Detachment

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 September 2025

 

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

“Anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:33

In the world we live in, a lot of us value possession over love of neighbor and charity for the poor. Social media is filled with influencers who flaunt their excessive wealth for the purpose of gaining fame and significance. Even to the point of excess and absence of caring and sharing to others.

We all have those tendencies. I am not an exemption. The Lord in today’s Gospel challenges us to be detached or not to be controlled by material things or possessions we have. But, the Lord does not necessarily command us to give away all we possess. We simply must not cling to our material possessions but instead we need to use our wealth to help others. We are called to be good stewards of the blessings we receive and not to hoard or store it for our selfish gain.

This is really in great contrast to what we see in our society, community, and the whole world today. We all have these tendencies to always strive to have more money and investment than others. To be more famous than my peers. To have more properties and SUVs.

Today’s Gospel reminds me to be detached, to put God first above all material possessions, or title or fame. To be good stewards of the blessings I received and to always find true security, happiness and contentment in Him alone!

Prayer

Lord, I pray that I always be reminded that all that I possess is Your gift that I must use to help those in need. Make me more generous and detached to all that we have. Use me and my possessions to support ministries, works and missions to help those in need. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

14 Hulyo 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Amos 7, 12-15

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 84, 9ab-10. 11-12. 13-14

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Efeso 1, 3-14

Ebanghelyo: Marcos 6, 7-13

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Sa maraming paraan at biyaya ng Diyos, lahat naman tayo ay tinatawag ni Hesus at ipinadadala sa iba’t ibang misyon sa buhay. Sa Mabuting Balita, ipinapakita sa atin ang dapat na maging halimbawa ng mga Apostol kung papaano tayo gagampan sa ating lakbayin bilang mga Kristiyano. Ibinibilin ni Hesus na maging simple lang sila (pinagbawalan pa nga na magdala ng kung anu-ano, light packer ika nga) kahit na ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang maraming kapangyarihan ng Diyos upang tulungan ang mga tao. Pero papaano kung ang mga pari at obispo mismo natin na nagsisilbing mga Apostol ng ating panahon ay kayraming “excess baggage” na dalahin sa buhay? Gagayahin din ba natin sila?

Halimbawa ang pagkakaroon ng maraming mamahaling sasakyan ng ilang kaparian na ang madalas na katuwiran ay donated lang naman daw iyon ng isang mayamang pilantropo o politiko. Naalala ko ang isang mabuting halimbawa ng isang pari mula sa isang relihiyosong kongregasyon na madalas sumasakay ng jeep papunta sa kanyang misyon at kung minsan ay nakikita pa naming nakasabit sa jeep kung wala na talagang upuan, kahit pa may mga sasakyan naman ang kanilang kongregasyon. “Mas maraming mahalagang misyon ang sineserbisyuhan ng mga sasakyan namin kaya mas pinipili ko na mag-jeep na lang”, ang sabi ng paring ito. Kalaunan ay nahalal siya ng kanilang kongregasyon na maging Superior pero hindi pa rin siya bumili ng sarili niyang kotse at kaya pa rin niyang mag-jeep kung kinakailangan.

May naging boss naman ako sa trabaho na isang pari na napaka-cool, parang hindi siya pari ang sabi ng ibang tao. “Father, nasa langit na ba ako?” Naitanong ko ito noon kay Fr. G sa kanyang opisina dahil parang nakalutang na kami sa ulap mula sa kapal ng usok na galing sa kanyang paninigarilyo. Ang totoo, napasindi rin ako ng yosi bago kami nag-usap sa mala-ulap niyang opisina. Isa kasi ito sa bisyo ko noong aking kabataan (na madalas ka-jamming ko pa si Father “cool” sa pagyoyosi). Pero mababait naman po kami nina Father G noon dahil mga kuwento at karanasan base sa Ebanghelyo ang isinusulat namin at inilalathala sa komiks. Teka? Paano nangyari ‘yun, puro bisyo pala kayo at Gospel pa naman ang isinusulat n’yo? Ito ang komento na ayaw naming marinig noon. 

Minsan namang napasabay ako sa sasakyan ng isang pari papunta sa Cordillera, bago bumiyahe paakyat ng bundok ay bumili ng isang kahong alak na Gin ang pari. Nagulat ako dahil napakarami namang alak ang binili niya at binulungan niya ako na para raw iyon sa mga kasama niyang pari dahil sobrang lamig sa bundok. Pero totoo nga na napakalamig sa kabundukan kaya’t napatagay din ako, kaso nalaman ko na gabi-gabi pala nagpapainit ang ilang pari. Naalala ko tuloy ang isang pari sa aming Parokya sa Tundo na gabi-gabi naming nakikitang nakainom kahit napakainit ng panahon, pero mabait naman siya at hindi kami sinesermunan.

Dahil sa mataimtim na pananalangin, pagsisikap at grasya ng Diyos, natatanggal natin ang mga bisyo o mga “excess baggage” na ito. Pero habang tayo’y naglalakbay at naglilingkod sa bayan ng Diyos, patuloy na nilalapitan tayo ng mga tukso at samu’t saring bisyo na pilit sumasama sa ating paglalakbay. Ang masasamang bisyo, maliit man o malaki, mga karangyaang sinasarili natin, mga burloloy o sobra-sobrang palamuti sa ating katawan o pamumuhay ay nagsisilbing “excess baggage” sa ating buhay Kristiyano.  Nagkakaroon ng mas malaking pakinabang ang mga “excess baggage” na ito kung naipapamahagi sana ang katumbas na halaga nito sa mga mas higit na nangangailangan sa buhay.

Panalangin:

Panginoong Hesus, tulungan Mo kami at ang mga lingkod ng bayan sa aming lakbayin, lalo na ang mga Kaparian at lahat ng nagsisilbi sa simbahan, upang tunay na maihatid ang Iyong Mabuting Balita sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mabuting halimbawa. Amen.

Internal Storms

    

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 June 2024

 

First Reading: Jb 38:1, 8-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31

Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:14-17

Gospel: Mk 4:35-41

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

In today's Gospel, a storm almost swamped the boat where Jesus and His disciples were. While the disciples were frightful, the Lord "was in the stern, asleep on a cushion" (Mk 4:38). Pierre Marie Dumont commented "For us Christians, this boat represents more particularly the Church, which will have to confront many storms along its voyage until the end of time, storms in which external forces are unleashed, but also unfortunately, even more dangerous internal storms."

Early this month, Saint Joseph de Gagalangin Parish (Tondo, Manila) was in the eye of an internal storm. Fr. Alfonso "Al" Valeza, its parochial administrator was removed from office and suspended from exercising his priestly faculties due to his persistent defiance. Obedience is one of the vows made by priests during their ordination. To make matters worse, some of his supporters came to his defense to the point of disrespecting a retired bishop who came to the parish office to meet up with the priest.

Storms like the above can hurt or even dishearten us. Like the disciples, we cry, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" (Mk 4:38). Jesus' power of calming the storm shows that He cares. Believing that He cares, these storms can make us better Christians. Indeed, as St. Paul tells us, "whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Cor 5:17).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, even the wind and the sea obey You. Our disobedience has contributed to the internal storms besetting Your family, the Church. Filled with awe on Your power, transform us into a new creation: a people who will live no longer for ourselves, but for You. We pray in particular for Fr. Al and for Saint Joseph de Gagalangin Parish. Grant them the grace to overcome these storms. Amen.

"Palusot"

    

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 June 2024

 

First Reading: Gn 3:9-15

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Cor 4:13-5:1

Gospel: Mk 3-20-35

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Have you noticed that those who are caught red-handed often give palusot (excuse) rather than admit their wrongdoing? Our First Reading and Gospel today feature some characters who made excuses. When God confronted Adam for eating the forbidden fruit, he blamed Eve who then blamed the serpent. When His unconvinced relatives and the scribes saw His ministry  they branded Jesus as crazy and possessed by Beelzebul.

Making excuses did not do any good for these people. It will not do any good for us too. The scribes' accusation that Jesus had an unclean spirit was unforgivable because our Lord declared it as a sin against the Holy Spirit. Sins against the Holy Spirit "are mortal sins that harden a soul by its rejection of the Holy Spirit". This includes despair, presumption, envy, obstinacy in sin, final impenitence, and deliberate resistance to the known truth.

Though some may interpret today's Gospel as an act of disrespect to the Blessed Virgin Mary, this is not the case. Jesus knew His mother well and praised her for faithfully cooperating in God's plan of salvation. While the Eve of the Old Testament made excuses for her unbelief, the Eve of the New Testament - Mary - chose to do the will of God. Mary once said to Gabriel: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord  be it done to me according to your word"? (Lk 1:38). We have a choicr here: are we going to keep on making excuse for our foolishness or are we going to take responsibility and make amends?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive us for the many times that we havd made excuses for not following You. Through the prayers and example of Mama Mary, draw us to Yourself in whom alone we find mercy and fullness of redemption. 

First Hand

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 June 2023

 

First Reading: Ex 19:2-6a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5

Second Reading: Rom 5:6-11

Gospel: Mt 9:36-10:8

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

"The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest." - Matthew 9:37

I'm a shy person in real life. Well, some would disagree because I can be the loudest when I am with my closest friends. But generally, I am not the type of person who would be part of the ushers or greeters ministry.

But I did become part of the greeters ministry when I joined the Feast, a Catholic Charismatic community of the Light of Jesus family founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez, for reasons too long to discuss here. Not only that, I became the head of the ministry and later on led the Singles Ministry. Yes, so much for the shy person that I am, I took more than I can chew. It was a challenge, but also gave me a peak on how God operates.

The Gospel today talks about how Jesus commissioned the apostles to multiply His work and reach. Jesus is God, all powerful, and yet He still needed His apostles to do the work. Why? Well, since Jesus was in the form of a man, He still needs manpower like everyone else. And I believe, moreso, to make the apostles witness the miracles and see the glory of God first hand.

And I believe Jesus commissioned us too. Maybe not as grand as the apostles did before us, but every act is well accounted for and appreciated by God. When I was a servant in our community, I witnessed God's hand at work when He led us to reach out to complete strangers who happen to be in deep need of His message. I also watched how God transformed people from an angry person to a Godly man. We saw healing, new friendships and lasting relationships, all because we heed to Christ's calling.

But whether we are serving in our own Parish or community or not, we can be a labourer for God. We can continue to be a good Christian example for our family and friends. Be compassionate and considerate of those who work hard especially in the service industry, give a warm smliel, appreciate more or even strike a conversation if you must, just to ask them how they were. You never know how that single act of kindness can extend our faith.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for allowing us to work with Jesus in His ministry, though frail and sinful as we are. May we be able to extend His hand to those whom You want us to reach through our service and compassion for the needy. Amen.

First things first

    

Fourth Sunday of Easter

(World Day of Prayer for Vocations)

30 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6

Second Reading: 1 Pt 2:20b-25

Gospel: Jn 10:1-10

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. (Jn 10:9)

A few months ago, a parishioner from our neighbouring parish spoke in our church to invite us to join in their Prayer for Vocations devotion every Sunday afternoon. Prior to his talk, I have been expressing my personal views on the declining vocations to the priesthood in our diocese and in the whole world. I thought, the Church should have done this or that to address such a dilemma. When I heard that talk, I came to realise the first thing that Jesus Himself told His followers: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). More often than not, I have taken this one simple act for granted.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as the gate. A gate’s purpose is to protect the sheep from thieves who come “to steal and slaughter and destroy” (Jn 10:10). Reading the rest of the Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as “the Good Shepherd” who “lays down His life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). 

As we continue to celebrate the Lord’s victory over sin and death, let us follow His command to pray for more labourers - priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers – into the vast harvest, into the enormous flock of sheep.  Doing so, they would be able to gather all sheep and lead them to Jesus where there is salvation. And as we pray, let us also strive to be role models and affirm God’s calling to those who are discerning the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. With you as our Good Shepherd, we shall not want. In Your powerful Name, please touch the hearts of men and women whom You call to Your rich harvest, to Your flock scattered all over the earth. Make them realise Your personal love for them. Give them the understanding, generosity, and courage to discern their service to the Church and follow Your call. Amen.

Hearts on Fire

    

Third Sunday of Easter

23 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-23

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:17-21

Gospel: Lk 24:13-35

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us? (Lk 24:32)

Fr. Anthony Dolan, a retired priest who lives next to our parish church, once encouraged us to listen to God's Word as though it was our first time hearing it. Indeed, there is  a temptation to take God's Word for granted especially if we have been so familiar with it.

In today's Gospel, the two disciples experienced hearing the Scriptures with fresh pair of ears on their way to Emmaus. Their being downcast at the apparent 'failure' of Jesus' death prevented them from recognizing Him. Out of His love, Jesus made the move to help them recall the Scriptures, realize its fulfillment in Him, and recognize their Master in the breaking of the bread.

Such action of Jesus is repeated every time the Mass is celebrated through the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. That is why it is really important that we come to church on time, otherwise we will be missing out either of these liturgies, the Liturgy of the Word especially. And if we do miss it out, we won't be able to appreciate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Worse, we may not be able to receive Holy Communion.

Another suggestion is to read and reflect on the Mass readings beforehand. As a lector and as a worshipper, I find these practices really helpful in my service and in my spiritual growth. Preparing for Mass through God's Word fans the flame of love in our proud, fearful, or downcast hearts and makes us better witnesses of the Risen Lord. As the Responsorial Psallm goes "Lord, you will show us the path of life" (cf. Ps 16:11).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Make our hearts burn as we listen to Your Word so that we too may always recognize You in the breaking of the bread, and proclaim the Good News of Your  Resurrection to all. Amen.

Peace says it all

    

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

16 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

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

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:3-9

Gospel: Jn 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Peace be with you. (Jn 20:19).

Jon was my friend since high school. Such friendship developed through the years especially when we started serving the parish through the Apostleship of Prayer. We had a misunderstanding once, which caused us to avoid each other in church. One evening, someone called out from outside our house. “Hello! We come here in peace!” It was Jon. Those words thawed away the cold treatment we were showing each other previously. We were reconciled right there and then!

What a relief it was for the fearful disciples when their Risen Lord and Friend appeared to them and said “Peace be with you.” Just three days before that blessed day, these same disciples deserted Him. Shouldn’t they get a tongue-lashing? And yet, here was Jesus giving them peace, showing His wounds, breathing on them the Holy Spirit, and sending them as agents of His mercy.

The Risen Lord is also doing the same to us through Word and sacraments, as well as in the poor condition of the least, the lost, and the last in our communities.  Have we rejoiced and made others rejoice in Jesus’ triumph over sin and death? Have we believed and made others believe in His resurrection? Have we been receptive and made others receptive to His healing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for giving Your peace to our wearied and fearful hearts. May it continuously transform us so that we too may become instruments of Your healing love and mercy throughout the world. Jesus, King of Mercy, we trust in You. Amen.

Understanding Our Friend

   

The Resurrection of the Lord

09 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8

Gospel: Jn 20:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. (Jn 20:9).

Sometimes, it’s much easier to love a friend than to understand them. Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John all love their friend Jesus. Mary’s love stands out; she was there at the Cross on Good Friday. Three days later, she came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark (Jn 20:1). However, their reaction when Jesus was nowhere to be found, showed their lack of understanding of Scripture. And if we think of the Scripture as pointing out to and finding its fulfilment in Jesus, then His friends lacked an understanding of Jesus Himself.

St. Bede once said, “Our Saviour revealed the glory of His resurrection to His disciples gradually and over time, also because it was such a great miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not comprehend it all at once.” If we continue reading chapter 20 of this Gospel, Jesus revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene and commissioned her: Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. (Jn 20:17). Having gained an understanding of this great mystery, Mary went to the apostles and relayed to them what Christ told her. Mary became apostola apostolorum (apostle to the apostles).

We too can be like the disciples who, at first, were unable to understand the Resurrection. Let’s allow the Risen Jesus to pour on us the Holy Spirit, so that like Peter, in today’s first reading, we can also boldly proclaim to the world: We are witnesses of all that Jesus did. (cf. Acts 10:39).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for rising from the dead as You have promised. Send forth Your Spirit among us that we may gain a better understanding of and become courageous witnesses of Your Resurrection. Amen.

Setting Expectations

 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 January 2022

 

First Reading: JER 1:4-5, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm: PS 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:31--13:13 or 1 COR 13:4-13

Gospel: LK 4:21-30

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I was serving at the Manila Cathedral many years ago when I bumped into a fellow parishioner. She was delighted to know that I was serving at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese and of the whole country. She then encouraged me to keep up the good work so that our parish would be malakas (influential) in the Archdiocese. After our conversation, I felt bad. While appreciating her words of encouragement, her expectation does not make sense.

In today's Gospel, we read how Jesus' town mates were praising Him for His preaching. However, Jesus knew their ulterior motives. He knew that they were expecting Him to perform miracles. He knew that by making signs and wonders in His own remote town, Nazareth would become a popular place. Therefore, the Lord rejected their wishes: "No prophet is ever accepted in his own country." Indeed, as the Gospel would tell us, the people intended to throw Him down the cliff. We too can behave like Our Lord's town mates. We pray, we attend this and that church activity, etc. However, when our prayers are not answered or something goes wrong, we lie low. Why do we follow Jesus? Is it because of His teachings? If so, do we accept His teachings 100% or do we cherry-pick those teachings that suit us? Setting expectations on Jesus according to our own terms and conditions won't work. Remember the rich man who wanted to follow the Lord, but could not part ways with his wealth? Following Jesus is like a sheep placing all its trust to the shepherd. Let us take courage in what God told the prophet in today's First Reading: "They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I am with you." (Jeremiah 1:19). We follow Jesus because of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Cleanse us of every imperfection; strengthen us in our desire for Your Word that we may follow You because of You. Amen.

 

Be Committed!

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 30 June 2019
First reading 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21

The Lord said to Elijah, “You shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.”

Elijah set out from there, and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was ploughing, with twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” Then Elijah said to him, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?”

He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them; using the equipment from the oxen, he boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out and followed Elijah, and became his servant.

Second reading                                                          Galatians 5:1, 13-18

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 9:51-62

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

“Ang Diyos Ama ang una mong magulang, kami ng nanay mo pangalawa lamang,” (God the Father is your first parent; your mother and I are only your second.) – this is my father's daily reminder to me when we converse about glorifying the Lord by my life. My father's advice is in line with the readings this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time which challenge us to become true followers of Jesus Christ.

In today's Gospel, we heard Jesus said to the two men who desired to follow him: "Let the dead bury their dead....No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." At first, we may find those statements, discouraging. We would normally say, "You know that I love You Lord, but you have given me a family whom I also love. Can I put them in a good situation first before I follow You? Surely, You will be glad that I treasure them?". And we also tell, "I will try to obey all Your commandments, Lord". Just a try, not certain. And if we fail, we justify by reasoning: "At least I tried, maybe next time I'll be successful".

Jesus wants to tell us that entering the kingdom of God requires sacrifice and firm determination. The road is not easy especially to those halfhearted. Someone cannot enjoy the view from the mountain peak if he stopped climbing when the trail becomes rocky or slippery. A plowman will not yield a good harvest if his plow line become crooked because he started to look back and lost concentration on his job. When God calls us to His church, we are expected to give our whole heart so as to bear much fruit. When we responded to His call, we must never try to go back to the world we left behind. However, because of the many pleasures this world could offer – the lust of the flesh, the power of the hands, and the pride of life – we tend to look back and forget our calling. Just like when we demand commitment from others, Jesus also wants committed followers, not only with words, but more importantly with deeds. This is the type of commitment God expects from us - being ready to let go of everything as well as those beloved persons in our lives, our family. The good news is when we put our complete trust in God, He will never forsake nor leave us. We can have the assurance that God will supply all our needs and will take care of our families.

Are we still looking back at our old ways because we miss the pleasures we get? Reconsider our priorities in life. God is the fountain of true blessings that last forever. With Him, we will be satisfied. As what the priest said in his homily for the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, “Never be distracted. Stay focused on the voice of Jesus, our shepherd.”

For God is so committed so we must be committed to Him as well.

Prayer

Lord, it is not easy to follow You. But with Your grace, help us to give our complete trust in You and guide us to fully accept all of Your teachings. In this way, we can be able to obey Your commandments until we enter Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Try Again

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10 February 2019
First reading Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

Second reading                                                          1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast-unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." – Luke 5:5-6

Two things strike me from this passage.  First, our human efforts alone cannot guarantee favorable results.  Second, we need to be humble enough to follow another leading and set aside our prejudices to achieve greater things.

Simon, Andrew, James and John are definitely experienced fishermen.  They fish for a living so they would certainly know what they are doing. When they worked all night and caught nothing, you can bet that they really tried hard.  They may have gone to deep waters and changed spots several times during the evening, but still caught nothing. 

Then all of a sudden, here’s Jesus commanding them to lower their nets once again. In their minds, they might have doubts. They may know Jesus as a respectable teacher, but He is not a fisherman. Yet they abide by Him and witnessed a miracle. From there, they answered to a greater call as “fishers of men.”

This is a challenge for us Christians to imitate what the disciples did – to listen despite doubts, to follow without prejudice, to try and try again despite gruesome toil.

Prayer

Father, we have worked all night and are growing tired, be patient with us and continue to lead us to Your greater call. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Cross, Our Hope

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 September 2018

First reading                                                                  Isaiah 50:5-9
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; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Second reading                                                     James 2:14-18

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 8:27-35

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly.

And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.

Reflection

By Arthur B. Reyes

A man went to buy a rosary and immediately cut the cross attached to it. "I only like the beads" he explained. He doesn't like the cross, he simply wanted the glittering beads on it.
Just like some of us, we call ourselves Christians, but we don’t live to the meaning of it. We would like to take the cross out of our life. When life is fun, and things are going well, it’s easier to put our trust in the Lord. We are even inclined to credit ourselves for our own blessings, and no one else. But when difficulties arise, and everything seems to go wrong, we blame God for our misfortunes. We think that He is punishing us for our misgivings and sins.
At the very center of our faith is the cross. It was our greed, hatred, selfishness, pride, and jealousy that were responsible for His death. God our Father sent us his Son to save us from these sins as we were so helpless and entangled by them. Jesus sacrificed His life and died in the cross to take away our sins. So that by His death, we will live with hope of forgiveness through God’s mercy and grace. All we must do is to trust and put our faith in Him.
Whatever difficulties we are into, be it health problems, financial hardships, failed relationships, or any dilemma that life brings to us, trust Jesus. We carry our cross and at the same time embrace it, it is the way we bear our burdens. God’s love and grace is overflowing and unlimited. It is up to us to claim these.
Prayer

Lord, show me the way to You. Surround us with Your love, fill us with Your grace, and strengthen us. Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus – to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow Him. In His Name we pray, Amen.