Competition

As a priest, one reality of the ministry is that we are always compared to others. Fr. A sings better, Fr. B is very good in Filipino, Fr. C is always present and so easy to invite, Fr D gives good homilies, etc. Intentionally or unintentionally, this causes intrigue and competition. In a reading from…

Wise and Foolish

If you wish to know what people are most interested in nowadays, just go online.  Not too long ago, the top three most viewed on YouTube were: No. 3 was a music video of Wiz Khalifa – See You Again No. 2 was a music video of Ed Sheeran – Shape of You No. 1…

Discipleship

During the time of Jesus, it would not be a surprise if many wanted to be his disciple. They must have seen his fame. People were following him were ever he may be. Further, they loved his preaching. They must have seen his power. Even the Chief Priests, the Scribes and the Pharisees were afraid…

It All Starts Small

How often do we hear people say, “If I get this project or If I get this deal or If I win this case, I will give ten percent to the Church…” While this may be noble, the most important question is, has this person been giving to the Church? Why this question? If the…

Recognizing Jesus

Once I was asked to pick up a guest at the airport. Since I did not know him, I was told that he was Caucasian, a heavy build, we had the same hairline, and he was a priest. As soon as I got to the airport, it took no time for me to recognize him…

St Therese of the Child Jesus

One thing beautiful about Children is how they trust their parents. I was once in a boat and the ride became very turbulent. The waves were high, the winds were strong and water was getting into the boat. The two children in front of us began to cry. What their parents did was to simply…

Change

Luke 6:1-5 If you look at the world today, we are all shouting for change because there are many things that are not right. Why do these things happen to us? We have taken away God from our lives. Now we do not know what is right or what is wrong. How true what was…

Children

While God loves each and every one of us equally, there are those who are, should we say, “closest to his heart: Mama Mary – We know Mothers have a very special place in the hearts of their children and Jesus was no different. The first miracle at Cana was through the intercession of Mama…

Talents

I love watching the many talent shows on TV. Often a contestant walks in, and we think, “Why is she there?”, “The nerve” or “He will never make it”. Then the person does his own thing, and we are stunned. We tell ourselves, “Unbelievable! Where did he get that talent?” My dear friends the Gospel…

Love for Children

During the time of Jesus, he had a preferential option for the disadvantaged: the poor, women, the widow, the sinner, the prostitute, and yes, the children. Children during the time of Jesus were treated as second class citizens. Hence, they were closest to the heart of Jesus. That is why he scolded his apostles for…