There was an article recently in the newspaper about the birthrate in the Philippines. In 2017, there were 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…
Category: Social Awareness
Evil
Since time immemorial, people have asked these questions: First, “If God is good, why is there evil?” Second, “Why is evil seemingly prevailing?” Third, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The Gospel often reminds us of the reality of evil, the presence of evil and yes, its co-existence with the good in the…
Christ the King
In this world, everything comes to an end. The most beautiful song has an end; the most beautiful movie has an end; the most meaningful relationships have an end; and all our lives will come to an end. Yes, this world will eventually come to an end. This Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of…
Civil Authority
When Jesus founded the Church, he gave it authority. “Peter you are the rock and on this rock I will build my Church… whatever binds on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever is loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19) In this world, there is only one authority and that is…
Money
In a eulogy that I witnessed, a son was giving tribute to his father. He said when he was growing up, they would wonder why they were not as rich as the office mates of his father. His father would always say three things: First, God sees everything Second, it is better to eat simple…
Seeing God’s Hand
How many times have I been asked this question, “Why does God allow evil in this world?” That indeed is a very valid question. Just look at the current state of the world. First, the right is made wrong and the wrong is made right Second, the evildoers are very bold. Why stand up for…
How Little We Have
Many times in our lives we are harassed by how little we have. How do you run a seminary with 98 seminarians with the prices ever increasing? How do you continue to send your children to school with prices ever increasing? How do you help out people while having your own needs? In the Gospel,…
Come Follow Me
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…
Social Sins
Ed. Note: This was a homily for a school mass. Student or not though, we can all relate to the lessons. In 1925, Mahatma Gandhi published in his newspaper Young India, a list of social sins. Almost 100 years later, now more than ever, these have become very relevant: Politics without principles Wealth without work…
Paradox of Life
It is said that life is a paradox. Five examples: First, the more you try to impress people, the less people will be impressed Second, the more you fail, the more likely you will succeed Third, the more you are afraid of death, the less you will enjoy life Fourth, the more you learn, the…
