God answers prayers

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 July 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

“Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

 

God always answers our prayers in His perfect time and always for what is best for us. His answer can be Yes, Maybe, or No. The question is are we ready to accept it? Back in 2006 I was down on my knees begging the Lord to help me in my financial problems. But how did the Lord answer our prayers? It was a big No from what I expected. Instead my husband and I lost our “secured” jobs one after the other! And we had two kids in college and another still in elementary, and we were drowning in debts! God had a different answer to my prayers. But looking back 17 years later, we understood why God answered our prayers far from what we expected. It is because God has a better plan for us. He brought us to a company with a mission to change people from spenders to savers and create wealth for families.  The Lord has taught me to be a better steward of my finances and this has also become our mission to financially educate many Filipinos. He used our woundedness in money matters to heal others. We have empowered many people and transformed their lives. We found our purpose and we now know the reason why God answered our prayers with a No before. Today we are enjoying not only financial freedom but time freedom in our senior years. Had He answered our prayer the way we want it to be, we would have been financially struggling up to today in our senior years.

 

So let us stay in faith. Believe in the promises of the Lord that He will never abandon us no matter how challenging our situation might be. Believe that the Lord answers our prayers and it is always the best for us. Be sensitive to what He’s saying and quick to obey. God  is preparing you for the fullness of your destiny.

Prayer

Lord Jesus thank You in advance for the many answers to my prayers. You know Lord what is best for me.  Let me follow Your will and direction in my life. Thank You Lord that the journey with You means taking steps of faith into the unknown. I look forward to new places of blessings that You have prepared for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Haven of Peace and Forgiveness

    

Pentecost Sunday

19 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

I did not know how life is lived in Manila. I was young when we relocated in Gagalangin and I was just going along with the flow. Fortunately, God called me through His church and in His grace, I was able to form a deeper connection with Him. He took me in and gave me a more meaningful life through His devoted disciples.

I am glad Pentecost happened. It gave birth to the church that is blessed with peace, guided by the Holy Spirit and was empowered to forgive sins. The church is God's haven of peace and forgiveness. It is more than Sunday masses. It has more to offer. God and His Holy Spirit is in there, waiting for you with arms wide open.

Draw near to God, come to the church and help bring others closer to Him so they can too, can enjoy God's peace and forgiveness.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us a community where we can build our faith and receive peace and forgiveness. Please continue to help and protect your church, your people. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Up!

    

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

12 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mk 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

"As I closed my eyes in prayer, basking in His joy and overwhelming presence, my feet slowly left the ground, and with my hands stretched out to the sides, I float into the air, up towards the Father." These are thoughts that ofren come to my mind.

Is levitation truly possible when deeply immersed in God's presence? I can only dream of it at this point as we may never get to experience the ascension of Jesus nor the assumption of Mary. But I know that my spirit soars high, dancing in joy when my heart, mind and soul is fully attuned to God and in His blissful presence. I also believe that we can go to Heaven, in His grace and mercy with our life well-lived and spent to be of service to God and to one another. I pray that God will lift me up and will allow me to draw closer to Him, to call me to His side when my time on earth is done. And I pray the same thing for my loved ones, friends and colleagues.

I thank Jesus, our Savior, who ascended to heaven after conquering sin and death. He made it possible for us to be resurrected and be reunited with God, our Father. He, who until now, in this very moment, is helping all of us as we work on our individual missions as His disciples and friends.

Prayer

Father, we want to be with You when our journey in life is over. With Your guidance and grace, help us to successfully complete the work that You want us to do so that like Jesus, we can return to You in glory. I also pray for all mothers. Please continue to give us the strength, the courage, and the determination to draw closer to You and bring others, specially, our children and other members of our families, in Your presence as often as possible, with love, patience, and inspiration. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there!

 

God is with us

   

  Fourth Sunday of Advent 

18 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 7:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Rom 1:1-7

Gospel: Mt 1:18-24

 

Reflection

By: Stephanie Navarro

 

In this Gospel, Joseph was visited by an angel in his dream. This all happened on the day he was about to divorce Mary. Joseph is someone faithful to the law, he didn't want Mary to be shamed. As he listens to the angel, Joseph accepts Jesus as his son. After his dream, he woke up and did what the Lord commanded him to do.

In life, there will be times wherein we'll make irrational actions, decisions or even thoughts. During these times we are challenged and tested by God. That in times like these we should have faith in Him. We should believe in Him. Not just in trying times but the good times and the bad ones as well. By putting our trust in Him, we let Him lead the way to a much more fruitful and meaningful path of life. As we follow Him, we are enlightened.

At moments we are hesitant and in doubt, we should always remember that God is with us. Remember that God will always provide. He is someone that won't leave us hanging.

There would be times that we would ask something from Him and He won't give it to us. That's what we think. God gives us more than our wants and needs. When we feel like He isn't giving us what we asked for, why don't we look around and think things thoroughly?

God might have planned something greater. He might have given us something greater but we don't see it because we are blinded by the thought of getting what we exactly want. Or maybe He thinks that now is the right moment just like what people say, "In God's perfect timing." He has His own plans for us, He knows what's best for us and for our futures.

In the Gospel, the name "Emmanuel" was also mentioned; it means "God is with us." With Jesus being sent to us to save us from our sins, he becomes a bridge. A bridge between us and God. He is the connecting path towards the light of the Lord.

Brothers and sisters, as we read this passage; may we realize that God is always with us. As children of God, we should put our trust and faith in Him and let Him lead the way of life. At moments of hesitation and in doubt, let us trust Him. He never takes His eyes off us and always watches over us. We are sent signs like: people, experiences and lessons to be able to see what God is commanding us to do. Let us be like Joseph and follow what God has set for us, for it is what's best and it is what will save us.

Prayer

Dearest Father, You have sent an angel to St. Joseph to guide him in his decisions. We, too, believe that you sent us angels daily to guide us in our everyday tasks. May we always trust You and abide Your will. Amen.

Setting Expectations

 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 January 2022

 

First Reading: JER 1:4-5, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm: PS 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:31--13:13 or 1 COR 13:4-13

Gospel: LK 4:21-30

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I was serving at the Manila Cathedral many years ago when I bumped into a fellow parishioner. She was delighted to know that I was serving at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese and of the whole country. She then encouraged me to keep up the good work so that our parish would be malakas (influential) in the Archdiocese. After our conversation, I felt bad. While appreciating her words of encouragement, her expectation does not make sense.

In today's Gospel, we read how Jesus' town mates were praising Him for His preaching. However, Jesus knew their ulterior motives. He knew that they were expecting Him to perform miracles. He knew that by making signs and wonders in His own remote town, Nazareth would become a popular place. Therefore, the Lord rejected their wishes: "No prophet is ever accepted in his own country." Indeed, as the Gospel would tell us, the people intended to throw Him down the cliff. We too can behave like Our Lord's town mates. We pray, we attend this and that church activity, etc. However, when our prayers are not answered or something goes wrong, we lie low. Why do we follow Jesus? Is it because of His teachings? If so, do we accept His teachings 100% or do we cherry-pick those teachings that suit us? Setting expectations on Jesus according to our own terms and conditions won't work. Remember the rich man who wanted to follow the Lord, but could not part ways with his wealth? Following Jesus is like a sheep placing all its trust to the shepherd. Let us take courage in what God told the prophet in today's First Reading: "They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I am with you." (Jeremiah 1:19). We follow Jesus because of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Cleanse us of every imperfection; strengthen us in our desire for Your Word that we may follow You because of You. Amen.

 

The Word that Builds Us Up

 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 January 2022

 

First Reading: NEH 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: PS 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:12-30 or 1 COR 12:12-14, 27

Gospel: LK 1:1-4, 4:14-21

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I was shocked to hear how one Filipino politician used the Bible - Jesus' crucifixion to be exact - as a strong case to re-impose death penalty in the country. A prominent bishop has countered this politician's arguments in the hope that he would be enlightened with his wrong interpretation of Sacred Scriptures.

Today is the Sunday of the Word of God, a time we celebrate, study, and proclaim Sacred Scriptures. In the First Reading, Ezra the priest proclaimed and interpreted the Law of God to the Israelites. Nehemiah brought to a close the proclamation of God's Law by telling the people "Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold." These words of encouragement became real in the person of Jesus who, in today's Gospel, read from Isaiah's prophecy: "The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for He has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and to  blind the new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord's year of favor."

Confusion is not the purpose of God's Word. Rather, it aims at comforting, uniting, and healing a divided and wounded world. God's Word is meant to build us as Christ's Body as mentioned in the Second Reading. To achieve these aims, the Church Magisterium is charged of studying and interpreting the Word of God. Proper and right study are needed before one can proclaim the Bible. With all due respect to that politician, using God's Word as an argument for something against God's will is not acceptable. As we celebrate God's Word this weekend, let us do our part in rediscovering the graces of studying, believing, and living it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You willed that Your Word would become flesh and dwell among us to comfort, unite, and heal us. As we celebrate Your Word this Sunday, grant wisdom to our Church leaders and teachers that they may assiduously study, interpret, and proclaim Sacred Scriptures for the edification of Your people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Matured Devotee

 The Feast of the Sto. Niño

16 January 2022

 

First Reading: IS 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: PS 97, 1:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

Second Reading: EPH 1:3-6, 15-18

Gospel: LK 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Makamatanda (old fashioned). I guess that would have also been what the boy Jesus' contemporaries would label Him given today's Gospel. Instead of devoting His time to enjoy the company of His friends travelling to and from Jerusalem, He literally stayed in the Temple. I have the impression that through a boy, Jesus was already starting to realize His future vocation and so, without telling His parents, He conversed for three days and nights with the teachers in the Temple and asking them questions. Although Mary and Joseph did not have a clue of why Jesus did this, they nurtured and prepared Him for His mission. This preparation was not done overnight, but lasted for 30 years (aka Jesus' hidden life).

As a Catholic nation, we have a strong devotion to the Sto. Niño. We have a soft spot in our heart for the Christ Child. It is not surprising that there are many depictions of our Infant Lord - dressed as a monarch, a policeman, a homeless boy, etc. They are not bad per se. However, if we are not careful, we are in danger of failing to see that the Sto. Niño moved on from the crib to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from grave to the right hand of the Father. Indeed, "grew in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." Has your devotion to the Sto. Niño allowed you to grow as a mature Christian or not? Has the devotion challenged you to become a Missionary Christian?

Prayer

O Jesus, Beloved Sto. Niño, we adore You. Through the prayers and example of Mary and Joseph, grant us the grace to also grow "in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man" so that we may share the gift of mission to others. Amen.

 

Taking the Sonship Seriously

 The Baptism of the Lord

09 January 2022

 

First Reading: IS 42:1-4, 6-7 or 40:1-5, 9-11

Responsorial Psalm: PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or PS 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: ACTS 10:34-38 or TI 2:-11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: LK 3:15-16, 21-22

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I had an interesting conversation with someone who used to be a practicing Catholic, but has decided to become a Born-again Christian. She initially asked about the Catholic practices during Lent, especially the "penitensya", a popular religiosity in some parts of the Philippines. I gave her an explanation on those practices, but made it clear that the Church does not sanction some practices, such as self-flagellation and crucifixion. She asked because, according to her she was no longer Catholic. I told her that once someone is baptized, they remain a Catholic forever. Baptism imparts an indelible character on the baptized. We may practice the faith or not, but we all remain children of God.

In today's Gospel, God revealed Jesus as His beloved Son after receiving baptism. Every time there is a baptism, the Father's revelation is echoed, regardless if the ceremony is held in an opulent basilica or a humble chapel. We share in the divine sonship of Jesus. It is now up to us how we look after this sonship. Are we happy to stay as nominal Christians or are we willing to take this sonship to the next level?

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for adopting us as Your children through Baptism. Help us to value such a privilege. United with Your Son, may our lives constantly proclaim Your inclusive love for all. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Receiver's Reflection

 The Epiphany of the Lord

02 January 2022

 

First Reading: IS 60:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: EPH 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: MT 2:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

With the three wise men's arrival, our Nativity Scene is complete! In today's Gospel, the magi offered our Infant Lord "gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh". What do these gifts mean? The lyrics of "We Three Kings" by John Henry Hopkins Jr. offer us an explanation:

Born a King on Bethlehem plain,

Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever,

Ceasing never

Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I,

Incense owns a Deity nigh:

Prayer and praising

All men raising,

Worship Him God on High.

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom; --

Sorrowing, sighing,

Bleeding, dying,

Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Whenever we give a gift to someone, it reflects the receiver of that gift. A suitor gives flowers to a girl because she is as lovely as those flowers. Parents provide a good education for their children because that would be the key to their bright future. The magi gave those gifts because these reflect who the Christ Child is: King, God, and Sacrifice. What was your gift to Jesus this Christmas? What does it tell of Jesus' value in your life?

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your word today. Through the prayers and example of the Three Wise Men, grant us a generous and grateful heart that we too may offer You the gift that You truly deserve and walk in this life by a different way, Your way. Amen.

 

A Strong Woman

 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

01 January 2022

 

First Reading: NM 6:22-27

Responsorial Psalm: PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: GAL 4:4-7

Gospel: LK 2:16-21

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

In one of the virtual meetings we had in the Diocese's Vocations Team last year, a nun told me: "Mary is a strong woman." Indeed, Mary's reaction when she heard the shepherd's testimony was remarkable: "she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart." Indeed, we could dismiss her as a simple girl who would lamely agree and accept what the shepherds told her and Joseph. However, here is a woman who would "take what they have heard and then turn it over, muse on it, consider it from various perspectives, question it, wonder about it, delight in it" (Bishop Robert Barron).

As we start a new year, we could not fail to look back at the year that was. COVID-19 would still be on top of the list for sure, plus other global and local issues. There would also be personal achievements, challenges, and failures. How do we make sense of these? What do these things tell us as we welcome and move forward to 2022? Are we just going to accept them as part of life or are we going to discern God's message and plan in these?

"Mary is a strong woman." Her life as God's Mother was not a bed of roses. Her life was full of challenges and sorrows. She and Joseph escaped with the baby Jesus to avoid Herod's wrath. She and her family returned later and lived in the remote town of Nazareth. She stood courageously at the foot of the Cross. She witnessed her Son's Resurrection and Ascension. She was with fellow Christians when the Holy Spirit descended on them. Through it all, her faith was unshaken. As we welcome the New Year, let us draw strength from Mary, God's Mother and ours that we too may treasure all the wonderful things that God has done for us last year and ponder them in our hearts.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for the New Year. Thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of Mama Mary, give us a strong heart that would seek, marvel at, and fulfil Your plan. Amen.

 

Family is Love

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

26 December 2021 

 

First Reading: SIR 3:2-6, 12-14 or SM 1:20-22, 24-28

Responsorial Psalm: PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or PS 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

Second Reading: COL 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or JN 3:1-2, 21-24

Gospel: LK 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Love is always present at home un varying degree but never absent." - Anabelle Balla

"Pag ibig, pag asa, at saya, 'yan ang lagi mong dala. Sa pamilya mo ang tunay na Pasko, family is love. Family is love..." (Love, hope, and joy, you always bring. In your family, true Christmas is...)

These are the lines of the song that we needed to memorize for our Christmas video in the office. "Family is love", is the title of the song (ABS-CBN's 2018 Christmas song).

The words, "family is love", is an absolute truth for me. I strongly believe that all families in the world have love in their hearts and that they may have different ways of expressing it. Maybe not the way we expect or prefer it to be. But there has to be love. Because WE ARE LOVE. We all came from God, who is LOVE. It is part of our genes, of our being. We can't exist without it.

Some of you may say, "my father is a monster or my sibling has no care of this world". But may I ask you to reconsider and think of the times when you've seen a glimpse of love, even the tiniest one? What made them express love? What can we do to help them show more love? Can we trigger love by being the first to show love?

And how do you love? What is your love language for your family? Are you showing enough love? Do you love enough?

I say, BE WHO YOU ARE, be the LOVE that your family needs every day. Bring hope, bring joy, bring peace, and offer comfort anyway you can because even the smallest act of love can spark the love in others and create a ripple effect to the world.

Some of us may not have a perfect family, but we have love, we have God and if we have God, then we are in great hands!

Prayer

Oh Most Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, please help us unite our family in God's love. May His peace, joy, mercy, healing, protection, guidance, and abundant blessings be upon as always, Amen.

 

What Should We Do?

Third Sunday of Advent

12 December 2021 

 

First Reading: ZEP 3:14-18a

Responsorial Psalm: IS 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Second Reading: PHIL 4:4-7

Gospel: LK 3:10-18

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Rejoicing is an affirmation of God's presence." - Anabelle Balla

"Thank You, Lord!"

I often hear this said softly or out loud when someone is happy over something. A genuine rejoicing or prayer of gratitude uttered in the spur of the moment. Short but powerful.

"Father, please grant us overwhelming love, peace, joy and inspiration." This is one of the prayers I try to pray everyday. Who doesn't want to be in this state as often as possible? You too, may be wishing a life full of love, joy, peace, and inspiration as well. Is this possible even when we go through some trials and even grief? I say, yes!

When I look forward to better days, I believe that is rejoicing in hope. When I pray for His help, that is rejoicing for His power and mercy. And even when in pain, I rejoice in God's comfort and loving embrace as I call on Him. When confused, disgruntled, and angry, I rejoice in His counsel when I seek His wisdom and enlightenment.

So what should we do as we wait for Jesus' coming? The verses below said it all.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵Let your reasonableness^[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Father, please allow us to live in gladness, in thanksgiving, in worship, and praises to You. Allow us to rejoice in Your love, in Your mercy, in Your power, in Your miracles and abundant provisions. For in rejoicing we affirm that You are indeed our loving Almighty God in heaven. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen. 

 

He Got Me Covered!

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 December 2021 

 

First Reading: GN 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm: PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4

Second Reading: EPH 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel: LK 1:26-38

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Without me knowing, He makes the best things happen." - Anabelle Balla

Should we go with the flow?

It depends on the nature of the flow and where it is going right?

I had a chance to look back and connect my life's journey from the time I was born. I realized that I did no planning at all when I was young. I was just going with the flow. Fortunately, Jesus found me during my late childhood stage and He has been moving things in my life since then. Those times when things came in easy for me--honed as a young leader in church, getting a college degree despite our financial status, getting a job in a very nice company without intending to apply there, etc., feels like Jesus got me covered without knowing it.

I feel so blessed, so favored and I don't mind to continue going with the flow...with Jesus. Like Mary did when she responded to God with the words "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And she was crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth-favored by God.

I trust that God only wants what is best for us. And I pray that He will continue to lead us and bring us all to the best life that He has prepared for all of us. A life of meaning, contributions and significance, of peace, love, joy, and prosperity at His side.

If He leads us somewhere, He will definitely ensure we successfully get there. He can make the impossible possible just like the miracle of the Immaculate Conception.

Prayer

Father, thank You for having us covered in all aspects in our life. You even gave us Mama Mary, our Mother, who is always there interceding for us and urging us to stay close to You and Jesus. May we be more like her when it comes to humility, obedience, steadfast faith and devotion to Your will. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Mama Mary, please pray for us.

 

She is Worthy!

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 December 2020

First Reading GN 3:9-15, 20

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,

the LORD God called to the man and asked him,

"Where are you?"

He answered, "I heard you in the garden:

but I was afraid, because I was naked,

so I hid myself."

Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked?

You have eaten, then,

from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!"

The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me - 

she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it."
The LORD God then asked the woman.

"Why did you do such a thing?"

 The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, 

so I ate it."

 

Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

"Because you have done this,

you shall be banned from all the animals

and from all the wild creatures;

on your belly shall you crawl,

and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will strike at your heard,

while you strike on his heel."

 

The man called his wife Eve,

because  she became the mother of all the living.

Second Reading EPH 1:3-6, 11-12

 

Brothers and sisters:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,

as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,

to be holy and without blemish before him.

In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,

in accord with the favor of his will,

for the praise of the glory of his grace

that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen,

destined in accord with the purpose of the One

who accomplishes all things according to the intentions of his will,

so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,

we who first hoped in Christ.

 

Gospel LK 1:26-38

 

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

 Then the angel said to her,

 "Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy , the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her. 

 

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

  

She was given the grace to carry Jesus in her womb and become His mother. What an amazing gift, what an honor!

 

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name  him Jesus.

 

 She as enshrined by God. Respected, loved, and obeyed by Jesus. She is worthy of God's presence!

 

No wonder why the church celebrates many Feasts dedicated for Mother Mary including the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which is universally celebrated on December 8, today. And I am glad that December 8 has been proclaimed as Special Non-Working Holiday in the Philippines. May this declaration bring glory and honor to the Father who have chosen Mary to be the Mother of His one and only Son, Jesus. And  may our country be blessed by this.

 

Together, with our family, I humbly invite you to celebrate this Holy Day of Obligation. Let us all say, "Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

 

May we, like Mary, be given opportunities this Christmas season to respond to the Lord and say, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

 

Prayer

 

O God, mercifully hear the supplication of thy servants who are assembled together on the Conception of the Virgin Mother of God, may at her intercession be delivered by Thee from dangers which beset us. And grant, we pray, that as You preserved Mother Mary from every stain of virtue of the death of Your Son, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to Your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.