St. Andrew                       Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew. Andrew was one of the first four disciples Jesus called – as narrated to us in today’s gospel. But after that momentous day, he let Peter, James, and John take the limelight while he slipped back into the shadows.             Andrew is often called … Continue reading GO-BETWEEN GUY

1st Sunday of Advent                          Waiting is not our strong point. We do not enjoy waiting. Do you? Most people consider ‘waiting’ as a waste of time. In a society where time is equated to productivity, and productivity is money, we do not want to wait. Waiting – or wasting time waiting – is considered … Continue reading ADVENT AS A WAY OF LIFE

1st Sunday of Advent                     There are programs designed to help people deal with the problem of addiction – be it the addiction to alcohol, gambling, pornography, sex, or video games. According to experts in these programs, the two things that block people access to them are: Denial: “I don’t have a problem. I’m fine.” … Continue reading ADVENT PEOPLE

1st Sunday of Advent                     During the onslaught of the super typhoon Yolanda many poor families chose to stay in their houses despite the strong warning from the government. Some simply had no choice but to stay. One such family – I know to be very religious – shared with me how they survived that … Continue reading BE WATCHFUL! BE ALERT

Saturday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                      Meister Eckhart, a mystic and spiritual master, says, “The Word of God is spoken continually in our soul. But where are we?” He tells us bluntly, “God is with us in our inmost soul, provided he finds us within and not gone out on business.”             We so … Continue reading VIGILANCE AND PRAYER

Friday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                          “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”             I hope that you can see more deeply into the words of the Gospel and find the message of hope that Jesus speaks of.             If not planet earth, our world – the worlds … Continue reading MESSAGE OF HOPE

Thursday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                     Jesus tells his disciples to stand erect to meet the last day – for it will be the fulfillment of his promise.             The promise is this: the kingdom of God will be realized in Christ, who will redeem his people from every form of slavery. This promise … Continue reading STAND ERECT

Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                  “They will seize and persecute you… because of my name.”             Jesus, in today’s gospel, talks about persecution entailed in following him. His followers are going to be mistreated and persecuted. But this must be an opportunity to bear witness to the Lord’s teaching.             Persecution for us … Continue reading PERSECUTION

Tuesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                       We have a lot of questions that, knowingly or unknowingly, are causing apprehension, worry, and anxiety in us. These are “fearful questions” about our personal life, our loved ones, and so many issues – and they point to the uncertainty of the future. “What if my plans do … Continue reading GOD IS IN CONTROL

Monday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time                       Today’s gospel passage has been called the story of the Widow’s Mite. Jesus saw a widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury. Probably nobody else noticed her putting in her love-offering. But Jesus noticed, and called attention to her gift-giving. He told his disciples, “Amen, I … Continue reading LOVE-OFFERING