Unhurried Grace

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

15 June 2025

 

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel: John 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

The profound words of Jesus invite us into a contemplation of both the mystery of divine revelation and the transformative guidance the Holy Spirit offers in our lives. Jesus says that not all truth is revealed at once, but He reassures us that there is a divine process at work— a gentle unfolding of understanding that matches our readiness to receive it. This gradual revelation is not about concealment but rather an act of deep wisdom. Just as the disciples could not grasp the fullness of Jesus’ teachings at once, we too often find life's truths emerging over time. In moments of uncertainty or when the weight of life’s challenges seems too heavy, we are reminded that the Spirit of truth is ever-present, patiently preparing our hearts to receive deeper understanding. This path in divine revelation teaches us the importance of trust and patience, inviting us to welcome the slow, nurturing progression of spiritual growth. It is in this embrace of gradual revelation that our understanding deepens, and our faith is strengthened.

Jesus also wants us to understand the nature of the Holy Trinity. The intimate relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is deeply established. All that the Father possesses is also with the Son, and the Holy Spirit acts as the guide, proclaiming this divine unity to us. In the harmonious relationship of these three persons, we can have a glimpse of the perfect model of love that is very evident in our relationships — values that lie at the heart of our family lives. The Spirit does not work alone but glorifies Jesus by drawing from the abundance of divine truth offered by the Father. This sacred and intimate harmony of the Holy Trinity reminds us of our spiritual inheritance — that truth and wisdom are gifts meant to be shared.

If we look at the aspect of family life, our understanding of the Holy Trinity offers an inspiring guide for relationships, like in the role of Fathers. Just as the Heavenly Father imparts love, provision, and truth to His creation, earthly fathers are called to share these divine qualities within the family. A father’s role is not simply to lead or to instruct from above, but to walk beside his loved ones in a journey of shared discovery and growth. By modeling restraint, compassion, and a willingness to listen—as the Holy Spirit listens and communicates truth—fathers can guide their families with a wisdom that inspires courage and nurtures hope. The words of Jesus invite fathers to see themselves as humble stewards of a greater truth, entrusted not with complete authority and power, but with the responsibility of mirroring God’s infinite love and patience.

We are also invited to appreciate that growth and understanding occur in small, precious moments. Life lessons cannot simply be given all at once but must develop gradually, nurtured by repeated acts of love, kindness, guidance, and by example. When fathers invest in their children by being honest, kind, and patient, they build an environment in which truth can flourish. An environment that is also a reflection of the Holy Trinity’s patient revelation to the disciples. Through this, we slowly understand the unhurried grace that is continuously imparted as we go through our journeys together. As relationships deepen and bonds strengthen, the light of truth shines ever brighter. Families that nurture truth and love become shelters not only for their own members but also for the larger community, resonating with the nature of the Holy Trinity for all to witness. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, we are reminded that the eternal love of the Father, the sacrificial presence of the Son, and the guiding power of the Holy Spirit are implanted into every aspect of our lives.

As we also celebrate Father’s Day, may every father be inspired to lead with gentle authority and heartfelt dedication. Fathers are beacons of truth who help their families go through the difficulties of life by sharing the slow, steady light of divine wisdom. For all earthly fathers like me, may we embrace our role as guides, companions, and earthly models of divine love. Know that in every patient word, every compassionate act, and every silent moment of shared truth, we reflect the divine process of the Holy Trinity in us. Trusting in this process helps us tirelessly nurture our families, lighting the way with love, truth, and ascending hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle unfolding of Your truth that guides us through every season of life. May The Holy Spirit fill our hearts with patient understanding, teaching us to trust in the gradual revelation of Your divine wisdom. Inspire us, especially as fathers and family leaders, to mirror Your compassion, humility, and steadfast love in every act. Help us to see the beauty in small moments, knowing that each is a step toward deeper spiritual growth and unity. In the sacred harmony of the Holy Trinity, may we be empowered to reflect Your light to our families and the world around us.

We also lift to you the countries who are in conflict right now, especially Israel and Iran, asking that Your peace might repress the war and heal every division. May Your presence soften hardened hearts and guide leaders toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation. Inspire all communities to replace disharmony with understanding and replace struggle with hope. In Your infinite mercy, bring lasting peace and unity to these distressed regions and the whole world.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Progenitor of grace

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 July 2021 

 

First Reading: 2 Kgs 4:42-44

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Eph 4:1-6

Gospel: Jn 6:1-15

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many?" - John 6:9

When I read this verse in today's Gospel, I can't help but relate it to the community pantry that had since spread all over the country and abroad. I saw how it started with one small cart of basic pantry items along Maginhawa street. If Ana Patricia Non, the progenitor of this community pantry, thought that her help is too little to matter, then 6,700 other community pantries would not have helped feed people in need.

Similar to the boy in today's Gospel, he did not mind sharing his small packed lunch to the disciples. His generosity is innate. In his innocent mind, if he can but make at least a few less hungry then that would be enough, even at the risk of losing food for his own.

And that is what Jesus is waiting for - a progenitor of generosity. Someone to offer even with the littlest he has, so that God can multiply it.

I used to wonder why Jesus had to wait for the boy to offer his lunch. He could just have brought rain of manna like in the time of Moses, or turn stone into bread. But I also thought that it would not look right, since it would look like sorcery and besides, would you eat the food if you knew it used to be a stone? There's going to be a lot of explaining to do! That is definitely not how God operates.

I read somewhere that this is because God wants to cooperate with us. He is not invasive, He is not manipulative, He will move if we allow Him to work. And when we have faith, miracles happen.

 

Prayer

 

"Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous

Teach me to serve You as I should

To give and not to count the cost"

    - Prayer of Generosity (Bukas Palad Ministry)

 

Unwelcoming

Fourth Sunday of Lent 31 March 2019
First reading Joshua 5:9-12

The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

Second reading                                                         2 Corinthians 5:17-21

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable:

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.

When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and nobody gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”‘ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe ” the best one-and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'”

Reflection

By Bernard M. Borja

I have a friend who is now happily serving at a church he longed to belong to. But before he was able to serve, he went through a lot of challenges and ridicule. During his younger years, he spent his time with vices such as womanizing and health abuse. At 19 years old, having a wife and two kids did not stop him from continuing his vices. His family experienced emotional and physical abuse from him and after several years, his family left him. Few years past and he became worse that even his friends went to distance themselves from him. Feeling all alone and depressed, he then realized he was so tired. A simple prayer came out from him as he whispered, "Lord, I want to go home." He got so tired of all the things he pursued for his own satisfaction. He got tired of abusing the people around him especially those closest to him. He got tired of being alone and left out. There were only two ways that he was thinking on how we wants to go home. One is to take his own life and end it all so he can be home to wherever he thinks he might belong. He chose the other way which is to go back to the church where his family and friends belong. But when his former friends saw him there, they said many things to him such as "You don't belong here." and "Baka masunog ka dito (You might get burned here.)"

How easy it is for us to "excommunicate" people who we think have no hope of turning away from their wicked ways. And it is even easier for us to judge people who wanted to come home to God who are in the same family as we are in.

Jesus' message of repentance is still clear in our Gospel. The tax collectors and sinners draw near to listen to Jesus and this may be considered as their first step toward repentance. But those who are "serving" at the temple did not like how Jesus welcomes these people. Just like in the parable, when the elder son spoke to his father and said, "This son of yours...", he is somehow forgetting his relationship as his brother. He forgot that even though the younger son spent all his inheritance, he once belonged to the same house he is in. If we look closely in our society today, this is similar to what is happening. My friend who chose to come home almost gave up and thought of going back to his vices because of those people who were unwelcoming. Sometimes the very people who are always with God, and who has God's everything, are the ones who dissipate the blessings that were always meant for everyone. People think that the greater blessings are only meant for those who are in the house of God. This is somehow true because God has longed for us all to be part of His family. But to think that the riches of the Kingdom of God will only be inherited by the rich in spirit alone is dire. Worse is when we also think that we have always been doing the righteous things, not realizing that we also sin because of the things we did not do for our brother or sister.

Jesus continues to proclaim the Kingdom of God through the parable of the prodigal son. God always runs toward us to welcome us back when we repent. God also pleads with us to forgive each other and celebrate how we are found after being lost. Before Jesus died on the cross, he pleaded to Our Father saying, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." What if Jesus would plead to us with the same words, like the father in the parable, whenever our hearts are hardened to forgive our brother or sister? Should we open our hearts and welcome them if Jesus would say to us, "Please forgive him/her because he/she does not know what he/she was doing."? Or would we behave like the elder brother in the parable?

We must remember that when God calls us to repent, he also calls us to feast and to rejoice. God awaits for us and always sees us from afar when we come home. He also wants us to see from afar our brothers and sisters who wants to come home, for us to welcome them and celebrate because they have been found after getting lost. 

Prayer

Dear God Our Father, we thank You for Your generosity as You continue to give us every blessings and riches in Your kingdom. Open our hearts to share these graces to our brothers and sisters especially to those who want to come home to You. We also pray for the grace to ask forgiveness to those whom we have offended because of committed and omitted mistakes. May we welcome You in our hearts as we commemorate the passion of Your Son this Lent. We also ask Mama Mary for her guidance and intercession as we look up to her, overflowing with God's inspiration, to repent and amend our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

We Grow In Wisdom Through Obedience

Sto. Niño 20 January 2019
First reading Isaiah 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Second reading                                                          Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and with- out blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to
himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.

Gospel                                                                        Luke 2:41-52

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.
  Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.

He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

On New Year’s Day, I shared with you the little milestones of our charismatic community, The Feast, in Angeles City. Well, it took us almost four years before we are finally going live (from using video talks). Among the many reasons for this delay was the disobedience of the servants. I am no exemption.

Some time between our launch in 2015 and in 2018, we were given a direction to split up and form smaller groups; once those smaller groups start growing, we have to split them again into smaller groups of around five attendees; and so on until we have enough smaller groups, put them together, and launch one big prayer meeting with live talks.

But we did not obey. We were too comfortable with one another that we did not split up. We felt that everything that we have already accomplished will be put to waste. There were many other reasons for our objections. But we kept our slowly growing group.

Although some of us did our best to start other group on the side. Still, that’s not splitting up. And they did not grow. 

Later did we know that all those times, we were being tested. And we failed. Big time. That is why we are still a small group up to now.

Well, we have learned our lessons.  I’ve learned my lessons…the hard way. Now, we submit ourselves to obedience first before complaining. We humble ourselves as we acknowledge that we are not better than our mentors.

Even our Lord Jesus, in today’s Gospel, submitted Himself to obedience that He grew in wisdom in the favor of God and the people.


We grow in wisdom through obedience. And we gain favor from both God and man.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the people You send us to help us grow in wisdom. We’re sorry for our disobedience. We ask Your forgiveness. Amen.

In or Out

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 September 2018

First reading                                                                  Numbers 11:25-29
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again. Two men stayed in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!” But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!”

Second reading                                                     James 5:1-6

Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day, slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.”

Reflection

By Art B. Reyes

Jesus speaks about humility, tolerance, and love for our fellowmen. He is teaching us to embrace and welcome each other regardless of our race, denomination, and status in life.

In our gospel for this Sunday there is another lesson for all of us. The disciples complain to Jesus because they saw someone casting out devils in Jesus’ name. They tried to stop him “because he was not one of us”. When John told Jesus that there were group of people driving out demons in His name, he perhaps was expecting that Jesus would condemn them. Instead, He says “Do not prevent them, there is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

This is a strong message that we need to reflect on. No denomination, race, or status in life has the exclusivity of God’s saving grace. Several religions claim that no good can be done in the world except through their ways and beliefs. They are so close-minded that they cannot imagine on working on any other pattern other than what they believe on.

Have you noticed how the beggars in the street bow their heads, as if they wouldn't like their faces seen by the people passing by? In contrast, I am certain that you observe that most people in power are overflowing with ego, their heads up high. It is so tempting to distance ourselves from people that don’t belong to our circle, people that are not on our “level”.

We need to embrace everyone for God’s love has no boundary. He doesn't look at how we pray, how we do good deeds, or how big of a money we give to the Church. God examines our hearts. Humility is a way to reshape our hearts that are deformed by our egocentric and selfish ways.

Let us all slowdown and pause. When everything is rushed, we don't take notice of the people surrounding us. We don't see the goodness in them. By slowing down, we can find time to selflessly look outside of ourselves. And by taking a pause, we can find opportunity to love.

Prayer

Lord, grant us the virtue of true humility. Allow us to not be filled with pride, jealousy, or boastful gestures toward our brothers and sisters. Fill our hearts with love, joy, peace and happiness to the praise of Your glory. Amen.

Sustained by the Eucharist

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

12 August 2018

First reading                                                                    1 Kings 19:4-8
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Gospel                                                                     John  6:41-51

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise them up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.

“I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Reflection By Jessa Janelle Padilla
There are different kinds of test that we go through in our daily life. These tests may regard to school, work, health, relationship, and even faith. How do we prepare ourselves for these tests? What kind of preparation do we do? In school, we study and review our lessons. At work, we do our best to meet the standards, prepare the necessary documents, and comply with existing policies and procedures to pass accreditation tests. About our health, we eat healthy foods and avoid those prohibited foods and drinks to achieve good health test result. On our relationships, we open ourselves to discussion, humble ourselves, there is willingness to listen, and willingness to forgive and to move on to the next chapter with strong and long lasting relationship. And on our faith, we listen to the Word of God, eat the Bread of Life, digest it and live our lives according to Jesus’ teaching.

There might be time that we came to a point where we nearly surrender just like Elijah in our First Reading this Sunday. When he told the Lord that he can no longer continue his journey, an angel touched and ordered him to get up and eat. The angel did it twice until Elijah gained strength to continue his journey. In our journey towards life, sometimes, we also surrender and give up because of the unending hardships, obstacles and problems that we face. But every time we surrender, the Lord sends someone to lift up and enlighten us to continue our journey. And if ever we still feel that we can no longer continue our journey, He never gets tired of sending people to encourage us to keep on moving and fighting. We just need to open our hearts and minds, then listen and be enlightened. Jesus’ light comes in and defeat the darkness. We can continue our journey like how Elijah did.

Also, a peaceful and loving group may experience quarrel and horrible situation. It may be destroyed by misunderstandings and unresolved issues.  On the other hand, a healthy relationship may be broken because of bitterness, fury, anger, shouting and reviling. In the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, he told us to remove on our lives all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling along with all malice and be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving one another as God have forgiven us in Christ. We need to fight and make a move to fix what has been broken. Let us also be kind, compassionate and forgiving to one another to maintain the healthy, peaceful and loving relationships that we have and cared for.

We all have tendency to have doubt to people and even situations. This is because of the spread of fake news on social media and existence of fake people on our lives. We now think twice, thrice or more and examine the authenticity of the news before we believed. We also put people to test before we can fully trust and be open to them. How come that we became like this? What happened?

In our Gospel today, the Jews doubted that Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven because they all know that He is the son of Joseph. What is the reason for this reaction? It is because of lack of faith? As children God, only our deep faith on Him can make us believe on everything that He will say with no doubts and questions. We can respond immediately with a ‘Yes, You are the Bread of Life’ without thinking twice. We believe and can testify that He is really the Bread of Life. He sustains our needs and makes us full. He never let us down and leave our side.

As followers and believers of Him, He will grant us eternal life upon eating the Bread of Life.

Prayer

Merciful Father, we are so thankful because You gave Your only Son Jesus Christ to us as the Bread of Life. You always touch our lives by sending people to guide and support our journey to become your faithful servant. Feed us Lord with the bread that can satisfy our hunger and remove in our lives all doubts and malice. This we ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Understanding

Pentecost

04 June 2017

First reading	Acts 2:1-11

When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
  Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. ‘Surely’ they said ‘all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.’

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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103(104):1,24,29-31,34

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Second reading	1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13

No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
  There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose.
  Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Alleluia!

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Gospel	John 20:19-23

In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.
‘As the Father sent me,
so am I sending you.’
After saying this he breathed on them and said:
‘Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sins you forgive,
they are forgiven;
for those whose sins you retain,
they are retained.’

Reflection

by Benj Santiago

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

We commemorate today the feast of Pentecost, the coming of the promised Advocate of the Father - the Holy Spirit. Preceded by strong winds and in the form of tongues of fire, it descended upon the apostles and they began to preach to the devout Jews from different nations who were gathered in Jerusalem. People who speak different tongues were surprised to understand the message conveyed by Peter and the rest of Jesus' followers.

Last Sunday was the Solemnity of the Ascension of Christ . Christ ascended into heaven, but He made sure that we believers will not be left behind. He fulfilled His promise that all who have gathered in His Name will be baptized by the Holy Spirit. And instantly they were able to communicate and understood each other in spite of their different languages. And when people understand each other, they have unity. And when there is unity, there is love and peace.

In our families, in our communities, in our work places, and in our country as a whole, there is a great need to pray for understanding. We need to have the Pentecost experience to resolve conflicts brought about by varying and conflicting ideas. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit descend upon all of us so that we can understand each other and achieve peace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending to us the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us. We pray that we become bearers of the Holy Spirit to make us instruments of peace, unity and love. Lord, grant that the power of the Holy Spirit would enable us to renew the face of the earth! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!

Mike, Cha, and I

“ Do not be afraid to become the saints of the new millennium!”

Saint John Paul the Great

First Reading: IS 8:23—9:3

First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles.

Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

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

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

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe's people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos,"  or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided?

Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

Gospel: MT 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,  that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death  light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Reflection 
By Pietro S. Albano

It's almost 25 years since Mike Flores, Cha Leyson, and I formed a "triumvirate" in the parish. We were (still are!) affiliated with Anluwage: Mike was then the Editor-in-Chief of Ang Pahayagang Anluwage (the parish newsletter), Cha was the President of Tanghalang Anluwage (the parish theater group), and I was a writer for the newsletter. Apart from this ministry, all three of us were lectors/commentators during Mass. 

In our involvement in the parish, we have developed friendship and brotherhood. Elders and youth alike in the parish would describe us as inseparable. I can't fail to remember those times when our elder colleagues in the Lectors/Commentators group would keep on testing us - we were new to the ministry then - by assigning us to assist in the 5:30am weekday Masses! If one of us is unable to serve in the Mass (weekday or weekend), someone in our "triumvirate" would surely provide cover. There were also occasions when fellow parishioners would ask us for help. This time we have involved other members of Anluwage. Singing with the Sto. Nino Choir (a singing group of lovely and lively matured ladies) every 5:30am Sunday Mass comes to mind. Others were our involvement in organizing an exhibit of Marian statues and images and singing contests in selected areas in the parish. 

Fr Benedict Ashley, OP once wrote: "The preaching of the Reign of God becomes credible only when persons who speak have themselves experienced that life of love in a community. Jesus preached to the crowds out of love in a community." I guess our service to the parish grew out of that "life of love" that we experienced in our "triumvirate" (and in Anluwage as a whole). And even when Anluwage was disbanded, we continued to be in touch. Cha and I served as lectors/commentators in the Manila Cathedral. Later on, we left Gagalangin. Cha and Mike migrated to the Middle East and I to the UK. (Mike has returned to Manila.)  In spite of this separation, God seemed to be calling not only the three of us, but others (old and new members alike) to continue where we have left. We recognize this web ministry as God's work and, like the fishermen in today's Gospel, we leave that darkness of separation behind, rekindle our love for Christ and one another, and follow the Light!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You came not to call the qualified, but to qualify those You call. Unite us in love so that we may continue to spread the Good News of salvation to all. Amen.