Viva Santo Niño!

Feast of the Santo Niño

18 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97

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

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

 

Unhurried Grace

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

15 June 2025

 

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel: John 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

The profound words of Jesus invite us into a contemplation of both the mystery of divine revelation and the transformative guidance the Holy Spirit offers in our lives. Jesus says that not all truth is revealed at once, but He reassures us that there is a divine process at work— a gentle unfolding of understanding that matches our readiness to receive it. This gradual revelation is not about concealment but rather an act of deep wisdom. Just as the disciples could not grasp the fullness of Jesus’ teachings at once, we too often find life's truths emerging over time. In moments of uncertainty or when the weight of life’s challenges seems too heavy, we are reminded that the Spirit of truth is ever-present, patiently preparing our hearts to receive deeper understanding. This path in divine revelation teaches us the importance of trust and patience, inviting us to welcome the slow, nurturing progression of spiritual growth. It is in this embrace of gradual revelation that our understanding deepens, and our faith is strengthened.

Jesus also wants us to understand the nature of the Holy Trinity. The intimate relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is deeply established. All that the Father possesses is also with the Son, and the Holy Spirit acts as the guide, proclaiming this divine unity to us. In the harmonious relationship of these three persons, we can have a glimpse of the perfect model of love that is very evident in our relationships — values that lie at the heart of our family lives. The Spirit does not work alone but glorifies Jesus by drawing from the abundance of divine truth offered by the Father. This sacred and intimate harmony of the Holy Trinity reminds us of our spiritual inheritance — that truth and wisdom are gifts meant to be shared.

If we look at the aspect of family life, our understanding of the Holy Trinity offers an inspiring guide for relationships, like in the role of Fathers. Just as the Heavenly Father imparts love, provision, and truth to His creation, earthly fathers are called to share these divine qualities within the family. A father’s role is not simply to lead or to instruct from above, but to walk beside his loved ones in a journey of shared discovery and growth. By modeling restraint, compassion, and a willingness to listen—as the Holy Spirit listens and communicates truth—fathers can guide their families with a wisdom that inspires courage and nurtures hope. The words of Jesus invite fathers to see themselves as humble stewards of a greater truth, entrusted not with complete authority and power, but with the responsibility of mirroring God’s infinite love and patience.

We are also invited to appreciate that growth and understanding occur in small, precious moments. Life lessons cannot simply be given all at once but must develop gradually, nurtured by repeated acts of love, kindness, guidance, and by example. When fathers invest in their children by being honest, kind, and patient, they build an environment in which truth can flourish. An environment that is also a reflection of the Holy Trinity’s patient revelation to the disciples. Through this, we slowly understand the unhurried grace that is continuously imparted as we go through our journeys together. As relationships deepen and bonds strengthen, the light of truth shines ever brighter. Families that nurture truth and love become shelters not only for their own members but also for the larger community, resonating with the nature of the Holy Trinity for all to witness. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, we are reminded that the eternal love of the Father, the sacrificial presence of the Son, and the guiding power of the Holy Spirit are implanted into every aspect of our lives.

As we also celebrate Father’s Day, may every father be inspired to lead with gentle authority and heartfelt dedication. Fathers are beacons of truth who help their families go through the difficulties of life by sharing the slow, steady light of divine wisdom. For all earthly fathers like me, may we embrace our role as guides, companions, and earthly models of divine love. Know that in every patient word, every compassionate act, and every silent moment of shared truth, we reflect the divine process of the Holy Trinity in us. Trusting in this process helps us tirelessly nurture our families, lighting the way with love, truth, and ascending hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle unfolding of Your truth that guides us through every season of life. May The Holy Spirit fill our hearts with patient understanding, teaching us to trust in the gradual revelation of Your divine wisdom. Inspire us, especially as fathers and family leaders, to mirror Your compassion, humility, and steadfast love in every act. Help us to see the beauty in small moments, knowing that each is a step toward deeper spiritual growth and unity. In the sacred harmony of the Holy Trinity, may we be empowered to reflect Your light to our families and the world around us.

We also lift to you the countries who are in conflict right now, especially Israel and Iran, asking that Your peace might repress the war and heal every division. May Your presence soften hardened hearts and guide leaders toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation. Inspire all communities to replace disharmony with understanding and replace struggle with hope. In Your infinite mercy, bring lasting peace and unity to these distressed regions and the whole world.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

This is the Day!

Easter Sunday

12 April 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 10:34, 37-43
Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Second reading                                                         Colossians 3:1-4

If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Gospel                                                                     John 20:1-9

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.

The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus” head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

By the time you read this reflection, the enhanced community quarantine is about to end (hopefully) and we will back to our normal lives again.  But should we?

Can we really go back to our normal lives that easily? I hope we don’t rush into the norm without bringing the lessons with us.  I hope we go back to the norm that is worth going back for.

We will put higher respect to where it is due – respect for our front liners: the doctors, the nurses, the health care workers, our policemen and military officers.  We have now distinguished the true servant leaders and uncovered the rotten ones based on their actions (or lack of).  May we go back more responsible for our actions and put less value on things. May we appreciate and nurture the relationships we have built during the downtime.

Today’s Gospel reading is the greatest news of all.  After three days of mourning, the disciples have discovered an empty tomb.  Later they are about to learn of the risen Lord.  Their lives will never be the same again.  They can never go back to how it was before.  The Lord is risen, death is defeated. Humanity is saved!

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!”   This is the happy cry of the Lord’s resurrection. May we shout the same praise when we finally go out of quarantine, renewed with a different kind of faith.

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day! We glorify Your name for You have held Your nation through this crisis.  With the risen Christ, we will rise above this pandemic with unity and bolder faith. Amen.

Three in One

Holy Trinity Sunday

16 June 2019

First reading                                                                        Proverbs 8:22-31
[Wisdom says of herself] “The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race.

Second reading                                                        Romans 5:1-5

Brothers and sisters, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Gospel                                                                     John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We begin and end our prayer with the sign of the cross. I remember a priest testing me if I can do the sign of the cross properly as he began the baptism rite where I was a godmother. It was important for I will help in cultivating the faith of that little one being baptized. The sign of the cross may be simple as we think but it encapsulates the wholeness of the Catholic faith. It is in this gesture that we invoke the blessing of the Holy Trinity, the triune God that we believe in.

The first Sunday after Pentecost is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. In this celebration we recognize the presence of one God in three divine persons. While our understanding of the Trinity has advanced and deepened over the years, this dogma of our faith will always remain as the greatest mystery. We cannot completely grasp its connotation but we fully accept that this one God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The distinction between the three doesn’t rest in their autonomy, but in the “relationship of each Person to the others” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 252). God exists in a relationship of love—a love that He invites us to share.

In the Old Testament, the image of God is perceived as good because of His wonderful creation and everlasting assistance to His chosen race. In the New Testament, our God is regarded as a compassionate Father for He gave His only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer of sinners.  And right after the resurrection, out of Christ’s love for His apostles that He did not leave them alone, He breathed to them the Holy Spirit that will be their guide in proclaiming the faith. The love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for each other unites them in becoming one God.

This Trinity Sunday, let us reflect on the relationship to which God has called us. How completely do we imitate the love of the Trinity in our relationships? Jesus left us with just two important commandments: “to love God and one another.” It is in loving each other that we will be united as one family and witnesses of God’s infinite and unconditional love. We may have different opinions, religions, and passions but we can definitely set those aside if we always choose to love. It is easier to subtract and divide but we are called to add and multiply; for God's favorite mathematical operation is multiplication.

As I end this reflection, let me share you a practical thought I learned from a priest about the sign of the cross. Pointing to forehead means God the Father gives us wisdom and understanding. Pointing to the stomach reminds us that Jesus the Son is the bread of life. Pointing to both shoulders tell us that the Holy Spirit hugs and joins us in our faith journey. And bringing hands together means we acknowledge the presence and implore the blessing of the Most Holy Trinity.

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help us to love others with Your example. Help us to not cause pain and hurt to others. Make us an instrument of Your unity today and always  Amen.

Encourage

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 03 February 2019
First reading Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

In the days of Josiah, the word of the Lord came to me saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.

Second reading                                                          1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 4:21-30

Jesus began to say to them in the synagogue, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”

He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”

When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

“And He said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” – Luke 4:24

I have to admit,  I am one of the skeptics like those people in the Gospel today. I don’t easily believe or trust what I see.  I would often judge them based on their background and doubt if they were as good as what they seem.  Like when an acquaintance publishes a book or came up to me as a motivational speaker, I would be the last to buy their book or even attend their talk.  In my mind, I would think “How come in a short span of time, he was able to come up with a book? “ or “Is there something new I can learn from this guy?” I was too proud. Very un-Christian of me, eh?

But after a while, I would snap out of it …my prejudiced self will take a back seat. In the end, I would find myself hoarding the books and attending their training.

In today’s Gospel, even Jesus did not escape skeptics like me.  He was under their scrutinizing magnifying lens and checking His moves.  They thought of Him as “too good to be true”  for someone who is just a carpenter’s son.  They are waiting for any sign that will reveal His fraudulence.  But then,  Jesus continued to amaze them with His works, an authority beyond their understanding.

Nowadays,  where we are surrounded with fraud and fake news,  it is but right to put due diligence to research before labeling it as truth or lie. But if we meet persons who speak truth and their acts bring good fruit, then we need to applaud and encourage them regardless of who they were in the past. 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25

Prayer

Father God, often we are dominated by our prejudices that we fail to see Your works through our brothers and sisters. Be more patient with us, Father and open our eyes and hearts to see their goodness so that we may encourage one another and glorify You through our unity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Leaving Too?

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

26 August 2018

First reading                                                                   Joshua 24:1-2
Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors-Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor-lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods.

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 5:21-32

Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind-yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, because we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church.

Gospel                                                                     John  6:60-69

Many of the disciples of Jesus remarked, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.”

For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?”

Reflection

By Jessa Janelle Padilla

Who are we going to serve?  To whom would we commit? These are the questions that we need to ask ourselves based on our readings for today.

In our current situation, most people opt to serve those who are in power in order to obtain a little power. They disregard their morality and dignity just to serve them. The term ‘yes-person’ is so much used nowadays. But is it worth it? Are they happy and fulfilled? I think no, because only by serving the Lord can grant us happiness and make us fulfilled.

In my own perspective, I am not in favor of serving other gods other than our Savior Jesus Christ. I am not fond serving those in power. I don’t want to be a yes-person in order to gain power and popularity. I don’t want to disregard my morality and dignity to serve them. I am willing to serve those who are incapable and powerless since they are the representation of God here on earth. They are the ones who are most in need of our service. As a government employee, I took an oath to serve the people and their welfare.

                

In terms of commitment, I am now committed to serving the Church regardless of how busy my schedule is. I am devoting my day-off to serve Him as long as He permits me to do so.  He is my top priority and I am willing to cancel my schedule when He calls me. Just like one Sunday afternoon, my mother, my best friend, and I were hanging out in Ocean Park and I received a text message from my co-lector that they are in need of my help since the one who is scheduled to serve the last mass in the Cathedral is not available. I responded yes immediately since I believed that wherever I am or whatever I do, when He calls me I must respond yes to Him.

In our Second reading for today it reminds us especially those were joined by Him in marriage to be submissive to one another: to love and cherish each other as how God does to the Church. He reminds us that the two persons that He bond through marriage will become one flesh. Two persons as one just like Him and the Church. A great mystery that only those with a deep faith believes. Once we commit ourselves to somebody, we should be aware that we are being one with them.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus asks His twelve disciples if they also want to leave Him just like the other disciples who returned to their former way of life after hearing His words. If Jesus would ask us the same question, what would be our response to Him? Are we going to abandon Him or keep on following Him? Nowadays, some Christians are abandoning the Church because of lack of faith, influence of peers or some untoward incident such as the clerical sexual abuse and cover-ups in various parts of the world. Who would we blame that such incident happened? Is it God or ourselves? As Christians we should look after our fellow Christians and be responsible to keep their faith to God burning in their hearts, leading them in the right path and continue nourishing each other’s spiritual life. Let us not abandon each other so that we will all together serve, follow, and preach His words. Like Peter, let's affirm in our daily lives that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Let our lives tell others that we have come to believe and are convinced that He is the Holy One of God.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, we thank You most sincerely on giving us the chance to serve You. Humble our hearts to serve those who are badly in need of our help. May You guide us in choosing whom we will commit and serve. And may we serve You with utmost loyalty and sincerity. United with the Blessed Virgin Mary we make this prayer. Amen.

United in Love

The Most Holy Trinity

27 May 2018

First reading                                                                      Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?
So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.

Second reading                                                      Romans 8:14-17

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Gospel                                                                     Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

"One for all, all for one", goes an old adage. I remember a colleague used to remind us all about that when we were starting a youth group in the parish many years ago. "Easier said than done", goes another saying. Indeed, there were challenges and barriers to unity. Each of us have our own personal views and ambitions. There were moments when we were engaged in a love-hate relationship. And yet, thank God, we gradually learned how it is to rise up from our follies, so that our group would be firmly established in the community. Thank God too because it is turning 29 come June 2.

Today's feast day celebrates the diversity and unity of God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three distinct persons, yet one God. How is that? Looking back at the many celebrations we have as God's People - Christmas, Lent, and Easter - would give us an idea of God's oneness: love. The Father loves the Son who, in turn, loves the Father. From that love comes the Holy Spirit. And that love, as we can see from these three divine persons, is something that has to be shared. As Bishop Michael Curry said during his sermon in the Royal Wedding held on May 19: “When love is the way, we actually treat each other, well like we are actually a family".

Are there any areas in our life that prevent us from being united in love as a family, as a community, as a nation? Perhaps it's high time we seek God's intervention.

Prayer

Most Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we adore and thank You for Your unity. Help us to break any barriers towards unity so that we may answer Your call to love.  Amen.

Understanding

Pentecost

04 June 2017

First reading	Acts 2:1-11

When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
  Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. ‘Surely’ they said ‘all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.’

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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103(104):1,24,29-31,34

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Second reading	1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13

No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
  There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose.
  Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Alleluia!

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Gospel	John 20:19-23

In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.
‘As the Father sent me,
so am I sending you.’
After saying this he breathed on them and said:
‘Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sins you forgive,
they are forgiven;
for those whose sins you retain,
they are retained.’

Reflection

by Benj Santiago

“ Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”

We commemorate today the feast of Pentecost, the coming of the promised Advocate of the Father - the Holy Spirit. Preceded by strong winds and in the form of tongues of fire, it descended upon the apostles and they began to preach to the devout Jews from different nations who were gathered in Jerusalem. People who speak different tongues were surprised to understand the message conveyed by Peter and the rest of Jesus' followers.

Last Sunday was the Solemnity of the Ascension of Christ . Christ ascended into heaven, but He made sure that we believers will not be left behind. He fulfilled His promise that all who have gathered in His Name will be baptized by the Holy Spirit. And instantly they were able to communicate and understood each other in spite of their different languages. And when people understand each other, they have unity. And when there is unity, there is love and peace.

In our families, in our communities, in our work places, and in our country as a whole, there is a great need to pray for understanding. We need to have the Pentecost experience to resolve conflicts brought about by varying and conflicting ideas. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit descend upon all of us so that we can understand each other and achieve peace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending to us the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us. We pray that we become bearers of the Holy Spirit to make us instruments of peace, unity and love. Lord, grant that the power of the Holy Spirit would enable us to renew the face of the earth! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!

In Praise of the Trinity

The Most Holy Trinity   22 May 2016  

First reading
Proverbs 8:22-31

The Wisdom of God cries aloud:

The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded,

  before the oldest of his works.

From everlasting I was firmly set,

  from the beginning, before earth came into being.

The deep was not, when I was born,

  there were no springs to gush with water.

Before the mountains were settled,

  before the hills, I came to birth;

before he made the earth, the countryside,

  or the first grains of the world’s dust.

When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there,

  when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep,

when he thickened the clouds above,

  when he fixed fast the springs of the deep,

when he assigned the sea its boundaries

 – and the waters will not invade the shore –

  when he laid down the foundations of the earth,

I was by his side, a master craftsman,

  delighting him day after day,

  ever at play in his presence,

at play everywhere in his world,

  delighting to be with the sons of men

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 8:4-9

Second reading
Romans 5:1-5

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, by faith we are judged righteous and at peace with God, since it is by faith and through Jesus that we have entered this state of grace in which we can boast about looking forward to God’s glory. But that is not all we can boast about; we can boast about our sufferings. These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.  

Gospel	John 16:12-15

Jesus said:

‘I still have many things to say to you

but they would be too much for you now.

But when the Spirit of truth comes

he will lead you to the complete truth,

since he will not be speaking as from himself

but will say only what he has learnt;

and he will tell you of the things to come.

He will glorify me,

since all he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.

Everything the Father has is mine;

that is why I said:

All he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.’

  Reflection
By Benj Santiago  

“Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

Today in the history of our country is the first time we have the presumptive President has been clearly and beyond doubt given a mandate by majority of Filipinos. All of the non-winning candidates had early on conceded just a week after the election. This blessing of a peaceful and orderly election after the campaign that was truly gruelling and many times hurting. An election that is for the first time in the history of our country pushed 55 million voters to fight for their chosen candidates. So much affliction of hate. Family member against another. Community of believers against another group of believers. We are one body, one nation but we suffered so much division and hate. But the good thing is that we had endured and our true character as Filipinos who are God fearing and loving triumphed above all!

Prayers really make wonders. I am sure all the candidates and the voting public prayed. The Holy Spirit enveloped our hearts and the entire nation allowing us to endure the political process that is generally peaceful, credible, and orderly. Thank You Lord! Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You Father in Heaven!

Prayer

O Most Holy Trinity, we thank You for covering our nation with your mantle of protection and love. We thank You for giving us the most efficient, the swiftest, the most credible and peaceful election! We praise your Name forever. Amen!