MY CIRCLE SYNDROME

HOMILY FOR TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. Readings: Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6 and Mark 9:38-43.45.47-48.   Christianity is deeper than we think, it is not just the outward behavior exhibited by excessive enthusiasm. There are moments we unconsciously segregate people because they do not make part of our group or circle. […]

THE LAW OF GOD AND THE HEART OF MAN

Readings Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8; Psalm 15; James 1:17-18.21-27 and Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23.  It is obvious covid-19 has taught us many life lessons, one of which is the importance of proper hygiene. Although we seem to be relaxed at the moment, the practice of constantly washing and sanitizing our hands have come to stay in our society due […]

THE CULTURE OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45.  A week ago, I was at the priestly ordination of my Oblates brothers and before the Mass, I was marveled at the commitment, service and sacrifice of some parishioners towards the success of this event. I had the feeling that this culture were gradually going into […]

FOR WE CANNOT BUT SPEAK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD.

Readings: Isaiah 56:1-6; Psalm 96; Roman 10:9-18 and Mark 16:15-20.  Today the Holy Mother Church celebrates World Mission Sunday, as was decreed by Pope Pius XI in 1926, for every Church/institution/parish. In the year 2019, we had the central theme: “Baptized and sent,” which was aimed at rekindling the missionary spirit in the life of […]

THE CENTRALITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD: LOVE, UNITY AND SACRIFICE

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-38 and Mark 12:28-34.  Today’s liturgy reminds us of the greatest theological virtue, which is love. All the laws and prophets has love as their foundation, and this is explicit in the readings. This virtue of love is better expressed from two dimensions: our relationship with God and with […]

DID THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY EXPERIENCE DEATH?

Readings: Revelation 11:19.12:1-6.10; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 and Luke 139-56.  Today we celebrate one of the most controversial doctrines among Christians – the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Did her body experience decay or was she “assumed” into heaven body and soul? Does the Bible mention her assumption into […]

WHERE IS GOD IN THE MIDST OF EVIL?

Readings: Job 7:1-4.6-7; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 9:16-19.22-23 and Mark 1:29-39.  What is our conception of suffering? Are we the type of Christians that don’t want to hear the word “suffer” or are we among those that endlessly ask: “How can we explain or justify the sufferings of man”? Why does God who is almighty […]

WE ARE PEOPLE OF HOPE

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14.18; Mark 13: 24-32.  It is commonly said, “After the darkest of the night comes a new dawn.” The night could be so long, but dawn is certain. Passing through the tunnel could be so rigorous, stressful and painful but at the end of it comes great joy. This […]

THE KINGSHIP OF THE SON OF MAN

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:5-8 and John 18:33-37.  Today is Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, which marks the end of the liturgical year cycle B. In today’s celebration we adore and worship Christ our King, the Alpha and Omega of our lives, whose kingship is to establish equity, justice love […]

THE FIRST CANDLE OF ADVENT: HOPE

Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 and Luke21:25-38.34-36.  The first Sunday of Advent begins a new liturgical calendar, year C and year II for weekdays. Advent has its origin from the Latin word “Adventus,” meaning “Coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word “parousia”. It is a season of preparation for the celebration […]

THE FEAR OF THE FUTURE

HOMILY FOR THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR The fear of the future has hindered and restricted so many Christians from the virtue of generosity in which the virtue of hospitality is embedded. This fear has lured so many to preserve and hoard their belongings to themselves alone. There is no way we can be generous if we continue […]

Path from Grief to Joy

When we experience loss, it is natural to grieve. However, many people don’t know how to grieve. They may not have witnessed their parents grieving and learned to suppress their grief as a result. Or, they may have allowed grief to overtake them and turn them into bitter, hardened people. Neither is the right response. […]