A Family Without You

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

28 December 2025

 

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

One Christmas Eve, just a few minutes before the Midnight Mass I noticed that the statue of Saint Joseph was missing in the Nativity Scene in church. In his stead was a bald old shepherd. I asked the sacristan mayor, but he could not give me a clear explanation. The Midnight Mass commenced and ended without a trace of the missing statue. The following day, I texted our parish priest to ask if he knew. He suggested that I go to the storeroom in the hope that the statue might be there. The next day, feast of the Holy Family, I went earlier to church to go to the storeroom. My wife and I looked at each other as I brought the statue of my patron saint to the Nativity Scene.

Imagine the Nativity Scene and, in a larger scale, Salvation History without Saint Joseph. It would be unthinkable, wouldn’t it? The Gospels last Sunday and today featured this holy man. In the former, he was the bewildered groom who initially had thoughts of silently breaking up with her fiancée. In the latter, he was the father woken up from sleep as he needed to bring his family to a foreign country to escape Herod’s wrath. In both cases, he showed obedience and cooperated with God’s plan.

Christmas is a season to be reunited with family. If you do have the opportunity, try to look at some of your family pictures. You are part of that family for a reason. We may not like this or that relative, but we have been entrusted with a unique mission in our family. Joseph, his wife Mary and their child Jesus did their part in making their family holy. We too are called to do the same.

Prayer

O Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we entrust our families to your powerful intercession and protection. Help us to realize and fulfil the role we need to play in God’s wonderful plan of salvation. Amen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give you our hearts and our souls.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist us in our last agony.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may we breathe forth our souls in peace with you. Amen.

God is a Person

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiahn 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

Gospel: John 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

Ever since Lent 2024, I have been visiting the St Barnabas Cathedral near my workplace whenever I can. This goes on especially this Jubilee Year as the cathedral and Good Shepherd Church which is near where I live are among the jubilee churches in our diocese. I also join the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish every Friday night.

Spending a few moments with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has been a rich source of strength, guidance, and inspiration to me as I start the day or as I head home after a busy day. There were times when I was alone with the Lord which made it much easier for me to pour out my heart before Him, cry, or even sing a song. In our family bereavement this year, this beautiful devotion provided an uplifting experience. 

A story goes that one of the conversion moments for Edith Stein (aka St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) to Catholicism was witnessing people praying in church. Such action convinced her that God is not a mere idea, but a person that we can relate with. Indeed, that is what we are celebrating today: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). God’s gift of His Son - a Son who desired to be with His people - is second to none. Adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and receiving Him in Holy Communion, may we become faithful witnesses of His abiding presence in the world that “came to be through him but…did not know him” (Jn 1:10).

  

Prayer

Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank You for becoming one like us. Thank You for dwelling among us despite our unworthiness. Open our hearts to always welcome You and rejoice in the light You bring. Make us zealous in leading others closer to You so that together we may see Your saving power. Amen.

Family is Forever

   

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

29 December 2024

 

First Reading: Sir 3:2-6,12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Col 3:12-21

Gospel: Lk 2:4

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I believe the readings for today are one of the most beautiful sets for families with full instruction and guidance on how to live according to the will of God.

"Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged (Colossians 3:18-21)."

But even these teachings get misinterpreted. Wives are forced to follow their husbands leaving the women without the voice in decision making. Husbands define love differently. Children sometimes obey their parents even when it is wronf or against their will. And fathers provoke their children and call it discipline.

But there is yet another instruction and it says, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:12-13). "

God probably knew that families are not perfect so we need to be guided with humility and forgiveness.

It is also fitting that we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family this Christmas as it is the season for families to be together. Looking back, the moments that I took for granted when I was younger are the best memories after all. Because today, no matter how festive or extravagant our celebrations get, there will always be empty chairs. My brother and father can no longer be with us.

This is why it is always best to celebrate each moment and be grateful for our family's presence. Let us be more forgiving and loving because this is what God wills for us.

Prayer

Father God thank You for giving us the Holy Family to emulate, abundant wirh humility, compassion and love. May we be grateful and more loving to our own families as we follow Your will for us. These we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Christmas Preparations

    

First Sunday of Advent

01 December 2024

 

First Reading: Jer 33:14-16

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Second Reading: 1 Thes 3:12-42

Gospel: Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

When we think of the 1st day of December, what is usually the first thing that comes to our mind? "Oh no, it's only a few days before Christmas and I have not completed my shopping list!" "What food shall I prepare for Christmas feast?" "It's our Christmas party next week, and I still do not have anything to wear!"

Admittedly, I used to think like this. But if you think I worry less, you are wrong. It just evolved into something else like worrying if I will even have a Christmas vacation with all the deliverables I have to do, something like "will I even have a work after Christmas?" We all have our worries in one form or another.

Today's Gospel reminds us of what should be our state of mind and heart as we enter this Advent season. "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (Luke 21:34)."

When we are overwhelmed with the social expectations and the glitter of the season, let us look back at the encouragement from His Word, "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36)." In everything we do, we should ask ourselves, "Will this matter to God? Do I bring Him honor?"

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Prayer

Father God, we tend to worry and busy about so many things that never add up to Heaven. May our hearts and minds be grounded to what matters and be vigilant for Your Son's coming. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Same Old Story

    

The Nativity of the Lord

(Christmas)

25 December 2023

 

First Reading: Is 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Heb 1:1-6

Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

It's eleven thirty in the evening, a single mother of two is rushing to get home from her work in Makati City. She works as a staff in a shopping mall, which extended its hours of operation during the holiday season. The heavy traffic, worse than the usual rush hours during ordinary days, won’t even let her sneak a nap on a bus. When she gets home, she still needs to prepare meals to be shared by her children for their Christmas party at school on the next day. With a sigh of relief whenever the bus moves a few meters, she stares at the red lights ahead as she plans in her mind every detail of what she needs to do for the next 12 hours, which includes short naps and taking her children to school, before going to work again.

A young man has been selling Christmas cards and gift wrappers all day in the streets of Divisoria. He prepares to leave as he made his last sale of the day. He rode his bicycle that he used to go around one of the busiest districts in Manila. As he passed in between cars and large vehicles, he can’t help but smile while thinking, “May panghanda na kami ni nanay sa Noche Buena.”

In the other side of the world, a father carries his infant as he walks with other migrants to a nearby shelter to spend the night and maybe ask for some food. When they got to the shelter, it was already full, and they were told that they cannot be accommodated along with the long line of fellow migrants. The displaced migrants set up their own tents using whatever they had – blankets, jackets, large boxes, etc. Talking to his baby, the father kept saying the same words trying to calm his crying daughter, “It’s okay my dear. It’s okay my love.” Tears came down from his eyes when a fellow migrant shared a quarter of the milk that her child was not able to drink.

I wrote this reflection in the quiet of the night, thinking about the shepherds in Bethlehem during the first Christmas. Just like other silent nights when the shepherds do their usual night routine. Maybe keeping watch for those sheep that may go astray, or maybe for wolves that may injure or kill some of the lambs. I imagine their surprise when an angel appeared at a moment when they were looking out expecting for wolves. Their fear was immediately replaced by hope as the angel proclaimed the good news of great joy. As I looked up at the dark sky and listened to the silence, I thought of the mothers who are giving up a big part of their basic needs for their family’s well-being.  I thought of the young men who are eager to do everything they can for a simple but meaningful time for their loved ones. I thought of the people who all their life move day to day without a place to call home, but still share a little hope with those who need it the most.

It’s all the same old story. Like Joseph when he was looking for a temporary shelter for Mary, and when he went out of his hometown and became a migrant. Like the shepherd who watches his flock and hopes for a peaceful night among the sheep. Like the people who had heard the news and glorified God with the shepherds. God dwells among us - the same old story that continues throughout all time. God has always been with us. From the mother who struggles to keep the house together, the smiles on the faces of her children will always remind her of God who continues to give her strength every day; with the young man who continues to look for ways to bring simple joys to his loved ones, God is there to celebrate with him and tell him that all his efforts are worth it; to the father who continues to look for a home for his daughter, God has been carrying him all his life through the people around him.

This is Christmas. We celebrate this season through the same hope and joy that the shepherds heard from the angels. The same old story that continues to renew the story of our life and continues to renew our hearts. This is when we are greatly reminded that the same God, the Word became flesh, will continue to light the world and dwell among us, especially in the midst of all the chaos, fears, and struggles. Today, we also recall how we point to the Lord in all humility during our preparation to make straight his paths. May we continue to humble ourselves and rejoice in having the honor to testify to Jesus who never takes a break to be mindful of us especially on our hopes and dreams for our family. We take part in celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, especially in the simplest hope and joy, for us to wholly share in his dwelling with us. 

Prayer

Glory to You, dear Lord! For despite all our sinfulness, You chose to be with us and be a fragile infant who continues to be born in our hearts. May we share with one another the fullness of Your grace and truth that we also proclaim along with the angels. With grateful hearts, may we see the shepherds within us and go in haste to help those in need. With Joseph and Mary, we pray for all families who celebrate Christmas differently this year. We also pray for peace and end of war in Ukraine and Gaza, especially those who lost their loved ones and who are still looking for home. These we pray in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Ang Paskong Pinagdaanan

   

  The Nativity of the Lord

25 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Heb 1:1-6

Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko! Mapa-English o Tagalog man, inaanyayahan tayong magsaya sa pagdating ng Panginoon.

Natapos na ang countdown, ang siyam na araw ng simbang gabi, ang salo salo sa noche buena, nagsasaya na ngayon, namamasko, ngunit hindi lahat.

Sa pagdiriwang nawa natin ng Pasko, alalahanin natin ang mga taong hirap maging masaya dahil sila ay may sakit, hiniwalayan, nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nawalan ng trabaho, walang masilungan, walang pamilya, hindi pa nabibigyan ng hustisya, hindi pa makaahon sa nananatiling pandemya. Madaling sabihin na ipagsawalang bahala ang kanilang pinagdaraanan upang maging maligaya kahit na isang araw lang, kahit sa araw na ito lang ng Pasko, subalit mali na hingin natin sa kanila ang magpanggap na masaya.

Silang mga may pinagdaraanan nga ang tunay na larawan ng Pasko. Tulad sila ng banal na pamilya na walang karamay at masilungan noon sa Betlehem. Bagaman hirap ay puno ng pag asa sa dumating na liwanag, ang hari ng sanlibutan, ang ating tagapagligtas. Hindi man masaya ngayon ang mga may bitbit na problema, siguradong ang panalangin nila ay puno ng pag asa na sawi man sila ngayon, sa pagsapit ng susunod na Pasko nawa ay hindi na. Ipanalangin natin sila.

Lampas sampung taon na ang nakalipas pero naaalala ko pa rin ang Paskong pinagdaanan namin noon, nilalagnat ang nanay at kuya ko, wala pang padalang pera ang tatay kong OFW, ilang oras na lang noche buena na, pumunta ako sa palengke, bumili ng mga sangkap para sa champorado. Niluto ko 'yun at 'yun na ang noche buena namin. Pinakasimple pero doon ko pinakanaramdaman ang Pasko, ang pagdating ni Hesus sa buhay namin, na tiyak nakisalo rin sa aming champorado.

Dumaan ang mga taon, simple pa rin naman ang Pasko namin, nagsisimba sa Midnight Mass at sa mismong araw ng Pasko, minsan nagluluto para sa noche buena, minsan take out na lang sa fast food chain, ang mahalaga naman ay hindi ang handa bagkus si Hesus na nawa ay nasa puso natin, hindi lang kapag Pasko kundi araw araw sana.

Prayer

Hesus, Emanuel namin, nawa palagi Kang maghari sa aming buhay. Makita ka nawa namin sa bawat tao na aming nakakasalamuha. Maging daluyan din nawa kami ng biyaya sa Iyong sambayanan. Amen.

Jesus Sparks Joy

   

  Third Sunday of Advent 

11 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: Jas 5:7-10

Gospel: Mt 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Do you know Marie Kondo? She is a tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration. She always says to keep only those that spark joy.

This Third Sunday of Advent or Gaudete Sunday which means rejoice in Latin and expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of Christmas, what Christmas preparation sparks joy in your lives?

You will see the countdown in Malls, restaurants, supermarkets, and media which says 14 days before Christmas. In turn, people rush to shopping, buying food for noche buena, eating in restaurants, and Christmas parties. These merry-making activities though spark joy will not bring true and lasting joy in our lives, only Jesus Christ can do that, our reason for the season.

This Advent season, aside from the call to rejoice in the Lord always, we are constantly invited to reconciled with God, to throw away our old selves addicted to sin. As we tidy up our houses in preparation of the holidays, may we also give time to clean ourselves, go to confession, and do penance.

We still have 14 days before Christmas, enough time to make straight our paths. Missa de Gallo will also start in a few days, may this lead us to know more Jesus so we may always find joy in Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for all the blessings You bestowed upon us. Help us to prepare for Your birth. As we know You more, may we see You always as our spark of joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Merry Christmas!

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2021 

 

First Reading: IS 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: HEB 1:1-6

Gospel: JN 1:1-18 or JN 1:1-5, 9-14

 

"A Blessed Christmas to all! For today's celebration, let us listen to the God Speaks' Writers as they pray for you. Take care and God bless!

 

Joyful Preparation

Second Sunday of Advent

05 December 2021 

 

First Reading: BAR 5:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: PS 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: PHIL 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel: LK 3:1-6

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Preparation can put us at ease and helps us enjoy a better experience" - Anabelle Balla

It's 20 days before Christmas! Are you ready for the celebration?

You may have seen Jose Mari Chan's images or "memes" as they call it, popped up in various social media channels back in August, before we entered the Ber months. There was probably a smile in your face when you saw one no matter what you are going through.

Those who posted the "memes" and funny messages may have worked on them early on, hopefully, with an intention to spread happiness. An indication that preparations for Christmas is being done as early as August or maybe even before that?

Seeing those funny posts made me feel excited to prepare Christmas decorations and to do an inventory of available Christmas gifts that I already have on hand. In my case, Christmas is an all-year round preparation. When I shop, I always consider buying and storing gifts even on the month of January. 😊 It gives me joy to think about Christmas, the gifts that I will give, the happy anticipation that something beautiful will be celebrated later on.

I pray that this habit of mine is also helping me prepare internally as I gladly wait for the Lord to be reborn in me, to celebrate His birth "in" me - in my heart, in my mind, in my soul - not just during Christmas day, but everyday, For when He is in me, I know I will be well. 😊

Prayer

Father, help us to take off the garment of our sorrow and affliction and put on forever the beauty of the glory coming from You and from Your Son, Jesus. Help us to prepare to celebrate His birth in a manner that is pleasing to You. Amen.

 

Moment of Grace. Now.

First Sunday of Advent

28 November 2021 

 

First Reading: JER 33:14-16

Responsorial Psalm: PS 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Second Reading: 1 THES 3:12--4:2

Gospel: LK 21:25-28, 34-36

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"Beware that your hearts not become drowsy..."

The late Cardinal John O'Connor, former Archbishop of New York, once related a story when he went to confession to an elderly priest. The priest told him, "Now is a moment of grace. Something big is about to happen; something very big. And it's going to happen to you. We are about to begin Advent. God has become incarnate in human condition, for you, personally for you. God has become a little baby right in the middle of the sins you just told me about. You have reason for new and wonderful hope."

In today's Gospel, Jesus wants us to keep an eye on our hearts lest they become tired from "carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life." Such mundane activities often mark the forthcoming Christmas season. The Church sets aside for weeks of spiritual preparation called Advent to help us to slow down, listen to, and act upon the Lord's warning. Like what the elderly priest told Cardinal John, Advent is a moment of grace and hope for all of us. Let us then take advantage of what Advent offers us that we may stand straight before Jesus, our coming Messiah.

• How do you keep your heart from becoming drowsy due to the mad rush to Christmas?
• How can Advent be a season of "new and wonderful hope" for you?
• How will you stand if Jesus suddenly arrives at your doorstep?

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your word today. Awaken our hearts from the long night of sin and vice into the new day of hope and peace in Your presence. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

 

I Want To See Jesus!

The Holy Family

27 December 2020

 

First Reading 3:2-6, 12-14

 

God sets a father in honor over his children;

a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones his sins,

and preserves himself from them.

When he prays, he is heard;

he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

Whoever honors his father will live a long life;

he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

 

My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;

revile him not all the days of his life;

kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

firmly planted against the debt of your sins

--a house raised in justice to you.

 

Second Reading COL 3:12-21

 

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,

if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged.

 

Gospel LK 2:22-40

 

When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

They took him up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord,

Every male that  opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

and to offer the sacrifice of

a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,

in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

This man was righteous and devout,

awaiting the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he should not see death

before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

He came in the Spirit into the temple;

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,

He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace,

according to your word,

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel."

The child's father and mother were amazed

at what was said about him;

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,

"Behold, this child is destined

for the fall and rise of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be contradicted

--and you yourself a sword will pierce--

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years,

having lived seven years with her husband after marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple,

but worshiped  night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee,

to their town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him.

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

Is this possible?

 

Would you like to see Jesus?

 

I was passing through the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel of St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin, when I felt the tug to go inside and gaze upon the Eucharist.

I just came back from the Youth Encounter seminar at that time and I thought it would be nice to spend time with the Lord and thank Him for the opportunity given.

However, the moment I knelt down and closed my eyes, I immediately felt His strong presence that I burst into tears and sobbed openly. It felt like He was hugging me tight, embracing me close to Him. It felt good. It was at that time that I felt my connection with Him was real, that He is real, that He is physically present with me.

Every time I relive that encounter, I feel reconnected to God's embrace. I feel joy, I feel an overwhelming sense of lightness. I want to experience it again. I want to see God, I want to see Jesus.

 

I may not be able to fathom how Simeon and Ana felt when they saw Jesus but I am sure, they were overjoyed and filled with grace.

 

May you seek and see Jesus, and feel His loving embrace This Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

   

Prayer

Father, thank You for allowing us to feel Your presence through Jesus. We want Your loving embrace. We want to see Jesus. Amen.