Mt 11:28-30 Come to Me

In today's gospel Jesus says: Come to me, especially if you are weary or carry a heavy burden - I will give you rest. My yoke is easy; my burden is light.

3 Invitations from Jesus: 3 C's

1. Center of our life: Jesus invites us to make him the center of our life. That he becomes the ultimate authority; we voluntarily yield to his will. He takes control. He becomes the manager of our life.

2. Companion for life: Jesus also invites us to accept him as our lifelong partner. We make him our Shepherd who will always be there for us. He will never leave us for he will walk with us through life faithfully. With him by our side, we shall not fear.

3. Comfort and Strength: Jesus proposes that we come to him for comfort and strength. Though we have our own struggles and difficulties in life, we can count on him. "For those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall fly with eagles' wings; they shall run and not be weary" says Prophet Isaiah.

Mt 9:35-10:1-8 God of Compassion

Jesus went around to all towns and villages bringing God's love and compassion. His presence brought comfort, joy and healing.

3 Lessons from today's Gospel: 3 R's

1. Rich Harvest: pastoral ministry has a lot of challenges. There is so much to be done; work can be endlessly overwhelming. Jesus showed himself as Shepherd to the sick, outcast and troubled. Until now the harvest is plenty.

2. Readiness of the Laborers: the vineyard of the Lord needs workers. He sent initially only Twelve. We need to pray for more. The harvest will never be reaped unless there are reapers. Jesus will need every hand, every heart, every feet. Our willingness will matter.

3. Reach Out: there is a world waiting for the good news. A Christian should be someone in whom Christ lives again. We need a Christ-like heart to become bearers of faith; bearers of hope and bearers of love today.

Mt 7:21-27 Criteria for Heaven

In one of Jesus' parables in Mt 25, he speaks about himself returning as future king. He will separate everyone like a shepherd: lambs on his right and goats on his left. The criteria will be based on how much one has loved. For this reason not all who call on him as Lord will enter heaven. Only the doers of his will.

3 Criteria for Heaven: 3 G's

1. Grounded: the sign of being wise is being rooted; having deep and solid foundation. Faith in Christ makes us deep and strong. Whatever crisis or calamity, he bends but not broken.

2. Good Intentions are not Enough: the road to perdition is paved with good intentions. Faith must bear fruit in charity; lest faith remains fruitless. St. Francis Xavier gives an inspiring witness. He travelled tirelessly to bring Christ to Asia. He is our model missionary.

3. Give Glory to God: the purpose of our work of charity is to give glory to God; not to show off or become famous. We have to check the purity of our intentions. Our effort to conform to God's will daily brings out the best in us.

Mt 15:29-37 Following Jesus

Today's gospel gives us a visual image of Jesus. He is a great crowd drawer. Matthew tells us he walked by the Sea of Galilee to visit the marginalized and inspects their plight. Then he goes to the mountain to grasp the wider meaning of people's circumstances and show them a greater vision.

3 Kinds of People Follow Him: 3 H's

1. Hurting: the sick and handicap-blind, mute, lame or deformed; those who are incomplete and wanted healing and wholeness. Jesus amazingly cured them all.

2. Hopeless: those who are desperate and lost. These are the helpless who come for re-fill. Jesus is their only option; their last resort. He is their refuge.

3. Hungry: those who need food and bread. Jesus multiplies seven loaves and fish for them. This gesture is symbolic of greater things Jesus can do. He can also fill up other hungers such as belongingness, meaning, forgiveness or redemption.

Are you hurting? Hopeless or hungry? Come to Jesus. Follow him. He can fill you up. He can supply whatever you need. He can give you greater light.

Lk 10:21-24 Blest

Jesus' approached his Father with a longing love; full of eagerness and yearning. This results in joy and thanksgiving.

3 Lessons from the Gospel: 3 P's

1. Praise: Jesus explodes in a prayer of praise. This beautiful prayer discloses Jesus' treasured relationship with his Father through the Holy Spirit. His praise comes from the successful mission of the disciples he sent to preach. Praise should also characterize our life.

2. Privilege: Jesus also reveals their great privilege. How blest they are to have accepted the invitation to be his disciples; to see what they see and listen to what they hear. The privilege to be by Jesus' side. Do we also count ourselves blest and privileged?

3. Progress: Jesus prays for them to progress in their love and longing for the Father. That they bear fruit in joy and hope. We are also challenged to have eyes to see; ears to listen; heart to love; hands to serve. We don't get tired of doing Jesus' mission of love.

Mk 13:33-37 Be Watchful - 1st Sunday of Advent

Advent is a new season; a new beginning. Its four Sundays prepare us for Christmas. But on a long-term way, it prepares us for Christ's 2nd Coming soon.

3 Goals of Advent: 3 E's

1. Examine Ourselves:

Its a time for a deeper self-introspection and self-examination. Its something we fear because truth hurts. But we need to judge ourselves honestly without self denial or deception in order to chart a new path and a new direction for our life. Its a way to a new start. In God's hands we are still a work in progress. He is the potter; we are the clay.

2. Expect Jesus:

We are to expect him with excitement. Its like waiting for the Master's return from abroad and find us awake; not asleep. We need to watch our words, actions, thoughts, character and our heart. Our advent prayer is: Maranatha - Come Lord, Jesus.

3. Enkindle our Hope:

We live in a world with depressing realities. At times it stifles our hope; it crushes our spirit. Advent challenges us to re-light our candle of hope. We keep our hope burning & bright. God alone instills hope in us amidst a dark and cruel world.

Lk 21:34-36 Be Vigilant

Today is the last day of the Liturgical Year. Like every ending, it is also a new beginning. We actually commence tonight the Advent Season. Jesus cautions us to watch and pray lest we are crushed and crippled by our doubts, despair and fears.

3 Lessons from our Gospel: 3 A's

1. Alert:

Jesus warns us to be attentive, watchful and vigilant. Keep watch over our heart lest we are carried away by excess in eating or drinking; we have an overload of work, greed, pleasure or laziness. We lose our goal and direction in life. Overindulgence kills our spirit.

2. Answerable:

Let's not forget we will be held responsible for our words and actions whether deliberate or unintentional. We shall be held accountable with what we have been given: time, talent and treasure. We are judged for our choices.

3. Ask for God's help:

Jesus tells us to pray. Pray always. Seek God's guidance and light always. Pray that we can navigate our life successfully to reach our home in heaven. Pray that we may persevere; never losing steam.

Lk 21:29-33 Sign of the Times

Jesus continues to prepare us for the end. After describing the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple and other cosmic signs, he advises his disciples to learn from the fig tree. He invites us to learn from nature and its cycle. These are ordinary signs of the times.

3 Considerations from the Sign of the Times: 3 I's

1. Intelligence to Understand: its a gift from the Holy Spirit. We ask for the gift of discernment: ability to judge well. Changes happen constantly in our life. These are clues God gives us to do his will.

2. Interpret with Faith: Jesus reminds us that whatever happens to us, just like the cycle of life and death in nature, he has a purpose. God is present in our sad stories and joyful mysteries. We cling to him even in uncertain times.

3. Improve Ourselves: in the ups and downs of life, God is faithful. His promises stay. This challenges us to begin again. There is always room for improvement. There is always a chance to bear fruit. Change is inevitable but always possible.

Lk 21:20-28 Preparing for the Future

Our gospel describes graphically the destruction of Jerusalem and visualizes the Second Coming of Jesus as king with much power and glory. For the Jews, the eternal city's ruin was unthinkable. It brought a crisis of faith. The painful lesson is: nothing last forever.

3 Lessons for the Future: 3 H's

1. Hide: we can't hide from God. Beginning from the Garden of Eden until now, man has been in perpetual hiding. Having done wrong, we feel shame and guilt. We can't own our sins. But in the end, we shall stand alone before God because we have no where to run.

2. Homage: when Christ the King comes we will all bow down in worship. We shall all submit to him. If today you don't respect him, don't recognize him or reject him; the obvious truth will shine. Because he will be Judge; he will be Master of all.

3. Hope: this passage inspires us to hope. This is still a distant future. Here is a warning & a clue. He is preparing us for the future. We are invited to be good and faithful steward.

Lk 21:5-11 Reality of the End

Jesus observed people admiring the Temple's beauty. But what Jesus predicted shocked them. He told them, one day the Temple will be destroyed. In fact, all things will pass away. Thus we need to develop the habit: to begin with the end in mind.

What can we learn from the E.N.D.

E: Essential-when we think of the end, we go back to the basics, to the essentials. We will regret we haved worked too much. All that is left in the end are relationships.

N: Numbered-our days are counted. You need to make every moment matter. While we have time we should love more & love deeply.

D: Departure-as the end nears, we are like in an airport waiting for your flight. There is need to say goodbye & make a glorious closure. Its also important to end well & die well. Find peace; enjoy every moment. Enjoy the ride.

Mission Accomplished - Ascension Sunday

I visited the home of a parishioner who used to be very active and committed in serving the Church. But due to a massive stroke, he was now bed-ridden. Half of his body was paralyzed and he was in pain. His wife and children were taking turns to care for him. I learned that he requested his wife that should another stroke occur, he wouldn’t want to be revived.

Though his wife protested, his reasons were admirable. For him, it is mission accomplished. He has done his duty. He has raised his children; he has served his family and the church. Most of all, he wanted to see the God whom he has served! Eventually, the dreaded stroke came. He left his family and went home to his Father in heaven.

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus to heaven. He had to bid farewell to his family and friends on earth. Luke (Acts 1) describes the scene in two words: he was taken up and a cloud hid him from their sight. In other words, Jesus just vanished; he disappeared. There is a hidden drama here. One could feel the great feelings of sorrow and loss of the disciples. Sorrow because they won’t see him anymore; it’s the end of a beautiful and amazing story. Loss because their lives will never be the same. In an instant, they lost their inspiration and light!

But this drama will be short-lived and temporary because, as promised, the Holy Spirit will come and they will be filled with new courage and fire. Here, Jesus teaches us that it is alright to feel sorrow and loss. God allows us to mourn and weep. Even crying has its benefits. Tears is one way that our body detoxifies itself; crying can teach us compassion.

There are three lessons we can learn from Jesus’ Ascension:

Advance His kingdom on earth. Before leaving, Jesus entrusted to the church-community a mission (Mt 28). He commissioned and commanded us: Go. Baptize. Teach. These are active words; the perennial mission of the Church and every disciple. We have to Go; to move; not to be complacent; always have a missionary heart. Baptize. Make disciples. Preach repentance and forgiveness. Then, he wants us to Teach; share the faith; grow in love and knowledge of Christ. This is how we advance God’s kingdom of peace, joy and love. It we find this hard, he assured us: I will be with you. Always.

Access to the Father. With his return to his Father, he will tell him: Dad, mission accomplished. I’ve done your will. He will surely show him the marks of his sufferings; the marks of and enduring love. Love wins in the end. He will not sit at the Father’s right hand. In other words, he will have full dominion and power. We now have access to God’s grace and mercy; access to heaven; access to God’s heart.

Await and long for his Return. His ascension will make us long for what is above. There are two tactics the devil uses against us: deception and distraction. He will deceive us with lies and empty promises; he will distract us and draw our hearts away from our goal. The true goal of a disciple is to be with Christ; communion with him. Our 1^st Reading (Acts 1) reminds us that this Jesus will return. He awaits us in heaven. Let us not get distracted by setting our hearts on the things of heaven. In other words: Kita-kits sa langit! Let us long for Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, teach us generosity to advance your kingdom in this world as we await with lively hope your return in glory. Amen.

Forgiveness and Change

Somebody said: “every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” Today’s gospel reading (Jn 8) illustrates this point. Here is a true-to-life story in Jesus’ experience.

One morning, the Pharisees brought before him an adulterous woman. She was caught in the act! Thus, they asked him to judge her; condemn her to death by stoning. Incredibly, Jesus is quiet. He said nothing. Instead, he started writing on the sand using his fingers. This action might mean, he was ignoring this matter; or he was pointing to them that they were dirt and dust; that it was not their business to judge her.

When they insisted, he told them: “let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” As a result, they all left. No one had enough courage to condemn her because they would also condemn themselves. Jesus was left alone with the woman; the sinless and the sinner; the God and the daughter. The Pharisees saw the woman’s failure, he dark past. Jesus saw her future; she was a potential saint!

There are two lessons we can learn from today’s gospel. One, forgiveness is powerful. It can save a life; it can also change a life. By Jesus’ action, he is showing us we cannot force anyone to repent; but we can always show mercy and compassion. Repentance is something very private and personal. It happens in the heart; it’s between you and God. But forgiveness is in our power. We can always choose to forgive anyone in our life who might have hurt us whether they deserve it or not. Forgiveness is love in action. It does not erase the past but looks upon it with compassion; with more understanding.

Second, have the courage to change. Jesus did not condemn or judge the woman. He knows that she is still a work in progress; an unfinished masterpiece. But Jesus told her: “Go and sin no more!” He gave her a chance to repent. She needed to stop sinning so that she can change her story. She needed to move forward and start the process of repentance.

In this time of Covid19, we cannot go to the usual channel of grace for us to be forgiven especially as we are nearing the Holy Week. Our churches are closed but our faith continually connects us to God. Last March 20, Pope Francis approved the Decree of Apostolic Penitentiary that allows us to gain a Special Plenary Indulgence in this time of crisis.

Now, I have an ABC Challenge for all of us:

A: Ask for forgiveness. Be sorry. In the absence of a priest, for the moment, Pope Francis recommends: “talk with God, He is your Father.. ask forgiveness with all your heart; promise Him, afterwards I will go to confession, but forgive me now.” Make an Act of Contrition or a sincere personal prayer of repentance.

These days, you can also gain a Special Plenary Indulgence (removal of the punishments due to your sins) by fulfilling these conditions: Pray for the Pope’s intention. Fulfill one of the following – attend an online mass; make the way of the cross; say the holy rosary; pray the Divine Mercy chaplet or read the Bible for 30 minutes. What more can you ask. You have been forgiven by God’s mercy and He is even removing your punishments.

B: Be merciful. Be brave to forgive. Remember, the condition for God to forgive you is that you must also be ready to forgive others.

C: Change your life. Jesus said: “Sin no more.” So stop the cycle of sin. Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future. This could be the start of a slow process of personal transformation. Moreover, Jesus also sees in you a potential saint. 

Prayer: Lord, give me your grace that I may repent with all my heart in order to break the cycle of sin and change my life. Amen.

Jesus is Life - 5th Sunday of Lent

“You Raise Me Up” is a very popular and powerful song. It was composed by Ralf Loveland in 2002 for his mother’s funeral. When it was released, it had very little success; it almost vanished into obscurity. When David Foster was introduced to the song in 2003, he asked a budding singer Josh Groban to record it. It was an instant hit. For six weeks it stayed as #1 at the Billboard Chart. Ralf offered it for his Mom who raised him up; who loved and cared for him. Relationship like friendship and family can raise us up. In our fear and fright in this time of crisis, God will raise us up.

Our readings have very encouraging lessons. In the First Reading (Ez 37), the prophet points out the power of God’s Word. It can open graves and make people live! Prophet Ezekiel was speaking figuratively referring to the Israelites who were like dry bones. They were feeling homesick, discouraged and depressed because of their exile in Babylon. God, through Ezekiel, gave them hope and strength. He promised them “I will raise you up!”

Our Gospel (Jn 11), the seventh and last sign performed by Jesus, is actually a story of a family from Bethany very close to Jesus. Jesus was immediately informed by the family in Galilee when Lazarus got sick. But strange, he did not panic. He even stayed for two days more saying “this sickness will not end up in death but for God’s glory.” When he finally arrived, Lazarus had been buried for four days. But Jesus brought him back to life! Jesus did something extraordinary. Amazingly, he literally raised up Lazarus!

There are two lessons we can learn from this episode. One, nothing is impossible with God! We just have to believe. Jesus asked Martha: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.. Do you believe me?” An author once wrote: “there is never a moment when God is not in control. So relax! He’s got you covered.”

The second is, God’s Word is powerful. He is the source of our encouragement and strength. But also our words are powerful. It can impact another’s life especially in the context of the family. Thus, we need to find the good in each other. I believe, it is the love of the family that sustains us. One practical way to build up each other is through affirmation. Somebody said: “Affirmation are mental vitamins providing the supplementary positive thoughts we need to balance the barrage of negative events and thoughts we experience daily.”

I have three suggestions for us our families: A. Choose your words wisely because words can either build up or destroy. In the family, we need to pay attention to the words we use. Are they kind? Hurtful? Negative or inspiring words? B. Affirmation is a language of love. It shows how much you care; how much you value that person. Let us be generous in affirming our parents, siblings, friends; our medical frontliners. C. Make it a habit. Choose to build up each other daily. Our words matter. It can give life. 

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to choose my words wisely so that I can be generous in affirming those around me. Amen. 

Faith and Covid19

We are in a time of crisis. The problem we face is not just medical; it has existential, psychological, financial and spiritual repercussions. The world suddenly became a battleground with microscopic, invisible enemies. As humanity is threatened to its core, we need to depend on ourselves & our capacity to survive. The best weapon we have is our faith in God and in each other.

Instead of giving in to fear, we flex a greater faith. As believers, let us find the hidden grace from this situation. What is God telling us through these events? Convinced that He is in control, then these might be the best way of purifying us and reminding us of something we have missed or something we have lost. Our time calls for a greater hope. Here are four lessons from H.O.P.E.

H. Health. God is reminding us that Health is wealth. Since we are fragile and finite, we need to take preventive measures. We need to keep a healthy lifestyle and habitually wash our hands. Staying at home is the best prevention; perhaps it’s our means of survival. Keep social distance and avoid contact to contain its transmission.

O. Optimism. Let's keep our Optimism high. In times like this we can choose to look down and see dirt; or look up and see the stars. We can choose to be bored in our home quarantine or use it as significant family moment. Let us choose to see the opportunities rather than the adversities. This scourge is not God's punishment but a process for our betterment.

P. Pray. This virus is reminding us that there are mysteries beyond our understanding. Thus we need to trust a higher power who is in control of our lives and our destiny. The more we pray, the less we panic or worry because we expose ourselves in God's presence & his grandeur. Let us be inspired and keep praying for our warriors at the frontline of this battle.

E. End. Hope invites us to admit that everything ends. Nothing is ever permanent whether its fashion or pestilence. As the book of Ecclesiastes says there is time to kill and a time to heal. It’s part of the vanity of life. And in the greater scheme of things, let us simply trust that even this virus will pass so we can return to our normal lives.

Prayer: Lord, may I use my time at home to reflect, to pray and to spend quality moment with my loved ones. Amen. 

Doing God's Will - Wednesday, 3rd Week of Lent

Ang atong Ebanghelyo karong adlawa (Mt 5:17-19) kabahin kini sa “Sermon of the Mount.” Si Jesus naghisgot nga siya wala mu-anhi aron pagsalikway; kundili aron sa pagtuman sa kabubut-on sa Dios. In fact, hingpit ang iyang pagtuman niini kay dako ang iyang gi-sakripisyo.

Lisod ang pagtuman sa kabubut-on sa Dios. Kasagaran mubati kita ug kahadlok ug kabalaka. Dili kini sayon! Apan kinahanglan kita mu-surrender. Sama ni Jesus nga mi-ingon: Father, thy will be done..

Sama sa atong sitwasyon karon. Mag-misa ta online na lang. unexpected kini ug unprecedented. Karon pa jud mahitabo. Imagin: wala tay misa sa atong mga simbahan. But we have to yield; we need to accept. We should obey.

Pag-announce sa press con ni Archbishop Palma nga wala na tay misa, nasubo ko. I’m sure kamo sad. Gabie diri sa parokya, naghimo ug katapusang misa si Fr. Dan sa wala ma ni ma-implement. Mi-sulod ko pagbalita sa katawhan sa new guidelines. Akong feeling murag Last Supper; gi-anticipate lang kini. Paghuman gikuna kanato ang Ginoo. Gipahilayo. You will miss Him!

I asked myself: Ngano kaha? Unsay hinungdan? Think of it this way – its for the greater good. It’s a sacrifice for your well-being because health is wealth. You need to stay home. It might be a matter of survival. Secondly, your hunger for the Lord should make you yearn for Him more. Tungod sa mga panghitabo, mingawon ta sa Ginoo; mingawon sa Eucharistia. Many times we miss someone or something kung wala na. as you make your Spiritual Communion, yearn for Him. Tell Him how much you love Him and how much you miss Him. Perhaps He will expedite the swift return to our normal lives. But for now, we will surrender and yield to the new normal of having online masses. 

Prayer: Lord, make my heart yearn for you; may this sacrifice contribute to the restoration and healing of the world. Amen. 

Encountering Jesus - 3rd Sunday of Lent

This Sunday’s gospel reading (Jn 4:5-42) presents to us the story of an unknown Samaritan woman who engaged in a conversation with Jesus. As a consequence, she was drawn to faith in Christ. Today, the Greek and Russian Orthodox Christians venerate her as a saint. They even gave her the name Photeine (Greek) or Svetlana (Russian) which means radiant or shining. She is praised by St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom as “the first apostle to the gentiles” who invited her neighbor to Christ. A legend preserved in Spain says that Photeine eventually went to Rome where she converted Nero’s daughter and a hundred of her servants. She became an indefatigable missionary for Jesus.

We can see in this gospel story a divine encounter which is the root cause of what she will become. In the gospels, Jesus met a lot of people. In meeting Christ, they were changed. We also see this pattern with the Samaritan woman. Jesus had a purpose in passing through Samaria. It was not accidental or circumstantial that he was at the well of Jacob. Jesus intended to encounter this Samaritan woman in order to make a significant contact with her and engage her in a conversation that will transform her. It was Jesus’ way of entering into her life even into her most private and embarrassing situation not to judge or condemn her but to be her Savior. At the start, Jesus begged water from her. But in the end, he gave her the living water that would quench her human thirst.

This encounter with Christ ignited a fire in her heart. At first she was surprised that this stranger had an intimate knowledge of her past. Her dialogue with Jesus revealed her spiritual thirst for something more that can fill her life. But her lifestyle showed that she was spiritually dead. Jesus’ words ignited new life and fervor in her that transformed her from being self-centered towards a slow process of self-emptying and service to the community. She was now ready to leave behind her water jar symbolizing her daily struggle for personal worth to make a shift turning her priorities upside down. The Samaritan woman took responsibility for her life and became Jesus’ disciple. Thus Jesus became the greatest thing to have ever happened in her life.

Prayer: Lord, lead me to a real encounter with you so that I can also initiate a process of self-emptying and inner transformation. Amen. 

Something to Remember - 2nd Sunday of Lent

A young man spent hours watching a butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon. It managed to make a small hole, but its body was too large to get through it. It kept struggling for days until the young man decided to help by cutting the cocoon open with a pair of scissors releasing the butterfly. He was hoping that the butterfly would open its wings and fly; but nothing happened. It crawled the rest of its life with a shrunken body and shriveled wings incapable of flight. What the man – out of kindness – had failed to understand was that the tight cocoon and the butterfly’s efforts to squeeze out of that tiny hole was nature’s way of training it for flight by strengthening its wings. There is no short-cut in the butterfly’s complete metamorphosis.

Our gospel reading for the 2^nd Sunday of Lent is about the Transfiguration of Jesus. This episode is one of the most amazing experiences witnessed by only three apostles. The timing of this miracle is even more important. Jesus was in the point of his ministry where he is beginning to make it clear that he will suffer. Though he provides details to his disciples that he would be a suffering Messiah, it did not correlate with their expectations. They absolutely failed to understand. In the midst of this early struggle, Jesus provides them something to remember when he will be totally unrecognizable because of his tremendous sufferings. He gives them something to hold on; something to look back in the dark days ahead.

For the disciples then and now, the Jesus’ transfiguration continues to give significant lessons. Through it, Jesus prepares us to face with trust the big issues of our lives whether its temptations, trials or pain. He invites us to see and focus on the bigger picture of our life. Life is bigger than what our small eyes can see; that pain and glory are intertwined and inseparable. There can be no resurrection without the cross; no pain, no gain. Through Jesus’ transfiguration, he gives us something to remember so that we can be more courageous in our suffering in union with Him. He provides us with something to hold on when times become rough and we are tempted to give up. The transfiguration is a souvenir to keep our optimism in our passage from suffering to glory.

Prayer: Lord, make me realize that your transfiguration is your souvenir to keep my optimism high in times of suffering and pain. Amen. 

Staying on Fire - First Sunday of Lent

A new and potentially lethal coronavirus has brought about a pandemic scare and panic to everyone and anywhere in the world. Since its first reported case in Wuhan last December 2019, it has affected 82,756 globally with China having the most number of cases as well as Korea, Italy and Japan. In a short time, this virus has changed our lifestyle dramatically. Even in the Church our bishops suggested to revise our usual practices in communion or Ash Wednesday. The seismic effect is on tourism negatively impacting the Asian market from currencies to oil and air travel. A wore alarming effect is the remarkable increase of prejudice and xenophobia to Asians in the West. Yet we never got scared when Pope Francis reflected recently that “one of the evils of our day is the loss of a sense of sin.” “Sometimes,” the Pope said, “we need life to slap us.” Perhaps this is how life is slapping us in order to wake us from spiritual slumber.

We began the 40-day Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. It’s a time of introspection and life-revision. The gospel on this 1^st Sunday of Lent presents to us Jesus being tempted by the devil in the desert. We affirm that Satan and evil are spiritual realities. The “father of lies” thrive better in secrecy and denial. The more he is invisible, the more havoc and destruction he effects to the ruin of souls. Jesus had to confront his cunning ways. The devil tempted Jesus in three major forms: power, prestige and prosperity. The liar swayed him to want more of everything and be in control of his destiny. But Jesus rejected these temptations of relying on material wealth, temporal power and worldly fame in order to firmly trust in his heavenly Father. He overcame temptations by anchoring his heart on God’s sincere promises.

Somebody said: “to keep your heart from growing cold, stay on fire for God.” Jesus went into the desert to ignite a new fire for God and embark on a new mission. He had to confront himself in order to live deliberately. This is something we can learn from Jesus in this Lenten Journey – to live deliberately, consciously and sincerely. We can look at temptation as a detour; it will draw us away from our true goals in life. We need to be in focus with a clear plan of action. It is difficult to break free from bad habits leading us to sin. But St. Francis de Sales teaches if we want to lessen the hold of harmful sins on us, we need to trace the root causes that lead us to sin. Many times it is just a matter of small excess or little hastiness in word or action we need to resist to enjoy true freedom. Let God awaken in us the ugliness of sin and the nobility of virtues. 

Prayer: Lord, awaken in me a great horror for sin that enslaves me; stir my heart to experience true freedom and peace. Amen. 

The Power of Real Love - 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ben & Ben is a folk pop band creating waves today in the country’s music scene. One of their hit songs is “Leaves.” The song is almost five minutes with a simple melody but with value-laden lyrics that hit the soul seriously. One line that is constantly repeated goes: “you never really love someone until you learn to forgive.” This ballad expresses an undying optimism that “all will be alright in time.” We just keep holding on because “as leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees; from waves overgrown come the calmest of seas; wounds of the past will eventually heal.” Towards the last stanza the song explains the reason for its optimism: “cause all of this comes with a love that is real.” In other words, because of true love, all will be alright in time. It’s a song that asserts of the power of love in action.

Today’s gospel reading continues the teachings of Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount. By his own authority, he commands his disciples to go beyond the teachings of Moses. Jesus articulates that love can be a power in our lives. If we use it, we can become invincible. It is real love that enables us to offer no resistance to one who does us evil; to turn the other cheek or to go the extra mile. Love empowers us to abstain from any form of violence; to forgive our enemies and even pray for our persecutors. Love permits us to act in forgiveness and joyfully accept hardship that goes beyond the lex talionis (law of the equivalent) of the past. It is not a love that is sentimental or romantic. This requires on our part a great love for Jesus.

Our love for Jesus makes it possible for us to imitate him. It is a love the world may not understand because it requires great strength, discipline of character and the grace of God. In fact, for Jesus, this is his way of practicing holiness concretely. It is love beyond words that seeks to imitate our heavenly Father who is kind, merciful and forgiving. By seriously choosing to love in this way, we become children of God. We no longer react to our likes or dislikes; we go beyond our sentiments and whims. Love will give us optimism and strength.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be kind, loving and forgiving like you so that I may be optimistic and invincible. Amen. 

The Heart of the Beatitudes - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In 2018, Pope Francis wrote his encyclical “Gaudete et Exultate” (Rejoice and Be Glad). Its text is not doctrinal and its style is non-academic because this letter simply wants to “re-propose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time.” Through it, he emphasizes that following Christ is “a way of life,” not an intellectual exercise. In the third chapter of this encyclical, the Pope presents the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus spoke about the Beatitudes presenting them as “the Christians’ identity card.” These Beatitudes are the secret of how we can follow Jesus concretely and live his gospel even today.

Today’s gospel reading (Mt. 5:17-37) presents to us a portion of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches his disciples the “new commandment.” He makes it clear that he is not abolishing Moses’ Decalogue; in fact, he fulfills them. Moreover, he actually gives God’s commandments a new spirit, a new understanding and a new fervor in applying them in life. For Jesus, obeying the law is not a matter of external observance. There must be the spirit of love and faith as the reason behind its observance. One does not automatically gain God’s favor by fulfilling a set of practices. Instead, we become holy by living our lives with love and witnessing God’s goodness in everything we do. Jesus wants us to live our lives with intentionality.

What makes the commandment pleasing to God is the heart with which we do it. It is in and from the heart that the commandments blossoms and bears fruit. Thus, it is not enough that we do not kill. Jesus wants us to choose the way of peace and compassion by practicing self-control over our anger. Holiness means, forgiving despite the hurt. On the issue of adultery, Jesus wants married persons to choose fidelity in relationships. The challenge is always to be true to God, to ourselves and to others. This is the radical way of life that Jesus invites us.

Prayer: Lord, may I follow your commandments not out of obligation, but with the intention of loving you whole-heartedly. Amen. 

Be Like Salt - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

I invited Fr. Bobby Ebisa, SVD the Station Manager of DYRF Radio Fuerza to celebrate one of the Novena Masses in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. He gave an inspiring and insightful homily. Using a simple illustration, he narrated an example of a chocolate that falls on the dining hall. After several minutes it will soon be surrounded by thousands of covetous ants. You would not know where they came from; but from all over, they come, attracted by the sugar-coated content of the chocolate, to take a bite of its sweetness. He, then, challenged the parishioners to be like chocolates. Our goodness must be attractive and delightful. We are to give flavor to life.

Jesus, in today’s gospel, had been challenging us ever since to be “salt of the earth and light of the world.” In chemistry, salt is known as sodium chloride a mineral substance that is of great importance to the health of both human and animals. Salt lends flavor to food items. I remember a parishioner who gave cupcakes for snacks. But they turned out to be so salty because, instead of sugar, much salt was added into them. Moreover, there are more uses of salt than food seasoning. Salt can also be used to eliminate odors of garbage or fish. It can be used to alleviate discomfort from sore throat by gargling salt with warm water several times a day. Salt can also be used as effective antibacterial and antifungal agent.

When Jesus compared his followers to salt, he challenged us to be “seasoned” by the new life which comes from him. Our faith in Jesus should be like salt that lends flavor and seasoning to our life. In a world full of anxiety and worry, we are to give joy and inspire hope. In a story, two men peered through the window. One saw mud, the other saw the stars. As Christians, we should always choose see the stars. We choose to be hopeful, joyful and full of life. We are to be bearers of the good news of Jesus to improve the quality of life of the world.

Prayer: Lord, like salt, may my life be an effective flavoring that will allow those around me to flourish. Amen. 

Lighting Up the World - Feast of the Presentation of Jesus

Today marks the first day of Novena in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. On February 11, we shall celebrate our 63^rd Patronal Fiesta recalling the first apparition of Mary to the 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at Lourdes, France. One of the many activities lined-up for the Fiesta is the Mass Wedding of 22 Couples. As they were prepared spiritually through seminars, the sacraments of confirmation and confession, I reminded them that when they were living together without the sacrament of marriage for years, they were like candles without flame. They were not giving light as they ought to be because our Christian vocation as Jesus said is to be “light of the world.” But now that they are again in the state of grace, Christ is re-kindling their fire. They are glowing once again like lamps on a lampstand.

We celebrate also today the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph. Theirs was an act of thanksgiving for the gift of life; most especially for the gift of Jesus. Moreover, they were stunned by the revelation made by the old Simeon and the aging prophetess Anna. Simeon announced his gratitude that he has finally “seen salvation” because Jesus will be a “light and glory” for Israel. Anna also, led by the Spirit, recognize the future redeeming vocation of the child. Joseph and Mary never expected such epiphany to happen. Every child brought forth into this world has an amazing future waiting to happen. Every life is a gift; every child brings a particular contribution for a better world.

The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus has also been designated as World Day for Consecrated Life. Since this feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world, so the consecrated persons are called to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone. Religious Life reminds every Christian that on the day of our baptism, we have been consecrated to God. We have “put on Jesus Christ” such that we no longer live for ourselves. The aim of our life is to be pleasing to God and to give glory to the Father.

Prayer: Lord, constantly remind me that the aim of my life is to give glory to you as a candle that lights up the world. Amen. 

Total Availability - 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Carlo Carreto was an active man of the world. Born in Piedmont, Italy in 1910 he became the charismatic leader of the Italian youth movement known as Catholic Action. At that time Communism was a fatal threat to Italy and the church was desperately seeking to counteract the Red Menace. It was necessary to enter into the political arena directly but this could be done solely by the laity. It was in this context that Carlo emerged. He animated, inspired and mobilized the younger generation for twenty years. But a life-changing moment came in 1954 when he felt God’s call for austerity and contemplation. He set out for the Sahara Desert where he decisively burned his address book containing his contacts and information of thousands of his friends in Italy. He would stay in the desert as a hermit and sit for long hours in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He left everything to follow Jesus.

In today’s gospel reading, Matthew describes the call of the first disciples. Jesus invites ordinary fishermen who immediately responds by “leaving their nets and their boats” in order to follow Jesus. The disciples were simple working people with no great background. Jesus was not looking for impressive background and striking talent from his candidates; he simply needed ordinary people who were generous and willing to give themselves totally to him. Even today, what Christ needs is not our ability but our availability.

Moreover, the call of the disciples was to become “fishers of men.” The disciples fully understood what this metaphor meant. Jesus was referring to hard work! Just as the laborious process of net tossing and slowly dragging it along hoping to trap fish in the net; then the repetitive effort of repairing and cleaning the nets take time, so the process of working for the kingdom would be frustrating. It would often means lack of results yet not allowing the results to dictate our enthusiasm and motivation. It meant relying not on one’s own ability but on God’s generosity for good results. Hence to be fishers of men means to be totally available for God’s work without counting the cost. 

Prayer: Lord, inspire me to be challenged by your call; follow you with total availability without counting the cost. Amen. 

Pleasing God - Feast of the Sto. Nino

My brother, Glenn, has five kids; Gian is the only boy. He is the middle child. Born with several complications, he was able to hurdle them all miraculously. He was a blue baby, born at 32 weeks; his lungs were not yet fully developed. Prayers and the persistent love of his parents really made wonders. Now at eight years old, he is an energetic and fun-loving kid. He loves to play football. When at home, he plays with his toy-cars by lining them up all over the living room. As the only boy in the family, Gian is one of his dad’s greatest blessings. His daily growing is followed up with so much delight. He is the joy of his Mom Gamai. 

The feast of the Sto. Niño is for us a reminder of the importance of children. It prompts us never to lose the childlike attitude as we grow older. Even Jesus points out that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to children. In fact, when he was baptized by John at the Jordan River at thirty years old, the voice of his Father was heard saying: “This is my Beloved Son whom I am well pleased.” Jesus never lost his childlikeness even in adulthood. He was the Beloved Son of his Dad all his life. His obedience and docility delighted his Father so much. Jesus brought joy, not just to the world, but in heaven’s eyes.

When we become like Jesus, heaven opens for us. Our faith in him is the key to enter the Father’s Home. He has taught us the way to heaven and revealed the secret of gaining the Kingdom. Childlike traits are essentials in our Christian life. The child teaches us that we cannot grow alone; we need each other’s help. No matter how intelligent and capable you are, there are things beyond your control. We need to surrender everything to God and trust in the goodness of the people around us to survive. Relationship nurtures us. It is the bond that makes us accountable to one another and makes us a family with God as our Father. Pit Senyor!

Prayer: Lord, teach me obedience and docility so that I may be pleasing in the Father’s eyes. Amen. 

God’s Anointed - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

In the 13^th century, when King Louis IX (1226-1270) was the king of France, he annually held a grand celebration on the day of his baptism rather than on his birthday. His reason was that baptism was the beginning of a life that would continue for eternity in the kingdom of God as a citizen of heaven. Baptism for him is that moment when he became a child of God, more than just being given the gift of life.

Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. It ends the Christmas Season as the adult Jesus marks the beginning of his Public Ministry. His baptism by John in the Jordan River was a turning point in his life. After thirty years of work and quiet as a carpenter, Jesus is officially revealed as the Son of God to the world on this occasion. As described by the four Gospels, three things happened that affected him deeply. Heaven was opened! Since Adam’s disobedience it has always been closed; Jesus made it happen. Then the Spirit descended upon Jesus – he became a man filled with the Holy Spirit and power. Finally, the voice of the Father declared: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Only Jesus delighted God absolutely.

Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our own baptism. In the eyes of faith, this is one of the greatest milestone of our life when we become adopted children of God. This is the moment when God transforms us so deeply that we begin to breath his very life. He gives us our identity and dignity because from then on we know whose we are. We become heirs of heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, this experience of God’s in-dwelling in us is the beginning of a life-long journey to please God in our thoughts, words and deeds. This becomes our mission to be living witnesses of God’s goodness and love in the world.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to appreciate the spiritual gifts I have and make me secure in your all-out love for me. Amen. 

Spiritual Awakening - The Epiphany of the Lord

Vincent Leclercq asked for baptism at 42 years old. Born in Paris, he was indifferent to the faith as he was growing up. But seven years ago, he had a spiritual awakening. A friend opened his eyes to the beauty of the Christian Faith. He confirmed that he had an experienced of being enlightened by Christ such that he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It was like a “Damascus Experience”. He started a journey of faith by reading scriptures. For a year now, he had been attending catechism classes twice a week in their parish in Oman where he is based. Vincent experienced an epiphany of the Lord!

Today we celebrate the epiphany of the Lord. It is a Greek term which denotes a “visit of a god to earth.” When Jesus was born on Christmas, we contemplated the incarnation of God. The child in the manger is an extraordinary child; the Son of God. His given name is “Jesus” because he will save his people from their sins. A bright star appeared when he was born. Through it, he manifested his divinity to all humanity and all people. The Magi came to adore him and brought symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts manifested his kingship, his priesthood and his vocation as messiah who will redeem humanity through his sacrificial death.

The Magi believed that stars carry messages from God. The presence of a bright light indicated God’s presence in the world. When God called Moses into a closer relationship with him, he used the burning bush to manifest his presence. When the Magi saw the bright star in the firmament, they responded as Moses did. The Star of Bethlehem continues to be a sign that manifest God’s presence in the world today. It challenges us to draw near, to seek more and to discover his fuller message. French philosopher Blaise Pascal once wrote: “there is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ.” He is the star that enlightens and fills up our lives. 

Prayer: Lord, may I constantly be open to your light and courageously step forward to embrace you. Amen.