Good Friday

Whenever we pray for the Novena for the deceased, there is a line that says, “Lord, help us to see death for what it really is.” This is an invitation that amidst our pain, sorrow, grief, and fears may we see the reason and beauty with death. Today we celebrate Good Friday. But again, how…

Betrayal and Trust

People have the impression that when you forgive, the once warm relationship that existed previously, should return. That is furthest from the truth. When one forgives, it is not for the other party. It is for ourselves. We take away the anger; we take away the desire for revenge; we focus on healing and moving…

What Matters In Life

As a priest, I always give priority to the Anointing of the Sick and Confession for those who are chronically ill. The confession typically takes at least one hour. It is not only a confession but also a flashback of life. Typically, the three things talked about: first, the hurts in life, most especially broken…

Healing and Prayer

With so many sick people and so many sicknesses, healing is one of the most popular prayer intentions. The Gospel today reminds us that one of the reasons people were going to Jesus in droves was to request healing. Further, the Gospel has as many as 22 different stories of healing. We have a rosary…

More Than Usual

When Adam and Eve sinned, the very first promise of God was the Messiah. Although it took 42 generations from Abraham to Jesus, God never forgot his promise. In fact, Simeon was so happy to see the Messiah to the point that he said, “Lord, let your servant go in peace. For I have seen…

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…

God Cares

How many times in our lives do we ask ourselves, “Does God really care?” This is usually when life is difficult, when we are experiencing storms of life, when we experience a death, when we suddenly get sick, or experience a broken relationship. In fact, we even ask, “If God is good, why do bad…

Following Christ

In the music industry, there is what is called “Fandom”. They are passionate and devoted fans who are deeply engaged with their favorite artists, groups, or bands. They attend concerts, buy merchandise, boost streaming momentum, and participate in fan communities. In other words, they will follow their favorite artists anywhere they are and all that…