Category: Columns

Balik-Tanaw | Witnesses of the resurrected Christ in today’s context

The atmosphere of fear and doubt prevailed among the disciples. Some of the disciples at the moment have not seen Jesus after rising from the dead. They continued to be in hiding after Jesus’ brutal death on the cross in fear of being caught and put on trial as one of those who followed Jesus, whom the authorities have called a blasphemer.

Balik-Tanaw | Transformation, repentance, and renewal

Contemplate the metaphor of yeast and unleavened bread, inviting us to examine the presence of malice and wickedness in our own lives. What old ways of thinking and being, and how might we clear out the old yeast of oppressive colonial ideologies, embracing the sincerity, truth instead, and love of our kapwa-tao that lead to freedom and unconditional love of neighbor?

The readings for Palm Sunday begin with narrating the triumphant entry of Jesus and His disciples to Jerusalem. According to the story, Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread is coming in two days’ time and a lot of Jews will go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. As observant Jews, Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem in observance of the feast that will take place (John 12: 12-16; Mark 14:1-15). When they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus instructed his two disciples to go to a village where they will find an ass and to bring it to him. Jesus rode on the ass when he entered Jerusalem. The people accompanied him and they held palm branches while crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our Father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!’ (Mark 11:1-10).

Babae

Ginagamit ang termino sa wikang Ingles na “double burden” para ilarawan ang kalunos-lunos na pinagdaraanan ng mga babae, lalo na ang mahihirap. Nagiging doble ‘di umano ang pasanin dahil sa pagiging manggagawang babae at pagiging “housewife.” Pero mas akma ang terminong “multiple burden.”

Balik-Tanaw | Rejoice!

The 4th Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. A Latin word which means rejoice! In the beginning of the Mass, its entrance antiphon acclaims “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful!” This Sunday celebration brings us to hope with anticipation, the great joy of the resurrection… which urges us to enter more deeply into the mystery of God’s love and mercy…”For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.”(John 3:16) The First reading reminds us of God’s mercy when Cyrus, King of Persia became the instrument of salvation for God’s chosen people who were exile in Babylon. The Psalm remembers the tragedy of the exile in Babylon as it evokes sentiments of joy and hope for salvation. In the Second Reading, Paul tells us that God is rich in mercy, and His great love brought us salvation as a gift (taken from the Word in other words).