22 July 2009. Memorial of St. Mary MagdaleneExodus 16, 1-15; Psalm 78; John 20, 1-18 I find it a great tragedy that many Christians are not as attracted to Mary Magdalene as other saints. The reason is that she is traditionally associated with prostitutes or with the sexually promiscuous. This unfortunate association defocuses on theContinue reading “Why You Should Love Mary Magdalene”
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What’s God’s Priority?
17 July 2009 Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary TimeExodus 11:10 – 12:14; Psalm 116; Matthew 12, 1-8 The readings today affirm one basic truth about God’s priority. Over and above any law, mercy stands at its highest. God has heard the prayers and tears of the Israelites in Egypt. And the first readingContinue reading “What’s God’s Priority?”
The John the Baptist in Our Lives
24 June 2009. Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the BaptistIsaiah 49, 1-6; Psalm 139; Acts 13, 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80 The Nativity of St. John the Baptist reminds me of my birthplace and the people who have been the “John the Baptists” of my life. The role of John the Baptist inContinue reading “The John the Baptist in Our Lives”
Tough Love
19 June 2009 Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of JesusHos 11, 1-9; Isaiah 12; Eph 3, 8-19; John 19, 31-37I texted a friend of mine for help. I asked him how to handle certain cases with addictions. Among other things, he told me what they need is tough love. What is tough love? ThereContinue reading “Tough Love”
Loving Enemies, Handling Anger
16 June 2009. Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time2 Cor 8, 1-9; Psalm 146; Matthew 5, 43-48The command to love our enemies may pose as an impossibility. How many of us have been successful? There are, of course, success stories. But a majority have struggle with it, or to some dismiss the tenetContinue reading “Loving Enemies, Handling Anger”
Do You Feel Unworthy to Serve?
11 June 2009. Memorial of St. Barnabas, ApostleActs 11: 21-26, 13: 1-3; Psalm 98; Matthew 5, 20-26 Have you ever wanted — or at least the idea crossed your mind — of being at the service of God in whatever capacity you have (and not necessarily religious life), but felt unworthy of the call? TheContinue reading “Do You Feel Unworthy to Serve?”
What Qualifies a Minister
10 June 2009. Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary2 Cor 3, 4-11; Psalm 99; Matthew 5, 17-19 Let me give you the background of the first reading. The Corinthians charged Paul of arrogance and boasting because Paul does not have a letter of recommendation from Jesus whom he represents. His ministry as Paul reflectedContinue reading “What Qualifies a Minister”
Attributes of the Trinity
7 June 2007. Solemnity of the Most Blessed TrinityDeuteronomy 4, 32-40; Psalm 33; Rom 8, 14-17; Matthew 28, 16-20 Just as we begin with a sign of the cross, an invocation to the Blessed Trinity, we also greet one another in the Trinity, with the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians:Continue reading “Attributes of the Trinity”
The Story of Tobit
4 June 2009. Thursday of the 9th Week in Ordinary TimeTobit 6:1-11, 7:1 & 9-17; 8:4-9 Psalm 128; Mark 12, 28-34Let’s take the introduction from the New Jerome Biblical Commentary. The Book of Tobit is a Hebrew romance. It tells us of the love story of Tobiah and Sarah at its helm; but the focusContinue reading “The Story of Tobit”
In Awe and Wonder
3 June 2009. Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary TimeTobit 3, 1-17; Psalm 25; Mark 12, 18-27 The Gospel tells us that Jesus and the Jewish leaders were in conflict. The Gospel today speaks about questioning the belief in the resurrection and life after death. A group of Jewish leaders like the Sadducees didContinue reading “In Awe and Wonder”
Building Community
31 May 2009: Pentecost SundayActs 2, 1-11; Ps 104; 1 Cor 12, 3-7, 12-13; John 15, 26-27; 16, 12-15 The early Christians did not doubt the descent of the Spirit upon them because of the manifestations of the Spirit’s gifts (1 Cor 12-14). John’s community effectively experienced this Divine presence. These gifts were discernible inContinue reading “Building Community”
Araw ng Pentekostes (Filipino)
31 Mayo 2009 Araw ng PentekostesGawa 2, 1-11; Salmo 104; 1 Cor 12, 3-7, 12-13; Juan 15, 26-27 at 16, 12-15 Note: This article appears in Sambuhay a publication of the Society of St. Paul. Hindi maipagkakaila ng mga unang Kristiyano ang mga pagbabagong naidulot ng pagbaba ng Espiritu Santo sa kanila sa araw ngContinue reading “Araw ng Pentekostes (Filipino)”
When Someone Prays for Me
28 May 2009. Thursday of the 7th Week of EasterActs 22, 30 – 23,6-11; Psalm 16; John 17, 20-26 If we reflect on the prayer of Jesus, which is today’s Gospel, it reaches beyond his immediate circle of friends. It includes everyone, all of us, in his oneness with the Father. For John, communion withContinue reading “When Someone Prays for Me”
Eternal Life
26 May 2009. Tuesday of the 7th Week of EasterActs 20, 17-27; Psalm 68; John 17, 1-11: On Eternal Life The Gospel today tells us the great understanding of eternal life in the New Testament. In Greek is is aiōnis. This word is not about the duration of life or what we know as lifeContinue reading “Eternal Life”
Goodbyes in the Ascension
24 May 2009. Solemnity of the Ascension of Our LordActs 1, 1-11; Psalm 47; Eph 1, 17-23; Mark 16, 15-20 The Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord places the role of goodbyes in our lives. It is the culmination of the Lord’s mission on earth, but at the same time, it is the beginningContinue reading “Goodbyes in the Ascension”
As Kingfishers Catch Fire 