Marriage is for Forever

    

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 October 2024

 

First Reading: Gn 2:18-24

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Heb 2:9-11

Gospel: Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"What God has joined together, no human being must separate."

My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year! Praise God! I must say that if we did not have God in the center of our marriage, we have long been separated! There is no perfect marriage. Every marriage goes through different stages. How the couple handle it will determine if they will come out bitter or better. Do not be disappointed if you go through the unpleasant stages in marriage. It is just a phase and will surely end.

My husband and I are also blessed that we attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend early on in our marriage. It really improved our communication, our relationship and even raising our children in a Christian way. I truly believe that marriage is from the Lord and meant to be forever. It is not without many challenges and trials but it offers a unique opportunity to grow and learn together. Isn't it that if we want to follow Christ we have to take up our cross and follow Him. And in our marriage we must have the courage and strength to carry our daily crosses. Yes, our spouse can be our cross. We have a lot of differences. We have our flaws. We are not really perfect. We have our moods especially now that we are seniors. But we have resolved that no matter what, we just enjoy life and not anymore sweat on the small stuff. We have increased our patience, compassion, and kindness to each other. A good marriage is the foundation of a happy family where children can grow in a nurturing and loving relationships. Regardless of external circumstances, the commitment to love each unconditionally can create a powerful, enduring bond.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for all the couples out there, especially those facing many challenges in their marriage. Give them the strength and the courage to keep the love for each other burning. I also pray that You give them a forgiving and humble heart to accept each other's weaknesses. May all couples be a living witness of Your compassion, love, and mercy. All this I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

I Place All My Trust in Thee

    

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

08 June 2024

 

First Reading: Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9

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

Second Reading: Eph 3:8-12, 14-19

Gospel: Jn 19:31-37

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Towards the end of her talk to fellow members of the Apostleship of Prayer, my grandmother Pilar encouraged them to say "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee" thirty-three times. (Thirty-three in honor of the years our Lord spent on earth.) Before this talk, I heard her speak about a heart condition she had and how the Sacred Heart of Jesus miraculously cured her. I have seen some of my grandmother's difficulties; not a word of complaint passed through her lips. She always trusted in the Lord.

Throughout salvation history, God comes across as someone who loves, regardless if His love is valued or taken for granted. Unlike us who would easily ignore those in need or give in to anger, God's heart is overwhelmed. His pity is stirred. He will not give vent to His blazing anger" (cf. Hos 11:8-9). So loving is God that He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross (Phil 2:8). The blood and water flowing from His pierced side (Jn 19:34), according to St. John Paul II, represents "the outpouring of grace flowing from the (Lord's) sacrifice". This outpouring grace can be seen in the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist (Pope Benedict XVI) and the Holy Spirit "who remits sins and regenerates to new life" (Pope Francis). Such is God's love to us, as represented by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A love that will never fail us. As today's Psalm goes: "God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid" (Is 12:2).

Prayer

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, thank You for Your love that knows no bounds. We offer You our often scared and scarred hearts. Heal us, Lord, by the blood and water that flowed from Your wounded Heart. Inflame our cold or lukewarm hearts by the unquenchable fire that consumes Your Heart's desires: "the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians".

Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in Thee (33 times). Amen.

The Enlarged Heart

    

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

04 February 2024

 

First Reading: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel: Mk 1:29-39

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Last year, my annual physical examination x-ray result showed I have an enlarged heart. I was disturbed, I kept on thinking what went wrong, wishing that it was just a machine error.

To confirm the findings, the cardiologist advised me to have a treadmill test, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and holter monitorings, and 2D echo test. The earliest schedule for the abovementioned tests is a month and a half later after my doctor's consultation, to which I dared to avail.

Day after day while waiting for my tests schedule, I was anxious about the possibilities. What if the tests confirm the diagnosis? I am too young at 33 years old to have a heart problem. Apart from that, I just recently recovered from bell's palsy, and now, another health issue is knocking on the door. Oh Lord, if this is what you call favoritism, please don't make me an apple of your eye.

Like Job in the First Reading, I was restless, I was looking for answers in prayer. Until one night, while contemplating, God made me realized to again surrender myself to Him, the same way I entrusted my bell's palsy healing journey in 2022. And if this heart condition when confirmed, will be a way to unify myself to Jesus' suffering on the Cross to save me, to save us, then I will gladly suffer as my simple share for the reparation of sins.

From that night on as I surrendered my life and future to the Lord, waiting for the schedule of my heart tests and results became bearable. Of course, I still have fear but I know Jesus will never abandon me. I also learned to counter my negative thoughts with the affirmation that maybe God is enlarging my heart to be able to accept His love and be capable of loving others more. A smaller heart cannot contain the overwhelming love of God for me so I needed a bigger one.

The day has come and I have undergone the required medical tests. Thanks be to God, the results are normal! I do not have an enlarged heart. God touched my heart and I rediscovered Him.

We all have our own life's challenges and sufferings that made us lament to God day and night, similar with the experiences of Job and those sick and possessed by demons in today's Gospel. But may these life's challenges and struggles lead us closer to God, the source of healing and all blessings. May we also learn to thank God for our sufferings as we rediscover our faith and trust in Him especially during the lowest points of our lives.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessing and suffering. Help us to always acknowledge Your presence may it be in good or in bad times. Make us also living testimonies of Your love and bearers of Your light. Amen.

How To Truly Love God?

    

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

29 October 2023

 

First Reading: Ex 22:20-26

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

Second Reading: 1 Thes 1:5c-10

Gospel: Mt 22:34-40

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

Throughout the course of history, the Lord God has repeatedly shown His love for humanity. Despite humanity falling into sin, which was caused by the disobedience of Adam and Eve, not once has God became tired or had enough of showing His love for us. Yes, humanity does not deserve the love of God because of our sinful nature. In spite of that, God chose to truly love us. This was the main reason why in various Churches, we see images of the Suffering Christ such as the Black Nazarene and Crucifixes or images of Christ dying on the Holy Cross which are either usually displayed on the main or side altars. We are constantly being reminded by these images of the great love God has for us. Because of His great love for us, God came to this world to save us through Christ Jesus who died on the Cross for our sake and rose from the dead on the third day. 

As Christians, we are also called to express our true love and devotion to God. The readings for this Sunday focuses on this topic  teaching us that true devotion, worship, and adoration for the one true God comes only from those who truly love Him. No one can just plainly say that they truly love God and leave it at that with no action to back it up. 

In the First Reading, the Lord God Himself directly states that He despises affliction and oppression of the innocent. No one deserves to be oppressed and abused. God values everyone, no matter what race or group they belong to. Taking advantage of others, especially the lowly, is despicable in the eyes of the Lord God. In the Second Reading, the Apostle Saint Paul reminds the Thessalonian Christians to follow their example in order for their love and relationship with God to continue to grow and deepen. Now, we must remember that this lesson Saint Paul the Apostle teaches in the Second Reading is not only for the Thessalonian Christians at the time but for us who form the one true Church in the present day. We also have many Saints who form the Communion of Saints. They are examples that we must follow as Christians who form Christ’s Church. In the Gospel, Jesus recites the greatest commandment in response to a question posed to Him by a scholar of the law. As stated, one must also love their neighbor as themselves aside from loving God. Love of God and love for neighbor are connected to each other and cannot be separated. 

Genuine love for the Lord God is reflected and expressed in the words of the Psalm for this Sunday: “I love you, Lord, my strength” (Psalm 18:2). If these words in the Responsorial Psalm are our wish, we must begin by discerning what the will of God is. We must humbly open our hearts and ears to the will of God and obey it. By doing this, we make the words in the Responsorial Psalm our prayer. We will be able to express our true love, devotion, and adoration for the Lord with our actions, thoughts, and words. 

Prayer

Teach us to truly love You, O Lord, You who has loved us first. Make Your will for us known so that we will be able to humbly obey it and express our true love, devotion, and worship for You. Amen. 

Ang Katarungan ay Pag-ibig

    

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Ika-25 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon)

24 September 2023

 

First Reading: Is 55:6-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Second Reading: Phil 1:20c-24, 27a

Gospel: Mt 20:1-16a

 

Reflection

By: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Ang talinghaga ni Jesus sa Ebanghelyo ay pagpapakita ng pambihirang kabutihan ng Diyos sa tao. Ang may-ari ng ubasan sa kwento ay buong araw na naghanap ng mga manggagawa, matiyaga niyang sinusuyod ang liwasang-bayan upang kahit pa ang patambay-tambay lamang ay makapasok bilang manggagawa sa kanyang ubasan. Pagpapakahulugan na ang kabutihan ng Diyos ay para sa lahat ng tao.

Noong bata-bata pa ako, madalas na patambay-tambay, nagpapalipas ng oras, malimit na naghahanap ng pagkakalibangan. Parang iniiisip ko noon na mahaba pa naman ang oras ko sa mundo kaya’t maglibang-libang muna para sumaya sa buhay. Wala pa namang mga gadget noon, walang social media, walang Netflix, wala pang matinong teknolohiya kaya’t literal na tambay na nagpapalipas ng oras sa kwentuhan sa kanto, nababarkada na nauuwi pa sa pagbibisyo, kung saan mayaya ay sumasama agad, ‘yung sinasabi na easy go lucky o sa prinsipyo na “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorow we die”, na sa panahon natin ngayon ay magpaka-YOLO. Pero dahil sa kabutihan nga ng Diyos, hahanapin ka Niya kahit saan ka pa magpunta at aalukin ka Niya ng biyayang hindi natin matatanggihan. Ito kasi ang biyaya ng Diyos na kahit kailan at kahit saan sa mundo ay hindi natin makakamtan. Sa madaling salita ay gusto Niyang maligtas tayo, gusto Niyang makapiling tayo habambuhay na masaya sa Kanyang kaharian. Kung sakali mang muling maligaw tayo ng landas, kahit magdadapithapon na ng buhay ay hahanapin pa rin tayo ng Diyos, dahil nga walang hanggan ang Kanyang kabutihan.  

Isa pa sa mapagninilayan natin sa Ebanghelyo ay ang naging ugali ng ibang manggagawa nang sumapit na ang oras ng kanilang sahod sa pagtatapos ng araw ng trabaho. Parang nawala ang tiwala ng mga manggagawa nang pangatuwiranan pa nila na may mali sa pamamalakad ng may-ari ng ubasan. Ang nag-uudyok sa kanila na parang dinaraya sila ay matinding inggit sa ibang manggagawa na tila nalamangan sila sa oras ng pagtatrabaho. Ito kasi ang madalas na pamantayan natin sa ating mundo, bilangin kung ilang oras nagtrabaho at may katumbas na kabayaran, kung mag-over time ay may karagdagan pa, kung mag-overnight ay may night differential pay pa, kung nag-half day ay kalahati lang ang sweldo at kung undertime ay may kabawasan din sa sweldo. Pero iba naman ang kabutihan ng Diyos. Hindi ito tulad ng pag-iisip natin na parang katarungan sa pagnenegosyo at walang lamangan. Ang katarungan sa Diyos ay maipadama Niya sa lahat ang Kanyang kabutihan ng walang tinatangi, walang VIP, walang favoritism, walang panahon at kahit pa nga ikaw ay sa huling yugto na ng iyong buhay tumugon sa Diyos, at ito ang kabutihan ng Diyos na walang hanggan. Hindi ba’t sa mga huling hininga na nabatid ng isang magnanakaw ang kaligtasan niya nang humingi siya ng tawad kay Jesus habang nakabayubay sila sa krus? Kaya’t hindi natin pwedeng ikahon ang kabutihan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pagsusukat natin ng oras ng paglilingkod, o dami ng mga ginawa natin kumpara sa ibang tao. Ang grasya ng Diyos ay walang sukat, ang kabutihan Niya ay walang hanggan. Amen.

Prayer

Panginoong Jesus, labis ang pasasalamat namin sa walang hanggang kabutihan ng Diyos sa amin.  Dalangin namin na maging matibay ang aming pananampalataya sa Diyos upang makapaglingkod kami nang naayon sa kalooban ng Diyos.  Amen.

Outrageous Love

    

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

04 June 2023

 

First Reading: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9

Responsorial Psalm: Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

Second Reading: 2 Cor 13:11-13

Gospel: Jn 3:16-18

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

"God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life." - John 3:16

Reading this verse, it did not say that God so loved the "good people" that He gave His only Son...it said God so loved the "world". This means, all of us, no exceptions, good and bad people alike...we are loved by God.

Yes. God loves everyone. That annoying neighbor who always blocks your driveway, that obnoxious person who took your seat in the train, yes God loves them, too. You hate that politician in the news? Guess what? God loves him too. Nothing will ever make God love us less.

I know. It was difficult for me as well to even imagine that the person I cannot bear to be in the same room with, is sharing this same love with me. "Where is the justice in that?" I told myself. But then again, I re-read the verse and there's this second phrase. "...so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life." And this is where justice will be served.

It does not stop at God loving us. It is now up to us. What are we going to do with this gift of love? Do we accept or reject it? By accepting it means coming into a relationship with God, a commitment that says, "Yes, I belive in You. And because I am grateful for this love, I will follow Your ways."

Furthermore, "Whoever believes in Him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned," (John 3:18). It does not mean that just because God loves us, we will be spared. We will all come to this judgement in the end. But if we believe in Jesus, we have greater chances of His paradise.

Prayer

Father, we are mere broken, stubborn, imperfect people, yet You gave us Jesus to redeem us from sins. Thank You for the gift of love. May we continue to strive to be better, to be deserving of Your love. Amen.

Limitless

   

  Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 September 2022 

 

First Reading: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14

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

Second Reading: 1 Tm 1:12-17

Gospel: Lk 15:1-32

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the same wqy there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." - Luke 15:7

Today's Gospel is a relief for a repentant sinner but would appear as an injustice to the ninety-nine righteous ones. Imagine being upright all your life for the sake of the Kingdom while the other one is lavishing to his worldly desires. Then in a blink of a change of heart, the sinner is welcomed with warm hugs and butterfly kisses.

I actually can relate to the older brother in today's Gospel. Like him, I do feel jealous when I see how much my Mama gets excited when my older brother pays her a visit or does something for her. It hurts a little because I did not see that kind of affection from her when we were together. Sometimes I think of going away so I can be missed too.

But the Gospel gave me the answer, "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours (Luke 15:31)." Among the siblings, Mama has been with me for the longest time and I have enjoyed her care and motherly love all these years. It is a pity that my brothers have not experienced the kind of mother she is. And that short moment my Mama had with my brothers is the only time she has to express how much she loved him. How can I be so selfish to deprive him of that?!

I believe the Holy Spirir led me to these conclusions. God's love is limitless. Sin cannot separate us from God. He constantly seeks us. Like a parent who misses his child, God all the more longs for the one who is lost. We should not monopolize God's love, His love needs to be shared. Our prize for remaining in His love? Being with Him and experiencing His love for the rest of our lives.

Prayer

God, our Father, grant me a forgiving heart to welcome my erring brother the same way You welcome a repentant sinner. We thank You for Your generosity and unending love. Amen.

Go into the Deep

 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 February 2022

 

First Reading: IS 6:1-2a, 3-8

Responsorial Psalm: PS 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

Second Reading: 1 COR 15:1-11

Gospel: LK 5:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Sem. Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

 

I love walking through labyrinths. The first time I walked through a labyrinth was over five years ago when I was invited for a personal retreat in Tagaytay. I was drawn to the slow pace to which the pathway lends itself and to long rests sitting in the center praying. As you go along the path, deeper realizations and reflections would arise. Sometimes, the path could be too confusing or overwhelming but a labyrinth is a spiritual encounter - an invitation to journey to the very center of our hearts where God awaits.

This is the very invitation of Christ to the fishermen of Galilee - put into the deep! I could imagine the reactions of these skilled men upon hearing the instruction of the Lord. Of course, they have mastered the sea. It has been their life. They could tell whether or not they could catch fishes. But Christ was insistent - duc in altum! Most of the time, we have thought that we already mastered our own seas - our lives, our relationships, our work, our priorities, our dreams and desires. We thought we knew the deepest recesses of our hearts only to find out that we have been casting our nets on the wrong side of the sea. We have been overly familiar with the world we create for ourselves thus we end up being frustrated and lonely because it is not our reality. But Christ sees us through. Christ looks tenderly on the things we fail or choose not to look at. Time and time, He invites us to go deeper - to put ourselves into the depths of our being and to see our own reality, our own brokenness and woundedness.

In the Camaldolese Constitutions, there is a passage that I like very much. It reads: "We are frequently cast out from our hearts as the sea casts out a dead body." We don't like going into the deep. We go into our hearts and are pushed out. We cannot take it. We cannot stay. We cannot be still because we know that the depth of our being and the silence of our hearts reveals only one reality - that we are broken. And that truth is very uncomfortable. However, it is liberating one - an intimate moment of spiritual breakthrough. This is the same experience of the people of God. Isaiah admits that he is a doomed man with sinful lips and Paul tells that he is not worthy to be called as an apostle. And with Peter we could only say with great humility - "Depart from me, Lord, for I am sinful man."

When we are able to enter into the depth of our hearts and accept the reality of our being - conversion begins. When Isaiah acknowledges his sinful lips, God gave him the faculty to proclaim His message to His people. When Paul and Peter admitted their unworthiness, they were given grace to become witnesses for Christ. Christ already knew how deep our seas were. Christ already knew the unexplored depths of our hearts yet Christ invites us to immerse ourselves in the reality of our lives no matter how shameful, how ridiculous and wounded they are.

When we are able to go into the depth of our hearts - we will only find one thing: the love of Christ that loves us even in the darkest deepest reality of our lives.

Prayer

Lord, You know my heart and my whole being more than I do. I offer You the entirety of my being most especially the parts where it is painful or shameful for me to look at. Grant me the grace to journey into the deepest parts of my soul ever consoled that I would find Your unchanging love in the brokenness of my heart. Amen.

 

Duty of Love

Sixth Sunday of Easter

9 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

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

Second Reading:  1 JN 4:7-10

Gospel:  JN 15:9-17

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in His love. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."

The theme of the last Sunday Gospel and this Sunday continues to be that of LOVE. Actually, the whole Bible from beginning to end is about God's Love! In fact, in today's Gospel, the word LOVE is mentioned nine times. Jesus made it clear how to show love. He laid down His own life for us! And He commanded us to do the same. Not just for people who are related to us like our parents, siblings, or children, but for friends! Personally, to fight and die for my family would be a natural instinct. But to lay down willingly my life for a friend will take a lot of courage. A lot of real love.

In the midst of pandemic we are facing today, I believe that front liners are concrete example of authentic love. They put their health and life for the sake of others. We see and hear in the news that many of them served willingly for others. Enduring long work hours, the pain of seeing their patients suffer and die. And even to the extent that they themselves contract the virus and die! I am sure they will reap their reward in heaven.

I saw in a news a doctor lamenting the sad situation of those who were afflicted with CoVid-19. She had seen patients dying while waiting in the makeshift tents for a space in the ER. She cries out her heart seeing patients die because the hospital equipment and facilities needed are already exhausted. And these are people she isn't related to. She simply showed her unconditional love and care to people she encounter. She did everything possible for these people even putting her on life on the line.

But, I guess we can also show love not just by literally putting our lives on the line, or giving up our life out of service for others. I believe we can also show authentic Christ-like love by putting other people's needs and priorities ahead of ourselves. Tough challenge for most of us. But it's the only way to show we follow the commandment of LOVE!

 

Prayer

 

Dear God, we pray that we never give up in loving others. We pray for our front liners, that they may be healthy and safe as they perform their duty of love. Help us to put other people's needs ahead of ourselves. We pray that we continue to love unceasingly our family and all the people we meet. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.

 

 

 

The Lord is Risen!

Easter Sunday

The Resurrection of the Lord

4 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading:  COL 3:1-4, 22-23

Gospel:  JN 20:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead."

Today is a very joyous day because it is Resurrection Sunday! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! The Lenten days of fasting, almsgiving, and repenting are over. Christ's resurrection vividly demonstrates that love is always stronger than fear or hate or even death. Certainly, something to celebrate. And given what we have all been through this past year, we all really need reasons to celebrate, to find joy and reason for our hope. We just came out of the dark days of Good Friday and experience the fullness of Christ's light on Easter!

Maybe some of us would fret at these words, what is there to rejoice when we are in the midst of a pandemic? Many people are dying, our health workers and front liners are tired, the CoVid-19 cases are rising even with vaccination going on already. Where are You, Lord? People are anxious, worried, frustrated. At these moments, it may seem less clear how the Easter story is our story.

Let us take comfort in knowing that this is exactly the situation of Jesus' friends and followers not only during His Passion, but even in the earliest days of the Resurrection. It took time for them to recognize the reality of the Resurrection. The truth of the Easter Sunday is that God's love is victorious. That is the essence of our faith. Good still wins out over evil. Life wins out over death.

Remember that it is not our action that makes Easter happen. Rather, it is about taking the time to be attentive to God's creative action. God's unstoppable love resurrected Jesus from the dead. And it is God's love and not our own action that will lead to our own resurrections—both our bodily resurrections (someday) and the ways we experience new life now, in the midst of fear, suffering, grief, and even death.

Our part is simply to acknowledge our feelings, pay attention, wonder, and pray.

• If I am feeling emptiness or grief, I can bring my sense of emptiness to God and, like Mary Magdalene, wait for God, paying attention to where I might find new life beyond the tomb.
• If I am feeling fear and am shut inside my own room, I can bring those fears to God and know that God will enter right into that space with me. God can surprise me beyond the confines of my own understanding.
• If I am feeling doubt, I can express these doubts to God and, like Thomas, wonder how God invites me to touch the reality of the Resurrection.
• If I am feeling a desire for increased connection with God, I can let God walk with me, talk with me, and even "feed" me with the divine presence. I can let myself love God and let God love me in turn.

The Lord is risen. There is reason for hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a silver lining amidst the dark clouds.

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, I know You are here with us right now, walking with us, consoling us, embracing us, loving us. We just need to be aware and conscious of Your presence. Let me not be afraid . Let me receive Your peace. Thank You Jesus and all these we pray in Your Name. Amen.

 

 

 

God's Plan

Fifth Sunday of Lent

21 March 2021 

 

First Reading:  JER 31:31-34

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15

Second Reading:  HEB 5:7-9

Gospel:  JN 12:20-33

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

 

Once a year, my high school best friends were able to gather just to have a moment of friendship and talk about ourselves. It is just like a mini-reunion. Most of them are already professionals and have stable jobs. It was only I who was still studying because of my chosen vocation. We asked one another what was our plans and wishes after five years. In his sudden reaction, one of my best friends realized that he was turning 30 years old at that time. He said he wants to pause his age at 25 years old because he still wants to do many things and enjoy his life. Similarly, they asked me a question if I don't have any regrets that I was not able to enjoy my life outside. Excitedly, I answered them saying, "This might be God's plan for me and I love what I am doing and I enjoy things that I have right now.

 

In the Gospel, Jesus is aware that the hour has come. It is the time of His passion, death, and resurrection; the return to His Father and His glorification. However, Jesus was troubled. He knew that He will suffer from pain and anguish and He knew that this was the way. Instead of complaining, that the chalice of suffering passes Him by, Jesus prayed, "Father, glorify Your Name." And the Father's glory was manifested by Jesus in His loving disciples and all the people at the very end.

 

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that aside from our plans, there is God's plan. We might not be certain of the future or we might want to be still in our younger age or to pause our age so that we might be able to do things and enjoy our life. However, these were all just things that we want and not what God want for us. We might experience pain and suffering on our way, but Jesus would always be on our side, to fulfill God's plan for us. For what God wants for us will always be for our sake and a fruit of His love for us.

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to accept what Your Father planned for You. By this, we begged You to grant us the grace to have a humble heart so that we could also accept what God planned for us. Help us on our journey to fulfill Your Father's plan for us and always lead us on life. Amen.

 

 

 

God's Love for the World

Fourth Sunday of Lent

(Laetare Sunday)

14 March 2021 

 

First Reading:  2 CHR 36:14-16, 19-23

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading:  EPH 2:4-10

Gospel:  JN 3:14-21

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

 

When I was a child, my mother would always bring me with her to the church. She was the one who taught me how to pray to God. By that time, I don't have any understanding of God or the church. I was just a happy and innocent kid asking for an ice cream or toys every after Mass. But who really God is?

It was High School when I joined the Ministry of the Altar Server. There, I was able to understand God; He was the one who created the world, He saved us from our sins, people talked to Him, and others. And what I only knew was that I believed and trusted Him. Being an altar server, I felt a greater attraction to the service. I loved what I was doing in the church. This led me to likely become a priest and enter the seminary. And it was through that greater attraction that led me to love God and understand my faith in Him.

The Gospel today speaks of the loving and merciful God  who sends His only Son. During His time, Jesus was rejected by the people as the Son of God. He was mocked by the Pharisees and other people who hated Him. However, there were people who got attracted to Jesus. At first, they do not really understand their faith in Him, but later on, their attraction leads them to love and follow Jesus. On the other hand, even though Jesus was hated and mocked by the people, He did not give up His love for us. He took up the Cross of salvation to save us from our sins. This was the purpose of God's love and mercy to us. He sends His Son for us to understand His love for us and for us to love Him back.

 

Prayer

 

God our Father, we thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Your goodness, we were able to understand Your love for us. By this, help us to show Your love and mercy to others so that they, too, may understand Your loving presence to them. We ask You to bless us always and keep us in Your love. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.