Thursday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time                       “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals…”             Even without taking the instructions of Jesus in today’s gospel literally, the message remains the same: BE SIMPLE! One gospel commentary has this reflection: “Our present generation, very much immersed in the culture of multimedia communication, certainly runs head-on … Continue reading BE SIMPLE

Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael              Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are called ‘saints’ because they are holy. But they are different from the rest of the saints because they are not human. They are angels – more specifically, archangels. They are protectors of human beings.             Michael’s name means “who is like God?” In the … Continue reading ARCHANGELS  

Tuesday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time                        When the Samaritans refuse lodging for Jesus, James, and John take offense at it. They want to call down fire from heaven to consume them. They are angry with the Samaritans for insulting Jesus by their refusal.             John Rose, in his gospel commentary, has this to say … Continue reading RELIGION OF LOVE

Monday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time                         Today’s gospel reading talks about true greatness. And implicitly it talks about motives for service and giving.             For this homily, allow me to borrow the commentary and reflection of William Barclay on today’s gospel passage. According to him there are so many wrong motives for service. He … Continue reading WRONG MOTIVES FOR SERVICE

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time                       Perhaps some of you have watched (on YouTube) or heard the story of Aron Ralston. In 2003, Aron was hiking through Blue John Canyon, in Utah. While he was going down the Canyon, his right arm got trapped under a boulder – estimated to weigh at least eight hundred … Continue reading CUT IT OFF

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time                        The name of Jesus is one of the things that today’s gospel passage focuses on. John complains to the Lord about someone outside their circle who exorcises demons invoking Jesus’ name. Instead of backing up his efforts to stop this man, Jesus seems to approve of such people performing … Continue reading THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time                       Today’s second reading from the Letter of St. James is a call to look beyond what we have and see something more, something deeper: that is, to see God’s intent and purpose for giving us what we have. Here, St. James writes about Christians who have gained their wealth … Continue reading WHAT AM I DOING FOR CHRIST?

Saturday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time                        “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”             Jesus makes a second prediction of his passion and death. And when the Lord talks this way, we know that he is also talking about our own pain and suffering.             Ang isang clay pot na … Continue reading MORTALITY

Friday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time                                        “Who do you say that I am?” Peter correctly grasps the heart of the matter: “The Messiah of God.” Peter sees that Jesus is not a figure about whom we can be neutral. Why? Because if Jesus is who he says he is, then, we must give … Continue reading KNOWING JESUS IN PRAYER

Thursday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time                       Two learned professors were discussing the great thoughts on wisdom and the meaning of life. The first professor asked the second, “Henry tells me he is one of your students.” The second professor replied, “Well, Henry is attending most of my classes, but he is not one my … Continue reading SEEKING TO SEE JESUS