5th Day of Simbang Gabi (December 20, 2022)

Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem OAR•December 19, 2022

Did Mary Doubt?

In our gospel reading today, we see Mary having a dialogue with Angel Gabriel. She asks him, “but how can this be…?” A similar question was posed to the same angel by Zachariah in the gospel reading of yesterday. Both were faced with a similar situation, both posited similar questions but the outcomes were different. In the case of Zachariah, it could be that he had a dismissive attitude, a heart closed to the possibility of the truth that the angel was presenting to him. In the case of Mary, we can say that when she asked the angel, with a heart open to all possibilities that the angel was presenting her along with its implications; rather than making a push back, it is as if she is asking for clarification, as If to say, “help me understand, help me see from your perspective.” She makes her plea with confidence and trust. She asks with confidence because she knows she belongs to God who will not make a mockery of her. She asks with trust, because she believes that the words of the angel will be proved true in due time. She asks with confidence because she knows that her question will be given an answer, she asked with trust because she believes that even though the answer to her question may not be one she can fully understand, she knows that she will not be misled.

At the end of the day, we may ask, was Mary confronted with moral uncertainty? The answer is yes; was she tempted to doubt? The answer is Yes; did she doubt? the answer is no. She did not doubt because in the face of her moral uncertainty, she sought clarification from the angel and she made a decision to surrender herself to God’s will. She was not depending solely on her own understanding but was asking for guidance from the angel and then made a decision to believe and trust God.

It is important to highlight the fact that moral doubt and moral uncertainty are two different things. While moral doubt is a decision not to trust or not to believe based on what he knows or what he does not know, uncertainty is not a decision but a state of insufficient necessary knowledge. A state of moral uncertainty (especially when it is not our fault) is not a sin but how we respond to that state is what counts. When we choose to doubt in response to truth especially when we become obstinate in doubting, that is a sin since doubt is a rejection or a denial of truth.

Mary’s question to the angel is one very familiar to us. She shows us what to make out of a situation of moral uncertainty. She reminds us that in the face of moral uncertainty, we must be willing to trust God and all those he has given to us for our formation.

Mary also also teaches us how to enter into dialogue with God. Dialogue is not about convincing another about something or about winning an argument; rather it is about mutual opening of one’s self and giving of one’s self to another in humility and trust and receiving the other with gratitude and respect. Through this honest, mutual exchange of ideas and experiences, together, the persons involved in dialogue can arrive at truth and embrace it together. Dialogue is not about making compromises or seeking middle ground. It is about finding the truth no matter whose side it may be and a willingness to embrace it.

Finally our gospel reading reminds us that Mary was in every way human like us. The fact that she was conceived without sin did not exempt her from our human condition of limitedness, fears and worries that arise from uncertainty and temptations that we are all so well acquainted with. She experienced everything we experience as humans and from our gospel reading, we can see how she responded to them.

We all know how crippling uncertainty can be. Hence we should from time to time ask ourselves how do I go about overcoming moral uncertainty? who do I turn to in the face of doubt? When I gain sufficient knowledge needed for making a decision, how do I decide? Am I ready to embrace truth and all its consequences? Am I willing to submit myself to God’s plan?

Moral uncertainty is no stranger to us; temptations especially temptation to doubt perhaps knows us by name. It may be a grave matter or an insignificant one. It makes no difference which ever is the case, in Mary we have a model of how to face them. So the next time you are in a moral dilemma, look to Mary and remember who to turn to and how to dialogue. Perhaps those moments may be an invitation to become another Mary willing to say fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.

Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem OAR

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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)

5th Day of Simbang Gabi (December 20, 2022)

More posts about: Homilies and Lectio Divina

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Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem OAR

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