Reflection on the 4th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•March 16, 2020

1 Sm 16:1b,6-7,10-13a; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41.

After smearing the clay on the eyes of the blind man, Jesus commanded him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. In many occasions Jesus simply said the word and the person was healed. To the daughter of Jairus, Jesus took her hand and commanded, “Little girl, get up.” To the paralytic he commanded, “Get up, take up your mat and go home.” Immediately the man did as commanded. To Lazarus in the tomb, Jesus called loudly, “Lazarus, come out,” and he came out. Jesus took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and the fever left her. At other occasions Jesus commanded them to do something. To the ten lepers Jesus said, “Show yourselves to the priests.” While still on the way they were cleansed. To the man with a withered hand he commanded, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and he was healed. In the 2 Kgs 5, the prophet Elisha commanded Naaman the leper to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. When he did so, he was healed, something like washing in the pool of Siloam.

For a note: the word Siloam comes from the root word meaning ‘to send’ and the name as used here is from the passive participle: “sent”. So that the blind man received the light of his eyes and the light of faith from Jesus, “the One Sent by the Father.”

The behavior of the Pharisees is obviously consistent with their desire to deny the reality that Jesus is at least “a man from God.” Jesus could not be from God because he cured in the Sabbath and therefore a sinner. That eye sight was given to a man born blind they also wanted to deny, thus they called the parents to identify the man as their son who was born blind. Unable to gain ground from the parents, they again asked the man to narrate how he gained his eye sight. The man chided them saying maybe they also wanted to be Jesus’ disciples. At this they abused him and threw him out. To those who have faith no proofs nor explanations are necessary; those who refuse to believe, no argument nor explanation will suffice. The Pharisees possessed the human eye to see and the intelligence to study and be teachers of the Law, yet they closed themselves to accept the reality and the teachings of Jesus. The man born blind was open to Jesus and his words, thus he received his human sight and the gift of salvation from Jesus.

Let us observe a similarity between this narrative and the episode of the Samaritan woman, both from John. The Samaritan woman at first acknowledged Jesus: “I see you are a prophet.” The man born blind also confessed: “He is a prophet.” At the end of the encounter, Jesus identified himself to the Samaritan woman as the Messiah: “I am he, the one speaking with you.” After being expelled from the temple, in a similar way Jesus told the man born blind: “You have seen him, and the one speaking to you is he.” ‘He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.’ We see a progression of faith, from “the prophet” to the “Messiah” and the “Son of Man.” Both persons had encounters with Jesus and they progressed in their profession of faith about him. The Pharisees refused to accept Jesus and lost opportunity to know him better. What about my encounters with Jesus? Have they helped me grow in my knowledge of his person? Have I grown to know him better and love him more ardently? At the elevation of the consecrated Host and the Chalice, it will be good to look up and whisper to Jesus: “Lord, let me see your face. Let me hear your voice.” 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 4th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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