Category: AUTHORS

December 22, 2025 – Seventh Day of Misa de Aguinaldo

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122225.cfm)

Every Filipino knows the joy of giving gifts. When Christmas comes, even if money is tight, we try our best to prepare something like food on the table, a small present wrapped with care, an envelope with a cash, or even just our presence. We say, “Importante ang paghinumdum.” Indeed, what matters is that we remembered and we are being remembered.

In our culture, we realize that giving is never just about the price of the gift. It is about the heart behind it. It is about gratitude, relationship, and love.

Today, on the 7th Day of Misa de Aguinaldo, the readings invite us to look deeper into this familiar act of giving. They ask us two important questions. First, when God gives us a gift, how do we respond? Second, do we simply receive, or do we also learn how to return the gift to Him?

In the first reading, we have the story of Hannah. For a long time, she carried a deep pain. She could not bear a child, and again in her culture, that was a heavy burden. But Hannah did not harden her heart. She brought her longing to God. And God heard her cry. God gave her a son, Samuel.

Now here is the surprising part. When Samuel was still very young, Hannah brought him to the temple and said, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my request. Therefore, I give him back to the Lord.” Imagine that moment. A mother finally receives the gift she waited for, and instead of holding on tightly, she offers him back to God. This is not easy. This is not ordinary giving. This is a heart that truly understands where the gift came from.

Through the gift of Samuel to Hannah, she realized how faithful God is to her. Through this gift, she also realized the other gift she received, through her friendship with Prophet Eli. The presence of Eli to Hannah was a reminder that there was hope. That friendship, made Hannah to be comforted when she was humiliated. Eli was Hannah’s prayer warrior. This made Hannah to be ever grateful to God.

Hannah taught us something important. Gratitude is not only saying “thank you.” Gratitude is trusting God enough to offer back what we treasure most. Hannah did not lose her son. Instead, she placed him in God’s hands. And because of that, Samuel’s life became a blessing not only for her, but for the whole people of Israel.

This is capture through Hannah’s song in the responsorial psalm. Her words were full of praise, not because her life became perfect, but because she experienced who God truly is. She proclaimed that God raises the poor, lifts the lowly, and gives hope to the weak. Hannah realized that God is a God who reverses situations, who sees the forgotten, and who gives dignity to those being pushed aside.

Moreover, the Gospel of Luke brought us into the heart of another woman, Mary. Though that joyful heart, Mary sang. This is Mary’s Magnificat. Like Hannah, Mary is a woman who received a gift she did not earn and did not fully understand. Yet, God chose her, a simple young woman from Nazareth, to carry His Son. And Mary responds not with fear or pride, but with praise, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Mary’s Magnificat tells us who God is and what God does. God looks upon the lowliness of His servant. God scatters the proud, lifts up the humble, fills the hungry with good things. Mary recognizes that her life has become a place where God’s wonders are revealed. She does not claim the glory for herself. She points everything back to God. That is why she says, “All generations will call me blessed.” Not because she is great on her own, but because God has done great things in her.

Here, we see the heart of today’s message. God’s gifts are never meant to end with us. They are meant to flow through us. Hannah received a son and returned him to God’s service. Mary received Christ and offered her whole life so that God’s salvation could reach the world. Both women show us the same truth that when God gives, He invites us to become part of His work.

This speaks deeply to us as Filipinos during Christmas. We receive many gifts, not only material ones, but gifts of life, family, work, education, second chances, healing, and hope after many trials. We have survived storms, sickness, loss, and hardship. Here in Marawi, you have lived out the horror of terrorism during the siege and the bombing. The fact that we are here today is already a gift. The question is: What do we do with what we have received?

Sometimes we hold on too tightly. We say, “This is mine. I earned this. I deserve this.” However, today’s Misa de Aguinaldo gently reminds us that everything we have is first a gift from God. And the greatest joy comes not from keeping, but from offering. Yet, not as a mere obligation but through a heart filled with gratitude.

This is how Mary shows us the way. She did not know all the answers. She did not have a detailed plan. But she trusted that God could do wonders through her simple yes. Because of that, God entered human history and salvation became close to us.

As Christmas draws nearer, the Church invites us to reflect not only on what we will receive, but on what we are willing to give back. Not just gifts under the tree, but gifts of time, forgiveness, attention, and compassion. In a world tired of noise, anger, and division, these are powerful offerings.

Today, let us remember this that God’s greatest gifts are meant to be returned through a grateful and generous life. Like Hannah and Mary, may we learn to say, “Lord, everything I have comes from You. Use it for Your greater purpose.”

I leave you now with two simple takeaways.

First, offer one concrete gift of yourself this Christmas season. It may be your time to listen, your skills to serve, or your presence to someone who feels forgotten. Choose one act and do it with love.

Second, learn to recognize God’s blessings in your ordinary life. Each day even when it is not Christmas, name one gift you have received and ask yourself how it can become a blessing for others.

May Mary, the woman who carried God’s greatest gift, teach us how to receive with humility and give with joy. Hinaut pa.

December 19, 2025 – Fourth Day of Misa Aguinaldo

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm)

Let me begin with a story many Filipinos can relate to. There is a common scene in our families, especially when there is a reunion or a fiesta. A relative, most often, an auntie would ask, “Kanus-a man ka magminyo?” or “Kanus-a man mo magka-anak?” And usually, the one being asked would just laugh and reply, “Ay, wala pa man gyud,” or “Murag wala na gyud.” In this seemingly simple conversation everyone would laugh. Then, the question is brushed off.

Yet deep inside, sometimes there is also pain, longing, or a prayer that has been carried quietly for many years by those who have been asked. This is perhaps because of the expectations of people around and the pressure that one could feel from our family members.

Well, as Filipinos, we know how to laugh even at what hurts. Humor often becomes our way of surviving disappointment and frustrations. We smile, we joke, but we also hope. And this is where today’s readings meet us and invite us to discover God’s gentle calling for us on this 4^th Day of the Misa de Aguinaldo.

The story from the Book of Judges tells us about a woman who could not conceive. In that culture, childlessness was a heavy burden. It was not only personal pain but also a social shame. And yet, God saw her. An angel appeared and announced something impossible that she would bear a son. That child would be Samson, someone set apart for God even before birth. Here, God was already at work long before anyone noticed.

The Gospel gives us a similar story, but with a familiar twist. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people. These couple followed God faithfully. They were deeply religious, always praying. But one thing was missing. They had no child. And now they were old. Very old. If they were Filipinos today, they would probably say, “Tama na, Lord. Okay na mi. Di na mi mag-expect oi.” They had learned to live with disappointment and shame.

For Elizabeth, in the culture before, she carried more shame because of the social pressure since she was barren. It was even believed that having no child was a form of God’s punishment because of sin committed.

Then suddenly, while Zechariah was doing his duty in the temple, an angel appeared to him. Gabriel announced that Elizabeth would bear a son. And his name would be John. The name John actually means “God is gracious!”

And this child would prepare the way of the Lord. It was good news, indeed. In fact, a very good news. However, Zechariah could not help it. That good news was overwhelming and too much to bear and accept. Too good to be true for that matter. And so, the old Zechariah doubted. He asked, “How shall I know this?” In other words, “Sigurado ka ani, Lord? Tigulang na mi oi.”

And because of his doubt, Zechariah was struck mute. He could not speak. There is something almost funny here. A priest of the Temple who preached the Word of God suddenly lost his voice. By muting Zechariah, God was saying, “Zechariah, enough talking. It’s time for you to listen well.” Thus, sometimes God allows silence not as punishment, but as a lesson for us.

In both readings, it tells us something very important. That, indeed, God works even when we think it is already too late. God acts even when we have stopped expecting and hoping. And God remains faithful even when we laugh in doubt.

Psalm 71 captures this beautifully. “You are my hope, O Lord.” From the womb to old age, God remains faithful to us. This psalm reminds us that our story does not begin with our success, and it does not end with our failure. God has been present all along in each of us and as a Church.

What makes these stories powerful is not just the miracle of a child being born. It is the patience of God. It is because God waited and listened to prayers whispered for years. And when the time was right, God acted and revealed His grace.

This makes us realize that Zechariah’s silence became a space for reflection. In that silence, God was working. And so, Elizabeth conceived and life began to grow quietly. We see that God did not rush and the Lord did not explain everything at once. God simply fulfilled His promise.

Now, advent teaches us this same lesson. Many of us are waiting. And we wait for many things in life. Indeed, some of us have been waiting for so long that we no longer expect anything. We just laugh it off. “Bahala na ka Lord oi.” But deep inside, our prayer is still there.

Today, the Lord remind us that He does not forget delayed prayers. The Lord does not abandon faithful hearts because God certainly, works in His time, not ours.

Like Zechariah, we will have our doubts and questions. God may even lead us into silence. But silence does not mean absence. In fact, silence is often where God works best.

As we wake up early for Misa de Aguinaldo, tired and sleepy, let us remember this: God is already at work, even when we do not see results yet. God is faithful, even when our faith is weak. God turns long waiting into unexpected joy. So, do not lose hope. Do not stop praying. Do not think it is already too late.

I leave you now two simple takeaways for today.

First, when prayers seem unanswered, do not give up. God is surely preparing something greater than you imagine.

Second, learn to be quiet before God each day. In silence, God speaks and acts. So, allow the Lord to reveal His grace, in His time. Hinaut pa.

December 18, 2025 – Third Day of Misa Aguinaldo

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121825.cfm)

A few weeks ago, a friend shared something very touching and moving for him. He said that for the first time in his life, he dreamed of the Lord. In his dream, Jesus entered their gate in simplicity and gentleness. My friend welcomed Him inside. And as he stood there before the Lord, he suddenly began to cry. The Lord’s goodness and kindness made him realize how unworthy he is. He remembered his sins and failures. Yet, at the same time, his heart was filled with deep joy and gratitude because the Lord came to him. The Lord visited him. That dream awakened in him a new awareness that God is truly present, and that God reveals Himself in ways we do not expect.

That experience helps us understand the message of today. Because sometimes, when our words fail, when our life is confusing, and when our hearts are tired, God speaks in our dreams. God speaks when we are quiet and at ease. Indeed, God speaks when we are patient enough to listen.

Now, the word “patient” has two meanings. As a noun, a patient is someone who receives medical treatment, hoping to be healed. As an adjective, a patient person is someone who can endure delays, problems, and suffering without losing hope. These two meanings are closely connected. When we are sick and confined in a hospital, we learn that healing is not instant. We wait. We trust the process. We allow time and care to do their work.

Life teaches us the same lesson also. We do not have control over everything. Even if our world today moves faster than before, not everything can be rushed. Some things take time. And If we refuse to accept this, impatience slowly consumes us. We become anxious and irritable. We lose peace over traffic roads, long lines, slow learners, and unmet expectations. This is how impatience damages our relationships. It also exhausts our heart.

Yet, deep inside, many of us are waiting. Waiting for healing. Waiting for clarity. Waiting for dreams to come true. Waiting for change in our family or in ourselves. And waiting is never easy. That is why patience and waiting are not weaknesses. They are part of our Christian faith.

This is what we realize today in our readings. The Old Testament is a story of waiting. God made a promise, and the people waited for generations. In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, God promises a righteous branch from the line of David. A king who will do what is right. A king who will save and bring peace. This promise did not happen overnight. It took time and required trust.

So we ask today, “What is this promise? Or better, who is this promise?” The answer is Jesus. His name means “Yahweh saves.” Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. This is God’s assurance that God has not abandoned us.

But the way this promise was fulfilled was not smooth or comfortable. It was surrounded by scandal and misunderstanding. The Gospel tells us that Mary was found to be with child before she lived with Joseph. In a small town like Nazareth, this was enough to destroy a woman’s life. Gossip spreads fast and judgment comes easily. Mary was labeled without explanation.

And so, Joseph suffered deeply too. He was a good and gentle man. And he knew their Jewish law. He knew Mary could be exposed to shame and even death. He had only two options whether to expose her publicly or to divorce her quietly. In his pain and confusion, Joseph chose mercy. He decided not to disgrace Mary.

It was in this painful moment that God revealed His divine plan. God did not speak while Joseph was arguing, worrying, or forcing his own answers. God spoke when Joseph was asleep. Through a dream, an angel revealed the truth. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. What seemed like scandal was actually grace. What looked like failure was God’s faithfulness unfolding there in that very mess.

This detail is very important. God spoke to Joseph in a dream, when Joseph was rested. It was when he let go of control and he trusted enough to sleep. This means that to fall asleep in God’s presence is an act of patience. It is surrender. If Joseph had allowed anxiety to consume him, he would not have rested. Just like us, when worries and our anxieties keep us awake at night and make dark eye bags for us.

And so, when Joseph woke up, everything changed. He saw and realized Mary’s situation not through fear and anger, but through faith. He saw it through God’s eyes. Joseph realized that God was present in the middle of confusion and pain. God did not remove the difficulty. But God revealed meaning within it.

This is the patience we are invited to learn. Patience that waits. Patience that listens. And patience that discerns.

Joseph’s life did not become easier after that dream. He still faced hardship, danger, and responsibility. But his patience was now rooted in trust. He knew that God was with him and that God was faithful to His promise. With this, Joseph became more confident because God is Emmanuel.

This is also true for us. God still speaks to us today. Sometimes through Scripture. Sometimes through people. Sometimes through events. And sometimes through our dreams. The question is not whether God is present. The question is whether we are patient enough to notice and to realize God’s comforting presence because God comes often quietly and unexpectedly. And often when we are waiting.

As we continue our 3^rd Misa de Aguinaldo, let us bring to God our waiting as well as our dreams, our fears and our unanswered questions. Like Joseph, may we learn to trust that even when we do not fully understand, God is surely at work.

And so I leave you again two simple takeaways today.

First, when life asks you to wait, do not rush God. Be patient and trust that the Lord is working even in silence.

Second, make space each day for quiet and prayer. God often reveals His plan when we learn to listen.

And so, may we learn to wait with faith, to dream with hope, and to trust that God truly saves. Ok lang? Sana all.