Unhurried Grace

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

15 June 2025

 

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel: John 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

The profound words of Jesus invite us into a contemplation of both the mystery of divine revelation and the transformative guidance the Holy Spirit offers in our lives. Jesus says that not all truth is revealed at once, but He reassures us that there is a divine process at work— a gentle unfolding of understanding that matches our readiness to receive it. This gradual revelation is not about concealment but rather an act of deep wisdom. Just as the disciples could not grasp the fullness of Jesus’ teachings at once, we too often find life's truths emerging over time. In moments of uncertainty or when the weight of life’s challenges seems too heavy, we are reminded that the Spirit of truth is ever-present, patiently preparing our hearts to receive deeper understanding. This path in divine revelation teaches us the importance of trust and patience, inviting us to welcome the slow, nurturing progression of spiritual growth. It is in this embrace of gradual revelation that our understanding deepens, and our faith is strengthened.

Jesus also wants us to understand the nature of the Holy Trinity. The intimate relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is deeply established. All that the Father possesses is also with the Son, and the Holy Spirit acts as the guide, proclaiming this divine unity to us. In the harmonious relationship of these three persons, we can have a glimpse of the perfect model of love that is very evident in our relationships — values that lie at the heart of our family lives. The Spirit does not work alone but glorifies Jesus by drawing from the abundance of divine truth offered by the Father. This sacred and intimate harmony of the Holy Trinity reminds us of our spiritual inheritance — that truth and wisdom are gifts meant to be shared.

If we look at the aspect of family life, our understanding of the Holy Trinity offers an inspiring guide for relationships, like in the role of Fathers. Just as the Heavenly Father imparts love, provision, and truth to His creation, earthly fathers are called to share these divine qualities within the family. A father’s role is not simply to lead or to instruct from above, but to walk beside his loved ones in a journey of shared discovery and growth. By modeling restraint, compassion, and a willingness to listen—as the Holy Spirit listens and communicates truth—fathers can guide their families with a wisdom that inspires courage and nurtures hope. The words of Jesus invite fathers to see themselves as humble stewards of a greater truth, entrusted not with complete authority and power, but with the responsibility of mirroring God’s infinite love and patience.

We are also invited to appreciate that growth and understanding occur in small, precious moments. Life lessons cannot simply be given all at once but must develop gradually, nurtured by repeated acts of love, kindness, guidance, and by example. When fathers invest in their children by being honest, kind, and patient, they build an environment in which truth can flourish. An environment that is also a reflection of the Holy Trinity’s patient revelation to the disciples. Through this, we slowly understand the unhurried grace that is continuously imparted as we go through our journeys together. As relationships deepen and bonds strengthen, the light of truth shines ever brighter. Families that nurture truth and love become shelters not only for their own members but also for the larger community, resonating with the nature of the Holy Trinity for all to witness. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, we are reminded that the eternal love of the Father, the sacrificial presence of the Son, and the guiding power of the Holy Spirit are implanted into every aspect of our lives.

As we also celebrate Father’s Day, may every father be inspired to lead with gentle authority and heartfelt dedication. Fathers are beacons of truth who help their families go through the difficulties of life by sharing the slow, steady light of divine wisdom. For all earthly fathers like me, may we embrace our role as guides, companions, and earthly models of divine love. Know that in every patient word, every compassionate act, and every silent moment of shared truth, we reflect the divine process of the Holy Trinity in us. Trusting in this process helps us tirelessly nurture our families, lighting the way with love, truth, and ascending hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle unfolding of Your truth that guides us through every season of life. May The Holy Spirit fill our hearts with patient understanding, teaching us to trust in the gradual revelation of Your divine wisdom. Inspire us, especially as fathers and family leaders, to mirror Your compassion, humility, and steadfast love in every act. Help us to see the beauty in small moments, knowing that each is a step toward deeper spiritual growth and unity. In the sacred harmony of the Holy Trinity, may we be empowered to reflect Your light to our families and the world around us.

We also lift to you the countries who are in conflict right now, especially Israel and Iran, asking that Your peace might repress the war and heal every division. May Your presence soften hardened hearts and guide leaders toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation. Inspire all communities to replace disharmony with understanding and replace struggle with hope. In Your infinite mercy, bring lasting peace and unity to these distressed regions and the whole world.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

A Father's Love for the Two Lost Sons

 

 Fourth Sunday of Lent

27 March 2022

 

First Reading: JOS 5:9a, 10-12

Responsorial Psalm: PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Second Reading: 2 COR 5:17-21

Gospel: LK 15:1-3, 11-32

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

There is perhaps no one on earth who would hold up to our parents when it comes to how well we have been loved growing up. From our tireless daily upkeep to the number of things in the home that need maintaining, not to mention the work they have had to balance with their own threshold for personal well-being, it is a marvel how our parents keep up with everything and have lots yet to spare for us children. If this is any amazing, how much more the love of our Father in Heaven?

The story of the prodigal son shows how genuine and even childlike in innocent expression is the love of the father for his son. To be asked for their young’s own inheritance when the parent is still alive is not for the fainthearted of parents to take, but the father in the story objects not and gives the son his sum anyway. Not even the extravagant escapade of his son was enough to turn him away and at the slightest sight of the son’s remorse, the son need not complete his way home. On his way, the father left home to greet and welcome him back—in full glory. This is the Father’s love for us, stubborn we may be over a life of our free choosing, at the faintest sign of our contrition, we would find no less a home in Him, warm in welcome and full in acceptance.

Imagine how decadent the son’s life was. He asked for his share and made a treatment of his father no different than a dead man. In a different circumstance had the father fallen the property would be called “estate” and the son “heir”; and the transfer would have been natural; but the father was alive, very much so, and not a hint of hesitation would be made out from his reaction. He willingly gave: no questions, no excuses. But the moment the son returned, can we believe it? The father made haste to admit him back into his house all with the choicest robe, a ring on his finger, (new) sandals on his feet, and a full celebration; for his son was dead but is now alive again, and that called for him a celebration. This shows us how the father’s… how our Father in Heaven’s love, beyond accepting, is completely restorative.

The second element worth keeping note of is this: the son who lost his way. In another story in the Bible specifically the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15), God likens Himself to a shepherd who would willingly leave the 99 only to find the lost one. “When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’” (Luke 15: 5-6) To find the lost one is such a spectacle to God that He said: “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). At this point, if we feel we belong to the faithful 99, to suspend our indignation is advised. For it only takes a moment when we get lost ourselves to realize – God leaving the 99 is so important when the lost one is us; but if we stop to think at the basic level, with our own welfare already considered: why is it so special to find the lost if it is only one to the 99?

Everyone has his or her respective predisposition for being good. Thank God we have been born likely to be Christian. For a country whose majority represent the Christian fold, it comes no surprise how many, especially the posterity, are likely to turn to religion. A devotee grandparent who taught us the rosary and the novenas and knows at length her litanies, a faithful mother who first introduced us to Church, a lay minister father who would teach us the Bible, and prolific Catholic schools to supplement all these – we are greatly predisposed towards Christianity… towards overall religion and spirituality. But in other parts of the world, the situation would be different. There would be no grandparent, mother, and father to teach the Bible, let alone have anyone familiar count as a seasonal Church attendee. What of now the people with no access to spiritual materials, religious institutions, and spiritual contemporaries? What of the people who, though with virtuous potential, by faulty programming, developed a taste for delinquent behavior? And this is only for people who have had bare to no touchpoints with spirituality growing up. A person could grow up with the most lavish of comforts, with the most untiring support system, with the most extensive array of spiritual references, but suffer all the same from the unquenchable thirst to go for something that appears so “enchanting” … “exhilarating”. Are all these people barred entry into God’s congregation with no chance of redemption? A person could be fighting all nature – internal predisposition, corrupted moral instruction, and all other obstructions – to be admitted into God’s fold. The lost one could have had none close by—or anyone legitimate to refer to for spiritual instruction; the lost one could have had troubles that made for some aversion to any bit that represents anything Christian; the lost one could have come from a broken home, a neglected childhood, domestic abuse, a bullied youth, so difficult a circumstance to develop a vexing character, but here it is, the lost one, repenting… dead before, but is now alive again. This is the second element that was so impressive in the story of the prodigal son. In giving us reference to the parable of the lost sheep, we are shown how the love of our Father is so pure to actively seek out the lost, with so thoughtful consideration to the circumstance of their origin.

The third element that was noteworthy was this: the jealousy of the brother of the prodigal son. The jealous brother and the prodigal son can be likened to these groups of people: the jealous brother – those who have toiled long living a Christlike life, and the prodigal son – those who have been welcomed as new members or returning. Those who have tired long consistently in the Christian life can understandably feel indignant toward those who have just been welcomed, especially if the latter have been found to be accepted unconditionally; but the story of the prodigal son reminds us that the Father does not at all discount anyone’s labor, for those who have lived with Him “have always been with Him, and everything He has is [theirs], too,” (Luke 15:31)—and of course—the brother’s also. This sharing with each other is only natural in keeping with our Christian virtue. Furthermore, as Galatians 6:9-10 provides: “[We must] not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Today’s readings call us towards the following: the Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), not to forget the Father’s acceptance no matter how far we think we have fallen from the fold, and the 2nd Reading (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), to reconcile ourselves to the Father in Christ and to propagate to our neighbors this salvific Message of the Lord so everyone partakes in this redemption, with us as His ambassadors.

Prayer

Lord, Thank You for being our good Father and for all the graces You give us. Thank You especially for the love You lavish on us, that it is not enough You spared not Your own life, that You go with us in our every day, but that You are willing more so to accept us despite our sins, if only to reconcile us to You and to make us Yours in love and perpetual joy. May we share with others incessantly the love You give us tirelessly. These we ask in Jesus’ most holy Name,

Amen.

 

Home

First Reading:  Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

Yahweh then said to Moses, 'Go down at once, for your people whom you brought here from Egypt have become corrupt. They have quickly left the way which I ordered them to follow. They have cast themselves a metal calf, worshipped it and offered sacrifice to it, shouting, "Israel, here is your God who brought you here from Egypt!" '

Yahweh then said to Moses, 'I know these people; I know how obstinate they are! So leave me now, so that my anger can blaze at them and I can put an end to them! I shall make a great nation out of you instead.' Moses tried to pacify Yahweh his God. 'Yahweh,' he said, 'why should your anger blaze at your people, whom you have brought out of Egypt by your great power and mighty hand?

Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to whom you swore by your very self and made this promise: "I shall make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, and this whole country of which I have spoken, I shall give to your descendants, and it will be their heritage forever." Yahweh then relented over the disaster which he had intended to inflict on his people.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19

Second Reading: 1Timothy 1:12-17

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength. By calling me into his service he has judged me trustworthy, even though I used to be a blasphemer and a persecutor and contemptuous. Mercy, however, was shown me, because while I lacked faith I acted in ignorance; but the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus.

Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the leading example of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who were later to trust in him for eternal life. To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel:  Luke 15:1-32

The tax collectors and sinners, however, were all crowding round to listen to him, and the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' So he told them this parable: 'Which one of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, would fail to leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the missing one till he found it?

And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost." In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.

'Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, I have found the drachma I lost." In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.'

Then he said, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, "Father, let me have the share of the estate that will come to me." So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery. 'When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch; so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs.

And he would willingly have filled himself with the husks the pigs were eating but no one would let him have them. Then he came to his senses and said, "How many of my father's hired men have all the food they want and more, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired men."

So he left the place and went back to his father. 'While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him. Then his son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we will celebrate by having a feast, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found." And they began to celebrate. 'Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing.  Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about.

The servant told him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the calf we had been fattening because he has got him back safe and sound." He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out and began to urge him to come in; but he retorted to his father, "All these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed any orders of yours, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends.

But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property -- he and his loose women -- you kill the calf we had been fattening.  'The father said, "My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found." '

Reflection:
by Theresa Ballo

We all have our great stories of being lost, whether when we were a child, a struggling teenager or just a lost adult. We were all confused on which path to take, made mistakes and hurt people. Thus, we take delight in being found, in finding our way home.

Do you sometimes doubt the infinite love and mercy of God? Do you at times feel ashamed of presenting yourself to the Lord? Was there ever a time you felt you are not anymore worthy of the love of God? Just because you have offended God for so many times already, running away from Him seems the easiest thing to do.

The crises in my life always come late with my age. After college, I had the so-called. “teenager blues” or identity crises. I tried doing the YOLO (You Only Live Once) lifestyle, doing things that would give instant pleasure. My adventurous personality went beyond its limit. No fear, as the Nike ad would say, until my body got tired. I was wearing a beautiful mask, trying to present a responsible daughter and an energetic youth in the service of the Parish yet when the limelight was off; there I was staying on a dark pit. I was exactly like the prodigal son. Yet, instead of coming home, I literally ran away from home because of shame and guilt. My three years away from home, living with just the basics and dealing with strangers became my purification state. It was hard. I became so vulnerable to God’s loving mercy.

God’s love is always there for you. No matter who you are and no matter how grave the sins that you have committed, God’s love never ceases. It does not go empty. As a matter of fact God is always seeking you and ever ready to embrace you with his unconditional love once again. The Gospel this Sunday, tells three stories of God’s love and mercy. God never stops searching for the lost. He gives pardon without any condition. God’s love is always seeking and forgiving. Embrace therefore this love and win the battle of turning away from sins. Learn from our mistakes, move on and live with compassion and mercy for others, for we know how it is to suffer in the first place.

More so, let us strive not to become the Pharisees who only rejoice in the righteousness of oneself. As a Church, may we be like Jesus who welcomes the sinners. If we truly understand the grace of God, we will welcome sinners as those, like us, who are undeserving of God’s favor, and rejoice when they experience grace as we have.

Let us all be reminded that Jesus, whom we adore and worship, is a God of mercy, a God of forgiveness and a God of infinite love.

Prayer
Father God,

Teach us to be like you in accepting sinners, like us. May we show compassion to others who think and act differently from us. Give us a forgiving heart so we free ourselves from hatred. May we become instruments of your peace and love. Amen.