THE GOOD SAMARITAN (LUKE 10:25-37)

 The Congregation of Mercedarian Sisters of Charity (1878-2023)

Readings: Exodus 3:7-12; Luke 10: 25-37

1. THE VOCATION TO MERCEDARIAN LIFE IS YOUR SPECIFIC IDENTITY OF THE CHARISM

a) Value of your Identity: Vocation to Mercedarian life is your specific identity. The root of the Congregation tree is the charismatic identity. There is the beauty of your identity in your charism for which God has been faithful through His presence. 

b) Vocation precedes mission: Before God sent Moses on Mission, God called Moses through a remarkable event. God appeared to Moses in the flame of fire at the burning bush. And there he reveals his identity. The vocation precedes and the mission succeeds. God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5). This experience is a must for all the members of this religious family. Moses was nobody before God chose him, but he became a leader and prophet because of God. God is your project, he is your dream, and he is everything to you. Do not start any work without his intervention. “All that we do is for the good of humanity, of God, by God, and for God.” (Blessed Father Zegrí).

c) The burning bush refers to Holy Spirit’s action, who always worked for 145 years and still works for the living charism. Charism is not obsolete, or antique, but transforming and changing. 

2. THE MERCIFUL GAZE OF THE SAMARITAN

a) Merciful gaze from the Father: God says to Moses in the first readings, “I have observed, I have heard, I know their sufferings. I came down to liberate them from their slavery”. It is not your task/job/ministry. You are participating in the work of God’s redemption. Your charism is a redemptive charity service in order to the full liberation of the human being. We need to look at our poor in the way how Jesus looked at Matthew (Mt 9:9), Zacchaeus (Lk 19:2) & the paralytic man (Jn 5) 

b) No to the culture of Indifference: Priests and Levite passed by on the other side because they had proper roles and functions to exercise in society. “Touching a dead body rendered priests and Levites ceremonially unclean and so unable to fulfill temple commitments (Lev. 21-22). Sometimes, we need to take risks showing our love to the poor which may demand our time, energy and space. It may take away your time. 

c) Look at the poor creatively: Do not condemn, judge and underestimate. Read the different methods to evangelize them through our charity. Look at them as they have body, mind and soul. Our charity includes integral development. 

3. FIDELITY IN THIS RELIGIOUS FAMILY UNTIL THE END 

Fidelity: Faithfulness of your charism and mission in the church. “Then the Samaritan put the wounded man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend”. Charity should be done in its fullness. Do not give yourselves half, but give your full commitment on the day of the 140th anniversary. Face the daily challenges – Think of the presence of Providential God –‘Faithfulness’ is our response to God's fidelity.

Helping a person wounded in a road accident is a compassionate and morally responsible act — but it's important to take precautions to protect both the victim and yourself. Here’s a practical and safe approach to follow:

Is the Good samaritan parable applicable today? 

First thing, the Good Samaritan applies wine and oil for the wounds, we are not authorized to give medicines, we should not do unnecessary movement or touching of the wounded person. Moving a person with a spinal or neck injury can cause serious harm. we need to call Emergency Services immediately. 

If available, wear gloves or use a clean cloth to avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids. If no gloves, use plastic bags or cloth to avoid direct contact. Do not expose wounds unnecessarily or try to treat them if untrained.

Don’t give them food or drink (can cause complications if surgery is needed), Don’t remove a helmet (for motorcycle accident victims), Don’t leave the scene without giving your statement if you witnessed the accident.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) remains powerfully relevant today, even though our social structures and regulations may prevent us from helping in exactly the same way as the Samaritan did. 

1. The Heart of the Parable: Mercy Beyond Boundaries

At its core, the parable is not just about what the Samaritan did, but why he did it. He acted with compassion toward someone others ignored — even though the man was from a group that hated Samaritans.

Today’s Application:

You don’t need to physically carry a wounded person to the hospital to be a Good Samaritan. You can Stop and call emergency services Offer comfort or stay with someone in distress until help arrives.

. Support people who are marginalized, ignored, or hurting in your community (refugees, the poor, the sick, victims of abuse, etc.).

2. Laws and Limits Don’t Excuse Indifference

It’s true that today, laws might restrict how much direct physical assistance you can offer (e.g. for medical, liability, or safety reasons). But these laws do not excuse us from compassion.

Taking appropriate action within your limits (calling help, reporting abuse, offering emotional support).

Not letting religion, race, politics, or social status stop you from seeing the other as your neighbor.

3. Who Is My Neighbor?

Jesus' point was that everyone is our neighbor — especially the one who is wounded, left out, or suffering, even if they are culturally or socially distant from us. In today's polarized world, being a Good Samaritan means breaking barriers: Listening and caring for people of different beliefs.

PARABLE OF TEN VIRGINS

For religious rite of consecration, Nov 8, 2020 | Charitas Sisters 

1. Jesus and the image of the bridegroom: 

In the Gospel, Jesus is usually coming like a thief, but he is coming in the image of the bridegroom, one of the most beautiful images of the Bible. There are many images used in the Scripture to explain the relationship between God and people. God presents himself as a husband. God is the bridegroom and the people of Israel is the bride. “Thus, says the LORD, I am your husband, you are my love as a bride, remember! how you followed me in the wilderness”. (Jer 2) 

The first attitude that I suggest you in these days is to look inside your heart, and to discover what really you desire. Who is God for you? Who is Jesus for you? Don't be satisfied with listening to what others can tell you. Try to make to emerge what is your more personal desire. You will discover that Jesus is the only person able to satisfy your greater desires (real bridegroom): to the most important things of the life of a person.  

2. Prepare your oil; Symbol of consecration: 

In the Bible, consecrated oil is used always for the ordination of the priests. “You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him”. (Ex 29:7) “And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him”. (Lev. 8:12) 

In your life, Consider vocation as a gift. Nobody can replace your vocation. Aspirancy house is the vocational reception Houses in the residential form an ambit all the more specifically adapted for accompanying of vocations, preliminary stage to postulancy. Remember, you cannot borrow the oil, Why the wise virgins were not charitable enough to share the oil? Because Nobody can replace your vocation. 

3. You are knocking on the doors of religious life: 

The two disciples make a question to Jesus, “Where do you dwell?” Jesus responds “Come and see!” You are here to do in this year! peep into the doors of Charitas sisters" Then you knock the doors.  Here is the second proposal that I make to you: “What do you see around you and on you?” If Jesus was physically present here, among us, and wanted to help us to understand” What would tell you Jesus?” 

He would perhaps begin this way: “You see, the society in this year has made so many changes (Covid). You are young, and you have received a Christian education, but you will have to put into practice your faith in different way of that your parents or your predecessors have lived and I will be near to you giving my strength to your desire to transform and respond to today’s world of miseries. Pray that Jesus could lend you his own eyes so that you could be able to observe today’s society and answer this question: “Which are the most urgent necessities so that our society could live the evangelical values preached by Jesus?  This way you will find your personal vocation, that will, at same time your answer to Jesus and to humanity.  

Fortunately, you don't begin today your mission from zero. You don’t are alone, this community can help to live with enthusiasm your desire to follow Jesus and to serve the society.  

Have a Good journey! 

ALL SOULS DAY

 The Church is perceived in three stages: the pilgrim Church here on earth, the suffering Church in the purgatory; and the glorified Church in heaven. This is the feast of the glorified Church.

1. How does the Bible understand death? The Holy Bible uses the following metaphors to bring forth the meaning of death: (f) ‘Sleep’ (cf. Jn 11:11-14. Mk 5:39). Describing Lazarus’s death, Jesus says, ‘Lazarus is sleeping.’ Death is understood as a long, deep sleep.

What do we do on All Souls Day?

Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, recording about his mother’s (Saint Monica’s) death, writes: “We thought that my mother would have desired to be buried near her husband. But she told us, ‘You bury me wherever you want to! My Lord is able to resurrect me from anywhere. But forget me not at the altar.’”

Monica’s words tell us three things: (a) At our death, our body does not matter to us anymore. The body dies, but the soul lives. (b) We must remember and pray for the dead; and (c) We will rise one day. The Lord will resurrect our body and soul.

The Sacred Tradition of the Church invites us to remember and pray for the dead. In the first reading, the author of Wisdom of Solomon says, “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God.” The souls that are in our hands when we are alive will go to God when we die. They go to the safest place. Jesus says in the gospel reading, “All will come to me.” All will go to Jesus on the Last Day and all will obtain eternal life. The second reading invites us to be united with Jesus in his death so that we may be united with him in life eternal.

3. The memorial gives us three life lessons:

(a) Memento mori! Carpe diem!

Life is short. Life that is lived with our last step in mind is lived well. As the candle melts, our lives melt, and as the smoke of the incense disappears, we too disappear. But as long as we are alive, we give light, and we give fragrance. These brothers and sisters, whom we recall today, gave light, life, and sweetness to our lives. Remember death (memento mori)! and seize the day, every day (carpe diem)!

(b) Life before death!

Often times, we are preoccupied with life after death. But it is our life before death that defines our life after. Let us fix our minds and hearts here on earth and live our lives well, with gratitude and care.

(c) We are not alone – at death!

Death frightens us because we have to face it alone. But we are not alone in death. As we remember our near and dear ones, we will be remembered and prayed for. Death is a thin fence between our loved ones and us.

‘All will come to me!’ These are the words of Jesus and of the tomb! But we are not afraid. For there is life beyond the tomb. The empty tomb of Jesus is the answer to the tombs that we visit today. At this tomb, we will see the one who sees us (cf. Gen 16).

“Grant them eternal rest, O Lord! May the perpetual light shine upon them!

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”

BURIAL MASS

 When someone in your family dies and leaves you alone, you feel very sad. Rather we should be happy when we bury or cremate and join them with our ancestors. Because they are not somewhere in a state of emptiness or darkness. But they are in another life together with your holy men and women who were ancestors and praying and interceding for you so that you may also reach that place one day. 

The idea of a decent burial was important in most ancient cultures, especially the Jewish culture. This idea came strongly after their worst experience during the exile in Egypt and Babylonia. It is because many of their ancestors were left unburied and vulnerable to animals and birds of prey, and the Israelites considered it shameful. It was the time  the people of Israel started to have burial practices. Some of their usual customs are here... 

1. Quick burial: Burials were usually completed quickly after death, even in the same hours of the deceased’s passing because of hygiene purposes. The cremation was believed to be a pagan practice, the Jews did not cremate their dead. There was also a superstition that the soul could feel what was done to the body. So, Mosaic law dictated that Jews bury their dead, not burn the dead bodies, as such burning was reserved for punishment or judgment. 

2. Preparing the Body: After death, the body was laid out, either on the ground or over sand and salt. The eyes and mouth were securely closed and the body was washed. The hair and nails were trimmed, and then the deceased was anointed with oils and ointment. Finally, the body was dressed. Sometimes the body was wrapped in linen with spices enclosed. 

3. Archaeological discoveries say that human remains like bones were discovered beneath the floors of mud-brick houses. People were buried inside their homes. Ancestral tomb: It was especially desirable to be buried in one’s native land and, if possible, with one’s ancestors. 

Ancestral tomb: In Biblical times, they used to have ancestral tombs that were kept only for a particular family or clan. For example, at the time of his wife’s death, Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah at Hebron to be her burial site. When Abraham died, he was buried in the same tomb. Later, Isaac, Abraham’s son, was also buried there, and Jacob, Isaac’s son, was laid to rest there. 

The idea of burying together as a family tells the value of unity and prayer of ancestors. "Where two or three gathered in my name there I am". Jesus prayed in John 17:21, "They may all be one as I and Father are one". It was not easy for Jesus to make them one, because of their different personalities and intentions of vocation. But Jesus went to the extent of giving His life to make us one. The real devil is in the form of a division maker. Sometimes the patron of the house gives his life to make them one.

Wake Mass: There are classifications of death, often based on legal, medical, and cultural perspectives. Here are some of the main types:

1. Immediate Death: Resulting from natural causes such as age or disease. Accidental Death: Occurring due to an unforeseen event, like a car accident or a fall. Undetermined, 

2. Casual/slow Death: Resulting from a person intentionally causing their own death.

These classifications help in determining the cause, manner, and circumstances of death, which are important for legal, medical, and social reasons.

Several saints are known for having endured prolonged suffering and slow deaths, often due to persecution or torture. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Saint Lawrence: A deacon in Rome who was martyred in 258 AD. He was reportedly roasted alive on a gridiron over a slow fire. According to tradition, he maintained his faith and even made a remark to his executioners, asking them to turn him over as he was "done" on one side.

2. Saint Sebastian: A Roman soldier who was martyred for his faith around 288 AD. He was initially tied to a tree and shot with arrows, but he survived this ordeal and was later clubbed to death.

3. Saint Agnes: A young Christian martyr who died in Rome around 304 AD. She was tortured and executed at the age of 12 or 13, enduring multiple forms of suffering over a period before her death.

These saints are venerated for their unwavering faith and courage in the face of prolonged and agonizing suffering. Their stories have been passed down through the centuries as examples of extreme devotion and endurance.

Happy/serene death:  In Christian tradition, a "happy death" is often considered a peaceful and holy death, ideally in a state of grace and in the presence of loved ones. Several saints are renowned for experiencing such a death. Here are a few:

1. Saint Joseph: He is considered the patron saint of a happy death because he is believed to have died peacefully in the arms of Jesus and Mary. His death is seen as an ideal model of a holy death.

2. Saint Francis of Assisi: Known for his profound spirituality and closeness to God, he died in 1226 surrounded by his followers, singing hymns of praise to God. His death was peaceful and joyful, filled with a sense of divine presence.

3. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Also known as the "Little Flower," she died in 1897 at the age of 24 after a long illness. Despite her suffering, she remained joyful and at peace, expressing her deep love for Jesus until the end.

4. Saint John Vianney: The Curé of Ars, who died in 1859, was known for his piety and dedication to the sacraments. He died peacefully after a long life of pastoral work, confident in God's mercy.

These saints are often invoked in prayers for a happy death, and their lives and deaths serve as examples of how to live and die in faith and trust in God.

Our Lady of Assumption

 First Reading: John, the Evangelist, is writing about the seven signs (he gets visions on Badmu island) which will happen at the end of the world. Today’s first reading is only the first sign. John had a vision of the following picture; that is a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown with twelve stars. You would think it refers to the mother Mary, but actually, it refers to Israel according to the scripture references (even though John knew well about Mary). 

Do you remember Joseph’s dream in Genesis chapter 37? "Joseph had a dream in which the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to him.” This dream is a metaphor in which Jacob was the Sun, Racheal was the moon, 12 children/tribes are the 12 stars and all are bowing to him who is representing Israel, Sion or Jerusalem. All the other stars and the sun and the moon gathered around him and bowed down. This was a prophecy of what was to happen when they would come to Egypt and find him in power. So the other stars were his brothers, and the sun and the moon were his father and mother, through him the salvation was going to come home, as later through Mary. 

Mother Mary has not come to the world by accident, she is not a creature that just decided to be born in history in the time of Jesus Christ. She governs history and she is present throughout the world. Every aspect of priestly/religious formation can be referred to as Mary as the human being who is better than anyone who has corresponded to the vocation of God. She has become the servant and disciple of the Word until conceiving in her heart and in her flesh, the Word made Man in order to give him to humanity. With her example and through her intercession, the Blessed Virgin continues watching over the development of vocations and the priestly life of the Church. To her, the Mother of the Eternal High Priest, we want to entrust our priestly vocation, with which we are given the unmerited gift of being Alter Christus.

Second Reading: Corinth was a rich area full of merchants. Paul stayed there for more or less 18 months and preached. Paul wrote the letter regarding the major issues and problems in that church especially that of the resurrection. Why? The OT did not have a good understanding of the resurrection. According to Judaism, the dead people live either in hell or in Sheol. The concept of resurrection is different after Jesus and the proclamation of the NT. The Corinth people knew the philosophy of Plato very well. According to Plato, the body is mortal and the soul is immortal. Only by destroying this body can we receive life. I want this world and my body for my life and activity on this earth. Only with the help of this body and world can I reach salvation. Mary is an example for all of us. Assumption Day commemorates the belief that when Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, died, her body was "assumed" into Heaven to be reunited with her soul, instead of going through the natural process of physical decay upon death. Our constitution is asking for healthy and robust people for the mission of the Church. This formation is the foundation of all the priestly religious formation. The human formation, being the foundation of all priestly formation, promotes the integral growth of the person and allows the integration of all its dimensions. 

God’s salvation plan includes Mary’s special role as the mother of the Church. Mary attends to the growth of His mystical body (the Church), just as she attended to the growth of Jesus' physical body.

St. Joseph, the Worker's day

 President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos is leading the celebration of the 121st Labor Day and launched major job fair activities to provide local and overseas job opportunities to Filipino workers.

People are going to protest for wage increases, decent work, and rights to freely unionize as they take to the streets of the capital Manila on May 1. They will gather more than 10,000 workers and march from near the presidential palace in Manila on Labor Day. 

Every year the unemployment rate is increasing… 

1. Work is a vocation of Man: Man is called to work from the beginning. Work is one of the characteristics that distinguish man from the rest of creatures,

Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” After the human beings committed sin, God cursed them, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground”

Through WORK man must earn his daily bread by his work.  

And work means any activity by man, whether manual or intellectual, whatever its nature or circumstances; 

Work is a vocation, a part of the plan of God. When we work, we are collaborating/participate in the creator’s work. Work as a sharing in the creating activity of God. (தொநூ 1:27, 2:5, 2:15, எபே 2:10) God is creating out of nothing. We create out of something. 

Work involves the whole person; When we work, our body, mind/heart and spirit should be involved. Work cannot be reduced only to manual work. Thomas Aquinas spent his long work only in the library, while Francis of Assisi never spent his life in the library. 

Spirituality of work: work will help people to come closer to God. 

There is a right to rest. In the first place, this involves a regular weekly rest comprising at least Sunday, and also a longer period of rest, namely the holiday or vacation taken once a year or possibly in several shorter periods during the year. Do not be a work alcoholic, take proper rest, God rested on sabbath day, Especially in the modern age, the spirituality of work should show the maturity called for by the tensions and restlessness of mind and heart.

Feast of the Presentation

 Every religion has its own important doctrines and principles. Judaism also has its own rites. It was evident in the book of the Torah. Some rules and laws in Torah seem to us meaningless but they were considered divine. I can give you a lot of examples. For example, we find this law in the book of Exodus, the LORD said to Moses, “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

Questions come to our mind: Why the firstborn male? People in ancient cultures had this tradition that the eldest son was endowed with a lot of benefits for the Jewish family. The firstborn male was important because he was the “opener of the womb” (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15; Numbers 18:15; Luke 2:23). During birth, the firstborn son would become the primary heir of the family. The child who comes out first from the womb is dedicated to God, carrying God’s grace. The question arises: does it mean the families with feminine children do not have their share of grace? 

God himself favored the younger sons in the Bible (Abel, Jacob and Joseph). The elder sons were considered important for the Israelite family even though they were often wicked and cunning (Cain and Esau). But the Israelites had this strong and long belief the elder sons were consecrated to the temple of God as an expiation of sin. The particular rigid law becomes meaningless when time and culture pass one over the other. 

1. Obedience to God's law will bring wisdom:

Mary and Joseph, the poor parents of Jesus also obeyed to this strong/rigid law of the Israel people even though the law itself was not perfect. Here I offer my first message on the day of the presentation of the Lord. Obedience to God's law brings wisdom because through that you purify your will. God is operating there even though it is imperfect. 

Jesus’ parents though poor, clearly received preannounced the arrival of Messiah through Simeon who said that the child would be “a sign of contradiction,” and saviour of the people of Israel: To liberate them, he will divide. Yet the parents obeyed to the law of consecration because through it God would operate His plan. 

Today disobedience becomes a fashion. A prisoner was giving an interview, about his truck crash in Speedway saying, "I just wanted to disobey". Obedience from the heart produces authentic freedom in consecrated life. The hearts of Joseph and Mary wanted to obey to the law of the Lord through the sacrifice of their son in the image of doves for the Lord. There is a close Hebrew meaning behind the words "Sacrifice" and "Consecrate". The word sacrifice comes from two Latin words put together: sacer ("sacred") and facere ("to make or do"). Thus, sacrifice literally means "to make sacred." "The Lord transforms obedience into wisdom with the action of his Holy Spirit, When we sacrifice what the Lord asks, we are making our lives sacred by our actions—as  the Savior did, in whose holy house we are worshipping when we covenant to offer sacrifices in His name and for His kingdom

2. Child Jesus connects the past and future: 

For sure, all our communities are composed of elderly persons, some carrying pre-Vatican II experiences. Their role and presence are important in our communities. Simeon was an old man, nearing the day of death, carrying the child Jesus and announcing the prophecy of Messiah. Correctly predicting the presence of Messiah for the others. They tell almost 100 to 150 children were being brought to the temple of Jerusalem every day in those times. How could Simeon identify the presence of Messiah in the poor parents? We hear a proverb, "You don't choose a book, the book chose you". Simeon did not recognize Jesus, the Child recognized Simeon. Simeon carries the child. He understands his temporary existence. "Now, Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation". The world will give us pleasure and increase our longing to acquire and live. 

Our beautiful and strong instrument is Hope: From Isaiah, Malachi, the last prophet (of OT), and Simeon before the last moment to touch the child Jesus, all the prophets experienced this instrument. Let us hopefully celebrate this Feast that all the religious people will consecrate their hearts to the Lord. 

Feb 2 – Presentation of our Lord Jesus (2025)

Ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon Ang kapistahan ng presentation of lord Jesus Christ in the temple. 

Jewish tradition: Every religion has its own important doctrines and principles. Judaism also has its own rites. It was evident in the book of the Torah. The LORD said to Moses, “1Sinabi ng Panginoon kay Moises, 2“Italaga nʼyo sa akin ang lahat ng panganay na lalaki ng mga Israelita at ang panganay ng lahat ng hayop.” “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.” It is a Jewish tradition that every firstborn must be offered or presented to the Lord, sino ito panganay na lalaki sa pamilya?  Why the firstborn? In olden days, they used to have maraming children, the first child/best child was offered, the eldest son had a lot of benefits in the family, Lord was pleased with Abel who offered the best fruits to the Lord. Offering or presentation is a gesture of recognizing God's goodness and generosity. presenting the child is an act of consecration meaning to say, you take care of him. 

Sino ang mga sponsor ng misa ngayon? sino ang nag-aalok ng host at alak ngayon sa prusisyon? It is not howmuch we give, how we give, before starting anything good, try to offer it to the Lord, not to please him, 

God himself favored the younger sons in the Bible (Abel, Jacob and Joseph). The elder sons were considered important for the Israelite family even though they were often wicked and cunning (Cain and Esau). But the Israelites had this strong and long belief the elder sons were consecrated to the temple of God as an expiation of sin. The particular rigid law becomes meaningless when time and culture pass one over the other. 

Elderly people are experienced: The two significant names are mentioned here: namely Simeon and Anna and what is interesting is that matanda sila, Senior citizens, Prophet Anna was 84 years old, and had long experience in the religious life of staying in the Lord’s temple, spending time in prayer and fasting. These Senior citizens have a special place in the heart of God, even if you are already Senior, have Dementia, if you have dialysis, never disregard old people because the prayer of all people is very powerful, don't be ashamed if you are old, because aging is just another word for blessing, you are like Simon and Anna because you're always in the church day and night like Anna not day and night, but almost every morning you know you know that that's why I would like to express my gratitude to all the old people who Come To Church

Young ones should learn to appreciate the wisdom of the older ones, asks the Seniors to pray for you, asks your Grandma and grandpa to pray for you. Simeon correctly predicting the presence of Messiah for the others. They tell almost 100 to 150 children were being brought to the temple of Jerusalem every day in those times. How could Simeon identify the presence of Messiah in the poor parents? kababayans my dear friends you are the modern Simeon and Prophet of our time especially to lolos and lolas, 

untiringly Thank you for making our church a place of your place of refuge and security Thank 

reward and you know the prayer of Simon, “Lord allow me to go in peace because I have seen you can you imagine he had the chance to Hold the Messiah in his hands and to all the Seniors old people who Come To Church regularly our Servants is blessed Because of You our community is enjoying the blessings the rewards from God because you are here praying for the safety and for everybody praying for the good of our our community 

Ang misa ng Candelaria:

This feast is also called kapistahan ng candelariyo, Ang Birhen ng Candelaria ay isang sikat na imahe sa lungsod ng Candelaria (Spain). Siya ay inilalarawan bilang isang Black Madonna. Ang Liwanag ng buhay natin at glory, 

• Minsan kailangan natin ang biyaya natin pakita, dahil situasyon tayo ang candiliman, talagang 

• walang tayo Nakikita ang purpose, 

• walang tayo Nakikita kabuluhan, 

• walang tayo Nakikita ang plan 

• ang feeling mo useless, senseless, walang purpose 

today is the day, there is a meaning, it is good to live for him, like Simeon and Anna, all over the life, put light and glory, si Jesus ay ang liwanagn  luwalhati ng candiliman, ano mang kwentong buhay, you are not a loser, patalo, you have a success, 

your life is just like the candle, in what ever situasyon, I put light and glory in my darkness, Like Simon and Anna,  let your face be nonstop it means be consistent and never be frustrated even if it takes you to wait long, never be discouraged you know never give up even if it takes for you long to wait the blessings you have ask,

blessings may be delayed but not denied just keep waiting. 

Let me end my reflection with three P. 

• Let us make ourselves presentable before the Lord, 

• Dear parents Please pray for your children, consecrate your children to God pray for them that God May bless them protect them and they may grow not only in age but also in wisdom and in humility and fear of the Lord.

• Let us purify ourselves every by doing the Will Of God that we may abound in good works if you love and like this