A Christian Responsibility

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 September 2026

 

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

“To err is human, to forgive, divine.” Credited to Alexander Pope, I would often see this sticker plastered across many rear windshield or bumper – a thoughtful reminder of how noble it is to forgive, but on the basic level, how common it is for all of us to make a mistake.

As a child being eased into the world, I would often get reminded to pay elders my basic respects: “O, magmano ka” (when it was still the norm especially within Filipino circles). In the household, we have probably seen the youngest member of the family doodling their masterpiece on the wall; a young teen blasting their music louder than others in the room can tolerate; or even the most seasoned of parents leaving cabinet doors open. All of us have our share of faults, enough that it has become customary to say “sorry” to acknowledge what we did and audibly express our contrition; but it is a different matter when the person who makes a mistake does not know what happened (i.e. ignorance). Depending on the severity of the fault, the aggrieved may simply choose to go on his or her way; but what do we do when the wrongdoer, after seeing something amiss to which they had some sizable contribution, ‘maintains,’ especially in earnest, that there is no harm done? Further, what do we do when the person repeats the same mistake?

Both the First Reading and the Gospel for today provide inquiry into the matter: when we receive God’s revelation, it is on ourselves to relay what God shared, so that others know what they need to do to participate, especially if there is something for which they must atone. If they do not want to repent for the wrong made known, the guilt rests upon their hands, and is extinguished from us, for we have done our part in reminding (although perhaps a certain sense of compassion would stretch some to remind further, again and again, very insistently; after all, if we must forgive others seventy seven times, should we not remind others just the same—as an act of love—so they can be forgiven?) Scripture is clear: our guilt is absolved when we admonish; another’s, if he or she repents; nevertheless, it is love itself that decides to go the extra measure: “Regardless of whether I am already free of guilt—what can I do to help the other person be forgiven?” This perhaps is when we become more Christlike—when we love, as said in the Second Reading. The Gospel shares with us more crucial insights into how to confront a wrongdoer. Telling someone his or her fault alone with only yourselves present is like today’s “Praise in public, criticize in private.” Letting confrontation remain privately between or among only those concerned addresses the issue while protecting the dignity of the parties involved; but in cases where the issue cannot anymore be resolved privately for the repercussions are wide-reaching, more so if the wrongdoer willfully does not admit to the mistake, the testimony of two to three witnesses establishes the more convincing claim of truth (in cases where the statements of more people hold a higher truth value). The solidarity exemplified here gives mention to two things: the importance of community—the Church—in maintaining discipline and how discipline, best handled privately with discretion, is ultimately a common social responsibility. After all, are we not our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Finally, it is wonderfully heralded in the Gospel: the two, three, or many believers helping us make sure that we remain in God’s discipline and love resemble the same community God accompanies fondly in prayer. This tells us: we must always strive to keep the quality of our bonds especially as the Church, and the [best] way to live harmoniously together is through love… through God, Godself.

Prayer

God, thank You for Your Presence and for reminding us how important it is to preserve our connection as Your Church. May we all do our share in keeping the Church alive and extend Her reach especially to those who have yet to encounter Her closely.

We also commend to Your loving hands those ravaged by the monsoon rains and flooding, the current state of political affairs, and the rise in incidents of violence among schools in the Philippines, those devastated by flashfloods in China-Tibet and Nepal, those in Southeast Asia who sustain the diffusion of toxic fumes from peatland fires, and those around the world who are suffering the effects of war.

These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Stepping Out of the Boat

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 August 2026

 

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

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

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

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

~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

Call to Love

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 July 2025

 

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"What must I do to inherit eternal life?

What are we really here for on earth? Why am I where I am right now? Have we ever asked these questions? Whatever stages we are in our lives – finishing a degree, starting a career, starting a family, nearing retirement, retired and already in the last season of our life we need to ask these questions? For after all our purpose in life is really to gain eternal life with the Lord. Our lives here on earth is temporary. And in the gospel today the Lord has given us guidelines on how we can inherit eternal life. It boils down to LOVE. Loving God and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. Yes we have to love ourselves because we cannot give what we don’t have. If we don’t love ourselves we can never give love to our neighbor. And yes the world needs love. The world needs a lot of compassion as many people right now don’t feel loved and worthy.

How then can we show our love to others? As simple as listening to them, caring for them and just being there for them. It can start at home with our loved ones, in the office, in the community and even in the department store, in the bank, wherever we are. Just be aware of how we can show love to one another by being kind, patient and understanding. The world needs love.

Prayer

Dear Lord,  As I spend time with You I am aware of how blessed I truly am to be loved by You. I think of Your love and Your mercy and how it has helped us overcome all the challenges in life. Thank You for always being there for me Lord and may I also share this love to others.  Give me the grace to always have a loving and compassionate heart especially to those in need. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

Love Our Neighbor

    

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

03 November 2024

 

First Reading: Dt 6:2-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

Second Reading: Heb 7:23-28

Gospel: Mk 12:28b-34

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Loving an unlovable neighbor is a big challenge for us. Loving even our own family members is sometimes a challenge. And for some, loving themselves is also a challenge. But the Lord is "commanding" us to love UNCONDITIONALLY our neighbor as we love ourselves.

How do we love our neighbor? We love them by treating them with kindness, humility, compassion, tolerance, and deep understanding. And who is our neighbor? They are the people around us, plus all the people we will meet in our life. They are not just our best friends, but all God's children all around us. Remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan?

I am reminded by this commandment that true love for God is shown into action by loving others. Others first before self. Prayer and action. Loving God by loving others above self.

Prayer

Father God, we love You with all our mind, body, and spirit. We pray that You continue to give us strength and humility to love everyone whom we will encounter in our lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Better Today than Yesterday

   

  Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 August 2022 

 

First Reading: Wis 18:6-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:1, 12, 1819, 20-22

Second Reading: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel: Lk 12:32-48

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." - Luke 12:39-40

If the Son of Man comes tomorrow, are you ready? Am I ready? Your answer is most likely the same as mine, "I do not know". But they said the way to find out is to ask ourselves, "What have I done to the least of my brothers?"

Oh no! If you had asked me five years ago, I must have been beaming with pride and would have said "Yes, I am ready!" I was so active in the community that my mom would miss me since I am barely home. But now, I have come back to my usual Sunday mass-goer kind of thing. How would I answer this question? I do tithe and give to charities every now and then. Does that count?

And then, some of nudge of light came in and heard these questions. "How are you with your neighbor or your friends? Have you been a good daughter or sister? Have you forgiven your enemies?" I was thinking of grander gestures of righteousness when I had not even considered the basic yet often overlooked aspect of our Christianity.

I cannot completely say I am ready if Jesus is to come today, but I am a work in progress. I know my journey is not perfect but I believe my efforts will not go in vain. "What have you done to make yourself better today than yesterday?" This is what Fr. Dave Concepcion says in most of his sermons. Let us examine ourselves and prepare for what is to come.

Prayer

Prepare our hearts for Your second coming oh Lord, that you may find us pleasing. May we welcome You not with fear but with a joyful heart. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Do good to others

   

  Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

10 July 2022 

 

First Reading: Dt 30:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading: Col 1:15-20

Gospel: Lk 10:25-37

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ?And who is my neighbor"?

This Gospel about the Good Samaritan is one of my most favorite Bible stories of all time and I am sure most of us do too. A Samaritan is not Jewish or pure Jew. And in Jesus' time, this parable clearly shows that eternal life is not reserved only for the Jews nor for those that obey the Commandments. You can get into heaven by doing good to others.

In our present day and time, I encounter a lot of people who are challenged in their financial life brought about by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and aggravated by the Russian and Ukraine War. So many poor people suffer and became poorer. A lot of people lost their jobs and sources of income. In these trying times, the Lord challenges us to be a "Good Samaritan" to our fellowmen. We are all called to do good to others especially the poor, the needy, and those that in the marginalized sector of our community. In my own capacity as Financial Educator, I go out and meet up with people from different walks of life to teach them how to cope with the financial crisis they face. I also am a witness to many Good Samaritan in our community who goes out of their comfort zone to help those who are in need in their spiritual needs. Everyone is our neighbor.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us so we can be a blessing to others. I pray for more Christians in both words and deeds. May the Good Samaritan inspire more people to do good to others who are in need. In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.

Agreeing vs. Understanding

Thirty-first Sunday in

Ordinary Time

31 October 2021 

 

First Reading: DT 6:2-6

Responsorial Psalm: PS 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

Second Reading: HEB 7:23-28

Gospel: MK 12:28b-34

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

Do we allow the kingdom of God to dominate in our life? Or are we building our own kingdom, with a twisted perspective and belief that we are building it because of love? And do we really understand what real love is, for us to do things for God and for our neighbor?

Loving God means understanding and obeying His commandments. When Jesus said there is no other commandment greater than the two (Love God with all your...and love your neighbor as yourself), it does not make the other commandments least. The greatest commandment and the second have always been the foundation of all commandments.

To love God with all your heart means to learn everyday how God loves and what real love means. One cannot say that he or she understands what love is if he or she does not favor kindness over harshness to others. St. Paul affirmed this in one of his epistles when he said, "Love is kind". We can learn what real love means by choosing kind words and a kind approach to people even in disagreement. Today, we see a culture of hate continuously being tolerated and even promoted by people who think they understand what love is. Love and hatred have always been two opposite and very different things. We cannot say that we love when harsh words come out of our mouth, especially when we think they deserve it and because of what we understand. When we think and "love" like this, we lose our soul. The soul that God breathed into man to be alive. The same soul that God commands us to love Him with all of it. Even worse is to put hatred in our mind and make an effort to manifest this. In this way, we cannot really say that we obey the first and greatest of the commandments. Furthermore, in this perspective of "loving", we only agree to what God says but we choose not to obey.

To agree with what someone says does not really mean we really understand it. When we choose harshness over kindness, we agree to our own perspective of loving but we do not really understand it. Thus, we stray far from the kingdom of God. When we do not take to heart God's words and choose not to obey, we will not be able to receive fully what God has promised to us. Moses says to "Fear the Lord, keep all His statutes throughout our life, and be careful to observe His commandments" for us to grow and prosper more. However, there are times when we choose to build our own kingdom of hatred to those who do not agree with us. Sometimes, in our sense of entitlement, we see others to be undeserving of kindness. We forget to listen to our own prayers when we pray, "Thy kingdom come."

Jesus said to one of the scribes, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” because Jesus knew that the scribe fully understands the commandments. The scribe understands that “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone, and there is no other", means we serve God with all ourself, what God has meant for us in the beginning when he created man. That man was created to give glory to God alone. And that everything the man does is all for the greater glory of God. As one of the scribes says, it is more than giving up all or part of our belongings. It is acknowledging God’s authority over us and that He alone knows whatever is good for us. It is also being blind in the right way, that we put our trust in God as we learn to fully understand His commandments. And it is never about sacrificing something to gain a false sense of humility, but to discern and listen closely in our prayers for God’s wisdom especially to what He asks of us to do.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we open our hearts to be more understanding of Your commandments, as we strive to learn that obeying is more than our own offerings and sacrifices. We beg for the grace of wisdom to understand that loving You with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and

with all our strength, means not to focus on our own understanding but to trust in You alone. May we grow in kindness to each other, and forgive as we learn together what real love means. In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN.

 

Greater Than the Law

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 14 July 2019
First reading Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Moses said to the people:
“The Lord will again take delight in prospering you, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.”

Second reading                                                          Colossians 1:15-20

[Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-all things have been created through him and for him.

He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 10:25-37

A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal lie?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

Wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Reflection

By Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

Who is my neighbor? Our neighbors, conveniently, are the ones who live close to us whom we can depend on in our time of need.

In the Gospel, the “neighbor” takes on a different definition. Our neighbor is the one who is in need.

The Gospel shares a story that is well-recognized in Christian households. It is the story of the good Samaritan.

The story tells how a Samaritan cared for someone who was supposedly his enemy—a Jew. The Samaritan’s help is more noteworthy when we consider the stakes at the time. A person who comes close to another who is ceremonially unclean is to be considered unclean himself for one to seven days, depending on the case.

In the story, the man lying on the road was left close to dead, his limbs likely incapacitated, his wounds teeming with blood, drawing heavy breaths—likely some of his last breaths.

The priests and Levites hold special roles in the sacred rites. At a time when the law is clear about what is to be considered clean and unclean and with the holy to be always observed for cleanliness, the two must have thought it was a great risk to help their neighbor lying frailly on the road.

The Samaritan could have thought it was unclean to help a dying man on the road. He could have considered how the community would isolate him and bar him from participating in the religious rituals when they’ve learned of how he helped a Jew. But the good Samaritan stopped nonetheless, bandaged his neighbor’s wounds, and poured oil and wine on them (Luke 10:34).

He looked after his brother and even paid for his stay at an inn. All these made the Samaritan’s help magnanimously worthy of praise.

This story is special because it reveals to us what God truly values. At a time when the law, the Torah, was seen by the Israelites as absolute, Jesus came to qualify and tell us that there’s more to following the Lord than the rigid observance of the law.

“The law is good, perfect and holy but cannot help you be good, perfect or holy” (Romans 7:7-12). “The law reveals sin but cannot fix it” (Romans 3:20). “Christians are not under the law” (Romans 6:14). “Christians have been delivered from the law” (Romans 7:1-6).

It is all thanks to Jesus that we now have a Champion to deliver us from the law. As a reminder, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to throw it away. He came as the New Covenant, to reveal to us that while the law is good and is meant to be followed, there is something greater than the law which is love.

Jesus calls us to exceed the minimum requirement of being a Christian. That is to surpass the laws, especially the ceremonial, and to extend love to our neighbor in need like what the good Samaritan did; “for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

How do we know that we rightly understood our freedom from the law? We know that we understand this liberty well not when we delight at having nothing to follow, but when we realize that the law is good and is meant to be followed.  It does not bar us from doing what we are called to do most which is to love our neighbor.

Do we understand how bottomless the depth of God’s love is? He could have stopped at us glorifying Him with our observance of the law, but instead, He sent His Son to free us from it, so we can go beyond it and exercise a greater virtue that fosters our common betterment. This virtue is love, which “does no harm to a neighbor […] Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

This is the God we serve. A God of love, who calls us to love our neighbor not only because we can depend on them in our need, but so they can depend on us, on Him, in their needs.

Prayer

Thank You, God, for being a God of love to us, that even though we could not add anymore to Your glory for You are perfect, complete, and eternal because we are miniscule, humble limited beings compared to You, You still sent down Your Son to free us from sin and eternal death.

Thank You, God, that although we do not deserve Your goodness, our common betterment is still so essential to You that You imparted with us to love our neighbors as You love us.

Thank You for everything, Lord.

May You help us to love others as You love us, to tend to them as what the good Samaritan did.

May we be inspired in thinking that when we render our service for others, we show others Your face, too.

Please help us, Lord, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Most Awaited Day

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth

25 December 2017

First reading                                                                                           Isaiah 9:1-7

The people that walked in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who live in a land of deep shadow

a light has shone.

You have made their gladness greater,

you have made their joy increase;

they rejoice in your presence

as men rejoice at harvest time,

as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him,

the barb across his shoulders,

the rod of his oppressor,

these you break as on the day of Midian.

For all the footgear of battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

is burnt,

and consumed by fire.

For there is a child born for us,

a son given to us

and dominion is laid on his shoulders;

and this is the name they give him:

Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God,

Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.

Wide is his dominion

in a peace that has no end,

for the throne of David

and for his royal power,

which he establishes and makes secure

in justice and integrity.

From this time onwards and for ever,

the jealous love of the Lord of Hosts will do this.

Second reading                                                                           Titus 2:11-14                        God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

Gospel                                                                                              Luke 2:1-14

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
  In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

Reflection
By Jessa Janelle Padilla

After our nine days of preparation and waiting, are we ready to welcome Jesus in our life? Yes! Today is our most awaited day, the day when the Word of God became man. Our Savior was born.

In our First Reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, he said that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”. When we experience a dark moment in our lives, we always see a light that guides and helps us to surpass that moment. God always provides solutions to our problems. When we go home at night, there’s the moon and stars, which God created, to give light to our paths amidst the darkness. During these ber months, as we look up in the sky at night, there are constellations, a lot of stars shining above. God never fails to lead our way to the light. Prophet Isaiah also said that “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.” The Son of God was born whom we will adore and give praise. The Son whom Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for. The Son who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.

In our Second Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Titus, he points out that the appearance of the glory of God and savior Jesus Christ will deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. May all of us be eager to do what is good for one another. May we inculcate in our minds and hearts that in every action or word we do and say we may not hurt instead benefit and care for others. Let’s apply the quotation ‘No man is an island’ since we cannot survive without other's help, love and care. We should always help, care, and love one another like how Jesus Christ cared and loved us.

In our Gospel reading, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  Imagine how Jesus was born. How can you imagine yourselves being born in a manger together with some animals? We are all blessed that we are born in hospitals or even at home and given proper treatment and care. But in the case of Jesus He’s just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Let’s be thankful and happy in every blessing that we receive and let’s share it with those in need. The spirit of this season encourages us to give care, happiness, and love to one another. We are challenged to let Christ be born not in a lowly manger anymore, but in our hearts. And not only that. From our hearts, let's bring Him to our loved ones and other people.  As Jesus gave joy to God and to us on that first Christmas, may we also give joy to one another .

A joyous and blessed Christmas to all of us!

Prayer

O dear Jesus, we thank God for sending You to be our Savior. We praise Mary too for cooperating in the Father's plan. You are always the light in our journey. May we always follow Your example and go through the path You have prepared for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

To Love Is...

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time  29 October 2017

First reading

Exodus 22:20-26

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the sons of Israel this:
  ‘“You must not molest the stranger or oppress him, for you lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. You must not be harsh with the widow, or with the orphan; if you are harsh with them, they will surely cry out to me, and be sure I shall hear their cry; my anger will flare and I shall kill you with the sword, your own wives will be widows, your own children orphans.
  ‘“If you lend money to any of my people, to any poor man among you, you must not play the usurer with him: you must not demand interest from him.
  ‘“If you take another’s cloak as a pledge, you must give it back to him before sunset. It is all the covering he has; it is the cloak he wraps his body in; what else would he sleep in? If he cries to me, I will listen, for I am full of pity.”’

                

Second reading

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

You observed the sort of life we lived when we were with you, which was for your instruction, and you were led to become imitators of us, and of the Lord; and it was with the joy of the Holy Spirit that you took to the gospel, in spite of the great opposition all round you. This has made you the great example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia since it was from you that the word of the Lord started to spread – and not only throughout Macedonia and Achaia, for the news of your faith in God has spread everywhere. We do not need to tell other people about it: other people tell us how we started the work among you, how you broke with idolatry when you were converted to God and became servants of the real, living God; and how you are now waiting for Jesus, his Son, whom he raised from the dead, to come from heaven to save us from the retribution which is coming.

Gospel

Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

Reflection

by Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

How many percentage of the Catholics can easily enumerate the Ten Commandments of God? One, two, fifty percent?

Jesus, fully aware of the people’s struggle in memorizing and obeying the Ten Commandments, has summarized these to two. Firstly, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Secondly, to love our neighbors as ourselves as we heard Jesus enumerated in today’s gospel. After summarizing, the big question now is, “how are we going to obey?”

Some might say that the first commandment about loving God is an easy thing to do. We usually think that as long as we go to church religiously, do charity works, and give tithes, we are fulfilling the first commandment. But, do not be deceived, the said good deeds can always be deadly. If we routinely do those without the pure intentions, we are just becoming lukewarm Catholics which Pope Francis summons us to avoid. We are called for more, to give our all in everything we do. May we imitate the poor widow who has given her all in her humble offering in the temple.

The second important and greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. In our world engrossed with “hugot” lines nowadays, this call becomes more difficult. People are afraid to open themselves to others and be attached to someone, instead dwell more with self love. We tend to stay in our comfort zones where only few and trusted people could see and feel our impact. That should not be the thing. We have to become like the butterfly which upon coming out of her cocoon, brings and spreads pollen to each and every flower she encounters along the way. The beautiful things, blessings, skills, and talents we have must be shared to others. Because in loving, we find our true purpose in this world.

On the contrary, even if Jesus has introduced us the two greatest commandments, we should not take for granted the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. These rules given to Moses by our Father should still be observed. How can you say you love God with all your might when you have killed somebody? How can you tell that you love your neighbors when you are committing adultery and ruining relationships? To love is to obey God's each and every commandment for the betterment of all.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me to love You and my neighbor every day. I do not know exactly how to do it but with Your example, I know I will be guided. Amen.