The Weight of Heaven's Keys

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 August 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

When Jesus hands Simon Peter the "keys to the kingdom of heaven," it is a surprising moment of divine trust placed in a deeply flawed, ordinary fisherman. Like Peter, many of us tremble before the massive weight of our assigned roles, feeling unworthy of the authority and responsibility we are given. Yet, God reminds us that He does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called, providing the grace needed to sustain us.

This burden of leadership is particularly witnessed today in the Philippines, where Catholic priests, bishops, and lay leaders are carrying the heavy cross of fighting systemic corruption. In the first reading, Eliakim is entrusted with authority and called to be a "father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem." We see this spiritual fatherhood alive in Church leaders today who continuously fight to protect their flock from the results of poverty, which has been worsened by the plunder of public funds, from anomalous flood control projects to the shameless misuse of confidential funds. Acting as true fathers to our country, they continually demand that corrupt officials not only face justice but admit their sins, repent, and return stolen wealth to the people.

Like Peter, accepting such role to have authority to build God’s kingdom comes at a price. When Jesus granted Peter the authority to "bind and loose," it signified a brutal moral responsibility over the welfare of others. For the Filipino clergy and true leaders in the government, exercising this authority by holding those who are powerful accountable has made them top targets. Priests and leaders who file plunder complaints or publicly condemn the political impunity of top government officials face severe harassment, intimidation, and relentless attacks from those trying to protect their power.

But we are reminded that we can find consolation in Christ’s promise to Peter: “The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” The systemic greed, political machinery, and targeted attacks that our leaders face can easily feel like the forces of hell trying to silence the truth. They stand firm, knowing that their spiritual endurance relies not on human resilience and wisdom, but on the divine assurance that evil will not have the final word.

When the corrupt seem to succeed and the fight for accountability feels impossible, we can turn to St. Paul’s words: “How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!” We may not always understand why God places us in the receiving end of these political conflicts or calls us to fight deep-rooted injustice. However, surrendering to the mystery of God’s wisdom will bring us peace and allow true leaders to trust that their sacrifices are planting seeds for a reformed nation.

True justice demands courage. Whether we are clergy facing harassment or everyday citizens having our own overwhelming responsibilities, we are reminded that our unworthiness is no obstacle to God's grace. Like Peter, we are simply asked to profess our faith in Christ and use whatever "keys" we have given to unlock a more just, accountable, and compassionate world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, whose judgments are inscrutable and ways unsearchable, we thank You for entrusting us with the massive weight of building Your kingdom, despite us being ordinary, flawed individuals. Just as You qualified Saint Peter despite his trembling unworthiness, pour out Your sustaining grace upon us to faithfully bear the spiritual and moral responsibilities of our assigned roles. Protect those who face severe harassment and relentless attacks for demanding truth and accountability, reassuring them that the gates of the netherworld shall never prevail against Your kingdom. We also ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen and Mother. May she who reigns with compassionate grace intercede for our nation, inspiring all in authority to act as true spiritual fathers who protect the vulnerable from the plunder of greed.

Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Persevere in Faith

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

19 October 2025

 

First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Last Thursday, October 16, I celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee. To mark the occasion, I attended Mass at San Agustin Church and ate my favorite food for dinner.

It has been a year since God granted one of my heart’s deepest desires. But the journey to get here was not easy. Without any influential connections, relying solely on God’s grace, I courageously applied to various national government agencies. Every week, I would check the Civil Service Commission website for new job postings. I took several exams, went through multiple interviews, holding onto hope each time. My private prayers and every mass attendance were dedicated to the specific intention of finally landing to a government job.

There was one particular job that I was scheduled for a final interview, only to have it canceled on the same day. The job posting was about to expire within that week, and the Executive Director decided it would be better to restart the whole process, to avoid any potential technical issues with the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment guidelines. It was heartbreaking to be so close and yet, have everything I worked for nine months suddenly went to waste, due to a procedural issue that was not my fault.

At that point, I was exhausted, so tired of applying and even of praying. Despite the physical, emotional, and spiritual drains, I would still send applications for positions I felt qualified for, showed up and gave my best during examinations and interviews, held myself together when rejected, stayed positive when redirected, prayed daily, attended mass as I used to, clinging onto Jesus. Not a single day went by without me whispering my prayer intention, trusting that one day, the Lord would answer. And yes, after the long wait, 1 year, 9 months, and 18 days to be exact, God finally blessed my heart’s desire, in His perfect timing. It was so perfect that the good news came to me on the feast day of my favorite saint. And here I am now, I just celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee, thanks to the Lord's goodness.

Today's Gospel narrates the parable on how a dishonest judge finally gave in to the persistent request of the widow to deliver a just decision for her adversary. Her perseverance led to her deliverance. How much more can our merciful Lord do to a persevering person? As Jesus said, "Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily."

Sometimes the answer to our prayers takes time, rejection and redirection meet us on the way. But, may we acknowledge that this is where God teaches us, the perseverance in prayer, to never grow weary, to always trust God's will and timing.

As we walk our own paths, traverses our respective journeys, pursues different goals, let us continue to trust God and persevere in everything we do. In His perfect time, He will bless us abundantly.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for all the blessings. When life gets rough, please help us to persevere and do not lose track of You. Amen.

The Culmination of Our Reaping

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 19 July 2020
First reading Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

For who will say, “What have you done?” or who will resist your judgment?
Who will accuse you for the destruction of nations that you made?
 Or who will come before you to plead as an advocate for the unrighteous?

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly; nor can any king or monarch confront you about those whom you have punished.

You are righteous and you rule all things righteously, deeming it alien to your power to condemn anyone who does not deserve to be punished.
For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
 Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us; for you have power to act whenever you choose.
Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins.

Second reading                                                          Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'”

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds ar the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection

By Jose Paulo Gonzales

The Gospel for today gives us three parables that describe the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God has been laid out in different stories to characterize it faithfully, but in our Catechism classes, we learn that the Kingdom of God is the reign of God.

Parables pertaining to the Kingdom of God typically present us with ranges of behavior, some we should veer away from, but one we should emulate. 

In the first parable in today’s Gospel, the wheat can be likened to the good, and the weeds, the evil. 

In the second parable, the good have been likened to a mustard seed which, while at first is unnoticeable, can grow up to be the most magnificent of trees—being of such great function with its size and sturdiness. 

The third parable likens the good to the leaven in the bread, which, although sporadic and separately spread at first, can still permeate the whole and transform the bread, making it rise.

Today’s Gospel gives us insightful takes on how we could be as children of God. As wheat, we are planted in the world with the weed. We have read in the Bible how we should not conform to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:2), but to be in it to spread the Word (Mark 16:15), to be the salt that does not lose its taste (Matthew 5:13), and the light that shines good deeds to others for the Father’s glory (Matthew 5:14-16), not only ours. We could start as small as the mustard seed, or as sporadic as the leaven in the bread, but if we grow, develop some more, and pursue, we could still deliver what God has called us to do.


While we are planted with the weed and grow with the weed, we may suffer for a while in doing good, but we should not tire of doing good, for in the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). While we have small achievements and blessings from the Lord to celebrate here on earth, the culmination of our reaping is at the appointed time of harvest—the end of days. 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving us Your parables so we could understand Your Kingdom better. As the wheat, please help us become quality harvest. As the mustard seed, please help us so that even if we start small, we still achieve the good You called us to do.

Please help us in our daily walk in life so we become more and more like Jesus, the perfect example of faith and good works.

May we radiate You forever even with our humble works, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Do not Lose Heart...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 20 October 2019
First reading Exodus 17:8-13

Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.

Second reading                                                          2 Timothy 3:14–4:2

As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.

Gospel                                                                          Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'”

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Reflection

By Fely C. Santiago

“...when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

According to Pope Francis, "Faith is not a light that scatters all our darkness but a lamp that guides our steps in the night.”

Do you have prayers that are not yet answered up to now? Or dreams that have not yet come true? Or have you been praying to get out of debts? Or praying to find your one true love? Or healing for a loved one or for yourself? You have suffered for so long. Why does n't God seem to answer your prayers?

No one knows the answer for sure. But you just have to stay in faith for God knows what is best for you. Maybe God answered NO because there is something better for you. Maybe God answered NOT NOW because He is still preparing you to be ready for the overflowing blessings that’s coming your way. Do not lose heart. Remember St Monica prayed for many many years for the conversion of her son St Augustine. He is now one of the most loved saints.

Our family right now also has a prayer that has remain unanswered for more than 20 years already. It seems nothing is happening. It’s been a long time already. We could have easily given up on this dream. But we keep the faith, believing that God must be cooking up something great! We actually see God’s hands at work in the unfolding of events. We know the best is yet to come. And maybe God is also preparing us for this abundant blessings coming our way.

So never lose heart. As Bro Audee from The Feast said “Just because you don’t see anything happening, it doesn’t mean that God is not moving. He is in the background cooking up something for you!”


Stay in faith. The BEST is coming your way!

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please prepare our hearts to receive the abundant, overflowing, and avalanche of blessings coming our way. We believe in the outpouring of Your graces. When it comes, let not our hearts and minds get attached to it that we forget You. Help us to always remember that all blessings and graces comes from You and we are nothing without You. Help up to remain dependent on You and obey You. All these or something better Father, may Your WILL be done in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Try Again

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10 February 2019
First reading Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

Second reading                                                          1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast-unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." – Luke 5:5-6

Two things strike me from this passage.  First, our human efforts alone cannot guarantee favorable results.  Second, we need to be humble enough to follow another leading and set aside our prejudices to achieve greater things.

Simon, Andrew, James and John are definitely experienced fishermen.  They fish for a living so they would certainly know what they are doing. When they worked all night and caught nothing, you can bet that they really tried hard.  They may have gone to deep waters and changed spots several times during the evening, but still caught nothing. 

Then all of a sudden, here’s Jesus commanding them to lower their nets once again. In their minds, they might have doubts. They may know Jesus as a respectable teacher, but He is not a fisherman. Yet they abide by Him and witnessed a miracle. From there, they answered to a greater call as “fishers of men.”

This is a challenge for us Christians to imitate what the disciples did – to listen despite doubts, to follow without prejudice, to try and try again despite gruesome toil.

Prayer

Father, we have worked all night and are growing tired, be patient with us and continue to lead us to Your greater call. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Persevere

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 13 November 2016

First reading
Malachi 3:19-20

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 97(98):5-9

Second reading
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.   We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

 

Gospel	Luke 21:5-19

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
  ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
  ‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

  Reflection
By Carlo Alexis Malaluan  

And so, you will bear testimony to me (Lk 21:13). 

I came across a book entitled “God, Thank You for the Morning”. It was written by a Sister of Charity who helps the ‘nameless, faceless army of forgotten children fighting to survive … in a world where no one loves them’. The true-to-life stories of these children opened my eyes to the bitterness and sufferings endured by people of all ages in this hostile world. Also, it tells the stories of children who are still grateful to God for another morning in their lives. It is true that we are living in a world of pain, of brokenness, of differences and darkness. As we feel trapped in this helpless situation, we can only cry out: God, please stop the pain.

We may find today’s gospel as gloomy and gruesome. Jesus has announced that the Temple, the very center of their religious life would be destroyed. Our Lord warned us of the false prophets, of wars and uprisings, of the upcoming persecutions, of earthquakes, of famines and plagues. But in the midst of all of these, God’s voice constantly reminds us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. 

Our earthly pilgrimage, if I may to compare, is like tilling the soil. God is the farmer, we are but a soil. God breaks the soil in order to plant seeds. God breaks our hearts in order to instil in us the virtues of faith and courage. We may experience difficulties, we may face life’s bitter challenges but in the end, if we persevere, all of these will come to a fruitful finish. 

Now, let us bring this to the extremes, we cannot say that these words of our Lord is just a metaphor rather it is a reality that the world is experiencing. As you are comfortably scrolling through your smartphone or desktop, while reading this reflection, please think of those Christians being killed in Islamic countries. Most of them are children, just like what you have. Most of them are mothers and fathers, just like you are. And they were killed by the sole reason that they are Christians. But Jesus wants his disciples to hold onto their faith and testify to it even to the point of death. He assures them that their enduring fidelity will not go unrewarded. Their testimony for the faith is not forgotten by the God who sees all.

Not all of us need to die in odium fidei (hatred of the faith), life is full of daily martyrdom. The Risen Christ was recognized by His disciples because of His wounds. We can only be recognized as Christians by our wounds, by our wounded hearts who continue to tell the story of Christ. You and I are martyred each day as we face the harsh world, but God tells us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. 

Not of this life, but of the life to come. 

Prayer

Lord, You have told your disciples to bear everything with perseverance. Renew our faith each day, O Lord, as we face the broken world. Remind us constantly that in the face of trials and difficulties, you are there – enduring with us. Our cross is also Yours. Our pain is also Yours. Grant us the grace that by carrying our own crosses, we may testify for You and for Your glory. Amen.

Pray Really Hard

First Reading:  2 Exodus 17:8-13

The Amalekites then came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, 'Pick some men and tomorrow morning go out and engage Amalek. I, for my part, shall take my stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.' Joshua did as Moses had told him and went out to engage Amalek, while Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage; when he let his arms fall, the advantage went to Amalek. But Moses' arms grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him and on this he sat, with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms on each side. Thus his arms remained unwavering till sunset, and Joshua defeated Amalek, putting their people to the sword.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:2

You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures -from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be upright.

This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work. Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I charge you, in the name of his appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, give encouragement -- but do all with patience and with care to instruct.

Gospel:  Luke 18:1-8

Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. 'There was a judge in a certain town,' he said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone.

In the same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want justice from you against my enemy!" For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person,

I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." ' And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'

Reflection
By Rosalinda N. Markell

It is so sad to see how messed up our world has become.  We all can clearly see how  Satan is working triple time to destroy the world.  Lots of people seem to lose their belief in God, there is no more respect anymore, children go against their parents, killings and hatred of all sorts are around us, and what do we do?  Politicians who try to get what they want, become too greedy, and some even think they can be better than God, in ruling the country! Children are being raped and killed just like that by pedophiles and some even blame it is the fault of God for creating these men as perverts.   

I've encountered a person, sad to say, who lost his faith in God and thinks that way, he even say that Satan was not to be blamed, but God who created us!

And when I tried to argue with this person, I was called a woman with "no brain at all" because I think differently. "It's a new world, " he says.  All I had to do was to shut my mouth and started praying really hard for this person to wake up!  Yes, it is so sad to see things going down the drain, and they dare to use the name of Jesus in vain!

We all have to stick together and pray really hard!  Perseverance is key in our prayer life. The widow in today's Gospel has shown us such a good example. I am sure we were or are on the same boat as this poor widow. Our prayers may not be answered instantly, but let's keep up the faith in God. We may encounter people whose belief or way of thinking differs from us, whose actions have upset us. In this Year of Mercy, let us bear other's wrongs patiently.

Prayer


Dearest God, lover of our souls, You are the greatest Friend and Protector anyone could ever have.  We feel so low and misunderstood, people are so mean and unjust.  You know how quick some of them find fault and blame others. Please help us understand, if we have done anything which makes them act that way, please help us to be different. Please enlighten their minds, Lord and please remind us when we are afraid, that You are always at our side and will always protect us and our children, most especially our country.  We know with You there is nothing we should be afraid of.  This we pray in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Do I Make You Proud?

The Baptism of the Lord Jan 12
First reading Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7

Thus says the Lord:

Here is my servant whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom my soul delights.

I have endowed him with my spirit

that he may bring true justice to the nations.

He does not cry out or shout aloud,

or make his voice heard in the streets.

He does not break the crushed reed,

nor quench the wavering flame.

Faithfully he brings true justice;

he will neither waver, nor be crushed

until true justice is established on earth,

for the islands are awaiting his law.

I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;

I have taken you by the hand and formed you;

I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,

to open the eyes of the blind,

to free captives from prison,

and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 28:1-4,9-10
Second reading                                                          Acts 10:34-38 

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘The truth I have now come to realise’ he said ‘is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.

  ‘It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ – but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.’

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.’ At this, John gave in to him.

  As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’

Reflection by Grace Madrinan

Back in 2010, when I was still struggling with my job in a new company, I made it a daily exercise to visualize how I want things to be. One of which is imagining that someday I will excel in my work, that I will be more familiar with the flow of things and be confident  in my new role.

I continue to seek mentorship from others and tried to learn as much as I can. And although I reached the stage where I feel more comfortable with the knowledge I earned, I continue to work diligently, never assuming that I knew enough.   As long as I do my job to the best of my ability, with or without hearing commendation from my managers, that should be enough.

But I did not know that I have become who I envisioned to be until my manager revealed during our quarterly coaching sessions. She said that she did not regret hiring me although I have little experience in the role that was offered to me. She appreciated my perseverance and humility in the work I do. She is proud of me.

If it felt this good to hear these words from my manager, how elated it must have been for Jesus to hear these words from His Father:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17

Despite being affirmed by the Father, Jesus remained humble and continued to pursue the mission that was set before Him. In these times, we may not hear the same vivid words from our Father just like Jesus’ time. But having been blessed every day and enjoying the fruits of our labor is loud enough of an affirmation for us. Like Jesus we must continue to maintain humility and pursue the mission He has set for us.

Prayer

God our Father, when life pushes us down with worldly demands, may we still remember Your plan for us. Like Jesus, may You find delight in the tasks that we do as we brave life’s littlest challenges. Amen.

Seeds of Hope

33rd Sunday In Ordinary Time
November 17, 2013
The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Psalm: Psalm 97:5-9

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

  We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

  ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

  ‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

Reflection
By Nats Vibiesca

Many of us cried after watching videos of the people affected by the powerful earthquake and the devastating typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. I cried because it was the end of the world for me. Since then I could not think. I could not write. I thought it was a paralysis of the left and the right brain. Deadlines, deadliest deadlines of my creative writing commitments are all in red lights. How can I write a perfect conflict for fiction if I see real people in desolation—dying in the Visayas? Do you think a writer can still imagine and manage to internalize the problems of his created protagonist from the hands of his antagonist if the agony of his Kababayans haunting his soul? I could not think of any greater human problem than the recent catastrophe in the Philippines. In desperation, maybe, many grieving people in the Visayas think that it’s really the end of the world. Is it possible to write at this time better conflict for a story than the suffering of the Filipinos against the forces of nature?

No. I cannot write any conflict with this heart breaking scenario. It’s the end of the world.

But the Gospel today is teaching me to be faithful, to persevere, and not to be afraid in order to survive. The end of the world is inevitable but the Lord gave us the instruction to be alive. Our Lord Jesus also tells us that persecutions and sufferings are opportunities to show our fidelity to God. In reality, the end of the world is only for those who have not recognized Jesus and being unfaithful results in affliction especially for those who do not trust the Lord. We can translate our faithfulness to Jesus into concrete actions like sharing the blessings we have to those who are hopeless.

Thus, faithfulness through actions defy the end of the world; this is by letting our Kababayans know that we care and love them and we will continue providing relief goods for the body and relief for the soul through unceasing prayers for them.

I wish and pray that the faithful will also bring seeds to the Visayas to immediately plant in the land. Flowering seeds, fruits or any crop seeds, and seeds of sturdy trees that will surely bring hope to the people as the Lord transforms the environment and bring back the beautiful colors of creation into life.

Let us all take courage and persevere because this is how we will survive.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, grant us the courage and perseverance we need in order to survive the hardships of life. Bless us with faithfulness of heart and keep us away from all miseries that will test our fidelity to You. We ask Your grace to help us to remain steadfast in our faith so we can inspire others through our actions. Amen.