Our Loving God

Third Sunday of Lent

08 March 2026

 

First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Gospel: John 4:5-42

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

As we progress on our Lenten journey, the Church invites us to reflect on the readings as a form of revelation. The One we humbly exalt with all our hearts continues to reveal Himself to us. In the readings for this specific Sunday, the Third Sunday of Lent, the One we humbly exalt with all our hearts and minds, introduces Himself as the source of mercy. He does not withhold His mercy but wholeheartedly shows it to us and gives it to us, despite our sinful nature.

In the First Reading, the Lord God shows His mercy and compassion to His chosen people, the Israelites, by providing them water from rock. Even though He instructed Moses to strike the rock in Horeb with his staff so that water will flow from the said rock, it is not Moses who gave the Israelites water. Rather, it is God Himself who provided the water. This is His response to the complaints made by His chosen people as they were journeying through the desert for 40 years before they made it to the Promised Land. By doing so, God showed His people how merciful and compassionate He is. The Second Reading focuses on the greatest act of God in which He showed His grace, mercy, compassion, and love to all. God did it through His Begotten Son who is also the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity and the Word Made Flesh, Christ Jesus. Even though humanity has committed numerous sins and offenses towards Him, which can no longer be counted by hand given how many there are, He still chose to show His grace, mercy, compassion, and love through Jesus Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus introduces Himself to the Samaritan woman at the well as the source of living water. By presenting Himself as the source of living water, Jesus highlights His mercy for all. His decision to become the source of living water stems from His great mercy, compassion, and love for all.

What should our response be to the Lord who has decided to show His great mercy, compassion, and love for us? Open ourselves to Him. As stated in the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95:8). In doing so, we exalt the Lord with wholehearted humility in our hearts and minds. This is what the Lord is looking for in us. 

Despite our sinful nature, the Lord has chosen to show His great mercy, compassion, and love to us. In response, let us exalt Him by opening our whole selves to Him and obey His will. 

    

Prayer

We humbly thank You, O Lord, for continuing to show us Your mercy, compassion, and love to us, despite our sinfulness. Help us to humbly open ourselves to You. Grant us the strength to listen and follow You throughout the days of our earthly journey. Amen.

Humbly Exalting Christ

Second Sunday of Lent 

01 March 2026

 

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a

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

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

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

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

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

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

    

Prayer

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

Viva Santo Niño!

Feast of the Santo Niño

18 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97

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

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

 

Baptismal Day

The Baptism of the Lord

11 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Today, as we officially conclude the Christmas season, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, an important event in His earthly life. At His baptism, while Jesus humbly allowed John the Baptist to baptize Him, Our God the Father on the other hand, exalted Him as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This is also what happens in our own baptism. Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism not only washes away original sin but also makes us children of God, welcomes us into the Catholic Church, opens us to spiritual graces, and gives us an indelible mark that no sin can erase. Thus, baptism serves a holy purpose far beyond custom or tradition. Through baptism, we share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king: a calling we live out by grounding our lives in His commandments.

Do you know your baptismal date? Mine is January 20, 1991. I was baptized on the feast day of Santo Niño at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. And this year, I will celebrate 35 years of being a Catholic. This milestone leads me to reflect: What has been the fruits of my Catholic faith? Am I a good and obedient follower of God? Honestly, the answer is no. I still need more grace to grow. Yet one thing is certain that God loves me more than anything I have done or will ever do. Even in my mother’s womb, He already knew me, and in baptism, He claimed me as His daughter.

As co-workers of Christ in His mission of love and charity through baptism, our daily lives are called to reflect that mission. It will not always be easy, but when we fail or doubt ourselves, let us return to our baptismal day, the moment God accepted us as we are, called us His beloved, and welcomed us into His family, the Church.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of faith, that You generously gave me at my baptism. Through the intercession of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, may I grow deeper in the understanding of the faith and live it each day, so I may serve as Your instrument here on earth. Amen.

Pointing to the One who Gives True Hope

   

The Baptism of the Lord

12 January 2025

 

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

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

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

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

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

Jesus' Salvivic Sacrifice

Second Sunday of Lent

28 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  GN 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading:  ROM 8:31b-34

Gospel:  MK 9:2-10

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

Today, we behold the story of Jesus' magnificent Transfiguration. Jesus, spending many of His human days with the apostles, had miracles of prophecy, healing, and deliverance to hint at the apostles His divine reality, but in the Transfiguration, Jesus' divinity takes to another degree. At such moment, Jesus transformed before the apostles lucidly so mystically! I can only imagine how incredible a sight it was for the apostles to behold!

The placement of Jesus amid Moses and Elijah, would you believe it has a rather popular and interesting interpretation? It was not arbitrary. To have Jesus situated deliberately in the midst of the two signifies His being culmination of what they represented: Moses, the Law, and Elijah, the Prophets!

In the Transfiguration, God the Father greatly extolled Christ the same way Christ was exulted in His Baptism. In Jesus' Baptism, the Father called Jesus "the Son whom [He] loves, with whom He is well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17). In the Transfiguration, Jesus was held as the Beloved Son, whom we should listen to" (Mark 9:6). It is clear as day in the Transfiguration how to Jesus, we must be all ears, but also minds, hearts, and souls.

Apart from listening, God also assigns us the task of evangelization. He may have told the apostles to observe silence as regards the Transfiguration, but He told them to proclaim Jesus' resurrection. Jesus' Transfiguration gave the apostles a glimpse at His God Nature, with His Ascension to the Father, soon to follow the Transfiguration, meaning we have a Great Advocate to speak to the Father on our behalf (as our Representative) and in our behalf (for our benefit); but it was Jesus' Passion and Resurrection in the first place that meant: in His death and triumph over it, we have One whose sacrifice pays ultimately for our sins. In the Bible,"the wages of sin is death", (Romans 6:23) and to exonerate the guilt, a sacrifice must be paid. Jesus is the eternal Price paid for the cost of our sins—multiple generations of them—would have incurred. This is why it is understandably  apparent the necessity to spread His salvivic Resurrection.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, thank You for dying for us on the cross and for rising to life. It is with Your triumph over death that we have life. May the life You promise us in heaven afforded by Your sacrifice move us to be cultivators of good here on earth, and as we complete our good work, may we enjoy the fruits of our labors in heaven with You for eternity. Please always be with us and replenish us in our work of spreading You and Your good work. We ask these, in Jesus' most holy Name, Amen.

 

 

 

Transfigured as Christ

Second Sunday of Lent Mar 16
First reading Genesis 12:1-4

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your family and your father’s house, for the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name so famous that it will be used as a blessing.

‘I will bless those who bless you:

I will curse those who slight you.

All the tribes of the earth

shall bless themselves by you.’

So Abram went as the Lord told him.

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 32:4-5,18-20,22

Second reading                                                        2 Timothy 1:8-10

With me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy – not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace. This grace had already been granted to us, in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time, but it has only been revealed by the Appearing of our saviour Christ Jesus. He abolished death, and he has proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News.

Gospel                                                                        Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

  As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

Reflection by Mark Vertido

This Sunday, we read the account of the Transfiguration of our Lord up in a mountain that was witnessed by three of His disciples. Through it, God manifested that Jesus is truly a God and not just a human being. It is important to take note that Moses, who introduced the 10 Commandments, and Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, are present in the event and they were talking to Jesus.

How is then Jesus, Moses, and Elijah associated with one another? The Gospel tells us that suddenly a bright cloud covered them in shadows and a voice from God says This is my Son, my Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” Taking into account the Old Testament, Moses was also God’s chosen one who led God's chosen people of Israel away from the persecutions in Egypt. Elijah, whom we see as the perfect example of the prophets, is also God’s chosen who was called to speak to the people in His name to encourage them in their faith. And of course, Jesus is the Son of God, who redeemed us from our sins and gave us eternal life as adopted sons and daughters of the Father in Heaven.

Also, all three of them went up a mountain. Moses went to Mount Sinai where he received the Ten Commandments or the Law. And it is known that Elijah resided in Mount Carmel and it is here where he defeated the prophets of Baal. While both Moses and Elijah were led by God to these holy mountains to witness His glory as God, Jesus led the disciples to the mountain, which is believed to be Mount Tabor, to manifest His glory as God.

As Christians, we are the disciples of Christ and we ought to “listen to Him.” The First Reading gives us an account of what it means to listen and follow the invitation of God. He calls us not to be forsaken but to be blessed forever and be a blessing for others. And in the Second Reading, the Apostle Paul clearly explained that we are saved and called by Christ not through our merits, but through His holiness. He came to us to destroy death and sin among us so that we may have life. This is the manifestation of God’s glory to us that we may be transfigured as Christ did in the mountain. And as God calls us, the Psalmist reminds us to “place our trust in” God and ask for God’s mercy.

During this Season of Lent, Christ invites us once more to "transfigure" so that we may present ourselves as Christ-like to other people and be a blessing to them. Let us be prayerful and repent from our sins. Let us fast that we may allow God to be our strength.

Prayer

As His people who are ever trusting in Him, let us be like Abram who is open to the will of God. Let us listen to the words of Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God. May the song that follows be our prayer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2JyiXYPTU