, we are but branches of the same tree, and though some of us might be darker, or curlier, or richer, or poorer, we remain children of God, the Only One, the Almighty.
Jesus asked the disciples to give up themselves in order to become winners, and the instructions that we receive today have not changed one bit. Every time we give, expecting nothing in return, we are acting upon Jesus’ instructions. For every act of mercy, for every donation in the form of a check, for every smile, for every hour “worked” cooperating with the improvement of our brothers and sisters’ lives, we are explicitly acting upon Jesus’ request. We might be “losing” an hour here and there, or giving up the chance of buying a new pair of shoes, or sacrificing an outing on account of funneling the cash towards a donation to the less fortunate, but in reality what happens is that to the eyes of God our stock market value increases like there is no tomorrow.
May we find joy in giving, not just a little bit but a whole lot, because it is in giving that we receive the blessings promised by our Jesus, God’s Messiah.

11th Sunday of Ordinary Time: 13 June, 2010

1st Reading from the 2 Book of Samuel, 12: 7-10, 13
-Nathan’s Message and David’s Repentance-
“Nathan answered David: ‘The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.’”
This fragment of Samuel’s Book leads us to the time when David was King of Judeah & Israel. David had been blessed by God, who loved him dearly.
Nathan the prophet said to David, God “made you King of Israel and rescued you from Saul. (He) gave you his kingdom and his wives; (He) made you king over Israel and Judah.” God was disappointed at David’s actions, at his sins of lust and murder. David had pretty much broken God’s heart and yet, in seeing David’s real contrition, God forgave David’s sins.
Although David could not get away with the murder of Uriah, he obtained God’s pardon once he truly recognized and acknowledged in front of God, that he -David- had done wrong. For David, the truth really set him free.
In our lives we all have been tempted to cover a misdeed or a sin, either because we feel embarrassed or maybe because we are afraid of the consequences of what we have done. Fear will paralyze us and take us away from the path of honesty, because covering up a sin is whole lot easier than facing the reality of a bad action. The proverbial battle that takes place between the little angel and the little devil who reside on each one of our shoulders becomes a fearsome one, leaving us the end, confused and lost under the forces at war. It takes great courage and strength, to take a stand, and face reality. Though the action of facing our sins is a very draining one, we become refilled and plenty once we allow God back into our hearts. All we need to do for him to get inside is to open the door that welcomes an honest reconciliation.
May we be as strong as King David, who chose the truth in front of God. May we be honest with ourselves and with the world, because it is only in the truth that we can seek forgiveness for our sins.

2nd Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians, 3: 26-29
-Jews and Gentiles are Saved by Faith-
“… as the Law is concerned … I am dead -killed by the Law itself-, in order that I might live for God.”
As Christianity grew and many Jews chose to embrace the new Christian faith, the question arose of whether the new converts needed to follow the Law of Moses to become “real” Christians. Churches in Galatia, a Roman province is Asia Minor, claimed that the Law of Moses needed to be followed, because -according to them-, salvation could only be found through strict adherence to the practice of Moses’ teachings.
Paul’s work and his letter to the Galatians came to be after Paul realized that the Galatians were on a wrong path and needed to be brought back to the true faith and practice. He had discovered that they were being mislead by the believe of the Law of Moses as the only way to be good with God.
Paul explained to the Galatians that a person could only be put right with God “through faith in Jesus Christ.” The Law, wrote Paul, “was in charge of us until Christ came”, because before Christ’s arrival the world was “under the power of sin.” Once the Son of God was revealed to us, we learned that the only way we could be one in God was through faith. So, “now that time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us.”
And although the Law is the equivalent to the GPS that allows us to stay within Moses’ prophetic route, it is not through the Law that will be right with God. We must realize that dietary limitations and circumcision will not lead us to a place on God’s heavenly table; instead, it is through faith and love in God’s Messiah that we will ultimately be able to enjoy eternal life.
May our faith strengthen with each passing day, as we read the Scriptures and get to understand what God is asking of us. May we be able to imitate Jesus’ example so that the grace of God will enrich our experience as Gentiles learning from his son, the Messiah.

The Gospel according to Luke, 7:36 – 8:3
-Jesus at the Home of Simon Pharisee- & -Women Who Accompanied Jesus-
On the day when Simon Pharisee invited Jesus to have supper at his house, other people attended as well. One of them was a woman who had led a sinful life. Throughout the gathering she spent time cleaning Jesus’ feet. First she washed them with tears from her eyes, and later wiping them dry with her hair. After kissing Jesus’ feet, she opened an alabaster jar that she had brought along, and applied the perfumed contents on his feet.
Simon Pharisee, alone with his thoughts, kept on thinking that it was very likely that Jesus did not know of the woman’s reputation. He said to himself that if Jesus knew of the woman’s story, she would be removed from such closeness to him, and would be forbidden from giving him all that attention and care. Hearing Simon’s thoughts Jesus shared with him the parable of the two men whose debts had been cancelled and that how the one man whose pardoned debt was greater was probably the one most thankful for the obtained favor. And then, in front of a silenced Simon, Jesus told the woman that he had pardoned her sins; she could now go in peace because her faith had saved her.
How many of us have avoided those friends from school or from work who were not cool enough? How many of us have looked the other way just so we would not be associated with the pariah, or with the ugly one, or with the dumb one? How many of us have felt, like Simon, that a person’s past should determine whether or not they are worth of our company? We are in no position to judge others. We do not know if, despite people’s exterior, their interior could be cleaner and better than ours.
Jesus protected and stood up for those less beautiful, for the less rich, for the sinners, and for the sick. One would venture to say that Jesus actually enjoyed the company of the less fortunate, and we are likely right in the assumption that Jesus preferred to be with them rather than partaking with the church’s elders or with the Pharisees.
Jesus knew that his mission required him to protect those who had no one to protect them, and he accomplished his mission with a joyous heart. He did not forget the poor, the sick, or the rejected members of society. Every step of the way Jesus was fully aware of who was with him, of the reputation of his companions, and above all Jesus knew how much his presence helped those who were ready to share their lives, time, and talents with him. Jesus did not shortchange anyone and gave his own life for mankind that was not even born.
Following Jesus’ example, may we discover ways to give and to share with others regardless of their reputation; and may we be able to help our brothers and sisters so they too can find the road that leads to eternal salvation.

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi : readings for Sunday June 6, 2010

1st Reading, from the Book of Genesis, 14: 18-20
-Melchizedek Blesses Abram-

This reading narrates the rendezvous between Abram and King Melchizedek, after Abram's returned from war.

Despite the fact that the two men participating of this meeting were of great importance, their celebration was simple. Abram, returning from war as a hero, is a man who has everything: he has conquered the loot, the men, and has God on his side. His triumph is so overwhelming that, on top of keeping nothing for himself, he gives a tithe to the King. Melchizedek, a King who happens to be a priest as well, amazed at the humility of the man in front of him, decides to celebrate with a simple dinner.

And so it happens that two great men get together and, instead of an opulent celebration, all they partake is simple bread and wine. People of faith would dare to call this meeting as the precursor of Jesus' last supper, because Abram did not only receive an uncomplicated meal, but he also received a blessing from a representative of God's on earth.

We can learn from these two examples that extravagant celebrations not necessarily dignify an important meeting. The reason for a meeting and its participants are enough motivation to determine the relevance of a gathering. A pompous menu will not necessarily add importance to an engagement that is already brightened with the presence of people of goodwill.

May we be able to find peace, honor, and blessings in every simple celebration, from the one that takes place at the kitchen table to the one that takes place during the celebration of mass.

*****C**O**R**P**U**S*****C**H**R**I**S**T**I*****

2nd reading, from the 1 Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 11: 23-26
-The Lord's Supper-

This fragment of Paul's letter addresses the importance of the meal upon which we honor our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is the sharing of this meal that we proclaim "the Lord's death until he comes."

I remember as a child, before every meal, Mother and the Grandparents saying "Did you wash your hands?" This was the rule and everyone had to follow it. No one dared to challenge the adult's instructions and every kid seating around the table had, not only sparkling hands but also a properly cleaned face. The hygienic rule of arriving clean to the table was also indication of respect towards the occasion of getting together as a family.

At the time when Paul wrote his letter, the people of Corinth had bigger problems than arriving to table with clean hands. The text of the letter stressed the importance of joining the Lord's table with a clean body that is paired up with a clean soul, because to God the exterior appearance is secondary to what happens in the interior of those participating of his supper.

May we remember to bring to the table, that which is important to God when we share his body and his blood.

*****C**O**R**P**U**S*****C**H**R**I**S**T**I*****

The Gospel according to Luke, 9: 11b - 17
-Jesus Feeds Five Thousand-

This portion of the Gospel narrates the day when, having finished preaching and healing the sick, Jesus and his disciples are followed by a multitude of people who refuses to leave them. The disciples panic when they hear Jesus' request to feed the multitude, as all they have is five loaves of bread and two fish.

Following Jesus instructions the disciples gather the people in groups of fifty each, so they can be properly fed. Jesus then says a prayer to God the Father, and a while later everyone is eating. With amazement the disciples discover that after feeding each and every person present, they still have 12 baskets filled with leftovers.

We are called to share what we have, from our talents to our richness. It is in sharing that we receive, it is in sharing that we feel complete and satisfied. Jesus taught us by leading us with his own example.

May we be able to listen to our Lord's call, so we can share our bounty with an open heart.

Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity: May 30, 2010

1st reading, from the Book of Proverbs, 8: 22-31

A collection of moral and religious teachings, the Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon, son of David and King of Israel. On this reading Solomon tells us about Wisdom: God's most favorite and first creation.

Wisdom -says Solomon-, was there before everything else. It has helped "kings to govern and rules to make good laws." Wisdom was with God, "beside him like an architect," from the beginning. Those who listen to wisdom listen to the truth, because wisdom never misleads and never lies.

Wisdom honors God, is just, and gives life to those who find her. She is "better than jewels" and "nothing can compare to(her)."

Those who listen to wisdom will gain knowledge and the meaning of fearing the Lord; they will not get into trouble because they have accepted God's advice.

May we be able to open our minds, our hearts, and our souls, just so wisdom can completely take us under her wing.

**T**H**E*****M**O**S**T*****H**O**L**Y*****T**R**I**N**I**T**Y**

2nd reading, from the Letter to Paul to the Romans, 5: 1-5
-Right with God-

God has revealed to us what we need to do in order to be right with Him. "It has nothing to do with law..." In order to be right with God, people has to have faith in Jesus Christ. God tells us that Jesus Christ is the only one who can set us free.

God's promise of salvation is made available, not to those who follow the Law, but to those who believe. So, in becoming right with God, our hearts get filled with hope, the hope that says to us that salvation is a reachable goal. And not even our tribulations will dishearten us, because tribulations can only make us stronger, and the stronger we are, the more hope we can gather in our hearts.

May we experience the need to be right with God, so our hearts get to feel the satisfaction of being at peace, faithfully, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

**T**H**E*****M**O**S**T*****H**O**L**Y*****T**R**I**N**I**T**Y**

The Gospel according to John, 16: 12-15
-The Work of the Holy Spirit-
"But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth."

As Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure from this life, his words are delivered plainly but with strong indication of how much he cares for them. He tells them that he is only disclosing what he believes they can bear, and that complete truth will be revealed to them through his Messenger.

In present times we understand, we are able to decipher the mystery of Jesus' words. However, at the time when Jesus first delivered his message, the disciples were confused and were disappointed at the news of losing Jesus once again. The perspective of learning "the truth" though, is an exciting chance that they welcome with open arms.

Learning about Jesus' truth, about his Messenger, and about the Father's message, is a fulfilling opportunity valued by the disciples, maybe as much as we value it today.

May we be able to come full circle and may we get to experience Christ's truth, on a 52" LCD screen, and in full 3-D.