Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Homilies

  • Wider POV

    Wider POV

    March 15, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

    By digging a hole underground, a story once told that a prisoner was able to escape prison. And it so happened that he came out through a playground few distances away from the prison. And so in his great joy, before a group of playing kids, he shouted at the top of his voice, “Yesssss. I’m free. I’m free”. Then a little girl approached him and said with confidence, “Oh, Mister that’s nothing, I’m four”. 😉😜😄

    Here is a prisoner, after long years of imprisonment, deprived of his freedom, now got a chance to be free: to do what he wants to do – to be what he wants to be. He finally now gains his freedom. However, here is a little girl, who witnessed the event differently because of her limited awareness. She is not concerned about her safety or his freedom at all, but only her being four years old.

    Same thing could be said about our gospel today. Here, a great miracle has happened. A man born-blind has been healed of blindness. After years in darkness, he can now see the light and become conscious of life – of everything. He can now see everything.

    However, despite of this great event, people around him still refuse to see, refuse to accept the reality that a miracle has happened. They refuse to admit that life & creation has dawned upon them. In the midst of life & creation, their reaction is rejection – refusal to see. They don’t want to see and accept that the blind man can now see. They deny his sight and awareness and prefer he remains sightless and cursed blind man, same way as the girl is more concerned about her age than the prisoner’s freedom.

    Freed from of his blindness, the man also viewed his healing differently. He said, “I don’t know if he is a sinner; I only know that I was blind and now I can see”. He doesn’t care about sins & sinfulness, or whether he or Jesus is a sinner. All he cares about is that he was blind and now gains sight through Jesus. Consider for a blind man to be able now to see… is everything – just as for a prisoner his freedom and for a little girl her four years of age.

    For the blind man, it is his redemption from cursed life of darkness. But for the Pharisees and people, it is a violation of Sabbath. Life has been created, God’s glory has been revealed, a man born-blind can now see… but all they can think of is the regulation about the Sabbath. They still refuse to see and believe in God’s glory and power revealed through Jesus.

    With these, our readings today teach a number of lessons.

    First, whatever happens in our lives whether it is a creation or reaction depends on how we See (phonetically sound as letter “C”) it. Whether things are C-reation or reaC-tion depends on how you C it. Meaning, how we create life or how we react to life depends on how we view and see things.

    And most of the time, our own “ponte vista” – our point of views of reality hinder us to see a much wider perspective of things. Our limited biases and prejudices then can block or blind us to see a much wider picture of life or even to view life in the eyes of faith – based on how God sees it. Our readings today thus are all about awareness, about how limited and how limiting our perspectives can be, about how we can be blinded by our own biases and prejudices.

    Our readings remind us also that God’s perspective is different from our own and much wider and better than our own view. As He directed Samuel, the Lord judges life not on appearances but by our hearts. Like in our gospel today, Jesus also sees the blindness of the man differently – not as a sin or curse but as an opportunity for God’s grace to reveal and create life. For Jesus, the healing of the blind man is not (as commonly perceived) as curse but as God’s glory being revealed and happening before us now. He said, ‘so that works of God might be displayed in him’. For Jesus then, the blind man is not a sinner but a saint, because through his disability, God’s works and graces are made known in the miracle of gaining his sight.

    Through the miracle of his healing from blindness, Jesus also makes people aware of God’s blessings in our midst – that it is through Him God’s salvation comes & in Him whom we should believe.

    Lastly, we are challenged to widen our perspective of life, and try to see things, not only from our own eyes but also in the eyes of faith. As Christian, we are called today to go beyond our biases and prejudices, our own view of reality, and try to widen our perspective and try to see from God’s perspective, that is, to be more aware of God’s blessing, graces, miracles in our midst rather than only seeing our misfortunes, sinfulness & disgraces in life.

    We are invited thus to be like the blind man who after gaining his sight, now searches for his faith. Like him, we are to see not only physically but also spiritually. We are invited to change from blindness to sight toward faith, from being a cursed sinner to a staunch believer and loyal follower & promoter of Christ.

    May God, during this Lenten season, free us from darkness of sins & from the blindness of our limited sight, teach us to go beyond our perspective, and enlighten us to be creative, not reactive to the life-miracles He offers us in life now & always.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • In Life’s Dryness

    In Life’s Dryness

    March 8, 2026 – Third Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm)

    Common people from rural villages teach us a simple wisdom: “If and when the well runs dry, (don’t look for another wells) just dig deeper. (Kon ang atabay mahubsan, ayaw pangita og lain, palawomi lang : Pag ang balon natuyo, huwag humanap ng iba, hukayin lang ng mas malalim.) Simple practical words of wisdom that speak not only of how important water is to our life, but also offers us deeper meaning to our experience of thirst & dryness in life, in our love for others & even in our faith in God. 

    In life we do indeed experience dryness. Like wellsprings “atabay”, there are moments in our lives that we feel dry and thirsty in life and in our relationships with God, others and even oneself. There are periods in our life that like the Israelites, we grumble before the Lord about our life-miseries, challenges, and problems, doubting His presence & wondering “Is the Lord really with us or not?” Yes, we do have moments of spiritual & personal dryness in our relationship with ourselves, others & God in life.

    However, experiences of dryness in life and in our relationships with God & others could be an invitation and opportunity to go and be connected with God himself, the source of life. And so, in our experiences of life’s dryness and thirst, and God’s seeming absence, as the saying goes “If and when the well runs dry, (don’t look for another wells) just dig deeper. (Kon ang atabay mahubsan, ayaw pangita og laing, palawomi lang: Pag ang balon natuyo, huwag humanap na iba, hukayin lang ng mas malalim.)

    Meaning, our experiences of thirst for God’s love and/or dryness in our life and relationships could also then be the opportunity not to search for another wellsprings, but  to dig our own wellspring deeper, which is, the right time and place to examine our life and relationship, be in touch with our realities and ideals, at the same time deepen our relationships and commitments. In other words, dryness in life are moments of encounters or meeting points where we can experience once anew for ourselves our relationship and commitment with others and with God deeply.

    The gospel we have just heard is an account of the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This is one of the most touching encounters in the gospels which pictures God’s love and human conversion : a story of God reaching out to us and us reaching back to God through the person of Jesus.

    At Jacob’s well, Jesus expressed God’s thirst for our faith and love for Him as well as offered us God’s life-giving or love-giving life. At Jacob’s well, the Samaritan woman became in touch with her own dryness and thirst, her need for God’s eternal life at the same time quenched her thirst in her encounter-meeting with Jesus. As she met Jesus at Jacob’s well, the Samaritan woman began to know and accept herself deeply (from being a Samaritan, descendant of Jacob, a divorcee to a believer) as well as she began to know and accept Jesus deeply (from a Jew, Sir, Prophet, Christ). At the Jacob’s well, Jesus recognized and satisfied the woman’s need for God’s love, and the woman recognized and fulfilled Jesus’ need for our faith & trust in Him.

    Thus, in dryness and abundance of water, there may be a lot of positive things will happen at wellsprings of life. Usually at the wellsprings of our life we experience, renew, and deepen our life-commitments and relationships with one another and our faith in God through Jesus.

    The season of Lent is also the wellspring moments of our Christian life. Amidst our spiritual dryness & seeming absence of God, Lenten season is the appropriate place and time to once again to encounter and experience God’s life-giving saving act through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.

    So again, if and when the well runs dry, don’t look and no need to dig for another well, just dig your own wellspring deeper and be in touch and be quench once again with your original life-giving water.

    We pray then that the Lord may grant us the grace to know Him deeply, love Him more dearly and follow Him closely during this another new Lenten Season of our Christian faith & life now & always.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • Our Journey forward

    Our Journey forward

    March 1, 2026 – Second Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm)

    Life, indeed, is a journey. Every day we move from one place to another. From home to work, school to home, one responsibility to the next. Even traffic reminds us of this. When the road is moving, even slowly, we feel okay. But when everything stops for a long time, we become impatient and uncomfortable.

    The same is true with life. When life feels stagnant—walay kausaban, walay direksyon—we feel tired, empty, even discouraged. Deep in our hearts, we know that life is meant to move forward. It asks us to take risks, to try new ways, to enter new relationships, new perspectives, and new possibilities, even when the future is uncertain.

    This is what our readings today are telling us on this Second Sunday of Lent that “faith is a journey.” And transformation happens when we move forward with God.

    Now, let us discern the invitations from our readings this Sunday.

    In the first reading from the Book Genesis, we heard the call of Abram. God told him, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to a land that I will show you.” Imagine that. Abram was asked to leave everything familiar. This included his home, his security, his comfort and to go to a place he did not know.

    It was a journey full of uncertainty. Yet, God gave him a promise: “I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” And so Abram went as the Lord directed him.

    This is important. Abram did not have all the answers. He only had trust. Because of that trust, he grew in faith. His journey formed him. And in the end, his life became a blessing to many.

    Many Filipino families know this journey very well. Parents working far from home. OFWs leaving the country. Students studying in unfamiliar places. Families adjusting to new realities after illness, loss, or financial struggle. Life asks us to move forward even when we are unsure.

    From Abram’s story we are reminded that when we walk with God, uncertainty does not mean we are lost. It may be the very path where we grow.

    This moves us to the second reading. Paul reminded Timothy that life’s journey and of our faith in Jesus is toward a holy life. Paul said that God has saved us and called us not because of our strength, but because of His grace.

    Indeed, there are moments when fear and anxiety come. We doubt ourselves. We feel weak. But St. Paul reminds us not rely only on our own strength. Remember, God gives the grace needed for the journey. And our transformation is not our work alone. It is God working within us.

    Then the Gospel shows us another important moment in the journey of faith. This is the Transfiguration. Jesus brought Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Like Abram, they did not know what would happen. But because they trusted Jesus, they followed.

    On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured. His appearance changed, revealing His glory. Moses and Elijah appeared, representing the Law and the Prophets. This tells us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. In Him, we find the fullness of life, healing, and freedom.

    For the disciples, this was a beautiful moment. So beautiful that Peter said, “Lord, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents.” He wanted to stay there.

    And this is something we understand. When life feels peaceful, when prayer is moving, when things are going well, we want to stay in that moment. But faith is not meant to stay on the mountain.

    Sometimes we also become spiritually stagnant. We are content with routine devotion but avoid deeper conversion. We attend Mass but do not forgive. We pray but do not change our habits. We keep our faith comfortable but do not allow it to challenge our lives.

    That is why the voice of the Father was heard: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” Not just admire Him. Not just feel good about Him. But to “Listen and follow.”

    Then something very touching happened. The disciples were afraid, but the Gospel says, “Jesus came and touched them.” This is our comfort. When we are afraid of change, afraid of the future, afraid of the sacrifices Lent asks from us, the Lord comes close. He does not push us harshly. He strengthens us gently.

    After that, they came down the mountain. Because the journey continues. The experience of God’s presence is not for escape. It is meant to transform how we live in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

    From all of these, there are three invitations for us today.

    First, make Lent a journey of real transformation, not just yearly ritual. Seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Practice fasting and abstinence with purpose. Ask yourself, “What part of my life needs to move forward?”

    Second, be more attentive to God’s presence. He is present in this Eucharist, but also in ordinary moments, in our family conversations, daily work, and silent struggles. Give time for silence and personal prayer so that you become more familiar with His voice.

    Third, listen to Jesus. Read the Gospel. Reflect on His words. If possible, attend recollections or retreats. Let His teachings guide your decisions, your attitudes, and your relationships.

    Lent reminds us that faith is not about staying where we are. It is about becoming who God is calling us to be. And as we continue this journey, may our lives also become a blessing to others. Because when we allow God to transform us, we ourselves become His gift to our families, and to everyone we meet. Hinaut pa.

  • LISTEN & RESPOND

    LISTEN & RESPOND

    March 1, 2026 – Second Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm)

    Usually the word OBEDIENCE is associated with being compliant with an order or submission to the authority of other than oneself. This explains why we call someone who follows the law, willing to do what is commanded & submissive to the authority’s order as obedient person.

    However for St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, there is more to obedience than just adherence to the rule & simple blind obedience without any question. Most especially in Christian faith & in spirituality, for St. Benedict, obedience entails listening & responding. What is essential then for our obedience to God is for us to listen intently & respond accordingly to God’s will & plans for us. For common sense teaches us that without listening, no response happens; with listening, better things may happen.

    This is the kind of obedience Jesus expect of us when he said: “whoever has ears ought to hear”. Same obedience God expects of us in our gospel today, when he said: “This is my beloved Son…. listen to Him.” It is not enough then that we just simply obey what God has commanded of us, but moreso we have to hear & listen with discernment what is being said…. what we hear… what we say & what God is saying about being said….  Before we respond accordingly. Simply put, obedience is not just a matter of “Command & Obey” but moreso about “Listen & Respond”.

    In other words, obedience to God is our responsibility – our ability to respond to God’s invitations & visitation for us at this very moment of our life in faith with Him.

    Like Abraham in our first reading, what is expected of us then is not our blind submission & passive compliance, but our obedient response to God’s will & plan for us at this time with the assurance of His help, as Jesus  encourages us to “Rise and have no fear” in our faith-journey with Him.

    While we “ought to hear” what God said and is saying to us now,  most especially during this Lenten season, may we listen & respond obediently & accordingly to what is being offered & in store for us for the better of our today & tomorrow now & always.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • To Love Beyond the Minimum

    To Love Beyond the Minimum

    February 28, 2026 – Saturday First Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022826.cfm)

    Some of us know this very attitude or tendency in us of “Sakto lang” (just enough). This means that we do what is required and nothing more. At work, we come on time but never earlier. We finish what is assigned but we do not go the extra mile. Even in relationships, sometimes we keep things safe, friendly, polite, but not too involved or invested.

    Even in our faith, this can happen as well. We attend Mass on Sunday, we fulfill our obligations, and we feel that is already enough. There is nothing wrong with doing what is required. But today, the Word of God asks us a deeper question, “Is my love only at the bare minimum?”

    In today’s Gospel, Jesus asked, “If you love those who love you, what is special about that? And if you are friendly only to your friends, what is so exceptional?” These words are challenging. Because loving those who love us is easy. Being kind to those who are kind to us requires little effort.

    Yet, Jesus is not calling us to the easy kind of love. He is calling us to something more, that is, to love even our enemies, to pray for those who hurt us, to go beyond what is comfortable and safe.

    Sometimes we live life at the minimum level. We do only what is expected. We avoid extra effort. We keep our relationships shallow to avoid risk. We stay within what is convenient and beneficial for us.

    However, when life becomes only “minimum,” something slowly happens. We too become complacent. Then, indifference follows. And when we become indifferent, our hearts grow cold toward others and even toward God.

    This is what Jesus is warning us about. Because love that stays at the minimum stops growing. And so, we lose our warmth. We lose our passion.

    We actually see the opposite of this kind of love every day. Parents who sacrifice so their children can study. Couples who stay faithful despite differences and struggles. Teachers, nurses, and workers who go beyond their duty to serve others. Real love does not count the cost. And real love goes the extra mile.

    In the first reading from Deuteronomy, God reminds His people to follow His commands with all their heart and all their soul. And God promises that they will be His people. This is not just about rules. It is about relationship. God gives Himself fully to us. In return, the Lord asks for a wholehearted response not half-hearted, not minimum, but complete.

    That is why Jesus ends the Gospel with these strong words: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This does not mean being without mistakes. It means loving the way God loves us generously, patiently, and without limits.

    This Season of Lent calls us now in going beyond the minimum in our love.

    This could mean “forgiving someone we have been avoiding;
    giving time to a family member who needs attention; being patient with a difficult co-worker or classmate; helping someone even when it is inconvenient; or serving the Church or the community, not only when it is easy.”

    Yes, there is beauty in minimalism in many things. But not in loving. When it comes to love, we are not called to be minimalists.

    Because God did not love us in a minimal way. He gave His time, His mercy, His patience. And He gave His Son for us.

    So this Lent, let us ask ourselves honestly: Am I only doing the minimum in my faith? Am I loving only those who are easy to love?
    Where is the Lord asking me to go the extra mile?

    Indeed, may we love as much as we can, as God has loved us generously, concretely, and wholeheartedly. Hinaut pa.