22 August 2010 21st Sunday in Ordinary TimeIsaiah 66, 18-21; Psalm 117; Hebrews 12, 5-13; Luke 13, 22-30 Let’s put all the readings together. First, where we are. Life has its melodrama of separations and reunions. Goodbyes are necessary in order to advance and develop. The older we are the more farewells we have said.Continue reading “Through the Narrow Gate”
Tag Archives: isaiah
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”
The Healing We Need
22 February 2009 7th Sunday in Ordinary TimeIsaiah 43, 18-25; Psalm 41; 2 Cor 1, 18-22; Mark 2, 1-12 The readings today are all about healing. Our physical bodies have been damaged by disease. Our psycho-emotional state have been disturbed by a painful history. Our spiritual lives have been injured by sin. Healing is aboutContinue reading “The Healing We Need”
Our Hunger and Thirst
11 December 2008 Thursday of the 2nd Week of AdventIsaiah 41, 13-20; Psalm 145; Matthew 11, 11-15 The readings today tell us about our thirst. The first reading conjures the images of the afflicted and needy whose tongue seeks water like desert seeking water. But those thirsting for water will find water through the graciousnessContinue reading “Our Hunger and Thirst”
If God does not remove our burdens, how do we find rest?
10 December 2008 Wednesday of the 2nd Week of AdventIsaiah 40, 25-31; Psalm 103; Matthew 11, 28-30 The readings today encourage and assure us in our waiting. When we are waiting for our dreams to be fulfilled, we often find ourselves losing hope or we get tired of hoping. When we are waiting for theContinue reading “If God does not remove our burdens, how do we find rest?”
Unadulterated Desire
2 December 2008 Tuesday of the First Week of AdventIsaiah 11, 1-10; Psalm 72; Luke 10, 21-24 The Israelites pined their hopes on a future king, in the line of David, “from the stump of Jesse”. They prayed for a king that is far greater than any other king because the Lord is upon him.Continue reading “Unadulterated Desire”
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
22 October 2008 Wednesday of the 29th Year in Ordinary TimeEphesians 3, 2-12; Isaiah 12; Luke 12, 39-48 Central to the test of our faith is the challenge to be constantly ready for the Master’s return. In the parable today, Jesus emphasizes that His return is guaranteed, but the timing is not. His return isContinue reading “Climbing the Corporate Ladder”
The Song of the Vineyard
5 October 2008 27th Sunday in Ordinary TimeIsaiah 5, 1-7; Psalm 80; Phil 4, 6-9; Mathew 21, 33-43 A note before we begin: The responsorial psalm between readings at mass functions as a bridge from the first reading to the next. The psalm summarizes the meaning of the readings and foster meditation on the wordContinue reading “The Song of the Vineyard”
Seek the Lord
21 September 2008 25th Sunday in Ordinary TimeIsaiah 55, 6-9; Psalm 145; Phil 1, 20-27; Matthew 20, 1-16 The Book of Isaiah is divided into three parts: that of the Prophet Isaiah (742 BC, prophetic ministry in Jerusalem); Deutero-Isaiah (Babylonian Exile, Jerusalem is now destroyed); and Trito-Isaiah (Return to Jerusalem). Isaiah covers Chapter 1-39; Deutero-IsaiahContinue reading “Seek the Lord”
God Our Father
12 February 2008 Tuesday of the 1st Week of LentIsaiah 55, 10-11; Psalm 34; Matthew 6, 7-11 Can you imagine how you felt when you were given an opportunity to return home — especially when you have a loving family? You would remember your mom’s (or your dad’s) home cooking. I would remember ice-cold lemonadeContinue reading “God Our Father”
16 December 2007 3rd Sunday of AdventIsaiah 35, 1-10; Psalm 146; James 5, 7-10 The tradition of the Simbanggabi in our island springs from a novena: nine days of prayer in preparation and waiting for the feast to come that is the coming of Christ. Such is the spirit of the readings today. Those whoContinue reading
Compassion in Leadership
11 December 2007 Tuesday of the 2nd Week of AdventIsaiah 40, 1-11; Matthew 18, 12-14 The Shepherd The prophet Isaiah illustrates God like a shepherd who gathers his sheep into his barn. Any sheep that strays, as the Gospel portrays, the shepherd will find it and bring it back home. In the olden days, theContinue reading “Compassion in Leadership”
Compassion in Leadership
11 December 2007 Tuesday of the 2nd Week of AdventIsaiah 40, 1-11; Matthew 18, 12-14 The Shepherd The prophet Isaiah illustrates God like a shepherd who gathers his sheep into his barn. Any sheep that strays, as the Gospel portrays, the shepherd will find it and bring it back home. In the olden days, theContinue reading “Compassion in Leadership”
The Stump of Jesse
9 December 2007. 2nd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11, 1-10; Psalm 72; Rom 15, 4-9; Matthew 3, 1-12 The season of Advent is a season of hopeful preparation. With the Philippines opening its Christmas bazaars and tiangges as early as September, and Christmas carols dominate the airwaves as the holidays approach, people prepare for ChristmasContinue reading “The Stump of Jesse”
Foundation Stones
6 December 2007 Thursday of the 1st Week of AdventIsaiah 26, 1-6; Matthew 7, 21, 24-27 The readings today are about strong foundations. The book of Isaiah says, “the city of the Lord is built on rock”, and therefore no enemy can destroy it. In Jerusalem, there is a famous landmark called, the Dome ofContinue reading “Foundation Stones”
As Kingfishers Catch Fire 