Last March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic started in the Philippines. We did not know what Covid was. We did not know how to treat it. We tried everything to avoid it. It was very hard because we said goodbye to so many people. Many people experienced financial difficulties and up to now, many people are…
Category: Patience
Denial and Rejection
As people, we need people. In fact, it is people that give real happiness in life. Hence, one of the most painful of all human experiences is being “denied” – “You can choose your friends, but not your family” is typically said when we are disowning someone in the family. Further, being rejected is also…
Come Follow Me
Editor’s Note: This was a homily from last October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. As the life of St. Francis has lessons we can all learn from, we are including this here today. In the music industry, there is what is called “Fandom”. They are passionate and devoted fans who are…
Call to Sainthood
Ed. Note: This is a homily from last night’s mass at San Carlos Seminary, celebrating Fr. Mon’s 60th Birthday. Happy Birthday Fr. Mon! Thank you always, for the gift of your words, which have touched so many of our lives. Just last week we attended a conference on seminary formation in Iloilo. The experience nationwide…
All Things Come to Pass
Once upon a time in New York there existed the World Trade Center. The Twin Towers of 110 floors were completed in 1973. In 2001, it was brought down by terrorists when two planes crashed on both towers. It was a strange feeling that the symbol of American capitalism was brought down just like that. …
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…
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…
Jealousy
One of the most difficult of all experiences is when we compare our life to others. Eventually, three realities arise: Even Jesus was not spared from Jealousy. He preached with authority; He gave hope to people; He cured the sick and drove away demons. Yet, what did his enemies say? “He got his powers from…
Calling
During the time of Jesus, he was an excellent preacher for three reasons: People during the time of Jesus knew that sheep were not very intelligent animals, hence would always need the guidance of the shepherd, especially for direction. Three realizations about callings in life: That is why we continue to be still so we…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 