Coming As We Are

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 July 2026

 

First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14

Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 11-13

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

We visited a few churches while in Rome in summer of last year. One of them was the Church of Sant’Alfonso where the original image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is venerated. As we entered the church, I saw a woman on the last pew eating. I was tempted to hit my judgemental button but decided not to. I thought, in such a hot and sunny weather, the church seemed the only place where the woman could find shelter and have her dinner.

As we moved nearer the sanctuary, I saw another lady crying loudly while on her knees. Again, I was about to react, but told myself, probably she has no one to talk to who would sincerely and non-judgementally listen to her except God and His Mother. After saying our prayers in front of the image of Mary and taking some pictures, we left the church. The woman was still in tears.

The late Deacon Martyn Swaby, my former spiritual director, once said that we come as we are in the presence of God. We may be happy or sad, refreshed or tired, in the state of grace or living in sin. Regardless, today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is calling us to come to Him (Mt 11:28). The two women I encountered came as they are in that beautiful church. Like the humble tax collector who went up to the temple to pray, I believe that both women left the church justified with God (Lk 18:14).

That experience touched me too. Instead of looking down and feeling scandalised by the actions of fellow believers, I was inspired to be more understanding and welcoming of others especially those who are in the fringes of the Church and society. I’m still a work in progress as I strive to imitate Christ who is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29).

 

Prayer

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, transform our proud and unyielding hearts to be like Yours - ever gentle, humble, and welcoming to everyone - so that the Father would also reveal to us the mysteries of the Kingdom. Amen.

Sunday of Joy

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

15 March 2026

 

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16b, 6-7, 10-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3q, 3b-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-4

Gospel: John 9:1-41

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is also referred to as Laetare Sunday, with the Latin word “Laetare” meaning “Joy.” If the Advent season has its Third Sunday being designated as its own Sunday of Joy, with the said Sunday being referred to as Gaudete Sunday (“Gaudete” is also a Latin word that means “Joy”), the Lenten season also has its own Sunday of Joy, namely Laetare Sunday. Both Sundays mark the half-way mark of their respective seasons. Another unique aspect of both these Sundays, namely Gaudete in Advent and Laetare in Lent, is the use of the color rose. Rose is only used on these Sundays specifically.

In this year’s Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is designated by the Church as the season of Lent’s Sunday of Joy, the Church invites us to reflect on this gift that comes from the Light of the world. The Light of the world is the One we should humbly exalt all the days of our life. He is the source of our joy. Our hearts and minds are filled with joy because the true Light of the world chose to shine on us. Even though we are not worthy because of our sinful nature, He willingly let His light radiate our path so that we can walk under His grace, love, mercy, and compassion.

Featured in the First Reading is the narrative of the anointing of David as King of Israel. God has sent His prophet Samuel to anoint the shepherd David, the youngest son of Jesse, who He has chosen to succeed Saul who reigned over His chosen nation Israel as its king during that time. In doing so, He gives His nation Israel an assurance of His faithfulness to them. By continuing to give a king to Israel, God has given them joy. 

God is introduced in the Responsorial Psalm as the shepherd of His chosen people. Keep in mind, He was not forced to shepherd His people. Rather, He freely chose to assume the role of shepherd. By doing so, He gives joy to His chosen people because they have the assurance that they will be safe and sound. They will be walking under the true light, the Light of the world, who is full of mercy, compassion, and love. 

The Second Reading focuses on how Christ, as the true Light of the world, illuminates the path of His followers. Followers of Christ no longer walk in darkness. Rather, they walk in the true light who is none other than Him. He chose to do this freely because of His great mercy, compassion, and love. As His followers who devoutly praise, worship, and exalt Him through our spoken words and deeds, we are filled with true joy. 

In the Gospel, Jesus gives sight to a man born blind. As a result of this, the man who was born blind was filled with joy upon receiving the gift of sight from the true Light of the world. The desire of this man, who was blind from the moment he was born, to see the beauty of the world he was in came true because of the great mercy, compassion, and love of the true Light of the world who is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah.

With great joy in our hearts and minds, let us always exalt by our words and actions the true Light of the world who is none other than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. By choosing to become the true Light of the world, He has given us the gift of joy and gladness that comes from only Him. This serves as proof of His great mercy, compassion, and love. 

Prayer

Filled with the joy that You continuously give us each moment of our lives, we humbly exalt, praise, and worship You, O Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You for choosing to be our Light that dispels the darkness in our midst. In doing so, You showed us Your great mercy, compassion, and love. May we always listen to You, the source of our joy and hope. Amen.

      

Shine

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

08 February 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

“How do I shine my light to others?” The first thing I can think of is sharing Gospel reflections in social media, sharing anecdotes of small blessings, realizations that may probably inspire someone else. But I have to admit that in every attempt, there is always that thought that makes me think twice before sharing. “Does this post seem too religious?” “ Am I not being too self-righteous for sharing this?”

Good thing I am always reminded of this verse “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:6

“Glorify Your heavenly Father.” This is what matters. 

How else can we shine our light to others?  

Let us not over-complicate. If we are doing what we are supposed to do as mandated by our jobs, position or role, we are shining as a good example to others. If you are a government employee and reject any means of corruption, your light shines. If you are a business owner and pay taxes diligently, your light shines. If you are a student and avoid cheating, your light shines. And when our light shines, we glorify the Father.

Prayer

Father, may the work of our hands glorify You. Be with us, light our paths so that we too can be a light to others. Amen.

Unhurried Grace

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

15 June 2025

 

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel: John 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

The profound words of Jesus invite us into a contemplation of both the mystery of divine revelation and the transformative guidance the Holy Spirit offers in our lives. Jesus says that not all truth is revealed at once, but He reassures us that there is a divine process at work— a gentle unfolding of understanding that matches our readiness to receive it. This gradual revelation is not about concealment but rather an act of deep wisdom. Just as the disciples could not grasp the fullness of Jesus’ teachings at once, we too often find life's truths emerging over time. In moments of uncertainty or when the weight of life’s challenges seems too heavy, we are reminded that the Spirit of truth is ever-present, patiently preparing our hearts to receive deeper understanding. This path in divine revelation teaches us the importance of trust and patience, inviting us to welcome the slow, nurturing progression of spiritual growth. It is in this embrace of gradual revelation that our understanding deepens, and our faith is strengthened.

Jesus also wants us to understand the nature of the Holy Trinity. The intimate relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is deeply established. All that the Father possesses is also with the Son, and the Holy Spirit acts as the guide, proclaiming this divine unity to us. In the harmonious relationship of these three persons, we can have a glimpse of the perfect model of love that is very evident in our relationships — values that lie at the heart of our family lives. The Spirit does not work alone but glorifies Jesus by drawing from the abundance of divine truth offered by the Father. This sacred and intimate harmony of the Holy Trinity reminds us of our spiritual inheritance — that truth and wisdom are gifts meant to be shared.

If we look at the aspect of family life, our understanding of the Holy Trinity offers an inspiring guide for relationships, like in the role of Fathers. Just as the Heavenly Father imparts love, provision, and truth to His creation, earthly fathers are called to share these divine qualities within the family. A father’s role is not simply to lead or to instruct from above, but to walk beside his loved ones in a journey of shared discovery and growth. By modeling restraint, compassion, and a willingness to listen—as the Holy Spirit listens and communicates truth—fathers can guide their families with a wisdom that inspires courage and nurtures hope. The words of Jesus invite fathers to see themselves as humble stewards of a greater truth, entrusted not with complete authority and power, but with the responsibility of mirroring God’s infinite love and patience.

We are also invited to appreciate that growth and understanding occur in small, precious moments. Life lessons cannot simply be given all at once but must develop gradually, nurtured by repeated acts of love, kindness, guidance, and by example. When fathers invest in their children by being honest, kind, and patient, they build an environment in which truth can flourish. An environment that is also a reflection of the Holy Trinity’s patient revelation to the disciples. Through this, we slowly understand the unhurried grace that is continuously imparted as we go through our journeys together. As relationships deepen and bonds strengthen, the light of truth shines ever brighter. Families that nurture truth and love become shelters not only for their own members but also for the larger community, resonating with the nature of the Holy Trinity for all to witness. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, we are reminded that the eternal love of the Father, the sacrificial presence of the Son, and the guiding power of the Holy Spirit are implanted into every aspect of our lives.

As we also celebrate Father’s Day, may every father be inspired to lead with gentle authority and heartfelt dedication. Fathers are beacons of truth who help their families go through the difficulties of life by sharing the slow, steady light of divine wisdom. For all earthly fathers like me, may we embrace our role as guides, companions, and earthly models of divine love. Know that in every patient word, every compassionate act, and every silent moment of shared truth, we reflect the divine process of the Holy Trinity in us. Trusting in this process helps us tirelessly nurture our families, lighting the way with love, truth, and ascending hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle unfolding of Your truth that guides us through every season of life. May The Holy Spirit fill our hearts with patient understanding, teaching us to trust in the gradual revelation of Your divine wisdom. Inspire us, especially as fathers and family leaders, to mirror Your compassion, humility, and steadfast love in every act. Help us to see the beauty in small moments, knowing that each is a step toward deeper spiritual growth and unity. In the sacred harmony of the Holy Trinity, may we be empowered to reflect Your light to our families and the world around us.

We also lift to you the countries who are in conflict right now, especially Israel and Iran, asking that Your peace might repress the war and heal every division. May Your presence soften hardened hearts and guide leaders toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation. Inspire all communities to replace disharmony with understanding and replace struggle with hope. In Your infinite mercy, bring lasting peace and unity to these distressed regions and the whole world.

In Jesus’ name we pray, 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.

Born for the Light

    

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

24 June 2024

 

First Reading: Is 49:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 139 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

Gospel: Lk 1:57-66, 80

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Kristina and Joey have been married for a few years. During family reunions, relatives often ask them when they would have a baby. As Kristina grew older, a relative discouraged her from trying as she was past the age when women conceive. In spite of that, the couple continued to pray and try. A few months passed, Kristina got pregnant and then gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Josephine Emilia. Two years later, the couple is expecting another baby.

In today's Gospel, a baby boy was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Nine months previously, Zechariah admitted to the angel Gabriel "I am an old man and my wife is well on in years" (Lk 1:18). In spite of this, the Lord has shown His favour on this holy couple. Relatives and neighbours sharing their joy ask, "What, then, will this child be?" (Lk 1:66). The Lord will make this child the light to the nations, "that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6). He will be the Lord's forerunner who "heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel" (Ac 13:24).

"What, then, will this child be?" This would often be our question gazing on a new-born baby. Perhaps this was the same question asked by our parents and elders when we were born. The Lord has favoured Elizabeth and Zechariah, Kristina and Joey. He has blessed us too with a gift of a child or children. Like us, our child or children may not have a gargantuan task like John the Baptist's, but we have a duty to spread the word of salvation. We have a mission to bear witness to Jesus, "the true light that enlightens all men" (Jn 1:9).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, "we praise You, for we are wonderfully made" (cf. Ps 139:14). Through the prayers and example of Saint John the Baptist, help us, especially all expectant parents, to value the gift of life and dedicate it to prepare a way for Your coming. Amen.

Same Old Story

    

The Nativity of the Lord

(Christmas)

25 December 2023

 

First Reading: Is 52:7-10

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

Second Reading: Heb 1:1-6

Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

It's eleven thirty in the evening, a single mother of two is rushing to get home from her work in Makati City. She works as a staff in a shopping mall, which extended its hours of operation during the holiday season. The heavy traffic, worse than the usual rush hours during ordinary days, won’t even let her sneak a nap on a bus. When she gets home, she still needs to prepare meals to be shared by her children for their Christmas party at school on the next day. With a sigh of relief whenever the bus moves a few meters, she stares at the red lights ahead as she plans in her mind every detail of what she needs to do for the next 12 hours, which includes short naps and taking her children to school, before going to work again.

A young man has been selling Christmas cards and gift wrappers all day in the streets of Divisoria. He prepares to leave as he made his last sale of the day. He rode his bicycle that he used to go around one of the busiest districts in Manila. As he passed in between cars and large vehicles, he can’t help but smile while thinking, “May panghanda na kami ni nanay sa Noche Buena.”

In the other side of the world, a father carries his infant as he walks with other migrants to a nearby shelter to spend the night and maybe ask for some food. When they got to the shelter, it was already full, and they were told that they cannot be accommodated along with the long line of fellow migrants. The displaced migrants set up their own tents using whatever they had – blankets, jackets, large boxes, etc. Talking to his baby, the father kept saying the same words trying to calm his crying daughter, “It’s okay my dear. It’s okay my love.” Tears came down from his eyes when a fellow migrant shared a quarter of the milk that her child was not able to drink.

I wrote this reflection in the quiet of the night, thinking about the shepherds in Bethlehem during the first Christmas. Just like other silent nights when the shepherds do their usual night routine. Maybe keeping watch for those sheep that may go astray, or maybe for wolves that may injure or kill some of the lambs. I imagine their surprise when an angel appeared at a moment when they were looking out expecting for wolves. Their fear was immediately replaced by hope as the angel proclaimed the good news of great joy. As I looked up at the dark sky and listened to the silence, I thought of the mothers who are giving up a big part of their basic needs for their family’s well-being.  I thought of the young men who are eager to do everything they can for a simple but meaningful time for their loved ones. I thought of the people who all their life move day to day without a place to call home, but still share a little hope with those who need it the most.

It’s all the same old story. Like Joseph when he was looking for a temporary shelter for Mary, and when he went out of his hometown and became a migrant. Like the shepherd who watches his flock and hopes for a peaceful night among the sheep. Like the people who had heard the news and glorified God with the shepherds. God dwells among us - the same old story that continues throughout all time. God has always been with us. From the mother who struggles to keep the house together, the smiles on the faces of her children will always remind her of God who continues to give her strength every day; with the young man who continues to look for ways to bring simple joys to his loved ones, God is there to celebrate with him and tell him that all his efforts are worth it; to the father who continues to look for a home for his daughter, God has been carrying him all his life through the people around him.

This is Christmas. We celebrate this season through the same hope and joy that the shepherds heard from the angels. The same old story that continues to renew the story of our life and continues to renew our hearts. This is when we are greatly reminded that the same God, the Word became flesh, will continue to light the world and dwell among us, especially in the midst of all the chaos, fears, and struggles. Today, we also recall how we point to the Lord in all humility during our preparation to make straight his paths. May we continue to humble ourselves and rejoice in having the honor to testify to Jesus who never takes a break to be mindful of us especially on our hopes and dreams for our family. We take part in celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, especially in the simplest hope and joy, for us to wholly share in his dwelling with us. 

Prayer

Glory to You, dear Lord! For despite all our sinfulness, You chose to be with us and be a fragile infant who continues to be born in our hearts. May we share with one another the fullness of Your grace and truth that we also proclaim along with the angels. With grateful hearts, may we see the shepherds within us and go in haste to help those in need. With Joseph and Mary, we pray for all families who celebrate Christmas differently this year. We also pray for peace and end of war in Ukraine and Gaza, especially those who lost their loved ones and who are still looking for home. These we pray in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

The Rest That We Need

    

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 July 2023

 

First Reading: Zec 9:9-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14

Second Reading: Rom 8:9, 11-13

Gospel: Mt 11:25-30

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

There was a time in my teenage years when the song "Lift Up Your Hands" by Basil Valdez was my life theme song. I felt at that time everything around was chaotic and I was in a dark pit where I cannot see my real self. I had to wear different masks to survive, there were days I wished to die, there were nights that this song just gives me comfort and companionship.

Sometimes we feel trapped and think of giving up because of uncontrollable life events that happen to us. Sometimes the people that we expect to protect us disappoint us too. The Gospel this Sunday reminds us that Jesus is the solution to our problems, difficulties, and challenges. He knows all our weaknesses and meets us where we are. The belief that He is there, that someone sees us, knows our true struggles, and yet loves us still the same.

He invites us to offload all our concerns on Him, and in exchange, He will give us His yoke, one that is light. Jesus assures us that in Him we will find rest when we believe and pray. The yoke that He is offering to us is that of humility and meekness. He wants us to be humble, just like Him and there, we will find rest. Meet Jesus in prayer, with a humble and contrite heart, and tell everything to Jesus. He will never let us down when we seek His help. Sometimes, His responses may come a little late as we expected or He gives a different answer. Yet, His timing is always perfect and His ways are always better. Whatever we ask from God, in His Name, we will have it. Therefore, with humble hearts, let's take our burdens to Jesus and we will find rest.

And He said, "Cast your burdens upon Me

Those who are heavily laden,

Come to Me, all of you who are tired

Of carrying heavy loads,

For the yoke I will give you is easy

And My burden is light,

Come to Me and I will give you rest."

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts. We lift all our burdens to You because we believe that it is only in You that we can find rest. Give us Your yoke which is good to bear and is light. May You inspire us to practice humility and meekness all the days of our life.

Be a Light for Others

    

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 February 2023

 

First Reading: Is 58:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Cor 2:1-5

Gospel: Mt 5:13-16

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"You are the light of the world...Your light must shine before others, that they may see Your good deed and glorify Your heavenly Father."

I am sure you will agree that the world today continues to be in darkness. Many are oppressed and living in poor condition. Millions are below the poverty line, uneducated, and are hungry. Even those who are employed and have good income still struggle financially.

We are all challenged to be disciples of Christ. We are called to be the light of the world. And the task is clear: "if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday."

In the past, even with a six figure income, we struggled financially. We were buried in 7-figure credit card debts. We were faced with millions of responsibilities to our children who were in school. Then a disaster happened, we both got retired from our high paying jobs, one after another. But we continued to hang on to Your promise. Despite the daily struggles, we hang on. We continue to give tithes. Eventually, as He promised "then light shall rise for you in the darkness."

We thank the Lord for liberating us from debts and leading us to a business opportunity that earns for us even more than what we need and desire. As our way of glorifying our heavenly Father, we as a couple strive hard to teach people how to get out of the oppression of debts, to be liberated from poverty, and be able to provide income streams to those who are financially struggling.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for great blessings You have bestowed upon us to serve as a beacon of light to people who are in financial darkness. We pray that all of us will continue to share our blessings to others, help the oppressed and feed the hungry. We bring back to You Lord all the glory and honor for the opportunity to be the light for others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

The Lord is Risen!

Easter Sunday

The Resurrection of the Lord

4 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:34a, 37-43

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

Second Reading:  COL 3:1-4, 22-23

Gospel:  JN 20:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead."

Today is a very joyous day because it is Resurrection Sunday! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! The Lenten days of fasting, almsgiving, and repenting are over. Christ's resurrection vividly demonstrates that love is always stronger than fear or hate or even death. Certainly, something to celebrate. And given what we have all been through this past year, we all really need reasons to celebrate, to find joy and reason for our hope. We just came out of the dark days of Good Friday and experience the fullness of Christ's light on Easter!

Maybe some of us would fret at these words, what is there to rejoice when we are in the midst of a pandemic? Many people are dying, our health workers and front liners are tired, the CoVid-19 cases are rising even with vaccination going on already. Where are You, Lord? People are anxious, worried, frustrated. At these moments, it may seem less clear how the Easter story is our story.

Let us take comfort in knowing that this is exactly the situation of Jesus' friends and followers not only during His Passion, but even in the earliest days of the Resurrection. It took time for them to recognize the reality of the Resurrection. The truth of the Easter Sunday is that God's love is victorious. That is the essence of our faith. Good still wins out over evil. Life wins out over death.

Remember that it is not our action that makes Easter happen. Rather, it is about taking the time to be attentive to God's creative action. God's unstoppable love resurrected Jesus from the dead. And it is God's love and not our own action that will lead to our own resurrections—both our bodily resurrections (someday) and the ways we experience new life now, in the midst of fear, suffering, grief, and even death.

Our part is simply to acknowledge our feelings, pay attention, wonder, and pray.

• If I am feeling emptiness or grief, I can bring my sense of emptiness to God and, like Mary Magdalene, wait for God, paying attention to where I might find new life beyond the tomb.
• If I am feeling fear and am shut inside my own room, I can bring those fears to God and know that God will enter right into that space with me. God can surprise me beyond the confines of my own understanding.
• If I am feeling doubt, I can express these doubts to God and, like Thomas, wonder how God invites me to touch the reality of the Resurrection.
• If I am feeling a desire for increased connection with God, I can let God walk with me, talk with me, and even "feed" me with the divine presence. I can let myself love God and let God love me in turn.

The Lord is risen. There is reason for hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a silver lining amidst the dark clouds.

 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, I know You are here with us right now, walking with us, consoling us, embracing us, loving us. We just need to be aware and conscious of Your presence. Let me not be afraid . Let me receive Your peace. Thank You Jesus and all these we pray in Your Name. Amen.

 

 

 

Amplifiers!

 

Third Sunday of Advent 

13 December 2020

First Reading IS 61:1-2A, 10-11

The spirit of the LORD God is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,

to heal the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives

and release to the prisoners,

to announce a year of favor from the LORD

and a day of vindication by our God.

 

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,

in my God is the joy of my soul;

for her has clothed me with a robe of salvation

and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,

like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,

like a bride bedecked with her jewels.

As the earth brings forth its plants,

and a garden makes its growth springs up,

so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise

spring up before all the nations.

 

Second Reading 1 THES 5:16-24

 

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

In all circumstances give thanks,

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit.

Do not despise prophetic utterances.

Test everything; retain what is good.

Refrain from every kind of evil.

 

May the God of peace make you perfectly holy

and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,

be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The one who calls you is faithful,

and he will also accomplish it. 

 

Gospel JN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify the light.

 

And this is the testimony of John.

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests

and Levites to him to ask him,

"Who are you?"

He admitted and did not deny it,

but admitted, "I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,

"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"

And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No."

So they said to him,

"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?

What do you have to say for yourself?"

He said:

"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,

'make straight the way of the Lord,'"

as Isaiah the prophet said."

Some Pharisees were also sent.

They asked him,

"Why then you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"

John answered them,

"I baptized with water;

but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,

the one who is coming after me,

whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,

where  John was baptizing.

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

We love listening to a variety of songs - rock, old, country, religious, anime, love songs, etc. And we like it loud and clear specially when it sparks some dancing or when most of us are singing along with  the music. Amplifiers help us increase the volume and allow us to hear the voicing and instruments clearly.

 

John is singing beautiful song. He is inviting us to help prepare the way of the Lord. We can help amplify his message. Come and help straighten the path for Jesus. Come and help proclaim the Word of God.

 

Come and sing God's message to the world!

 

Like John, may God also send us as witnesses. To bear witness to the Light, so that everyone might believe through us.

 

May we begin the courage to seize opportunities to bear witness to God's light and love for all of us this Advent season.

 

Prayer

 

Father, You are the reason of our existence. Help us to do better in serving You. Make us worthy to help straighten the path that leads to You. Please grant us steadfast faith and the determination to proclaim Your words this Advent season. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.