Reflections: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•September 3, 2021

Is 35:4-7; Jas 2:1-5.
Mk. 7:31-37.

Some 700 years before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah already said, “Here is your God … He comes to save you.” And the signs of his coming are: “The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared, the lame shall leap like a stag, and the tongue of the mute will sing.” As usual when the Lord says it, he will fulfill it; when the Lord promises, he will do it. And so when the time of fulfillment came, the Son of God came into our midst: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” In our Gospel passage today, at the action of Jesus, “the man’s ears were opened, and his speech impediment was removed.” Throughout the four Gospels, we can see that many more miraculous healings occurred, and even the dead were raised to life. “Here is your God…He comes to save you.” The many healings of the body were signs of salvation brought among us by our God. Sickness and death were often connected with sin; so that when Jesus came and healed many sick and even raised the dead (Jairus’ daughter, young man of Naim), he was truly ushering in salvation; our saving God is in our midst.

Isaiah also used the water as a symbol of life: “Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground springs of water.” At Jacob’s well Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “The water that I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn. 4:14). Ezekiel 47:1 spoke of “water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the Temple toward the east,” then in v.47:12 he writes, “Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit …Their fruit shall serve as food, and their leaves for medicine” (cf. Rev 22:1-2). The Gospel of John will give us the explanation in 7:37-38, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’ He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive.” The Holy Spirit whom Jesus would send to his Church will make us thrive and bear much fruit for food of the body and the spirit, and with medicinal leaves that heal many hearts and lives.

In today’s Gospel Jesus did not heal by simple command or word. He showed action: “He put his finger into the man’s ears and spitting, touched his tongue. Then he looked up to heaven and groaned and said to him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.” Jesus is already anticipating what his bishops and priests would do in the administration of the Sacraments, a combination of action and words as the external signs of the grace they signify. He touched the ears and the tongue and said ‘open’; the gesture indicated the parts of the body to be opened; thus the external signs to produce the grace they signify. The saving actions of Jesus that heal body and soul continue in the Church through the Sacraments. The Holy Spirit acting through the Sacraments supply us the living water that makes us fruitful and healing for ourselves and for all the members of the believing community. Truly our Triune God is a saving and healing God. +

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 >

September

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
					1 All day September 1, 2023 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2023/documents/20230513- messaggio-giornata-curacreato.html NOVENA TO ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO BEGINS APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA (August 31-September 3, 2023) Day 2: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar and official welcome. BIRTHDAY Sis. Alicia Bañares, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Amellory Jopia, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Laurice Kathleen Barizo (RAY-Cavite) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Francisca de Sta. Maria, AR +Sr. Placida Patrimonio, AR +Sis. Primitiva Ayuda, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Pilar Betinol, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day September 2, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 3: Rome – Ulaanbaatar 0900 Welcome ceremony at Sükhbaatar Square 0930 Courtesy visit with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the State Palace 1020 Meeting with authorities, members of the diplomatic corps and local representatives in the Ikh Mongol hall at the palace. Speech by pope. 1100 Meeting with Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, chairman of Mongolia’s parliament, the State Great Khural. 1110 Meeting with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun- Erdene. 1600 Meeting with bishops, priests, religious, missionaries and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Speech by pope. BIRTHDAY Fray Federico Gregorio Sis. Maxima Malalay, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Maynard Negre (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurora Cordova, SAR (Laray Chapter)
3 All day September 3, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 4: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theater. Speech by pope. 1600 Mass at the Steppe Arena. Homily by pope. OLCP- MIRANILA FIESTA MASS Time: 11:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D. BIRTHDAY Fray James Erold Gatinao Sr. Annielyn Alejado, AR Sis. Salvacion Alonzo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Venus Corazon Maturan, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Arnel Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial) Jay Warren Oberes (RAY-Balamban) Regina Kyle Regonas (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1969-2023) Fray Hernando Coja DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Rosario Padilla, AR + Sis. Luzonica del Rosario, SAR (Manila Chapter)	4 All day September 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 5: Ulaanbaatar, Rome 0930 Meeting with charity workers and the inauguration of the House of Mercy. Speech by pope. 1130 Farewell ceremony at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. 1200 Departure by plane for Rome. 1720 Arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. OLCP- LARAY FIESTA MASS Time: 5:00 p.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Emilio Bataclan, D.D. BIRTHDAY Sis. Mary Grace Morales, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Eufrocina Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Marianne Burgos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Rosario Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Ms. Brenda Saliendra, Sister General of the OAR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1993-2023 / 30th) Fray Emilio Jaruda, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Melchora de Sta. Teresita de Jesus, AR +Sis. Dorotea Magallon, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Nonita Gingoyon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day September 5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Sixto Ciriaco Bitangjol Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi Sis. Marilyn Pariñas, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Luz Virginia Mapalo, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Camila Doctor (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Antonia Dinsay, AR +Sis. Genoveva Deligero, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day September 6, 2023 INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. MOISES M. CUEVAS AS VICAR APOSTOLIC OF CALAPAN (Mindoro Oriental) [Hence, cession of the appointment of Rev. Fr. Nestor Adalia as Apostolic Administrator of Calapan] BIRTHDAY Fray Michael Catama Fray Rellyric Delos Santos Fray John Zachary Haguisan Bro. Jimi Paolo Valeza, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Nimfa Ramirez, SAR (Manila Chapter)	7 All day September 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Regino Bangcaya Sr. Anita Manigo, AR Sis. Charito Muñoz, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Cynthia Lata, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Dumdum, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Osita Atotubo, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Estela Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Regina Babao, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	8 All day September 8, 2023 BIRTHDAY OF MAMA MARY BIRTHDAY Fray René Paglinawan Fray Monday Benjamine Edobor Sr. Alejandra Bendoval, AR Sis. Gregoria Torion, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Lota Ignacio, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE & SOLEMN PROFESSION Sr. Loraine Lechago, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Lolita Caballero, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Leticia Jacinto, SAR (Manila Chapter)	9 All day September 9, 2023 SECRETARIAT ON INITIAL FORMATION MEETING 9:00 a.m. / Recoletos Formation Center BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn de la Cruz, AR Br. Ramon Bancal (aspirant) Sis. Maria Corazon Sigua, SAR (Manila Chapter) Laurence Canillo (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1985-2023) Fray Dionisio Selma DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Gloria Donato, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
10 All day September 10, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! 53nd FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE AS A COMMUNITY (Est. 1970) BEATIFICATION OF THE ULMA FAMILY [Josef & Wiktoria and their seven children, including the unborn] Place of beatification: Markowa, Poland FIESTA MASS @ SNT ORATORY– UNO-R BACOLOD FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – TALISAY CITY, NEGROSOCCIDENTAL Time: 10:00 a.m. Presider: Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – QUEZON CITY Time: 6:00 p.m. Presider: Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNDT MISSION CENTER – LOS ARCOS, AGUSAN DEL SUR Time: 9:00 a.m. Presider: Msgr. Isaleo Madelo (Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs) BIRTHDAY Sr. Eufrocina Rusiana, AR Sr. Mary Grace Judith Alamares, AR Bro. Inocencio Sayo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) (1989-2023) Fray Francisco Antonio Fray Amadeo Lucero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Alegata, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day September 11, 2023 Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines– Men Assembly / September 11 – 15, 2023 Venue: St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center, Brgy. San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Theme: “Enlarge the space of your tent” (Is 54:2) BOT MEETING – USJ-R MAIN, CEBU Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan Br. John Marco Daniel (postulant) Br. Christian Julag-ay (aspirant) Br. Francis Cortez, SAR (Manila Chapter / diocesan priest) Sis. Herminigilda Hernandez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Davic James Cabatingan (RAY-Valencia) Dianne Morales (RAY-Provincialate) SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1998-2023) Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo Fray Charlito Orobia Fray Amado Emmanuel Bolilia Fray Jonathan Caballero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Emilia Cruz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	12 All day September 12, 2023 BOT MEETING – USJ-R BALAMBAN Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 9:00 AM BIRTHDAY Fray Jorr Rabacal Br. Eivan Earl Martinez (postulant) Br. Ramon Jayson Valdez (aspirant) Sis. Esmalita Amigable, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Gerald Artates (RAY-Provincialate) PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1992-2023) Fray Leander Barrot Fray Paulino Dacanay	13 All day September 13, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Gaspar, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Aida Lopez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Pacita Cisneros, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Robert John Navarro (RAY-Miranila) Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, Brother General of the Order ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1970-2023) Fray Dionisio Cachero ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1997-2023) Fray Jose Ernil Almayo DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Emilio Larlar Jr. (2020-2023) +Sis. Paz Garciano, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day September 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Lourdes Piccio, AR Sr. Floramae Lanuza, AR Sis. Catalina Marzon, SAR (Tondo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rizalina Poblete, SAR (Cavite Chapter) +Bro. Paulino de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	15 All day September 15, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Anthony Morillo Fray James Bumangabang Bro. John Bumangabang, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Leonida Tejada, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Patria Laguna, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Beah Marie Ganarias (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lolita Jara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Josefina Villa, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day September 16, 2023 111th ANNIVERSARY (1912-2023) OF RELIGIOSAS FAMILIAS BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Cyprian Panaligan Fray Robin Ross Plata Sr. Mary Ann Lumactao, AR Bro. Nestor Paredes, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angeles Gabutina, AR +Sis. Maxima Barrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
17 All day September 17, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Ma. Nimfa Garganta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Aurora Guilaran, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Anita Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Julia Tamsi (RAY-Baguio) Most Rev. Socrates Mesiona, D.D. (Apost. Vicariate of Puerto Princesa) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Regina Morales, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day September 18, 2023 BOT MEETING – UNO-R BACOLOD Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Henry Santiago Br. Sean Cass Alvarez (postulant) Sr. Ma. Ruth Gulane, AR Sis. Mary Ann Cabanes, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Demetria Bayona, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Donayre, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	19 All day September 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK FEAST OF ST. ALONSO DE OROZCO 5TH ANNIVERSARY (1918-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE PIONEER RECOLETOS IN INDONESIA BOT MEETING – CST-R SAN CARLOS Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 8:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – SPA-R CAIDIOCAN Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 10:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – CSP-R VALENCIA Venue: UNO-R Bacolod /2:00 p.m. BOT MEETING – CSNT-R TALISAY Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 4:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla Fray Joel Alve Bro. Leonaldrin Ostia, SAR (Tondo Chapter / Trial)	20 All day September 20, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Nena Labrague, AR Sr. Kristine Ignacio, AR Sis. Corazon Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Estella Marie Andador (RAY-Talisay)	21 All day September 21, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Alexus Mansueto Sis. Carmencita Estillore, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Estrelleta Alao, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Efigenia Itong, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Isabel Pantoja, AR +Sr. Salvacion Olalo, AR +Sr. Ma. Susana Quiñones, AR +Sis. Aquilina Gonzales, SAR (Manila Chapter)	22 All day September 22, 2023 APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO MARSEILLE BIRTHDAY Sr. Marietta Angelica Gunayan, AR Sr. Nancy Macaraig, AR Sr. Sheryl Garcia, AR Sis. Mauricia Romero, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Pilar Gomez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Lebron Jay Bantog (RAY-Valencia)	23 All day September 23, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Vicente Ramon, Jr. Sis. Julia Sonsona, SAR (Tondo Chapter) ANNIVERSAY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Diocese of Novaliches) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Sebastiana Jaropojop, AR +Sr. Agustina Salcedo, AR +Sis. Florencia Velarde, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Dolores Romarate, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
24 3:40 PM September 24, 2023 109th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/20230511-world-migrants-day-2023.html BIRTHDAY Br. Christian Jay Manalo (aspirant) Sis. Bernadita Campos, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Dinah Espino, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Aura Mae Salanap, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sugarrey Rendajae (RAY-Talisay) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Emeterio Buñao	25 All day September 25, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Lucita Mingueto, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Esperanza Heffler, AR	26 All day September 26, 2023 DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Socorro Ladim, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Sis. Belen Osorio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	27 All day September 27, 2023 44TH WORLD TOURISM DAY Theme: “Tourism and Green Investment” Pope Francis’ Message: http://www.evangelizatio.va/ content/dam/pcpne/pdf/PastoraledelTurismo/44Messaggio/ Messaggio%20GMT%202023%20-%20Inglese.pdf BIRTHDAY Sr. Rafaela Paras, AR Sr. Damiana Tafalla, AR Sr. Ma. Melodina Ramirez, AR Sis. Encarnacion Cinco, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Susan Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Ruth Miralles, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY: +Sr. Genoveva del Santísimo Sacramento, AR	28 All day September 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION BLESSED MARTYRS OF JAPAN 1ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS MEETING OF PROVINCIAL PROCURATORS Sept. 28-30, 2023 / Rome BIRTHDAY Bro. Ruel Alcedo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Salome Mapili, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Iluminada Apurillo, AR +Sis. Concesa da Silva, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	29 All day September 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Roderick Deguit Br. Joseph Alladen Lagare (aspirant) Sis. Mercedita Macabihag, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Rodelin Oredina (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Acuña, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Elvira Birondo, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	30 All day September 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Ferdinand Fornilos Sis. Teresita Labos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2017-2023) Fray Invenzor Melgazo Fray Jayferson Baldelovar Fray Mark Saludes DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Fabiana Gimongala, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

Reflections: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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