Are You Burdened?

When the government started to open up some establishments, many people wanted the Church included. Why? It is not only about physical health in this pandemic. It is also about mental health.  There are millions who have lost their jobs or livelihood, thousands who have lost their loved ones, and of course there is the…

Tita Angeling (A Reflection on Mothers)

Ed. note: This was the Ninth Day homily of Tita Angeling, a friend and parishioner who passed away last year. — When the family went through the things of Tita Angeling, they discovered the greatest heirloom ever. No, it was not jewelry, though we know that Tita Angeling was fond of them. It was her…

People Who Put You Down

There is a saying that people need people. Yet, one of the most painful realities is when people put other people down. How many of us still have the words playing in our minds, “You are never good enough”, “Bobo or inutil”, or “You are are a mistake.” In the Gospel, there was blind man…

Reading without Understanding

Luke 6:1-5 There is a saying that one may hear but not listen (naririnig pero hindi nakikinig), see but not look (nakakakita pero hindi tumitingin), and read but not understand (nagbabasa pero hindi binabasa).  All the many laws in the Jewish tradition were meant to show the love for God, but it does not stop…

Things People Do for Money

On YouTube, there was once a social experiment of “What People Will Do For Money.” Indeed, there were many funny things that people will do, such as:  Swimming in a public fountain Cross dressing and dancing during a public rally Asking a lady on a date while she is with her husband And yes, many…

Assumption

Why is Lucifer so mad at Mary? Satan was initially a very beautiful and powerful angel, but because of pride, he wanted to be “Like God.” Due to that, he was brought down. Mama Mary, on the other hand, was humble. In fact, she was fearful and confused when she was told that she would be…

One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

Matthew 16:13-19 There was this article entitled, “Who Founded Your Church?” Roman Catholic Church: 33AD, by Jesus Christ Lutheran Church: 1517, Martin Luther  Anglican Church: 1534, King Henry VIII Mormonism: 1830, Joseph Smith Jehovah’s Witnesses: 1874, Charles Taze Russell In the Gospel, we hear of Jesus telling Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter,…

The Power of Prayer

Matthew 9:1-8 The people today live on what we can call the best of times. They have iPads, cellphones, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Twenty years ago, these things were not a reality. Yet, despite all the wonders of technology, there is one thing that still has to be addressed – stress, anxiety, and worry. Just…

The Key to Gratitude

Matthew 13:18-23 When we talk about St. John Vianney (St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney), the patron saint of priests, three things come to mind. First, because of his witnessing he was able to convert the whole village of Ars, France. Second, his mortification which turned off the devil. Third, his service through long, long hours of hearing…

Losing One’s Life to Save It

Matthew 10:34:41 A friend of mine had a dream to be successful. She studied hard for it and eventually worked hard for it too. Just when she thought she was on her way up the corporate ladder, she found herself sick and hospitalized. Her realization is that at any given time, whatever we work hard…