Matthew 13: 24-30 How often have we heard comments such as: “Why go to Mass when the people there are no different from the people who do not go to Mass?” “Look at her she prays so fervently but look how she mistreats her household help.” “I heard that even within the different organizations and…
Forgiveness
John 18: 33B-37 As a priest, two of the most urgent sacrament are Confession and Anointing of the Sick. Why? Because these two Sacraments have the capacity to forgive sins. In Confession, the priest forgives in the name of the Church, “I absolve you of all your sins, “In the Name of the Father, of…
Fear of Death
Mention the word, “Death” and many people are not comfortable. Someone offers a “memorial plan” or an insurance in case we pass away, we are uncomfortable. One family member mentions about fixing the estate, we are uncomfortable. Once, as seminarians, we were asked to write our own Eulogy. Initially, it drew uneasy laughter. It is…
Courage Versus Entitlement
Mark 12: 1-12 In today’s context, the Gospel could be retold as Mr. Juan de la Cruz, out of compassion and kindness, allowed a family to stay in his property. Many years after, the children grew up and got married. They built their houses at said property. Throughout the years, relatives from the province came…
Rediscovering Childhood Joy
I guess many of us would agree with me that our childhood days were the happiest. To start with, it was simple. All we cared for were our food, toys, friends, and TV. We took it for granted that our parents will always be there. Not much to worry about. But as we grew older,…
Wrong Turns in Life
For drivers like me, thanks to technology, there is a computer application that is very much appreciated: WAZE. Just key in your destination and it will tell you how to reach your destination. Yes, if you get lost, it helps you get back to the right track. We all know that life itself is a…
Being Prepared
One reality of life is being prepared: For students who have an examination tomorrow, the challenge to prepare is by reading, researching, studying and even memorizing; For a lawyer with a court case, the challenge to prepare is by studying the facts, the evidence and talking to the witnesses; for a priest going to celebrate…
Following Christ
Every once in a while, I celebrate Mass for the Green Archers. At a very young age, because of media and social media, these kids are already dealing with fame: they are talked about. they are recognized and some already get to endorse products. What people don’t see are the “behind the scenes” – the…
Deception through Flattery
Mark 12: 13-17 There is this story of a fox who wanted to eat the cheese he saw on the mouth of the bird. He first approached the bird and praised how beautiful his color was. He then praised how beautiful were the bird’s feathers. Then he said, “I am sure that your singing is…
How to Deal with Betrayal
John 13: 21-33, 36-38 One of the most important factors in any relationship is TRUST. We need trust in friendships; We need trust in a business partnership; We need trust in marriage. On the other hand, it is very painful if the trust is destroyed. I remember a story of a woman whose husband left…
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 