New Life

Fifth Sunday of Lent

22 March 2026

 

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: John 11:1-45

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

 

The narrative of Jesus restoring Lazarus back to life is featured in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. With this miracle, Jesus gives a glimpse of what is to come. Aside from showing love for His beloved friend from Bethany, who was already dead for four days by the time He arrived to perform this act, with this wonderous miracle, He gives us a glimpse of the glory He will attain once He rises from the dead. Lazarus was resuscitated or revived back to life upon the loud call of Jesus. On the other hand, Jesus will rise from the dead by His own power, proving that He is indeed the one true God who came to save humanity by His Holy Cross and Resurrection.

Interestingly, immediately after the narrative of this wonderous miracle, the next event that was featured was a session that was held by the Sanhedrin in response to what Jesus has done for Lazarus. A meeting was immediately summoned by the Sanhedrin so that its members would have the chance to discuss among themselves their next move. What will they do as a response to this miracle which was done by this popular preacher who came all the way from Nazareth? If He continues to perform deeds like this, His popularity will continue to increase which will cause them headaches in dealing with Rome. This is where Caiaphas, the high priest at the time, provided a solution – one man will die for the sake of the people (John 11:46-49). The man they chose to suffer and die for the sake of the people is none other than Jesus who they are greatly envious of and want to get rid of.

Even though Jesus was not there in the meeting that was convened by the members of the Sanhedrin, He knew what was in their hearts. He knew fully well that they wanted to kill Him. Despite knowing what was in their hearts and minds, Jesus did not have any regrets in leaving His heavenly kingdom to come to the world in order to save humanity. Not even the cruel plot of the Sanhedrin to put Him to death made Him regret coming to the world to save humanity through His Cross and Resurrection. This is evidence of His great mercy, compassion, and love.

As stated in the Responsorial Psalm, the Lord is full of mercy. This is the reason why He chose to save us. In fact, this is what the Lord clearly stresses in the words He says through the Prophet Ezekiel in the First Reading. In the Second Reading, the Apostle Saint Paul talks about the gift of new life that was given to us through Christ Jesus. In giving us the gift of new life, God has proven that He is indeed merciful, compassionate, and loving. God has willed that His Spirit lives in us in order for us to experience the change He gives. We no longer live in sin. Rather, we are created anew. We become people who are filled with holiness and righteousness, which is pleasing to Him. 

God is truly merciful, compassionate, and loving. Aside from giving each of us an opportunity to experience life here on earth, He also gives us the gift of new life. This gift of new life is a life filled with holiness and righteousness, which is truly pleasing to Him. By coming down from Heaven to assume the role of the promised Messiah and Savior through His only Begotten Son, Christ Jesus, He has freely given us this wonderous gift.

   

Prayer

Filled with heartfelt gratitude for the gift of life, we humbly praise, worship, thank, and exalt You, O Lord. We also humbly thank You for giving us the gift of new life, a life filled with holiness and righteousness. Like Lazarus who was raised back to life, may we always choose to listen and obey Your word and will. Amen.

The True Rich

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

28 September 2025

 

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

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

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)

In this parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus paints a vivid contrast between worldly comfort and eternal reality. The rich man enjoyed abundance and ignored the poor beggar at his gate, while Lazarus suffered in misery while they were still alive. At death, their situations were reversed: Lazarus found comfort with Abraham, while the rich man was in torment.

This reveals the seriousness of how we live our earthly lives. Wealth or money or mammon itself is not evil or condemned, but selfishness and lack of compassion bring judgment. The rich man’s sin was his indifference and lack of empathy—he failed to see and care for the suffering Lazarus who is just outside his gate. The rich man failed to listen to what the prophets taught that we must love others expressed through generosity, mercy, and solidarity especially the poor. This is continuing situation even in this time.

The Gospel reminds us of the power and sufficiency of God’s Word. The Scriptures, given through Moses and the prophets, already contain the truth that leads to salvation. If people refuse to listen to God’s revelation, no miracle or extraordinary sign will be enough to change their hearts. It also points that our Lord Jesus is already foretelling the Pharisees of His own Resurrection. That even though He rose from the dead, many still chose not to believe.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to the suffering around us. Teach us to share our blessings with compassion and love. May we never be blinded by wealth or comfort, but instead live with mercy and faithfulness. Help us to open our hearts and listen to Your Word so we may share in eternal life. Help us to listen with faith, trust in Your promises. May we always believe with humility and perseverance, so that we may be strengthened in hope and remain faithful to Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.

Jesus Cries

  

Fifth Sunday of Lent

26 March 2023

 

First Reading: Ez 37:12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: Rom 8:8-11

Gospel: Jn 11:1-45

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

When was the last time you cry for the death of a loved one?

In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, my two uncles, the brothers of my mother, have died, one after another, just two months apart, in June and August. I was so devastated that time to the point that I had to utter a prayer to the Lord begging Him to please stop and that it should be enough for that year. We were so tired emotionally and we couldn't help losing another loved one if ever. If I was so heartbroken that time, how much more my mother?

In today's Gospel, Jesus also wept at the death of his beloved friend, Lazarus. It is one of the three times He became vulnerable and cried as written in the Bible. In the continuation of the Gospel, we also heard Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead so the Jews would believe Him and the One who sent Him.

It is only three times that Jesus was recorded crying in the Bible, but I do believe that every time we sin, Jesus actually cry.

Years ago, I had a very raw conversation with a 6-year old girl while looking at the image of Jesus. She asked who is that, I told her Jesus Christ. She said, "Oh, Jesus Cry". I kept on correcting her it's Jesus Christ, but she also kept repeating Jesus Cry. Then it registered to me that the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ is rhymed with Jesus cries. I also came to realize that maybe Jesus cries when we continue to commit sin and disregard His overwhelming love for us.

Next Sunday, we will formally start the Holiest Week of the Year, we will commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that instead of going on a vacation on these declared regular Holidays, may we also give time going to Churches to participate in the church activities especially in the Easter Triduum, the heart of our faith. May this be a time for reflection and see the importance of Jesus' saving sacrifice for the world. May we realize that His Passion, Death, and Resurrection should always be enough for us to believe in Him.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for this Season of Lent. We pray that we are able to prepare ourselves for the greatest Solemnity, Your Resurrection. Help us to obey Your will and strive hard to avoid sin so as to prevent You from crying. We look forward to the day that we will see Your sweetest smile, face to face, in heaven. Amen.

The Least, the Last, and the Lost

   

  Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 September 2022 

 

First Reading: Am 6:1a, 4-7

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

Second Reading: 1 Tm 6:11-16

Gospel: Lk 16:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Gharri Tulabut

 

This is our usual prayer after class:

“Thank You Father for today’s discussion.” Then I add a bit about the topic for the day and continue with, “May everything that we learn and do in here and in our daily lives bear fruits that glorifies You.” And then we close the prayer with a Glory Be.

But in occasions when our topic is about finances, investing, or economics, I surprise my students with how I start the prayer. And it goes… 

“Lord make us rich!” Then I ask for an Amen from them. “Amen?” Half of the class would respond. Half remains shocked with the prayer. While they’re still dumbfounded with the bold prayer, I would continue and close it with, “But Lord, always remind us of the true purpose of wealth, and that is to love the people that you have entrusted us to love, esp. your favorites—the least, the last, and the lost.”

Ask me what I have done so far for the least, the last, and the lost—the likes of Lazarus in our Gospel reading for today. I will probably swallow something and grope for an answer. Or I’ll probably reason out, I am not yet rich.

I know, I don’t need to reach my standard of being rich before I start giving to the poor. Well, I was able to start that in tithing despite just barely making both ends meet, esp. during the pandemic. And thanks to this self-examen/reflection/realization, I think I will slowly start to make that bold prayer a reality. And my why’s for wanting to reach my standard for wealth remains the same, that is to love the people I was entrusted to love, esp. God’s favorites.

Prayer

Father, make me rich! Amen! But Lord always remind me of the true purpose of wealth, and that is to love the people that you have entrusted me to love, esp. your favorites—the least, the last, and the lost. And while I’m not there yet, I trust Your divine providence that I can slowly start to make this prayer a reality. Your Divine Grace, I implore, in Jesus Name, Amen!

Life, Hope, Resurrection

First Reading: Ez 37:12-14

Thus says the Lord GOD:

O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD.

I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: Rom 8:8-11

Brothers and sisters:

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.

Verse Before the Gospel: Jn 11:25a, 26

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will never die.

Gospel: Jn 11:1-45

Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to him saying, "Master, the one you love is ill." then Jesus heard this he said, "This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." He said this, and then told them, "Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him." So the disciples said to him, "Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved." But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. So then Jesus said to them clearly, "Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him." So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go to die with him."

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise." Martha said to him, "I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day."

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world."

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, "The teacher is here and is asking for you." As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him. For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there.

When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Sir, come and see." And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him." But some of them said, "Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?" So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it.

Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the dead man's sister, said to him, "Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me." And when he had said this, He cried out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, "Untie him and let him go."

Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

Reflection
By Carlo Alexis Malaluan

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)

These are the consoling and comforting words of Jesus to Martha who was engulfed in grief and sadness upon the death of her brother, Lazarus. The Lord heard the cry of the bereaved, the Lord saw the pain in their eyes, the longing in their hearts, He had compassion for them.

The gospel today is the story of an encounter between the God of compassion and the human person in pain, between the author of Life and the victim of death. Martha asked for the help of the Lord and our Lord answered her call, deeply moved by the suffering of His friend. Jesus shared in her sorrow; he lifted up the heavy cross weighing on her shoulders.

We all have our moments of pain. Life has its twists and turns, ups and downs, bright spots and dark side. Whatever we do, whoever we are, we shall all stumble upon the cross. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has pictured a moving yet real scene of what pain is. “In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations, and his finitude”. The fragility of human life and the experience of our own weakness lead us to a full communion with God.

It is not easy to describe the feeling of pain and of sorrow, but we all know what it feels like. In sorrow we are in communion and God partakes in this human experience - the Divine shares in the experience of mere mortals.

This human experience of pain and suffering draws our attention to God. Like Martha, we are hopeless. We cry in anguish, in bitterness, in pessimism. Our vision of hope is obscure. We are fainthearted people. You yourself perhaps heave sighs of despair in the face of what appears an enormous tragedy in your life. But the gospel is a most powerful tool to restore our confidence in God amidst our hopelessness. Yes! Christ’s miracle of resurrecting Lazarus is a call for us to be happy and optimistic! Despite of the anguish, of desperation and of confusion ever present in the world today, we need to firm up our hope because Jesus stands by everyone who trusts in Him.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, hope is defined as the virtue that "responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man". And our hope is rooted in Christ! Why do we continue to hope? Because we are assured by Christ Himself. There is this constant voice that keeps on telling us not to fear but to be in His power. This is what keeps us moving forward. We are assured that in the face of pain and suffering, Christ is with us – carrying the cross, our burden, with us.

Suffering and pain are indeed inevitable parts of our human experience, but it is also true that the Lord of Life is with us – in Him, there is life! In Him, there is hope! In Him, there is resurrection!

Prayer


Lord Jesus, our life, our hope, and our resurrection, we praise and thank You for defeating sin and death. Strengthen us in our suffering and pain so that we too may proclaim Your compassion to "those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death". To You be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen

Reaching Out

First Reading:  Amos 6:1, 4-7

Disaster for those so comfortable in Zion and for those so confident on the hill of Samaria, the notables of this first of nations, those to whom the House of Israel has recourse! Lying on ivory beds and sprawling on their divans, they dine on lambs from the flock, and stall-fattened veal; they bawl to the sound of the lyre and, like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by the bowlful, and lard themselves with the finest oils, but for the ruin of Joseph they care nothing. That is why they will now go into captivity, heading the column of captives. The sprawlers' revelry is over.

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

Second Reading: 1Timothy 6:11-16

But, as someone dedicated to God, avoid all that. You must aim to be upright and religious, filled with faith and love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith and win the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses.

Now, before God, the source of all life, and before Jesus Christ, who witnessed to his noble profession of faith before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to do all that you have been told, with no faults or failures, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who at the due time will be revealed by God, the blessed and only Ruler of all, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, whose home is in inaccessible light, whom no human being has seen or is able to see: to him be honour and everlasting power. Amen.

Gospel:  Luke 16:19-31

'There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there used to lie a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with what fell from the rich man's table. Even dogs came and licked his sores. Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels into Abraham's embrace. The rich man also died and was buried.

 'In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his embrace. So he cried out, "Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames."

Abraham said, "My son, remember that during your life you had your fill of good things, just as Lazarus his fill of bad. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to prevent those who want to cross from our side to yours or from your side to ours."

 'So he said, "Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father's house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too." Abraham said, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them listen to them."

The rich man replied, "Ah no, father Abraham, but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent." Then Abraham said to him, "If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead."

Reflection:
by Theresa Ballo

Five years ago, my High School friends agreed that our Christmas gathering will be held at Buffet 101 along SM Mall of Asia. I was a bit hesitant then because for me the cost is expensive for just one meal nonetheless for the sake of experience and fellowship I joined. Day came; I was excited to see the grand selection of food they offer, from starters, soup, main viands and my most-awaited part… desserts. The food that was available went beyond my expectations. I just felt so bloated after dinner. Then on my way home, passing by Pasay and waiting for the LRT train, I had an AHA moment. I saw beyond the street children singing Christmas carols from one jeepney to another, the beggar along the stairs of LRT station asking for alms, the old man eating thrown leftovers beside the pile of garbage. For some unexplainable reason, I felt guilty for eating too much on that one evening meal.

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man remains to be a story of contrasts – wealth and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference. The first scene portrays the contrast of a rich man and Lazarus. The second scene described the reversal of their conditions in the afterlife and the third act depicts the rich man’s request for a sign so that those who are still living can avoid his torment. Despite Lazarus’ life of suffering and poverty, he did not lose hope in God. His eyes were focused on the treasure stored up for himin heaven. He may be starving to death yet he never resort to stealing and believe in a God that provides.

There was one common thing among the children who were singing, the beggar asking for alms and the old man, all of them were smiling. Their eyes may not speak the same because of maybe the hunger and suffering they feel, yet they still manage to smile. There I realized how blessed I am – that I always have something to give and to share.

The moment I am awake, I’m blessed. Others may have lost their breath while sleeping. The moment I feel so stressed on a pile of work, I’m blessed. Others may have searching for jobs from dawn until dusk. The moment I feel depressed over a failure, I’m blessed. Other may have been stuck on a mistake.

The moment I am complaining over a blunt taste of food, I’m blessed. Others may have totally nothing to eat. The moment I whine having overly-indulge parents, I’m blessed. Orphans would have wished they still have their parents with them. I am a child of God, created in His image and likeness, thus like Jesus, there’s so much I can give no matter how simple or small it is.

Our readings for today are not mainly about sharing the material possessions we have. It is still about personal relationships. In most occasions, what matters in other people is not what we do but how we made them feel. Let’s make our neighbors feel worthy and significant. As we help others, let it be something that sustains. Be involved rather than mainly giving of alms. Reaching out to others develops our potential to enrich others as we are enriched in the process. Truly, it is in giving that we receive. Next time, when you look at a person, any person, remember that he or she has a story. The rich man’s punishment is for the neglect of Lazarus. Still, that doesn’t mean we should give out of guilt, give unwisely or give to whoever cries the loudest. Instead, we are to give out of the love of God within us. Not selfishly to ease our personal guilt but selflessly to care for someone else’s need.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for all your blessings. Give me a heart for the poor and suffering. Please let me love the poor as Jesus loved them. Grant in me a compassionate eyes and a courageous heart not to leave any person without making them happier. Amen