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.

Doubting Thomas

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

12 April 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

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

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel: John 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

Thomas represents many of us today—wounded by broken systems, unfulfilled promises, and deep disappointments. 

We struggle to believe in change because we have seen too much injustice, corruption, and inequality. 

Yet Jesus enters locked rooms of fear and speaks peace. This Gospel teaches that faith is not blind optimism but courageous trust. 

For all of us, healing begins when we choose belief over bitterness, unity over division, and service over self-interest. 

Christ’s wounds remind us that even suffering can become a source of healing, and that true transformation begins when we allow God to touch our doubts.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, like Thomas, we carry doubts born from injustice and broken promises. 

Enter our locked hearts and speak Your peace. Heal our nation’s wounds with courage and faith. Teach us to choose unity over division and service over self. Transform our suffering into hope, and our doubts into trust. Amen.

Viva Santo Niño!

Feast of the Santo Niño

18 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Today, with special permission from the Holy See, we celebrate the feast day of the Santo Niño in various parts of the Philippines, most notably in Cebu and Tondo.

History tells us that the image of the Holy Child Jesus was the first religious image to arrive in the country, marking the beginning of Christianity among Filipinos. But beyond historical accounts, it is the firsthand, life-changing experiences of countless Filipinos that have made this devotion deeply popular and truly special.

Personally, I hold a deep reverence for the Santo Niño. This Holy Child has been present in my life since day one. From growing up in Tondo until the age of five, returning during my college years in 2007, and living there before moving to Bulacan in 2021, Tondo has always been home to me.

Despite the common misconception that Tondo is a rowdy place, I feel at peace there. Perhaps it is because I am assured that the Santo Niño, the true King of Tondo is always present, watching over me, and keeping me from harm.

The Santo Niño de Tondo has witnessed all my firsts: from my first words and school achievements to my first job, first date, and even moments of heartbreak. In every stage, this Holy Child has steadied me, just as He securely holds the world in His hands.

Visiting Cebu twice, seeing the revered image of the Señor, and attending Mass in His church, my devotion to the Santo Niño grew even deeper.

It led me to reflect on how the Holy Child Jesus, the beloved Son of God, humbly subjected Himself and became obedient to Mary and Joseph.

In these modern times, when many take pride in their achievements and possessions and readily display them on social media, the littleness and humility of the Santo Niño remind us not to boast before God. Everything we have comes from Him; thus, the call for us to remain humble, submissive, and obedient to the Father.

May the feast of the Santo Niño keep us grounded in every success and teach us to respect one another, not by position or status, but by the goodness of the heart.

Prayer

Dear Santo Niño, we thank You for all the blessings and graces You have bestowed upon us. May our devotion to You lead us to charity, humility, and peace with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Faithful Endurance

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

29 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In the regress and movement of our lives, hardship often feels like a weight too heavy to bear. But for Saints Peter and Paul, suffering became the fire in which their faith was strengthened, the foundation from which the Church’s mission would flourish. Their life reminds us of that faithful endurance and trust in God are not just virtues to be admired but living realities that we also experience through our own struggles. Today, as we commemorate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded that God’s providence meets us not by taking away our trials, but by inviting us into a deeper solidarity with Christ’s passion and resurrection.

When Peter was imprisoned by Herod and bound by chains, he still slept peacefully between two soldiers. I imagine if I’m in that same situation, my whole body would not be able to rest. How could I rest when there’s a high possibility that before the sun rises, I would be executed? But Peter sleeping peacefully reveals a strong conviction of trust in the Lord. Peter’s deliverance was like a modern cinematic scene – chains falling away, doors locked opening without keys – and it stands as a powerful image of how God often sets us free. It is not by dodging our imprisonment, but by being present within it and shattering its walls.

Like Peter, Paul also faced execution with remarkable peacefulness. He did not desire for escape but entrusts himself wholly to God’s care. Here, deliverance takes on a different form – not chains falling away, but with a proclamation of completion or accomplishment of mission that glorifies God. Paul’s faithful endurance becomes our guide for evangelical mission that our sufferings are woven into Christ’s own offering, strengthening the Church as we share in his cross.

Peter’s reply to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”, is both gift and commission. Jesus words to him, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father” tells us that divine revelation does not flow from human understanding, but from relationship with the Father. In his commissioning, the keys of the kingdom are entrusted to Peter, which started an authority rooted in faithful witness more than earthly power. In his chains and in his sleep, Peter models a shepherd whose strength lies in unshakeable trust, teaching us that the Church’s stability springs from the obedience of faith.

Paul illustrates another side of that same mission. As “apostle to the Gentiles,” his heart beats for the unreached and the unworthy, tirelessly proclaiming Christ even at the point of death. His evangelization is not fueled by ambition but by a deep compassion born of his own conversion and trials. Each wreckage, imprisonment, and thorn in the flesh reminds us that witnessing to Christ demands courage in hardship. Paul’s gaze never left the mission of the Gospel. He measures his life by souls won for Christ’s kingdom, not by comfort or passive service.

Through Peter and Paul, we also learn that our personal hardships – griefs, sicknesses, betrayals, and doubts, are not distractions from mission, but its essence. When we allow our suffering to unite with Christ’s suffering, we become living sacraments of ascending hope, whispering to a broken world that God is here with us, and that there is resurrection. We bear witness in compassion for those suffering and displaced by war and conflict, with those who are still holding on to hope while lying sickly in hospital beds, in our own hopelessness but faithful enduring prayers, and in moments of silent surrender when we look forward to saying, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sends his angel and rescued us.”

In our own trials in life, we can ask ourselves “How has God delivered me? By breaking the chains or by holding me gently in His presence? In what ways has my faithful endurance drawn others to Christ?” Like Peter and Paul at the brink of death, may our hearts rest in God’s promise that every trial endured in faith and love becomes a testament to His infinite mercy. May our own lives, wounded but not broken, be the living stones upon which Christ builds his Church, both persistent and unshakeable.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, grant us faithful endurance in our trials, that our sufferings may unite us to Your passion and bear witness to resurrection. Pour out Your mercy on the innocent families in the war-torn region of the Middle East, healing their deeper wounds, comforting the displaced, and granting peace to their hearts. Transform our own hardships into living stones of Your Church, unshakeable and bright with hope. May we, like Your apostles, trust Your providence despite persecution and conflict. Through Your grace, may we also become peace-builders and console the oppressed, and bring Your presence to those suffering alone. With the intercession of Mary, our dear mother, may we remain in Your gentle loving peace. AMEN.

All Things Are Possible

   

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 October 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 7:7-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Second Reading: Heb 4:12-13

Gospel: Mk 10:17-30

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God."

Our family has experienced real tests of faith. These experiences "elevated" our faith to the highest level. My third apo was born a blue baby and was not breathing for 10 minutes. It was during CoVid time in 2022. And if that wasn't enough, three weeks after he was born he was positive for CoVid and had to be confined in the hospital again. Today he is 1 year and 10 months old and a very strong and healthy baby. Our fifth apo was born in October 2023 and was revived for 40 minutes. She lived only for four days and didn't make it. It was the saddest moment for our family. We stormed heaven with prayers but she was destined to become our angel in heaven. Our sixth apo was born premature 32 weeks because her mother was having hypertension and we had fear she might have pre-eclampsia and either the baby or the mother will not make it. We surrender everything to God. Now that premature baby is 8 months old, strong and healthy. Our seventh apo from the mother who lost our fifth apo developed PTSD and we were anxious throughout her pregnancy. The  last two weeks prior to her delivery seemed to be the longest time for our family as we await the birth of her baby. Finally on September 15 of this year, she had a smooth Caesarian section to a healthy and strong baby boy, our sixth living apo.

Our grandchildren are the joys of our heart and they are testimony of God's mercy and faithfulness. They are all our miracle babies and we are thankful to the Lord that we have been entrusted with these beautiful grandchildren. Really nothing is impossible with the Lord. Our faith is our only weapon. If we have faith as small as a mustard that is more than enough. Jesus, I trust in You.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, as I spend time with You, I am aware of how blessed I truly am. 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 to find peace in the midst of trials and difficulties. Give me the grace to always have a childlike trust in You. In the mighty Name of Jesus. 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.

Haven of Peace and Forgiveness

    

Pentecost Sunday

19 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

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

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

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

I did not know how life is lived in Manila. I was young when we relocated in Gagalangin and I was just going along with the flow. Fortunately, God called me through His church and in His grace, I was able to form a deeper connection with Him. He took me in and gave me a more meaningful life through His devoted disciples.

I am glad Pentecost happened. It gave birth to the church that is blessed with peace, guided by the Holy Spirit and was empowered to forgive sins. The church is God's haven of peace and forgiveness. It is more than Sunday masses. It has more to offer. God and His Holy Spirit is in there, waiting for you with arms wide open.

Draw near to God, come to the church and help bring others closer to Him so they can too, can enjoy God's peace and forgiveness.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us a community where we can build our faith and receive peace and forgiveness. Please continue to help and protect your church, your people. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Pinupuno Tayo ni Hesus

    

Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay

14 Abril 2024

 

Unang Pagbasa: Gawa 3:13-15, 17-19

Salmong Tugunan: Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Ikalawang Pagbasa: 1 Jn 2:1-5a

Mabuting Balita: Lc 24:25-48

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Sa aking patuloy na paglalakbay sa probinsya ng Palawan, nakilala ko si Tatay Teofisto. Isang lider laiko sa kanilang kapilya. Masayang ibinahagi sa akin ni tatay Teofisto ang kanyang karanasan kung papaanong siya ay naging isang lingkod ni Kristo. Siya ay isang dating lasenggo at malayo ang loob sa kanyang pamilya. Nagbago raw ang kanyang buhay nang makilala niya si Hesus. Isang araw daw ay isinama siya ng isang kaibigan sa isang Parish Based Orientation Seminar (PBOS) at doon ay naengganyo hanggang sa maging isang laiko ministro at lider laiko ng kanilang kapilya. Tuwing umaga, siya ay masigasig na pupunta sa kapilya upang magdasal ng santo rosaryo bago pumunta sa bukid. Pagbabahagi niya, "Brad, simula nang makilala ko si Hesus, pakiramdam ko pa rin na marami akong naging pagkukulang, pagkukulang sa Kanya at sa aking Pamilya. Kaya araw-araw din akong nagrorosaryo dahil nararamdaman ko na Siya din ang patuloy na nagpupuno at yumayakap sa akin."

Sa mabuting balita, ipinakita ni Hesus ang patuloy na pagpupuno at pagyakap Niya sa mga apostol sa kabila ng kanyang dinanas na pagpapakasakit, kamatayan, at muling pagkabuhay. Bagamat nawala ang mga apostol sa mga huling sandali ni Hesus dahil na rin sa takot, na kahit si San Pedro na unang nagsabi na hindi niya iiwan ang Panginoon ngunit kanyang itinatwa nang maka-ikatlong ulit, hindi ito naging dahilan para na magpakita sa kanila si Hesus at sila'y patuloy na mahalin. Ang pagpapakita sa kanila ni Hesus ay tanda ng patuloy na pagpupuno at pagyakap ni Hesus sa kabila ng mga naging kakulangan ng mga alagad.

Dahil pa rin sa matinding takot, hindi nauunawaan ng mga Apostol ang mga pangyayaring ito. Nagugulumihanan, nalilito, at hindi alam kung anong nangyayari. Ngunit nang makipag-usap na sa kanila si Hesus, naintindihan nila ang lahat ng bagay, "Kinakailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Mesiyas at muling mabuhay sa ikatlong araw." 

Panalangin

Sa ating buhay, marami na rin tayong naging pagkukulang: nagkulang tayo bilang mga Anak, bilang mga magulang, bilang mga Kristiyano, o kaya naman ay bilang mga tao. Maaaring ang ilan sa atin ay bumalik sa mga dating gawain ng kasakiman, panlalamang, at panlilinlang.

Kaya patuloy rin tayong pinapaalalahanan nina San Pablo at San Juan na "magsisi at magbalik-loob sa Diyos upang pawiin Niya ang ating mga kasalanan.” Dahil sa kabila ng ating mga pagkukulang, pinupuno at niyayakap pa rin tayo ni Hesus bilang kanya. Amen.

Peace says it all

    

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

16 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

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

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:3-9

Gospel: Jn 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Peace be with you. (Jn 20:19).

Jon was my friend since high school. Such friendship developed through the years especially when we started serving the parish through the Apostleship of Prayer. We had a misunderstanding once, which caused us to avoid each other in church. One evening, someone called out from outside our house. “Hello! We come here in peace!” It was Jon. Those words thawed away the cold treatment we were showing each other previously. We were reconciled right there and then!

What a relief it was for the fearful disciples when their Risen Lord and Friend appeared to them and said “Peace be with you.” Just three days before that blessed day, these same disciples deserted Him. Shouldn’t they get a tongue-lashing? And yet, here was Jesus giving them peace, showing His wounds, breathing on them the Holy Spirit, and sending them as agents of His mercy.

The Risen Lord is also doing the same to us through Word and sacraments, as well as in the poor condition of the least, the lost, and the last in our communities.  Have we rejoiced and made others rejoice in Jesus’ triumph over sin and death? Have we believed and made others believe in His resurrection? Have we been receptive and made others receptive to His healing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for giving Your peace to our wearied and fearful hearts. May it continuously transform us so that we too may become instruments of Your healing love and mercy throughout the world. Jesus, King of Mercy, we trust in You. Amen.

Peace Be With You

   

  Second Sunday of Advent 

04 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 11:1-10

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

Second Reading: Rom 15:4-9

Gospel: Mt 3:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

This Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace, to which the various meanings are reflected upon in our Mass readings. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the King to come who is the King of Peace. Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans gave importance on welcoming one another and living in harmony with each other. Saint Matthew highlighted Saint John the Baptist who was inviting the people to repent in order to enter the Kingdom of God through Jesus.

In today's modern world, peace is the most abused word as people define it differently and far from God's definition of peace mentioned in today's readings. Some say peace is no more violence but people are at war with the environment and those living in it. Peace is having a healthy relationship with others but cannot forgive his parents, brothers, sisters, or children. Peace is living a good life but at the expense of other people. And some would say inner peace but are actually addicted to drugs and sins.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the reason of our preparation for Christmas, is the only One who can give us genuine peace. But He requires us one thing to achieve His promised peace and that is to repent, to ask for the forgiveness of our sins, and hopefully to sin no more. That only requirement for peace is actually the hardest as we are sinners ourselves to which even after repentance, we still fall to the same sin again and again. But the good news is, Jesus is the fountain of mercy, our baby steps in going back to Him and doing good, will surely be remembered and be blessed. Jesus always wants the peace to be with us and may we aspire for peace to be with ourselves, too.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to repent and find Your peace. It will not be an easy task for a sinner like me but I know it is possible. Aid me in moving forward to Your mercy and may the peace be with me, Amen.

Rock the Boat

   

  Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 August 2022 

 

First Reading: Jer 38:4-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18

Second Reading: Heb 12:1-4

Gospel: Lk 12:49-53

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." - Luke 12:51

When I read the Gospel today, the best example I can think of is abortion among others. The US Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion last month and it blew up the news with protests everywhere. For a predominantly Christian country like the Phippines, it would not be a big deal, since most Filipinos would accept that killing an innocent life is a sin.

But in the US, it's a different story. I can hear in every meme or in the chant that says, "My body, my right." They mock Christians for imposing the law and imposing their "religion" to them. They wanted to be left alone with their choice since they don't believe in God anyway.

But I was glad that there is a division in the US about abortion right now. I have always thought that US have long treated abortion as legal. To have a "change of heart" means that their Christianity is still alive. It means hope is not at all lost.

So when Jesus talks about division in today's Gospel, it means being vocal about the truth of the Word regardless of whoever you are up against. It is about standing your ground for the sake of the Gospel. Are we going to remain silent in order to achieve peace or rock the boat to defend the Gospel?

Prayer

Father teach us to be bold and be brave for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2021 

 

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 or JN 1:1-5, 9-14

 

"A Blessed Christmas to all! For today's celebration, let us listen to the God Speaks' Writers as they pray for you. Take care and God bless!

 

What Should We Do?

Third Sunday of Advent

12 December 2021 

 

First Reading: ZEP 3:14-18a

Responsorial Psalm: IS 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Second Reading: PHIL 4:4-7

Gospel: LK 3:10-18

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Rejoicing is an affirmation of God's presence." - Anabelle Balla

"Thank You, Lord!"

I often hear this said softly or out loud when someone is happy over something. A genuine rejoicing or prayer of gratitude uttered in the spur of the moment. Short but powerful.

"Father, please grant us overwhelming love, peace, joy and inspiration." This is one of the prayers I try to pray everyday. Who doesn't want to be in this state as often as possible? You too, may be wishing a life full of love, joy, peace, and inspiration as well. Is this possible even when we go through some trials and even grief? I say, yes!

When I look forward to better days, I believe that is rejoicing in hope. When I pray for His help, that is rejoicing for His power and mercy. And even when in pain, I rejoice in God's comfort and loving embrace as I call on Him. When confused, disgruntled, and angry, I rejoice in His counsel when I seek His wisdom and enlightenment.

So what should we do as we wait for Jesus' coming? The verses below said it all.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵Let your reasonableness^[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Father, please allow us to live in gladness, in thanksgiving, in worship, and praises to You. Allow us to rejoice in Your love, in Your mercy, in Your power, in Your miracles and abundant provisions. For in rejoicing we affirm that You are indeed our loving Almighty God in heaven. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen. 

 

Peace Be With You

Third Sunday of Easter

18 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Second Reading:  1 JN 2:1-5a

Gospel:  LK 24:35-48

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"Why are you troubled?"

 

God knows what we really need this time of Easter. It's amazing how words in the scriptures capture our attention. Even the disciples were still frightened themselves. Imagine losing their Lord and Teacher to death. They could not grasped why it had to happen. They did not yet understand that Jesus has to suffer, die, and will rise again. And in the midst of their anxiety, confusion, and doubts, God greets them. He also greets us "Peace be with you." I often feel like God really knows just what I need to hear and when. I don't know about you, but I'm yearning for more peace during this Easter season.

In this season of CoVid-19 pandemic (sorry if I have been reflecting on the pandemic again) especially here in the Philippines where positive cases continue to rise, our hospitals are filled to the capacity, our health workers are just so exhausted, we just need the greetings of God "Peace be with you." We really can't help but be afraid especially we see people already close to us getting afflicted and suffering from CoVid-19. This is for real.

Today, we really do not understand why it is happening. But just like Jesus who said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled."  Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And He said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead  on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness  of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

 

Our mission continues to share the good news of Christ no matter where we are, what we are experiencing right now. We must continue to spread the good news of God's love. That He is present in our suffering because He suffered Himself.

Let me share the lyrics of this beautiful song because there are also words from the Lord that He will be ever with us.

I Am Ever With You

Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

It is really I whom you see

I offer you now my peace

I have waited for this moment

To be with you again

In my heart you'll remain

In your heart I'll stay

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you,

You must know. I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Do not stay afraid

I'm beyond all anguish all death

I'm risen to life anew.

 

When you feel that you've been emptied

And can give no more

Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.

I am with you, till the end of your days

I am in you, have faith

That I hold you

Even when you let go

And I love you.

You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

 

Prayer

 

Dear Jesus, many people are suffering, confused, afraid, worried, anxious right now,. Where are You Lord? Lord, we know that You are here with us in our suffering and pain. Please continue to strengthen us. Give us the grace of complete trust and confidence in You. Increase our hope that one day, all shall be well. All these I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.