Selfless Disposition

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

22 June 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In every Mass or Eucharistic celebration, we are invited to immerse into the deep mystery of Christ’s self-offering. It is an invitation that speaks directly to our hearts, our communities, and even to the world’s most difficult moments. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us of a transformative encounter: that every time we gather and break bread together, we remember not only the greatness of Jesus’ love for us through His death and resurrection, but we also participate in Jesus’ work of redemption.

In the words of St. Paul through his first letter to the Corinthians: “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you…” he reiterates the essence of the Eucharist. It is an invitation to remember that Christ’s body was given for us and that His blood seals the new covenant. When we partake in Holy Communion, we are repeatedly invited to reflect on the sacrificial love that exceeds all human understanding. This sacrament calls us to embody the same love, to become living proclaimers of Jesus’ offering by going beyond our individual selves. The miracle of the five loaves and two fishes recalls this offering or divine generosity. Just as a simple meal is multiplied into a feast, our humble offerings — our time, our compassion, and even our small resources — can be transformed into a bounty of grace when given in the spirit of selfless sharing.

In our experience, especially during hardship, we often fall to our tendency of self preservation. When the disciples said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here”, it reflects a common impulse of us humans. When confronted with overwhelming challenges, it is easier to retreat into the safety of our concerns and push others’ needs away. However, by choosing to “dismiss the crowd”, we risk missing the call to generosity that is at the heart of Jesus’ invitation. Instead, He urges us to share whatever we have. In doing so, we participate in a divine act of multiplication, where the simple act of sharing becomes a channel for hope, healing, and abundant provision.

We can also consider reflecting at the continuing tensions in countries such as the conflict between Israel and Iran. The effects on the economy and quality of life for the rest of the world are very evident. Today, fear and uncertainty drive many to concentrate solely on their own survival. The instinct to withdraw from communal care can be powerful when the world seems divided and resources are limited. But the Eucharist and feeding miracles invite us to look beyond our limited perspectives. Just as Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed the crowd, our seemingly insufficient contributions can also become transformative when they are extended in love. It is an invitation to find God in the midst of chaos and confusion — a reminder that even in difficult times, sharing a small part (or a tenth like Abram offered) of what we possess can ignite hope.

When we reflect on these sacred mysteries, we see that the Eucharist is both a remembrance of Christ’s passion and a command to be His body in the world. When we receive the Blessed Sacrament, we are called to rise above self-centeredness. It challenges us to transform our natural disposition toward self-preservation into a courageous act of community and compassion. In doing so, our lives become a living testimony to the profound truth that God’s grace multiplies even the smallest gestures.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is not just a day of remembrance, but a call to action. It invites us to be bold in our sharing, to overcome the urge to isolate ourselves in difficult times, and to recognize that every act of kindness and love can be the spark that ignites change. By embracing this nature, we affirm that in the celebration of the Eucharist — and in the sharing of our “five loaves and two fish” — we truly live out the call to be the Body of Christ in a world longing for hope and harmony.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we gather before You with humble hearts, remembering the mystery of Your love manifested in the Eucharist. As we break bread together, remind us that every small act of kindness, every shared moment of hope, carries the seed of Your divine grace.

Lord Jesus, You offered Your body and blood as a gift of redemption for all. In times of uncertainty and trouble, may we draw courage from Your sacrifice. Teach us to see beyond our fears and to recognize that even our simplest offerings can be multiplied into miracles of healing and peace. In our struggles and in our moments of doubt, may the Holy Spirit guide us to express a spirit of community and boundless generosity. May our daily actions become a testament to Your enduring promise of hope and a beacon of light that guides others out of darkness. 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.

Love Unconditionally!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

2 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 9:26-31

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32

Second Reading:  1 JN 3:18-24

Gospel:  JN 15:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"We have confidence in God and receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. And His commandment is this: "We should believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us."

 

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever your want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

 

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are reminded of the commandment of Jesus before He ascended to heaven to "love one another". And along with this commandment is a promise: "we will receive from Him whatever we ask".

 

In the world we live today, we are so much challenged in all aspects of our life. The pandemic had caused a lot of people to lose their livelihood and for some even their lives! We are all being called to act in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic to show love for one another.

 

In the Gospel reading today, the call to LOVE unconditionally is super needed to be heeded by all of us! From those that are in power and from those who are powerless. From government leaders to the lowliest level of the citizenry.

 

How do we do it? I believe that it can be done by putting the welfare of others ahead of ourselves. We all need to do for others what is good for them regardless of whether they have done good to you!

 

A lady friend of mine who is a Lawyer and Financial Educator has a stay out helper who had asked for salary advances but did not show up to serve her services for many months. But just recently, the same helper contacted her asking for support. Guess what? She still provided the help in spite of the helper's wrongdoing. Atty. GJ showed me a concrete example of how to LOVE unconditionally.

 

We all need to put CARE above MONEY!

 

I hope and pray that people who have the power over what directions and actions to take to fix the pandemic, must have an open heart to CARE for what is good for all and not for what MONEY they would get.

 

And for us; who are continually blessed with good health of mind, body, pocket, and spirit, let's continue to contribute to all that we can to help others. To give CARE. To LOVE as He has commanded us!

 

Finally, stay safe. Spread not the virus but LOVE!

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for the continuing good health of our minds, body, and spirit. Lord, we pray that we may be continually inspired to serve others specially those who are sick and are in need. May we continue to serve with unconditional love. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

I am the Good Shepherd.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

25 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 4:8-12

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

Second Reading:  1 JN 3:1-2

Gospel:  JN 10:11-18

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"A good shepherd lays down his life  for the sheep."

 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows each and every one of us. And He already laid down His life for us, His sheep. That's how much God loves us. He sent us His Son to save us from our sins. Sheep are mentioned more than 200 times in the Bible, more than any other animal. Sheep are important sources of wool, milk, and meat, and throughout the Bible, sheep served as symbol of God's people. Jesus is portrayed as the shepherd of His chosen flock in the prophetic words of Isaiah and Ezekiel, and most famously in the 23rd Psalm, all in which belongs to the Good Shepherd.

 

Sheep are followers. And as the sheep of our Good Shepherd, Jesus, we ought to follow Him closely so we don't get lost. Following isn't something sheep have to think—about it's an instinct. Sheep remember faces. They recognized faces of other sheep and even of humans who work with them regularly. They are almost human, because sheep remember who treats them well—and even more, they remember who handles them harshly. Sheep find safety in numbers, and when grazing, sheep will keep at least 4-5 other sheep in view. They are very social and extroverted animals, for they do not do well alone, and they value supporting each other by sticking together at all costs. A lost sheep is critical because they do not do well alone. And Jesus cares that we do not get lost from His gaze because without Jesus our life will surely be a mess and empty.

Jesus is the true shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd who was willing to die for those who put their faith in Him. Any other person  who claims to be the true shepherd is a robber or a thief, for they are a false shepherd. Imagine a world where people do not expect to be served but are all eager to serve and care for one another! Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares, watches, and protects those who believe in Him. This is a wonderful message for anyone who seeks peace with God.

To be in a Lord's flock is to be in a life-changing, transformative relationship with the Lord. To know the Lord our Good Shepherd is to see our life changed by that very relationship. It is to know the voice of Jesus and be able to distinguish it from others, so that in all things God may be glorified.

Let me close with these beautiful verses from Psalm 23:

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have everything I need

He lets me rest in fields of green grass

and leads me to quiet pools of water

He gives me new strength

He guides me in the right paths as He has promised

Even if I go through the deepest darkness

I will not be afraid Lord for You are with me

Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me

You prepare a banquet for me where all my enemies can see me

You welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim

I know that Your goodness and love will be with me all my life

And your house will be my home as long as I live.

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd who will always be there to guide and protect us. Even if we face the greatest trials and pain and suffering, we know You will always be there to carry us and go through our dark valley. Give us the grace Lord to remain steadfast and increase our faith, hope, and trust in You. Help us to continue to love and serve You in others especially during this pandemic. All this I pray, in Your Mighty Name. Amen.

 

 

 

Jesus, the King of Truth!

 The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of Universe 22 November 2020

 First Reading                                                            EZ 34:11-12, 15-17

Thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep. 
As a shepherd tends his flock
when he finds himself among his scattered sheep,
so will I tend my sheep.
I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered
when it was cloudy and dark. 
I myself will pasture my sheep;
I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD. 
The lost I will seek out,
the strayed I will bring back,
the injured I will bind up,
the sick I will heal,
but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,
shepherding them rightly.

As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD,
I will judge between one sheep and another,
between rams and goats.

Second Reading                                                   1 COR 15:20-26, 28

 

Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power. 
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
When everything is subjected to him,
then the Son himself will also be subjected
to the one who subjected everything to him,
so that God may be all in all.

Gospel                                                                        MT 25:31-46

Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him,
he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him.
And he will separate them one from another,
as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right,
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me,
in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply,
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Then he will say to those on his left,
'Depart from me, you accursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome,
naked and you gave me no clothing,
ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’
Then they will answer and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?’
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you,
what you did not do for one of these least ones,
you did not do for me.’
And these will go off to eternal punishment,
but the righteous to eternal life.

 

Reflection

By: Art Reyes

 

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King, the King of universe. This is also the day when we as a Church, conclude our liturgical year. In today's Gospel we proclaim the great mystery of our faith. By his crucifixion, Jesus is shown to be the King and Savior of all. Christ is our King!

Many of our leaders today are very privileged, untouchable, and unjust. It is because they think that their power is endless, that they can manipulate anyone's mind. A true king leads us to truth, serves not himself but the very people who look up to him.

I recently heard a story about somebody asking an archaeologist about when they thought civilization appeared in the human race. We would think that the evidence of early civilization would be wall carvings on an explored cave or finding ancient clay pots. But the archaeologist answered that it was a broken thigh bone.

In the ancient world, a broken leg meant death. A broken leg made you easy prey, you could not hunt to get food, and you could not get to the river to drink. Somebody had to take the time to protect, feed, and tend to the injured person, nursing them back to health until they could do the tasks that they needed to do to survive by themselves. This is the first sign of civilization: someone caring for the life of another.

The social media that we are hooked into now is a platform that are full of lies, deceit, and distractions. There are people whose livelihood is to tell lies in favor of their patrons--usually the politicians who are addicted to power. The civility among us is almost extinct as we exchange hurtful words, insults, and lies to save our pride in the lost argument. We have lost the ability to interact with one another authentically. We have stopped caring for each other.

The social media may end the culture and human civilization. Or has it already? We need our God the most at this time so we can stay focused on the truth. Let us continue to faithfully listen to His voice.

Let us be reminded that there is One who is the truth. All worldly power, influences, and wealth will pass. Let us not be influences by lies by those who are in power. We owe them nothing.

Only Christ is our King! The King of Truth!

 

Prayer 

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the way, the life, and the truth. Help me to live in truth, to speak it, to experience it, and to share it. Lord, You are King! Amen.

 

 

My Good Shepherds

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 July 2018

First reading                                                                     Jeremiah 23:1-6
The Lord says, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: “It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings,” says the Lord.
“Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing,” says the Lord.
“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.'”

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 2:13-18

Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores


I was born in Manila, but grew up in a far barangay of Cahigam in Rosario, Batangas. I had a simple life and a happy childhood, then. I played under the heat of the sun and enjoyed the cool wind breeze at night. For the whole month of May, I remembered myself picking flowers to offer to Mama Mary for the Flores de Mayo. I really took so much effort to be present each night because of the candies being distributed right after praying the rosary and singing Marian songs in our small chapel. I was so naive that time, not knowing the importance of that tradition.

But, things began to change when a nun named Sister Fe started to preach in our school. Every Monday, she gave an hour talk to us Grade 1 students about the Catholic faith. I didn't realize that I was so curious about the teachings until I bagged the Best in Religion Award during our recognition. Not only once but four times in my elementary years - from Grade 1 to 3 and Grade 5.

From then on, I valued more the Flores de Mayo. I even volunteered to lead the praying of rosary each night. Candies were not my motivation in going to the chapel anymore. Thanks to Sister Fe who enlightened me. She was also the same person who prepared me for my First confession and communion. The very first time I received Holy Communion felt like heaven, being united with Christ. Therefore, I looked forward for more, but circumstance didn’t allow me to, since we lived far from the town. We could not attend Mass every Sunday, and that broke my heart. Good thing that an FM radio station in Lipa City had a live broadcast of the Mass being officiated by then Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles every Sunday at 7:00 o' clock in the morning. From the live radio broadcast, I was able to learn many things that nurtured my faith. I may not be able to receive Christ's body, but His presence already filled me. So again, thank you for the good shepherd in the person of Archbishop Arguelles that God sent me.

All the readings for today clearly tell us how loving and merciful is our Lord. He cares so much for His people as He personally shepherds us, aside from also giving us the priests and consecrated persons that lead us to Him. Jesus saw the vast crowd who were like lost sheep that need to be shephered. So He gave us the priests and consecrated persons.

Today as we continue to reflect on God’s words, may we spend time to thank our shepherds and promise to pray for them as they are also tested in their faith at times.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me good shepherds because You saw our need to be guided and led to verdant pastures. We promise to cultivate the faith You have given us as we also lead others who might need the same guidance like us. And we shall also pray for the shepherds You have chosen through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.