Wednesday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time               In sending out his disciples to the mission, Jesus instructs them to take nothing for the journey – no food, no sack, no money, only a walking stick. This is not just an instruction to travel light. This is Jesus’ way of teaching us to trust in the … Continue reading RELYING ON PROVIDENCE

St. Matthew                      We celebrate today the feast of St. Matthew. We have in today’s gospel reading the account of Matthew’s call. Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple. The gospel does not say it, but we can be sure that there are people (especially the ‘righteous’) raising their eyebrows upon witnessing this. Being a … Continue reading SECOND-CHANCE PEOPLE

Monday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time                    “He places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.”             There is a legend about a candle. One evening, a man carried a candle and began to climb a long winding staircase. The candle said to him, “Where are we going?” The … Continue reading LIGHTS LIT BE CHRIST

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time                       Muhammad Ali is reported to have said, “When you’re as great as I am, it’s hard to be humble.” Perhaps, you have seen pictures of the famous boxer waving his boxing gloves in the air and saying, “I am the greatest!”             Today’s gospel passage deals with the whole question … Continue reading ON BEING THE GREATEST

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time                       Last Sunday, we heard Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” Peter confidently exclaimed, “You are the Christ.” “You are the Messiah.” But Peter’s vision of the Messiah does not coincide with that of Jesus.             Today’s gospel narrative shows how far the disciples … Continue reading THE TRUE AMBITION

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time                       Envy and jealousy play a prominent role in world literature. They are foremost in the movies and TV series we watch. In subtle ways, they are used by consumerism. Somebody said that one of the most effective tools for advertisers in our culture is to foster envy and jealous … Continue reading ENVY AND JEALOUSY

Saturday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time                        The sower in today’s gospel parable is a lousy farmer. He is a poor farmer. Why? Because he sows on the path, on rocky ground, and among thorns – which would not produce any fruit for him. A good farmer would not sow good seeds on poor ground. … Continue reading THANK GOD, HE IS A LOUSY SOWER

Friday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time                            “Accompanying him were… some women.”             St. Luke notes that as Jesus journeys from one town and village to another to preach the gospel, he is accompanied   by his inner circle of disciples: the Twelve whom he himself chose. This is to be expected. What is surprising is … Continue reading GALILEAN WOMEN

Thursday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time                       Today’s gospel story tells us of a sinful woman, who was probably a prostitute. The most important point of this gospel story is this: Awareness of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness leads this sinful woman to her extravagant display of affection and gratitude to Jesus. Hinugasan niya ang … Continue reading LOVED MUCH AND FORGIVEN MUCH

Our Lady of Sorrows                       On this day, right after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we remember and honor Mary under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows. With the sacrifice her Son underwent in Calvary, a sword truly pierced her heart. It should not be difficult for us to picture Mary … Continue reading SORROWS MADE FRUITFUL