Many articles have come out about good fortune and what superstitious practices can be done. Some of the more popular ones are: The list goes on and on. When asked why do we do all these, the typical answer: “It won’t hurt.” But deep down in our hearts it is saying that if God doesn’t…
Category: Church Traditions
Innocents
Look what power, greed and insecurity can do. Because Herod was very afraid of losing his position and privileges, he had all boys, below two years old, killed. In today’s time, Herod’s acts are still very much around. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 125,000 abortions every day. Meaning about 40,000,000 to…
Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?
In the US, there was a survey made by Gallup Poll that says in 2021, only 81 percent of Americans believed in God. The survey started way back in 1944. Up to the 1960s, 98 percent believed in God. Up to 2011, it was 92 percent believed. Up to last year, 17 percent do not…
Authority and Participation
Ed. Note: This entry is from Fr. Mon’s series of Simbang Gabi homilies A synodal Church is a participatory and co-responsible Church. How do we identify the goals to be pursued, the way to achieve them, and the steps to be taken? How is authority exercised within our particular Church? What are the practices of…
Immaculate Conception
It is the desire of God that we human beings share his happiness. However, in paradise man and woman ate the forbidden tree, and original sin entered into our lives thus sending man and woman out of paradise. Yet, it is the desire of God that we human beings share his happiness and that is…
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. My dear friends, the Feast of the Assumption is very important because we are reminded that there is eternal life. Never lose hope in the goodbyes of life; the separation is only temporary. The challenge now…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 