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…
Category: Social Awareness
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…
Children
There was an article recently in the newspaper about the birthrate in the Philippines. In 2017, it was 2.7 children per woman. In 2022, the fertility rate was down to 1.9. The figure is 2.2 in rural areas and 1.7 in urban centers. This is already below the replacement level for two parents. Further, while…
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…
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…
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…
Peter and Paul
When we talk about Makati, three obvious things come to mind. First is wealth. Makati is the second richest city in the Philippines, only after Quezon City, which is 7.5 times bigger. Second is prestige. It is home to skyscrapers, the richest villages, and very beautiful malls. Third is the benefits. Education and medicine are…
Sacred Heart
When I would accompany my late mother to her doctor appointments and when she was hospitalized, I noticed her blood pressure would always be taken. Once I asked the doctor why he always takes her blood pressure. The answer was simple but very profound – “It is the heart that tells us whether there is…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 