Cost of Doing What is Right

A Christian worked in an office that was notorious for graft and corruption. He decided not to have anything to do with this and just do the right thing in his job. The next thing he knew, there was false news about him circulating. Then he was being harassed by officemates, and eventually he was…

Be Prepared

How many times has this happened to us – we get a call or we see on social media that a family, friend, office mate, or neighbor just passed away unexpectedly. Of course, at first, there is always denial, but eventually sadness and grief sink in. Also, two realities come in: First, we are reminded…

Mother Mary’s Birthday

ed. note: This was a mass homily given at LaSalle campus a few years ago, hence the student-athlete references. — Luke 4:31-37 Many years ago, a book titled A Purpose Driven Life came out and became a bestseller. The message was simple yet very profound, especially in a world that puts value on money, fame,…

Truly Wise and Truly Learned

In the years 2007 to 2008, the United States experienced a financial crisis that affected the economy of the world, caused millions to lose their jobs, and witnessed the closing of many financial institutions. This would make us wonder because the United States and these institutions are supposed to hire the most learned and the…

Greatest of All Commandments

In the Jewish traditions, there are 613 laws extracted from the Old Testament. To show one’s love for God, one has to be faithful and follow these laws. Humanly speaking, though, it can be so burdensome and difficult to think about and actually do these 613 laws. Hence, the most practical question, which is the…

Hope

Typically, during wakes, especially of children who have passed away, the loved ones and family have so many questions. Why did God take away our loved ones? Why did God give our loved one only to take him away so soon? Why him and not me? During a wake of a 13-year-old boy who passed…

Wheat and Weed

Why is there evil in the world? This has been the question people will always ask. The question then becomes, why do good when it is the evil doers advancing in this world? The Gospel reminds us of the following reality: First, yes, there is evil. But that was not created by God. There were…

Virtue or Vice

We live in a world of extremes: While there are very generous people, there are also very greedy people While there are happy people, there are also angry people While there are hopeful people, there are also pessimistic people If you look at these lives, one realizes that whether it is virtue or vice, it…

Fighting Evil

Everything that is happening in the world today is often only viewed politically, economically, or militarily. However, let us not forget to also look at conflicts in the spiritual realm. Yes, we live in a world where there is the seen and unseen, and the greatest battle is happening in the unseen – good versus…

Life, Death and Eternal Life

Why is the death of a child very painful? It is because it is not part of the design of life.  Life as we think we know it and as we think we can predict it, will tell us it is the children that will bury their parents. Hence for so many parents who have…