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Category: Homilies

  • The Cross That Gives Life

    The Cross That Gives Life

    April 3, 2026 – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040326.cfm)

    Today, we stand before the Cross. And we do so not as strangers to suffering, but as people who know what it means to carry fear, uncertainty, and quiet struggles. In our community, there are moments when we feel unsafe to freely express our faith, moments when we feel small, even vulnerable. And in these experiences, we ask, “Where do we find strength? Where do we find hope?”

    Good Friday answers us not with many words, but with a Person, Jesus on the Cross.

    I remember my time in Balabagan, in a small chapel in Brgy. Purakan dedicated to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The community there was small, around ten Christian families. Simple people, quiet in their faith, yet deeply rooted.

    One night, a group of drunk men forcibly entered the chapel. What they did was painful beyond words. They desecrated the sacred place. They defiled it. They brought in trash. They destroyed sacred images. And most painfully, they brought down the large crucifix in the sanctuary and struck it again and again until the image of Christ was completely destroyed.

    The community grieved over it. They were hurt and shaken. But something remarkable also happened. Instead of giving in to fear, they chose to stand. Instead of turning away, they gathered, prayed, and remained. And in that broken cross, stripped of its image, they began to see something deeper.

    Because what happened to that cross was not new. Jesus Himself was scourged, insulted, mocked, beaten, crucified, and killed. The cross has always been a place of violence and rejection. And yet, it is also the place where God revealed His greatest love.

    Even when the image was destroyed, the meaning of the cross remained and even became clearer. The cross is not just about destruction. The cross is about life.

    This is what we hear from Prophet Isaiah. The Suffering Servant was rejected, wounded, and humiliated. Yet through his suffering, healing came. “By his wounds, we are healed.” This means that what seemed like defeat became the source of salvation.

    The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus understands our suffering. He is not distant. He knows fear, pain, and anguish. And because of this, we can approach Him with confidence because the Lord walks with us in our struggles.

    And in the Passion according to John, we see that Jesus was not powerless. Even in suffering, He remained faithful. He chose to love until the end. The cross was not simply imposed on Him, it was rather, embraced out of love.

    And this brings us to a deeper challenge. Often, we think of the cross only as our problems. We say, “My struggles are my cross.” “My difficulties are my cross.” And while these are also real, the Gospel invites us to go deeper.

    This brings us into the realization that the cross is not only something we carry. It is something we live today. There are three invitations now that we find in the cross of Christ.

    First, the cross is love. To carry the cross is to love even when it is difficult, to forgive when it hurts, to remain when it is easier to leave, and to give without expecting in return. This is the love of Christ.

    Second, the cross is truth. Jesus stood for the truth even when it led Him to death. Many during His time chose silence, fear, or compromise. Even today, we face the same temptation. Carrying the cross means standing for what is right, even when it is risky, even when we feel alone.

    Third, the cross is self-giving. Jesus gave His life so that others may live. To carry the cross is to share ourselves, our time, our strength, and our presence for the good of others.

    Friends, what happened in that chapel in Purakan was painful. But it was also a witness. Because even when the cross was destroyed, the faith of the people was not. Even when the image was broken, the meaning of the cross became stronger.

    And that is our hope because God’s love cannot be destroyed. Faith also cannot be silenced. And life will always rise from suffering.

    So today, as we venerate the cross, let us not see it only as a symbol of pain. Let us see it as the victory of love over hatred.
    The victory of truth over lies. The victory of life over death.

    Thus, the cross may be wounded, broken, even rejected. But it will always remain the sign of God who gives life. And in that cross, we find the courage not only to endure but to love, to stand, and to live. Hinaut pa.

  • The Power That Gives Life

    The Power That Gives Life

    April 2, 2026 – Holy Thursday-Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040226-Supper.cfm)

    Tonight, as we begin the Sacred Triduum, we gather not only to remember the Last Supper of Jesus, but to enter into its meaning. And we do this, as we carry the realities of our lives as Christians here in Marawi. Many of you have felt uncertainty in expressing your faith freely. There are moments of fear, of hesitation, even of silence. Indeed, in the past 4 Sundays, some of us have felt terrified of even coming to the chapel for our liturgical celebrations. Yet, we continue to worship, but sometimes with caution. Though, we continue to believe, but sometimes with heaviness in our heart.

    And in such a situation, we may quietly ask, “Where is God? What power do we have as Christians in a place where we feel small, vulnerable, and sometimes even threatened?”

    The Word of God being revealed tonight gives us a profound answer. It tells us that true power is neither found in control, nor in force, nor in dominance. Rather, true power is found in love that serves, and in humility that gives life.

    In the Book of Exodus, we hear of the Passover. The people of Israel were weak, enslaved, and oppressed. They had no political power, no military strength. And yet, God saved them not through human force, but through God’s faithful presence. The lamb was sacrificed, the blood marked their homes, and that night became a passage from slavery to their freedom.

    This tells us that God’s power is not always loud or visible, but it is always saving, always faithful, and always present.

    In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us of what Jesus did on the night He was betrayed. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body… This is my blood.” Jesus transformed an ordinary meal into the greatest act of self-giving love.

    And then in the Gospel, we see something even more striking. Jesus, the Lord and Master, knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples. Let us pause here for a moment.

    Jesus had power. He knew who He was. He knew where He came from and where He was going. And yet, He chose to serve. He chose to kneel. Jesus chose to love in the most humble and concrete way.

    This brings us to the heart of our reflection tonight. We ask, “What is power, then?”

    Power is the ability to influence, to create, and to transform. It can be used for good or for evil. When expressed through love, it becomes service and self-giving. But when used wrongly, it becomes control, manipulation, abuse, and even destruction.

    Each of us carries power. As long as we live in community, we influence others. Our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions affect the people around us. In our families, in our workplaces, in our communities and even in our silence, we shape the lives of others.

    And this is where the danger lies. When we become insecure, when we forget who we are, and so, we begin to misuse power. We will try to compensate. We will try to dominate. And we will try to protect ourselves at the expense of others. This is how relationships are broken. And this is how communities are wounded.

    We see this clearly in Judas. The Gospel tells us that the devil had already influenced him. His heart was already leaning toward darkness. He thought that his actions would bring him gain, security, perhaps control. But in reality, he was being manipulated. He was no longer free. Judas was no longer himself.

    This is the power of evil. It slowly pulls us away from light, disguising itself as advantage, until we find ourselves lost, and away from the grace of God

    But here is the beautiful and powerful truth also of tonight. Remember, even in that moment of betrayal, Jesus did not withdraw His love. Rather, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples including Judas. Jesus offered His body and blood to all of them, even the one who would betray Him.

    And this is the power of God – a love that does not exclude, mercy that does not withdraw, and service that does not count the cost.

    Friends, this is the power given to us as Christians. Not the power to dominate. Not even the power to retaliate. But the power to love, to serve, and to remain faithful even in difficulty and in the midst of threats.

    And tonight, this becomes very concrete in the washing of the feet. Those whose feet will be washed come from different walks of life, young and old, civilians and uniformed personnel. This is not accidental. This is the Gospel made visible to us as a Christian community here in Marawi.

    Because the call to love and serve is not limited by status, role, or identity. Every person, regardless of who they are, is called to share in this life-giving power of Christ.

    In a place where we sometimes feel divided, misunderstood, or even threatened, Jesus shows us another way: to build relationships, to affirm dignity, and to serve one another in humility.

    Indeed, as Christians here in Marawi, our faith may feel small but it is not powerless. Remember, every act of kindness is power. Every moment of patience is also power. Every choice to forgive, to serve, and to remain faithful is the power of God at work in us and through us.

    As we enter the Triduum, we are invited to examine ourselves too. How do I use the power given to me? Do I build, or do I destroy? Do I serve, or do I control? Tonight, Jesus kneels before us not only to wash our feet, but to teach our hearts.

    And so, let me leave you with two simple and concrete invitations.

    First, choose one act of humble service each day. It may be small as you help someone, or in listening patiently, in offering time but do it with love. This is how God’s power flows through you.

    Second, examine your heart each night. Ask yourself: Did my words and actions today give life or cause pain? Then, ask for grace to love better the next day.

    Indeed, the world may define power in many ways. But tonight, Jesus shows us the truth that the greatest power is love that gives life. And when we live this kind of power, even in weakness, even in fear, even in our uncertainties we become instruments of God’s life in the world today. Hinaut pa.

  • Homecomings

    Homecomings

    March 29, 2026 – Palm Sunday

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032926.cfm)

    For us Filipinos, culturally there are three occasions in the year that we come home, get together, and spend quality time with our family:   Christmas, All Souls’ Day, and Holy Week. These are the homecoming moments where and when us Filipinos BE with each other, that is where and when we experience, encounter, and meet each other again as family and community which usually lead to renewal, deepening and strengthening of bonding and relationships among family & community as church. While Christmas is for & with our family and friends, and All Souls’ day is to & with our family and relatives remembering our beloved dead, Holy Week is particularly our time and space for & with our God.

    Today, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of our Holy Week this year. Significantly holidays of this week is our church time and space to BE with our God. This week is specifically our God-time and God-space.

    This week then is more than just our chance to be with God but more so, God’s chance to be with us. Meaning, this week is not only our time and space with God but more so, GOD’s time and space with us, His church. It is more like God must be first and foremost “Be with us” rather than “we must be with Him”. The center or focus of this week then is not ourselves but God. This week is not about us and ourselves but about HIM and His being with us now.

    Thus, this is our opportunity to experience, encounter and meet God in His own terms and not on our own terms. The best attitude then is to let Him set the agenda, activities, schedules, and venue of this week. Meaning, to let Him takes the steering wheel. Allow Him to drive & lead your life this week. Let God be God, not be a god as we want or need Him to be.

    And so, these days of Holy week become our homecoming moments with God through the paschal journey of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so that we might be at home again & anew with our God.

    To do this and make the best of this week, some appropriate approaches might be in order as to how we prepare ourselves for this week.

    First, RECALL. As I have said, this is not about us but about Him. So, once again be reminded, that is to put into mind – God’s story with Us which is the Jesus story. We are to call again and remember (to make it member or part of ourselves) what God did, does and is doing to us through the life and mission of Jesus Christ in the past year. So, time and space to “Recall, Remind, Remember” God’s story with us through Jesus rather our story with God.

    Then, REFLECT. This is an invitation to mirror back or reflect back God’s story with and along our faith-story with Him now. In other words, “Manalamin”: to look and see our faith-life experiences from the point of view of God’s story and less from our own perspective, and to understand what happened to us lately with the lessons we realized from God’s story with us. Meaning, Be moved. Be disturbed. Be influenced. Be shaken. Be challenged. Be transformed by God’s story, presence, words, movements, plans, agenda and will for us – you and I, now and ahead.

    And above all, RESPOND to what, when, how, when and where God is calling, inviting, and leading you now in whatever faith-life commitment you choose to be. Meaning, whether you are ordained, married, professed, or baptized Christian, DO be a BETTER version of Christian follower as you choose and committed to be.

    Today we begin our Holy Week this year. Recall, Reflect, and Respond anew to what God did, does and is doing to You and Us now by being with Him, not in our own terms but in His own terms. May we, you and I, have a blessed and inspired homecoming week ahead with Him now & these days.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • BELIEVE

    BELIEVE

    March 22, 2026 – Fifth Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm)

    While consoling Martha at the death of Lazarus, Jesus in our gospel today of  said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Do you believe in this?”

    “To believe and not to believe Jesus as the resurrection & the life?” is the very basic question of our Christian faith. Each and every one of us is confronted at every moment of our life, from birth to death, from womb to tomb with this question: “Do you believe in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, or not?” This is the very question we are confronted with: as to our parents – from the moment of our conception; as we are, as we grow and mature as a person until our deathbed; and as to our loved ones, at the moment of our death.

    We do believe, as followers of Christ, in Jesus Christ, our resurrection and our life. Whenever we say “Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again,” we proclaim the mystery of our faith. Yes, as Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ. We believe in the death, resurrection and the parousia (the 2nd Coming) of Jesus Christ. And, in the Apostles’ Creed, we profess our faith in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. This would mean that our faith in Christ lead us, followers of Christ, to believe that like Jesus, after death we will rise again, and someday we will share in His eternal life.

    This is clearly expressed in our practice and traditions regarding burials. Since we may raised the question: “Why all the elaborate ceremonies, maintain memorial parks and cemeteries, yearly visits & the mass intentions for our beloved dead, …. if we don’t believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting?”

    This is what we believe. This is our faith. For some, like the Sadducees, this is crazy and ridiculous. For others, this is absurd and unbelievable. But for us, this is mystery of our faith, the core expression of our faith. This is the meaning of our being Christian. Resurrection and eternal life are the meanings of Christian life and death.

    Our faith-conviction in the resurrection of the body and life-everlasting then means that, we believe in Jesus, who has died, has risen and will come again as the Resurrection and the Life. And because of His death and resurrection, to believe Christ and follow Jesus is worth living and dying for, as shown to us by faith of our martyrs, our saints, & our beloved dead. His death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life offer us Life – giving us hope, meaning and cause to live in this present world. That is why we honor our beloved souls and saints, because they have lived and died faithfully believing in Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life.

    By their very Christian examples, we witness their faith, giving us hope, and meaning in our life and death. Believing in Jesus Christ then is our fundamental option, our core choice and response to God’s love.

    As a priest, I have the opportunity and privilege to witness people’s faith. Parishioners and faithfuls ask for my blessings and my presence in their suffering and sickness, in their joys and sorrows because simply they believe. Sick people in their homes or hospital ask for a visit, communion or anointing because they believe. We attend mass because we believe. In confession, I hear not only the sins of the penitent but also the resolution and faith to come back to the Lord. For me, these are faith-encounters, opportunities, where I witness what we believe as we proclaim our faith.

    As St. Augustine says, “Faith is to believe in what we do not see, but the reward of faith is to see and enjoy what we believe.” Thus, as the Lord asked for our faith, like Martha, pray we respond: “Yes, Lord, I come to Believe that You are the Christ.”

    Perhaps then in preparation for our celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ this year and as always we grapple with life’s questions, frustrations, and challenges, may Thomas Merton’s prayer of abandonment express our true heart’s desire before our Lord whom we believe most….

    My Lord God,

    I have no idea where I am going.

    I do not see the road ahead of me.

    I cannot know for certain where it will end.

    Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

    But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

    I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.

    Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

    So May it Be. Amen.

  • Learning to See as God Sees

    Learning to See as God Sees

    March 15, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031526.cfm)

    This Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday, a word that means “Rejoice.” In the middle of the Lenten journey, the Church invites us to pause and remember that our path of repentance ultimately leads to joy. But the readings today suggest that this joy comes only when something in us is healed and when our way of seeing begins to change. Many times we look at people, situations, and even ourselves through limited human judgments. God, however, invites us to see differently and that is to see with the eyes of the heart.

    In invite you now that we discern together the readings this Sunday and take the invitations and challenges of God for us.

    In the first reading from the First Book of Samuel, the prophet is given the difficult mission of choosing a new king for Israel. Samuel carries this responsibility seriously because the people need a leader who will guide them according to God’s will. Yet in the process of discernment, Samuel almost makes a mistake. When he sees the strong and impressive sons of Jesse, he immediately assumes that one of them must be God’s chosen one. Their appearance, strength, and stature seem fitting for a king.

    However, God corrects Samuel with words that reveal a deeper truth. The Lord said, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” Samuel, despite being a prophet, had also been influenced by ordinary human ways of judging. Hence, Samuel looked at what is visible, impressive, and socially acceptable. Only when he learns to see beyond these appearances does he finally recognize David, the youngest and least expected, as the one chosen by God.

    The Gospel from John presents another story of blindness, but this time it is both physical and spiritual. Jesus encounters a man who has been blind since birth. Interestingly, the man does not ask to be healed. It is Jesus who takes the initiative. At that time, many people believed that illness or disability was a punishment for sin either the sin of the person or of his parents. The disciples themselves ask Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?”

    Jesus rejects that way of thinking. The blindness of the man is not a punishment but an opportunity for God’s work to be revealed. Jesus heals the man, restoring his physical sight. But the deeper healing unfolds gradually. Through the events that follow, the man begins to recognize who Jesus truly is. His physical sight leads him toward spiritual vision. He moves from simply calling Jesus “the man,” to recognizing Him as a prophet, and finally professing faith in Him as Lord.

    Meanwhile, the Pharisees who physically can see remain spiritually blind. They refuse to accept what God is doing before their very eyes. Their rigid expectations and their attachment to their own interpretations of the law prevent them from recognizing God’s presence. In contrast, the man who was once blind becomes the one who truly sees.

    These readings invite us to examine our own way of seeing. Many of the struggles in our society today arise because we easily judge based on appearances. In our Filipino context, we sometimes value status, wealth, or influence more than integrity of heart. People can easily be dismissed because of their poverty, their mistakes, or their past. Sometimes we even label people permanently by their failures.

    Yet, the Lord reminds us today that He sees beyond what the eyes can see. Indeed, God looks into the heart. And this invites us to a deeper kind of discernment. We are presented with three challenges.

    First, we are challenged to look beyond appearances and recognize the dignity of every person. The poor, the struggling, and those who have made mistakes should not be quickly judged or dismissed. Like David, God often works through those whom society least expects.

    Second, we are challenged to examine our own blindness. Pride, prejudice, and self-righteousness can prevent us from recognizing God’s presence in our lives. Like the Pharisees, we may think we see clearly when in fact we remain blind to God’s grace at work around us.

    Third, we are called to bring light to others. St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that we were once in darkness but are now children of light. When we begin to see as God sees, we become instruments of healing, helping others rediscover hope and dignity.

    Lent is therefore, not only about giving things up. It is also about allowing God to heal the blindness of our hearts. As our vision expands, we begin to recognize Christ more clearly in our lives, in our struggles, and in the lives of the people around us.

    For our takeaways this Sunday, there are two.

    First, look beyond appearances. God sees the heart, and we are invited to do the same.

    Second, ask God to heal your blindness. Through humility and faith, we learn to recognize Christ in the people and situations around us. Hinaut pa.