Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity. If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Also, Tao Te Ching once said, “Power can be a strong aphrodisiac and intoxicant. It reveals the character of those who hold it. How they acquire it, how they exercise it, illuminates their character…
Rest
One of the realities of life is that many of us are tired: All of us need rest. Even Christ and his disciples had to go up the mountain to rest. Three ways how to rest: First, forgiveness. Jesus said, “not only seven times but seventy-seven times”. How many of us go through life angry…
Healing
One of the most difficult of human experiences is being sick. One realizes that we are not in control after all. In the Gospel, Jesus often reminds us of another “sickness” in need of healing – the reality of devils and evils spirit. Three reflections on the healing of evil spirits: Hence, we always pray…
Good Works
One huge difference between us Catholics and Protestants is that the Protestants believe in Faith Alone. That is, just say, “Jesus is Lord.” and “Receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour”, and you will be saved. For Catholics, it is clear faith and good works. We remember Jesus telling his disciples, “The greatest are…
Family and Calling
I have been a priest for eighteen years this year. It is not easy but I tell people that it is the world’s best-kept secret. How a priest enters the life of people and family in their happiest moments and their most difficult moments, is beyond compare. In the words of Christ, “Anyone who has…
Sin and Healing
When Jesus was on earth, he was most sought after because of his healing. Yes, especially during those times, if one were sick that would almost be like a death sentence or long-term suffering. Hence, people would really search for Jesus for healing. Remember that we are both body and soul. If the body is…
Events that Define Us
In our life, there are experiences that define us. Hopefully, we will become stronger, wiser, and better people. However, it could also go the other way. According to a survey, some of these experiences include: falling in love, changing in financial situation, getting your heart broken, getting chronically ill, having a pet, experiencing discrimination, a…
Care of Child
There is a saying that the youth is the future of any country. Hence, a country like the Philippines is in a so-called “sweet spot” because the average age is 25.7 against the global average of 30.7. We also know this: it is not just the quantity but the quality. What kind of children are…
Baptismal Promises
Every Easter Vigil or every time we stand as a godparent for a baptism, we renew our baptismal vows. Do you reject Satan? Do you reject all his works? Do you reject all his empty promises? Why is this very important and significant? It is because most of us were baptized when we were infants….
Death is Not the End
Ed. Note: This was a mass homily at Cavalry (Golgotha) itself, during one of Fr Mon’s trips to the Holy Land. Especially these last few years, we have said goodbye to so many people. It has made us realize that life is short and swift. Further, when it comes to goodbyes, there is a saying,…