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.

The Empty Tomb

The Resurrection of the Lord

05 April 2026

 

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

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

The Resurrection of Christ is a message of hope for a nation often burdened by poverty, corruption, disasters, and uncertainty brought about by the Middle East conflict between Iran vs Israel and USA. 

Like the disciples who found the empty tomb, we are invited to believe even when situations look hopeless. 

The risen Christ reminds us that suffering is not the end, and darkness never has the final word. 

In a country facing economic hardship, rising prices, and social division, Easter calls us to renew our faith, rebuild our communities, and rise above fear with courage, unity, and compassion. 

Hope is alive, and new life is always possible.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Risen Savior, in our nation burdened by poverty, corruption, disasters, and uncertainty, renew our hope. 

When life seems hopeless, help us believe in Your victory over darkness. Strengthen our faith, unite our people, and give us courage to rebuild with compassion. 

May Your Resurrection inspire new life in us all. Amen.

God is a Person

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiahn 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

Gospel: John 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

Ever since Lent 2024, I have been visiting the St Barnabas Cathedral near my workplace whenever I can. This goes on especially this Jubilee Year as the cathedral and Good Shepherd Church which is near where I live are among the jubilee churches in our diocese. I also join the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish every Friday night.

Spending a few moments with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has been a rich source of strength, guidance, and inspiration to me as I start the day or as I head home after a busy day. There were times when I was alone with the Lord which made it much easier for me to pour out my heart before Him, cry, or even sing a song. In our family bereavement this year, this beautiful devotion provided an uplifting experience. 

A story goes that one of the conversion moments for Edith Stein (aka St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) to Catholicism was witnessing people praying in church. Such action convinced her that God is not a mere idea, but a person that we can relate with. Indeed, that is what we are celebrating today: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). God’s gift of His Son - a Son who desired to be with His people - is second to none. Adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and receiving Him in Holy Communion, may we become faithful witnesses of His abiding presence in the world that “came to be through him but…did not know him” (Jn 1:10).

  

Prayer

Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank You for becoming one like us. Thank You for dwelling among us despite our unworthiness. Open our hearts to always welcome You and rejoice in the light You bring. Make us zealous in leading others closer to You so that together we may see Your saving power. Amen.

Patience is a Virtue

Third Sunday of Advent

14 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

My late father-in-law Felix was a farmer. In my first visit to him in Romblon, he showed me vast rice fields that he was looking after. I was amazed and had the impression that he must have been diligent and patient looking after his rice fields. Reading Saint James’ Letter, reminded me quite well of him: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…until it receives the early and the late rains” (Jm 5:7).

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist seemed getting impatient while in prison. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of simply saying yes, Jesus gave some signs "the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Mt 11:5).

We can sometimes be like John. We could have been discerning for a vocation in life, praying for an urgent need, or are having second thoughts if this person is the right individual we would like to be our companion for life. We could have been eager to get results quickly. Perhaps, we could have been searching for God amidst the chaos in this world. Whatever (or whoever) causes us to be impatient, Jesus reminds us gently of the signs of His coming. Be still.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You came to save us. Grant us the grace to be patient and work together so that all people may experience the salvation You bring. Filled with Your Spirit, help us to bring sight to those blinded by wealth, power, and ambition; to enable those who have been lamed by falsehood to walk again in Your truth; to cleanse those whose minds and hearts have been rendered impure by vice; to regain hearing to those who have become deaf to the cries of the oppressed; to raise those who have become dead to sin; and to proclaim Your Good News to the poor. Amen.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.

Taking Responsibility

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

08 December 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

It would have been my father’s 75th birthday today. One of the lessons he inculcated in my mind as a boy was to be responsible for my younger siblings. I learnt this the hard way when he punished me and my younger brother for failing to look after one of our sisters who fell from the stairs. Fast forward, when he had his first grandchild, he sent me an e-mail: “Look after yourself, your mother, your brother and sisters, and my grandson”. Our family has grown ever since and that message continues to resonate, especially now that he is gone.

In our First Reading, Adam and Eve shunned responsibility when God confronted them for their disobedience. Contrast that with today’s Gospel where Mary responded to God’s call: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). No wonder, Mary is called the new Eve!

Papa was a devotee of the Rosary. This became evident when our clan organised a daily online Rosary during the Covid lockdown in 2020. The devotion continues up to this time. When he was still alive, he religiously attended these devotions and would lead every week with my younger brother. Through the Rosary, we could readily see how Mary took responsibility, first as Mother of God and later as Mother of the Church. Did she fully understand what these roles are? Absolutely not! Yet she trusted because she was “in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will” (Eph 1:11).

Today’s feast recalls how Mary was conceived without original sin in the womb of her mother Saint Anne. This glorious occasion gives us hope because like Mary, we too have been chosen by God “before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him” (Eph 1:4). The call to holiness is addressed to all of us regardless of our status in life. Are we going to shun or take responsibility?

Prayer

Loving Father, You willed that Mary be immaculately conceived to prepare her to be the Mother of Your only begotten Son. Through her example and prayers, grant us the grace to lead holy lives so that we too may welcome Jesus in our hearts. In His Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

May the soul of Mario and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Producing Good Fruit

Second Sunday of Advent

07 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

It’s this time of year when parishes across the world organise the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. I remember the late Fr. Larry Faraon, OP once complained that some people just go to confession to remove their guilt and then repeat the same sins all over again.

In today’s Gospel, we read that John the Baptist had a great following from “Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan”. It was a great sign that a large group of people wanted to be baptised as a sign of their repentance. John welcomed them all, however he did not mince his words when he saw Pharisees and Sadducees falling in line: “You brood of vipers!” (Mt 12:34). Imagine yourself being called as such! He challenged these people to go beyond the ritual by showing that they are sorry for their sins. 

John’s harsh words are also addressed to us. If we are serious of being reconciled with God, we must not just get rid of our guilt every time we go to confession. We must “produce good fruit” (Mt 3:8) as proof of our repentance. Otherwise, we “will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10). 

The Jubilee Year calls us to hope. One of the threats to this virtue is presumption. John warned the Pharisees and Sadducees not to be presumptuous that they are Abraham’s children: “God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Mt 3:9). We therefore need to be on guard lest we rely on ourselves to be saved or obtain forgiveness from God without conversion (CCC 2092). Being a Christian in name is not enough to be welcomed into God’s Kingdom. We need to be fruitful!

   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You sent prophets to remind Your people of Your Son’s Coming and our need for repentance. Grant us the grace to be truly sorry for our sins, make a good confession, and do concrete actions to make amends. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.

Ascending Hope

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

01 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

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

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28;10:19-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

Most of us are familiar with how feeling hopeful feels like. Some of us may have also faced hopelessness once or a few times in our lives. But there can be a path between being hopeless and being hopeful where we may often find ourselves trying to find hope in things that do not really make sense. A path that after pain, suffering, and doubt, we go through restoration and find a renewed hope in ways we never expected.

Jesus, as ever, brings a powerful message of hope—a hope that go beyond boundaries and time. Just as He commissioned His apostles to be His witnesses, assuring them that the Holy Spirit would fill them with grace and power, we witness similar anointing in moments of renewal and leadership in our modern society. Just like the disciples' hope was renewed after the resurrection and the many times Jesus was with them until His ascension, we are reminded that hope is sustained not only by what is seen but also by what is promised. Saint Paul prays that we may have our hearts enlightened so that we may fully comprehend the hope to which we are called. A hope that is rooted in Christ's resurrection, ascension, and His exalted authority over us. But this also says something about our longing for meaning and assurance that, regardless of our circumstances, we will always be part of God's redemption.

After the 2022 elections, I honestly felt hopeless on how people choose our leaders. In the next years after, I have been on a path of picking up the broken pieces and trying to make sense of a blurred hope for our country. But recently, after the midterm elections, we have witnessed a renewal in leadership that many see as an indication of a better tomorrow. The re-election of Pasig City Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, and progressive governance. His leadership has inspired confidence and a belief in change. Also, the proclamation of the new Mayor of Naga, can be seen as a symbol of communal hope and affirmation. This reminds us that genuine leadership, born out of integrity and service to the people, can uplift a society in profound ways. Just as Jesus promised that His followers would be gifted with power to witness His love and truth throughout the earth, today we see leaders who are dedicated to the public good. Triumphs like these also remind us that hope can be restored and that integrity in public service is both possible and necessary.

Seeing this, I came to realize that hope is never passive but will always be persistent. It requires each one of us to look beyond our doubts, and trust in the providence that works through leaders infused with righteousness. In some form of a promise or a vote for reform, hope fuels action. It invites us to be active participants in a movement that bridges the gap between eternal truth and everyday reality.

Hope is alive, ever-renewing, and electable. Just as the disciples were called to be witnesses to a kingdom that reigns from on high, today’s leaders remind us that the spirit of renewal is both a gift and a responsibility. The promise of the Father invites us to trust, to act, and to be the change that our communities so desperately need. In this light, every act of leadership and every empowered vote becomes an echo of that timeless hope, urging us all to look up with expectation, embrace the promise, and work together toward a future filled with divine possibility. As we continue to look up like the disciples during the ascension of Jesus, we ask God for the grace to cultivate this ascending hope in our daily lives.

Prayer

In You alone, Jesus, our hope.

In You alone, Christ,  our strength.

In You alone, Lord, we are justified.

In You alone, we are saved.

We pray that we may open our hearts

and let Your love fill the emptiness in our soul

until it overflows with joy that we are longing for.

Unto You we pour out our hearts,

You alone will save us with Your love and mercy.

AMEN.

Cast the Net over the right side of the boat

Third Sunday of Easter 

04 May 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13

Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14

Gospel: John 21:1-19

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

"Cast the net over the right side of the boat."

Have you been having trouble lately trying to find out where to lower your net for a good catch? Toiling all day and night, only to be met by an unsatisfying yield?

That must have been the feeling of Peter. Leaving everything behind the moment he found Christ, setting out for mission a great part of his life, trying to live the life of an apostle whatever it could have meant before — as it could have been more difficult a task configuring oneself in character when the groundwork for what is moral is still freshly being laid down. The apostles had Christ to follow; but when Christ died, much to their dismay, who else did they have?

In the Gospel today, some Bible scholars say that when Peter said, "I am going fishing," it was nothing normal — like the average run of the mill — or rather, it was a dejected feeling of getting back to "what was normal" when they still did not know Christ; for if Christ is dead, what else is there to do? What else is there to live for? The apostles could only make do with what they knew before — their former ways of life. They could only say to the just as despirited Peter, "We also will come with you; [for what else but we should rather go fishing with you]."

Have we been anything like this? Seeing Christ faintly to nothing at all, we revert to our old ways of life? We are not alone; we could see how somber Peter and the other apostles had been when they had no sight of Christ; for when you chance upon a Good that surpasses everything, what better is there when it is gone? But one popular saying today would hold wisdom in this: "The eyes that awaken can never go back to being shut again." In Matthew 5:15, it is said: "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." The apostles saw the light of Christ and because it was so good, they knew nothing else but to grow despondent when they could not see it anymore; but the Bible tells us not to turn back. Instead, we must let the light we have seen in Christ illumine ourselves for others to see. No sight of Christ does not mean there is no Presence of Him there. For here He always is with us in Spirit; “Emmanuel.”

That time in the Gospel, as it would seem, Jesus had already shown Himself to the apostles for the third time, but it was not until Christ did anything "Christlike" that the apostles recognized Him; in some Bible interpretations this would reflect not only unfamiliarity but even weak faith — and this is we, too, when we encounter setbacks; but the Bible would tell us to keep walking in faith. For like riding a bicycle, we lose our balance if we stop or look down.

In the Gospel, the word "third" was mentioned multiple times to signify not only frequency, but ultimately, "Divine completion." So when Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" Jesus was not only being repetitive; each time He asked—as some Bible scholars would say—was a chance for Peter to atone for his threefold refusal of any  association with Jesus. "Feed My sheep"—Christ would say—to package how this atonement must take place; three times as well, meaning, in divine perfection.

Today is the third Sunday of Easter. Christ is alive forevermore; but to us who stay sullen upon our immutable woes, there is this question: "Where have we been casting our nets? Have we been casting it over the right side of the boat, as Jesus said?"

Prayer

Dear, Lord Jesus, Thank You for ever being with us even/especially when we feel hopeless about our situations at times. Please be steadfast in Your love and let it teem so richly where we could not.  

Please help our unbelief. May all the gifts we receive from this redound to Your Glory and bring furtherance to Your mission. All these we ask in Jesus' most holy Name, and in Mother Mary's loving and powerful intercession, Amen. 

The Heartbeat of Easter

   

The Resurrection of the Lord

20 April 2025

 

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

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9

Reflection

By: Therese B. Manio

The Gospel of Easter Sunday tells a story that is both beautiful and mysterious. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb while it is still dark, only to find the stone rolled away. Peter and the beloved disciple come running, and though they don’t fully understand, they begin to believe. It’s a moment full of uncertainty, questions, and wonder but more than anything, it’s full of hope.

That same hope speaks to us today. Like those first followers of Jesus, we often walk through darkness, moments of grief, confusion, or waiting. Life throws challenges we don’t always understand. But just like the stone was already rolled away, God is already at work in our lives, even before we see it. The empty tomb isn’t just a part of the story—it’s a promise.

At first glance, Jesus dying on the cross might seem like a defeat. But it wasn’t. It was a victory, just not the kind the world expected. Jesus didn’t conquer with force. He overcame sin and death through forgiveness, mercy, and love. His Resurrection proved that love is stronger than hate, and hope is more powerful than fear. It wasn’t just about Jesus coming back to life, it was about all of us being given a chance at new life.

The Resurrection reminds us we are never truly alone. Jesus went through real pain, rejection, and fear. He knows what suffering feels like. But He also shows us that no pain, no failure, and no moment of darkness has the final word. There’s always more to the story. There’s always hope. God allowed Jesus to die and rise again so we could experience this hope for ourselves. He transforms what’s broken, makes new what was lost, and brings life where there seemed to be none. Every cross we carry can lead to a resurrection. That’s the core of our faith and the heartbeat of Easter.

In this Jubilee Year, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that this journey isn’t just about us receiving hope, it’s about becoming hope for others. The world is full of people searching, grieving, or feeling stuck in the dark. We’re called to be like the beloved disciple who saw the signs and believed. We’re called to be like Mary, who ran to tell others: “I have seen the Lord.” Being an instrument of hope doesn’t always mean doing something huge. It could be listening to someone who’s hurting, offering kindness, or simply being there when someone needs you. In these small, quiet ways, we become living signs of the Resurrection.

As we walk through this Jubilee year together, may we carry the light of Easter in our hearts. Let us move forward with hope, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we meet. Because Christ is risen, and in Him, so is our hope.

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for the gift of Your love that conquers death and brings us everlasting hope. Help us to walk as true pilgrims of hope, carrying Your light into the lives of those around us. Give us the courage to believe, even in the darkness, and the grace to be signs of Your resurrection every day. Amen.

The One We Should Put Our Hope and Trust In

   

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

26 January 2025

 

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

"Today, this Scripture passage is fulfilled in Your hearing” (Luke 4:21)". With these words that He states at the end of the Gospel reading, Jesus confidently introduces Himself to the people in Nazareth, His hometown, as the promised Messiah and Savior that God has promised to send. In doing so, Jesus stresses that everyone should place their trust and hope in Him.

As the promised Messiah and Savior, Jesus brings hope to all people. In spite of our unworthiness, He willingly came into the world to show all of us who we could place our trust and hope in - Him. This is what is being discussed in the Readings for this Sunday. Because of Jesus, we are all filled with hope. Without Him, there is no hope.

In the First Reading, Nehemiah and Ezra remind the Israelites that God brings joy and hope to all. He turns sadness and sorrow to joy and hope. God does not bring sadness and sorrow. Rather, He brings joy and hope to all. In the Second Reading, the Apostle Saint Paul reminds us that we, as Christians, are all part of the body of Jesus Christ. Therefore, just as how Christ brought hope to all, we must bring hope to all. The hope that we bring to all does not come from us. Rather, it comes from Christ. It is our duty and responsibility as Christians to spread the hope that Christ freely gives to all of us.

Just as stated in the Responsorial Psalm, God brings joy to the heart of those who hope and trust in Him wholeheartedly through His Word and precepts (Psalm 19:9). Those who truly hope and trust in the Lord God will continually receive the gift of joy from Him. Despite all the sufferings in life, they will still be able to find joy because they have wholeheartedly made the decision to put their hope and trust in Him.

Christ Jesus reminds us today and in each moment of our earthly lives that it is He that we should wholeheartedly put our hope and trust. As Christians, let us offer our wholehearted hope and trust to Him as a response to Him reminding us about the main reason why He came into the world as the promised Messiah and Savior.

Prayer

Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, You continue to stress to each and every one of us that it is You that we should hope and trust wholeheartedly. Despite the numerous frailties and shortcomings of each and every single one of us due to our human nature, You nevertheless continue to do so out of love and mercy for all of us. For this, we humbly thank You. Accept our hope and trust which we wholeheartedly offer to You. Amen.

Hope Came Through A Child

   

Feast of the Sto. Nino

19 January 2025

 

First Reading: Is 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98

Second Reading: Eph 1:3-6

Gospel: Lk 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

“Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) These are the words of the Child Jesus in response to His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, once He was found by both Mary and Joseph in the Temple of Jerusalem after three days. With these words, the Child Jesus exhibits awareness and knowledge of the mission as the promised Messiah and Savior sent from heaven. 

For the entire Catholic Church in the Philippines, this Sunday is a very special one as it is dedicated to solemn celebration of the Feast of Jesus as the Most Holy Child, also known as the Santo Niño. This special solemn celebration which is held every year on the third Sunday of January is a reminder for all of us about the very reason why the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world. The Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and willingly decided to take upon our humanity, even the stage of childhood, for our sake. The only thing that Jesus did not assume when He took upon Himself our own human nature was the sinful nature of humanity. 

The Readings for this Sunday focus on the mission of the Lord Jesus as the bearer of true hope which comes from heaven. By wholeheartedly deciding to come into this world as the promised Messiah and Savior, He has brought hope to humanity. A prophecy concerning the arrival of the promised Messiah is featured in the First Reading. It is clearly stated in the prophecy featured in the First Reading that God will give us a Child who will be born for all of humanity. This Child is the promised Messiah. Saint Paul the Apostle stresses this fact in the Second Reading. Out of love and mercy for all of us, God has decided to send Christ Jesus to the world to save humanity. 

The Responsorial Psalm says: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God” (Psalm 98:3c). Through the Holy Child Jesus, God has shown the power of the gift of salvation He brings to all. By doing so, He has given us hope. 

Jesus became a Child to bring hope to us. Let us spread this gift of hope that He brings to all of us. 

Prayer

O Most Holy Child Jesus, You came into this world to bring hope to all of us as the promised Messiah and Savior. We humbly thank You for doing so. Give us the strength to spread the hope that You bring to all of us. Amen.

Pointing to the One who Gives True Hope

   

The Baptism of the Lord

12 January 2025

 

First Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 92:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: Ac 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: Lk 3:15-16; 21-22

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

"You are My Beloved Son; with You, I am well pleased" (Lk 3:22). These are the words of God the Father at the end of the Gospel for this Sunday which is dedicated to the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. By doing this, the Father introduces the Son, Jesus, to everyone. It is Jesus who everyone has been waiting for. As a matter of fact, this is a reference to the inner thoughts and questions of the people who traveled all the way to the Jordan River to be baptized by Saint John the Baptist. God Himself responded to the questions in the hearts of these people by pointing out the promised Messiah Himself. It began with the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, descending on the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, in the form of a dove and the First Person of the Trinity, the Father, speaking from heaven to introduce the Son. Jesus is the One who everyone has been waiting for. 

In a way, by speaking from heaven at the end of the featured passage in the Gospel, the Father illustrates what each and every one of us must do as Christians. We have a duty to point to the One who gives true hope to each and every person, who is none other than Christ Jesus Himself. No one will find true hope in this world as it is not the world that gives true hope. The one who gives true hope is God who through Christ Jesus has wholeheartedly decided to share it with us. 

The readings for this Sunday focus on the Lord who is the source of true hope. In the First Reading, the Lord God tells the Prophet Isaiah to give comfort to His people. How will someone like the Prophet Isaiah who is a mere human being give comfort to a nation? The gift of comfort will come from God Himself. Isaiah’s task is to share and spread this gift of comfort that the Lord wholeheartedly offers to His people. The Second Reading stresses the wholehearted nature of the arrival of Christ as the promised Savior of all. By wholeheartedly deciding to come to the world as the promised Messiah and Savior, Jesus brought true hope to all. We now have a reason to hope because of Christ Jesus. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist stresses the appropriate response to God freely giving us hope through the promised Messiah and Savior, which is authentic praise and worship.

We are tasked with pointing to the One who gives true hope. The Father and the Holy Spirit did this in the narrative that is featured in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. Point out and introduce Jesus to others. Let Him be known to all. Ensure that everyone knows that Jesus is the source of true hope. 

As Christians who truly and wholeheartedly hope in Christ Jesus, let us share the hope that He brings to all. Let us introduce Jesus to others as the source of true hope. 

Prayer

Lord, You are the source of true hope. Give us the strength to introduce You to others and share with them the gift of true hope that You freely offer us. Amen.

Authentic Expression of Hope in the Lord

   

Feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

09 January 2025

 

First Reading: Numbers 21:4b-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: John 3:13-17

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

“Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog’ (1 Samuel 15:22) sa mga umaasa kay Jesus.” In English: “Obedience is better than sacrifice’ (1 Samuel 15:22) for those who hope in Jesus." This is the theme of this year’s celebration of the Feast of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. The theme stresses the importance of obedience in expressing true devotion and hope in the Lord as obedience is connected to devoutness and hope.

Our Readings focus on obedience to the Lord as an essential part of our spiritual lives. In the First Reading, the Israelites complain to Moses about their hunger in the desert and how they are no longer content or satisfied with the manna they received from the Lord. However, the complaints are not ordinary. They clearly state in the passage that the manna they receive is “wretched food” (Numbers 21:5). By saying this, the Israelites clearly stress that they are ready to rebel against God for what they believe is a lack of care and attention from Him. In response to this statement of the Israelites, God sent them seraph serpents to kill them. This made them realize the error of their ways which led them to repent and express that they will show their hope and devotion to the Lord by obeying Him. Responding to people's petition that Moses brought to Him, God ordered Moses to create a bronze serpent so that the Israelites may live, despite being bitten by deadly snakes.

In the Second Reading, the Apostle Saint Paul illustrates how the obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ brought salvation to all of humanity. With his decision to humbly obey the will of the Father until the very end, Jesus saved humanity. In the Gospel, a short summary of our salvation was provided. Because of His true and authentic love for all of us, God decided to save us through the promised Messiah and Savior who is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, His only Begotten Son.

 

Today's Responsorial Psalm reminds us to not forget what God has done. God has done great things and the greatest was to save us through Christ Jesus. In doing so, He has expressed His true and authentic love and mercy for all of us despite our unworthiness.

In response, what should we do? That is to exhibit obedience to God - to obey Him wholeheartedly until the very end. Obedience is an authentic expression of true hope and devotion to the Lord. To prove that we truly hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, who offered His life for all of us, and are truly devoted to Him, we must obey and follow Him wholeheartedly. This is the response that He deserves to receive after everything He has done for all of us. 

Prayer

O Lord, Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, we humbly ask you to help us choose to obey You so that we can authentically express our true love and devotion to You. Amen.