Recently there are two people who were part of my formation that passed away. One was a priest and the other was a friend and a teacher. Both were younger than me. With this reality, again, I am reminded that life is short and uncertain and that at any time, God can call you. The…
Category: The Commandments
Courage
Who would ever think that we would see the day that: Even calling out an inappropriate relationship brands one as judgmental and intolerant. Despite all of these, right is still right, even if no one is for it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. Further, we remember the saying, “All it…
Love of God and Love of Neighbor
Mark 12: 28-31 Once I had the opportunity to join a procession. We went around town praying the rosary and singing religious songs. It was solemn and beautiful. Upon reaching the Church, to signify the end of the procession, the priest blessed the Carozas. Suddenly, there was a commotion – people started receiving the flowers….
Reap What You Sow
I am sure that we have heard people lament, “What is the point of doing good and what is right? Just look at the people who do otherwise. They have nicer houses, nicer cars, nicer clothes, and more properties.” Indeed these people may have a point. But there is one thing that they always forget…
Who is Not with Us is Against Us
Every once in a while, I am approached by parents lamenting that their son or daughter is not Catholic anymore. No more Mama Mary or rosary, no more images, and intercession of saints, no more Masses and the litany continues. I often ask the parent if the son or daughter has become a better person….
Good Luck or Blessed
We Filipinos, when it comes to blessings, are very faithful. When we get a new house, a new car, or a new office, we have it blessed. Typically, when one is asked why do the blessing, the response is for “Good Luck” and that “Money Flows In.” If it is truly about good luck and…
Public Opinion
John 7: 40-53 One of the favorite pastimes of people is talking about other people’s lives. Even Jesus was not exempted. They were always talking about him. “Is He a prophet?”, “Is He the Christ?”, “Is He from the family of David?”. Yet Jesus had only one thing in mind, which was to do the…
Go to All the Ends of the Earth
Mark 16: 15-20 In the fifties, it was said that the Philippines was the 2nd strongest economy in Asia. In fact, the first airline in Asia is in the Philippines, the first stock exchange in Asia is in the Philippines, the first steel church in the world, San Sebastian Church, is in the Philippines, the…
What is Most Important
Matthew 13:44-46 There was once a survey made and the question was, “What is the most important thing in life?” The top twelve answers were: Health Family Friends Love Purpose Passion Wellness Education Time Water Food Sleep Indeed they are important but they are all fleeting, fading, and passing. One day it is useful, the…
Power of Words
Matthew 8:5-13 There is a saying that “A pen is mightier that a sword.” Throughout history, words have influenced people and not violence. A person who grew up with affirmation, is confident. Compare this to a person who grew up with criticism, as often criticism also comes out of the mouth. In St. Matthew’s Gospel,…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 