Reflection on the XXII Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•August 29, 2020

Jer. 20:7-9; Rom. 12:1-2; Mt. 16: 21-27

The first reading from Jeremiah 20 and the second from Rom 12 already tell us that to be a servant of the Lord entails suffering. Jeremiah complained to the Lord: “All day long I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me” (v.7); “the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day” (v.8). Because of the suffering, he resolved: “I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more” (v.9). And yet the gift of prophecy prevailed over him and he obeyed God’s command to speak for him to his people. St. Paul, in the letter to the Romans, urges us to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice … a spiritual worship” (v.1). He elevates the sufferings of the body to the level of “spiritual worship.” How are we to do that? “By the renewal of your mind that you may discern …the will of God” (v.2). This statement is vital: “renewal of the mind”; we are rational beings, and where we fix our attention, that becomes the focus of our thoughts and actions. Discerning and choosing the will of God “is good and pleasing and perfect.” That is what gives us peace of mind and health to both body and soul, which “derision and reproach” and even contradictions cannot weaken.

The expectation of all Israelites of Jesus’ time was that the Messiah would come to save Israel from the Roman occupiers and restore the Davidic Kingdom. Thus when Jesus spoke of suffering and dying, Peter contradicted him. That was, and still is, the work of satan, so that Jesus called Peter satan. We are made from dust and ashes and so we are earth-bound; we desire what pleases the body. Jesus tells us that to be heaven-bound, we have to mortify the body, deny its desires so we can look up and see and appreciate the things of heaven. We are like Peter; we “are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (v.23).

You Nanays and Tatays already know what this “living sacrifice & spiritual worship” is, because as you rear your babies to childhood and your children into adulthood you had to deny yourself in many ways and many times. You exercise much patience in teaching them to clean themselves, keep their rooms tidy, to eat properly, to speak properly removing all bad words from their lips, and teaching them to care for each other and respect the elder. Mothers, adjusting to the character of each child is a work of love that includes self-denial. You exercise much self-control to hold your irritation and anger in. You smile even when you feel pain. Husbands, when you refuse to give in to illicit pleasure because you want to be true to your marriage vows, you are denying yourself and taking up your cross. Fathers, when you pursue your projects and plans to gain money for the family, despite ill-health or bodily pain, you are denying yourself and taking up the cross. Yes, in many ways we have denied ourselves and taken up the cross for our loved ones. All we have to learn is to realize that in doing so, we follow Christ by making a conscious act of love for Jesus. The final apart of the Gospel is a reminder that Jesus will come back in majesty and glory with his angels to “repay everyone according to his conduct.” What is presupposed by this statement is that we will all rise again from the dust and face the Lord on the last day. As I had stated above, we have already shared in the dying to self with Christ, and, therefore, we will also share in his resurrection. If we have done all those carrying the cross and dying for love of Jesus, we will surely await his return confident that we can look up and raise our head for our salvation is at hand.

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 >

June

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
				1 All day June 1, 2023 FEAST OF JESUS CHRIST, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST MOVING UP CEREMONIES – USJ-R (JHS) BIRTHDAY Fray Raul Buhay Fray Russell Lapidez Sis. Susana Batin, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Felina Chiong, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Dawag, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Estrella Buelo, SAR (Manila Chapter)	2 All day June 2, 2023 RST: COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Holy Mass: 8:00 a.m. / Mass Presider: Prior Provincial Solemn Investiture: 9:30 a.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Constantino Real Carl Veloso (RAY-Cavite)	3 All day June 3, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Roy Baluarte Fray Ramon Bitancor III Br. Roque James Sabas (postulant) Sis. Clothie Canoy, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Olivia Alicante, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Corazon Ranoa, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Edgar Bond Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)
4 All day June 4, 2023 HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS BIRTHDAY Sis. Milagros Lagan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)	5 All day June 5, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SPA-R (CAIDIOCAN) BIRTHDAY Sis. Purita Crom, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Herminigilda Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1985-2023) Fray Francisco Antonio Fray Amadeo Lucero	6 All day June 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Ma. Asuncion Zorilla, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Jennifer Sibayan, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Christine Joy Euraba (RAY-Talisay) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Agustinus Agus (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia)	7 All day June 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Roberta Legaspi, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL & EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS Most Rev. Raul Dael, D.D. (Diocese of Tandag) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Alejandro Leongas, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	8 All day June 8, 2023 61ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (1962-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sr. Mary Joy Dula, AR Sis. Cristina Crosland, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Yolanda Apacible, SAR (Manila Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Ryan Jimenez, D.D. (Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, CNMI) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Amparo del Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR +Sis. Rosita Climaco, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	9 All day June 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Purificacion Glimada, AR Sr. Ma. Lea Eseo, AR Sr. Evangeline Pejano, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Porferia Georpe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day June 10, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (June 10-17, 2023) MOVING UP CEREMONIES – CST-R (JHS) BIRTHDAY Fray Joel Villaruel Bro. Arturo Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. John Kamara, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial) Sis. Violeta Villamin, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Cossete Villanueva, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1984-2023) Fray Raul Buhay Fray Domingo Saladaga Fray William Emilito Villaflor DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Carmela Garcia, AR +Sr. Soledad Cañete, AR +Sis. Estela Taburada, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Daisy Soguilon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Bro. Rodolfo Mijares, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
11 All day June 11, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – CST-R (SHS) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo) Fray Bernabe Dosdos Br. Kenneth Quitaleg (postulant) Sr. Ma. Divina Caabay, AR Sis. Rosalinda Rios, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1983-2023 / 40TH Anniversary) Fray Bernard Amparado Fray Joseph Granada Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Jorge Peligro DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Abraham Caballes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	12 All day June 12, 2023 [Philippine’s 125th Independence Day] Theme: “Freedom, Future, History” BIRTHDAY Sis. Lucita Anareta, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Adelaida Tanchico, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Micaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sis. Felicidad Delalamon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day June 13, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (SHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Br. Mark Anthony Zion Madrona (aspirant) Mo. Lucena Antipala, AR (General Superior of the CARS) Sr. Antonia Pono, AR Sis. Herminia Ishii, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Antonieta Lorna Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Antonia Lauron, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SOLEMN PROFESSION (Religious Brother) (1998-2023 / 25th) Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Fe de la Sgda. Familia, AR +Sr. Ma. Amparo Serra, AR +Sis. Victoria Caturay, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	14 All day June 14, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SHC-R, ALFONSO, CAVITE Time: 3:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Natividad Remitera, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1972-2023) Fray Federico Gregorio Fray Lauro Larlar Fray Ceferino Añez DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Michaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Mo. Maria Josefa Borces, AR +Sis. Angelina Yap, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	15 All day June 15, 2023 PRIESTLY ORDINATION- FRAY DANILO DE SOUZA SANTOS (Province of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva) BIRTHDAY Fray Nelson Plohimon Sr. Adoracion Pagsisihan, AR Sr. Isis Vita Villagonzalo, AR Sis. Hilda Socrates, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Rosario Mamon, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Bro. Leo Calimutan, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Leonardo Erojo (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Manuela de San Agustin, AR +Sis. Amalia Gatuslao, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	16 All day June 16, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF PRIESTS MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R CAVITE (KINDERGARTEN) Time: 9:30 a.m. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (GRADE SCHOOL) Time: 3:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Aurelia Pastidio, AR Sis. Miriam Ruiz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Mangaoil, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Mary Jane Eranista, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Salvacion Rubia, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Roselyn Ubag, SAR (Valencia Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1974-2023) Fray Enrico Peter Silab DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Encarnacion Hynson, AR	17 All day June 17, 2023 IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO COSTA RICA (June 17-30, 2023) RAY REGIONAL SUMMIT (LUZON) Inclusive Dates: June 17-18, 2023 Venue: SSC-R Manila MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R CAVITE (JHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – UNO-R (COLLEGE)
18 All day June 18, 2023 11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Corazon Barroca, AR Sis. Lourdes Florendo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Aida Tambis, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1978-2023 / 45th Anniversary) Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Diocese of Cubao) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Victor Jose Lluch (2004-2023) +Sis. Erlinda Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Ma. Celia Setias, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)	19 All day June 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (SHS) Time: 9:30 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Teresita Panares, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1977-2023) Fray René Paglinawan Fray Leonardo Pauligue Fray Samson Silloriquez ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. (Diocese of Imus) (2010-2023) Fray Leo Alaras Fray Michael Catama Fray Kenneth Joseph Onda Fray James Dexter Tanquis ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Rosa de Padua, AR	20 All day June 20, 2023 4TH CENTENARY (1623-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL IN JAPAN (of Bld. Vicente de San Antonio and Francisco de Jesus) COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (COLLEGE) Time: 9:00 a.m. 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS’ SPIRITUAL ADMINISTRATION OF NEGROS (granted by Bishop Romualdo Jimeno of Cebu and the Spanish government) BIRTHDAY Fray Renier Alviola Fray Enrico Nacorda Sis. Fe Enilog, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Macaria Salgado, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Reyson Valerio (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Leilani Alejandro, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) +Sis. Carina Juan, SAR (Manila Chapter)	21 All day June 21, 2023 MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (KINDERGARTEN) Time: 10:15 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Luisa Borces, AR Sis. Angelita de Guzman, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY (2005-2023) +Jaime Cardinal Sin (Brother General of the Order)	22 All day June 22, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Paulino Dacanay	23 All day June 23, 2023 MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (JHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Joan Marie Ubag, AR Sis. Elenora Tubiona, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Remegia Lopez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Marilyn Semense, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Rosalinda Pablico, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)	24 All day June 24, 2023 NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST START OF THE 5-DAY SPIRITUAL RETREAT OF THE CANDIDATES FOR NOVITIATE (cf. Add. Code 222) BIRTHDAY Sr. Jesusa Pedrez, AR Sr. Juanita Payawal, AR Sis. Juanita Payawal, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Calderon, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Baby Rich Pajares (RAY-Caidiocan) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Presentacion Ramirez, AR
25 All day June 25, 2023 12TH SUNDAY IN ORINDARY TIME BIRTHDAY Fray William Emilito Villaflor Sis. Asuncion Magalona, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Prosfera Jabagat, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Vivien Oquindo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sean Feauna Narvasa (RAY-Balamban) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Luisa Padilla, AR	26 All day June 26, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (GRADE SCHOOL) Time: 3:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Julius Marcos Fray Virgilio Calalang, Jr. Fray Mark Joseph Quirante (simply prof.) Sis. Melinda Camero, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Whagie Saronillo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Winifreda Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Jamaicha Lapinid (RAY-Miranila)	27 All day June 27, 2023 MEETING – COMMISSION ON SOCIAL APOSTOLATE (Rome) BIRTHDAY Sr. Elvira Vergara, AR Bro. Manuel Martinez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. David de la Torre, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Lucita Dimaano, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2020-2023) Fray Joseph Neil Baygan Fray James Esplanada Fray Judd Galinato Fray Mc Ariel Capinpin Fray Mark Joseph Quirante DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Catalina del Amor Misericordioso, AR +Sr. Crisanta Lerio, AR	28 All day June 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (COLLEGE) Time: 2:30 p.m. ARCORES GENERAL ASSEMBLY (June 28-29, 2023 / Rome) BIRTHDAY Fray Enrico Peter Silab Fray Samson Silloriquez Sis. Sonia Ramos, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1990-2023) Fray Bernabe Dosdos ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita de Lumbania, AR	29 All day June 29, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF STS. PETER & PAUL, APOSTLES BIRTHDAY Sis. Pablicita Palatino, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Bro. Peter Sesay, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1967-2023) Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. (Diocese of Bacolod) (2019-2023) Fray Neil Robert Alilain (2018-2023) Fray Helfrid Palmis Fray Rey Jay Quevedo Fray Jhoben Rodriguez DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Neriza Hernandez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Sis. Aleja Abellar, SAR (Cavite Chapter) +Sis. Remedios Vitangcol, SAR (Cavite Chapter)	30 All day June 30, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CANLUBANG (ALL LEVELS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Bro. Aquilino Cariño Jr., SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Leticia Tayao, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Ma. Teresa Bilbao, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Liberty Batayola, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Adelina Sacapano, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) +Sis. Laureana Quijano, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Amancia Gagui, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

Reflection on the XXII Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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