Mark Escobar

Thorns and Thistles Mark Escobar

Christ's message within the richness of human experiences.

Through the centuries our faith community has become a rich mosaic of cultures that enriches us in a variety of ways and expressions. The insight of faith and the courage of dynamism toward appropriation and reflection of the gospel values enable me to explore other options that connect social issues with biblical teachings. It affords me an opportunity to count both the blessings and the responsibilities they entail.

This compilation of homilies, despite its throbbing features and layers of constant allusion to other disciplines, absorbs the untold wealth of being human who remembers God's covenant with humanity. It is embedded in a living and spiritual dimension that shapes our priorities in dialogue with the world. It takes a common stand that extends the ideals of justice, preferential option for the poor, freedom and radical discipleship.

With the onslaught of reflections and other biblical materials available online, I have thought it best to welcome the challenge of putting into writing my homilies for each Sunday celebration. Hence, as a form of sharing, these written homilies are meant to help us appreciate our sense of discipleship. Like the seemingly endless footsteps of Christ in our lives, the gift of the Spirit leads us to be united in one faith which captures the sense of transformation as implied in gospel reflections. It is like a personal diary that attempts to lift the weight of Christ's message within the richness of human experiences.

There are 'signs of the times' that we come to grips with an attitude of openness, a global worldview, and sense of purpose. Some of them are signs of transgression; others are signs of grace. But in our quest for a life rooted in the gospel, a metaphor for God's call and our response remains the evolving deal of our discipleship.

The challenge to move beyond ourselves and to live the Gospel with a genuine growth in holiness reflects the essence of Christ's teaching. It is the voice of encouragement; the spirituality it evokes as lived out in our spiritual journey and in the context of service.

Of the many gifts of understanding the Word of God, one remarkable mission that is implicit in our calling is to bring hope to others and to dream of a future that embraces the dreams and longings of the poor. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."