As a priest, I always give priority to Anointing of the Sick and Confession for those who are chronically ill. The confession typically takes at least one hour. It is not only confession but also a flashback of life. Typically, the three things talked about: first, the hurts in life, most especially broken relationships; second,…
Not Welcome
In 1962, Christianity was removed from the public schools in the United States. 50 years later, a study was made on the effects: Criminal arrests of teens were up 150% according to the US Bureau of Census Teen suicides, in ages 15-19 years old, were up 450% according to the National Center of Health Services…
Being Put Down
One of the most common human experiences is to be put down. For my generation, how familiar are the words, “You are nothing but a second rate…trying hard…copycat.” We have been put down for so many reasons. The color of our skin, our accent, our religion, because of the mistakes we have done, because people…
Devil vs Devil
The tongue is a very powerful tool – it can heal and it can also destroy. Sadly, there are people who use the tongue to put other people down. With this age of technology, it can even be worse. People now put down other people on social media. Worst, people also comment without knowing the…
Giving
Luke 14: 12-14 Jesus would always see things from the heart: He lambasted the Pharisees and Scribes because they were holy on the outside with their titles, places of honors, and vestments. However, God saw what was in their hearts. Despite the town willing to punish her, Jesus did not judge or punish a woman…
In the Beginning
Once I was talking to an HR personnel of a multinational corporation and he was saying that in his company there was a move for gender classifications, identity, or expressions. Now they are talking about: Bigender – someone’s identity encompasses man and woman Agender – someone’s identity is either man or woman, or any other…
In the Eyes of Eternity
There is a car bumper sticker that says, “He who dies with the most toys, wins!” At first, this may sound funny, but on deeper reflection, one may think, “Is the purpose of life all about accumulating material things?” In the Gospel, Jesus was asked a question by the Sadducees about money and heaven. A…
Perseverance
I love watching the many talent shows on TV. Often a contestant walks in, we think, “Why is she there?”, “The nerve”, or “He will never make it.” Then the person does his well and we are stunned. We ask ourselves, “Unbelievable! Where did he/she get that talent?” My dear friends, the Gospel tells us…
Prophet
Some time ago, I was watching on TV a discussion on “fake news.” It is very disturbing that people can actually do these things without morality anymore. They can do these things without guilt that what they are doing is wrong. Even worse, they will point out other people who are into fake news simply…
The Word of God and Family
A friend of mine once shared this reflection about the life of a priest: Before he entered the seminary, people in the Parish would not mind him. When he became a seminarian, suddenly people knew him. In fact, he would now be invited to the parties and fellowships. Then he became a deacon, and this…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 