I am Sending You

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 July 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c

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

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

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

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

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

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

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

Prayer

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

 

Radical Love: A Freedom to Man's pride.

   

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 

23 February 2025

 

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

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

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians, 15:45-49

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

 

Love your enemies. This is the fundamental command of Jesus in today's Gospel. This sounds beautiful and good but when we face real-life situations of betrayal, insult, or injustice, our hearts often resist. Forgiveness is difficult because of our ego. When someone wrongs us, our pride is hurt. We feel disrespected, taken for granted, or even humiliated. Some of us would have said, “I will never forget what they did to me.” Or “I will forgive, but I won’t talk to them anymore.” Some even say, “I’ll forgive… if they apologize first.”  However, all these things make us bitter, restless, and heavy inside. It imprisons our hearts that makes us numb and empty. 

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to free ourselves from the imprisonment of hatred through Mercy and Love. It is a radical movement within us when our empty heart were filled with the Mercy and Love of God. The word for love used here is agapē, meaning unconditional love. This isn’t about emotions; it’s a decision to will the good of the other person. 

It is God who loves us first. Even in our sinfulness, God forgives us. He forgives us even when we don’t deserve it. He asks us to do the same. And if we hold on to grudges, we close ourselves off from God’s grace. But if we give mercy, we receive mercy.

God’s mercy is not just an idea—it’s an invitation to freedom. The more we let go of resentment, the lighter our hearts become. Jesus does not ask us to forgive because it’s easy. He asks us because it is the path to true peace. 

And so, let us ask ourselves: Are we holding onto grudges? Are we still carrying past hurts? May we have the courage to let go, to trust in God’s justice, and to love as Christ loves. Amen.

Prayer

God our loving Father,

You gave us knowledge and wisdom

To know the truth.

Grant us the grace of Mercy and Love

For us to love each other even those who have wronged us

That we may also become an instrument of your love and mercy to others.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Marriage is for Forever

    

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 October 2024

 

First Reading: Gn 2:18-24

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Heb 2:9-11

Gospel: Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"What God has joined together, no human being must separate."

My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year! Praise God! I must say that if we did not have God in the center of our marriage, we have long been separated! There is no perfect marriage. Every marriage goes through different stages. How the couple handle it will determine if they will come out bitter or better. Do not be disappointed if you go through the unpleasant stages in marriage. It is just a phase and will surely end.

My husband and I are also blessed that we attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend early on in our marriage. It really improved our communication, our relationship and even raising our children in a Christian way. I truly believe that marriage is from the Lord and meant to be forever. It is not without many challenges and trials but it offers a unique opportunity to grow and learn together. Isn't it that if we want to follow Christ we have to take up our cross and follow Him. And in our marriage we must have the courage and strength to carry our daily crosses. Yes, our spouse can be our cross. We have a lot of differences. We have our flaws. We are not really perfect. We have our moods especially now that we are seniors. But we have resolved that no matter what, we just enjoy life and not anymore sweat on the small stuff. We have increased our patience, compassion, and kindness to each other. A good marriage is the foundation of a happy family where children can grow in a nurturing and loving relationships. Regardless of external circumstances, the commitment to love each unconditionally can create a powerful, enduring bond.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for all the couples out there, especially those facing many challenges in their marriage. Give them the strength and the courage to keep the love for each other burning. I also pray that You give them a forgiving and humble heart to accept each other's weaknesses. May all couples be a living witness of Your compassion, love, and mercy. All this I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Very Important Servants

    

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 September 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 2:12, 17-20

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

Second Reading: Jas 3:16—4:3

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Prayer

PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY

Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, 

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

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

To labor without seeking rest, 

To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward 

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

Crossroads

    

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 August 2024

 

First Reading: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

There may be times where we find ourselves lost in following God’s will, moments when we doubt God’s providential plan, times when we become so unfaithful to Him, moments we feel so alone and fail to recognize God’s presence in our life. The Gospel we have today is a promise of Christ's deeper commitment and faithfulness to us. Jesus has become one of us so that we become like Him.

Jesus is asking us, “Do you also want to leave?” Do you want to quit? Humans that we are, sometimes our faith is also challenged by the problems that we have. Some of us fall short of our personal needs, wants, biases and whims. We also have our defense mechanisms in place.

When we encounter people or situations which are different to our tastes and personal views, we tend to reject them outright without first trying to understand. Today’s Gospel invites us to remain faithful to the Eucharist even when we don’t fully understand the mystery of it. When we take it, Jesus lives in us, thus, we have to try to be like Jesus to the people who judge and hurt us, stay to be kind and respectful no matter our differences in views and ideas, and be with the people who need most of our help and assistance. 

Our regular attendance in the Mass and having a genuine quality time in worshiping, praying, and receiving Jesus' body and blood, really makes a difference in making our heart so strong like Christ’s, able to trust God, and live with the Holy Spirit. For when we allow the Holy Spirit to move within us, we will be drawn to our Father through Jesus. May we devote our full presence and attention each time we attend the Mass. 

Jesus has the words of eternal life. If we want to have eternal life, let us listen to Him wholeheartedly without any hesitation. Let us pray then that our Father in heaven grants us a welcoming and faithful heart and that Jesus may become the King in all aspects of our lives.

“Do you also wish to go away?” When Jesus asks us this question, may our answer be like Peter: “To whom shall we go?” May we remain steadfast in our faith and trust in the Lord. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I stand at this crossroads, I seek Your guidance and wisdom. Strengthen my faith and help me trust in Your plan. May Your light lead me, and Your presence give me peace. Grant me the courage to follow Your path, knowing that Your love and faithfulness will see me through.

Amen.

Great Men of Faith

    

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

14 January 2024

 

First Reading: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Second Reading: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20

Gospel: Jn 1:35-42

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

Featured in today’s Readings are great men of faith – called to undertake a special service for the Lord, and whose ‘yeses’ resounded in characteristic honor. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist, deemed by Jesus Christ Himself as one who, born of women, would find relative to himself no one greater (Matthew 11:11) was to go before Christ to direct our paths to Him – to predispose ourselves for the Christ to come. When John the Baptist saw Christ passing by, he was quick to turn the attention of his disciples Andrew and Simon to Christ, making no short work of the mission assigned to him. Andrew, compelled by Jesus’ Identity as the Messiah, eagerly recounted this news to Simon, who would then be called Peter – the rock from which the Church would be built. Such an exchange is overall reminiscent of how we are called into Church – with one having testified, us being convinced, and we all pulling each other invitingly into community.

In the First Reading, we see Samuel, a model character himself. He was to act as prophet and judge among God’s people, leading them towards repentance and providing them with counsel over spiritual and civil affairs. On many accounts, Samuel was touted an impartial judge, arbitrating fairly among God’s people, listening day in and day out to their myriad disputes, and turning them away from their evil ways.

Samuel’s call to service is one we could find some fascination in. He was sleeping in church – an act others would look disapprovingly upon; but the way he was called repeatedly by the Lord nevertheless tells us that the circumstance we find ourselves in when we are called does not matter so much as the purpose for why we are called – and the purpose for which we are beckoned into service is a piece of knowledge only God holds in full. Although appreciated when known, what matters is that we are called, and what we actually do about our calling. John the Baptist and Samuel were model characters of this calling set into proper motion.

To align our bodies with the purpose they were intended for, that is, to run abreast with Christ’s mission, lends us to a life in unity with the Lord and His community – the Church. In today’s Second Reading, not to fornicate is [only] an example of how to preserve the sanctity of our bodies. Anything we do that maintains our body’s honor is homage to the rightful state in which God wants us to treat our bodies – as His very temples or tabernacles; and in so far as we live in consonance with the community around us, being social creatures that we are, the good we do to ourselves is generosity extended to our brothers and sisters.

As we assess our whereabouts for the day, a question we could ask ourselves – one simple enough that we can take with us conveniently would be: “how Christlike have I lived my life today?” Or as we go through the day when we are right in the middle of everything, a variation of this would be the more popular: “what would Jesus do?” In all these, may the Holy Spirit be our ever-living Counsel.

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for giving us good examples to emulate for the conduct of our personal lives.

As we go through each day, may we pattern our lives after Your shining example; and in all the times we fall short of Your golden standard, please give us the grace of forgiveness for the shortcomings with which we have no way else than to make peace, or the grace to persist for those with You we can amend. Please give us the wisdom to know the difference.

These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Jesus: Who am I?

    

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 August 2023

 

First Reading: Is 22:19-23

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 11:33-36

Gospel: Mt 16:13-20

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

 

When I was in my first year of seminary formation, my spiritual director would always ask me, "How am I doing in the seminary?" I would answer him by recounting all my experiences in the four pillars of formation: community, academics, spirituality, and apostolate. Then my spiritual director would have a follow-up question, "How do you see or recognize Jesus in all these experiences?" At first, I did not know how to respond deeply to that question, but I answered him, "It was just a typical experience of routine daily life in the seminary." With this answer, he told me, "To follow Jesus is to see and recognize Him in our daily living." And so, I was awakened. I saw how important it is to see and recognize Jesus through the daily activities we do, through the different people we encounter, and through other things.

The readings for today speak of our faith in God. How do we recognize God in our life? In the first reading, God appointed Eliakim son of Hilkiah because God saw Shebna as unworthy. Here we might understand that God is just. However, St. Paul reminds us of the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge. He is more than just. This acknowledges the incomprehensibility of God's ways and His unsearchable judgments.  This proves that, as human beings, we are limited in our understanding of God's grand design, and yet we are called to trust in His providence. It teaches us humility, reminding us that while we may not always comprehend God's plan, we can always place our faith in His infinite wisdom.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus asks His disciples how the people see Him. The disciples answer that some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. However, Jesus asks His disciples again but in a more personal way, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter, in a moment of inspiration and grace, declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

In part, Jesus is also asking us personally, "But who do you say that I am?" As we reflect on these readings, we are called to examine our own faith journey and to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is in our lives. For He is not merely a historical figure or a wise teacher. He is a friend and a brother whom we can encounter in our daily life. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and minds to see and recognize You in our daily life, through the different people we encounter. Grant that we may increase our faith in You and be a true missionary disciple of Yours. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Configuration to Christ

    

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

06 August 2023

 

First Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

Second Reading: 2 Pt 1:16-19

Gospel: Mt 17:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

Tent is a good place to stay – during vacation, on camping trips, or on a beach trip. And it is easy to carry. However, there is no such thing as a self-building tent. There is always someone who will configure it for it to be built. In the Gospel, Peter wants to build a tent – one for Abraham, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. However, he was not able to do so for they heard a voice from the cloud and witnessed Jesus transfigures. With Jesus’ transfiguration, the disciples configure their lives and follow Jesus more.

Configuration to Christ is a life-changing experience starting from attraction, leading to conversion and mission that helps us to transform our lives. Allow me to share to you how configuration is a life-changing experience. The common theme of today’s readings is metamorphosis or transformation. The readings invite us to configure our lives by renewing them with Christ, and to radiate the grace of the transfigured Lord around us by our Spirit-filled lives.

Configuration starts from attraction. In the Gospel, as they were up to the mountain, Peter, James, and John were in awe as they saw Jesus transfigured, with His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. There, Moses and Elijah also appeared conversing with Jesus. With this, Peter was attracted to the manifestations in the mountain. He did not want to go down anymore and even asked Jesus to stay there and he will make a tent for them. When I was in high school, I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers. One of the reasons why I joined was the attraction from the vestments and for my sister who told me that she will give me money every time I serve. When I was a child, my mother would take me with her to the church to attend mass. There, I saw the altar servers serving at the altar wearing a white robe. I said to my mother that I want to also wear a white robe, and she said that when I grow up, I can. The attraction instills in me until high school. There, I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers and was able to wear the white cassock. My experience in joining the ministry transformed me to deeply love God and the Church.

However, Configuration does not stop there. It leads to conversion. While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. The scenes changed the hearts of the disciples, that it is not the comfort that God wants them to see but what Jesus would fulfill after. I was known to be a bully when I was in High school. I always tease my classmates just to annoy and make fun of them to make my other classmates laugh. I used to tease my classmate with asthma saying “Hinga! Hinga! Hinga lang nang Hinga!" until it became a chant in the classroom. However, everything changed when I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers. It made me realize that bullying and annoying my classmates are wrong. It leads me to deeply love and understand people and not to tease them or anything no matter what.

Lastly, conversion should entail action, thus, Configuration acts to mission. Jesus and the disciples did not stay in the mountain. They went down for there is a mission they need to fulfill specially for Jesus who will suffer in the cross.  From the attraction in joining the Altar Servers Ministry, to conversion and renewal of life to the Lord. All that configuration experience that I would call a religious experience leads me to enter the seminary. At first, I thought I would be an engineer. I would always say to my mother that I would become an engineer. “Nay magiging engineer ako.” However, God has always another plan for us. I find joy in the service in the Church. And this leads me to find that here is where my mission is. Transformations leads us to mission.

And so, let us configure our lives with Christ. Let us reflect in Jesus’ life and experiences, for our experiences was first experienced by Him. That is where attraction starts in the life of Jesus. Second, we go to confession and there, we will feel the mercy and compassion of God. And lastly, for our mission, we help any persons who are in need. With all these, we can configure our lives with Christ and renew ourselves.

As St. Thomas Aquinas would say, At His Transfiguration, Christ showed His Disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are His. And so, let God configure our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You showed your disciples the transfiguration of Yours that led them to configure their lives and follow You.  May we also be witnesses of Your transfiguration by letting us see You in our daily lives through the different people we encounter. So that we too may follow You and be a true missionary disciple. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. 

Ask the Teacher

    

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

11 June 2023

 

First Reading: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Second Reading: 1 Cor 10;16-17

Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

"I a the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever." - John 6:51

I have to admit that I will be as shocked as the Jews in today's Gospel reading. It is really hard to understand this teaching. At that time, they still do not have the Eucharist to relate to the body and blood of Christ. I believe this teaching is what divided Jesus' followers at the time. Some followers left while the apostles stayed with Jesus.

What made the difference is that the other Jews quarreled among themselves, while the apostles asked Jesus to clarify what He meant in the teachings. The other Jews relied on their own understanding and when they did not understand, they gave up and left. Meanwhile, the apostles approached Jesus and sought for more guidance and understanding.

I believe it is human nature to go about asking other people instead of asking the source of information. I recalled one instance during our college days when we, instead of asking our professor, we went about asking among each other what the assignment was and how to go about it. And when I asked, "Why don't we ask our teacher?" They will go about saying, "You should be the one to ask. You're the closest to the teacher!"

I think that is the answer, "we are not that close to the Teacher!" We tend to ask among ourselves, even dispute about the correct interpretation of the teaching, when we should be asking the Source of the teaching. Why? Because we are not that close to Jesus. We have not been with Him enough to know His ways. We have not spent enough time to understand what He meant. We have not established that kind of relationship to ask Him directly, "What are You teaching us, Lord?"

The apostles stayed and asked the Lord because they knew Him well enough to know He will not lead them astray. And because they believed in Him, their hearts were opened and gained more understanding.

Prayer

Father God, a lot of things are beyond our understanding. When we are in doubt, may we seek answers from You instead and lean not on the dictates of the world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Make Disciples

    

The Ascension of the Lord

21 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mt 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age”.

The disciples watched Jesus being lifted up to heaven and it must have been so sad and difficult for them to see Jesus depart from them. They must have felt abandoned again because it took a while before they left the place. But God promised that Jesus will return again in the same way that He ascended. But no one knows when. Meantime, the Lord promised to send His Helper the Holy Spirit. 

Are you ready for the second coming of the Lord? I’ve learned to live my life thinking each day as if it is my last and because of that I treasure every moment with my loved ones and all my relationships. I treasure my prayer time with the Lord because His presence gives me strength and I’ve learned to find God in all things. And I always ask the Lord to guide me that I may always do His will and share His love to everyone. 

I also share in His mission to make disciples and bring even one soul at a time back to Jesus. It is not always easy. Sometimes it requires getting out of my comfort zone. But the journey helps me grow to greater love and service to others. God is always with us so let’s spread His love to all the world and make disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we rejoice today in Your ascension to the Father’s right hand. Thank You, Lord, for offering us a share in your heavenly life. By Your Spirit, help us to lay hold of our inheritance in You—the hope, the glory, and the power that are the right of every child of God.

Shout Joyfully to God

    

Sixth Sunday of Easter

14 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

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

Second Reading: 1 Pt 3:15-18

Gospel: Jn 14:15-21

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy”

Easter is truly a joyful season. The Lord has risen. His resurrection has given us so much hope and unexplainable joy. And because of this, the disciples finally has become bold and brave to spread and to proclaim the good news and the people paid attention because of the many miracles and signs that Jesus has done after His resurrection. And because of their increase faith, the disciples were able to also perform miracles and cast out unclean spirits, cured the paralyzed and crippled, and many accepted the word of God. There was great joy in the city.

When we also answer God’s call and mission for us, it brings immense joy. Our life should also live the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Our journey here on earth is not a smooth journey. We face different kinds of challenges and difficulties in doing the mission God has called us to do but it brings immense joy knowing that we serve our God by loving others and bringing the kingdom of God closer to all the people that we meet. When we truly love, we are ready to make sacrifices and submit to the will of God with loving obedience. And in doing this, we experience real joy that can only come from God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, as I spend time with You, I am aware of how blessed I truly am. I think of the love and laughter in my life and I feel grateful. Thank You for always being there for me Lord and for finding joy even in the midst of trials and difficulties. Give me the grace to experience Your joy in every moment of my life. Amen.

To Whom Shall We Go?

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 August 2021 

 

First Reading: JOS 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: PS 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: EPH 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: JN 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Gary Tulabut

 

This is not an exaggeration. But in the last two weeks, I always wake up every morning with sad news either someone tested positive of CoVid, is seriously ill, or worst, has passed away. My social media feed is occupied by photos of candles or prayer requests.

Then we hear reports of corruption here and there as revealed by the Commission on Audit.

And here comes what's happening in Afghanistan. (Let us pray for the people of Afghanistan).

Oh, and as I write this article, we just recorded an all-time high in new CoVid cases just as the latest Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is being downgraded to, oh don't know all the NECQs (Never Ending Community Quarantines).

I have a confession to make. Since the pandemic started, I haven't been 100% consistent in attending Mass, even if it's just virtual.

It's a shame but I have been busy with many other online spiritual activities such as serving in the online Feast (our prayer meeting); editing videos of my co-leaders at the Feast for our daily online "Faith O' clock Habit"; making my own videos for this "Faith O' clock Habit"; making bulletins for our prayer meeting; attending a Bible study every Thursday; updating my Facebook page every day with the latest videos of my favorite lay preachers and homilist priests; joining community pantries; attending a caring group; and holding another Feast online with my business colleagues.

Every Sunday, I have always intended to attend Mass. But because of these "busy-ness", I just get too exhausted that instead of hearing Mass, the most I could do with my remaining energy for the day is listen to the Word Exposed by Cardinal Chito Tagle.

In the passages immediately preceding this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus emphasized the importance of the Eucharist, declaring, He is the bread of life. (John 6:26-58)

And in today's Gospel, the disciples could not understand what they just heard about Jesus' declaration. They could not accept His declaration and many of them turned back and stopped follllowing Him.

I do not fully understand what is happening in the world right now. Maybe all those busy-ness are just my way to divert my attention from all these negativities.

But St. Peter's reply to Jesus when He asked the twelve, if they, too, wanted to leave Him is a wake up call.

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" (John 6:68)

Good thing I have already prioritized and blocked a Mass schedule every Sunday even before this realization. If you haven't yet, see how Jesus reiterated The Eucahrist's importance in John 6:26-28 even though many of us could not yet accept Him sacramentally.

Prayer

 

Lord, embrace us as we go to these difficult times. You are our refuge. You are our fortress. Amen.

 

Ascension Sunday

Solemnity of the Ascension of

Our Lord Jesus Christ

16 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading:  EPH 1:17-23

Gospel:  MK 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." "These signs will accompany those who believe: they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Today is the Ascension Sunday. The Second Glorious Mystery in the Holy Rosary. The commemoration of the lifting up of our Lord Jesus Christ, Body and Soul into heaven.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is giving His disciples instructions "habilin"  to spread the gospel of LOVE to all "creatures", and to "baptize" those who believe. Again with a promise for those who will drive out demons, speak new languages... and heal the sick.

The Lord is telling  us that believing in Him means not just in words and prayers but in ACTIONS. True believers are known to DO what He has done. We are being commissioned as true believers to proclaim the Gospel of love to everyone, and every creature.

The disciples heeded the command of Jesus to "go into the world" as evidenced by the fact that the word of God spread out to the entire globe. They had faced so much trials and difficulties but they persisted. In fact all of them had been martyred (except John) for proclaiming that Jesus is God!

The task is not yet completed. There are still a lot of non-believers. Thus, as believers, we in turn are called to continue to spread the good news through words and actions in our own family, in our workplace, our community, in our own country, and the whole world!

Can it be done? With technology that we have, it definitely is possible. Bro. Bo, The Feast, Magis Deo Community, Joel Osteen, Brian Houston are just a few of personalities and communities that use the internet space to spread the good news. The Catholic Church up to Pope Francis maximize the use of the internet to bring the good news out to the whole world. In my own small way, I also do my best to proclaim the Kingdom of God by posting His Word in my Facebook account.

But I believe it is just half of what the Lord commissioned us to do. I believe God wants us to move to action. We must spread LOVE in our actions. As Jesus said, there must be accompanying signs of our belief. And with the pandemic that remained unchecked, the call to "heal the sick" to you and I as believers is an urgent call. May you and I act in whatever way possible to help those who are sick and dying.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for our continuing good health of mind, body, and spirit in the midst of this pandemic. Continue to empower us with your Holy Spirit that we may all continue to proclaim and spread Your LOVE through our words and actions to all the people we can reach out to. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.