Reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•December 4, 2020

The first reading from Isaiah opens with: “Comfort ye my people…speak tenderly to Jerusalem…Her guilt is expiated.” At that time Israel was in exile in Babylon because of her sin of idolatry. She had suffered enough because of her sins and now the Lord wanted to console her. A voice would now cry out in the wilderness: “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed… Here is your God…he comes with power…like a shepherd he feeds his flock.” These promises were fulfilled when King Cyrus of Persia allowed Israel to return to their land in 538 BC and they were later able to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem and the Temple. Israel once again felt secure in the protection of Yahweh.

At the threshold of the New Testament, this prophecy is again quoted this time with John the Baptist as the voice “crying out in the desert: ‘prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John the Baptist was preaching a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As people were being baptized, it is explicitly said by the evangelist that “they were confessing their sins,” the verb in present participle to indicate an action simultaneously going on. Let it be noted that in the Old Testament there was already confession of sins. For this, read Lev 5. In “comforting” Israel, God had “her guilt expiated” and that is why John the Baptist was preaching a baptism of repentance and the people confessed their sins and obtained forgiveness.

When we review this “preparing the way of the Lord”, the prophet Isaiah specified: ‘make straight a highway’, ‘every valley be filled in’, ‘every mountain and hill be made low’, ‘the rugged and the rough be made plain’. The ‘valley’ is the plain between mountains and is in the dark for much of the day and receives light only when the sun is at the zenith. Is my life most of the time in the darkness of sin so that the light of grace shines only for a limited time? This happens when we delay our confession. “Mountains and hills” obviously refers to our pride and ‘to be made low’ is nothing more than humility. This humility must be combined with love by which we begin to think of the good of others around us beginning with our own family. The rugged and rough roads are made by pot holes, stones, uneven surface and bumps. What are the causes of roughness in my spiritual life? Am I tempestuous of character? Am I uncouth, rude, harsh, prickly of speech, lacking refinement or grace in my dealings with others even with my loved ones? “Make straight”, are there winding roads, loops and bends in my way to God? On our way to self-gratification we take the straight paths using all possible means at our command. But when the Lord calls, our feet grow heavy, and if we move we make zigzags, making many excuses not to proceed by the direct road. In my spiritual life, what turns and loops do I usually take just to delay my ‘yes’ to God’s call to love and service? Do I drag my feet along the way? These are just a few of the aspects of our life that we need to check in preparation for the Lord’s coming.

John the Baptist tells clearly that he who is to come is greater than he; that if he baptizes with water for repentance, it is only in preparation for the Lord who comes and who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore take the means at our disposal: make a good confession now during advent that we may fully receive what the Lord prepares for us at Christmas.

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 2nd Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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