A Million Disciples

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

14 June 2026

 

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-6a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5

Second Reading: Romans 5:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 9:36–10:8

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Balla

 

I have always felt deeply blessed to have been drawn closer to God early in my life. Looking back, I see how He has guided me—not through just twelve disciples, but through countless people He has placed along my path. Each person carries a gift from Him, whether meant to teach, challenge, comfort, or guide me.

I have come to realize that there is goodness in everything that happens around me, even in moments that are sad, confusing, or frustrating. God is always at work, shaping my heart and spirit through people and experiences. With His help, I continue to learn how to open my eyes and recognize the blessings hidden within every situation.

God is my ultimate Shepherd. I call upon Him many times each day, and He never feels distant. He is my constant companion—my provider, protector, guide, and healer. His presence steadies me, His love strengthens me, and His grace carries me forward.

I truly believe that His goodness follows me every moment of my life. Because of this, I find myself with a million reasons to give thanks and praise as I walk in His amazing grace, step by step.

I praise Jesus, the greatest Shepherd of all.

Prayer

The Lord Is My Shepherd – Gospel Song by Sheephia

You lead me where the waters flow,

In meadows green, my spirit grows.

No fear can steal the peace You give,

You are the reason I can live.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,

Your goodness fills my heart.

You lead me in mercy, You call me by name,

I rest in Your loving arms.

When shadows fall, You light my way,

Your gentle voice reminds me to stay.

Though storms may rise, I will not fear,

For I know, my Shepherd’s near.

In You I find my peace complete,

Your grace provides all I need.

No treasure compares to what You’ve done,

My Shepherd, my Savior, the Holy One.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, Forever in You I trust.

Doubting Thomas

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

12 April 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel: John 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

Thomas represents many of us today—wounded by broken systems, unfulfilled promises, and deep disappointments. 

We struggle to believe in change because we have seen too much injustice, corruption, and inequality. 

Yet Jesus enters locked rooms of fear and speaks peace. This Gospel teaches that faith is not blind optimism but courageous trust. 

For all of us, healing begins when we choose belief over bitterness, unity over division, and service over self-interest. 

Christ’s wounds remind us that even suffering can become a source of healing, and that true transformation begins when we allow God to touch our doubts.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, like Thomas, we carry doubts born from injustice and broken promises. 

Enter our locked hearts and speak Your peace. Heal our nation’s wounds with courage and faith. Teach us to choose unity over division and service over self. Transform our suffering into hope, and our doubts into trust. Amen.

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

29 March 2026

 At the Procession of Palms - Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

“How the tables have turned.” This is said in response to a rather surprising and unexpected reversal of fate, fortune, or even plans. Usually, this is said when one, who after a rather lengthy period of possessing power, loses it in some way, shape, or form. In the eyes of many, this is a surprise, especially given the fact that due to the rather lengthy of period of this person or groups possessing a significant amount of power in society, many will come to the notion that it will take ages for them to lose it.

As a matter of fact, this turn of events or twist of fate, whichever one desires to call it, is already stressed upon the proclamation of the First Reading. The First Reading introduces the promised Messiah as the Suffering Servant. Come to think of it, the words in the Responsorial Psalm also foretells the rejection and sufferings the promised Messiah and Savior will endure in the hands of His enemies once the time comes. As clearly stressed by Saint Paul the Apostle in the Second Reading, the words from the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm were fulfilled through Christ Jesus, who humbly embraced all of these in humble obedience and faithfulness to the Father.

Today is Palm Sunday. It is on this very day that two Gospel readings are proclaimed during the Mass. The first Gospel reading is the narrative of the Solemn Entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, which is proclaimed during the first part of the Mass which is none other than the Procession and Blessing of the Palms. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly with the people waving palm branches to greet Him. However, the Gospel proclaimed at the second part of the Mass is the lengthy narrative of the Passion of Christ from the Synoptic Gospels (in the case of this year, we hear the narrative which is found in the Gospel of Matthew) – we hear the narrative of the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of John exclusively on Good Friday. Depending on the decision of the Priest in charge of whichever Parish, Chapel, Shrine, or even Basilica, some may hear the long form while others may hear the short form. Which ever form is being proclaimed, we hear how the Lord Jesus experiences something which would be considered, in the perspective of an outsider, as a turn of the tables. The tables (or tide) have turned for Him on that fateful day. From entering Jerusalem triumphantly, with people cheering for Him as they wave palm branches, Jesus experiences rejection as He is being sentenced to death on the Cross.

We all know that way before all the events that was narrated in the second Gospel occurred, Jesus knew that He was destined to experience the great amount of rejection and suffering. Jesus could have chose to not come to the world so that all of these will not happen in the first place. Even if it meant that humanity perishes of their sinful nature, it would have been better for Him to stay in His heavenly kingdom since it would be considered the path of least resistance and suffering. However, even though He is aware that tremendous amount of pain and suffering awaits, Jesus freely and humbly decided to offer Himself as, what His cousin and forerunner John the Baptist describes as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Out of His great love, mercy, and compassion for all of us, He chose to humbly assume the role of Messiah and Savior, even if it meant death on the Cross. 

Jesus showed through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection that He truly values and cherishes all of us. This is the primary reason why He came to the world. All He has ever desired is to save us. In response to how we are valued, loved, and cherished by Jesus, let us always express our love and gratitude to Him by exalting Him through word and deed. Let us live our faith and hope in every moment of our lives. 

Prayer

With humble and grateful hearts, we exalt You, O loving, merciful, and compassionate Lord Jesus Christ. Through Your Most Holy Cross, You have saved us. Forgive us, O Crucified Lord and King, for the numerous sins that we have committed against You. Grant us the grace to humbly live according to Your will. Amen.

     

Called to Serve

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 

25 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23–9:3

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

I joined The Manila Cathedral's Ministry of Lectors and Commentators in 2014. It was an answer to the prayer I never uttered. I remember a moment at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Tayuman, while attending Sunday Mass, when I thought, What if I were given the chance to proclaim the Word? And then, it happened. For almost 12 years now, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a lector and commentator.

God’s call truly unfolds as long as we keep saying “yes" to Him. From being an ordinary massgoer, to becoming a word proclaimer, to having been elected as ministry treasurer, and later appointed as ministry coordinator for two consecutive terms, it’s amazing to see how far God’s calling can take you.

In today’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus began His ministry, calling the apostles to help Him in His mission. He didn’t choose the powerful or the already capable, but rather, those who were willing to follow and cooperate. God’s calling is for everyone, not based on status or physical appearance, but on a heart that is open and ready to be led. Because God equips those He calls. The only requirement is a willing and trusting heart.

This 2026, after seven years of not recruiting new members, our ministry will welcome nine new lectors and commentators, two returning servants and seven newcomers. These nine have heard and responded to God’s call. We thank the Lord for new laborers in His vineyard.

I pray that no matter what mission we take, whether in the Church or our communities, may we always say and be committed to our “yes” to God.

Let us continue to serve with joy, bearing in mind that every act of service, no matter how small, is part of something greater, to spread His love, light, and salvation throughout the world.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of service. As we continue to serve You, help us to remain humble, being reminded that we belong to Your call. Amen.

I am Sending You

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 July 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

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

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few” - Luke 10:2

Go out to all the whole world and tell the good news. This is a calling for all of us. In the Gospel today, God appointed seventy-two others aside from the twelve apostles to help Him spread the good news. God is also asking us to help Him. We live in a world today where many people are hurting and I believe they need to experience God’s unconditional love for them. The world is just so noisy with negative news especially in the social media that we do not know who to believe anymore or what is the truth anymore. That is why I believe that in this present time God is also sending us to spread the good news of His love. And we can turn the negative or the bad news into positive with the power of social media by sharing our stories of how the Lord have accompanied us and how He have shown His love for us amidst many ups and downs of life. We can create many contents of how God’s love is shown to us everyday from the simple blessings to the big ones. We can be a living witness of God’s love and mercy. Let us tell the world of His love.

We are being called to a mission to bring heaven to earth, bring many souls to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Only then can we truly experience the peace that God speaks to us many times.

Prayer

Lord the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Give me a discerning heart to listen to your voice may I realize the purpose of my life and the mission you have given me. Lead me Lord. Help me to listen and follow your will in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

What's Your Candy?

Pentecost Sunday

08 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: John 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In the afternoon of Wednesday, 7th of May 2025, one hundred and thirty-three Cardinals were gathered in the Pauline Chapel, all asking for divine guidance as the Papal Conclave began. “Veni Creator Spiritus” – a prayer and hymn that the Cardinal electors were chanting during their procession to the Sistine Chapel as they receive a final spiritual reflection and begin their sacred task of voting for a Supreme Pontiff. The divine process behind closed doors went on for the next two days. But for us and the rest of the world, we waited. Even though we heard and read some stories about it, and while there were also some depictions through films, imagining the things that happen inside the chapel during the conclave could only be put up to faith. We can only look forward and watch the smoke from the chimney of the Sistine chapel that would signify that “no pope was chosen” or “a pope has been chosen”. Then at last, on May 8, at 6:07pm Rome time, the white smoke appeared, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring. Minutes later, after the much-anticipated words – “Habemus Papam” has been spoken, and as our hearts started to be filled with joy, the new Pope Leo XIV came out onto the balcony. Then he spoke his first words to the faithful, a much familiar greeting that the risen Christ also said to the disciples – “Peace be with you.”

It is both joyful and consoling when we remember these events that are not just a significant part of our faithful identity but also manifestation of God’s love through The Holy Spirit. Similarly, two thousand years ago, something also happened behind locked doors that eventually led to the birth of the Catholic Church. Both events have the same message of Christ, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” A message that has been passed not only to the church leaders but also to us all.

Today, we are reminded of our identity as a church and manifestation of the works of The Holy Spirit. Like the disciples and Pope Leo XIV, we are also called to proclaim the mighty acts of God to the peripheries of the world. As Pope Leo XIV said, “Together we must try to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone in need. A church that journeys, a church that seeks peace always, that always seeks charity, that wants to be close to people, especially those who are suffering." 

Though sometimes, we may not always find ourselves in a state of carrying out the mission of the church or receiving someone in need. There are times when we feel that what we have is not enough to console someone in need. Saint Paul reminds us that in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body of Christ. But we are all called in our uniqueness to be witnesses in our own ways because as Saint Paul said, “there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit, different forms of service but the same Lord, different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared a moment that happened with him and then Cardinal Robert Prevost during the conclave. Cardinal Prevost became anxious as it became clearer that he was about to be elected as the next pope. Seeing his face with deep sighs, Cardinal Tagle offered him a candy, “Do you want some candy?” Cardinal Prevost said, “Okay, give me one.” It was a funny and warm moment about someone whose anxiety rose up because of a coming responsibility but being consoled by a simple gesture or offering. As Cardinal Tagle said, “It was my first act of charity for the new pope.” This can also remind us how a simple offer can console and encourage someone in need even though help was not being asked. A simple reminder of how we, as a church, can build bridges with the gifts that we have received from The Holy Spirit. A gift, or “candy”, that we can always offer as one with a church that always seeks charity to be lived with others and bring the peace of the Risen Christ that is unarmed and disarming. As Pope Leo XIV also said recently, “the Christian Life is not lived in isolation, like an intellectual or sentimental adventure, confined to our minds and hearts. It is lived with others, in a group or a community, because the Risen Christ is present among the disciples gathered in His name.” Today, as we celebrate the birth of the Catholic Church, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and enable us to proclaim the mighty acts of God through our openness to offer a part of ourselves to charity.

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,

and in our souls take up Thy rest;

come with Thy grace and heavenly aid

to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry,

O heavenly gift of God Most High,

O fount of life and fire of love,

and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;

Thou, finger of God's hand we own;

Thou, promise of the Father,

Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above,

and make our hearts o'erflow with love;

with patience firm and virtue high

the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,

and grant us Thy peace instead;

so shall we not, with Thee for guide,

turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow

the Father and the Son to know;

and Thee, through endless times confessed,

of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son,

Who rose from death, be glory given,

with Thou, O Holy Comforter,

henceforth by all in earth and heaven.

AMEN.

“You look just like your mother!”

Fifth Sunday of Easter

18 May 2025

First Reading: Acts 14:21-27

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-5a

Gospel: John 13:31-33a, 34-35

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

From childhood to this day, people would often marvel at how I look just like my mother. When they see us side by side or so long as they see either one of us with a picture of the other for reference, I often hear this shred of fascination. Whether live or in pictures, I take one look at both of us, and I cannot deny the resemblance. Truly, I am my mother’s son; but besides facial semblance, how else do we know we are our parents’ children? As children of God, how do we know we are His children, His beloved apostles?

Besides how we look on the outside, we are often associated with the things we do, especially out of habit, and the things we can typically be identified by, such as our traits and characteristics; but as children of God, how do we know we are His apostles? In the days of the Old Testament, the Israelites were judged by how closely they held to the law—the Torah; and this can reasonably be expected of a people whose faith is still in its primacy; whose spiritual journey is still greatly uncharted; but upon the advent of the New Testament—of Christ Himself, people would be awakened to what the Law actually meant; for people have grown accustomed to looking at the letter of the law, not its Spirit. That was why some were militant about the enforcement of the Law. If meat was considered unclean, it would be an abomination to so much as lay one’s hand on it; but when Christ came, Peter himself was rebuked by the Voice of the Lord: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15)

As we grow in spiritual maturity, we become more attuned to what God calls us to do. The Law was and has always been good, but it has always been our interpretation of the Law that sets the chaff apart from the wheat; the goat apart from the sheep; some do not follow the law altogether; all of us follow It to a relative measure though imperfectly, and some follow It too fastidiously. The Law of God aims to inculcate in us this: to be His followers, it is not enough to only abide by the Law, but to look deeper into Its spirit: why was It brought forth in the first place? What is Its intention? If we follow the Law without the right heart, spirit, and mind that understand with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will not make the connection: all of God’s laws point toward His ultimate Law: for us to love Him and each other, as God has loved us all. This is our ultimate call. Anything less than this relegates us to the status of mere “do-gooders,” acquiescent to external stipulations but lacking in spiritual substance and character. “Love,” according to 1 Peter 4:8, “covers a multitude of things; love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13:10b) It is love that instates us as Christ’s apostles.

Do we love God to the extent that will satisfy our innate longing for Him? Have we done our part in sharing Christ’s love with others? Have we extended a healthy dose to ourselves? Love is not only the shimmer of romance in which we express to others anything relationally enticing, as this can be merely idealistic; love is the force that binds us all together in good faith. Love is the work we pour into ensuring as much as possible that we can all live in the context of a socio-spiritually conducive community. Wherever we falter, love is the conciliatory energy that makes up for what our brother or sister lacks. “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” (Romans 13:10a) Even the late Charlie Chaplin has purportedly said something about love for its effect, so good-willing than its easily corruptible value-counterpart: power. Charlie Chaplin is often credited for this adage: “You need power only when you want to do something harmful. Otherwise, love is enough to get everything done.” Love not only remains in us, people, but also radiates in the things we do, no matter how small they may be. Mother Teresa is also associated with this saying: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Have we loved today in a measure spiritually satisfying, no matter how little?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for imparting to us Your commandment of love, for apart from love, which is of You, we can find nothing else which enjoins us since it uplifts others and ourselves, in turn. May love continue to link us all together in harmony, and us to You in perpetuity. These we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, with the intercession of our Blessed loving Mother, Mary, Amen.

Very Important Servants

    

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 September 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and  8

Second Reading: Jas 3:16—4:3

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Almost everyone in Metro Manila is familiar with a scene during rush hours where a convoy of vehicles goes through the heavy traffic with two or more police riding two-wheeled vehicles as escorts. You may have shaken your head at least once during the time when you saw something like this. It may have irritated you more if you found out that it was a government official being ushered so that he or she could get to where he or she is supposed to be faster than everyone else on that road. You may remember how during that time you were so anxious about getting late for work and wishing there could be a faster way, and you had no choice but to sit it out. A scene that when we witness it a lot of times, we become used to it and we just ignore it. Then it becomes our common definition of what it means to be a public servant.

What does it mean to be a leader? What does it mean to be trustworthy of authority? What does honorable mean? In our everyday lives, we can somehow define what being a public servant is by simply looking at and observing what they do.

Almost every day, we hear a lot about government officials who are corrupt and dishonest. There are people who justify a misuse of public funds, or even being dishonest about the purpose of the fund being asked. There are those who use government properties for their own desires and benefits. There are also those who run away during difficult times, especially when the people who they have promised to serve need help. We know how obvious these are and yet they remain “unbowed”. But most of us still support these so-called servants and even defend them. We even discuss who among them is the greatest.

The effect of this may not be obvious but we can say that there are times when we have really lost the sense of true service. In the church or in a community where almost everyone is a volunteer, people sometimes think that they are in a higher position than those who are not volunteering. There are times when I used my servant ID to pass the long line of people waiting outside because I am running late. There are servants who think they have permission to pass through security just to take a photo of a high-profile servant. Oftentimes, we miss the point on why we are called to serve and become our own version of “honorable” or “VIS - very important servant”.

Today’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus being our guide and model for us to know the true meaning of service – Obedience. This does not only mean being obedient to those who are above us. A disciple is not above his or her teacher, and yet the teacher can be a servant of the disciple. The core of obedience is being open. Our openness to God who calls us in ways that are unexpected. We become open when we die to our own desires and empty ourselves for the benefit of other people. We become open when we offer the gifts that God has given to us to those in need. Jesus, being our model, emptied Himself and put first what God asked of him to show us how a true servant should be. If we only pray like Jesus Himself, “Not our will, my Lord, but Yours be done.” Then we will truly know what it’s like to be the first and greatest in the Kingdom of God. 

 

Prayer

PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY

Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, 

Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve You as You deserve. 

To give without counting the cost, to fight heedless of wounds, 

To labor without seeking rest, 

To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward 

Save the knowledge that I have done Your will. AMEN.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

Ika-16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

21 Hulyo 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Jeremias 23, 1-6

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 22, 1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Efeso 2, 13-18

Ebanghelyo: Marcos 6, 30-34

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Kung papansinin natin, maraming pari at layko na mahusay mangaral sa ating panahon. Siguradong namamangha tayo sa maraming bagay na kanilang nagagawa bilang mga lider. Laging nahihikayat at napapagaya tayo sa kanilang mabubuting halimbawa ng pagiging tunay na Kristiyano. Malaking tulong din ang lunduyang medyang pang-madla para sa ebanghelisasyon, lalo na ang “online” o “social media” na higit na lumaganap noong panahon ng pandemya. Kaya katulad ng mga apostol sa Ebanghelyo, madali nating makilala ang mga “preacher” dahil parang mga artista na rin sila sa kasikatan. Kahit hindi naman nila tayo kilalang personal, madalas na nilalapitan natin sila upang humingi ng tulong.  Kung minsan ay hindi lang panalangin o tulong ispirituwal ang hinihingi natin, samu’t saring problema ng buhay ang idinudulog natin sa kanila at iniisip na para bang mga Santo silang hindi makatatanggi. Kaya nga alam ng Panginoong Hesus na napapagod din ang kanilang katawan o isipan at kinakailangan din nilang magpahinga, mag-relaks, mag-retreat, na kadalasan ay sa malayong lugar, sa bundok na wala sanang iistorbo sa kanilang pamamahinga.

Ilang dekada na ang nakararaan, madalas na sa Baguio ako nakakasama noon sa mga Retreat kasama ng ilang pari at mga katekista.  Noong araw kasi’y kakaunti pa ang tao sa Baguio, wala pang mga malls, wala pang SM, wala pang traffic, wala pang mga night market, wala pang mga bar, at wala pang kung anu-anong mga establisiyamento. Ngayon ay sobrang dami na ng tao sa Baguio. Ang mga tao ay mula sa maraming siyudad ng Kamaynilaan at iba’t ibang bayan sa ating bansa. Karamihan sa kanila ay dala-dala ang maraming pasanin sa buhay kung kaya’t nais nilang mag-relaks at makatagpo ng kapayapaan sa malalamig na kabundukan na siyudad ng Baguio. Tulad ng sa Ebanghelyo, nauna na ang mga tao sa Baguio upang abangan ang dulot na lunas sa kanilang mga hinaing sa buhay mula sa tulong ng mga alagad ni Hesus. Tuwing araw ng Linggo bukod sa dami ng taong nagsisimba sa Baguio Cathedral ay isinasara ang kahabaan ng Session Road upang magbigay daan sa iba’t ibang palabas para sa kultura, turismo at negosyo. Mas marami pang tao sa Session Road kaysa sa loob ng Cathedral dahil aaliwin ka talaga ng mga presentasyong pangkomersiyo na mapapanood sa kalsada.  Hindi naman masama ang pagnenegosyo at ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa tao na nakakaaliw. Ngunit kung nakapako na lamang ang ating atensiyon sa kayamanan ng mundo at ibinuhos ang buong buhay natin dito, nabubulagan tayo’t hindi na makita ang ating kapwa sa ating harapan na higit na nangangailangan. Sa kabila ng sinasabing pag-unlad ng negosyo sa Baguio, hindi nabibigyang-pansin ang maraming tao na namamalimos sa kalsada, mga taong may karamdaman at hindi makapagpagamot sa ospital, mga matatandang pakalat-kalat sa lansangan, nagkalat din ang mga mandurukot na sinasamantala ang siksikan ng mga tao, at patuloy ang mga krimen at korapsiyon sa pamahalaan sa buong bansa.  Kaya’t hanggang ngayon ay nahahabag sa atin ang Panginoong Hesus dahil para tayong mga tupang walang pastol.

Panalangin:

Panginoong Hesus, patuloy mo Kaming kahabagan at turuan upang manatili kaming sumusunod sa Iyo na aming Mabuting Pastol. Patnubayan nawa ng Espiritu Santo ang mga naglilingkod sa Iyo para sa pagpapatuloy ng Ebanghelisasyon sa aming kasalukuyang henerasyon. Amen.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

14 Hulyo 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Amos 7, 12-15

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 84, 9ab-10. 11-12. 13-14

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Efeso 1, 3-14

Ebanghelyo: Marcos 6, 7-13

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Sa maraming paraan at biyaya ng Diyos, lahat naman tayo ay tinatawag ni Hesus at ipinadadala sa iba’t ibang misyon sa buhay. Sa Mabuting Balita, ipinapakita sa atin ang dapat na maging halimbawa ng mga Apostol kung papaano tayo gagampan sa ating lakbayin bilang mga Kristiyano. Ibinibilin ni Hesus na maging simple lang sila (pinagbawalan pa nga na magdala ng kung anu-ano, light packer ika nga) kahit na ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang maraming kapangyarihan ng Diyos upang tulungan ang mga tao. Pero papaano kung ang mga pari at obispo mismo natin na nagsisilbing mga Apostol ng ating panahon ay kayraming “excess baggage” na dalahin sa buhay? Gagayahin din ba natin sila?

Halimbawa ang pagkakaroon ng maraming mamahaling sasakyan ng ilang kaparian na ang madalas na katuwiran ay donated lang naman daw iyon ng isang mayamang pilantropo o politiko. Naalala ko ang isang mabuting halimbawa ng isang pari mula sa isang relihiyosong kongregasyon na madalas sumasakay ng jeep papunta sa kanyang misyon at kung minsan ay nakikita pa naming nakasabit sa jeep kung wala na talagang upuan, kahit pa may mga sasakyan naman ang kanilang kongregasyon. “Mas maraming mahalagang misyon ang sineserbisyuhan ng mga sasakyan namin kaya mas pinipili ko na mag-jeep na lang”, ang sabi ng paring ito. Kalaunan ay nahalal siya ng kanilang kongregasyon na maging Superior pero hindi pa rin siya bumili ng sarili niyang kotse at kaya pa rin niyang mag-jeep kung kinakailangan.

May naging boss naman ako sa trabaho na isang pari na napaka-cool, parang hindi siya pari ang sabi ng ibang tao. “Father, nasa langit na ba ako?” Naitanong ko ito noon kay Fr. G sa kanyang opisina dahil parang nakalutang na kami sa ulap mula sa kapal ng usok na galing sa kanyang paninigarilyo. Ang totoo, napasindi rin ako ng yosi bago kami nag-usap sa mala-ulap niyang opisina. Isa kasi ito sa bisyo ko noong aking kabataan (na madalas ka-jamming ko pa si Father “cool” sa pagyoyosi). Pero mababait naman po kami nina Father G noon dahil mga kuwento at karanasan base sa Ebanghelyo ang isinusulat namin at inilalathala sa komiks. Teka? Paano nangyari ‘yun, puro bisyo pala kayo at Gospel pa naman ang isinusulat n’yo? Ito ang komento na ayaw naming marinig noon. 

Minsan namang napasabay ako sa sasakyan ng isang pari papunta sa Cordillera, bago bumiyahe paakyat ng bundok ay bumili ng isang kahong alak na Gin ang pari. Nagulat ako dahil napakarami namang alak ang binili niya at binulungan niya ako na para raw iyon sa mga kasama niyang pari dahil sobrang lamig sa bundok. Pero totoo nga na napakalamig sa kabundukan kaya’t napatagay din ako, kaso nalaman ko na gabi-gabi pala nagpapainit ang ilang pari. Naalala ko tuloy ang isang pari sa aming Parokya sa Tundo na gabi-gabi naming nakikitang nakainom kahit napakainit ng panahon, pero mabait naman siya at hindi kami sinesermunan.

Dahil sa mataimtim na pananalangin, pagsisikap at grasya ng Diyos, natatanggal natin ang mga bisyo o mga “excess baggage” na ito. Pero habang tayo’y naglalakbay at naglilingkod sa bayan ng Diyos, patuloy na nilalapitan tayo ng mga tukso at samu’t saring bisyo na pilit sumasama sa ating paglalakbay. Ang masasamang bisyo, maliit man o malaki, mga karangyaang sinasarili natin, mga burloloy o sobra-sobrang palamuti sa ating katawan o pamumuhay ay nagsisilbing “excess baggage” sa ating buhay Kristiyano.  Nagkakaroon ng mas malaking pakinabang ang mga “excess baggage” na ito kung naipapamahagi sana ang katumbas na halaga nito sa mga mas higit na nangangailangan sa buhay.

Panalangin:

Panginoong Hesus, tulungan Mo kami at ang mga lingkod ng bayan sa aming lakbayin, lalo na ang mga Kaparian at lahat ng nagsisilbi sa simbahan, upang tunay na maihatid ang Iyong Mabuting Balita sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mabuting halimbawa. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit

    

Pentecost Sundy

28 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

“Lord send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth”.

The Holy Spirit is all around us. And He is always there when you call Him even in so ordinary times like when I look for a parking space in a full mall. Always, when I sing “Come Holy Spirit I need you...", there goes a space made available for me just where I waited to find a space. Just amazing!

Or it can be when I am about to prepare a presentation I always ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit for wisdom and inspiration and the ideas and thoughts just keep flowing and when the presentation is done and I receive a lot of affirmations, I just know I am really guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Let us receive the Holy Spirit to renew us and be filled with its fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control.

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love that we may become the channel of your peace that the world really needs now. Amen.

Faith, Even When it is Inconvenient

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

25 June 2017

First reading                                                                                               Jeremiah 20:10-13

Jeremiah said:

I hear so many disparaging me,

‘“Terror from every side!”

Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’

All those who used to be my friends

watched for my downfall,

‘Perhaps he will be seduced into error.

Then we will master him

and take our revenge!’

But the Lord is at my side, a mighty hero;

my opponents will stumble, mastered,

confounded by their failure;

everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.

But you, O Lord of Hosts, you who probe with justice,

who scrutinise the loins and heart,

let me see the vengeance you will take on them,

for I have committed my cause to you.

Sing to the Lord,

praise the Lord,

for he has delivered the soul of the needy

from the hands of evil men.

---

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 68(69):8-10,14,17,33-35

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Second reading                                                                                                          Romans 5:12-15

Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned. Sin existed in the world long before the Law was given. There was no law and so no one could be accused of the sin of ‘law-breaking’, yet death reigned over all from Adam to Moses, even though their sin, unlike that of Adam, was not a matter of breaking a law.

  Adam prefigured the One to come, but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift.

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! The Word was made flesh and lived among us: to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia!

---

Gospel	Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

  ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

  ‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

Reflection

by Benj Santiago

“Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”

In the early years of Christianity, historical information tells us that a lot of people died because of their Christian faith. In fact all the remaining 11 Apostles except for John, died a martyr’s death. They suffered persecution, and Peter, the leader of the Apostles, even got crucified upside down. Christian martyrs after the apostles abound. The Filipino martyrs Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod were tortured and killed because they were not afraid to die for their faith.

In the present day, there is not so much Christian persecution. We are so blessed that we don’t have to hide in the dark and cower in fear when we attend the Holy Mass and proclaim and celebrate our faith in Christ. We are so fortunate, especially here in the Philippines. But just in case we are to face persecution because of our faith in the present time, can we with boldness and courage proclaim our faith like the martyrs and saints did?  Maybe we could.

However, as I reflect on the Gospel, I am also being challenged in my daily life. Do I proclaim my faith in my work, in my words, in my actions and dealings with other people?  Do I proclaim my faith even when it is inconvenient and disadvantageous for myself?

Prayer

Father in heaven, we thank You for sending us Your Son and all the saints to be our model of faith. We ask You to bless us with the same courage to strongly and boldly proclaim our faith - from the real threat to the littlest things we do in our daily life. This we ask in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.