Reflection on the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•February 6, 2020

Is 58:7-10; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth.” The salt gives flavor to food and is also a food preservative. Do I give flavor to the life of my brothers and sisters? Or do I make life distasteful, or even bitter for others? Do I make life enjoyable for my parents and siblings by helping out in the house chores: washing the plates, sweeping the floor, arranging furniture, chairs and tables, putting cups and glasses and silverware in proper places? Do I show respect and affection to my parents and elders? Am I helpful to my siblings? In the working place, am I courteous to superiors and other employees? Am I kind to everyone? Am I helpful to those in need? Am I compassionate as my Heavenly Father is compassionate? There are many facets in life where we can be the salt of the earth and make life easier and enjoyable for those around us, as well as keep our family closely knit and our neighborhood a truly Christian community. In the Mosaic Law the salt is sprinkled on two offerings: on the daily cereal offerings and on the bull and ram offering for the holocaust, as though it were a flavoring for the food offered to God. Thus our offering to God must contain a flavoring of good conduct and loving affection for the Lord and our neighbor.

“You are the light of the world.” In the Old Testament, we read many affirmations that the Lord is our light: “You are my lamp, O Lord” (2 Sm 22:29). “The Lord shall be your everlasting light” (Is 60:20). “The Lord is my light and my salvation” (Ps 27:1). “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Ps 119:105). When the Lord enlightens our life, then we in turn become light for others. Before his Ascension the Lord commanded that we “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey his commands” (Mt 28:19-20). We make disciples not by teaching with words, but by teaching with our actions, our witnessing by the way we live. This is what Isaiah 58 tells us in the first reading: “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked (v7)… Remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech” (v9b) “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn (v8)… then your light shall rise for you in the darkness” (v10). The early Christian community in Jerusalem lived like this and many other Jews who saw them admired them and joined them. That is why within a short period of time, the community of believers grew: “Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). In our days we see many Catholics disobey the commandments of God. Stealing through corruption in government is well known. Enriched with the money of the people, many practice adultery having a second or even a third family. Policemen and other government officials use their position to oppress others and set up their opponents in courts and imprison them. The case of the Korean Mr. Jee is still fresh in our minds, and I categorize this crime as demonic: to kidnap, take the ransom and still kill the victim, even cremate the body and pour down the ashes into the toilet drain is most evil. The bereaved family cannot even give its loved one a decent burial. Think of it as done to yourself, how would you feel? Only a devil can do such a thing to his fellowman. We should ask ourselves: have Filipinos lost their Christian faith? Then there is the homosexuality among us and they are the stars in our media. Are we people who believe in God? Do we honor the commandments of God? Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God? Then why do we disobey God’s word? As I see it, we Filipinos are not yet a Light to the world. There is so much we lack in following Jesus. How can we make disciples of other nations? There is a lot of praying we still have to do. There is a lot of penance and intercession we still have to do as a people. Let us ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to make our hearts like his. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew the Pentecost among us. Let us ask Mama Mary to intercede for our nation, to pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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< 2023 >

March

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
			1 All day March 1, 2023 CLOSING OF THE MEETING OF THE LOCAL PROCURATORS WITH THE PROVINCIAL PROCURATOR CELEBRATIONS OF THE 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA Inclusive Dates: March 1-10, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Constancia Buchan, AR Sr. Jamaikha Acle, AR Sis. Marissa Molina, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Khia Queen Taiza (RAY-Calubang) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Teresa de Jesus, AR +Sis. Susan Bermil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	2 All day March 2, 2023 PROVINCE-WIDE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on “Policies and Procedures on [Cases of] Sexual Abuse Against Minors and Vulnerable Adults” / 9:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Charina Mae Ogario, AR Sis. Merlinda Buada, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Karl Canaria (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Luis Clauor Jr., SAR (Bacolod Chapter) +Bro. Gabino Jabutay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	3 All day March 3, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Emeterio Buñao Fray Andrie Pugate Sr. Felisa Ampasin, AR Sr. Josephine Facinabao, AR Sis. Marina Yang, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Dolores Villas, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Amparo Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teodora de la Natividad, AR +Sis. Angelita Quero, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	4 All day March 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUERTO PRINCESA Mass Presider & Homilist: Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa City BIRTHDAY Br. Mark Evan Taliquig (aspirant) Sis. Rosita Viray, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Jasmin Reyes, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Thelma Geroy, SAR (Tondo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Celina Magcauas, AR +Sis. Josefina Cedeño, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Esperanza Bacus, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
5 All day March 5, 2023 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teodorica de Natividad, AR +Ma. Alma Limotlimot, AR +Sis. Francisca Tamara, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day March 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo, Jr. Sr. Rosalia Aparece, AR Sr. Ma. Corazon Caberte, AR Sr. Ridelia Tinga, AR Sis. Marybeth Publico, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Toledo, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Josefina Rodriguez, AR +Sis. Rosemary Delapaz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Mrs. Leonila Dosado (Sister General of the Order)	7 All day March 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. Dorin James Igsoc (aspirant) Bro. John Eduard Nebre, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Bro. Feliciano Nario Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)	8 All day March 8, 2023 BIRTHDAY Bro. Marco Quimod, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Beata Oida, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Roceline Bernal (RAY-Cavite) Paula Nicole Bautista (RAY-Cavite) James Ynnoh Molina (RAY-Miranila DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Rita de la Cruz, AR +Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Siroy, AR +Sr. Ma. Natalia Oliver, AR +Sr. Alfonsa Canon, AR	9 All day March 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Loreto Manigos, AR Sr. Merlyn Pelarion, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Faustina Nirza, AR +Sis. Rufa Pepito, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day March 10, 2023 CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (March 10, 1872) OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA BIRTHDAY Fray Keneth Pahamutang Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem Sis. Elenita Atienza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Theresa Aquino, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Ma. Lourdes Espinos, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Lydia Escario, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Choleta Jalandra, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	11 All day March 11, 2023 FORSOAR STAR WEEKEND March 11-12, 2022 / Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City BIRTHDAY Sr. Briggitte Parba, AR Sr. Maria Jasmin Lumanog, AR
12 All day March 12, 2023 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sr. Marisa Bernasor, AR Mo. Dionisia Talangapaz (Foundress of the AR Sisters) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Inocencia Beringuel, AR +Sis. Fe Zamora, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Valentina Talledo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day March 13, 2023 10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Digna Araña, AR Sr. Ma. Nicelina Rodriguez, AR Bro. Romeo Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Adelina Belandres, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Estrella Nuque, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Patricia Tario, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Cyrine Julianne Singson (RAY-Cavite) Aaron Kristopher Lim (RAY-San Carlos) Kiarah Fatima Guillen (RAY-Provincialate)	14 All day March 14, 2023 REAP: SHARING OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS (NEGROS CLUSTER GENERAL ASSEMBLY) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD (Diocese of Bacolod) Br. Christopher Digal (postulant) Sr. Ma. Clara Flores, AR Sis. Teotila Torrefiel, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lucia Ruiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Leonila Buhain, SAR (Cavite Chapter)	15 All day March 15, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Lauro Larlar Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos Br. Juan Carlo Macalalag (aspirant) Sr. Rosielyn Hijastro, AR Sis. Marlyn Opu-an, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Milagros Calipay, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Enrique Jerome Garcia (RAY-Cavite) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Visitacion B. Visitacion, AR +Sis. Lourdes Luna, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Sis. Ma. Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day March 16, 2023 REAP: DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION OF STRUCTURES, PLANS, AND PROGRAMS DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) BIRTHDAY Sis. Hernane Francisco, SAR (Manila Chapter)	17 All day March 17, 2023 REAP: LENTEN RECOLLECTION DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Jesus Lastimado, AR +Sis. Obdulia Torres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day March 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Eduarda Reynes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
19 All day March 19, 2023 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK 10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS BIRTHDAY Archbp. Jose Palma, D.D. (Archbishop of Cebu) Sis. Eleanor Almenanza, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Jessica Bacaltos, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Beatriz Hermoso, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Marian Sigrid Escobar (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Trinidad de la Purisima Concepcion, AR +Sis. Enriquieta Oamilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Bro. Gonzalo Pañares, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Anunciacion Mendez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	20 All day March 20, 2023 FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE ORDER USJ-R (Cebu & Balamban) PATRONAL FIESTA OF ST. JOSEPH BIRTHDAY Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo Sis. Josefina Guevarra, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Salvacion Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Nenita Ursais, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Earl Vincent Blaza (RAY-Miranila)	21 All day March 21, 2023 START OF GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING (Rome) Inclusive Dates: March 21-25 BIRTHDAY Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia Sis. Corazon Yanga, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	22 All day March 22, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Grace Katada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Rose Mary Chua, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Felicitas Aquino, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Lina Ferrer, SAR	23 All day March 23, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Teodulo Hayahay Sis. Milagros Renes, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Fe Josefa Asuncion, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Luisa Salvador (San Carlos Chapter / Trial) Nichole Cabamo (RAY-Laray) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Cecilia Salgado, AR +Sr. Concepcion Reston, AR	24 All day March 24, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Christopher Gaspar Sis. Clemencia Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Elpidia Abasolo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Nelida Mendoza (Miranila Chapter / Trial) Sis. Hedelita Diaz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Adela Jaca, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	25 All day March 25, 2023 EARTH HOUR: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Anunciacion Yballe, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ann Marjorie Ricarte, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Serrano, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Purificacion del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Magdalena Salgado, AR
26 All day March 26, 2023 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sis. Gloria Mempin, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Felicitas Calopez, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Alice Banares, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	27 All day March 27, 2023 BIRTHDAY Bro. Edward de Silva, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Josefina Magalit, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Alberta Lastimado, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Samuel Celerino Favila (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial) Aira Joy Legaspi (RAY-Talisay)	28 All day March 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS BIRTHDAY Sr. Agustina Santos, AR Sr. Dorothy Aguila, AR Sis. Virginia Lazaro, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Reynaldo Aparicio, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lilibeth Fuertes, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Brenda Villafuerte, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Gregoria de San Jose, AR + Sis. Rufina Jadraque, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	29 All day March 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Ma. Katrina Rodriguez (RAY-Miranila) PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (2008-2023) Fray William Cordero, Jr. Fray Roderick Deguit DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Crispin Balingit, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	30 All day March 30, 2023 GENERALATE: ONLINE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF MINORS & VULNERABLE ADULTS BIRTHDAY Mo. Maxima Pelaez, AR Sis. Juanita Pajarillaga, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Jelly Masongsong, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Roberta Panoncillo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	31 All day March 31, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. John Reynan Rosie (aspirant) Sr. Anastacia Fangon, AR

Reflection on the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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