No Time to be Complacent

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 July 2026

 

First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian farmer, husband, and father who was beheaded for refusing to serve in the Nazi Army. Commenting on today’s Gospel, he wrote, “If God were to take away the persecutors, there would no longer be martyrs. If God were to remove all struggles from our lives, we would no longer receive the crown of glory.” Indeed, we often discover that God draws a straight line from what seems crooked in the world. Think of the various forms of persecution that Christians such as Franz, Lorenzo Ruiz, Pedro Calungsod, and others down the ages have encountered. These have become avenues for the Word of God to thrive in peoples’ hearts. As Tertullian’s famous saying goes, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church”.

Living our faith is not easy. The good seed that Jesus sows in the world are constantly challenged by the weeds sown by the devil. Sometimes, we tend to be complacent, especially if we live where practicing our faith is allowed. Imagine living somewhere else where there are few churchgoers or where persecution is staring in front of you. It made me think: Will I let my faith shine through or hide it under a bowl (Mt 5:15)?

Living in Europe for many years made me realize how valuable my faith is. Unlike the churches in the Philippines were there are lots of priests and Sunday Masses and churches are full, here it’s the opposite. I recall Msgr Nestor Cerbo’s prayer when he hosted a farewell party for me: to be a missionary. By God’s grace, I carry on that role in my own small way in our parish.

Today’s Gospel constantly challenges us to remain vigilant and persevering so we can be like the good soil that became fruitful (Mt 13:1-23). We may falter along the journey, but that should not make us disheartened because “the Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Rm 8:26).  

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show Your strength in our moments of doubt. Fill us with good hope that we may consistently follow Your Son who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Pagganap sa Tungkulin

Ika-33 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Nobyembre 16, 2025

 

Unang Pagbasa: Malakias 3:19-20a

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

Ikalawang Pagbasa: 2 Tesalonica 3:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:5-19

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Kaliwa't kanan ang dagok sa buhay natin dahil samu't saring sakuna ang dumaan sa ating bayan at itinuturing na ngang delubyo ito ng ilan tulad ng malalakas na lindol, sunod-sunod na bagyo't baha, at malawakang kagutuman. Binabagabag din tayo ng giyera sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo at banta sa seguridad sa sarili nating bansa. Naglalabasan din ang mga bulaang propeta na nagsasabing gugunawin na ang mundo. Pero sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, pinapaalalahanan tayo ng ating Panginoong Hesus na kung mananatili tayong tapat sa pananampalataya sa Kanya, hindi tayo dapat matakot dahil ang Diyos mismo ang ating sandigan na magliligtas sa atin. Ang totoo, hindi naman talaga natin alam kung kailan ang eksaktong araw ng paggunaw ng mundo o kahit nga ang oras ng ating kamatayan mismo, ngunit ang sigurado ay ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa ating mga nananampalataya. Kaya nga hindi tayo natatakot kung sumapit ang araw na ito, bagkus pinapaigting natin araw-araw ang pananalig sa Diyos.

Bilang paghahanda, hindi natin inaabangan ang mga senyales sa langit, sapat na ang paggampan natin ng ating mga tungkulin sa buhay nang may pagmamahal at pag-aalay sa Diyos. Kung ikaw ay estudiyante, sapat na ang pag-aaral nang mabuti; kung ikaw naman ay padre de pamilya o ina ng tahanan, sapat na ang patuloy na paghahanapbuhay at masigasig na pag-asikaso sa pangangailangan ng pamilya; kung ikaw ay nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, sapat na ang maging matapat na lingkod-bayan sa araw-araw. Ang mumunting kabutihan natin sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ang magsisilbing magandang senyales ng paghahanda at pagmamahal natin sa Diyos. Ang mga salita ng ating Panginoong Hesus sa Ebanghelyo ang patunay na hinding-hindi tayo pababayaan ng Diyos kung sumapit na nga ang araw na iyon.

Panalangin

Panginoong Hesus, nananalig kami sa Iyong pangako na hinding-hindi Mo kami pababayaan sa oras na sumapit ang aming kamatayan. Biyayaan Mo kami ng grasya ng pagmamahal sa Iyo sa araw-araw sa pamamagitan ng paggampan namin ng aming mga tungkulin para sa mga mahal namin sa buhay. Amen.

The END

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 November 2018

First reading                                                                  Daniel 12:1-3
At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Second reading                                                     Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” he also adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples, “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Reflection

By Benj Santiago

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”

We are coming to a close of the liturgical year. The gospel reading according to Mark reminds us of the coming end times. While “no one knows except the Father” in heaven when it will happen, we need to be prepared all the time. 

There were many who had predicted the end of times. I remember when Mt. Pinatubo erupted, a lot of people in the North Luzon area thought that was it. And to date, many people still continue to pass chain letters in the social media about the end of the world!

I do believe that it shall come to pass for it is written in the Holy Bible. But, I believe that the focus is not to predict when. The goal is to be always prepared. The goal is, when it happens we “shall be found written in the book”. And how do we do that? We can be saved if we follow His Words. “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

And the summary of God’s Laws is Love. Love of God above all, and love of neighbor and self which we learned in the gospel on the first Sunday of November!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray that we may always be prepared for the second coming of Your Son Jesus Christ. May Your Laws be perpetually  inscribed in our hearts and minds. May we love and serve You till You come again. Amen!

Persevere With The End In Mind

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
14 November 2010


We are God’s people, the sheep of his flock: come, let us worship him, alleluia.

First reading Malachi 3:19-20
The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Psalm: Psalm 97:5-9

Second reading 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

Gospel Luke 21:5-19
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

Reflection
By Jeanne Therese Hilario-Andres

It seems to me that this Sunday’s readings flow quite seamlessly from last week’s, when Jesus reminded us to focus on the eternal (God’s love and the joy of seeing Him face to face) rather than the ephemeral (earthly customs, desires and attachments which divert our gaze from Heaven).

Imagine that you are in the temple with Jesus when He depicts these shocking images of the future in a steady but fervent voice. You listen and try to grasp all He says, but this is what your finite human mind may retain: Upheaval. Turmoil. Suffering… You are shaken, at first, like most of the group. Jesus’ calm but candid description of the end of days- sacred buildings flattened to the ground, wars, insurrections, plagues, earthquakes, famines, heavenly signs and wonders- are certainly not easy to digest and can understandably inspire fear and dread in the best of us. On top of all these, Jesus forewarns that your faith will be tested and that many of you will suffer persecution, betrayal and harassment because of your relationship with Him.

You now look around at the others as they listen to Jesus. How do some of these people respond after hearing such words coming from Jesus, Who is reliable, truthful, and not at all prone to exaggeration? A few seem to welcome hearing about the end, looking forward to an age when all things are made fresh and new: “Come, Lord, come!” Some cower in fear and denial: “Oh, dear God, deliver us, have mercy! Don’t let these awful things happen to us!” Some are spiritually paralyzed by worry and practical concerns: “How will we survive through such dark days? I need to plan for this, stock up on food, build a shelter where my family can be safe.” Some grimly accept it with fateful indifference: “What will be, will be. Nothing I can do to stop it. May as well live my life the way I want to, and enjoy it while it lasts.” While some procrastinate, hoping that the end won’t come any time soon: “End of the age? In my lifetime? Absurd.”

Amidst the crowd’s fixation on doom and gloom, Jesus manages to catch your eye. He looks at you with love, silently imploring you to understand what He is truly saying. It can be all too easy to let the “bad stuff” imprint in our minds, overlooking what Jesus says we should do now and during those future days. Indeed, as Jesus looks at you, you hear His voice in your mind once again. And this time, as you focus solely on Him, you remember the warm reassurance and soothing comfort in His tone. His words had not been meant to alarm you. With each warning had come encouragement and strength. You reflect on His words more deeply, this time without panic, without despair, and now you remember what Jesus said with more clarity:

Be wary of false teachers. Jesus cautions us that anyone who proclaims that the end is looming close around the corner is a false prophet. Jesus is warning us not to be deceived, and not to follow any false teachings by people who seek to mislead or manipulate.

Do not be afraid. Jesus assures us that “such things must happen first,” and that no matter how bad things may seem, He is still truly in control. With Him beside us, He assures us there is nothing to fear.

Trust in Him. Even when we are hated and persecuted, Jesus says we need not over-anticipate our defense, for His Spirit will give us the words and the wisdom to give witness and defend our faith irrefutably.

And most importantly, Jesus says: Persevere. Stand firm. Continue to fight the good fight. Stay the course. Ask for grace to be faithful. Do not give up. Keep on keeping on. Our lives are safe in His hands.

Still in the temple, you look around and realize that everything is fleeting. This temple itself will someday become an archaeological site, just like all of the old monuments, fallen palaces and wonders of the ancient world. All will pass away. So why put your security in built monuments, or in anything man-made? Why place your stability on things that won’t last?

Jesus has finished speaking, but He is still looking at you. He knows it’s a lot to take in. He waits to see how you will choose to respond. What does your heart say to Him?

Lord, I do not ask to be delivered from suffering, if such suffering will lead me to You. I will not seek to escape from pain, if such pain allows me to share in Yours. I will fear no evil, for I know that You are good, You are loving, and You are in charge. Teach me to trust in Your plan for me and for my future. Give me opportunities to glorify You in my everyday life. Grant me grace to persevere with joy, no matter how hard my trials and burdens may be. Empower me with Your Spirit. Let me focus on You, and not on the darkness that grows in the world, that I may stand firm where You have placed me, in this time, in this age, in this generation. Amen.

Next on God-speak
Our Servant King