A Million Disciples

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

14 June 2026

 

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-6a

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

Second Reading: Romans 5:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 9:36–10:8

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Balla

 

I have always felt deeply blessed to have been drawn closer to God early in my life. Looking back, I see how He has guided me—not through just twelve disciples, but through countless people He has placed along my path. Each person carries a gift from Him, whether meant to teach, challenge, comfort, or guide me.

I have come to realize that there is goodness in everything that happens around me, even in moments that are sad, confusing, or frustrating. God is always at work, shaping my heart and spirit through people and experiences. With His help, I continue to learn how to open my eyes and recognize the blessings hidden within every situation.

God is my ultimate Shepherd. I call upon Him many times each day, and He never feels distant. He is my constant companion—my provider, protector, guide, and healer. His presence steadies me, His love strengthens me, and His grace carries me forward.

I truly believe that His goodness follows me every moment of my life. Because of this, I find myself with a million reasons to give thanks and praise as I walk in His amazing grace, step by step.

I praise Jesus, the greatest Shepherd of all.

Prayer

The Lord Is My Shepherd – Gospel Song by Sheephia

You lead me where the waters flow,

In meadows green, my spirit grows.

No fear can steal the peace You give,

You are the reason I can live.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,

Your goodness fills my heart.

You lead me in mercy, You call me by name,

I rest in Your loving arms.

When shadows fall, You light my way,

Your gentle voice reminds me to stay.

Though storms may rise, I will not fear,

For I know, my Shepherd’s near.

In You I find my peace complete,

Your grace provides all I need.

No treasure compares to what You’ve done,

My Shepherd, my Savior, the Holy One.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, Forever in You I trust.

Pentecost Sunday

Solemnity of the Pentecost

24 May 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: John 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

The Gospel begins in a place we recognize very well today: fear behind closed doors.

The disciples are not gathered in confidence or celebration. They are hiding. The doors are locked. Fear of persecution has narrowed their world until it is reduced to one room. They have seen what happened to Jesus, and now they wonder if the same fate awaits them. And into that sealed space, Christ comes. The first words of the risen Lord are not rebuke, not disappointment, not correction. He does not ask why they ran away. He does not demand explanations. He simply says, Peace be with you!

It is important that Jesus does not wait for the doors to open. He enters while they are still closed. This is the first message of the Resurrection: no locked door is strong enough to keep out the presence of Christ. But the peace He gives is not just calm feelings or the absence of trouble. It is reconciliation with God, courage restored to frightened hearts, and a mission born out of mercy. Then comes a second “Peace be with you.” And immediately after, He sends them, As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Here, we see that Peace is never meant to stay locked inside. It is given to be carried outward. And then Jesus breathes on them and says, Receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given not in a place of strength, but in a place of fear. Not after they have become brave, but so that they may become brave. The Holy Spirit is not a reward for courage already achieved; He is the power that creates courage where there was none.

This Gospel speaks very directly into our world today. We live in a time when many doors are still closed, some physically, many emotionally. Closed doors of fear between nations and closed doors of distrust between peoples. Closed doors in hearts wounded by violence, terrorism, war, and division. In so many parts of the world, families live behind the locked doors of shelters, displacement camps, or destroyed homes. And even where there is no physical war, there is often an interior one: fear of the future, fear of others, fear that peace is no longer possible. Into all of this, Christ still comes and speaks the same words: “Peace be with you.” But He does not offer peace as an idea or a political slogan. He offers His own presence. And He gives the same gift He gave in that locked room: the Holy Spirit.

The disciples moved from fear to mission in one movement: they received the Spirit of Peace. That is also the invitation for us. Where are the locked doors in our own lives? Fear of conflict? Fear of change? Fear of those who are different from us? Fear that peace is too fragile to hope for?

Christ does not wait for those doors to open. He enters anyway. And He breathes His Spirit into those places. And then He says again, quietly but insistently, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

In a world wounded by war and division, Christians are not called to be spectators of despair. We are sent as carriers of a different presence: the peace of Christ that the world cannot give, and cannot take away: a peace that begins behind closed doors but never stays there.

Disciples of All Nations

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

17 May 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

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

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

Today we stand with the disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Yet even here, the Gospel tells us something striking: “When they saw Him, they worshipped, but they doubted.” Faith and hesitation sit side by side. That detail alone makes this passage feel very human. Unknowingly to the apostles, that tension is where the mission begins. Jesus does not choose flawless people. He entrusts His mission to those still growing. And this is important for us also, today: mission is not reserved for the spiritually confident. It begins with those willing to listen, even with uncertainty.

There is something deeply reassuring in this. Jesus does not wait for perfect clarity before He speaks His commission. He does not delay His trust until every question is resolved. Instead, He steps directly into the middle of their mixed interior state—worship and doubt together—and still sends them. He comes closer and declares what has become known as the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus says, “Go.” It is not a suggestion to stay comfortable in familiar spaces. The Gospel always moves outward toward people we haven’t met, cultures we do not know, and places we might not naturally choose.

This also speaks directly to us. Many people imagine that they must first resolve every doubt before they can serve God, pray with others, or share their faith. But the Gospel shows the opposite. It is precisely in the midst of our unfinished understanding that Jesus calls us forward. What matters is not the absence of hesitation, but the decision to remain open—to worship even while still asking questions, to follow even while still learning.

Although the Gospel does not narrate the Ascension directly, this passage carries its meaning. As he ascends, Jesus is no longer bound to one place or one group. He is preparing to be present everywhere through His Spirit and through His disciples. In a sense, He is “ascending” not by leaving us, but by expanding His presence in the world through us. The movement is very important: From seeing Jesus in one place to carrying Jesus everywhere.

But at the heart of the passage, Jesus does not end with departure, but with presence. His promise transforms the meaning of absence: we are not working alone, we are not speaking into silence, and we are not left to improvise God’s mission. The Ascended Lord is not distant. He is always present, sustaining the Church from within. To hear this Gospel today is to recognize that the mission of Christ has not changed. Rather, it has only been handed on. We become His voice in places where silence has grown, His hands where healing is needed, and His witness where hope feels thin. And we do this not by our strength alone, but by the assurance that the One who sends us also accompanies us.

The disciples leave the mountain changed not because all their doubts are gone, but because they now know that doubt does not cancel a mission. They have witnessed the mystery of the Ascension of Christ going to the Father, which moves us to go to the farthest places of the earth to proclaim the Gospel. The Lord’s Ascension is not His absence. It is the beginning of His presence in us. And that is why His final words are not an ending, but a beginning: “I am with you always.”

Baptismal Day

The Baptism of the Lord

11 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Today, as we officially conclude the Christmas season, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, an important event in His earthly life. At His baptism, while Jesus humbly allowed John the Baptist to baptize Him, Our God the Father on the other hand, exalted Him as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This is also what happens in our own baptism. Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism not only washes away original sin but also makes us children of God, welcomes us into the Catholic Church, opens us to spiritual graces, and gives us an indelible mark that no sin can erase. Thus, baptism serves a holy purpose far beyond custom or tradition. Through baptism, we share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king: a calling we live out by grounding our lives in His commandments.

Do you know your baptismal date? Mine is January 20, 1991. I was baptized on the feast day of Santo Niño at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. And this year, I will celebrate 35 years of being a Catholic. This milestone leads me to reflect: What has been the fruits of my Catholic faith? Am I a good and obedient follower of God? Honestly, the answer is no. I still need more grace to grow. Yet one thing is certain that God loves me more than anything I have done or will ever do. Even in my mother’s womb, He already knew me, and in baptism, He claimed me as His daughter.

As co-workers of Christ in His mission of love and charity through baptism, our daily lives are called to reflect that mission. It will not always be easy, but when we fail or doubt ourselves, let us return to our baptismal day, the moment God accepted us as we are, called us His beloved, and welcomed us into His family, the Church.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of faith, that You generously gave me at my baptism. Through the intercession of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, may I grow deeper in the understanding of the faith and live it each day, so I may serve as Your instrument here on earth. Amen.

I am Sending You

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 July 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few” - Luke 10:2

Go out to all the whole world and tell the good news. This is a calling for all of us. In the Gospel today, God appointed seventy-two others aside from the twelve apostles to help Him spread the good news. God is also asking us to help Him. We live in a world today where many people are hurting and I believe they need to experience God’s unconditional love for them. The world is just so noisy with negative news especially in the social media that we do not know who to believe anymore or what is the truth anymore. That is why I believe that in this present time God is also sending us to spread the good news of His love. And we can turn the negative or the bad news into positive with the power of social media by sharing our stories of how the Lord have accompanied us and how He have shown His love for us amidst many ups and downs of life. We can create many contents of how God’s love is shown to us everyday from the simple blessings to the big ones. We can be a living witness of God’s love and mercy. Let us tell the world of His love.

We are being called to a mission to bring heaven to earth, bring many souls to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Only then can we truly experience the peace that God speaks to us many times.

Prayer

Lord the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Give me a discerning heart to listen to your voice may I realize the purpose of my life and the mission you have given me. Lead me Lord. Help me to listen and follow your will in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

What's Your Candy?

Pentecost Sunday

08 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: John 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In the afternoon of Wednesday, 7th of May 2025, one hundred and thirty-three Cardinals were gathered in the Pauline Chapel, all asking for divine guidance as the Papal Conclave began. “Veni Creator Spiritus” – a prayer and hymn that the Cardinal electors were chanting during their procession to the Sistine Chapel as they receive a final spiritual reflection and begin their sacred task of voting for a Supreme Pontiff. The divine process behind closed doors went on for the next two days. But for us and the rest of the world, we waited. Even though we heard and read some stories about it, and while there were also some depictions through films, imagining the things that happen inside the chapel during the conclave could only be put up to faith. We can only look forward and watch the smoke from the chimney of the Sistine chapel that would signify that “no pope was chosen” or “a pope has been chosen”. Then at last, on May 8, at 6:07pm Rome time, the white smoke appeared, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring. Minutes later, after the much-anticipated words – “Habemus Papam” has been spoken, and as our hearts started to be filled with joy, the new Pope Leo XIV came out onto the balcony. Then he spoke his first words to the faithful, a much familiar greeting that the risen Christ also said to the disciples – “Peace be with you.”

It is both joyful and consoling when we remember these events that are not just a significant part of our faithful identity but also manifestation of God’s love through The Holy Spirit. Similarly, two thousand years ago, something also happened behind locked doors that eventually led to the birth of the Catholic Church. Both events have the same message of Christ, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” A message that has been passed not only to the church leaders but also to us all.

Today, we are reminded of our identity as a church and manifestation of the works of The Holy Spirit. Like the disciples and Pope Leo XIV, we are also called to proclaim the mighty acts of God to the peripheries of the world. As Pope Leo XIV said, “Together we must try to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone in need. A church that journeys, a church that seeks peace always, that always seeks charity, that wants to be close to people, especially those who are suffering." 

Though sometimes, we may not always find ourselves in a state of carrying out the mission of the church or receiving someone in need. There are times when we feel that what we have is not enough to console someone in need. Saint Paul reminds us that in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body of Christ. But we are all called in our uniqueness to be witnesses in our own ways because as Saint Paul said, “there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit, different forms of service but the same Lord, different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared a moment that happened with him and then Cardinal Robert Prevost during the conclave. Cardinal Prevost became anxious as it became clearer that he was about to be elected as the next pope. Seeing his face with deep sighs, Cardinal Tagle offered him a candy, “Do you want some candy?” Cardinal Prevost said, “Okay, give me one.” It was a funny and warm moment about someone whose anxiety rose up because of a coming responsibility but being consoled by a simple gesture or offering. As Cardinal Tagle said, “It was my first act of charity for the new pope.” This can also remind us how a simple offer can console and encourage someone in need even though help was not being asked. A simple reminder of how we, as a church, can build bridges with the gifts that we have received from The Holy Spirit. A gift, or “candy”, that we can always offer as one with a church that always seeks charity to be lived with others and bring the peace of the Risen Christ that is unarmed and disarming. As Pope Leo XIV also said recently, “the Christian Life is not lived in isolation, like an intellectual or sentimental adventure, confined to our minds and hearts. It is lived with others, in a group or a community, because the Risen Christ is present among the disciples gathered in His name.” Today, as we celebrate the birth of the Catholic Church, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and enable us to proclaim the mighty acts of God through our openness to offer a part of ourselves to charity.

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,

and in our souls take up Thy rest;

come with Thy grace and heavenly aid

to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry,

O heavenly gift of God Most High,

O fount of life and fire of love,

and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;

Thou, finger of God's hand we own;

Thou, promise of the Father,

Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above,

and make our hearts o'erflow with love;

with patience firm and virtue high

the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,

and grant us Thy peace instead;

so shall we not, with Thee for guide,

turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow

the Father and the Son to know;

and Thee, through endless times confessed,

of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son,

Who rose from death, be glory given,

with Thou, O Holy Comforter,

henceforth by all in earth and heaven.

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. 

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

14 Hulyo 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Amos 7, 12-15

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

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Efeso 1, 3-14

Ebanghelyo: Marcos 6, 7-13

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

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

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

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

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

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

Panalangin:

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

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.

Up!

    

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

12 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

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

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mk 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

"As I closed my eyes in prayer, basking in His joy and overwhelming presence, my feet slowly left the ground, and with my hands stretched out to the sides, I float into the air, up towards the Father." These are thoughts that ofren come to my mind.

Is levitation truly possible when deeply immersed in God's presence? I can only dream of it at this point as we may never get to experience the ascension of Jesus nor the assumption of Mary. But I know that my spirit soars high, dancing in joy when my heart, mind and soul is fully attuned to God and in His blissful presence. I also believe that we can go to Heaven, in His grace and mercy with our life well-lived and spent to be of service to God and to one another. I pray that God will lift me up and will allow me to draw closer to Him, to call me to His side when my time on earth is done. And I pray the same thing for my loved ones, friends and colleagues.

I thank Jesus, our Savior, who ascended to heaven after conquering sin and death. He made it possible for us to be resurrected and be reunited with God, our Father. He, who until now, in this very moment, is helping all of us as we work on our individual missions as His disciples and friends.

Prayer

Father, we want to be with You when our journey in life is over. With Your guidance and grace, help us to successfully complete the work that You want us to do so that like Jesus, we can return to You in glory. I also pray for all mothers. Please continue to give us the strength, the courage, and the determination to draw closer to You and bring others, specially, our children and other members of our families, in Your presence as often as possible, with love, patience, and inspiration. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there!

 

Configuration to Christ

    

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

06 August 2023

 

First Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

Second Reading: 2 Pt 1:16-19

Gospel: Mt 17:1-9

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

Tent is a good place to stay – during vacation, on camping trips, or on a beach trip. And it is easy to carry. However, there is no such thing as a self-building tent. There is always someone who will configure it for it to be built. In the Gospel, Peter wants to build a tent – one for Abraham, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. However, he was not able to do so for they heard a voice from the cloud and witnessed Jesus transfigures. With Jesus’ transfiguration, the disciples configure their lives and follow Jesus more.

Configuration to Christ is a life-changing experience starting from attraction, leading to conversion and mission that helps us to transform our lives. Allow me to share to you how configuration is a life-changing experience. The common theme of today’s readings is metamorphosis or transformation. The readings invite us to configure our lives by renewing them with Christ, and to radiate the grace of the transfigured Lord around us by our Spirit-filled lives.

Configuration starts from attraction. In the Gospel, as they were up to the mountain, Peter, James, and John were in awe as they saw Jesus transfigured, with His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. There, Moses and Elijah also appeared conversing with Jesus. With this, Peter was attracted to the manifestations in the mountain. He did not want to go down anymore and even asked Jesus to stay there and he will make a tent for them. When I was in high school, I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers. One of the reasons why I joined was the attraction from the vestments and for my sister who told me that she will give me money every time I serve. When I was a child, my mother would take me with her to the church to attend mass. There, I saw the altar servers serving at the altar wearing a white robe. I said to my mother that I want to also wear a white robe, and she said that when I grow up, I can. The attraction instills in me until high school. There, I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers and was able to wear the white cassock. My experience in joining the ministry transformed me to deeply love God and the Church.

However, Configuration does not stop there. It leads to conversion. While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. The scenes changed the hearts of the disciples, that it is not the comfort that God wants them to see but what Jesus would fulfill after. I was known to be a bully when I was in High school. I always tease my classmates just to annoy and make fun of them to make my other classmates laugh. I used to tease my classmate with asthma saying “Hinga! Hinga! Hinga lang nang Hinga!" until it became a chant in the classroom. However, everything changed when I joined the Ministry of Altar Servers. It made me realize that bullying and annoying my classmates are wrong. It leads me to deeply love and understand people and not to tease them or anything no matter what.

Lastly, conversion should entail action, thus, Configuration acts to mission. Jesus and the disciples did not stay in the mountain. They went down for there is a mission they need to fulfill specially for Jesus who will suffer in the cross.  From the attraction in joining the Altar Servers Ministry, to conversion and renewal of life to the Lord. All that configuration experience that I would call a religious experience leads me to enter the seminary. At first, I thought I would be an engineer. I would always say to my mother that I would become an engineer. “Nay magiging engineer ako.” However, God has always another plan for us. I find joy in the service in the Church. And this leads me to find that here is where my mission is. Transformations leads us to mission.

And so, let us configure our lives with Christ. Let us reflect in Jesus’ life and experiences, for our experiences was first experienced by Him. That is where attraction starts in the life of Jesus. Second, we go to confession and there, we will feel the mercy and compassion of God. And lastly, for our mission, we help any persons who are in need. With all these, we can configure our lives with Christ and renew ourselves.

As St. Thomas Aquinas would say, At His Transfiguration, Christ showed His Disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are His. And so, let God configure our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You showed your disciples the transfiguration of Yours that led them to configure their lives and follow You.  May we also be witnesses of Your transfiguration by letting us see You in our daily lives through the different people we encounter. So that we too may follow You and be a true missionary disciple. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. 

First Hand

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 June 2023

 

First Reading: Ex 19:2-6a

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

Second Reading: Rom 5:6-11

Gospel: Mt 9:36-10:8

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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