Call to radical conversion

Today’s gospel reading speaks of an episode of Pilate’s cruelty. Some pilgrims came from Galilee to offer sacrifice in the temple. 

In today’s Mass we focus on some significantly particular aspects of the transfiguration that are found only in Luke’s version of the gospel. This evangelist alone specifies why Jesus goes up the mountain: he goes to pray (v.28).

Simon Peter acknowledges his sinfulness and inadequacies, yet the Lord entrusts the ministry of leadership to him! Peter said, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (v.8). 

It is the way the bible tells of the encounter with the Lord: Moses covers his face, because he is afraid (Exodus 3:6); Elijah covers his face with his mantle (1 Kings 19:13). 

The second part of today’s gospel (Luke 4:14-21) is the beginning of Jesus’ public life in his hometown, Nazareth. He visits the synagogue and takes this opportunity to launch his message (v.16). 

The first detail, though seemingly superfluous, is the opening of the book that was presented to him. 

In a village in Galilee a wedding feast is celebrated. There are the guests who gathered to spend a few happy days, but here’s a disappointment: there is no wine and there is not even water because—according to the story—the jars are empty. A situation of abandonment, of general sadness. This is the surface. What’s in depth? 

The gospel opens with a significant finding, the people were in expectant. It is easy to imagine what they are waiting for: the slaves expected freedom, the poor a new condition of life, the exploited labourer hoped for justice, the sick, healing, the humiliated and raped woman, recovery of dignity.

All aspired a new world; they hoped that among people, abuse, distortion and mistreatment would disappear, and rapport with peace be installed.

If we pay close attention to the references in the Old Testament, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth could surely nourish our faith. The encounter begins with: “She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth” (v.40) and “the Baptist leapt for joy” (v.41). 

The Jews of that time like today’s, when they meet, greet each other with: Shalom-Peace. The prophet, Isaiah, called the Messiah the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:5). 

Let’s imagine that one of us, eager to prepare well for Christmas, asks the same question to those we consider experts in the field of religion (catechists, pastoral workers, sisters, priests). What would they tell us?

We reflect on John the Baptist and his mission on this second Sunday of Advent. 

John begins his mission in the desert (v. 2), a place full of memories and deep emotional resonance for the Israelites. In the desert, they learned to break away from all that was superfluous; they learned to be in solidarity and to share their goods with each other; they learned, above all, to trust God. 

Maraming mga bagay na maaring magpaalala sa atin na ang Pasko ay malapit na.  May mga ilaw, parol, Christmas tree, belen, at iba’t-ibang dekorasyong pampasko  ang kapaligiran.  Pumapahimpapawid na ang  mga awiting pamasko bagamat Oktubre pa lamang.  Dito sa