More Of What We Truly Need

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

02 August 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

A father asked his son what he wants for his 18th birthday. The son teasingly answered, “Maybe a red sports car.” The father took his son for a drive using their clunky old family car around the city. Tuning into his favorite FM station through the broken radio, singing his heart out loudly and off-key, he told his son, “You don’t need a fancy car to be happy.” The son cried out, “I changed my mind! I want earplugs!”

~ ~ ~

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling endlessly through an online shopping app, filling your digital cart with items you feel you must have? We convince ourselves that the latest gadget, a trendy outfit, or a new piece of furniture will finally make our lives complete. But after the package arrives and the excitement fades, we are often left feeling just as empty, looking for the next thing to desire. It is today’s epidemic of confusing our shallow wants with our actual needs. In our prayers, do we often ask for what we really need more than what we want?

In today’s readings, we see a profound example of God's true mindfulness and provision, and how he sees deeply into our hearts what we really need. In the Gospel reading, Jesus had just received devastating news: the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. He sought solitude, withdrawing in a boat to a deserted place. Yet, even during a moment of grief, Jesus still “listened” to the crowd who called upon him. As the responsorial psalm reminds us, “The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” St. Paul beautifully echoes this enduring, unbreakable presence in his letter to the Romans: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.”

Instead of asking the crowd to leave Him to His sorrow, Jesus lets them stay because he knows what they need most. The Gospel tells us, “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” He didn't just give them a temporary want; He provided healing and spiritual food through His word, and later, physical food through the multiplication of the loaves.

Sometimes, our wants drive us more than our needs. And we do not realize that God had already provided more of our needs. Just as a simple gesture like cleaning the house shows true mindfulness of a spouse's needs, God’s daily, silent provisions are profound gestures of His great love.

We can see this struggle between wants and needs in our everyday lives. In our families and relationships, we often want the flawless, picture-perfect smiles we see on social media— conflict-free adventures and cinematic vacations. But what we really need is the grace to forgive often, the patience to listen, and the steadfast, messy, real presence of our loved ones. God has already provided us with the capacity for this resilience. In our careers, we might desperately want a flashy job title or a higher salary, believing these will bring us respect and happiness. Yet, what we truly need is a sense of purpose, honest work that sustains our families, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing our worth is rooted in Christ, not a paycheck. In social awareness, we frequently want the satisfaction of being seen on the "right side" of an issue, especially on the internet. However, what we really need is compassion. When we witness oppression, we cannot simply "take a break" by being silent. We need the courage to stand up for justice without placing exceptions on who deserves our compassion.

God constantly nourishes us, providing not what this world tells us we want, but the eternal spiritual nourishment we absolutely need. We just need to call upon him in our honest and true hearts, believing that He knows and will provide more of what we truly need.

Prayer

Dearest Father in heaven, we thank you for keeping us in your ways and letting us turn to you in our difficult times. We thank you for looking past our shallow wants and providing exactly what we need. When we face anguish or distress, remind us that nothing can separate us from your love. Teach us to be mindful of your presence in our families, our work, and our communities. Help us to recognize the abundant blessings you have already laid before us. We pray with our dear Mother Mary, whom you have chosen to guide us, that we may always seek you in truth, AMEN. 

Are You Lucky or Blessed?

   

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 February 2025

 

First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

 

One of the expressions we often say when someone is about to compete in a competition, attend a job interview, or pursue a business opportunity is “Good luck!” I remember when I was in my first year of Philosophy, my upperclassmen were about to take their comprehensive exam. I wished them “Good luck!” and “Break a leg!” However, they told me that instead of saying “Good luck,” I should have said “God bless.”

Who are the blessed?

Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, which includes the Beatitudes—also found in a different version in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Gospel, Jesus pronounces blessings upon the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, turning worldly expectations upside down. He declares, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” This radical teaching challenges us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to be blessed. So how do we understand blessings? Are we blessed because of abundance? Or are we blessed because we continue to hope even when we have little to nothing? The distinction between true blessings and the fleeting nature of luck is that blessings come from trusting in God. This leads to a life of abundance and fruitfulness, whereas relying solely on human strength results in spiritual barrenness.

So, let us ask God for the grace to be truly blessed. The call to be blessed is a call to live in faith, to trust in God’s providence, and to seek His will in all things. Amen.

Prayer

God, our loving Father,

You treat us as Your true sons and daughters.

You always bestow upon us the blessings we need each day.

Grant that, through these blessings,

We may be truly blessed—

To live a life of holiness

And serve our brothers and sisters in need.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessedness in Nothingness

 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 February 2022

 

First Reading: JER 17:5-8

Responsorial Psalm: PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Second Reading: 1 COR 15:12, 16-20

Gospel: LK 6:17, 20-26

 

Reflection

By: Sem. Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

 

Blessed are you! The Gospel for today speaks of the Beatitudes. We often think of blessedness as moments when our cup overflows with bounty and goodness. For us, freedom from pain and suffering is the very definition of blessedness. One might say, "I am blessed with new car! I am blessed with a loving partner and beautiful children! I am blessed with a new house or a job promotion!" And the list goes on. All of these are in contrast with the life's difficulties.

But Jesus speaks of a different blessedness – of grace beyond human comprehension and understanding. The blessedness in nothingness. But how come one is called blessed when he experiences poverty, hunger, tears or persecution? Human suffering is a mystery which even words fail to give meaning. But Jesus didn't stop with the sad plight of human suffering but transcends and points out to a more important reality – our total dependence on God's mercy. The mystery of our humanity's meaninglessness and futility finds its fulfillment and significance in the mystery of God's providential love. It is God who gives the riches in our poverty, the joy in our sad and depressed moments, the satisfaction of the great hunger of our hearts, and the consolation when the world can no longer understand and accept us. For Jesus, this is what blessedness truly means – to be emptied from the world and filled with God's loving presence. For Jesus, blessedness is not a material gain but our total dependence of God.

One might say, "Oh! He is so blessed! He was hired to his dream job! Oh, she was so blessed! She won the lottery!" We might fall in the temptation of chasing worldly values yet losing our eyes on the real treasure – the kingdom of God. Without God, the riches, our happiness and praise of the world is but a vain and fading glory – tasteless and fruitless. Only when we have realized that it is God who bestows on us the blessings and graces in our lives, then we will see everything, no matter how big or small it might seem, as a moment of beatitude. What are these moments? When we are able to give something for others when we feel we are in the days of our nothingness – a friendly smile or a warm hug, we build the Kingdom of God. When we are able to be present for a grieving friend or a depressed stranger, we are able to satisfy the hunger for connections and healing. When we are able to cry and to find comfort those who are going through rough times, we become God's loving consolations in the lives of other people.

The Gospel provides a different portrait of the beatitudes – there is indeed blessedness in brokenness. We are blessed when we realize how God is at work in our lives. And blessedness is not stagnant nor dry – we are the first beneficiaries of God's blessings and we, in turn, transmit those graces in the lives of other people. And so the ripples of the beatitudes go on creating greater waves of beauty, life, and grace.

Prayer

Loving God, we praise and thank You for Your unfailing goodness. We are truly blessed even when we feel that life has been tough and our days have been dry for You have sustained us along the way. As we have come to the realization of the blessings in our lives, transform us to become "blessings" where we can bring Your love and grace in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-13 ng Hunyo 2021

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa):  EZ 17:22-24

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan):  92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa):  2 COR 5:6-10

Gospel (Mabuting Balita):  MK 4:26-34

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Madalas kong sinasabi sa mga estudiyante na ang paglalagay ng talinhaga sa pagsulat ng tula o kuwento ay nakahahatak o naka-e-engganyo ng mga mambabasa. Hindi ba't napapaisip tayo sa kahulugan ng mga talinhaga o nagkakaroon ng iba't ibang anggulo ang kahulugan ng kuwento? Nagiging mabisa talaga ang kuwento kung may talinhaga kaya't madalas na ibinibigay sa atin ito ng ating Panginoong Jesus. Tulad sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, dalawang talinhaga ang kuwento para sa atin. Sa unang talinhaga, madali nating nakikita ang taong naghahagis ng binhi na kanyang itinatanim. Kung may nagtanim, natural na tutubo ito, lalago ito nang hindi nga natin namamalayan, at saka aanihin sa tamang panahon upang mapakinabangan. Sa pagmumuni-muni ko sa Ebanghelyo, nangangahulugan na kailangan ko ring magtanim, hindi siyempre literal na binhi ng halaman, pero dahil panahon ng pandemya, naging plantito na nga rin ako. Tulad ng pagiging plantito o plantita, hindi lang libangan ang pagtatanim, kailangan din kasing magtiyaga sa paghihintay na lumago o mamulaklak o mamunga, hindi naman kasi ngayon mo itinanim ang buto at bukas ay tutubo agad. Dahil talinhaga nga nga ang paghahasik ng binhi, ipinapalagay ko na isa ang kabutihan o mga gawaing mabuti ang inihahasik; ang pinakasimpleng kasabihan na kaugnay dito ay: "kung nagtanim ka ng kabutihan, kabutihan din ang iyong aanihin". Maaaring kabutihan para sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa kapwa ang anumang kabutihang itinatanim natin. Pero hindi nga ito madali o hindi naman agad-agad na makikita ang magandang resulta. Halimbawa'y ang pagiging mabuting  ehemplo ng magulang sa mga anak ay isang pagtatanim ng pundasyon na balang araw ay aanihin kung sila naman ang magkaroon ng sariling pamilya. Parang sinasabi sa atin ng Diyos na maghasik ka lang ng mabuting binhi habang nabubuhay at ibibigay Ko sa iyo ang masaganang ani sa takdang panahon.

Sa ikalawang talinhaga, gumagamit si Jesus ng konsepto ng pinakamaliit na binihi na kamangha-manghang magiging pinakamayabong na halaman; na maging pinakamaliit na binhi man ang ating itinanim, tulad nga ng buto ng mustasa, payayabungin ito ng Diyos nang higit pa sa ating inaasahan. Kung sa sarili lang nating kakayahan ay napaka-imposible na magawa natin ang kagilagilalas na kasaganaan mula sa kakarampot na binhi, pero sa grasya ng Diyos, tiyak ang pagbabagong anyo na maging labis na kayamanan ang pagyabong nito. Kaya nga araw araw, maya't maya nating pinasasalamatan ang Diyos sa pagbibigay sa atin ng sobra-sobrang biyaya sa buhay na kadalasan ay hindi natin aakalain na mapapasaatin. Marami namang anak ng Diyos na mas karapat-dapat mabigyan ng masaganang biyaya kaysa sa atin dahil sa dami ng ating mga pagkukulang at kasalanan sa Diyos, pero magtataka ka kung bakit patuloy na pinayayabong  ng Diyos ang grasya sa ating buhay. Kung tayo ay umaasa na payayabungin ng Diyos ang ating buhay, marapat na ipanalangin ang pag-unlad sa iba't ibang aspeto ng ating buhay: una, and ispirituwal na biyaya upang higit nating makilala at mahalin ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod; ikalawa, ang pisikal at mental na kalusugan natin; ikatlo, ang biyaya para sa ating pamilya upang lalong magningas ang pagmamahalan at pagkakaisa sa bawat tahanan; ikaapat, ang mapaunlad pa ang ating hanapbuhay at maging sapat ang kinikita para sa mga pinansiyal na pangangailangan ng ating pamilya. Sa huli, gusto kong isama rin sa pananalangin ang hangad ng aking puso, ang magkaroon ng malayang oras na magawa ang anumang gusto kong gawin, halimbawa'y ang makapagpinta o makapagsulat pa ng maraming obrang sining, ang pangarap na matutong magpatugtog ng biyolin, ang makaukit ng obra mula sa inagos na punong-kahoy, o makapaglingkod nang labis sa simbahan o sa bayan,

 

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, ipinagkakaloob Mo sa amin ang Iyong walang-hanggang  biyaya ng katubusan at mayabong na biyaya ng kasaganaan, kahit pa nga napakaliit ang aming pananampalataya, dalangin namin na kami'y patuloy na gabayan sa paghahasik ng kabutihan sa aming kapwa. Amen.

 

 

 

Sorpresang Biyaya - Corpus Christi

Dakilang Kapistahan ng Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo ng Panginoon

Ika-6 ng Hunyo 2021 

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa):  EX 24:3-8

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan):  116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa):  HEB 9:11-15

Gospel (Mabuting Balita):  MK 14:12-16, 22-26

 

Repleksyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Masaya nating ipinagdiriwang ang araw na ito ng Kapistahan ng Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo ng Panginoong Jesus  dahil ito ay pag-alaala, pagdakila, at matimyas na pagpapasalamat natin sa kabutihang ginawa ng ating Diyos upang tayo ay matubos sa kasalanan. May personal na kahulugan sa akin ang taon-taon nating pagdiriwang na ito bukod sa pag-aalaala ng buhay ni Jesus na dapat ngang ipagpasalamat dahil ito ang sinasabi nating "Bagong Paskuwa" nang ialay mismo ni Jesus and Kanyang katawan at dugo. Dalawang malapit sa puso ang kahulugan ng kapistahang ito para sa akin: una, ito ay tuloy-tuloy na sorpresang biyaya para sa atin, at ang pangalawa ay ang pagkakataon para ihandog natin sa Diyos and anumang pasakit, hirap, suliranin, o alalahanin natin sa buhay.

Kung ang buhay natin bilang Kristiyano ay laging masaya, hindi naman maiiwasan na dumarating din ang mga araw na tayo ay nalulungkot. Kung minsan ay tinatanong natin ang ating mga sarili kung nakahanda nga ba tayo sa mga pinakamalulungkot na pangyayari ng ating buhay? Halimbawa'y and epekto ng pandemya sa ating panahon. Binulaga tayong lahat ng malungkot na pangyayaring ito sa ating pamayanan at litong-lito tayo, natataranta, natatakot, nangangamba sa kung kailan matatapos ang masalimuot na kaganapang ito sa mundo. Subalit sa pag-aalay ng ating Panginoon ng Kanyang sariling katawan at dugo sa tuwing nakikibahagi tayo sa Banal na Misa, nahihiwagaan tayo sa kabutihan ng Diyos dahil dumarating ang sorpresang biyaya sa ating buhay. Kaya't sa sorpresang biyayang handog ng Diyos sa ati'y nawawalan ng bisa ang kalungkutan, naiibsan ang pagdurusa natin, at napapawi ang anumang pagdadalamhati. Hindi ba't karamihan sa atin ay pagod na pagod na sa panahong ito ng pandemya at patuloy na dumarami ang kumakalam ang sikmura't halos magpalimos ang mga walang-wala? Pero dahil sa patuloy nating pananalangin at tulad ng pag-aalay ng Diyos ng Kanyang sarili, mahimalang natutugunan ang kagutuman sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa ng mga mamamayan sa pagbabahagi ng anumang makakayanan nila at parang kabuting nagsulputan ang sorpresang biyaya ng Diyos na tinatawag nating "Community Pantry".

Bukod sa handog na sorpresang materyal na pangangailangan ng ating katawan, nagliliwanag ang ating kaisipan, diwa, at damdamin sa anumang kinakaharap natin. Mas nagiging kalmado tayo sa sitwasyong gumugulo sa atin. Unti-unting sinasakop ng liwanag ng Diyos ang bawat sulok ng ating kaluluwa na binalot na ng kadiliman dahil sa traumang nararanasan natin sa paligid. Hindi papayag ang Diyos na malugmok tayo sa paghihirap at mauwi sa pagkakasala dahil patuloy Niyang inaalay ang sarili para sa atin upang makayanan natin ang lahat ng paghihirap sa ating buhay. Ang lahat ng ispiritwal na biyaya ay ibinubuhos ng Diyos para sa atin sa tuwing tinatanggap nating ang Kanyang Katawan at Dugo sa Banal na Misa.

Hindi natatapos ang mga biyaya sa pagtanggap natin sa Katawan at Dugo ng ating Diyos, at dahil sa sorpresa nga ito, kadalasa'y hindi natin alam kung ano ang magagandang biyayang naghihintay sa atin. Basta't ang sigurado'y napakalaking biyaya nito na hindi natin inaasahan, mas malaki pa sa biyayang ipinagdarasal nating makamit, maging materyal man o ispiritwal na sorpresa.

Sa kabila ng kasabikang matanggap ang sorpresang biyaya ng Diyos, perpektong pagkakataon din ang Banal na Misa na ilapit sa Diyos ang mga problema natin sa buhay. Kailangang maging alerto tayo sa bahagi ng Misa ng pag-aalay ng Kanyang Katawan at Dugo dahil ito nga ang perpektong pagkakataon na ibigay sa Diyos ang ating buhay. Napakalapit ng Diyos sa atin sa pagkakataong inaalay ang Eukaristiya sa Banal na Misa at kung kaya't mapagpakumbabang ibigay natin ang lahat sa Diyos ang anumang pasakit, pasanin, pagdurusa, kalungkutan, kasalanan, at kawalan ng kapayapaan ng ating buhay. Kung naihain na natin sa Diyos ang lahat ng ito, tiyak na papalitan naman ng Diyos ng sorpresang biyaya na magpapatibay sa ating pagiging mabuting tao, pagiging mabuting Kristiyano, pagiging mabuting lingkod, para sa sariling pamilya natin at para na rin sa bayan natin.

 

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, labis ang aming kasiyahan sa lahat ng sorpresang biyaya na aming natatanggap sa bawat Misa na aming dinadaluhan. Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa pag-aalay ng Iyong Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo para sa kaligtasan namin. Dalangin naming maranasan din ng aming mga mahal sa buhay at lahat ng higit na nangangailangan ang grasya ng kapayapaan sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap namin sa Iyo sa Banal na Komunyon. Amen.

 

 

 

Peace Be With You

Third Sunday of Easter

18 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Second Reading:  1 JN 2:1-5a

Gospel:  LK 24:35-48

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Why are you troubled?"

 

God knows what we really need this time of Easter. It's amazing how words in the scriptures capture our attention. Even the disciples were still frightened themselves. Imagine losing their Lord and Teacher to death. They could not grasped why it had to happen. They did not yet understand that Jesus has to suffer, die, and will rise again. And in the midst of their anxiety, confusion, and doubts, God greets them. He also greets us "Peace be with you." I often feel like God really knows just what I need to hear and when. I don't know about you, but I'm yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

In this season of CoVid-19 pandemic (sorry if I have been reflecting on the pandemic again) especially here in the Philippines where positive cases continue to rise, our hospitals are filled to the capacity, our health workers are just so exhausted, we just need the greetings of God "Peace be with you." We really can't help but be afraid especially we see people already close to us getting afflicted and suffering from CoVid-19. This is for real.

Today, we really do not understand why it is happening. But just like Jesus who said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled."  Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And He said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead  on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness  of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

 

Our mission continues to share the good news of Christ no matter where we are, what we are experiencing right now. We must continue to spread the good news of God's love. That He is present in our suffering because He suffered Himself.

Let me share the lyrics of this beautiful song because there are also words from the Lord that He will be ever with us.

I Am Ever With You

Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

It is really I whom you see

I offer you now my peace

I have waited for this moment

To be with you again

In my heart you'll remain

In your heart I'll stay

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you,

You must know. I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

I'm beyond all anguish all death

I'm risen to life anew.

 

When you feel that you've been emptied

And can give no more

Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you.

You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Prayer

 

Dear Jesus, many people are suffering, confused, afraid, worried, anxious right now,. Where are You Lord? Lord, we know that You are here with us in our suffering and pain. Please continue to strengthen us. Give us the grace of complete trust and confidence in You. Increase our hope that one day, all shall be well. All these I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Moving Forward

“ Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.

Psalm: Psalm 126:1-6

Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: John 8:1-11

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple; all the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such. What do you say about her?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus looked up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again."
 

Reflection

By Fely Santiago

 

“Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!... Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.”

The reason why we are never happy is because we always think of the past. “If only….”. I am guilty of this as well. But the Lord has assured us, remember not the events of the past, I am doing something NEW! What a great assurance. If we only put our TRUST in God!

I remember in one Feast I attended with Bro Bo Sanchez, he shared a story of how he failed in many businesses while starting his journey to become an entrepreneur. And there was one time he lost his life savings to a bad deal with a friend! But instead of giving up, he continued and prayed to God to return what was lost to him 10 times!! And God did! Now he is earning much much more and all that was lost from him was given back more than 10 times! This really struck me! Asking the Lord to return what was lost 10 times! I never prayed like this before. Yes I do that now! I also pray to God if I lose something to return and give it back to me 10 times more!

When I retired from Intel and got my retirement money, one the biggest mistake I committed was to lend some money and earn interest from them. I got paid for some but there was some who did not pay me until now! When I remember that I really felt bad! How could people be so irresponsible! They come to you begging to help them with their financial problems then forget to pay your back! But I have learned to let go and just like Bro Bo, I just prayed that God bless them and return to me in other ways what I lost 10 times more. And God did!!!

So I encourage you to pray the same! Do not keep on looking back at what you have lost, but have hope that the BEST is yet to come! Learn to LET GO. Claim a floodgate of blessings is coming your way! Pray that all that you lose will be given back by God 10x times more! Whether it’s a failed business, loss from robbery or theft, bad investments, borrowed money that was never returned or paid back, etc. Our God is a BIG GOD! He is super rich! And super generous. Just obey Him, love Him and serve Him and TRUST in Him.

In Jeremiah 29.11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Prayer

 

Dear Lord, thank You for Your encouraging words. Help me to always enjoy the present filled with so much hope for the future despite what happened in the past. The BEST is yet to come! Help me to move forward, never giving up until I am with You in eternity. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Ignatian Spirituality

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
31 July 2011


We are God’s people, the sheep of his flock: come, let us worship him, alleluia.

First reading Isaiah 55:1-3
Thus says the Lord:
Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty;
though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat,
and, at no cost, wine and milk.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
your wages on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat
and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me;
listen, and your soul will live.
With you I will make an everlasting covenant
out of the favours promised to David.

Psalm: Psalm 144:8-9,15-18

Second reading Romans 8:35,37-39
Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus received the news of John’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

Reflection
By Fely Santiago

There is no need for them to go away, give them some food yourselves.

Today, is the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, one of my favorite saints or I should say my very favorite saint. What a coincidence. I am molded into his Ignatian Spirituality of being “contemplatives in action,” of letting go and letting God, of totally surrendering to God’s will, of finding God in all things, in every moment, in every area of our lives. Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others. A focus on action is an important characteristic of Ignatian spirituality.

The Gospel today is a great manifestation of a life of service to others, of putting words into action, "give them some food yourselves”. We cannot be real Christians if we just pray and not being able to bless or serve others, whether they are Christians or not. And that’s basically how we live today. Our life right now is a life of service. Sharing the love of God. A mission to serve the people of God to bring the good news of God’s unconditional love for us.

It is also for this reason why we want to be Truly Rich. We want to be able to give some “food” ourselves to anyone, to anybody who comes to us for help. Be it a request for our time, our talent and most especially, our treasure or money. And it’s difficult to give what you don’t have. It is wanting to have money to be able to bless others but without being attached to it. That is being Truly Rich. Let’s be contented and grateful for what we have but we can’t stop there. We need to stretch our faith for others as well. When you have more than enough to give some “food” for others, that is when you’re walking in the fullness of God’s blessings. And you give Honor and Glory to the Source of all these blessings!

So starting today I encourage you to ask God to show you ways that you can be a blessing to someone else. Put actions behind your faith even if you start with something small. Don’t stop short of the fullness of His blessing. Reach out and help others and watch God increase you in every area of your life!

Take Lord, receive, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will.
All I have and hold You have given me. To You Lord, I return it, everything is Yours, do with it what You will.
Only Your love and Your grace, that is enough for me.(St. Ignatius Loyola, from The Spiritual Exercises)