No Qualifications

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

28 June 2026

 

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Balla

I know I’m not perfect, and honestly, I know I’m not worthy of all the blessings God keeps pouring out. But I’ve learned that it was never really about me in the first place. It’s about Him—His mercy, His grace, and His generosity.

God doesn’t ask us to prove ourselves or meet a set of qualifications before He calls us. He simply asks us to love Him and follow Him. To do good whenever we can, whether those actions feel big or small. To support His church, His people, and His work in the simple ways available to us. Somehow, those small acts always end up meaning more than we expect.

When I look at my life, I see how much of it has been shaped by God’s grace. I came from very humble beginnings, but I was blessed with parents who lived with integrity. They weren’t religious, but they were kind, honest, and generous. Even when we didn’t have much, they always found a way to give something to others. Growing up, I didn’t realize it then, but now I see how those moments quietly taught me what faith and love look like in action.

I’ve also learned that discipleship doesn’t have to be loud or impressive. It doesn’t have to be grand. You don’t have to be famous, highly educated, or even deeply religious. What really matters is choosing to love, to care, and to avoid harming others—or the environment around us. Sometimes discipleship shows up in the simplest choices we make every day. And in those quiet, faithful moments, God does the rest.

Prayer

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Song by Matt Redman

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love and You're slow to anger

Your name is great and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

So bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name (bless You, Lord)

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore (forevermore)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name (c'mon)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Yes, I will worship Your holy name

Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I will worship Your holy name

Worship Your holy name

Humbly Exalting Christ

Second Sunday of Lent 

01 March 2026

 

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a

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

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

We hear the narrative of the Transfiguration of the Lord twice during the celebration of the Holy Mass in each liturgical year. The first time is this very day, the Second Sunday of Lent. The second time we hear the narrative in this very important event in the life of the Lord during the Eucharistic celebration is on August 6, the date that the Church designated to reflect and celebrate this event. In both days, the significance of this event in the life of the Lord is the primary focus of reflection. Aside from His wonderous Nativity, His Baptism in the Jordan River, His most dolorous and sorrowful Passion and Death, and His most glorious Resurrection, the Transfiguration is a very significant moment in Jesus’ earthly life.

By introducing Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Father shows everyone how to exalt His Son. Even though Jesus brought only three apostles – Peter, James, and John – with Him to the mountain, the words the Father spoke at that very moment were for everyone. The Father mandates everyone to listen and to obey Jesus. Like Abram, who we now know as Abraham, in the featured narrative in the First Reading, we should humbly exalt the Lord Jesus Christ with all our hearts and minds by listening and obeying Him.

In the context of the Lenten season, the Church invites us to reflect on this very significant moment in the life of Jesus, namely His Transfiguration, as a moment of revelation. Upon being transfigured, the identity of Jesus as true God was revealed. The Father spoke from Heaven, introducing Jesus as the promised Messiah who should be listened to (Matthew 17:5). As the Messiah, Jesus showed the great mercy of God that was referred to very clearly in the song of praise which the Responsorial Psalm features. The way Jesus did so is clearly explained to by Saint Paul the Apostle in the Second Reading. He did this through His Holy Cross and glorious Resurrection.

As a community of faith who form the Church, let us not steal the spotlight from the Lord Jesus. Rather, we should humble ourselves and exalt Him by wholeheartedly listening and obeying Him. By doing this, we are expressing our faith and devotion to Him.

    

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly present ourselves to You. We, Your humble servants, humbly ask Your forgiveness for trying to steal the spotlight from You. We humbly thank You for showing us Your love, mercy, compassion, and grace. May we be humble of heart, like You, who we humbly exalt and praise forever and ever. Amen.

The Meek Inherits the Land

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

01 February 2026

 

First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land” - Matthew 5:5

I have heard the Gospel about the sermon of the mount several times, but reading it more closely and intently this time made me pause for a question. How will the meek inherit the land? Why not the hardworking, or the strong can inherit the land instead? 

For me, meek is the last person qualified to inherit the land. Meek comes to me as quiet and submissive, how will a meek stand in front of a dominating opponent? Then thanks to an AI tool (artificial intelligence), I found the full definition of a meek person. It says:

"A meek person is gentle, quiet, and mild-mannered, often characterized by patience, humility, and a non-confrontational nature, willing to comply with others and putting up with wrongs without complaint, but it's not weakness; it's a controlled strength, like the gentleness of Christ, involving inner power and self-control rather than assertiveness or arrogance.”

I found the key words, “patience”, “humility”, “self-control”. God, therefore, favors those who are patient, humble and can control their temper. 

This reminds me of an instance when I almost lost my “meekness” last December. Our house is situated at the corner of two streets and I requested a delivery van to temporarily park in one of the sides to comfortably load the items. The two way street became one way and one of the bigger vans passing by cussed at us for causing obstruction. My initial reaction was to shout back. But seeing that the man is an elderly and handicapped, I later shouted back “Merry Christmas!” and signaled the delivery van to move back just to let them pass peacefully. I admit that my head is still fuming with rage to return the same foul words he said but I was glad that the Holy Spirit did not let me. 

I can actually win the argument with the old man but at what cost? I would disrespect an elderly person, inconvenience all incoming vehicles because neither of us will not give way, disrupting my neighbor’s peace, wasting energy and time. But when I gave in, I only lost 2 minutes and a bit of my pride. 

I realized then that hard work and skills may take you far but only patience, humility and self-control will get you through any obstacles. And the best part? You made our Father proud. 

Prayer

Father, forgive us of our shortcomings. Thank You for reminding us of what matters in the Kingdom of Heaven. Send us Your Holy Spirit to continue to accompany us on our daily struggles. Amen.

Viva Santo Niño!

Feast of the Santo Niño

18 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97

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

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Today, with special permission from the Holy See, we celebrate the feast day of the Santo Niño in various parts of the Philippines, most notably in Cebu and Tondo.

History tells us that the image of the Holy Child Jesus was the first religious image to arrive in the country, marking the beginning of Christianity among Filipinos. But beyond historical accounts, it is the firsthand, life-changing experiences of countless Filipinos that have made this devotion deeply popular and truly special.

Personally, I hold a deep reverence for the Santo Niño. This Holy Child has been present in my life since day one. From growing up in Tondo until the age of five, returning during my college years in 2007, and living there before moving to Bulacan in 2021, Tondo has always been home to me.

Despite the common misconception that Tondo is a rowdy place, I feel at peace there. Perhaps it is because I am assured that the Santo Niño, the true King of Tondo is always present, watching over me, and keeping me from harm.

The Santo Niño de Tondo has witnessed all my firsts: from my first words and school achievements to my first job, first date, and even moments of heartbreak. In every stage, this Holy Child has steadied me, just as He securely holds the world in His hands.

Visiting Cebu twice, seeing the revered image of the Señor, and attending Mass in His church, my devotion to the Santo Niño grew even deeper.

It led me to reflect on how the Holy Child Jesus, the beloved Son of God, humbly subjected Himself and became obedient to Mary and Joseph.

In these modern times, when many take pride in their achievements and possessions and readily display them on social media, the littleness and humility of the Santo Niño remind us not to boast before God. Everything we have comes from Him; thus, the call for us to remain humble, submissive, and obedient to the Father.

May the feast of the Santo Niño keep us grounded in every success and teach us to respect one another, not by position or status, but by the goodness of the heart.

Prayer

Dear Santo Niño, we thank You for all the blessings and graces You have bestowed upon us. May our devotion to You lead us to charity, humility, and peace with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Humility in Prayer

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

26 October 2025

 

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Prayer is essential in our lives. As the Church teaches, God desires a conversation with us through prayer. However, we must be mindful of both the content of our prayers and the attitude we have when we pray.

In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches us humility in prayer. The Pharisee approached God enumerating his righteous deeds and his strict adherence to the law. In his prayer, he compared himself to others, elevating himself above the tax collector and feeling more deserving of God’s favor. In contrast, the tax collector’s prayer was simple, only a humble plea for God's mercy. Jesus tells us that it was the tax collector who went home justified, not the Pharisee.

This Gospel reminds us to be humble. When we come before the Creator of heaven and earth, we don’t need to boast about our good works, as God already knows them. What He desires from us is a contrite heart, someone who seeks forgiveness and help that only He can provide. Jesus cautions us against self-righteousness, as God knows the true disposition of our hearts.

What do we pray for? Who are we when we pray? These are important questions to reflect on as we kneel before God in prayer.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to be humble in prayer. As we desire to converse with You, may You open our lips, touch our hearts, and lead us to show compassion and love to others. Amen.

At the Table of the Humble

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

31 August 2025

 

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

 

Reflection By:

Bro. Carlo Alexis Malaluan

Diocese of Imus

 

In Filipino culture, there’s something sacred about a "handaan" —a feast, a gathering. Whether it’s a wedding, a town fiesta, a graduation, or even a simple birthday, meals are never just about food. They’re about relationship. To be invited is to be noticed, remembered, counted. To be welcomed and given a place at the table is to feel that your presence matters. There is a beautiful Filipino word for this, "Kumbida" from Spanish, "Con vida", pointing out that it is not simply meals that we share but life.

We all know that feeling when we’re treated with special regard at a gathering—when someone sets aside a seat for us, serves us first, or even calls us by name with affection. And perhaps, just as deeply, we also know the sting of being left out, of not being invited, of being placed on the margins — literally and figuratively.

So when Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel about a wedding banquet, we understand what’s at stake. He watches as guests choose the best seats for themselves — the places of honor. And He offers a gentle yet piercing parable: “When you are invited, go and take the lowest place… For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

At first, it might seem like a lesson in social etiquette. But Jesus isn’t teaching manner. He’s teaching the posture of the Kingdom. In a world where we often measure worth by status, recognition, or visibility, Jesus reminds us that at His table, the most honored are those who do not demand honor. The most welcome are those who do not compete for space, but create it for others.

He then turns to the one hosting the meal and says: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” It’s a reversal. The usual logic—of inviting those who can repay us—is dismantled. Jesus invites us into a deeper way of relating: one that does not seek return, but gives for the sake of love.

This is challenging. Because so often, even unconsciously, we carry with us a desire to be seen, to be acknowledged, to be rewarded. Even in our acts of kindness or service, we might quietly hope for a thank-you, a seat of honor, or at least a sense of recognition. But the Gospel invites us to a purer kind of generosity—one that mirrors God's: generous without conditions, welcoming without counting.

And perhaps that’s what Jesus wants us to see: that the true banquet of the Kingdom isn’t about where you sit, but how you love. It’s not about being important in the eyes of others, but being small enough to make room for someone else.

In our Filipino gatherings, we know how it feels to be part of the celebration, and how deeply human the longing is to belong. But Jesus teaches us that the deepest belonging comes not from being treated as special, but from treating others—especially the overlooked—as beloved.

So today, we might ask ourselves: In the gatherings of my life—at home, in community, at work—do I seek the place of honor, or do I create space for others to feel honored? Do I give only where I expect return, or am I learning to love quietly, freely, like the Host who invites all?

Because in the end, the truest feast is not the one where we are celebrated, but the one where we make others feel they have a place at the table.

Prayer

    

Solemnity of All Saints

01 November 2024

 

First Reading: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14

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

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3

Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

As we celebrate All Saints' Day, the Beatitudes' first line reminds us how to live our life in HUMILITY and DEPENDENCE on God.

Being poor in spirit is not necessarily a call to material poverty. Jesus is calling us to deeper poverty of the heart to recognize that everything good comes from God! St. Francis and St. Ignatius were from wealthy families. St. Stephen of Hungary was a King! They were poor in Spirit in spite of their wealth and power for they have shared what they possess and remained totally dependent on God.

Today, I, you, all of us are reminded to have full dependence on God. The first step is to recognize our sinfulness, weakness, and faults. We need to humble ourselves to God and ask for His mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession.

Secondly, we need to practice humility and gratitude. Serve our family and community with humility. Lead with humility. Be thankful for all the blessings we receive.

Finally, we must acknowledge that all our posessions, position, titles, and power are not ours to own. Give to those in need. Share your blessings to family, friends, and community. Practice Tithing.

We are called to be "poor in spirit."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all Your blessings. We acknowledge that all we possess, and that we have is a blessing from You. We humbly pray and beg You to continually bless us so that we can bless more people like the Saints before us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Humble Beginnings

    

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 June 2024

 

First Reading: Ez 17:22-24

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:6-10

Gospel: Mk 4:26-34

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

You may have heard stories of how a big organisation such as a school, hospital, or community started from humble beginnings. The Church is no different. Who would imagine a small band of common people would serve as the nucleus of the Church spread all over the world?

God favours humble beginnings. In the First Reading, God desired to plant a tender shoot on top of a mountain. In the Gospel, Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to seeds. On their own, shoots and seeds would seem to be useless. Keep them and they will rot. Plant them and they will grow and bear fruit. Indeed, "Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs" (Ez 17:23) and "when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come" (Mk 4:29).

In a rat race culture, we oftentimes grow impatient. We see problems besetting the Church and we want solutions, now. We pray, but more in our own terms and not God's. We act as though we are the main actors of the show. Our readings remind us that God is in control and that He is the main actor. "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain" (Ps 127:1). All that is required of us is to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7)

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may the seeds of Your Gospel take root and bear fruit in our hearts and in the hearts of those around us. Amen.

Mabuting Pastol: Dakila't Huwaran

    

Ikaapat na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay / Linggo ng Mabuting Pastol

21 Abril 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Gawa 4:8-12

Salmong Tugunan: Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

Ikalawang Pagbasa: 1 Jn 3:1-2

Mabuting Balita: Jn 10:11-18

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Katarungan, kababaan, payak na pamumuhay. Ito ang mga katangian na nais ituro ng seminaryo ng Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol sa aming nga hinuhubog sa pagpapari. Laging paalala ng tagapagtatag nito na si Bihop Felix Perez sa mga seminarista, “Be like a Mabuting Pastol.” At sa aking patuloy na paglalakbay sa probinsiya ng Palawan, ipinakita sa amin ng aming paring tagapatnubay, na isa ring Ka-tahanan, ang halimbawa ng Mabuting Pastol. Ipinamalas niya kung papaano mamuhay nang may katarungan, kababaan at kapayakan. Ngayon lang din ako halos nakakita ng paring simple lang. Natutulog sa papag ng walang kutson, kasa-kasama namin sa pag-iigib ng tubig, paglilinis at iba pang gawain.

Ngayong ika-apat na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang Linggo ng Mabuting Pastol o ang Good Shepherd Sunday at World Day of Prayer for Vocation. Sa Mabuting Balita, sinabi  ni Hesus na Siya ang Mabuting Pastol, handang mag-alay ng buhay alang-alang sa kapakanan ng kanyang kawan. 

Sa aking pagninilay, ipinapakita sa akin ng Diyos ang tunay na kahulugan kung ano ang isang Pari, ang maging katulad ng Mabuting Pastol: may Katarungan, Kababaan at Payak na pamumuhay. At dito sa probinsiya ng Palawan ay ipinakita sa akin ang tunay na pagiging Pastol sa kawan. Malaki din ang nabago sa aking perspektibo kung papaano maging isang tunay na lingkod ng Diyos. Noon, akala ko, ang pari ay para lamang sa mga sakramento: magmimisa, magpapahid ng langis, magkakasal, atbp. Ngayon, ang tunay na kahulugan nito para sa akin ay pagmimisyon at paglabas ng simbahan patungo sa pinakamahirap na lugar at makipamuhay din sa kanila, katulad ng Mabuting Pastol. Gayundin ang hamon nito sa lahat, ang maging Mabuting Pastol bilang magulang sa mga anak, mga naglilingkod sa gobyerno, sa ating mga kaibigan, at higit sa lahat, bilang mga Kristiyano na sumusunod kay Kristo.

Panalangin

PANALANGIN PARA SA BOKASYON mula kay Papa Francisco

Panginoon ng anihan, pagkalooban Mo ng lakas ng loob ang mga kabataan na tumugon sa Iyong panawagan. Buksan Mo ang kanilang mga puso sa mga dakilang kaisipan at bagay. Kasihan ang lahat ng Iyong mga alagad ng magkaayong pag-ibig at pagbibigay sapagkat ang Bokasyon ay sumisibol sa mabuting lupa ng mga tapat na tao. Isalin Mo sa mga nasa relihiyosong pamumuhay, parokya, ministry at pamilya nang may pagtitiwala at biyaya ng maghihikayat ng iba upang yakapin ang malakas at marangal na landas ng nakatalagang buhay para sa Iyo. Pagbuklurin Mo kami kay Hesus sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at sakramento, upang magawa naming makipagtulungan sa Iyo sa pagtataguyod ng paghahari ng Iyong awa, katotohanan at karunungan.

Humble Children of God

   

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 November 2023

 

First Reading: Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 131:1, 2, 3

Second Reading: 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13

Gospel: Mt 23:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

You have but one Father in heaven! For a Christian, this is not just a way of speaking, or a designation. Mindfulness of divine filiation is rooted in a divine gift that transforms a person from within. St. John puts it this way: "See what love the Father has for us, that He has called us sons of God, and so we are!...We are truly children of God" (1 Jn 3,1-2).

Have you ever noticed that new-born babies would often resemble the physical characteristics of their parents? And as they grow older, they would adapt their behaviours and mannerisms? For this, Jesus tells us: You have but one Father in heaven! A Father from whom we came from, and whose image and likeness we are formed and created. As we are created in the image of God, we are called to be like Him in every way, to participate in His sanctity in our everyday encounters. As Saint Matthew would tell us, “But you are to be perfect, for as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt 5,8).

In the Gospel for today, Jesus warns his disciples not to look for other “teachers”, rather points us to a perfect example. The Lord explicitly tells us to become humble. The greatest among you must be your servant (Mt 23,11). And who is the image of perfect humility? Jesus. He says, “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Mt 11:29). Most of the time, it is not easy to be humble. It is way easier to assert ourselves. We always want to be heard and seen. We always want to have an impact. And humility seems to be blocking the way for us to be “known”. But, on the contrary, humility is not an act of self-rejection nor self-deprivation. Saint Thomas Aquinas defines it this way: “Humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us: knowing every good we have comes from Him as pure gift” (Summa Q161). As pride is an excessive response to cover-up our own lackness and emptiness, humility is realising our own belovedness rooted in the goodness of God. Adam, the first man turned away from God through pride and disobedience and ruptured the loving relationship of God and humanity. Jesus, who is the perfect Son of the Father understood humility perfectly the he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness (Ph 2,7) in order for humanity to come to the Father as sons and daughters. Humility, impulsed by love, brings us back into the communion with God.

As Christians, we participate in this loving action of love and humility by “deeply caring for others and by sharing with them not only the gospel of God but also our own selves”, says Saint Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians. Offering our own selves for the sake of others is an act of humility and perfection. What God has given us through his generous donation, through what Christ has shown us exemplary on the cross and through the creative action of the Holy Spirit within us- we are too called to participate in this self-giving as children of the Father in Christ through the Holy Spirit. In our small and daily activities, in thinking of the welfare of those around us, in a thoughtful action of kindness and charity - there we are able to become more and more the “image and likeness”  of God, our one Father in heaven.

Prayer

Jesus, help us to become humble like You so that in our effort to do so, we continue to become the image and likeness of our one Father in heaven.

Only the Humble

    

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

08 October 2023

 

First Reading: Is 5:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20

Second Reading: Phil 4:6-9

Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

 

Both the First Reading and the Gospel for this Sunday involve the use of the image of vineyards. The image of the vineyard is used in the First Reading to highlight how the people of Jerusalem and Judah refused to listen to the will of the Lord God. Instead of fresh grapes, wild, or, in other translations, rotten grapes were found in this specific vineyard, which is none other than the vineyard of the Lord (Isaiah 5:2, 4). With this statement, the Lord, through the Prophet Isaiah, points out only one thing. Despite God loving and valuing His people, they refused to listen to Him due to the hardness of their minds and hearts. This is very ironic, given the words of the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, which also comes from the First Reading: “The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel” (Isaiah 5:7). Despite being chosen by God, they refused to listen. A similar image of the vineyard was also used by Jesus in the Gospel for this Sunday. Like the words in the First Reading, the Lord Jesus Christ uses the image of a vineyard to highlight the hardness of the hearts and minds of the people of Israel at the time. The difference is that the focus is not on the vines or grapes itself but on the tenants. Instead of opening their ears, minds, and hearts to the messages of the messengers and even the son of the landowner, the tenants refused to listen and beat up and killed the messengers and even the son of the landowner. Not even the son of the landowner was spared from the violence and bloodthirstiness of the tenants in the parable narrated by the Divine Nazarene, our Lord Jesus, in the Gospel. 

What is the lesson for us? The people in the First Reading and the parable of Jesus in the Gospel both chose to not humble themselves before the Lord. Despite being chosen and cared for by God, despite all the things He has done, they still chose to harden their hearts and minds to Him. Yes, their ears were open, they heard all the messages of the Lord God, which were sent to them by the prophets, but they refused to open their hearts and minds to Him, humble themselves, listen to Him, and obey Him. Even today, this is still evident. We hear the Word of God everyday, yet there are instances where we harden our hearts and minds and reject it. Admit it or not, this often happens. Even though there are many times that this happens, this does not make it the correct thing to do. 

The lesson for us this Sunday is found in the Second Reading. Saint Paul the Apostle reminded the Philippian Christians at the end of his lesson in the Second Reading for this Sunday: “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me” (Philippians 4:9). Of course, Saint Paul the Apostle is not the only one who did this given that there are many holy men and women who are part of the communion of Saints. However, he only means one thing – be humble, open our hearts and minds to the will of God, listen to it, and obey it. 

In order to be able to open our hearts and minds to God, listen to Him, obey Him, and follow Him, we need humility. Humility is necessary in listening, obeying, and following God. With the help of humility, our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are open to understanding the perspective of the Lord and recognizing its beauty. It is only in being humble that we will be able to appreciate, believe, and trust the way of God wholeheartedly. This is what God wants from us. 

Yes, it is hard to be humble and listen to the will of God and obey it. However, if we truly love God, we will be willing to do this. No matter how difficult it is, we will be willing to humble ourselves before the Lord and listen to His will and obey it if our love, devotion, and worship for Him is genuine. Like our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, who Christ Himself praised when He said in response to a woman: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28), as Christians, we should be humble because it is only in being humble that we will be able to truly offer our genuine faith, love, devotion, and worship to the Lord God. Only the ones who humbly and genuinely believe, trust, love, and worship God will be able to hear His word and obey it.

Prayer

Lord, there are times in our temporary life here on earth where we find it to be very difficult to humbly listen to You and obey You. Teach us to be truly and genuinely humble so that we may truly love You, O Lord, with all our heart, mind, and soul. Amen. 

Patawad

    

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon)

17 September 2023

 

First Reading: Sir 27:30‐28:7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

Second Reading: Rom 14:7-9

Gospel: Mt 18:21-35

 

Reflection

By: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Sa palabas na Face to Face sa TV, ang programa ay laging nagsisimula sa away ng dalawang tao, magbabangayan sila at makikita talaga ang matinding galit nila sa isa’t isa. Kung minsan ay mag-aambaan na parang magkakasakitan pa at aawatin naman sila ng mga tila bouncer sa set. Pero sa dulo ng programa, laging nagkakasundo ang magka-away, nagkakapatawaran, mangangako ng pagbabago at haharapin na nila ang masayang pamumuhay. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi laging parang tulad sa palabas sa TV na Face to Face ang nangyayari sa buhay natin. Hindi palaging happy ending dahil napakahirap magpatawad ng kapwa natin na sukdulan ang ginagawang kasalanan sa atin. Ang Ebanghelyo natin ngayon ukol sa pagpapatawad ay hindi talaga madaling sundin lalo na kung ang kasalanan ng ating kapwa ay apektado ang ating buhay. Ngunit kung hindi tayo magpapatawad ng ating kapwa, papaano tayo manghihingi ng tawad sa Diyos ng ating mga kasalanan? Ipagdarasal ba natin na “Lord, huwag Mo siyang patawarin kasi napakalaki ng kasalanan niyan sa akin.” Nililinaw sa atin ni Jesus na lagi’t laging kailangan nating patawarin ang sinumang magkakasala sa atin sapagka’t ang Diyos mismo ay handa tayong patawarin sa anumang kasalanan natin.   

Minsan napadaan kami sa Edsa nang rush hour.  Kaliwa’t kanan ang mga kamote riders na kasabayan naming nakamotor. Kahit ano’ng ingat ko sa pagmamaneho ay nagitgit pa rin kami. Tinamaan nang bahagya ang sapatos ng misis ko at gilid ng motor. Kahit alam kong nasa tama ako, bukod sa may dash cam ang motor namin, ang nanggitgit pa sa amin ang nagalit na parang kami ang may mali. Hindi ko na iginiit na mali siya at tama ako. Hayaan mo na sabi ko sa misis ko na aking angkas, hindi naman grabe ang nangyari, konting gasgas lang ika ko. Habang kumakain kami sa SM, nanggigigil pa rin sa galit ang misis ko dahil sa pagkakagitgit sa amin. Iniba ko na lang ang usapan para makalma na ang misis ko. Pagkaraan ng ilang araw, tinatanong ako ng aking misis tungkol sa nanggitgit sa amin sa Edsa, gusto niyang ikuwento ko ang detalye, pero sabi ko’y hindi ko na matandaan iyon. Tapos tinanong niya ako kung ano ang kinain namin sa SM ng gabing iyon at sinabi ko naman. Sabi ng misis ko, “Natandaan mo lahat ang kinain natin pati presyo pero hindi mo matandaan nung ginitgit tayo ng kamote rider?” Pinaliwanag ko sa misis ko na hindi ko na iniisip pa ang mga pinatawad ko na, binubura ko na sa isipan ko upang hindi na ito maging bagahe pa sa aking pagmamaneho. Kung paulit-ulit ko kasing aalalahanin at poproblemahin ang mga may kasalanan sa akin, baka uminit lagi ang ulo ko, baka ma-high blood pa ako. Siguradong maaapektuhan ang pagmamaneho ko at pakikitungo sa iba pang motorista pag dinala ko pa ang bagaheng iyon. Napagtanto ko na magandang pagsasanay ng pagpapatawad sa kapwa ang tulad ng pagpapatawad sa mga nagkakamali at nagkakasala na mga motorista. Ang pagiging kalmado ay malaking bagay sa pagpapatawad. Mahirap ito pero posible. Kung ang dami ng alalahanin natin sa buhay ang nagpapahirap sa atin upang magpatawad ng kapwa, isipin na lang natin ang dami ng kasalanan natin sa Diyos na dapat nating ihingi ng tawad.  Kung hihingi tayo ng tawad sa Diyos, ihingi na rin natin ng tawad ang mga nagkasala sa atin. Habang buhay pa’y mas magandang ihingi na rin sila ng tawad sa Diyos kaysa sa nakasanayan natin na ihinihingi lang natin ng tawad ang mga kaluluwa ng mga mahal natin sa mga padasal.

Prayer

Panginoong Jesus, dalangin namin ang biyaya ng pagpapatawad upang ang lahat ng nagkasala sa amin ay agad naming mapatawad.  Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatawad sa aming kapwa, mapatawad Mo din Panginoon ang lahat ng aming kasalanan.  Amen.