The Road to Holiness

It is the desire of every Christian to walk the path to holiness. To do so, the Church has given some “dos and don’ts” in this journey. Jesus often reminds us that more than from the outside, what really matters is what is on the inside.  One such example is when Jesus tells of the…

Blindness

It is said that we human beings have five senses. They all collect information that is sent to the brain. Then this information is what allows us to perceive the world. Of all the senses that we human beings have, a survey was made on what we considered the most important: touch, sight, hearing, taste,…

The Unseen

Editor’s Note: This was a homily for a newly ordained group entering the priesthood. We have included it, as the words pertain to all of us, and as a reminder to continue to pray for all of our priests. I have been a priest for 18 years and if there is one thing that has…

Forgiveness

While people need people, we all know that no relationship is perfect. There are people who have brought us happiness, there are people who have brought us pain. Hence, the challenge is to forgive.  Jesus was asked how many times should one forgive? Seven times. Seven times in the Jewish tradition means a lot. However,…

A God for All

One sad reality of humanity is that we tend to congregate among people we think we belong to. There is always the desire for exclusivity.  Suddenly even in the Matters of faith, there is also exclusivity. In the Old Testament, Naaman was in need of healing but he felt initially that he should be treated…

Temptation

Someone once said, “Opportunity only knocks once, but temptation knocks all the time.” Yes, in our desire to be happy, in our desire to find what we are looking for, in our desire to love and be loved, we look at the answers in the wrong places, persons, and things. As a result, we fall…

The Kingdom of God

When one observes the world today, one can ask, “Where is God?” Is God’s presence fading or prevailing? Look at the evildoers, they are so bold; people do not know what is right or what is wrong; there is no more sense of sin. “Where is God?” The good news is that the Kingdom of…

Power

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity. If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Also, Tao Te Ching once said, “Power can be a strong aphrodisiac and intoxicant. It reveals the character of those who hold it. How they acquire it, how they exercise it, illuminates their character…

Good Works

One huge difference between us Catholics and Protestants is that the Protestants believe in Faith Alone. That is, just say, “Jesus is Lord.” and “Receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour”, and you will be saved.  For Catholics, it is clear faith and good works. We remember Jesus telling his disciples, “The greatest are…

Family and Calling

I have been a priest for eighteen years this year. It is not easy but I tell people that it is the world’s best-kept secret. How a priest enters the life of people and family in their happiest moments and their most difficult moments, is beyond compare. In the words of Christ, “Anyone who has…