The True Rich

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

28 September 2025

 

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)

In this parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus paints a vivid contrast between worldly comfort and eternal reality. The rich man enjoyed abundance and ignored the poor beggar at his gate, while Lazarus suffered in misery while they were still alive. At death, their situations were reversed: Lazarus found comfort with Abraham, while the rich man was in torment.

This reveals the seriousness of how we live our earthly lives. Wealth or money or mammon itself is not evil or condemned, but selfishness and lack of compassion bring judgment. The rich man’s sin was his indifference and lack of empathy—he failed to see and care for the suffering Lazarus who is just outside his gate. The rich man failed to listen to what the prophets taught that we must love others expressed through generosity, mercy, and solidarity especially the poor. This is continuing situation even in this time.

The Gospel reminds us of the power and sufficiency of God’s Word. The Scriptures, given through Moses and the prophets, already contain the truth that leads to salvation. If people refuse to listen to God’s revelation, no miracle or extraordinary sign will be enough to change their hearts. It also points that our Lord Jesus is already foretelling the Pharisees of His own Resurrection. That even though He rose from the dead, many still chose not to believe.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to the suffering around us. Teach us to share our blessings with compassion and love. May we never be blinded by wealth or comfort, but instead live with mercy and faithfulness. Help us to open our hearts and listen to Your Word so we may share in eternal life. Help us to listen with faith, trust in Your promises. May we always believe with humility and perseverance, so that we may be strengthened in hope and remain faithful to Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.

Partial Following

    

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 September 2024

 

First Reading: Is 50:5-9a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Jas 2:14-18

Gospel: Mk 8:27-35

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Most of us today are familiar with following people and being followed by people in social media. We may know few or plenty of things about a person through what they post or share online. Getting to know people and being updated with them is not that hard today even if we have not met personally. We have our own reasons why we follow people on social media. Those people who have similar values and principles to us may be one of those reasons why we want to be updated about them. This following can go on until a post or something that the person says is not anymore aligned with the follower’s values and principles. For instance, we have seen many people unfollow celebrities who posted or commented about a certain issue which is against what their followers believe or stand for. In the past years, I have seen people unfollow their friends in social media because of issues such as politics and different views about justice. Someone I know was confronted by her longtime friend because of sharing a post by a human rights activist about the ceasefire against Israel’s attack on Gaza. Her friend says that she is siding with the terrorist when she shared that post. They unfollowed each other before even trying to understand and delve deeper into their points. Sometimes, differing points of view and principles can sever a relationship more than being wronged. However, what people share on social media becomes their full self and the basis for judgement. If we ask ourselves, “Who do people say that I am?”, answers can vary depending on what we post and share online, not even considering what we do offline.

If we ask our friends, “Who do you say I am?”, what will they say? I believe they will say a lot about us from a deeper perspective. When Jesus asked the disciples, Peter replied “You are the Christ.” His reply was like he knew Jesus from a deeper perspective. But things go differently when Jesus spoke about how He must suffer greatly. If I were to hear it first, like Peter, I would also react the same way. But in this way, I would only be looking at Jesus as the savior without seeing one of the most important journeys of salvation. We can ask ourselves again, “Who do I say Jesus is?” Do I think of Jesus at all, in trouble times or in joy? Because it greatly matters about the way we direct our lives through Him, the way we worship Him, and the way we live.

Peter did not realize at that time that suffering is part of the divine plan of salvation. Today, we can easily say that suffering is part of human condition but not see it through the eyes of Jesus. There is a difference between suffering and sacrifice. Through Him, suffering has a purpose, which becomes a sacrifice. A mother who suffers physical exhaustion to give her child a better sleep is a sacrifice. A father who endures the time being away from his family to work is a sacrifice. Sacrifice will always be a self-giving act, an act of love, no matter how big or small that deed is. To give a friend a chance to talk about his or her belief and be open to understand his or her principles, is an act of self-giving. I believe that sacrifice is also a “denial of self” which can be achieved only in terms of self-giving and in terms of love.

In everything that we do and decide, we can also ask ourselves, “Where is the following of Christ in this?” Our choices in life and the way we live somehow determines if we follow Christ as our whole self, or just a partial following. We can never separate our views or opinion about justice from the justice that Jesus stands for. Like when someone says that their political views are separate from their religious views. It’s like saying “I am following Christ, but I am letting Him take my cross.” Today, we pray to God to grant us the grace to allow ourselves to be whole in reaching out to Jesus, with all the inconveniences and even pain, for us to be reminded not to look away from the inconvenient part of the divine plan of salvation.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, teach us to look at our lives through Jesus. May we transform our suffering by giving it purpose and do it as a selfless act of love. We pray for the people around us that we may share the sufferings in terms of self-giving and love for each other. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN.

God’s Generosity vs. Human’s Selfishness

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time20 September 2020
First reading Isaiah 55:6-9

Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Second reading                                                          Philippians 1:20-24, 27

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.’

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.

Now when the first came they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

When I was in high school, our substitute Math teacher gave us a quiz. I was happy because I topped the exam, 98% if I remembered it right. My hard work in solving algebraic expressions paid off. As someone who was known in class for not copying and never allowing others to copy from me, getting the highest score was really an achievement. But, I never expected the next scenario, as the teacher said that my score will also benefit my classmates who were exempted from the exam, for they represented our school to a Math Quiz Bee the other day, although they did not qualify. My score in the test will be their scores too. I must admit that I felt like being cheated. I could not comprehend the wisdom behind the decision. Since they were exempted, I did not mind if the teacher just give them 100%, but please do not make us even by giving them the same score as mine. Because it seemed to me that I took the exam for them which I found unfair. I was the one who planted but others harvested. When the teacher finished his three-month stay in our school was the point that I let go of my bitterness and accepted his wisdom although I did not fully understand.

In today's Gospel, the vineyard workers were also upset because of the good treatment of the landowner towards the latecomer laborers. Even though the latecomers worked for only one hour, they still received the usual daily wage, equal amount as the pay of those workers who toiled the day's burden and the heat. Despite the grumbling, the landowner stood firm on his decision and generosity.

At first glance, because we think as humans, we will surely agree that the landowner was quite unfair. Why did he give equal pay to each one of them? In the normal job setup, people are paid according to the number of hours they worked for. Those who work less will receive less, and those who work more will be given more - daily minimum wage plus overtime if necessary. But as the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed in our First Reading today, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD", the wisdom and actions of God as symbolized by the landowner in the parable cannot be fully figured out. There are things in our life that cannot be explained because events will unfold according to God's plan and timing. We just have to trust Him.

Another issue presented in the Gospel is human's selfishness compare to God's generosity. Men are naturally selfish but God is ever generous. From the time He created the world and us, to the giving of His own beloved Son to save us from our sins, God will never be outdone in generosity. And that became the problem of the vineyard workers; they felt insecure on how generous the landowner was – a trait that they do not possess. We should be cautious of the two faces of human's selfishness as described in today's Gospel: the desire to be the sole recipient of one's generosity known as greed and the envy towards others' goodness.

Today's parable is also a reminder to all of us that knowing Jesus is a constant call. It does not mean that we heed His call earlier than the others; we are far better and can be sure of eternal life. In fact, those who are following Jesus at this point in time must be more vigilant because they could fall to the sins of complacency and pride. The early the call, the long road to walk on, but rest assured that Jesus is there as our great companion in the journey. And those who will be heeding the call lastly should not be worried, too. Because just like the repentant thief on the cross who was brought by Jesus to paradise, there is no late and last, but always God's perfect timing of changing a stoned-heart. We will be saved by God's grace and not by our good deeds.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to be generous in love as You are to me and all. Give me a heart that finds delight on your generosity to others. Likewise, let me heed Your call now, for journeying with You is always the best and most certain in this world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Zack’s Selfie With JZ

First Reading: Wisdom 11:22 -- 12:2

In your sight, Lord, the whole world is like a grain of dust that tips the scales,

like a drop of morning dew falling on the ground.

Yet you are merciful to all, because you can do all things

and overlook men’s sins so that they can repent.

Yes, you love all that exists, you hold nothing of what you have made in abhorrence,

for had you hated anything, you would not have formed it.

And how, had you not willed it, could a thing persist,

how be conserved if not called forth by you?

You spare all things because all things are yours, Lord, lover of life,

you whose imperishable spirit is in all.

Little by little, therefore, you correct those who offend,

you admonish and remind them of how they have sinned,

so that they may abstain from evil and trust in you, Lord.

Psalm: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11 -- 2:2

We pray continually that our God will make you worthy of his call, and by his power fulfil all your desires for goodness and complete all that you have been doing through faith; because in this way the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in you and you in him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  To turn now, brothers, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumour or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived.

Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

Reflection
By Nats Vibiesca

JZ was the star passing down town  Zack, the infamous BIR guy, curiously googled the itinerary of JZ. He climbed an unknown tree carrying his Canon Rebel T5i. Up there, he waited for JZ. It’s the perfect spot to see JZ. Never mind if he’s short. He’s handsome in his latest DSLR. Actually, Zack wanted to take a perfect selfie shot with JZ. Soon Zack’s in his selfie location heard screaming and rejoicing. He readied the 3 inch vari-angle pop out screen of his selfie toy. He touched the screen for some commands. Now, he puts the mode into Live View. Then, tested some creative filters before taking the shot. He previewed the shots and was satisfied. He knew that many likers will flash thumbs up on this selfie shot once uploaded on FB. But when he’s about to take the shot, JZ called on him. “Zack, are you crazy? Let’s have some drinks at your house.” Zack missed the perfect selfie shot.

This maybe the Gospel version of the selfie generation. But the reflection is simply the same. We are like Zack on selfie mode, seeking to see who Jesus is, but actually Jesus is the one who seeks us out. We are selfish sinners seeking peace and love. Ashamed of our sins, despised by many people, lost and nothing to be proud of, yet Jesus goes to tell us that He wants to stay with us personally, inside our home. This is inside our hearts. What can we ask more of a God who seek and save what was lost? Jesus, our Good Shepherd, wants to save us not for a day but all our life long. When we accept Jesus in our hearts, actions will speak through unselfish acts towards our neighbour, especially the poor. With Jesus dwelling in our hearts we become enthusiastic in helping the poor.  While Jesus keeps our hearts burning with love, we repay four times those we have hurt by stealing the resources of the poor.   

By the way, Zack took 1,000 selfie shots with JZ. But never posted a single selfie shot on FB. JZ, asks “I thought you will tag me some photos on FB? What happen to our 1,000 wacky shots?” Zack smiled, he said “I will just keep our selfie photos, instead I will post pictures of poor people but happy in life because they have a short friend who is willing to help them.” You may want to know that Zack immediately texted those he extorted over the years and intends to repay four times over. Only JZ can make these things possible.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, stay with us, dwell in our hearts, keep our hearts burning with love. You know that we are selfish, you know that we are lost, you know that we are sinful. Have mercy on us, Jesus, our true Good Shepherd, save us and help us.  Amen.