Doubting Thomas

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

12 April 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

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

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel: John 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

A Stone's Throw

   

Fifth Sunday of Lent

06 April 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel: John 8:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, 

This Gospel always hits home. A woman is dragged out and humiliated for her sin, and she stands there, just a stone’s throw away from judgment—literally and emotionally. The crowd is ready, stones in hand, but Jesus steps in and flips the moment upside down with a single challenge: “Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”

That phrase “a stone’s throw” reminds me how close we often are to judging others. We may not hold physical stones, but sometimes our thoughts, words, or attitudes are just as sharp. We stand, just a step away, ready to criticize, label, or dismiss someone for their mistakes—forgetting that we’ve made our own.

What speaks to me most is how Jesus doesn’t excuse the sin, but He also doesn’t shame the sinner. He protects her dignity, reminds everyone of their own imperfections, and then gently tells her to "go and sin no more." It’s a reminder that Jesus meets us where we are, not to leave us in our mistakes, but to help us rise above them.

In my work as a school counselor, I’ve seen many students judged quickly—for failing grades, bad decisions, or behavior issues—without people taking the time to understand the “why” behind them. And I admit, there are moments I’ve been tempted to mentally throw a stone too. There are times I catch myself being quick to judge others—whether it’s someone who made a bad choice or someone whose actions I don’t agree with. This Gospel reminds me that I’m not perfect either. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve needed forgiveness, and others have shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it.

And maybe, like the woman, I’ve had moments of guilt or shame where I felt unworthy. But the readings reminded me that Jesus doesn’t define us by our failures. He sees the whole person. That gives me hope—and reminds me to offer that same grace to others.

We are all called to be humble, before criticizing others, I reflect on the grace I’ve been given and the second chances I’ve received. In moments of frustration or judgment, I pause and ask: “Am I helping this person grow, or am I just pointing fingers?, or I am projecting my personal issues to him/her?” We are invited to be like Jesus in the crowd to stand between the broken and the stones—offering support, not shame.

“A stone’s throw” can mean being physically close, but in this context, it reminds me how close we can come to choosing judgment over mercy. Jesus shows us a better way: to drop the stone, extend the hand, and walk with others toward healing. That’s the kind of counselor—and person—I strive to be.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to drop the stones of judgment I so easily carry and to see others through Your eyes of mercy. Teach me to respond with compassion, even when it's easier to condemn. Remind me that I, too, have needed grace. May I always choose love, just as You chose love for me. Amen.

Radical Love

 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 February 2022

 

First Reading: 1 SM 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Responsorial Psalm: PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

Second Reading: 1 COR 15:45-49

Gospel: LK 6:27-38

 

Reflection

By: Sem. Carlo Alexis R. Malaluan

 

One campaign slogan commonly seen in the present Philippine political climate speaks of a radical love. Love comes from different forms. Love allows us to enter into a deep relationship and communion with others. When Jesus speaks of a radical love, what does he mean?

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to love like how God loves. Years ago, I came across the real meaning of the word "Compassion". Compassion derives from the two Latin word, cum meaning "with" and passio which means "suffer". Therefore, in a literal sense, real compassion is to be with the suffering - to suffer with others. It is the ultimate expression of love. Of course, it is easy to suffer with someone dear to us. It is easy to empathize with our friends and loved ones. But Christ asks for more. Christ asks us to love our enemies, those who have wronged us and to those who have bitterly caused us pain and hurt.

What a demand from Jesus! It seems to be an impossible task to do. Jesus wants a change of heart. This is hard because this is not our way. Our natural tendency is to get even or just discipline our enemies as best as we can. It utterly reverses our human understanding about enemies and forgiveness. It tells us the way God goes about things, holding nothing against us despite all our failings. This is how Jesus lived. His attitude of heart was blessed by His Father and brought Him into eternal life. In the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus uses extreme language to highlight the importance of our relationships to one another. We are to deal with others - even to those unlovable, mindful of how we ourselves have received the good gift of forgiveness from God. This reminds us of the words in the prayer Christ Himself taught us, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

The love Jesus speaks of is not just emotion: it is a commitment of the will. It is extravagant and limitless, and it includes us all, good and bad alike. This is the true love that frees up the world's gridlock of hatred, judgment, blame, recrimination and violence. It is an active loving based on going the extra mile. "The measure of love is to love without measure" as Saint Francis de Sales would say.

Prayer

Lord, loving our enemies is contrary to our human nature. But now You are asking us to love them. We always fail You. Lord, change our heart and transform it to become like Your merciful heart especially during sacramental celebrations. Allow us to spend time pondering how You have been merciful to us even when we are sinful and ungrateful. In this way, we learn the way of the Gospel. This we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Feast of the Holy Child Jesus

Feast of the Holy Child Jesus

The Santo Niño

17 January 2021

 

First Reading:  IS 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 98

Second Reading:  EPH 1:3-6, 15-18

Gospel:  MK 10:13-16

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

The 500-year strong faith on the Philippine Islands, we owe to a young Child - the Señor Santo Niño. It was through this venerable icon of the Child Jesus has helped the missionaries to introduce the faith to the natives. Thus, such devotion and affection for the Holy Child is deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness. That is why the Holy See, has approved for us a special celebration every third Sunday of January.

 

Many parts of the country celebrate the Feast of the Holy Child. But why is this so? We are a nation of young people. The statistics tells us that children are much bigger in number compare to adult Filipinos. And for that reason, the Holy Child serves as a model for the young. For us, Filipinos who are naturally fond of children, we believe that it is much easier to approach a young child. For us, the image of a God is not a distant creator but a young gentle and kind Child in our midst whom we can talk with familiarity.

 

But, what can we learn from this child? Innocence. The innocence of children teaches us to remain pure in thoughts and desires. In a world corrupted by selfish desires, we are called to remain holy and blameless. Capable of loving like the children. Show love to the children and they will love you back.

 

Let us learn to show compassion to each one. Let us strive to bring consolation to the unfortunate and suffering. Simplicity and openness, the child is not pretentious. We must be like a child who is open and simple, without masking ourselves and hiding who we really are.

We must stick to the identity that we are God's children and in such way, we will learn the greatest lesson the Child teaches us: Total trust and dependence on God. We recognize our weaknesses, shortcomings, and need for god that we are in need of the true God. God became a child to teach us that we must become a child in front of God. By doing so, we allow ourselves to be open to the great mystery of God's goodness and love. On this feast, may we discover the "inner child" within us and imitate the Child Jesus all the days of our lives.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, You became a Child to teach us how to become a child before You. Grant us the grace to learn from You and to approach You as the Child approaches His Father with full trust and confidence in Your goodness and mercy. Amen.

 

 

 

Live Not by Fear, but by Faith

 

 

 

First Sunday of Advent 

29 November 2020

First Reading IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7

You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
with the mountains quaking before you,
while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,
such as they had not heard of from of old.
No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you
doing such deeds for those who wait for him.
Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean people,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
we have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.

Second Reading 1 COR 1:3-9

Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God

always on your account for the grace

of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel  MK 13:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

 

 

Reflection

By: Art Reyes

 

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. It is a Latin word that means approaching, coming, expecting. This is the time for preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the need to be watchful and vigilant. "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come."

It is indeed frightening when we think about the quote as nobody knows when his time will come. Basically, nobody wants to see his death, much more unprepared. However, when we reflect upon it, we can realize that having  that "unknown" is perhaps a blessing.

The Gospel reminds us of our responsibility. What happens to us after we die is determined by how we lead our lives each and every day. We are the ones who decide what our "afterlife" will be. If we live a good life and strive to be loving and kind every day and share our time, gifts, and talents with others, we will likely be rewarded when we finally see our Creator.

However, we can not just sit idly and wait until the last minute. We need to take action. Maybe we can ask ourselves of these questions - Do we share our time, talents, and attention with other people? Do we share and spread love with our family, the people in our offices, our neighbors, and even strangers? If we choose to do these things, we are on the right track! In our death, we will be in God's loving presence!

 

Again, our country experienced the onslaught of super typhoons, two in a row. And that is coupled with the lingering virus threats. These are exceptional times. It is the time for giving and sharing, especially to so many of our brothers and sisters in our country who are suffering. Let us remember that acts of goodness and charity on our part will never be left unnoticed by our God.

 

Life is short, and death is uncertain. Let us free our hearts of hate, selfishness, greed, and replace them with love, compassion, and empathy.

 

I know without a doubt that our country and world will survive this pandemic just like we survive the recent natural calamities. We are not living in fear. We are living in faith! Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!

Prayer

 

My God, in all humility we ask You for the grace so that we may live a meaningful life. May we not live a life that is vain and empty. When our life ends, may we be ready to face our living God. Amen.

 

Reaching Out to the Undeserved

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 16 August 2020
First reading Isaiah 56:1. 6-7

Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest.

Foreigners who have attached themselves to Yahweh to serve him and to love his name and be his servants —
all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant — these I will bring to my holy mountain.
I will make them joyful in my house of prayer.
Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar,
for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

Second reading                                                          Romans 11:13

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead! for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient so that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon. ” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us. ” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me. ” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs. ” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table. ” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish. ” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Reflection

By Bernard M. Borja

How many times do we find ourselves in a situation when we are moved with compassion to others? Early this year, we have witnessed the efforts of the people who extended their help to the victims of the Taal volcano eruption. These people were moved by compassion for those who needed to leave their homes and stay at evacuation centers. Not long after, when the quarantine started, we also witnessed several groups who organized relief operations for the hospitals and to feed those who were stranded in the streets. Today, compassion is still evident in the hearts of many people as we all go through this storm. However, hatred sometimes blurs out this same compassion, and most people do not acknowledge this virtue because they feel that compassion is only for those who they think deserves it. Some people today would complain about others’ lack of discipline. They even blame those less fortunate for their stubbornness to still go out and work for a living. Some also point out others’ sins and mistakes, concluding that they do not deserve compassion anymore. As we take notice of these things today, we can ask ourselves, should we be selective of whom we feel compassion for? Is compassion only for the selected few or the privileged? 

Humans are naturally compassionate like how God is because we are created in his image and likeness. In the process of compassion, we mostly feel good about it whether we are the ones who are moved to give or we are the ones who receive it. But this virtue only fulfills the process when we respond to it, and our response will either make us see more of the goodness, or bring us into desolation where we only see the bad. 

Jesus was constantly moved with compassion towards the people. He also constantly reminds the disciples that this would be one of the priorities in carrying out their mission. When the Canaanite woman called out to them, the disciples did not even bother to talk to her. This is because the disciples literally took by heart their mission which is only for the lost sheep of Israel. They would carry out the healing of the sick and driving out of demons only to the Jews. They did not consider the woman to be one of them, and asked her to be sent away. But Jesus has always guided them in every step as they witnessed how Jesus responded to the woman. He did not turn a blind eye nor a deaf ear, and He listened to what the woman was saying. Jesus knew that His mission will eventually be extended to the whole world but during those moments, He was saying “It is not yet my time to go out of our current scope.” But He was moved to grant the request when the woman “begged for the scraps”. She believes that even the left over fragments from God’s graces is more than enough to heal her daughter. Just like how Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish, the Canaanite woman believes that the grace of God is so abundant that there will still be more for outsiders like her.

Many people today struggle in their daily living. They are anxious if their families will still have food to eat in the next few days. Most of them are driven by this thought and leave their homes in spite of the pandemic. If we only realize, they are moved with compassion to those who put trust and hope in them like their loved ones. While some people see it this way, some people criticize what they do. Many of us hear their cries but only look at the danger of spreading the disease, which eventually may disturb our comfortable living. Most of the time, we only respond with compassion to those who, in our own perception, do things “right” because we believe that what they do will always be for the benefit of the people like us who deserve it. We are imprisoned in our own entitlement that we think we deserve the good things because we worked hard for it. This entitlement even extends to our own ego as we look down at others, who did not have the same opportunity we had, and tag them as undeserved. Jesus fed the five thousand even though we all know that not all of them are hungry, and maybe some of them also have their own loaves. But still, Jesus fed all of them. We can also believe that Peter and the disciples were not alone in the sea during the storm. There must also be other boats in there who were fishing. But Jesus calmed the storm and the waves not just in the small part of the sea where the disciples are. The Canaanite woman reminds us that not only those who directly follow Jesus can be saved, but the divine plan of God’s salvation extends to the ends of the earth. May this remind us that we are still somehow undeserving of God’s graces, but God still chooses to reach out His hand and keep us in His loving embrace.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for all the graces that You continue to bestow upon us even in our undeserving sinful nature. May we constantly remind ourselves to see You in the vulnerable people who only ask for a fragment of our compassion. May this eventually lead us to see You and feel Your presence in our hearts, as we are moved to respond like Jesus did. We give all praises to You for we are constantly fed, and yet the feeding does not stop with us, because this feeding is always meant to be shared for all. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Days of Love

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion 14 April 2019
First reading Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

Second reading                                                         Philippians 2:6-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death ” even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 22:14-23:56

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!”

Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. “You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”

He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough. He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” They kept heaping many other insults on him. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer.

The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies. Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed.

So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.-

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the ays are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where nobody had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Reflection

By Carlo Alexis R Malaluan

Palm Sunday signifies the beginning of the “Mga Mahal na Araw” which, if roughly translated, would mean “The Days of Love”. The entire week compels us to draw our attention and reflection to the loving face of Jesus that is bruised and wounded by our bitter sins. The very face that loves the humanity that turned Him down.

Why do we have to celebrate the passion and death of Christ every year? Isn’t it just a part of faded memory? Isn’t it just a fragment of history? These days remind us that the love of God for sinners is eternal. It transcends generations and time. It is constantly renewed. 

Jesus’ immeasurable love continues to be expressed today. And we are called to partake in the very love of Christ. As Jesus showed the example in the way to Calvary, we must follow the footsteps of Jesus as we trod our daily lives.

As long as there are people who know how to love, to forgive, to give, to understand, and to sacrifice, each day will become a Day of Love. As long as there are people who follow Christ’s way – who place their hearts in the very heart of Jesus – the Merciful Lord will always remain with us, giving hope for a better world.

“Mga Mahal na Araw”. Days of Love. Let “Love” be the center of our reflection for the rest of the week. But let us remember that the holiness and love that this week entails will not stop on Easter Sunday but will come into its fulfillment. 


May we love like Jesus.

Prayer

Christ Jesus, by Your passion and death we realize that what counts above all is compassion. Grant us a heart full of goodness and love. As we gaze our hearts to Your eternal love, may others see Your merciful face in us. Amen.

On Trial

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 24 February 2019
First reading 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Saul rose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, with three thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. So David and Abishai went to the army by night; there Saul lay sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the army lay around him.

Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand today; now therefore let me pin him to the ground with one stroke of the spear; I will not strike him twice.” But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” So David took the spear that was at Saul’s head and the water jar, and they went away. No one saw it, or knew it, nor did anyone awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them.

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on top of a hill far away, with a great distance between them. David replied, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and get it. The Lord rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed.

Second reading                                                         1 Corinthians 15:45-49

It is written, “The first man Adam became a living being;” the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual which is first but the physical, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged;do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

“To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  - Luke 6:27

I am generally a composed person, often forgiving and trusting. I hold my temper quite well and am not angered easily by small stuff.  As they usually say, “walang masamang tinapay sa akin” (there is no stale bread for me). I can withstand almost anybody. 

But my patience was tested big time 5 years ago when my lessee took advantage of my considerate nature.  She violated our contract and failed to pay her due rent for 7 months.  When I asked her to leave due to non-payment, she would not budge and even threatened to sue me for harassment. I even reported her for community trial and yet every word she promised in oath, she did not follow. The only way left was to sue her but I know how expensive and inconvenient it would be. I admit I almost gave in to the offer of a friend who knew some authorities who could “persuade” them to leave.  But I backed out last minute as I knew it is not humane to use force.  

I cannot describe enough the torment I endured during the process. I cried and prayed almost every night thinking of a decent way to recover my home from an unwanted occupant. While I lost money due to non-payment from lessee, I still helped her to find a new apartment to lease. I even paid for the apartment’s down payment just to make her move out.  Since I know now that my lessee cannot be trusted easily,  I asked help from another neighbor (whom the lessee also owes money) to supervise her move out of the property.  In return, I will pay her the amount that the lessee owes her. I no longer care how much money I lost.  Thank God after almost a year, the ordeal was over. I recovered my home.

God has been gracious to me, He sustained me through it all.  Looking back,  I think I have forgiven her.  I pity her more than be angered by what happened. I have learned a lot of things from the experience.  It taught me to be braver, firmer, and faithful. God rewarded my perseverance and everything I lost, He returned multiple times and running over. I do not feel any financial burden or at least I don’t worry about it enough.  Truly, God delivers.

Prayer

Father, may we continue to follow Your will despite the temptation to take revenge in the midst of injustice. Teach us humility and patience knowing that You will deliver us from evil and never forsake us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.