Faithful Endurance

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

29 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In the regress and movement of our lives, hardship often feels like a weight too heavy to bear. But for Saints Peter and Paul, suffering became the fire in which their faith was strengthened, the foundation from which the Church’s mission would flourish. Their life reminds us of that faithful endurance and trust in God are not just virtues to be admired but living realities that we also experience through our own struggles. Today, as we commemorate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded that God’s providence meets us not by taking away our trials, but by inviting us into a deeper solidarity with Christ’s passion and resurrection.

When Peter was imprisoned by Herod and bound by chains, he still slept peacefully between two soldiers. I imagine if I’m in that same situation, my whole body would not be able to rest. How could I rest when there’s a high possibility that before the sun rises, I would be executed? But Peter sleeping peacefully reveals a strong conviction of trust in the Lord. Peter’s deliverance was like a modern cinematic scene – chains falling away, doors locked opening without keys – and it stands as a powerful image of how God often sets us free. It is not by dodging our imprisonment, but by being present within it and shattering its walls.

Like Peter, Paul also faced execution with remarkable peacefulness. He did not desire for escape but entrusts himself wholly to God’s care. Here, deliverance takes on a different form – not chains falling away, but with a proclamation of completion or accomplishment of mission that glorifies God. Paul’s faithful endurance becomes our guide for evangelical mission that our sufferings are woven into Christ’s own offering, strengthening the Church as we share in his cross.

Peter’s reply to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”, is both gift and commission. Jesus words to him, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father” tells us that divine revelation does not flow from human understanding, but from relationship with the Father. In his commissioning, the keys of the kingdom are entrusted to Peter, which started an authority rooted in faithful witness more than earthly power. In his chains and in his sleep, Peter models a shepherd whose strength lies in unshakeable trust, teaching us that the Church’s stability springs from the obedience of faith.

Paul illustrates another side of that same mission. As “apostle to the Gentiles,” his heart beats for the unreached and the unworthy, tirelessly proclaiming Christ even at the point of death. His evangelization is not fueled by ambition but by a deep compassion born of his own conversion and trials. Each wreckage, imprisonment, and thorn in the flesh reminds us that witnessing to Christ demands courage in hardship. Paul’s gaze never left the mission of the Gospel. He measures his life by souls won for Christ’s kingdom, not by comfort or passive service.

Through Peter and Paul, we also learn that our personal hardships – griefs, sicknesses, betrayals, and doubts, are not distractions from mission, but its essence. When we allow our suffering to unite with Christ’s suffering, we become living sacraments of ascending hope, whispering to a broken world that God is here with us, and that there is resurrection. We bear witness in compassion for those suffering and displaced by war and conflict, with those who are still holding on to hope while lying sickly in hospital beds, in our own hopelessness but faithful enduring prayers, and in moments of silent surrender when we look forward to saying, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sends his angel and rescued us.”

In our own trials in life, we can ask ourselves “How has God delivered me? By breaking the chains or by holding me gently in His presence? In what ways has my faithful endurance drawn others to Christ?” Like Peter and Paul at the brink of death, may our hearts rest in God’s promise that every trial endured in faith and love becomes a testament to His infinite mercy. May our own lives, wounded but not broken, be the living stones upon which Christ builds his Church, both persistent and unshakeable.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, grant us faithful endurance in our trials, that our sufferings may unite us to Your passion and bear witness to resurrection. Pour out Your mercy on the innocent families in the war-torn region of the Middle East, healing their deeper wounds, comforting the displaced, and granting peace to their hearts. Transform our own hardships into living stones of Your Church, unshakeable and bright with hope. May we, like Your apostles, trust Your providence despite persecution and conflict. Through Your grace, may we also become peace-builders and console the oppressed, and bring Your presence to those suffering alone. With the intercession of Mary, our dear mother, may we remain in Your gentle loving peace. AMEN.

The Virtue of Obedience

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time27 September 2020
First reading Ezekiel 18:25-28

Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die.

Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

Second reading                                                          Philippians 2:1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders: “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed on June 25, 2020 the Republic Act 11476 or Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Act that requires GMRC and Values Education subjects to be taught in the K-12 curriculum after its removal as a regular subject in 2013. If the Philippine government regards respect, discipline, honesty, and obedience among others as essential traits in developing today's generation, what more our Lord Jesus Christ who has been teaching us to become good since 2,000 years ago and promising us an eternal life with Him?

In today's Gospel, Jesus again narrates a parable in order to teach a lesson especially to the chief priests and elders of Jerusalem who recently questioned Jesus of His authority to preach in the temple. He asks who between the two sons obeyed his father's will. Was it the first son who refused when ordered to go and work in the vineyard but later on obeyed? Or was it the second son who accepted the command but did not go? They answered, "The first". "The one who turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is right and just shall preserve his life" as proclaimed in the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.

This Sunday, Jesus is teaching us about the virtue of obedience. All of us will surely agree that we are disobedient sometimes. In the same way that we factor in the authority of the one giving us commands for either we obey or not. There are instance also when we speak of sweet promises but intend to break it. Our actions do not justify our words. Even though Jesus only gave us two choices between the first and the second son, He does not limit us to better ourselves. The two sons in the Gospel passage had their own share of disobedience. The first son when he refused to comply with his father’s commands. He failed to honor his father as the fourth commandment tells us to do. On the other hand, the second son disobeyed with his actions. He made his father believed that he will do it but end up not. The second son somehow deceived his father who gave his full trust in him. As they say, "actions speak louder than words". The first son that represented sinners who had a change of heart will enter the Kingdom of God.

All of us are requested to work in the vineyard today. In heeding the call, we need a perfect model to emulate. As described by Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians, "Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, something to be grasped. He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. In Christ's acceptance and submission to the Father's will, He put His full trust in the wisdom of God. His words complimented His actions.

Yes, we may still find it difficult to be obedient, but when we let God work in our heart, then obedience will come naturally. Start applying this virtue in your daily life, in following your parent's command on household chores, your supervisor's work instructions, the queuing in public transport, and dealing with every transaction. How obedient are you?

Let me end this reflection with a quote from my favorite saint, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina as he said, "Obey promptly! Do not consider the age or merit of a person. And in order to succeed, imagine you are obeying the Lord."

Prayer

Father, let Your spirit of obedience helps me to shed my ego and pride, to be compliant and submissive to your beautiful plans. Through Mary's intercession and Christ's redemption, Amen.

Can We Stop and Talk A While?

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time06 September 2020
First reading Ezekiel 33:7-9

Thus says the LORD:

You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel;

when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.

If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die, ”

and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way,

the wicked shall die for his guilt,

but I will hold you responsible for his death.

But if you warn the wicked,

trying to turn him from his way,

and he refuses to turn from his way,

he shall die for his guilt,

but you shall save yourself.

Second reading                                                          Romans 13:8-10

Brothers and sisters:

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another;

for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery;

you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, ”

and whatever other commandment there may be,

are summed up in this saying, namely,

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Love does no evil to the neighbor;

hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If your brother sins against you,

go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. 

If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

If he does not listen,

take one or two others along with you,

so that ‘every fact may be established

on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. 

If he refuses to listen even to the church,

then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Amen, I say to you,

whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,

and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again, amen, I say to you,

if two of you agree on earth

about anything for which they are to pray,

it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 

For where two or three are gathered together in my name,

there am I in the midst of them.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Remember your petty quarrels with your siblings over a toy or candy? When your brother did not want to share his stuff, you called out to your mother for her to mediate. If it still didn’t work out, both you and your mom raised the issue to your dad. And your loving disciplinarian father shall not only settle things right but will also give you and your brother some bread to eat.  Thereafter, you will find yourself playing happily again with your sibling just like nothing happened.

The above scenario is the same correcting process that Jesus wants to teach us in today's Gospel, the importance of dialogue in order to have a peaceful community.

If a brother sins against you, talk to him in private, hoping that you settle it that way. If he does not listen, bring one or two people to serve as witnesses and mediators. If he still refuses to listen, tell the church for it has wisdom that may convince your brother to resolve the issue. And if he declines even the church, continue reaching out to him by including him in your prayer and asking God to soften his heart and lead him to the road to forgiveness. If we could only choose to discuss things over and settle our differences with love, then we will have unity and a peaceful society.

Unfortunately, this is not yet the case. As we progress with modernization, we become more allergic to dialogues. People do not want to convene. I remember a priest once said in his homily about the "throw away" culture which affects our relationships. We treat our brothers and sisters like a mere thing that can be dumped or be replaced right away when we do not like how they behave or if they disagree with our ideologies. Unfollow! Unfriend! Unsubscribe! How easy for us to take someone for granted? Is it really difficult to stop for a while and try to patch things up?

Prophet Ezekiel in the First Reading also reminds us today of our responsibility toward each other. While we exert efforts in our own redemption, we are also expected to help others be delivered from their wickedness. It was seconded by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans in the Second Reading saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law. Because we are God’s children, then, we should be responsible for each other. However, correcting our brother and sister must always be accompanied with love and tenderness.

Even though we are in a modern world, we are still bonded by the old but always relevant call of the Lord to love. As He looks forward to be with us in eternal life, let us also continue to hope in the goodness of humankind that can be discovered through dialogue.

Prayer

Almighty ever living God, teach us Your ways of loving one another. Spur us fruitful conversations that will open our eyes into the kindness of everyone and discard indifference. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

No Fear

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 21 June 2020
First reading Jeremiah 20:10-13

For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.” But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.

Second reading                                                          Romans 5:12-15

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus said to his disciples, “Have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.”

Reflection

By Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

No Fear. This is the theme of one of the recollections I have given to members of the police force. Yes, you have read it right – for the policemen and women. Ironically, I know, they knew more about fear and courage than I know. As if it is I who is the one who is in need of lecturing.

We do not want to experience the helpless and catatonic feeling of fear. We don’t want to feel numb and uncertain. We don’t want to experience anxiety and worry. In the First Reading, we can see the Prophet Jeremiah being engulfed with fear. He was anxious and deeply concerned as if fear slowly eats him alive. But amidst the great terror, there is only one thing that kept him going: the thought of God. He knew that God is greater, bigger, and even more powerful than his fear. God came to his rescue. Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans provides for us a very good explanation. Fear is the product of sin. Terror entered into the world and destroyed the security of man. But Christ came down to earth, to restore all things. Fear none, he assures us in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. Do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. True enough, if God could take care of the birds flying in the sky, how much more would he look after the creature fashioned after His own image and likeness? Faith is bigger than fear. Fear none.

When was the last time you have experienced a “mini heart attack”? When was the last time you have been so afraid? Was it because of the dark? Was it because of the uncertainties of the future? Was it because of a bad news? Jesus Christ, assures us. Do not be afraid. I am in control. When fear slowly creeps in, and takes over our life, we know what to do. Christ told us what to do. We are not to be conquered by fear but out of that fear, faith blossoms. When we are afraid of the dark, Christ is our light. When there are uncertainties, Christ is certain. When we received a bad news, Christ is the good news that we proclaim.

One interesting trivia, I have read a few months ago, that “Fear not” was mentioned in the Bible for 365 times. That’s a good number of reminder that you can carry with you in 365 days of the year!

Prayer

O GOD OF FAITH! Rekindle in our hearts the burning faith in You. May we not be afraid as the waves of life toss our boat ever assured that You are the Captain of the Ship. May we place our confidence and trust in Your unfailing love. Amen.

Imago Dei

Holy Trinity Sunday

07 June 2020

First reading                                                                        Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
With the two tablets of stone in his hands, Moses went up the mountain of Sinai in the early morning as the Lord had commanded him. And the Lord descended in the form of a cloud, and Moses stood with him there.
He called on the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘Lord, a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.’ And Moses bowed down to the ground at once and worshipped. ‘If I have indeed won your favour, Lord,’ he said ‘let my Lord come with us, I beg. True, they are a headstrong people, but forgive us our faults and our sins, and adopt us as your heritage.’

Second reading                                                        2 Corinthians 13:11-13

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Brothers, we wish you happiness; try to grow perfect; help one another. Be united; live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with the holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with you all.

Gospel                                                                     John 3: 16-18

Jesus said to Nicodemus,
‘God loved the world so much
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him
may not be lost but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but so that through him the world might be saved.
No one who believes in him will be condemned;
but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,
because he has refused to believe
in the name of God’s only Son.’

Reflection

By Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

In the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, Pope Francis told a beautiful anecdote when a child asked him a rather tough question: “Father, what did God do before creating the world?” The Holy Father, however finding it very difficult to respond, answered: “Before creating the world, God loved because God is love. But it was such a love that he had in himself, that love between the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit. It was so big, so overflowing, that he was so big that he could not be selfish. It had to get out of himself – to have someone to love out of oneself and then God created the world.”

God is love. Love is the essence of God. It is the very love that created the world and for the world, it is the reason why he gave up himself on the Cross. The Scriptures paints for us a beautiful image of God. In the First Reading taken from the Book of Exodus, we can see the face of a loving Father who is the “Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity” (Exodus 34:6) He remains faithful to His promise of love and compassion for His people and accepts us as His own despite of our wickedness and sins (Exodus 34:9). 

We are created in the image and likeness of God. For God is love, we too are called to love. As we have received the tremendous love of God, we are invited to become bearers of love. In the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, we are reminded to remain true to our identity as Christians. As I have loved you, so you must love others! Saint Paul offers simple yet practical ways: Mend your ways. Love transforms our wicked ways so that we may be able to love purely and freely. Encourage one another. Love inspires the soul of the beloved. Through compassion, we feel the security of the Divine. Agree with one another. Love is not angry nor despises others. Love promotes understanding and mutual respect. Live in Peace In the world of division, confusion and hatred, we are called to the fellowship of love. And if we have followed this advice, Saint Paul assures us that the God of love and peace will be with you. 


In the Gospel, we can see the outpouring love of God for the world. A love that is not selfish nor greedy but a love that is willing to give himself without any conditions. A love that doesn’t condemn, but a love that finds no fault of the beloved. A love that amidst the pain and suffering continues to give one’s life selflessly. May this image of love be our example as we trod the daily walk of life. We are the Imago Dei – the images of God. May other people see the very love of the Triune God in our lives. 

Prayer

O DIVINE LOVE! Teach us to love like You. In the ordinariness of life, may we preach Your love in our simple words and actions. May our lives become living witnesses of the same love You have given on the cross.  Amen.

My Travel Buddy is Christ

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 July 2018

First reading                                                                     Amos 7:12-15
Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'”

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 6:7-13

Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

In Girl Scouting, we always teach our girls to pack light and to bring only the necessary whenever they attend camps, seminars, or any other Girl Scout's activities. We also advise them to practice buddy system where two girls are partnered and go together especially during hiking or outside the camp tours. These practices aim to deepen the connection of our girls to the nature and community they are in, as well as to make them realize that two heads are better than one and unity is indeed important.

After reading and reflecting on today's Gospel, I understand that Girl Scout’s practices originated from Jesus’ way of sending His disciples as written by St. Mark. “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.” It is clear that Jesus taught His disciples to live simply, to not worry of anything along the journey, and to trust His will wholeheartedly. Because it was Jesus who sent them, graces will be on their way as they are assured of shelter, a house that will welcome them. Therefore, they will be able to drive out demons, anoint the sick with oil and cure them. However, Jesus also warned them of the people that will not believe them. In spite of unbelievers, they must continue the mission that Jesus has given them.

Mission is also the calling to all of us. We are this generation's new disciples. With the Bible teachings at hand, priests that shepherd us, and the Catholic Church that we belong to, we are properly armed to do the mission of proclaiming Jesus' promised salvation. We should not become weary of things that might transpire because Jesus will provide and surely intervene. We are called to be brave, stand up for, and share our faith. God gives us each other to be our companions in the mission. Just like our travel buddies when we visit places of attraction, we are mission buddies as we go beyond borders and reach distant people.

As the First Reading tells us about Amos who was an ordinary shepherd and dresser of sycamores but was called by God to prophesy, we too, out of our ordinary lives are chosen to spread God’s Good News. The Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians makes us also aware that through Jesus Christ’s redemption, we are forgiven of our transgressions and we are destined for God's adoption.

So, as we get excited about the promo fares of airlines, may we also be enthusiastic to book and send ourselves to mission, as we are all baptized to become missionary disciples.

Prayer

Lord, help me in fulfilling my mission of proclaiming Your goodness. And may I become a seasoned missionary like Your Son, Jesus Christ, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In His Name. Amen.

The Ever Present Guide

Pentecost Sunday 

20 May 2018

First reading                                                                      Acts 2:1-11
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”

Second reading                                                       Galatians 5:16-25

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Gospel                                                                     John 15:26-27, 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

"Pray to the Holy Spirit", my Mother used to tell me and my siblings whenever we were reviewing for our tests in school. That was the first time I had an idea of what the Holy Spirit was about. Ever since, I have prayed to the Holy Spirit, asking for His guidance not only during tests, but also for interviews, lectures, meetings, etc. 

Mama's advice makes sense as we reflect on all the readings for Pentecost Sunday. Imagine the once fearful disciples, in today's First Reading, coming out into the open preaching, and speaking in various languages! In our modern and often challenging times, we could think of bishops, priests, nuns, lay faithful speaking out courageously for truth and justice. It amazes me how they are able to do that. Yes, they may have reviewed the topic, they may have a clear understanding of the issue, they may have all the information they need to present, but without the guidance of the Holy Spirit I doubt if their 'testifying', as Jesus would put it in today's Gospel, would be effective.

We all face tests in every shape and form in life. It may be helping out your child in their assignments. or convincing a neighbor to join your block rosary group. It may be inspiring a young person to consider the priesthood or overcoming your addiction (Think of those 'works of the flesh' that St Paul wrote in today's Second Reading). It may be serving at Mass at the wee hours of the morning or spending the night looking after someone who is ill. It may be dealing with a difficult colleague or carrying out one's duties on a manic day and workplace. Whatever it is, we are not alone. As one colleague used to tell me,"All you have to do is ask (for the Holy Spirit's help)".  

Prayer

Holy Spirit, You have always been there with me through the many tests in life. As I look back at what I have achieved, my heart cries out: "Thank You". Please continue to help me as the Father prunes me to become more fruitful. Amen.

The Season for the Family

The Holy Family   31 December 2017

First reading

Book of Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

The Lord honours a father above his children,
and he confirms a mother’s right over her children.
Those who honour their father atone for sins,
and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure.
Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children,
and when they pray they will be heard.
Those who respect their father will have long life,
and those who honour their mother obey the Lord;
My child, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
even if his mind fails, be patient with him;
because you have all your faculties do not despise him.
For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
and will be credited to you against your sins

                

Second reading

Colossians 3:12-21

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart.

Gospel

Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Reflection

by Jessa Janelle Padilla

Christmas is the season where every family member does their best to be with their loved ones and become complete to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  This is the season when most of our countrymen who work abroad or out of town come home to spend time with their family. The family is the center of this season and this is underscored as we celebrate today the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

How much do we value, love, and care our family - not only our spouse and children, but also our parents, and even our siblings? Are we an obedient sons or daughters? Our first reading from the Book of Sirach says, “Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself for them. When he prays, he is heard.” Prophet Sirach encourages every child to honor and obey their father since it will bring comfort to the mother. We, the children of our parents, must always obey and honor them because all their commands, against or not in our will, are for our own sake. They are chosen by God to be our guardians and to make us God-fearing children. We are forever indebted to our parents and to God, who choose them, since without them we are nothing.

In our second reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians, Saint Paul says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God”. Let’s welcome Jesus in our hearts and lives. Let our works be done in honor to Him and let us sing songs that glorify Him. May we include in our playlist, songs glorifying Him and not just songs that remind us how broken we are or rock and roll songs.  Spiritual songs uplift our faith and our well being. It calms us and makes us happy. It would be nice too if we could involve the whole family in singing praises to God, at home or in the church.

Our Gospel reading is all about how Mary and Joseph became obedient to the Law of Moses. They took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. In today’s situation, some parents are not willing to surrender their children to the service to the Lord. They discourage their children from entering the convent or seminary because of personal reasons. They want their children to have a family of their own. In contrast, other parents are willing to surrender their children to the service to the Lord. They’ve become supportive to their children’s decision to become a priest or a religious. Whatever path the children may choose depends on how good and disciplined the parents are. Also in our Gospel, Simeon recognizes and gave honor to Jesus. In our daily lives, how do we recognize Jesus? We can see Jesus in our family, friends, neighbors, children, the sick, the dying, the poor, and unemployed. Jesus is close to the children, the elders and the poor. Let us all treat one another as how we treat Jesus. May we become like Simeon who recognizes Jesus.


May our family be like the Holy family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus: open and obedient to God's will. May we also consider everyone as family, blood or not blood related, since we are all children of God. 

Prayer

Almighty God, we thank You most sincerely for bringing Jesus in our life through Mary and Joseph. Their Holy family is a perfect example of a family. May our family imitate the Holy Family. May our families become closer and open to one another. May You bless every family. We ask this through the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Amen.