3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time                         This week’s readings focus on the theme of call. Our first reading briefly recounts the call of Jonah. Jonah is one of the most beloved Old Testament prophets. Why? Perhaps because of the fascinating story of him being swallowed by a whale. This image lends intrigue to one’s imagination … Continue reading RUNNING FROM GOD

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time                         The scene in today’s gospel narrative of Jesus calling Simon and Andrew, then James and John, is a very personal moment between themselves and the Lord Jesus. It is also a moment whose features should be part of every Christian’s life. The Lord calls the four, they leave their … Continue reading CALLING, LEAVING, AND FOLLOWING

Saturday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time                         “He is out of his mind.” Why do Jesus’ relatives feel this way toward him? Let us see if we can understand what makes them feel like that…             First, Jesus has left home and the carpenter’s business. To be what? To be a wandering preacher. Because of … Continue reading OUT OF HIS MIND

Friday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time             Jesus, in today’s gospel reading, chooses twelve whom he also names apostles. His choice is not dependent on any qualifications or criteria. The Twelve are ordinary working men, most of whom with no great educational background or social prominence.             Let me give you a short and partial … Continue reading APOSTLES

Thursday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time                       “He had cured many…”             Today’s gospel reading portrays how Jesus is being followed by different groups from all over Palestine. They all want to see him, to listen to him, and to touch him to be healed of their illnesses. Jesus has become very popular; and it … Continue reading HEALING

Wednesday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time                   We see in today’s gospel reading, once again, Jesus performing an essential part of his mission: that is, liberating people from the destructive powers of evil and sin How? By curing the sick, healing the wounded, restoring the broken. He is, indeed, the Lord who heals what is … Continue reading WITHERED FAITH

Tuesday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time                        “The Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”             The most basic principle for the good life is this: Believe in God and serve your neighbor. That is also the principle behind the sabbath: it is meant to help us rediscover God and our neighbor. Sabbath … Continue reading PURPOSE OF SABBATH

Monday, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time                         “New wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”             We humans are often schizophrenic when it comes to the old and the new. On one hand, we are creatures of tradition. We follow the same daily routine. We find comfort in things which are familiar. Change is something we … Continue reading NEW WINE IN NEW WINESKIN

Sto. Niño                           In the calendar of the Church (or in our liturgical calendar), the Christmas season concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. But the Philippine Church is given special permission by Rome to somehow ‘extend’ it for another week or so with the Feast of the Sto. Niño – which … Continue reading BECOME LIKE CHILDREN

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time                        Jesus asks two of John the Baptist’s disciples: “What are you looking for?” Katumbas nito ang pagtatanong na: “What do you want?” The disciples simply ask, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Another translation is: “Where do you live?” Nais nilang malaman kung saan naninirahan si Hesus, saan sila maaaring … Continue reading COME, STAY WITH ME