Unhurried Grace

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

15 June 2025

 

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

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

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel: John 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Pointing to the One who Gives True Hope

   

The Baptism of the Lord

12 January 2025

 

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

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 92:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: Ac 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: Lk 3:15-16; 21-22

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

"You are My Beloved Son; with You, I am well pleased" (Lk 3:22). These are the words of God the Father at the end of the Gospel for this Sunday which is dedicated to the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. By doing this, the Father introduces the Son, Jesus, to everyone. It is Jesus who everyone has been waiting for. As a matter of fact, this is a reference to the inner thoughts and questions of the people who traveled all the way to the Jordan River to be baptized by Saint John the Baptist. God Himself responded to the questions in the hearts of these people by pointing out the promised Messiah Himself. It began with the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, descending on the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, in the form of a dove and the First Person of the Trinity, the Father, speaking from heaven to introduce the Son. Jesus is the One who everyone has been waiting for. 

In a way, by speaking from heaven at the end of the featured passage in the Gospel, the Father illustrates what each and every one of us must do as Christians. We have a duty to point to the One who gives true hope to each and every person, who is none other than Christ Jesus Himself. No one will find true hope in this world as it is not the world that gives true hope. The one who gives true hope is God who through Christ Jesus has wholeheartedly decided to share it with us. 

The readings for this Sunday focus on the Lord who is the source of true hope. In the First Reading, the Lord God tells the Prophet Isaiah to give comfort to His people. How will someone like the Prophet Isaiah who is a mere human being give comfort to a nation? The gift of comfort will come from God Himself. Isaiah’s task is to share and spread this gift of comfort that the Lord wholeheartedly offers to His people. The Second Reading stresses the wholehearted nature of the arrival of Christ as the promised Savior of all. By wholeheartedly deciding to come to the world as the promised Messiah and Savior, Jesus brought true hope to all. We now have a reason to hope because of Christ Jesus. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist stresses the appropriate response to God freely giving us hope through the promised Messiah and Savior, which is authentic praise and worship.

We are tasked with pointing to the One who gives true hope. The Father and the Holy Spirit did this in the narrative that is featured in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. Point out and introduce Jesus to others. Let Him be known to all. Ensure that everyone knows that Jesus is the source of true hope. 

As Christians who truly and wholeheartedly hope in Christ Jesus, let us share the hope that He brings to all. Let us introduce Jesus to others as the source of true hope. 

Prayer

Lord, You are the source of true hope. Give us the strength to introduce You to others and share with them the gift of true hope that You freely offer us. Amen.

Hymns of Praise

  

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

26 May 2024

 

First Reading: Dt 4:32-34, 39-40

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

Second Reading: Rom 8:14-17

Gospel: Mt 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

It makes me feel happy to see my husband and children do the sign of the cross boldly every time we say our prayers before meals and when passing by churches.

The words and the actions that go with the sign of the cross is already a powerful prayer, calling on to our Triune God! Believing in them, praising and proclaiming their protection and blessings over us.

Doing the sign of the cross is a hymn of praise, moreso, when we say the "Glory Be" which reaffirms the eternal glory of the Blessed Trinity.

Come and recite these prayers daily and let our life be hymns of praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Glory be the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 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.

Hold Onto Your Hope

 

  The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

12 June 2022 

 

First Reading: PRV 8:22-31

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

Second Reading: ROM 5:1-5

Gospel: JN 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint."

Pope Francis said this last year on Trinity Sunday:

"Today is the Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity. The light of Eastertide and of Pentecost renews in us every year the joy and amazement of faith: let us recognize that God is not something vague, our God is not a God "spray," he is tangible; he is not abstract but has a name: "God is love". His is not a sentimental, emotional kind of love but the love of the Father who is the origin of all life, the love of the Son who dies on the Cross and is raised, the love of the Spirit who renews human beings and the world. Thinking that God is love does us so much good, because it teaches us to love, to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us and walks with us. Jesus walks beside us on the road through life." We can celebrate this great solemnity, not by thinking about or arguing about concepts on how the Trinity works, but by opening our hearts to a deeper relationship with our God, who is love. We can have a relationship with each of the Persons in the Trinity. Certainly the God who made us can fill us with grateful love. All of creation can give glory to God for the wonders which surround us. As we reflect on the gift of life itself, we may be tempted to feel overwhelmed with life's struggles.

While many are rejoicing, many are still hurting up to this time one month after the election. We are still in the midst of the pandemic. There's also war in Ukraine. So many uncertainties. Many are suffering, afflicted, depressed with what's going on in their lives. Personally, I just came from a medical crisis in the family. I sometimes feel it's just too much. Lord can I still carry on? Where is the Holy Trinity?

Hey can we pause for a while and be present for the moment? Are you alive? Are you breathing? No matter how great the storm may be, there is hope. And in today's Second Reading, it assures us that, "affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint."

Start writing down the things that you are thankful for and you will be surprise! Start it right now. Thank God for a new life every morning, for the sunshine, for the rain, for the trees, for the flowers, the plants, the mountains, the sea, your eyes to, your ears to hear, there is food on the table, you still have your feet to walk, you have friends, you can still meet the people online, the gift of technology, you can connect and browse the internet, you have your phone, the comfort of your bed, the air conditioner, the electric fan, your kitchen, your home, and on and on. How many were you able to list down?

Yes, we may be filled with dark clouds but the Holy Trinity is here, our Abba Father, our Lord Jesus and our advocate the Holy Spirit. Let us keep the faith and hope in the Trinity. Let us thank Him for His continued presence and unconditional love. Stay in faith. The Trinity is our only refuge at this time of the afflictions, trials, and sufferings, and for that we should already give thanks. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. We strive for the grand spiritual adventure, which we haven't had, and neglect the many gifts from God that we do have. Let us be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given us.

Hope never fails.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, for whatever life may bring, I say THANK YOU! Give me the grace of a grateful heart all the time. Cause when there is gratitude and humility, there is peace. Thank You for everything You have given me Lord including the gift of life that I sometimes take for granted. All this I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Our God is Three in One!

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

30 May 2021 

 

First Reading: DT 4:32-34, 39-40

Responsorial Psalm: 33:4-5,6,  9, 18-19, 20, 22

Second Reading: ROM 8:14-17

Gospel:  MT 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit! In the beginning, Abraham has heard the Father but did not see Him. Then Jesus came and He; the Son of God, was physically present with Mary, Joseph, and His disciples and friends. God manifests His presence in flesh and blood. Jesus is God with us! And after Jesus was lifted up into heaven, He promised to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. God within each of us! "I am with you always, until the end of times". God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three in One.

As Catholics, we honor the Holy Trinity every time we pray. We begin our prayers with the sign of the Cross acknowledging the presence of the Holy Trinity. This is unique to us Catholics and we should be proud to proclaim our belief in the Holy Trinity. Personally, it empowers me. Each time I give a talk or a lecture in the many fora I attend, I pray and it empowers me. Every time we attend the Holy Mass, we begin with the sign of the cross!

 

Prayer

 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN! Thank You Holy Trinity for your presence in our lives. We thank You for all the blessings we have received. We thank You we are still alive. We thank You for empowering us to be a blessing to other people's lives. We ask You to continue to bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! AMEN!

 

 

 

In Praise of the Trinity

The Most Holy Trinity   22 May 2016  

First reading
Proverbs 8:22-31

The Wisdom of God cries aloud:

The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded,

  before the oldest of his works.

From everlasting I was firmly set,

  from the beginning, before earth came into being.

The deep was not, when I was born,

  there were no springs to gush with water.

Before the mountains were settled,

  before the hills, I came to birth;

before he made the earth, the countryside,

  or the first grains of the world’s dust.

When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there,

  when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep,

when he thickened the clouds above,

  when he fixed fast the springs of the deep,

when he assigned the sea its boundaries

 – and the waters will not invade the shore –

  when he laid down the foundations of the earth,

I was by his side, a master craftsman,

  delighting him day after day,

  ever at play in his presence,

at play everywhere in his world,

  delighting to be with the sons of men

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 8:4-9

Second reading
Romans 5:1-5

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, by faith we are judged righteous and at peace with God, since it is by faith and through Jesus that we have entered this state of grace in which we can boast about looking forward to God’s glory. But that is not all we can boast about; we can boast about our sufferings. These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.  

Gospel	John 16:12-15

Jesus said:

‘I still have many things to say to you

but they would be too much for you now.

But when the Spirit of truth comes

he will lead you to the complete truth,

since he will not be speaking as from himself

but will say only what he has learnt;

and he will tell you of the things to come.

He will glorify me,

since all he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.

Everything the Father has is mine;

that is why I said:

All he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.’

  Reflection
By Benj Santiago  

“Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

Today in the history of our country is the first time we have the presumptive President has been clearly and beyond doubt given a mandate by majority of Filipinos. All of the non-winning candidates had early on conceded just a week after the election. This blessing of a peaceful and orderly election after the campaign that was truly gruelling and many times hurting. An election that is for the first time in the history of our country pushed 55 million voters to fight for their chosen candidates. So much affliction of hate. Family member against another. Community of believers against another group of believers. We are one body, one nation but we suffered so much division and hate. But the good thing is that we had endured and our true character as Filipinos who are God fearing and loving triumphed above all!

Prayers really make wonders. I am sure all the candidates and the voting public prayed. The Holy Spirit enveloped our hearts and the entire nation allowing us to endure the political process that is generally peaceful, credible, and orderly. Thank You Lord! Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You Father in Heaven!

Prayer

O Most Holy Trinity, we thank You for covering our nation with your mantle of protection and love. We thank You for giving us the most efficient, the swiftest, the most credible and peaceful election! We praise your Name forever. Amen!

      

Mission on a Strong Foundation

The Most Holy Trinity

May 31, 2015

Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love.

First reading                                      Deuteronomy 4:32-34,39-40

Moses said to the people: ‘Put this question to the ages that are past, that went before you, from the time God created man on earth: Was there ever a word so majestic, from one end of heaven to the other? Was anything ever heard? Did ever a people hear the voice of the living God speaking from the heart of the fire, as you heard it, and remain alive? Has any god ventured to take to himself one nation from the midst of another by ordeals, signs, wonders, war with mighty hand and outstretched arm, by fearsome terrors – all this that the Lord your God did for you before your eyes in Egypt?
  ‘Understand this today, therefore, and take it to heart: the Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other. Keep his laws and commandments as I give them to you today, so that you and your children may prosper and live long in the land that the Lord your God gives you for ever.’

Psalm                                               Psalm 32:4-6,9,18-20,22

Second reading                               Romans 8:14-17

Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear into your lives again; it is the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness that we are children of God. And if we are children we are heirs as well: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory.

Gospel                                        Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

Reflection

By Anabelle Payod-Balla

Allow me to go directly to the key message of today's Gospel by asking you to read again the message that Jesus said to His disciples.

 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Notice how Jesus deliver His message. He confirmed His authority before He commissioned His disciples. His instructions were very specific, affirming the Holy Trinity. He gave assurance that they have His support always, until the end. What a powerful delivery! Erasing any doubts and ambiguity, inspiring the disciples to move forward with the mission that continues until today and for sure, until the very end.

As Christians, we have also been commissioned to make disciples of all nations and we have the assurance of the strongest foundation that we can stand and rely on- not Jesus alone but the Holy Trinity! And not just strong foundation but power, blessings and protection of the Holy Trinity!

Let us go and help others experience the abundance of God's love and mercy! We have been fully equipped to do this from the beginning.

Prayer

Father, give us the grace to obey Your commands. With our brothers and sisters,  may we give You praise and honor all the days of our life.

Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Rogate ergo Dominum messis

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 7, 2013

The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14

Rejoice, Jerusalem,

be glad for her, all you who love her!

Rejoice, rejoice for her,

all you who mourned her!

That you may be suckled, filled,

from her consoling breast,

that you may savour with delight

her glorious breasts.

For thus says the Lord:

Now towards her I send flowing

peace, like a river,

and like a stream in spate

the glory of the nations.

At her breast will her nurslings be carried

and fondled in her lap.

Like a son comforted by his mother

will I comfort you.

And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.

At the sight your heart will rejoice,

and your bones flourish like the grass.

To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 65:1-7,16,20

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

 

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not; what matters is for him to become an altogether new creature. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.

I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brothers. Amen.

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12,17-20

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.

‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.

‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

Reflection

By Mark Rodney Vertido

One of my personal patron saints is St. Hannibal Maria di Francia who is known as the Apostle of Prayer for Vocations. Since he was a child, he is always reminded by the Gospel that "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.” This is where he got his famous motto: “Rogate ergo Dominum messis.”


The Gospel this Sunday does not only talk about the instructions of Jesus to His apostles. Jesus was giving the context and the reason for the mission and evangelization. Then He gave instructions for the “seventy-two others” who were sent in pairs to proclaim the Good News to the places Jesus intended to visit. Jesus instructed them to go to a mission bringing a simple way of life and peace to every town they will visit. Jesus also warned them that there will be places that may refuse to accept them. And lastly, the Gospel also talks about the results that the apostles bring about in their mission to proclaim God’s words.

In this reflection, I would like to focus on the reality of the missionary zeal of the Church.

The Catechism clearly points out that the requirement for being a Catholic is to become a missionary (in any way that we can be such). Among the four characteristics of the Church – that is, one, holy, catholic, and apostolic – it is being catholic that we become missionaries. The Church is katolikos or “universal.” Since the world is a very wide mission area, everyone is invited to become missionary.

Among the realities that the Church today is facing, is the fact that ordained and consecrated ministers are still on the verge of decline. Even though the Annuario Pontificio of the Vatican shows an increasing statistics of priests and religious, still the figures cannot cover the actual need of ministers for the increasing population of Catholic, of the world. Thus, Vaticanist John Allen in 2006, argued that one of the mega-trends that shaped the Catholic Church today and probably in the future is the growing empowerment of the laity. Setting the tone of the Church as driven by the laityy. This may imply that more lay people are now helping in the mission of the Church.

Pray ye therefore to the Lord of the harvest. Just recently, I have resolved to become part of the Holy Spirit Associates (SSpSA). As an Associate, I am embracing a vocation to become a lay missionary. Vocation is always related to our personal and communal mission as part of the Church.

The idea of becoming a lay missionary is such a big dream. I am an Associate, meaning an Equal, of the SSpS sisters in their mission to bring the Holy Triune God in the hearts of all people. Needless to say, this starts with bringing the Triune God to my students first. We can become missionaries anywhere and to anyone. This is my personal mission at the moment. We may not easily recognize it but we do have a personal mission given by God for the benefit of the world which is full of suffering and indifference.

If we cannot be actively involved in the Church’s mission because of circumstances, we can always start in our own family. As we become more and more involved to this missionary endeavour, we will seek for ways to serve more.

You can do something! Listen to the Lord’s plea to “pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers to the harvest.” The power of prayer had been proven many times in history and in our personal experience. As we know, the Church is also driven by prayers not just activities. For almost five years now, many seminarians and those who are seeking holy orders had been included in my prayers. I believe that more than the material needs, prayers are more essential for them to persevere against the temptations of the evil one. Prayers brought good results, some found their vocation, others continue to persevere, while others have also finished their academic studies and proceeded to the next.

We must pray for vocations. But do not limit vocations to holy orders only. Being single or married is also a vocation. We pray for priests and religious men and women because we really need them. They are the signs and the witnesses of life. It is also essential to pray for single men and women that they may be pure and chaste. May they heed the call to be lay missionaries. We also pray for married couples and parents for they represent the Parental Love of God that our world needs. And may they also heed the call to offer back to God their children and encourage them to consider holy orders or other worthwhile vocations.

Prayer

I would like to end with two beautiful prayers that is the center of my daily prayer:

Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church!

May the Holy Triune God live in our hearts and in the hearts of all people!

Three-In-One Conspiracy

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

"The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; Before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. "When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men.

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

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace  with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Gospel: John 16:12-15

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.  But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Reflection

By Annabelle Payod-Balla

I just came from an empowering overnight teambuilding session facilitated by Pido Aguilar Jr. One of my key takeaways from that event is this, “Everything and everyone around me is FOR me, meant to help me grow and live a meaningful life.”

 Do you believe that everything in the universe is conspiring for our good? I do. I believe there is a greater force that orchestrates everything to keep the universe in order for our sake. That force is coming from the most powerful Triad there is, the Holy Trinity!

 Like King David, I also wonder why God bothers Himself for our sake that He even sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save us all. And then, He also sent us a Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit to help us discern His will for us. We have peace with Him through Jesus Christ, His Word made flesh, and given hope because He poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, His wisdom. The Three of Them, all High and Mighty and Most Powerful joined forces and continue to work together for our benefits. We are so pampered!

Prayer

With grateful hearts, please join me in giving glory to the Holy Trinity for all things are from the Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit!

GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT,  AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW AND WILL BE FOREVER. AMEN!