Reflection: XII Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•June 16, 2020

Jer. 20:10-13; Rom. 5:12-15; Mt. 10:26-33

In the first reading we see the enemies of Jeremiah plotting against him so they could take vengeance on him. He complained to the Lord, “The word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will not speak in his name no more” (Jer 20:8-9). Jer. 38:15-16 reports, “The princes were enraged and had Jeremiah beaten and thrown into prison… Jeremiah entered the vaulted dungeon, where he remained a long time.” Again ch. 38:6 reports, “They took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern… letting him down with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.” But Jeremiah was confident because “the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion,” to him “I have entrusted my cause.” Jeremiah won over his enemies.

This confidence is being encouraged on us by Paul saying that though sin and death prevailed over Adam and his descendants, “the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.” From Adam to Abraham there was no revelation. God spoke personally to Abraham and his descendants, guiding them and telling them his plans until Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. Only with Moses did we have the Ten Commandments and other rules of conduct and rules of worship. It was then God established the Old Testament Church with Hierarchy of High Priest, Priests and Levites, sacrifices and offerings, Holy Days and Holy Years and other ritual observances. Then Jesus came and perfected the Priesthood and hierarchy, the sacraments, forms of worship and norms of conduct through the beatitudes and the spirit of the Law. Finally he took our sins upon himself on the cross and destroyed sin and death by his resurrection. Indeed, the “grace of God… overflowed for the many.”

And so now Jesus tells us, “Fear no one…What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light, what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” We Catholics often fear to proclaim by our words and actions that we uphold God’s commandments. We condone adultery and many brag that they are real macho by maintaining a second and a third family. Many graduates from Catholic exclusive schools become powerful and rich politicians eating up the taxes of the people and the budget for public services. Many Catholic boys want to be female and we adore them in TV programs and movies, as though gender were a personal not a divine choice. If we reflect on it, a woman is female down to the bones, so is a man is male down to the bones. The pelvis of a female is shaped for child bearing, not that of a male; a man can never bear a child because his pelvis cannot hold a baby. And you boy, are you ready to take the role of motherhood, carrying a baby within you for nine months, and rearing it for two years until he or she can live on his/her own? Bakit gusto mo maging babae? Kaya mo ba ang maging nanay? Please, mga nanay at tatay, remind your children that we are born male or female by God’s plan, not made so by personal choice. “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light, what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” Let us not be afraid to live the teachings of Bible, of Jesus and of the Church, and show our faith in our thinking, words and actions, our dealings and our relationships.

For the eight years that he was President of the U.S.A., Obama claimed that he was not against the Catholic Church, but by his legislations he was killing the Catholic faith. Abortion was legalized so was divorce. Crucifixes were removed from schools, no prayers allowed in classrooms and Satan’s statues were put in city halls. Same sex marriage was legalized, and gender was made by choice. In our country, if Catholics do not profess their faith in the legislature, non-Christian Laws will be passed. Artificial birth control is now legalized through the RH Law. Divorce is being pushed through Congress and granted by civil annulment of marriages. In the name of “being modern,” we betray our Catholic faith and we little by little adopt pagan ways. Let us read again our Gospel passage as written in italics above: What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light……” and add the last sentence, “but whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” Let us not fear to proclaim our faith on the housetops. 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 >

May

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
	1 All day May 1, 2023 DAY OF THE RELIGIOUS BROTHERS ENCOUNTERS IN FORMATION Via Zoom Conferencing Inclusive Dates: May 1-15, 2023 (Attention: Friars assigned in the seminaries and vocation promoters) BIRTHDAY Sis. Evelyn Leongas, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2010-2023) Fray Mark Ryan Prado DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Mamerta Filipino, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day May 2, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Monica Legaspi, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Teresita Castro, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2009-2023) Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo Fray Hector Gonzales Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos Fray Alexus Mansueto Fray Joseph Cyprian Panaligan Fray Jess Marco Sanchez (2015-2023) Fray Virgilio Calalang, Jr. Fray Julius James Tinapao Fray Cristito Rey Tepace DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita Ponce, AR +Sis. Eulalia Kabajar, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	3 All day May 3, 2023 PART 2 (COLLOQUIA ON OAR CHARISM) via Zoom Conferencing / Sponsored by REAP BIRTHDAY Fray Roland Cepe Fray Invenzor Melgazo Sr. Myrna Gimena, AR Sis. Alejandra Arnaiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Jovencia Savilla, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Samuel Pascua, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Felicitas Lucinario, AR +Sis. Lourdes Tupas, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	4 All day May 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS BIRTHDAY Sis. Elvira Ignacio, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Jasmin Parreño, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1991-2023) Fray Sixto Bitangjol Fray Reynaldo Jaranilla Fray Antonio Zabala, Jr. (2008-2023) Fray Ken Oliver Lao DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Abellanosa, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Bro. Remedio Alugar, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day May 5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. Don Carlos Fernandez (postulant) Sr. Araceli de Vera, AR Sis. Dalia Santos, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Myrna Montejo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Danielito David Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Ronald Capulong (RAY-Urbiztondo)	6 All day May 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Bendicta Rodriguez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ma. Libbie Badenas (Brooke’s Point Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angustias del Divino Amor, AR
7 All day May 7, 2023 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER BIRTHDAY Fray Leopoldo Estioko Bro. Elmar Malvar, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Julieta Liagao, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Urbana Panit, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Nathaniel Jade Riego (RAY-Cavite) Lourdes Isabella Corpuz (RAY-Cebu)	8 All day May 8, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO PANAMA Inclusive Dates: May 8-23 BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. (Diocese of Imus) Fray Dionisio Cachero Bro. Wilson Sy, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Victoria Baluran, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Reyes, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Gloria Arroyo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Fe Violeta Taring, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Norberto Vingson, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	9 All day May 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Teresita Caballero, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Alain Gallego, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Gina Fernandez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Kenneleen Slam Alvarado (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Fortunato de la Rosa, SAR (Miranila Chapter) +Bro. Alfredo Panelo, SAR (Baguio Chapter) +Sis. Isabel Ursal, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day May 10, 2023-May 11, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Elisa Cañete, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Rodolfo Dayag, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Andrea Sonsona, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	11 All day May 11, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Sylvia Selda, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Lonie Silang, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Soledad Pacita Requiena, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Restituta Torres, AR +Sis. Emerencia Espeña, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Letecia Alemania, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Luz Kilayko, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	12 All day May 12, 2023 417TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF PIONEER RECOLLECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES (1606-2023) BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Granada Sis. Lilibeth Layumas, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Josefina Lanase, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Blancia, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Loreta De Castro, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Lido Cerna (RAY-Miranila) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2007-2023) Fray James Castelo Fray Ralph Laureen Ciceron Fray Invenzor Melgazo Fray Nestor Raras Fray Rellyric Delos Santos DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Eduviges de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sr. Amanda de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sr. Paz Reandelar, AR +Bro. Manuel Magalona, SAR (Manila Chapter)	13 12:22 PM May 13, 2023 8TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2015-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE TAMBO COMMUNITY PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION OF FR. ROBERTO CARLOS ALVARADO RAMÍREZ, OAR (Province of San Nicolas de Tolentino) EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF MOST REV. BOB JOHN KOROMA, D.D. (new Bishop of Makeni, Sierra Leone) BIRTHDAY Fray Jayferson Baldelovar Sr. Ma. Gracelda Bendoval, AR Sr. Loraine Lechago, OAR (Bacolod Monastery) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurora Sison, SAR (Miranila Chapter) +Sis. Lucrecia de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
14 All day May 14, 2023 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. BOB JOHN KOROMA AS BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF MAKENI (Sierra Leone) BIRTHDAY Sis. Lina Guevara, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Nicolasa del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Escolastica Calsado, AR +Sr. Natalia Paunil, AR +Mo. Ma. Bibiana Vendiola, AR +Sis. Bonifacia Ancajas, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	15 All day May 15, 2023 PATRONAL FIESTA – SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARISH, CASIAN ISLAND, TAYTAY, PALAWAN BIRTHDAY Bro. Isidore Vincent Adolfo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Mildred Mutia, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Corazon Treyes, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Ma. Señora Agbuya (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Gertrudes del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sis. Remedios Querubin, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Belen Rigonan, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Rosario Amores, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Concordia Dalugdugan, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day May 16, 2023 14TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2009-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE CASIAN COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sis. Marilou Labrador, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Gracia Pil, AR +Sis. Ma. Aurora Hong, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	17 All day May 17, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Trezsia Agpaoa, AR Sis. Glenda Arañez, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Margarita Parro (Miranila Chapter) Mark Lorenzo Negre (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Lucina Cabili, AR +Sis. Gliceria Enriquez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Clarita Matanoza, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day May 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Precilla Loor, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Mababangloob, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Mildred Carlos, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Ella Jabagat (RAY-Talisay) Rose Ann Dag-um (RAY-Provincialate) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Prudencia Martinez, AR	19 All day May 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK BIRTHDAY Br. Nigel Cabigon (aspirant) Sr. Ma. Cecilia Bongcawel, AR Bro. Sergio Javillo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Lolita Caabay, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) En Sueno (RAY-Miranila) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Paula de la Purisima Concepcion, AR +Sis. Juliet Tano, SAR (Valencia Chapter)	20 All day May 20, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Don Besana Sis. Evelyn Abutin, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Dolores Cañeda, AR +Sis. Andrea Rabillas, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
21 All day May 21, 2023 ASCENSION FIESTA – OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE PARISH, TONDO BIRTHDAY Br. Christian Joseph Codilla (aspirant) Sr. Victoria Sandiego, AR Sr. Sulpicia Geronimo, AR Sr. Cynthia Camuta, AR Sis. Virginia Cosca, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Vicenta Abanggan, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Mary Ann Cayabyab (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Francisco Pacabis, SAR (Laray Chapter) +Sis. Celerina Velarde, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	22 All day May 22, 2023 SECTION FOR VOCATIONS MINISTRY SUMMER WORKSHOP FOR LVPs Inclusive Dates: May 22-23 Venue: University of Negros-Occidental, Bacolod City BIRTHDAY Br. Alvin Laserna Jr. (postulant) Sr. Ma. Emy Catalonia, OAR Sr. Ma. Quiteria Ragundiaz, OAR Sis. Encarnacion Campomanes, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Potenciana Gomez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Estela Taburada, SAR (Manila Chapter)	23 All day May 23, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO CUBA Inclusive dates: May 23-30 BIRTHDAY Bro. Antonio Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Desideria Quinto, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Epetecia Tonggoy, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Alita Garcia, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Carmelina Villasor, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Anna Cristina Sta. Marina, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Marites Regala (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Elizabeth Guzman, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. Fernando Antonio Francisco, SAR (Miranila Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Caridad de la Virgen del Rosario, AR +Sis. Eva Sy, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	24 All day May 24, 2023 DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA USG (UNION OF SUPERIORS GENERAL) ASSEMBLY Rome / May 24-26 BIRTHDAY Sr. Justina de Leon, AR Sr. Vicenta Climacosa, AR Bro. Jose Ely Honrado, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Christine Salabsab (RAY-Laray) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1986-2023) Fray Eduardo Celiz, Jr. Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Dulcessima Arellano, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	25 All day May 25, 2023 61st ANNIVERSARY OF UNO-R, BACOLOD 38th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (1985-2023) OF THE RECOLETOS DE MIRANILA COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Nicholasa Sabado, AR Sr. Christine Gay Peñarejo, AR Sis. Milagros Santos, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Sis. Annabella Buhayan, SAR (Laray Chapter / Trial) Ella Aiza Jabagat (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Auxiliadora Somosot, AR +Sis. Virginia Auman, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	26 All day May 26, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Avelina Tatel, AR Sis. Leah Espacio, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angustias Librea, AR +Bro. Norberto Tancino, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Camila Puyat, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Dolores Nipales, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	27 All day May 27, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Alfreda Lobitaña, AR Sis. Menchie Bautista, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Corazon Miranda, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Erlinda de Guzman, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Milagros Comahig, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Jocelyn Nengasca, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Julita Asubar, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Maila de Rivera (Baguio Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Albina Panelo, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
28 All day May 28, 2023 PENTECOST 57th WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS Theme: Speak with the heart ‘The truth in love’ (Eph 4:15) PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS WORLD DAY OF HUNGER CARES, BAGUIO: TRANSITIO ET FORMATIO / COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 2:00 PM BIRTHDAY Sr. Emilia Buenaseda, AR Sis. Delia Española, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Jean Blanco, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Carmen Bolaños, AR +Sis. Esmeralda Degamo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	29 All day May 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Salome Paderogo, AR Sis. Elsa Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Leontina Mira, AR	30 All day May 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Cristituto Rey Tepace Sis. Josefina Parentela, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teresita Salada, AR	31 All day May 31, 2023 FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PATRONAL FIESTA OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITATION PARISH (Pasibi East, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan) Fiesta Mass: 5:00 p.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, D.D. Other Activities: 8:00 a.m.: First Communion 9:00 a.m.: Sport Fest: Basketball and Volleyball (Recoletos Friars vs Lingayen-Dagupan Clergy; OAR Seminarians vs Parish Youth) 4:00 p.m.: Procession of Sagalas 7:00 p.m.: Street dancing BIRTHDAY Br. Nestor Lloren Jr. (postulant) Sis. Priscilla Salazar, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Almario de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

Reflection: XII Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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