The Weight of Heaven's Keys

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 August 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

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

Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

When Jesus hands Simon Peter the "keys to the kingdom of heaven," it is a surprising moment of divine trust placed in a deeply flawed, ordinary fisherman. Like Peter, many of us tremble before the massive weight of our assigned roles, feeling unworthy of the authority and responsibility we are given. Yet, God reminds us that He does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called, providing the grace needed to sustain us.

This burden of leadership is particularly witnessed today in the Philippines, where Catholic priests, bishops, and lay leaders are carrying the heavy cross of fighting systemic corruption. In the first reading, Eliakim is entrusted with authority and called to be a "father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem." We see this spiritual fatherhood alive in Church leaders today who continuously fight to protect their flock from the results of poverty, which has been worsened by the plunder of public funds, from anomalous flood control projects to the shameless misuse of confidential funds. Acting as true fathers to our country, they continually demand that corrupt officials not only face justice but admit their sins, repent, and return stolen wealth to the people.

Like Peter, accepting such role to have authority to build God’s kingdom comes at a price. When Jesus granted Peter the authority to "bind and loose," it signified a brutal moral responsibility over the welfare of others. For the Filipino clergy and true leaders in the government, exercising this authority by holding those who are powerful accountable has made them top targets. Priests and leaders who file plunder complaints or publicly condemn the political impunity of top government officials face severe harassment, intimidation, and relentless attacks from those trying to protect their power.

But we are reminded that we can find consolation in Christ’s promise to Peter: “The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” The systemic greed, political machinery, and targeted attacks that our leaders face can easily feel like the forces of hell trying to silence the truth. They stand firm, knowing that their spiritual endurance relies not on human resilience and wisdom, but on the divine assurance that evil will not have the final word.

When the corrupt seem to succeed and the fight for accountability feels impossible, we can turn to St. Paul’s words: “How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!” We may not always understand why God places us in the receiving end of these political conflicts or calls us to fight deep-rooted injustice. However, surrendering to the mystery of God’s wisdom will bring us peace and allow true leaders to trust that their sacrifices are planting seeds for a reformed nation.

True justice demands courage. Whether we are clergy facing harassment or everyday citizens having our own overwhelming responsibilities, we are reminded that our unworthiness is no obstacle to God's grace. Like Peter, we are simply asked to profess our faith in Christ and use whatever "keys" we have given to unlock a more just, accountable, and compassionate world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, whose judgments are inscrutable and ways unsearchable, we thank You for entrusting us with the massive weight of building Your kingdom, despite us being ordinary, flawed individuals. Just as You qualified Saint Peter despite his trembling unworthiness, pour out Your sustaining grace upon us to faithfully bear the spiritual and moral responsibilities of our assigned roles. Protect those who face severe harassment and relentless attacks for demanding truth and accountability, reassuring them that the gates of the netherworld shall never prevail against Your kingdom. We also ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen and Mother. May she who reigns with compassionate grace intercede for our nation, inspiring all in authority to act as true spiritual fathers who protect the vulnerable from the plunder of greed.

Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Stepping Out of the Boat

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 August 2026

 

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:19a, 11-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

“Where are my glasses?!” yelled a father who misplaced his eyeglasses for the 100th time inside his own house. He lifted the sofa, took out the bed, even opened the freezer to look for his glasses. His toddler then pointed to his head, “It’s there, papa!” The father reached up and felt a familiar piece of plastic resting on his head. He pulled it out, but instead of putting it on, he looked at it suspiciously, “Are you sure these are mine?”. Of all the people in the family, he is the only one wearing eyeglasses (and often misplaces it).

~~~

Life is rarely a calm and predictable sea. In our modern daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by storms – financial struggles, health crises, broken relationships, and the overwhelming noise of the world. When the waters are calm, we easily fall into the illusion of self-reliance, trusting our own intellect and resources and sail through the journey when conditions are favorable. But when the winds howl and we begin to sink under the waves of anxiety, our "little faith" is heavily tested.

Like Peter, we often take our eyes off Jesus, worrying instead on the terrifying storm around us. We stubbornly insist on doing things all by ourselves, waiting until we are drowning to look up and cry out to God. Yet, Christ’s invitation remains steady: He calls us to step out of the boat and come to Him on the turbulent waters, challenging us to trust His presence even when doubt clouds our minds. We must remember that God does not always announce Himself in the earthquake or the roaring wind; oftentimes, as Elijah learned, He speaks in a tiny, whispering sound, waiting for us to silence our hearts and listen.

We live in a world filled with constant noise – endless notifications, demanding schedules, and our own anxieties. If we try to tackle everything by ourselves, this overwhelming noise easily drowns out God's quiet guidance. We must learn to pause our busy lives long enough to hear the gentle, tiny whisper of the Lord directing our steps and calming our personal storms.

During difficult times, our doubts are often fueled by a misunderstanding of what God is actually providing. When a storm hits, we want an immediate, flawless rescue. God’s presence is proven in His daily, silent provision of exactly what we need to sail through the storm. As St. Paul assures us in last week’s reading, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. In today’s reading, St. Paul demonstrates a radical, selfless compassion that differs greatly with today's “hyper-individualism”. It is incredibly easy for us to become completely indifferent to the struggles and mistakes of those around us, passing quick judgments rather than offering grace that we have received when Christ pulled us out from the water during our own difficult moments.

St. Paul’s example challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we openly pray for the wellbeing, healing, and salvation of our difficult neighbors or family members? True compassion requires stepping outside of our own occupied journeys to share in the heavy burdens of others.

Let us not lose our little faith when the waters rise or when we begin to sink. Instead, let us trust God with our whole heart that even without stepping out of the boat, He has already revealed Himself to save us from the storm. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask for the grace to strengthen our little faith especially when life’s storms overwhelm us. We often search desperately for You in the noise, forgetting You are already with us. Silence our anxious hearts so we may hear Your gentle whisper and show compassion to those around us. Dearest Mother Mary, intercede for us. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting that even without stepping out of the boat, He is already here to save us from the storm. AMEN.

Thy Will Be Done

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

26 July 2026

 

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

“Piet, lagi mong hanapin ang kalooban ng Diyos. Lagi mong dasalin ‘Panginoon, ituro mo sa akin ang kalooban mo. Panginoon, sundin ang loob mo.” (Piet, always seek God’s will. Always pray, ‘Lord, show me your will. Lord, your will be done.) Those were my Lola Piling’s advice to me in the twilight of her life. She repeated these words to me whenever she flew to Manila. As a teenager, I was expecting she would give me tips on how to be rich and successful.

In today’s first reading, Solomon asked for an understanding mind instead of long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. God was pleased with his request and granted it. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about individuals selling everything they had to buy something of greater value. For me, my grandmother seemed to have behaved like these characters. Her priority was to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33). Wealth, prestige, etc. were secondary. Her life was characterized by prayer, family life, and works of evangelization and charity through the hospital and school she and my grandfather founded as well as their active participation in the parish.

Our readings challenge us to take a serious look at our priorities. Are these leading us closer to (or farther from) God? C.S. Lewis once wrote, "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" May we be counted among the former to enjoy the fulness of God’s kingdom.

Prayer

Loving Father, grant us a discerning heart to always know and do your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Faith Rooted in Love, Not Just Promise

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ 

07 June 2026

 

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

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

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Gospel: John 6:51-58

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Balla

 

Today, I reflected on what it truly means to believe in Jesus—not just believing in His promises but believing in who He is.

As I searched my heart, I realized that my faith is not driven by fear or reward, but by a deep desire to stay close to Him, to worship Him, and to remain in His presence.

For me, attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist is a personal declaration of my love for Jesus—an act of gratitude and praise for His precious gift of His body and blood given for us.

This realization brings me peace and joy. This is my reason, and I am grateful to understand it more clearly.

May the Solemnity of Body and Blood of Christ bring us closer Him.

Prayer

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ sanctify me

Body of Christ save me

Water from the side of Christ wash me

Passion of Christ give me strength

Hear me Jesus

Hide me in Thy wounds that I may never leave Thy side

From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me

And when the call of death arrives

Bid me come to Thee that I may praise Thee with Thy saints

Forever

Hear me Jesus

Hide me in Thy wounds that I may never leave Thy side

From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me

And when the call of death arrives

Bid me come to Thee that I may praise Thee with Thy saints

Forever

Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Fifth Sunday of Lent

03 May 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9

Gospel: John 14:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

When I was going through old photos of my late mother, I came across pictures from her youth I had never seen before. In one, she was dancing in a school program—full of life and confidence. In another, she stood proudly as the leader of a Girl Scout troop. And I found myself thinking: How is it that I lived with her for so many years… and never knew these parts of her? I knew her—but not fully. There were depths, stories, and experiences that remained hidden to me, even in our closeness.

This is precisely the tension we see in the apostles. The apostles had something far greater than photographs. They had Jesus Christ himself. They lived with Jesus Christ—they walked with him, prayed with him, shared meals with him. They listened as he taught, watched as he revealed the heart of God, and received more than anyone could have hoped for. And yet, after all that, one of them still says: “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

It is a startling moment. Because it reveals that proximity is not the same as a relationship. It is possible to be close… and still not fully know. You can be near Jesus and still not fully recognize him. You can hear his words and still not let them take root. Jesus’ response is both gentle and piercing: “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me?”

That question reaches across the centuries. And perhaps that is where many of us find ourselves. We have been “with” Jesus for years: through prayer, through the Church, through the rhythms of faith. We can live a “religious” life and yet remain restless, still asking for proof, still waiting for something more. Not because he is hidden, but because we have not yet opened those spaces in our lives to him. And maybe that is the quiet danger of familiarity. When someone has been part of our life for so long, we can begin to assume we already know them. We stop asking questions. We stop paying attention. We settle into a comfortable, surface-level knowing. But Jesus is never exhausted by our understanding of him. That is why his words to Philip the Apostle carry both a correction and an invitation: “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me?” This is not a rejection but a call to go deeper. So perhaps the real question is not simply, “Do I know Jesus?” But: “Am I still allowing him to reveal himself to me? Or have I already decided who he is and stopped looking any further?” Because the greatest tragedy is not ignorance from a distance. It is familiarity without depth. To know Jesus is not simply to accumulate teachings or perform good works. It is to recognize, with clarity and trust, that in him we have already seen the Father. That in him, nothing essential is missing. That in him, the search finds its end. Jesus never stops revealing himself. He continues to remind us who he is, especially when we begin to forget. Because we do forget. When uncertainty clouds our minds, when fear takes hold, when life becomes heavy or confusing, we lose clarity. And in those moments, Jesus speaks again, not with something new, but with something eternal: “I am. I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Not “I will show you a way someday” or neither “I was the way in the past” but “I am”. Right now at this moment, in the middle of your uncertainty. He calls our attention to his presence.

And slowly, our lives begin to reflect that certainty not perfectly, but genuinely. We begin to live not as people still searching in the dark, but as those who have glimpsed the light and are learning to walk in it.

Road to Emmaus

Third Sunday of Easter

19 April 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33

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

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Gospel: Luke 24:13-25

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

Many of us today walk the “road to Emmaus” discouraged by inflation, job insecurity, disaster risks, and an uncertain future due to conflicts and war. 

Like the disciples, we often feel confused and defeated. Yet Jesus walks with them quietly, explaining meaning in their pain. 

This Gospel teaches us that God is present even when we don’t recognize Him. For our country, this is a reminder that national healing requires reflection, dialogue, and faith. 

True change begins when hearts are opened, truth is spoken, and people choose compassion. Hope is restored when we recognize Christ in service, unity, and shared sacrifice.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we walk our own road of uncertainty and fear, stay beside us. Open our eyes to Your presence in our struggles with inflation, insecurity, and disaster. 

Teach our nation to seek truth, choose compassion, and embrace unity. Restore our hope, and guide us toward healing and shared sacrifice. Amen.

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.

New Life

Fifth Sunday of Lent

22 March 2026

 

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14

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

Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: John 11:1-45

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

 

The narrative of Jesus restoring Lazarus back to life is featured in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. With this miracle, Jesus gives a glimpse of what is to come. Aside from showing love for His beloved friend from Bethany, who was already dead for four days by the time He arrived to perform this act, with this wonderous miracle, He gives us a glimpse of the glory He will attain once He rises from the dead. Lazarus was resuscitated or revived back to life upon the loud call of Jesus. On the other hand, Jesus will rise from the dead by His own power, proving that He is indeed the one true God who came to save humanity by His Holy Cross and Resurrection.

Interestingly, immediately after the narrative of this wonderous miracle, the next event that was featured was a session that was held by the Sanhedrin in response to what Jesus has done for Lazarus. A meeting was immediately summoned by the Sanhedrin so that its members would have the chance to discuss among themselves their next move. What will they do as a response to this miracle which was done by this popular preacher who came all the way from Nazareth? If He continues to perform deeds like this, His popularity will continue to increase which will cause them headaches in dealing with Rome. This is where Caiaphas, the high priest at the time, provided a solution – one man will die for the sake of the people (John 11:46-49). The man they chose to suffer and die for the sake of the people is none other than Jesus who they are greatly envious of and want to get rid of.

Even though Jesus was not there in the meeting that was convened by the members of the Sanhedrin, He knew what was in their hearts. He knew fully well that they wanted to kill Him. Despite knowing what was in their hearts and minds, Jesus did not have any regrets in leaving His heavenly kingdom to come to the world in order to save humanity. Not even the cruel plot of the Sanhedrin to put Him to death made Him regret coming to the world to save humanity through His Cross and Resurrection. This is evidence of His great mercy, compassion, and love.

As stated in the Responsorial Psalm, the Lord is full of mercy. This is the reason why He chose to save us. In fact, this is what the Lord clearly stresses in the words He says through the Prophet Ezekiel in the First Reading. In the Second Reading, the Apostle Saint Paul talks about the gift of new life that was given to us through Christ Jesus. In giving us the gift of new life, God has proven that He is indeed merciful, compassionate, and loving. God has willed that His Spirit lives in us in order for us to experience the change He gives. We no longer live in sin. Rather, we are created anew. We become people who are filled with holiness and righteousness, which is pleasing to Him. 

God is truly merciful, compassionate, and loving. Aside from giving each of us an opportunity to experience life here on earth, He also gives us the gift of new life. This gift of new life is a life filled with holiness and righteousness, which is truly pleasing to Him. By coming down from Heaven to assume the role of the promised Messiah and Savior through His only Begotten Son, Christ Jesus, He has freely given us this wonderous gift.

   

Prayer

Filled with heartfelt gratitude for the gift of life, we humbly praise, worship, thank, and exalt You, O Lord. We also humbly thank You for giving us the gift of new life, a life filled with holiness and righteousness. Like Lazarus who was raised back to life, may we always choose to listen and obey Your word and will. Amen.

Persevere in Faith

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

19 October 2025

 

First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Last Thursday, October 16, I celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee. To mark the occasion, I attended Mass at San Agustin Church and ate my favorite food for dinner.

It has been a year since God granted one of my heart’s deepest desires. But the journey to get here was not easy. Without any influential connections, relying solely on God’s grace, I courageously applied to various national government agencies. Every week, I would check the Civil Service Commission website for new job postings. I took several exams, went through multiple interviews, holding onto hope each time. My private prayers and every mass attendance were dedicated to the specific intention of finally landing to a government job.

There was one particular job that I was scheduled for a final interview, only to have it canceled on the same day. The job posting was about to expire within that week, and the Executive Director decided it would be better to restart the whole process, to avoid any potential technical issues with the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment guidelines. It was heartbreaking to be so close and yet, have everything I worked for nine months suddenly went to waste, due to a procedural issue that was not my fault.

At that point, I was exhausted, so tired of applying and even of praying. Despite the physical, emotional, and spiritual drains, I would still send applications for positions I felt qualified for, showed up and gave my best during examinations and interviews, held myself together when rejected, stayed positive when redirected, prayed daily, attended mass as I used to, clinging onto Jesus. Not a single day went by without me whispering my prayer intention, trusting that one day, the Lord would answer. And yes, after the long wait, 1 year, 9 months, and 18 days to be exact, God finally blessed my heart’s desire, in His perfect timing. It was so perfect that the good news came to me on the feast day of my favorite saint. And here I am now, I just celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee, thanks to the Lord's goodness.

Today's Gospel narrates the parable on how a dishonest judge finally gave in to the persistent request of the widow to deliver a just decision for her adversary. Her perseverance led to her deliverance. How much more can our merciful Lord do to a persevering person? As Jesus said, "Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily."

Sometimes the answer to our prayers takes time, rejection and redirection meet us on the way. But, may we acknowledge that this is where God teaches us, the perseverance in prayer, to never grow weary, to always trust God's will and timing.

As we walk our own paths, traverses our respective journeys, pursues different goals, let us continue to trust God and persevere in everything we do. In His perfect time, He will bless us abundantly.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for all the blessings. When life gets rough, please help us to persevere and do not lose track of You. Amen.

God answers prayers

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 July 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

“Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

 

God always answers our prayers in His perfect time and always for what is best for us. His answer can be Yes, Maybe, or No. The question is are we ready to accept it? Back in 2006 I was down on my knees begging the Lord to help me in my financial problems. But how did the Lord answer our prayers? It was a big No from what I expected. Instead my husband and I lost our “secured” jobs one after the other! And we had two kids in college and another still in elementary, and we were drowning in debts! God had a different answer to my prayers. But looking back 17 years later, we understood why God answered our prayers far from what we expected. It is because God has a better plan for us. He brought us to a company with a mission to change people from spenders to savers and create wealth for families.  The Lord has taught me to be a better steward of my finances and this has also become our mission to financially educate many Filipinos. He used our woundedness in money matters to heal others. We have empowered many people and transformed their lives. We found our purpose and we now know the reason why God answered our prayers with a No before. Today we are enjoying not only financial freedom but time freedom in our senior years. Had He answered our prayer the way we want it to be, we would have been financially struggling up to today in our senior years.

 

So let us stay in faith. Believe in the promises of the Lord that He will never abandon us no matter how challenging our situation might be. Believe that the Lord answers our prayers and it is always the best for us. Be sensitive to what He’s saying and quick to obey. God  is preparing you for the fullness of your destiny.

Prayer

Lord Jesus thank You in advance for the many answers to my prayers. You know Lord what is best for me.  Let me follow Your will and direction in my life. Thank You Lord that the journey with You means taking steps of faith into the unknown. I look forward to new places of blessings that You have prepared for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Of Doubts and Dogs: Finding God in the Unexpected

   

Second Sunday of Easter

(Divine Mercy Sunday)

27 April 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 5:12-16

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

Second Reading: Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

Gospel: John 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Therese B. Manio

 

It's easier to believe when something reaches your senses, when you've seen it, touched it, smelled it, or felt it deep in your bones. But what happens when the proof you crave never comes? What if you're standing in the middle of heartbreak, and nothing makes sense anymore? What if the silence is louder than hope, and all you're left with is the ache of absence? That's where we find Thomas, not as a skeptic, but as someone whose world just collapsed over the death of a loved one. And honestly, I get him. I think a lot of us do.

I've always found myself relating to Thomas. Not because he doubted out of arrogance, but because he needed something tangible, something real to hold onto when everything around him was falling apart. I imagine the silence after Jesus' death was deafening for Thomas. He had given his life to follow someone he believed in, and then suddenly, it seemed like all of that had come to nothing. It's not hard to understand why he needed to see the wounds.

In many ways, I've had my own "Thomas moments", times when I asked for signs, needed proof, and struggled with trust. One of those moments was when I received Magis in 2019, a shih tzu dog, into my life. He was my first pet, and I wasn't sure if I was ready. I just transferred to Laguna, living by myself, far from my family and friends whom I could easily call in case I need assistance or if she gets sick. My parents doubted my ability to take care of a pet which in a way added more doubts in myself. Could I be responsible for another life? Could I understand her needs? Could I be enough? I was filled with doubt. But as the days went on, Magis quietly taught me about trust, presence, and companionship. She actually took care of my mental health during the pandemic. She never made me feel alone, literally and figuratively. There were moments I cried in bed, she would climb, sit in my lap, or sleep beside me, which she would not do on usual days. Her quiet loyalty mirrored the presence of Christ in ways I didn't expect- faithful, unassuming, always there.

This week, as I grieve the loss of Magis and join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, I'm reminded that faith is not always grand or certain, it is often lived in small, courageous steps. Pope Francis was a shepherd who walked with the wounded, spoke for the voiceless, and loved those on the margins. His legacy challenges us to keep believing even when the world gives us reason to doubt. Like Thomas, we are called to move from doubt to belief, from fear to faith, from self-preservation to radical love.

Pope Francis showed us what Magis truly means not just "more", but the greater good, the deeper yes, the love that risks. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy lives on in every act of mercy, every choice to love beyond reason, every moment risks in reaching out those in the peripheries, the last, the least, and the lost.

Today, as I remember Thomas' story, grieve the loss of Pope Francis, and look down at Magis curled at my feet, I am learning that faith isn't always bold and loud. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, like choosing to love even when you're scared, like seeing Christ in the ordinary and letting that be enough.

Prayer

Jesus, in my moments of doubt, draw near to me as You did to Thomas. Help me to recognize Your presence, not just in the extraordinary, but in the quiet, ordinary places of my life. Teach me to believe that life can come from death, hope can rise from despair, and love is never wasted. Strengthen my faith to follow You with courage, one step at a time. Amen.

Add reaction

I am unworthy, but God makes me.

   

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 February 2025

 

First Reading: Is 6:1-2a, 3-8

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

Second Reading: 1 Cor 15:1-11

Gospel: Lk 5:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

 

Last year, we had our 30-day Ignatian retreat at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Quezon City. it is an intensive spiritual retreat conducted in silence, where we engage ourselves in prayer, meditation, Gospel contemplation, and discernment. One of the Gospels we contemplated was the call of Peter and Andrew in the Gospel according to Luke.

Looking back at my journal, I remember how I was able to be in the shoes of Peter. There, Jesus told me to cast off the net even though we caught nothing overnight. Then I was surprised to catch so many with the commands of Jesus and there, I recognized Jesus as my Lord, and savior saying, "I am a sinful man, and I am not worthy to be with You." At that moment, I was ashamed of Jesus. I am nothing before Him. However, He still calls me.

In the Gospel, Peter is struck by the realization of who Jesus is upon seeing the miraculous catch. He falls to his knees and exclaims: "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Why does Peter feels unworthy? Because encountering God's holiness always reveals our own sinfulness. But instead of leaving Peter, Jesus calls him to a mission: "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be fishers of men."

Like Peter, we often feel unworthy of God's calling. "I'm not holy enough." "I've made too many mistakes." "I don't know enough about my faith." But Jesus does not call the qualified - He qualifies the called. However, if we respond to Him in faith, He will transform our weaknesses into strengths so that we can respond to Him fully, leave everything behind, and follow Him. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You called Peter and Andrew to be fishers of men and lead them into new life with You. Unworthy of Your call, make us also fishers of men and leave everything behind to follow You and serve You. For the greater Glory of God. Amen.

Ask and You Shall Receive

    

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 October 2024

 

First Reading: Jer 31:7-9

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

Second Reading: Heb 5:1-6

Gospel: Mk 10:46-52

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

What do you want me to do for you?

My husband and I just came from Eastern Europe pilgrimage where we were able to visit the Infant Jesus of Prague, Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland, the third most visited pilgrim site after Lourdes and Fatima, the Divine Mercy Shrine also in Poland, and many more pilgrim churches in Slovakia, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria. This is an answered prayer. God truly answers prayers and provides! On our last day of the pilgrimagr, we were asked to reflect on the three things that we can take away from this pilgrimage. Mine is to trust more, to kno Jesus more, and to persevere when faced with many challenges.

We can only trust a person if we know that person. So to be able to really trust our Lord Jesus, we have to know Him more. He is our savior, our provider, our healer, full of mercy, full of unconditional lov, just, and compassionate. With Him, everything is possible. This was the message from Fr. Herbie, our Chaplain during the Mass on our last day of the pilgrimage. So when we pray and ask for anything from Him, we have to ask in faith because we know that the Lord knows what is best for us. And when we ask in faith, we believe that our prayers are already answered.

It also requires that we persevere in prayers. The answer may not come immediately but God always answers our prayers in His perfect time. The delay has its purpose. It molds our character, strengthens our faith, and teaches us to be patient, and wait for the Lord. God never fails.

The buffet of blessings has already been prepared by the Lord - healing, financial blessings, strength to face our challenges. We can come to Him and ask for it and believe that we are worthy and deserving to receive His abundant blessings. Claim and believe and thank the Lord in advance that the blessings are yours already.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You in advance for the many answers to our prayers. You have planted deams in our hearts. With You, there are limitless blessings. You are the God of abundance. You know what is best for us so I ask You to give me the grace of a childlike trust in You. I believe that my prayers are already answered in Jesus' Name. Amen.