Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Homilies

  • Let God BE GOD now

    Let God BE GOD now

    April 13, 2025 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041325.cfm)

    For us Filipinos, 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 moments when and where 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. While during Christmas, we are with our family and friends, and during All Souls’ day, with our family and relatives remembering our beloved dead members of the family, Holy Week is particularly our time and space with God.

    Today, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of our Holy Week this year of Faith & Hope. These days in this week of this year of faith is our time and space to BE with our God. This week is our God-time and God-space. Particularly this week 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. It is more like God must be first and foremost Be with us rather than We must be with God. 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. This is our chance then 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 – let Him drive your life this week. Let God BE God, not be a god as we want or need Him to be, but as HE chooses to be with us now at this very juncture of our faith & life.

    To do this and make the best of this week, allow me to suggest some appropriate approaches & attitudes.

    First, REMEMBER. 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 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. 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 & along our faith-story with God 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. 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 above all, eventually RESPOND to what, when, how, when and where God is calling, inviting, and leading us now in whatever faith-life commitment we choose to be. Meaning, whether you are ordained, married, professed, or baptized Christian, be a BETTER version of Christian as you choose and committed to be.

    Today we begin Holy Week. Remember, Reflect, and Respond to what God did, does and is doing in You and Us now by being with God, not in our own terms but in His own terms.

    For us to let God be God to us now & anew, perhaps concretely, in view of coming elections, during this week we also remember, reflect & respond on what we have gone thru & is going on in our faith-life pilgrimage now as a nation of Filipino Catholics & so be guided by His will & be in tuned with God’s ways for us in choosing wisely & voting conscientiously our national leaders.

    May we, you and I have a blessed meaningful and inspired week ahead.

    So Be it. Amen.

  • Transformed by God’s Care

    Transformed by God’s Care

    April 10, 2025 – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041025.cfm)

    In a relationship, when we express our care for each other, then, it helps us to grow and become mature. Through mutual care, we are able to give emotional support and understanding, express affection and assurance. In times of difficulties and challenges in our relationships, it is in showing how we care for each one that we too find strength, develop our closeness and intimacy.

    We realize how “care” can significantly transform us as individuals and our relationships. This would express the capacity in us to go beyond our comforts and fears in order to care for others. Such capacity as it grows in us make us life-giving.

    The readings we have today also remind us how care brings and inspires transformation. So, let us discern the readings we have today.

    In the Book of Genesis, we have heard about the transformation of Abram to Abraham. This transformation of name is not just merely by name but it has a deeper transformation in the very person of Abraham. Let us remember the story of Abram who was from the land of Ur. He was called by God to journey to a land God promised to him.

    Abram had to leave behind many things which included the comfort of his home, familiarity of the place, affection from his family and friends. Yet, Abram trusted God despite the many insecurity he felt. He took the risk despite the uncertainties ahead.

    That trust in God must have been founded in his faith that God takes care of him. The Lord who has called him cared so much about him. That divine care desires an abundant life for Abraham.

    Indeed, his relationship with God earned him a transformation of his person. Abraham became the Father of many nations because of his faith. Through God’s care, Abraham was assured of God’s presence and faithfulness. God said to Abraham, “As long as your descendants keep the covenant, I will be their God and they shall be my people.”

    This is an assurance of God’s care and faithfulness in us. This is a promise that God will and shall never abandon us. This is a relationship that does not float in abstract form or a mere product of a “ideological and theological treatise” of the past. Rather, this is something that we experience in concrete ways as people of God.

    This is manifested and fully revealed to us through the historical person of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus provocatively proclaimed that he is “I AM.”

    What does it mean? “I AM” is YHWH’s sacred name which also means “I am always there for you.” This is God’s name that also expresses that divine care for us.

    Indeed, this is provocative and sounds insulting to the Jews because they could not accept that God is truly with us in flesh. For them, God should only remain in the heavens where nobody can go and no one can touch. God for them is very far, remote and distant from His people. They could not imagine that God cares so much about us to the point of being with us not just in spirit but also in flesh, in human form.

    What are the invitations for us then? And to you, graduates of Caregiving?

    First, like Abraham, God also calls us to take the risk, to trust God despite our uncertainties, insecurities and questions. God sends us to a situation we do not expect or even to places and events we avoid. Do not resist and let God’s desire be your desire too. Like Abraham we may learn to trust God and be confident in Him. Moreover, be comforted also at the words of God, “I am your God and you are my people. I AM will always be there for you.”

    We may surely encounter many discomforts, moments of confusions and times of difficulties in our relationships and in your work and professional life. Yet, never retreat from others and from yourself, but rather, be daring like Abraham, always trusting in God.

    Second, God is truly with us here at the present moment (in the here-and-now). Be confident today because Jesus is “I AM”, he who is there for you and me always. Thus, be conscious always of the present because this present moment is God’s present – gift to us. By being present to people whom you love, you too express in the best way your care.

    Third, be transformed by caring. Express care as your expression of love and affection. In your relationship with your family and friends, express caring and gentle words; make your touch always a form of care. In your professional life as caregivers, let your hands and your very person be an expression of true care that support and understand those who are sick and old. By your care, you will not only be the one who will be transformed but also those who are under your care. Hinaut pa.

    (A homily addressed to the graduated of Caregiver Professionals)

  • FORGIVEN

    FORGIVEN

    April 6, 2025 – Fifth Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm)

    There was once a priest who was so envious of his wise and holy parishioner. Because of jealousy, he made every effort to test and ridicule this parishioner. One day, he jokingly confronted the parishioner and said, “Manang, you seem to be a pious & religious person. I’ve heard that God is so pleased with you. Will you please ask your God what is my greatest sin committed?” The lady was not able to reply right there and then, and eventually left sadly. Next day, the lady came back, met the priest, and said: “Father, God said, not to worry about your sin. He has already forgiven you your sins and even forgot about it.”

    As we listen to our gospel today, we cannot help but hear loudly what Jesus said, “Let be among you who has no sin be the first to cast a stone at her”. Through these words, we can also look at ourselves, examine our own failures and sins committed against God and others. Yes, it is true. It is easy for us to see and be sensitive of the faults and sins of others than ourselves. It is easy for us to judge other, to cast a stone or smear dirt on others, likes the Pharisees and teachers of the Law would do. Because of our self-righteousness and over conscious of other’s faults and sins, many lives and relationships shattered and broken. Through these words of Jesus, we can reflect back on our own lives and see our own failures and sins – our sinfulness. And it is not for us to judge others because we are also sinners, and have also committed mistakes, failures, and sins in life.

    However, if we also reflect deeply, the gospel message today is more than just an instruction for us not to judge other, and to examine ourselves and be sorry for our own sins and failures. We are also challenged today in our gospel to recognize and trust in God’s forgiveness and mercy. Yes, it is easy for us to see the faults of other, and slow for us to look on our own sins, but we also know that in the midst of these faults and failures, God intervenes, forgives, and saves us. We may not be able to forget our past sins, but remember in the Sacrament of reconciliation, God has already forgiven us & forgotten our sins.

    In our gospel today, the scribes and the Pharisees become aware and realize their own faults and sinfulness. But the story does not end there – but in admitting their sins. And above all, it ended when the woman receives the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. Jesus said, “No one condemns you. Nor do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

    Like the Pharisees and scribes, it is not enough for us just to be sorry for our mistake. We must also receive God’s forgiveness and mercy. Meaning, the good news is not in the realization and admittance of our sins but in receiving God’s mercy and love. Reconciliation is not only about being sorry for our past faults and failures but also receiving again and anew God’s love and mercy in life. God’s forgiveness then is more than just about our repentance but also renewal of our faith in God.

    As Yahweh insists in our first reading, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. See, I am doing something new!” In other words, stop condemning oneself & others, let go now of our past sins, & allow God do something new & better through you.

    We have started the season of Lent during Ash Wednesday with a call to “Repent and Believe in the gospel”. This does not only mean that we are just to sorry for our sins but also we are to change our ways for the better.  And above all, it means that we must also deepen and strengthen our faith and trust in God, and for us, to recognize and receive the blessings and graces that God has done and accomplished for us, because His promise is more than just about our repentance from sin but our abundant life with Him.

    As St. Paul proclaims: “I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything, I have accounted all else as rubbish. I wish to know Christ and the power flowing from his Resurrection”, may our repentance leads us back to God and renew our faith in Him, who loves us always, and so dispose us to the abundant life we share with Him now & forever.

    So be it. So may it be. Amen

  • Break the Cycle of Invalidation

    Break the Cycle of Invalidation

    April 5, 2025 – Saturday Fourth Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040525.cfm)

    Have you ever experienced being “invalidated”? This may take in a form of invalidating or discrediting our feelings, thoughts or person. What commonly happens is the emotional invalidation. This happens when we deny, reject or dismiss an emotional expression or feelings of another. It is a way of telling the person that his/her emotions are not important or wrong at all. This may be intentionally or unintentionally because we are not aware of such invalidation of other people’s emotions.

    Some expressions would sound like these. “You better move on. I have a similar experience like yours and I have move on already.” – advising a friend who is experiencing a heartbreak.

    “Don’t be too anxious. Anyway, we are here for you.” – as if comforting a dear friend who have anxiety attack because of pressure at work/family.

    “Don’t get upset and stop overthinking. There are always failures in life.” – an advice to a friend to brush off one’s feeling over a failure.

    “You better not feel that way. It was not the intention of the person, anyway.” – giving comfort and advice to a friend who felt violated, hurt over an action of another person.

    We might believe that by invalidating the feelings of others or the person himself/herself is our way of giving them friend support, comfort and understanding. However, this is not the case. By invalidating the feelings of others whether of a special someone, a family member, a friend or anybody else is not respecting one’s feelings and person. By invalidating others, we tend to focus our gaze on ourselves making our hearts apathetic and filled with prejudice.

    This kind of experience also happened to Jesus. There were people who tried to invalidate and discredit the identity of Jesus not just the thoughts and feelings of Jesus. They questioned his origins, his family background and status.

    People began to make reasons in order not to invalidate and reject him. The officers of the Temple and Nicodemus, a Pharisee were one of the few who were inclined to listen more to Jesus, yet, they too were invalidated and discredited by the chief priests and Pharisees.

    Despite the many signs and wonders that Jesus did, those in power and position continue to invalidate Jesus. In John’s Gospel, those signs were miracles that pointed Jesus as the Christ. Yet, the more the people also created reasons to invalidate Jesus’ person. Instead of looking at Jesus to find the truth, “they all went home,” as the Gospel ended today.

    The people went home and settled with their own beliefs. Their hearts remained unwilling to give up their personal agenda and selfish desires. They were unwilling to allow God to be their God. They too are unwilling to allow Jesus to challenge them and to change them in the way God desires them to be. Thus, instead of going back to the Temple or to the synagogue to pray and dialogue with God, they did not.

    However, the Gospel invites us today to refocus our gaze on the officers of the Temple and with Nicodemus who allowed themselves to be encountered by Jesus. It is through them that we are being asked also today to see Jesus clearly, to recognize him better.

    As there were many signs before that pointed to Jesus, let us also be more aware of the many signs God has given us today. There are many, every day, perhaps we just lack that awareness and keenness to recognize those signs of wonders and everyday miracles that Jesus did for us.

    As we recognize Jesus’s presence better in our life, let that encounter with Jesus to make our hearts more discerning. In this way we can break the cycle of invalidating others. Hinaut pa.

  • RESPONDING TO REJECTION

    RESPONDING TO REJECTION

    April 4, 2025 – Friday Fourth Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040425.cfm)

    Rejection from people can be painful and even traumatic for us. Its emotional impact could trigger sadness, anger, hurts, low self-esteem and anxiety. This could also affect our relationships to the point that we might develop unhealthy ones. We could form trust issues and doubt our self-worth.

    This very kind of human experience was not far from what Jesus received from people around him. The Gospel tells us how Jesus was rejected by his own people. Jesus had to go to Jerusalem in secret in order to protect himself from those who were trying to kill him. What he received was a rejection with malice. Those who rejected him desired to cause harm to Jesus. 

    Yet, even though he knew that he was in danger if seen in public, Jesus still took the risk to be there among his people. Jesus took the risk to speak the truth and make the truth known to all even though it may cause him his life. Indeed, this is God’s way of making himself revealed to us.

    Jesus did not deter from rejection, but he responded with grace. Jesus responded not with hatred towards those who rejected him but with the truth. This tells us that Jesus knew his identity well. His identity was anchored in his intimacy and oneness with the Father in heaven.

    This rejection of the presence of Jesus was a reaction of some powerful figures at that time. They felt threatened to the way of life of Jesus and to the message that he preached and lived. This was how Jesus caused turmoil among the powerful leaders in that Jewish society. Jesus was unconventional who ate and drank with sinners, forgiven them and freed them. He healed the sick and touched the unclean. He preached about a loving and forgiving God the Father.

    And as Jesus gained popularity among the ordinary people, the leaders were threatened at his knowledge and wisdom. Jesus was not a well-known intellectual and did not come from a rich and powerful family. And they felt offended.

    Jesus himself and all that he did threatened the status quo of the powerful people who were contented with their comfort. These “Jews” who in the Gospel of John were referred as the powerful religious leaders of the Jewish society, preferred a strict and vengeful God. By this belief then they could advance their self-interest. They too can use their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.

    Thus, they were against Jesus because he was changing their ways. Their hearts were filled with bitterness, hate, anger and the desire to have more. These were the reasons why they could not accept Jesus or even recognize the presence of God in Jesus.  Their blindness and the hardness of their hearts made them incapable to understand the ways of God. Thus, they wanted to kill him, to silence Jesus.

    As we continue our journey in this season of Lent, may this Gospel reminds us of our tendency to reject others and to only believe our own ideas and perspectives. Let us also make the last week of lent as days of opportunities to humble ourselves. We are called to recognize areas of our lives where we have become complacent, too comfortable and arrogant so that our hearts may become more welcoming. Hinaut pa.