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.

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.

Taking Responsibility

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

08 December 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

It would have been my father’s 75th birthday today. One of the lessons he inculcated in my mind as a boy was to be responsible for my younger siblings. I learnt this the hard way when he punished me and my younger brother for failing to look after one of our sisters who fell from the stairs. Fast forward, when he had his first grandchild, he sent me an e-mail: “Look after yourself, your mother, your brother and sisters, and my grandson”. Our family has grown ever since and that message continues to resonate, especially now that he is gone.

In our First Reading, Adam and Eve shunned responsibility when God confronted them for their disobedience. Contrast that with today’s Gospel where Mary responded to God’s call: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). No wonder, Mary is called the new Eve!

Papa was a devotee of the Rosary. This became evident when our clan organised a daily online Rosary during the Covid lockdown in 2020. The devotion continues up to this time. When he was still alive, he religiously attended these devotions and would lead every week with my younger brother. Through the Rosary, we could readily see how Mary took responsibility, first as Mother of God and later as Mother of the Church. Did she fully understand what these roles are? Absolutely not! Yet she trusted because she was “in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will” (Eph 1:11).

Today’s feast recalls how Mary was conceived without original sin in the womb of her mother Saint Anne. This glorious occasion gives us hope because like Mary, we too have been chosen by God “before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him” (Eph 1:4). The call to holiness is addressed to all of us regardless of our status in life. Are we going to shun or take responsibility?

Prayer

Loving Father, You willed that Mary be immaculately conceived to prepare her to be the Mother of Your only begotten Son. Through her example and prayers, grant us the grace to lead holy lives so that we too may welcome Jesus in our hearts. In His Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

May the soul of Mario and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Pagganap sa Tungkulin

Ika-33 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Nobyembre 16, 2025

 

Unang Pagbasa: Malakias 3:19-20a

Salmong Tugunan: Salmo 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

Ikalawang Pagbasa: 2 Tesalonica 3:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:5-19

 

Pagninilay

Ni: Renato C. Vibiesca

 

Kaliwa't kanan ang dagok sa buhay natin dahil samu't saring sakuna ang dumaan sa ating bayan at itinuturing na ngang delubyo ito ng ilan tulad ng malalakas na lindol, sunod-sunod na bagyo't baha, at malawakang kagutuman. Binabagabag din tayo ng giyera sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo at banta sa seguridad sa sarili nating bansa. Naglalabasan din ang mga bulaang propeta na nagsasabing gugunawin na ang mundo. Pero sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, pinapaalalahanan tayo ng ating Panginoong Hesus na kung mananatili tayong tapat sa pananampalataya sa Kanya, hindi tayo dapat matakot dahil ang Diyos mismo ang ating sandigan na magliligtas sa atin. Ang totoo, hindi naman talaga natin alam kung kailan ang eksaktong araw ng paggunaw ng mundo o kahit nga ang oras ng ating kamatayan mismo, ngunit ang sigurado ay ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa ating mga nananampalataya. Kaya nga hindi tayo natatakot kung sumapit ang araw na ito, bagkus pinapaigting natin araw-araw ang pananalig sa Diyos.

Bilang paghahanda, hindi natin inaabangan ang mga senyales sa langit, sapat na ang paggampan natin ng ating mga tungkulin sa buhay nang may pagmamahal at pag-aalay sa Diyos. Kung ikaw ay estudiyante, sapat na ang pag-aaral nang mabuti; kung ikaw naman ay padre de pamilya o ina ng tahanan, sapat na ang patuloy na paghahanapbuhay at masigasig na pag-asikaso sa pangangailangan ng pamilya; kung ikaw ay nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, sapat na ang maging matapat na lingkod-bayan sa araw-araw. Ang mumunting kabutihan natin sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ang magsisilbing magandang senyales ng paghahanda at pagmamahal natin sa Diyos. Ang mga salita ng ating Panginoong Hesus sa Ebanghelyo ang patunay na hinding-hindi tayo pababayaan ng Diyos kung sumapit na nga ang araw na iyon.

Panalangin

Panginoong Hesus, nananalig kami sa Iyong pangako na hinding-hindi Mo kami pababayaan sa oras na sumapit ang aming kamatayan. Biyayaan Mo kami ng grasya ng pagmamahal sa Iyo sa araw-araw sa pamamagitan ng paggampan namin ng aming mga tungkulin para sa mga mahal namin sa buhay. Amen.

Live Not by Fear, but by Faith

 

 

 

First Sunday of Advent 

29 November 2020

First Reading IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7

You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
with the mountains quaking before you,
while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,
such as they had not heard of from of old.
No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you
doing such deeds for those who wait for him.
Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean people,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
we have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.

Second Reading 1 COR 1:3-9

Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God

always on your account for the grace

of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel  MK 13:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

 

 

Reflection

By: Art Reyes

 

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. It is a Latin word that means approaching, coming, expecting. This is the time for preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the need to be watchful and vigilant. "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come."

It is indeed frightening when we think about the quote as nobody knows when his time will come. Basically, nobody wants to see his death, much more unprepared. However, when we reflect upon it, we can realize that having  that "unknown" is perhaps a blessing.

The Gospel reminds us of our responsibility. What happens to us after we die is determined by how we lead our lives each and every day. We are the ones who decide what our "afterlife" will be. If we live a good life and strive to be loving and kind every day and share our time, gifts, and talents with others, we will likely be rewarded when we finally see our Creator.

However, we can not just sit idly and wait until the last minute. We need to take action. Maybe we can ask ourselves of these questions - Do we share our time, talents, and attention with other people? Do we share and spread love with our family, the people in our offices, our neighbors, and even strangers? If we choose to do these things, we are on the right track! In our death, we will be in God's loving presence!

 

Again, our country experienced the onslaught of super typhoons, two in a row. And that is coupled with the lingering virus threats. These are exceptional times. It is the time for giving and sharing, especially to so many of our brothers and sisters in our country who are suffering. Let us remember that acts of goodness and charity on our part will never be left unnoticed by our God.

 

Life is short, and death is uncertain. Let us free our hearts of hate, selfishness, greed, and replace them with love, compassion, and empathy.

 

I know without a doubt that our country and world will survive this pandemic just like we survive the recent natural calamities. We are not living in fear. We are living in faith! Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!

Prayer

 

My God, in all humility we ask You for the grace so that we may live a meaningful life. May we not live a life that is vain and empty. When our life ends, may we be ready to face our living God. Amen.

 

Wedding Feast

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 October 2020
First reading Isaiah 25:6-10

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.

Second reading                                                          Philippians  4:12-14, 19-20

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 21:33-43

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them.

The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Reflection

By Theresa Ballo

Being the hopeless romantic that I am, weddings always give me a joyous feeling. I remember in college, I would love to witness weddings of couples I do not know in UST. It was a habit going to Santissimo Rosario Parish after class and in most cases I am down, witnessing couples so in love with each other gives me hope and encouragement. 

This is the parable that Jesus offers us today. A king sends out invitation twice to everyone on the occasion to his son’s wedding. A royal and grand wedding it is. But when he sends out his servants a second time to invite the guests, they all give lame excuses why they are unable to attend the wedding. The king got furious. He then sends his servants to invite every and anyone to the feast. So, the wedding hall was filled with guests. However, all is not as it seems. The king sees a guest who is not wearing proper attire  and has this man removed from the celebration. The king had the final word of warning; “for many are called, but few are chosen.”

Imagine the king inviting Filipinos in his son’s wedding. Definitely, most guests will be asked to get out of the feast for not wearing proper wedding garments. We, Filipinos have our unique traditions for wedding feasts. The king also in the Gospel seems to be bipolar. Just in his son’s wedding, he gets to experience a wide range of emotions and reactions. And in the end, in rage he has a guest thrown out from the wedding! If the wedding is a symbol of the Kingdom of God and the King is God, are we going to be treated similarly? 

All of us receives an invitations to God’s great feast. All meaning regardless of color, gender and status in life, we are all called to be part of His glory. How are you going to respond to the invitation? What will be your lame excuse? Probably, mine would have to be my laziness. Attending a wedding would require me to dress up, put some make up and wear heels. That would require so much effort. But then, if the host of the occasion is a friend, all the effort seems to be okay. Because I have established a relationship to the host, the effort becomes worth it. Same thing with God being the host of the occasion, if we have a strong connection and relationship with Him, saying “yes” again and again comes natural and easy. 

There is a cost to God’s invitation. Accepting the invitation comes with great responsibility. We are given the choice to attend or not. If we do turn up, accepts the invitation. We are expected to arrive at the celebration ready and prepared to join the party.  We are supposed to arrive dressed for the occasion. Do we take this literally? What do we have to wear exactly? I think since wedding feasts are celebration of love, we should carry love, compassion and forgiveness in God’s banquet. It is through how we live our daily lives and treat others that we make our attendance worthy as God’s guests. Each day may we do our best to be genuine, kinder, patient and more loving. Simply because our presence is the pleasure of Jesus in the meal given for His glory. 

Prayer

Thank You for the invitation to be part of Your kingdom. Show us Your mercy as we make ourselves worthy of Your grace. Clothe us with the righteousness of Jesus. Help us as we strive to be faithful servants that go and invite others as well to the great wedding feast. Amen.

One Step at a Time

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time  3 July 2016    

First reading
Isaiah 66:10-14

Rejoice, Jerusalem,

be glad for her, all you who love her!

Rejoice, rejoice for her,

all you who mourned her!

That you may be suckled, filled,

from her consoling breast,

that you may savour with delight

her glorious breasts.

For thus says the Lord:

Now towards her I send flowing

peace, like a river,

and like a stream in spate

the glory of the nations.

At her breast will her nurslings be carried

and fondled in her lap.

Like a son comforted by his mother

will I comfort you.

And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.

At the sight your heart will rejoice,

and your bones flourish like the grass.

To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

 

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 65:1-7,16,20

Second reading
Galatians 6:14-18

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not; what matters is for him to become an altogether new creature. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.

  I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brothers. Amen.

Gospel	Luke 10:1-12,17-20

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.

  ‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.

  ‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

  The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

  Reflection
By Arthur B. Reyes

In today’s Gospel we hear of Jesus’ marching orders and instructions to His disciples whom He had sent ahead of Him. They were to go by pairs, carry no extra provisions, stay in the same house, and proclaim the message of peace and reconciliation.

 

As I write this reflection I came across a news feed about a discovered tunnel in Lithuania that allowed Jewish prisoners to escape to freedom, decades after they used it to flee the Nazis one night in April 1944. The escapees were part of a group tasked with the horrific job of burning bodies to cover up the Nazi’s crimes.

 

In one of the most moving moments in the epic movie Schindler’s List, Oscar Schindler, who had given away his efforts and fortune in saving the lives of hundreds of Jews begins to cry. Looking at his watch, he realized that if he had sold it he could have saved another life. He glanced at his car and knew that he could have exchanged it for additional lives. He says to his friend, "I could have done more."

 

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” What exactly does this mean? The field, in which the harvest is, refers to us, the whole human race, or the whole world. And from the meaning of the field, it is clear what "harvest" means. In the broadest sense, it refers to the state of the whole human race as to its acceptance of goodness through truth.

 

Think of the people we come across every day: our family, our friends, our co-workers, our kasambahay, our neighbors, the gas station help, the jeepney driver, the security guard, and so on. That is our field and we are responsible for them, for each other in fact. When we realize that we are responsible, we will begin to have a sense of commitment.

 

I think the most effective form of evangelism we can offer is the way in which we live our lives, and by the example we set as Christians. The best place to start is in our homes and communities, and in our relationships with one another. I also believe that some of the best forms of evangelism come in small ways with random acts of kindness, like helping a distressed elderly lady carry her things. And certainly, we could do more than that. One kind act at a time will go a long mile, one step at a time.

 

Our job is not to save the harvest because God will take care of that. Our job is to tell people about the Lord of the harvest.

Prayer

Lord, we come to You as a community of disciples. Make us begin to see people as You see them, and stir our hearts to make a difference in the harvest. Create in us a reflection of your overflowing grace. Amen.

The Invitation

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Oct 12
First reading                                        Isaiah 25:6-10
On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food. On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, and the shroud enwrapping all nations, he will destroy Death for ever. The Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth, for the Lord has said so. That day, it will be said: See, this is our God in whom we hoped for salvation; the Lord is the one in whom we hoped. We exult and we rejoice that he has saved us.

Psalm                                                Psalm 22:1-6

Second reading                               Philippians 4:12-14,19-20

I know how to be poor and I know how to be rich too. I have been through my initiation and 
now I am ready for anything anywhere: full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty. 
There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength. All the 
same, it was good of you to share with me in my hardships. In return my God will fulfil all 
your needs, in Christ Jesus, as lavishly as only God can. Glory to God, our Father, for ever 
and ever. Amen.

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Gospel                                          Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. “Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.” But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him, “How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?” And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

Reflection

By Beth Eguia

Have you ever been invited to a wedding or perhaps a birthday party? Surely you would have received more than 2 invitations in a year?  But how do we respond to these invitations? Do we make preparations like buying a nice dress that will fit the occasion or perhaps, find time to look for a present that the celebrant would love?.

When we were kids, we are so excited to attend parties mainly because there will be a variety of food and different games to join and win prizes. On our teenage years, we also love attending proms or debuts because it is a time when we will be with our  best friends or “bffs”, “barkadas” and have fun. In a wedding, we are delighted to see the newly wed couples happy and so much in love. We are honoured and thankful for being part of the important events in their lives.

But how about the invitations to attend bible study, a rosary recitation within the community or perhaps attending the Sunday Mass, visiting the sick or the elders? Or maybe just the invitation to be grateful, hopeful, happy each day in spite of the many problems or trials in life? Or maybe the invitation to do God's will and not our own?

Today's Sunday Gospel is a reminder of God's invitation to respond to His call every day, i.e. to be delighted serving Him through others, to live our lives according to His will.  He will always send messengers to guide and inform us, make us aware of our shortcomings.  Yes, we have the free will to decide on things but do you think God the Father will be happy if we choose the wrong way? If we invited our best friend to our birthday or to our wedding and she didn’t come, giving all kinds of excuses, how would we feel? If we felt bad, then how much more will our God feel? Let us take this as a challenge as we reflect on our lives every day.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Mama Mary, grant us wisdom to act rightfully to Your invitations daily. We are sorry for the many times we fail You and not responded to Your call. Continue to guide us through Your messengers so we are reminded of our shortcomings. We pray dear Lord that when that day of our meeting comes, may You be proud and say “Well done my child. I am proud and happy for accepting my invitation”. Amen.

Respect, Responsibility, Love and God

First Reading: Gn 2:18-24

The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.

So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman, ' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken. "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife

and the two of them become one flesh.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Heb 2:9-11

Brothers and sisters:

He "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels, " that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.

Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them 'brothers.'

Gospel: Mk 10:2-16

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him. He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They replied, "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.

Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Reflection

by Mark Vertido

In the life of the Church, the month of October is one of the most colorful months aside from December. It is celebrated as the month of Mama Mary, the month of the Holy Rosary. But this year, October marks the start of the Year of Faith, celebrating fifty years of the Second Vatican Council. Thus, I will focus our Sunday reflections in the light of both celebrations.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus clearly states our doctrine on marriage and divorce. Simply, Jesus does not approve in any way the concept of divorce. And as such, the Church had stated its position on divorce ever since. In the Philippines, a number of groups are opening again the passing of a divorce bill with their arguments of giving a better life for the wife and her children since the marriage cannot be fixed already. The idea is noble in its own respect but I believe that there is a nobler way to address this problem that has affected many families in our society, leaving them broken.

As I teach Filipino Family and Family Values System in college, my conviction that the condition of the family reflects that of society has become more concrete. Why is this so? Primarily, the family is the basic unit of our society. Now, as we try to observe the things that are happening in our society as reflected by main stream media, the concept of real family and marriage life has changed. Watching “telenovelas” will reveal how the media wants to manipulate the sanctity of marriage. It is interesting to note that the theme of some shows is that anyone can sacrifice the marriage just to follow what the heart dictates. I do not categorically include all shows but there are a majority of these.

These shows and other forms have promoted a mentality among the people of how to deal with unhappy relationships. But they fail to show the real meaning of being in a relationship and so as more in married life. We have seen stories of getting married because of what we call ‘love at first sight.’ Or that of young people who get into pre-marital sex then marries each other. There might be some who advocates a getting-to-know each other relationships or respecting each other relationships but never been the focus.

Media is one of the most powerful factors affecting the behavior of people nowadays because of the fact that many are extremely addicted and reliant to “telenovelas”. So it is not already surprising that many families experience being broken because of the order of our traditions have been modified already. This problem is likened to a grown tree that is very difficult to uproot because the roots are embedded deeply. And we know already the causes of unsuccessful marriage and the effects it brings to the couple and the child.

Reflecting from the experience of my own parents, although, I would also be open to say that my father had a past relationship but not legally bound and they had a son. So I was the first born of my father to my mother whom he wedded. Their story is like Romeo and Juliet also but because I was formed then they needed to be with each other for the rest of their lives. Yes, I am a product of that pre-marital thing but I thank them that they wanted me to live. I grew up in a normal family; we may not have everything but we are happy. What I observed is that my parents have respect and love for each other. They help each other to raise the family. There are times of misunderstanding but I never seen my father lifting a hand to hurt my mother. There is respect, responsibility and love between them and they continue that until today, passing 22 years now.

Jesus, Himself, was in danger of growing in a broken family when Joseph wanted to divorce Mary but when Joseph was enlightened he accepted everything and raised the Holy Family. This was because the Holy Family was guided by God. I cannot imagine a missing father in the Holy Family and Mama Mary as a single mother. The Holy Family is an example for every family.

Today, some couples do not recognize God as the third partner of the marriage that is why everything goes wrong. So I would conclude that the keys to successful marriage are respect, responsibility, love and God. Jesus sets the rules and we must follow. God has given an example to couples and they must imitate it. Our society needs to be fixed and the key to this is a healthy family but then the key to a healthy family lies with the couple.

The Year of Faith focuses on the New Evangelization which includes the use of media and technology in proclaiming the Gospel to the people of God. It is hard to stop the main stream media but it is possible. Each of us as part of the Church needs to work to bring back what was broken in our society. Let us start from our own families, and then let us evangelize others through media and technology.

Commitment: Be faithful in any relationship that we have.

Prayer

Lord, bless every family on earth. Guide couples to recognize You in their life. Give them the strength to surpass all conflicts and misunderstanding that may arise in married life. Strengthen families that we may proclaim Your Name to everyone as we try to revive the richness of faith in everyone. Make us one family in You and let the Holy Spirit animate us to live and love truly. Amen.