Paring Pasyonista
Paring Pasyonista offers concise reflections on the Gospel seen through the lens of priesthood and the Passion of Christ. Each meditation bridges Scripture and vocation — revealing how the Word continues to shape, challenge, and sustain those called to serve.
The Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill…” Jesus did not come to abolish the law or the prophets because he is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The law is to be observed in as much as it points us to deeper faith in Jesus as the savior of the world. Observance of the law is not a guarantee of salvation for it is not the law that saves but Jesus. Jesus desire mercy than sacrifice.
Priesthood observes and teaches the law as long as one does not diminish the spirit of the law.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on us when we are too rigid to observe the law and lost the spirit to become merciful.
Mt 5:17-37
The Feeding
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.”
Jesus did not simply expressed his feelings of distraught because of hunger, he also find ways on how to respond meaningfully to the needs of the people.
Jesus knew that they have listened to him but was also sensitive to the hunger that the people experience.
Priesthood is to be fed by Jesus while feeding others.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on us when we are contented to pray and wish others well without lifting a finger.
Mk 8:1-10
The Heart
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, …”
The heart of Jesus is revealed in this gospel. The compassionate heart of Jesus at its best. Seeing the crowd who had been listening to him for three days, his heart was moved with pity. Jesus did not simply expressed what he felt, but also find ways to satisfy the hunger of the people before leaving the deserted place.
4,000 were fed in that Gentile region, that day manifesting the inclusivity of the heart of Jesus. His love went beyond kin, race and territories.
Priesthood is to love as Jesus loves.
Mk 8:1-10 (St. Cyril, Monk and St. Methodius, bishop Memorial)
Lord Jesus, have mercy on us when we tend to discriminate and be selective in loving others which limit also our capacity to serve.
Let the Heart of God reign in our hearts as the world celebrate Heart’s Day! Be careful with your heart for it hardens like a stone when not nurtured well with God’s love and watered with loving deeds!
The Commemoration of the Passion
“Who is it you want?”
Jesus asked the obvious question to the soldiers, some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees who just came in. It was a query with authority to make sure that none of his disciples will be gone. It was not asking for information but a reminder to the company that they should arrest only who they were looking for.
“I am he.” Jesus did not hide his identity when the Roman soldiers ascertained that they came to arrest him. Jesus courageously presented himself to the arresting soldiers. Jesus showed his readiness to be accountable to all the signs and teachings that he did to save the world.
Priesthood is a vocation to continue the salvific mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus have mercy on us when we don’t take responsibility of the consequences of our words and actions.
Jn 18:1- 19:42
The Dog
“Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”
Jesus differentiated the Jews (children) from the Gentiles (dogs). Jesus used the commonly known metaphor with a nuance during that time. Jesus was more socially aware than demeaning in His comment. “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” The Syrophoenician woman humbly took the comment of Jesus and with sincere faith showed how much she needed the help of Jesus.
"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." – C.S. Lewis
Mk 7:24-30
The woman’s desire for her daughter to be healed added extra push for her to be humble and manifest her faith. “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” Jesus affirmed the faith of the woman on what He can do by granting the desire of that mother.
Priesthood is a humble vocation for it is a calling to serve and not be served. Like dogs, grateful enough to get children’s scraps under the table.
Lord Jesus, let not our pride be the hindrance for us to receive your grace, guidance and blessings. Make us humble as we should.
The First Sign
“They have no wine.”
Mary fully manifested her empathy to the hosts. Mary informed her Son Jesus of the crises. “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary trusted fully that Jesus could do something. Mary instructed the servers to do what Jesus would ask them to do. “Fill the jars with water.” Jesus told the servers what to do. The water turned to wine. “…you have kept the good wine until now.” The Fist Sign saved the couple from embarrassment. Jesus responded with grace in facing any need.
Priesthood is giving full trust in what the Lord can do in any situation.
Our Lady of Lourdes, help us to be mindful of what Jesus can do than what we ourselves think can do.
Jn 2:1-11 (Our Lady of Lourdes, Optional Memorial)
The Tradition
“…You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
Tradition is handed down from generation to generation. Tradition manifests the identity of those who observe such. Tradition may change for it is but a human creation. God’s commandment does not change for God’s word will remain until the end of time.
Priesthood is to challenge long time tradition when it does not anymore adhere to God’s commandment.
St. Scholastica, pray for us that we may not be blinded by tradition and take God’s commandment lightly.